Fans of all ages flock to Osmond shows

But, really, hasn’t it always been? After all, members of the musical family have, in one combination or another, performed in Las Vegas for decades.

In fact, Jimmy Osmond says Las Vegas always has been something of a second home to the Osmonds. His own Las Vegas debut came at the age of 3, when his brothers performed with Nancy Sinatra at the International Hotel (now the Las Vegas Hilton).

"I came out and sang ‘That’s Life,’ " Osmond recalled during a recent phone interview. "I was impersonating her dad, and it was cool because, afterward, Frank gave me one of his hats from one of his movies to use as a prop."

Now, even after all these years, returning to Las Vegas is "wild," Osmond says. "In some ways, I kind of miss all the nostalgia of Vegas, the way Vegas used to be. But you can’t not be blown away when it comes to some of these wonderful properties."

Las Vegas also played host to the Osmond family’s 50th anniversary show in 2007. That show, also at The Orleans and produced by Jimmy Osmond, was taped for DVD release and, with additional footage, was aired on Public Broadcasting Service TV stations.

Jimmy Osmond has crafted an eclectic list of credits since his fedora-bedecked childhood, from international musical success to acting — he recently completed a stint as Billy Flynn in a United Kingdom tour of "Chicago" — to a variety of family-related, behind-the-scenes business and production pursuits.

While he considers himself lucky to have maintained a career that has included both solo and family gigs, Osmond laughs when hearing the word "eclectic" used to describe it.

"I wish there were a master plan," he explains. " ‘Eclectic’ is one way to do it. Or, it’s more like: This guy doesn’t know what he wants to do when he grows up.’ "

Nonetheless, Osmond says, "the most rewarding opportunities I’ve had have been working with my brothers and my sister."

Also rewarding is seeing the range of fans who come to see The Osmonds, many of whom have followed the brothers since their days singing barbershop on Andy Williams’ TV show.

"I look at the audience of ours and see everyone from grandmas to little kids," Osmond says. And while producing a show for such a wide demographic is "a challenge," it’s also, he adds, "a lot of fun."

Even that 50th anniversary show was, Osmond says, "a wake-up call to the wide demographic that my brothers appeal to, because we had no idea."

He laughs. "We thought we were all old, washed-up guys. But to be able to have a response like that from people who are even younger, that was a blessing for us."

The secret of The Osmonds’ longevity? A strong work ethic instilled by their parents, Osmond offers. A sincere love of what they do. And, he says, the ability to work together and allow "various talents at various times to come forward."

Brother Merrill, for example, "has had more hits than any of us together as lead singer of the brothers," Osmond says. Yet, "I’ve seen him stepping back when it was Donny’s turn or my turn or Marie’s turn. Everybody’s been able to keep their ego in check and root for the team, if you will.

"My dad has a saying: It doesn’t matter who’s out in front as long as it’s an Osmond. But we really have learned that when Marie has success or Donny has success or any of us has success … it helps everyone."

If nothing else, The Osmonds’ success over five decades serves as answer enough to those critics who never took them seriously. Osmond concedes that, at times, critics’ digs bothered some of his brothers.

But, he adds, "now, everyone is just really happy. If we never get another show again, it’s been an amazing run. We do it because we love it. We’re not trying to prove anything else. We’re just grateful for the opportunity to perform."

Maybe that’s just the sort of wisdom that comes with age? Osmond laughs.

"Either that or it’s called burnout," he jokes.

"My brothers and I have so much fun working together, or we wouldn’t do it. Hopefully, that comes across when people come to see you."

Contact reporter John Przybys at jprzybys@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0280.