Legends in Concert lighting up Lumiere Theatre
The new Lumiere Theatre at Lumiere Place casino probably won’t be booking the likes of Tina Turner, Garth Brooks, or Whitney Houston anytime soon.
But it’s got the next best things.
Las Vegas show Legends in Concert just started an extended run at Lumiere Theatre, with impersonators putting on their best Turner, Brooks, Houston, Elvis Presley, and Marilyn Monroe.
The show, which originates in Las Vegas, includes footage of the real celebrities showing while the impersonators do their thing.
Here’s how the impersonations in the Lumiere show fare, in descending order:
Stacey Whitton as Marilyn Monroe
Whitton nails down every aspect of the sex kitten, from the platinum blond hair to the pink satin dress to the girlish voice. Her detour into the audience for some major flirting with a male selected nightly is a must-see.
Jazmine as Whitney Houston
Jazmine’s take on Houston is a carefully studied one, right down to the way Houston pats the microphone with her fingers while holding it. And when she sings “I Will Always Love You,” standing ovations follow, much like those Houston used to receive.
Cookie Watkins as Tina Turner
Watkins isn’t exactly a Turner dead ringer, and the wig could use a good comb through. But she can belt out Turner’s hits like “Simply the Best,” “Proud Mary” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It” like it’s nothing.
James Lowery as Elvis Presley
Lowery’s pudgy Elvis Presley is envisioned as the Legends in Concert show-stopping finale. But in the end, Lowery was all sequins and sideburns – impressively big voice notwithstanding.
Dean Simmons as Garth Brooks
Simmons’ version of Brooks might be the least compelling of all here, simply because the person he’s emulating is less iconic and interesting than the others.
Legends in Concert shows are nightly through Oct. 5 except for Mondays. Get information at Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com, www.lumiereplace.com, and 314-241-1888.



Kevin C. Johnson has covered the St. Louis' music and nightlife scene for the past decade.
When I first saw this advertised, I thought it was a bunch of drag queens performing but I see that these were real women doing real singing. Who knew! I bet a few of this town’s drag monkeys could learn a thing or two by attending this show.
I think the best line from this posting is: “the wig could use a good comb through.” I am still laughing on that one! Why do Tina Turner impersonators (drag monkeys) insist on having such bad wigs?