ShowStoppers...It's a Wynn!

Las Vegas has become the city we know today due in part to Steve Wynn. His contributions and innovation in the areas of hospitality and entertainment date as far back as the 1970’s.

His latest endeavor, Steve Wynn’s ShowStoppers is a Broadway style spectacular with 18 numbers from 10 different hit musicals. 

The idea for this new production began with a special performance of Broadway selections arranged for his wife Andrea’s birthday earlier this year. It was during the rehearsals for this performance that Steve Wynn was inspired to bring Broadway to Las Vegas. The idea of the megawatt production, ShowStoppers was born. 

Steve Wynn's ShowStoppers..."Cell Block Tango"

“Las Vegas is a tough market. People come here expecting a lot, the bigger the better. 
It has to be something they can’t see somewhere else.”   - Steve Wynn

When I heard this production was in the works I expected two things. First, it being Steve Wynn’s baby, the budget would be grand enough to make it what it should be….larger than life, and preferably in true Vegas style, a touch glitzier than even Broadway. Secondly, I knew the best of the best talent would be recruited for it.

As an avid fan of Broadway musicals I have seen many, especially during my years living in Manhattan. Sitting in the 1,500 seat Encore Theater watching the show the other night so encompassed the Broadway experience for me I felt like I would push through the exit doors after and be hit with the sights and sounds of Times Square! 

ShowStoppers includes one to three of the most fabulous numbers from the best of Broadway musicals such as, Chicago, Hello Dolly, Cabaret, Damn Yankees, Gypsy, and more. Steve Wynn made it clear that he chose upbeat and celebratory numbers for this production. When asked at the press conference how the musical numbers were chosen, the director Philip Wm. MicKinley answered, “We want a joyful, happy evening.”

I also enjoyed the smaller vignettes within the show that tied the big numbers together. I only wished that this beautiful Broadway journey lasted a little longer. As they say in the show, “Razzle dazzle ‘em, and they’ll beg you for more.” I was pleased to hear Steve Wynn announce at the press conference on opening night that at least one number will be added. He made it clear that this show will evolve over time. “I hope I’ll never stop tinkering with this show,” he said.

Kerry O'Malley, Lindsay Roginski, Nicole Kaplan, Steve Wynn, David Burnham, Randal Keith, Andrew Ragone

This is an epic size production that was planned and executed over only six months. There were 600 auditions to cast 28 dancers, and 75 auditions for the 6 featured singers. If you ask me the casting process could have been a documentary or reality show in itself! Every performer at those auditions knew that to be cast as one of the players in a production of this size and magnitude would be career, if not life changing.

Steve Wynn’s ShowStoppers has taken six experienced performers and given them a venue to show off their true star quality, and boy do they ever! The six amazing and ultra talented leads are David Burnham (Wicked, Light in the Piazza), Randal Keith (Les Miserables, Phantom), Lindsay Roginksi (Chicago, Damn Yankees), Kerry O’Malley (Into the Woods, Annie), Andrew Ragone (Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular), and Nicole Kaplan (Camelot, The Little Mermaid: The Musical). There is something enchanting about special performers who have dedicated their lives to their craft.  They bring characters to life on stage in a way that really pulls me in.

ShowStoppers is enriched by the powerful 30 piece orchestra who perform not in an orchestra pit, but onstage. David Loeb is the Musical Director.

The performers are led by an award winning team including Philip Wm. McKinley, Director, Marguerite Derricks, Choreographer, Suzy Benzinger, Costume Designer, and Luc Verschueren, Hair/Make Up Designer.

“Nothing has ever been as smooth or as fun as this one. 
We have become a family, all of us." -Steve Wynn on ShowStoppers

L to R: Philip Wm. McKinley, Andrea Wynn, Steve Wynn, Marguerite Derricks

At the opening night press conference, it was obvious all the people behind this extravaganza and its leads have limitless passion for this show. Standing out was their “quarterback” Steve Wynn, who filled the room with his love and excitement for all aspects of this production, leading me to conclude it really is Steve Wynn’s ShowStoppers.

Wynnlasvegas.com/Shows/ShowStoppers


Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage



Copyright 2014 Anna Wendt