By Jacqueline Monahan
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The crimped hair, jelly bracelets, and parachute pants of the decade that gave us MTV (and yes, the titular calf coverings) all reunite at Planet Hollywood’s V Theater for a “Moonwalk down Memory Lane.”
Legwarmers Cast
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
A VIP Grand Opening was held on Wednesday, November 28 for media and invited guests, who were encouraged to come dressed in 80’s finery (mesh and lace, neon accessories, skinny ties, puffy ‘do’s).
Combining the plot from several 80’s hits (Pretty in Pink, Say Anything, The Breakfast Club, among others) Legwarmers’ all-encompassing story is interspersed with iconic songs and precise, beat-heavy choreography performed by its charismatic cast.
Legwarmers
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The plot goes something like this: Nerd Boy loves Hot Girl but Quirky Girl loves Nerd Boy. He doesn’t know (of course). Quirky Girl gets advice from Cool Girl and Nerd gets advice from Cool Guy. Meanwhile, Hot Girl and Hot Guy remain oblivious, but always Hot. And everything works out in the end. Awwwww…
Evan Schmalz
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
All this is explained by a dark-shaded, loud-shirted VJ MC Chris Cruise (John Tomasello) who tosses out plotlines to the audience in exchange for shouted movie title guesses; Ridgemont Hig“Weird Science!” “Fast Times at Ridgemont High!” Correct answers are met with packets of Pop Rocks and rubber “jelly” bracelets tossed in the general direction of the noise.
John Tomasello
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The stage backdrop, full of video screens adds to the high energy feel of the songs and fast-paced choreography in a fun-filled, nostalgic, and very interactive experience. It’s a musical time machine that begins with Video Killed the Radio Star and fifteen other 80’s anthems including Safety Dance, Kids in America, I Want You to Want Me, Whip It, and Ballroom Blitz.
Kolton Rostron
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The entire cast is charismatic, upbeat and persuasive, keeping the beat while engaging the sometimes raucous audience members. Three female audience members volunteer to participate in the Robert Palmer Addicted to Love air guitar number and later, three men plucked from the audience bop to Billy Joel’s Longest Time.
Stephanie Killian and Evan Schmalz
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
In addition to Tomasello, cast members Sarah Willick, Devon Oyler, Evan Schmalz, Russell Slouffman, Kolton Rostron and Stephanie Killian angst, fret, swagger, and strut around the stage like New Wave fashionistas on a mission – to get the audience as hyped as they are – and it works.
Devon Oyler and Kolton Rostron
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Evan Schmalz and Sarah Willick
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Writer/director/producer Sirc Michaels, whose Evil Dead the Musical is enjoying a long, successful run at the V, knows how to capture and encapsulate an era, casting fearless actors who can evoke a mood that many of them had never experienced (they weren’t even born yet or mere babies, perhaps dressed in headbands and lime green spandex).
Cast of Characters
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Michaels’ criterion for choosing a good cast is easy. They just have to be able to keep up with him. The multi-talented multi-tasker runs on high-octane creative adrenalin and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a dull moment in the 80-minute production.
Legwarmers Cast
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
So grab the nearest Rubik’s Cube and don’t forget to wear your Members Only Jacket. Legwarmers at V Theater is a reminder that you once owned some and yes, you liked it.
For further information:
V Theater Box Office
3663 Las Vegas #360
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 260-7200
Gallery
Evil Dead: The Musical cast members
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Evil Dead: The Musical cast members
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Austrailian Bee Gees
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lydia Ansel and Zowie Bowie (Chris Phillips)
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Patrick Sieben
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ricardo Leguna
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The Leet Girls
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
