‘Legends In Concert’ Celebrates 40 Years In Las Vegas With Shows At The Orleans

Now known as a pioneer in live tribute entertainment, Legends in Concert began with a six-week engagement at the Imperial Palace in 1983, and it has gone on to provide 40 years of entertainment in Las Vegas with over 22,000 performances. Now, their new production, “Legendary Divas,” is running 11 shows through July 8 at The Orleans Hotel and Casino.

At each Legends In Concert show at The Orleans, audiences will be entertained with a live band, dancers, showgirls, and tributes to four iconic singers: Dolly Parton, Cher, Whitney Houston, and Lady Gaga. Karen Hester will be performing as Dolly Parton. Annika Starander Weaver is portraying Cher, and Lady Gaga is being celebrated by Tierney Allen. Whitney Houston is portrayed by Jazmine. Frank Marino is hosting and portraying Joan Rivers.

For Mark Mercer, the VP of Legends in Concert’s special engagement, this special engagement at The Orleans is the perfect fit to celebrate “the longest-running show in Vegas and the historic 40th anniversary of this legendary production”.

Mercer explained, “The original inspiration for Legends in Concert was to bring musical legends that are no longer with us back to the stage with amazing recreations of the most captivating live music, fashion, and memories of the past. Legends in Concert has evolved through the years to also include tributes to living legends as well. I have had the pleasure of experiencing Legends in Concert since I was a kid at the Imperial Palace and watching it continue to be legendary 40 years later.”

Frank Marino was also a fan since the beginning and joining the production as its host was a dream come true for him. He shared with me, “Twenty years ago, when I was on The Joan Rivers Show, she asked me what I would do if she ever died, and I quipped that I would have to join Legends in Concert. That was before the term Legends evolved into living legends as well.”

He’s having fun as the host. He said, “I feel like I get to go to a party every night, and I love seeing everyone being in a happy mood.”

Karen Hester is also delighted to be performing in the show as Dolly Parton. She saw her first Legends in Concert show in Myrtle Beach, South, and was enthralled by the tribute world immediately. She performed Dolly in a local show, and after being mentored and encouraged by others in the entertainment world, took a risk and flew to Las Vegas to audition for Legends in Concert in the role of a Dolly Parton tribute act. A career dream came true for her when the phone rang, and Legends in Concert presented her with the opportunity to join the cast.

Hester always loved Dolly Parton. She explained, “I remember in my childhood laying in my grandmother’s living room floor watching Hee Haw and was fascinated by the show as well as Dolly! My childhood dream was to be a singer and actress. When I began exploring more of a career path in entertainment, recording original music, her influence was always present and evident as my vocals were similar to hers.”

“I have always had a great admiration for Dolly and have become a huge fan of her and her music even more so since beginning the journey of paying tribute to her. She is truly an amazing lady with a heart of gold!”

“Legends in Concert is so special to me because we are like a huge family. I’ve been with the company since 2011 and over the years the bonds with folks in the company just grow stronger each year. I believe the audience experiences the same feeling of belonging to something unique and special, and that is what I believe has contributed to Legends in Concert’s long run. We bond with our audiences on a personal level, and they love to come see the family over and over again,” Hester added.

In addition to loving their characters and giving their all to the show, the cast are excited to perform at The Orleans. Hester enthused, “I love The Orleans and enjoy everything about it from their wonderful hospitality, the amazing showroom crew, and the energetic audiences! The Showroom is pure joy to perform in nightly!”

Marino agreed, explaining, “Their theme is Mardi Gras, so every night you are walking into a celebratory experience which makes Legends in Concert‘s 40th anniversary party the perfect fit.”

Tickets are now available for Legends in Concert‘s special engagement at the Orleans Showroom. Showtimes are 9 p.m. on Thursday through Monday, and 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. Concertgoers can also choose a VIP Experience with preferred seating and a special Meet and Greet with photo opportunity after the show. Tickets can be purchased at the Orleans Box Office or at ticketmaster.com.