Paying tribute: Orleans Showroom leans into legends with new lineup

The Orleans Showroom is Las Vegas’ one-stop shop for legends in concert.

Note the lowercase treatment there. This is not “Legends in Concert,” but a concept that certainly hearkens to that iconic brand. The venue is running a legendary lineup of 15 tribute acts this spring and summer, produced by Dean Coleman and Sophia Song’s SPR & Promotions and XS Entertainment.

The husband-and-wife team also runs the On the Strip ticketing platform in its partnership with resort owner Boyd Gaming. Coleman entered into business with the venue with his signature production, “MJ the Evolution,” a tribute to Michael Jackson, which kicks off the series April 24, 25 and 27, continuing in residency in May, June and August

The production covers Jackson’s career, from the Jackson 5 era through “Thriller/Bad” into “Dangerous” and through the 1990s. Jackson tribute vet Freddy Duffour is the principal MJ.

Well-known acts

Local entertainment fans will find familiar faces in this series.

Local favorite Christina Shaw’s “Eras of Taylor” tribute to Taylor Swift is May 23 and Aug. 22. Veteran tribute acts such as “Mick Adams and The Stones,” “Led Zepagain” and “Prince Again,” featuring “American Idol” alum Bettis Richardson in the lead role, pepper the lineup.

Prices start at $39, $49 and $59. Coleman says running his own ticket platform keeps the fees down and the prices reasonable. He plans to run two or three shows on select dates, offering two-for-one discounts for an afternoon and evening of live entertainment.

Coleman is also staging a hearing-impaired production of “MJ the Evolution,” with a sign language expert stationed at stage left. The “Evolution” show is visually fun with period costumes. The date for this specialty performance is to be announced.

Coleman expects a 60 percent-40 percent audience split, leaning toward locals. Whatever the figure, we expect the Vegas crowd to make or break this extended concept.

“We want to create visually attractive tribute shows that you can afford but you don’t have to compromise quality,” says Coleman, who says he wants to carry on the “Legends” tradition. “That is the whole point of doing this, to be part of that history.”

A Vegas evolution

Coleman and Song have survived a drama-filled closing of Mosaic on the Strip, where they ran several shows, including “MJ the Evolution,” through the pandemic, only to have the parcel sold, their shows shooed away in the summer of 2022, and the building demolished in March 2023.

They turned to the Orleans Showroom, which was moving away from its headliner-driven entertainment program. Many stars previously booked in the room, including Air Supply and Engelbert Humperdinck, are now starring at Westgate’s International Theater.

Opened with a rich history by Michael Gaughan when he operated Coast Resorts, the Orleans Showroom was designed by Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers, at Gaughan’s request. The Righteous Brothers headlined the room when Gaughan was in charge, reuniting with the hospitality giant at South Point.

Moving into the Boyd Gaming era, the Orleans Showroom is booked by entertainment exec Marty Giovi, familiar with the local market. Sink or swim, the venue has developed its personality with famous branding and familiar productions.

Coleman says he has learned lessons in his own Vegas evolution.

“I’ve learned how to sustain a show and navigate the pratfalls of Las Vegas,” the producer says. “Creating our own ticketing platform has cut the fees in half, which is great for all locals. We just have to keep the tickets low, the value high, and get the word out.”

Tribute lineup

The tribute schedule at The Orleans (subject to change; intel at onthestripticketing.com):

 “MJ the Evolution” April 24, 25, 27; continuing for select dates in May, June and August.

 “Tommy T’s Comedy Series,” April 25, continuing May, June and August.

 “Led Zepagain,” Led Zeppelin tribute band, May 22.

 “Kings of Queen,” Queen tribute, May 22, June 6.

 “Mick Adams and The Stones,” Rolling Stones tribute, June 6.

 “The Eras of Taylor,” Taylor Swift tribute, May 23, Aug. 22.

 “Pierre Jovan and the Motown Orchestra,” Motown revival, June 13.

 “Bee Gees Fever,” Bee Gees tribute, July 25.

 “Double Vision,” Foreigner tribute, Aug. 15.

 “Prince Again,” Prince tribute, Aug. 22.

 “Twisted Gypsy,” Fleetwood Mac tribute.

 “Petty and the Heartshakers,” Tom Petty tribute Aug. 28.

 “Korean Pageant,” traditional Korean fashion show, Sept. 19.

Still to be finalized are a Tina Turner tribute and “It’s Britney.” Yes, a sure-to-spin portrayal of Britney Spears at the Orleans Showroom, which leaves no stone (or Stones) unturned.