Print Date 8.6.2021
By Judy Brenna
((Nightime. Suburban House. Interior. Fade in on a dark living room. A young girl, maybe 5 or 6 years old, slowly makes her way across a burnt orange shag rug to an early 1980’s Zenith television, with crackling static on the screen. She hears whispers emanating from the set. She hesitantly puts her hand up to the box, placing her little hand on the glass as she turns her face to the camera and says…)) They’re heeeeeere!
That’s right! Legends in Concert is back, baby! They’ve returned to Atlantic City, taking up residence at The Tropicana Casino and Resort this time, with shows running through September 6th. Some of you may not be aware of this unique and unequivocally crowd-pleasing show. Legends in Concert was founded in 1983 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and they’re still going strong, 37 years later, having entertained over 30 million fans in the process around the globe.
Legends holds permanent residences in cities like Las Vegas, NV, Branson, MO, Myrtle Beach, SC, Waikiki, HI, and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Aside from seasonal gigs in Atlantic City, they also go on tour, visiting cities like Niagra Falls, Long Island, NY ((#represent!)), Fort Atkinson, WI, and even down under in Melbourne, Australia.
There are so many variables that set Legends apart from other shows, but there is one thing for me that is a humungous draw. Aside from me being a history nerd, as you already well know, there are two other things in life I am hugely avid about. One, being delicious food things I can put into my face hole. The other is music. I am SUCH a music nut. Some of you may know I originally started out in musical theatre, but what you may not be aware of is that I grew up in the radio industry. My parents worked for a radio company through the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s. I had the extremely rare and unique privilege growing up going to concerts on a regular basis, and appreciating the art. I have had the awesome pleasure to see some priceless shows in my tenure. Having grown up being engulfed in music, I began writing a bucket list of artists I wanted to see before I left this earthly plane. Sadly, some on the list I never had the chance to see, be it lack of means or opportunity, location inconvenience, or you know, like, death ((Not me, the artist)).
Legends in Concert remedies this problem. If you go on their website, they have an extensive and impressive roster of uber talented performers, both living and passed, that not only look like the real deal, but they sound like the real deal, if not better ((as the woman in the back row gasps while clutching her pearls)). These entertainers are SO good if you closed your eyes, you wouldn’t even know the difference. And that is the whole point of this show, at least in my humble opinion.
The Greater Atlantic City Concierge Association had the truly great privilege of going to the Legends in Concert show last week at the Tropicana. They had an absolute blast dancing, singing, rocking and rolling in their aisles, enjoying acts such as Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Michael Bublé, Whitney Houston and even Elvis Presley. Which leads me to my list. I have always wanted to see Whitney Houston in concert. Aside from several female power vocalists of my youth that I idolized like Ann Wilson from Heart, Pat Benatar, and a brief stint with Debbie Gibson ((because omg Electric Youth made so much sense at the time)) and Susanna Hoffs from the Bangles, Whitney Houston was always at the very tippy top of the list. When she suddenly and tragically passed away I took it hard, because it was always a dream of mine to see her perform live. Bottom line, Legends in Concert is able to give you the opportunity you never would have had otherwise. I am so beyond grateful for that. Thanks to Mark Kogan, I am more complete now. Plus, our president, Jeanine Osendowski, got to meet Mr. Hunk O’ Burnin’ Love himself, the King, and that’s super cool too.
Remember, Legends in Concert is only in town until September 6th, and then they leave. Vanish into the ether, with the promise to return one day like Brigadoon. Or if you’re currently watching Apple TV, Schmigadoon! ((Hi, Jess)). Don’t wait until the next time they magically reappear. Go to either https://legendsinconcert.com and select Atlantic City as your location or go to https://www.tropicana.net/entertainment and purchase your tickets there. They have performances running Wednesday through Friday at 8:00 pm, two shows on Saturday at 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm, and one show on Sundays at 7:00 pm. Seats are limited so go on the website today and pick your date and time! ((in a husky, sultry, Elvis Voice)) Vivaaaaaa, Atlantic City!
Until next week, folks… #stayjerseystrong!
