BWW Reviews: Rich Little Celebrates Jimmy Stewart & Friends

"I see dead people."

No, I don't have that kind of sixth sense. And, no, I wasn't alone. There were a few hundred people sharing the experience. That's what went through my mind as I watched impressionist Rich Little perform his new show, Jimmy Stewart & Friends  at The LVH (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton) on press night.

Using Stewart's life as the fulcrum of his display of impressionistic virtuosity, Little takes his audience from Stewart's birthplace, Indiana, Pennsylvania, through his career on Broadway and in Hollywood.

In addition to Stewart, we meet Henry Fonda, Johnny Carson and Carnac the Magnificent, Jack Benny, Raymond Burr, Walter Brennan, Dean Martin, Paul Lynde, Humphrey Bogart, Laurel and Hardy, Richard Nixon, Alfred Hitchcock. Frank Capra, John Ford and lots of others. (The sole representative of those still among the living is Jack Nicholson.)

As the show is now in Las Vegas, it is worth noting that it is a pleasure to see an impressionist's show that doesn't bring us another Elvis or those impressions most common today. It's refreshing to visit Little's people again.

Little's impressions are spot on. The script for the show, co-written by Little and comic Steve Rossi. employs jokes as vintage as the people Little impersonates. But, that's really OK. It's a gentle look back and Little's affection for his subjects is obvious. The only jarring note is a crack about President Obama that just doesn't belong.

Little will be at LVH Saturdays through Wednesdays through May 23. After that Little is aiming for a Broadway run with the show.

Tickets are $53.90, $63.90 and $73.90 (plus tax and fees). Get them online at https://lvh web.vegas.com/VDCWebTixsFrame/?EventCode=JimmyStewartFriends or by phone: (800) 222-5361

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