The Country Superstars Tribute is playing in the showroom at the Golden Nugget. It is the only country tribute show in Las Vegas, and the impersonators highlight the talents and hits of artists such as Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, and others. The show features a five-piece band and no lip-syncing. Real country music fans should have a good time.

As a disclaimer to this review, I need to make everyone aware that I am not a big country music fan. I think that it is ok, but it is not what I would seek out.

Impersonator shows can be a tough show to sell---especially when most of the stars are alive, well, and often playing in Vegas. Why see a show of impersonators when the real thing is available? Part of it might be the price, and part of it might be the ability to see a wider variety of artists and hear a greater selection of music...additionally, the accessibility and availability is far greater than the "real" thing. Whatever the motivation, Las Vegas is filled impersonator shows around every corner. The gimmick with this one is simply country music...and oddly enough, this show closes down when the National Finals Rodeo is in town and all the "real" stars are playing.

All of the impersonators in the show come with an impressive list of credits and do their best to entertain the crowd, but for the most part, it seems as if something is missing---whether it's an element of dynamics, a connection with the crowd, or the shortcomings of the room---something is wrong, and the excitement doesn't seem to fill the space. I know that part of the problem is the trap that any impersonator can fall prey to...because the performer is so focused on playing someone else; they sometimes lose the connection with the audience. It is that inner dynamic that made the real stars..."STARS," and if that spirit is intent on looking, sounding, and moving like someone else, then we miss out on that truly special "something."

The band is absolutely terrific. They play a variety of styles and songs, and handle each one brilliantly. They are a very tight group. There is nothing like a good live band. It adds so much to a production. This show would fail if it weren’t for the band.

The Golden Nugget showroom is certainly an upgrade from the showroom at Fitzgerald’s. The stage gives all of the performers plenty of space in which to strut their stuff. There is good lighting and good sound in this room...something that was sorely missing from their last venue. For all of the shortcomings of the Fitzgerald space, however, I think that the open table seating was more conducive to the atmosphere of this production over the theatre style seating of the Nugget. The seats in the Nugget set up a certain amount of formality that causes a decrease in the audience/performer relationship.

The bottom line is that if you are a true country music fan, then you will probably enjoy this show. If you are on the fence with this genre and style, you will probably be disappointed.

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