Updated 12/20/2002 Society of Seven ByChuck Rounds
Note: This show is now playing at Flamingo Las Vegas.
"The Society of Seven" is playing inside the new Centerstage theatre at the Aladdin Hotel and Casino. This band of wacky Hawaiian men puts on a fun show filled with music, impersonations, and comedy. It’s the Scinta’s gone tropical. This group made a name for themselves in Hawaii, having played there for several decades, and have now been brought to Las Vegas to entertain us. This treasure of the Islands is very enjoyable.
"The Society of Seven" is probably not what one might expect--quite frankly, I think that most people have no idea what to expect with this group, only going in with trust and faith that they’ll be good. What SOS mostly does is deliver fun. The show is crazy, wild, and a little insane at times; but the entertainment all stems from, and out of, each persons incredible talent.
Every member of SOS is an accomplished comedian/actor/singer/musician. It is amazing to witness the transformation of each of these people as they move from one talent to the next. As the evening wears on, the fuller and greater range of each performer more and more stuns the audience. If the group did nothing but play music--they would be a great band to which to listen...but wait, there’s more.
The impressions are most impressive. As you watch each performer, it is sometimes hard to believe that "this" voice is emerging out of this body. The variety of voices is oftentimes mind boggling, and the quick changes from one voice to another are awesome. The performers are always able to capture the essence of each of the people that they are trying to impersonate. The voice may not always be perfect, but certainly the essence is.
Then there are the performers, themselves. They’re having fun, and it’s not at anyone’s expense, the group simply seems to be having fun doing what they are doing. It is always a joy to watch performer enjoying what they are doing, and the more fun that they have; they more fun we have.
The Centerstage theatre is a new space at the Aladdin, and with the creation of any new showroom, there is the hope that the space will offer a new and wonderful place to see productions. This is, unfortunately, not the case with the Centerstage. It is a poorly converted space with bad sightlines and a terrible seating arrangement. People are crammed one behind the other at narrow tables, and the stage is too low for all of the action to be visible. Additionally, the ceiling is also too low, and therefore, the best lighting angles are lost.
"The Society of Seven" is a lot of fun to watch. Their show can be enjoyed on many different levels, and you can appreciate them in many different capacities--as musicians, comedians, or impressionists. The group is talented, and they’re having fun. It’s a good combination of elements.