I recently saw the Scintas at the Las Vegas Hilton in the Shimmer Lounge.
This is basically the same area where they performed a number of years ago
when they did their act there, before it went to the Rio. I've seen the Scintas
at least once before in their old Hilton act, and about 4 times at the Rio.
So obviously, I am a fan of the Scintas. However, I have some reservations
about recommending it in its current state. The price is right (about $44
for general admission), and their performances and band are good. However, on
the evening I saw it (Monday night), the show was overamplified, making it
hard to hear some of the lyrics, and at times I wanted to put my hands over my
ears because the band was too loud. Perhaps on a weekend, when the room is
full, the volume is necessary. But on a weekday, it is overpowering at times
and hinders enjoyment.
Unfortunately, it just wasn't as good as when it was at the Rio on a larger
stage. The emphasis on this show is a little bit more on comedy than the
previous incarnation, and that part is fine. The high energy level of the
Scintas and the band is still there, and that is great.
At least 50% of the performance involves funny impersonations, mostly by the
ultra-talented Frankie Scinta. The rest is musical performances - some
straight and some funny. Frankie plays many instruments, including the spoons,
ukulele, guitar, piano, and drums, and is very good. The band members,
including honorary Scinta family member, drummer Pete, are excellent.
Unfortunately just too loud overall. Sister Chrissy's singing was especially hurt by the
loudness of the music, since I had trouble hearing her soprano over the band
at times.
One thing that confused me was that amongst some of the many impersonations,
Chrissy came out to sing, and maybe she was also doing impersonations, but I
didn't know that for sure (except for Barbara Streisand). No one announced
who she was supposed to be, so maybe she was just singing, or maybe doing
schtick, I don't know. I think it would have been better if she had done some
obvious impersonations too, such as Madonna, but she seems to play it straight
while her two brothers ham it up.
Overall though, the performance was entertaining, so I'm not sure whether to
recommend it or not. There is a lot of ribald, adult humor in the
performance, including the "there's a skeeter on my peter" song which always seems to
be in (and I wish they would throw it out, along with the whole bit about
standing ovations).
I especially liked the Billy Joel tribute and Frankie's piano playing, as
well as the Malagueno routine, which was very funny.
Much of the show is the same as it has been, though tweaked, and sometimes a
bit changed. Obviously, since I've seen them so many times, it was fresh to
me, but I did enjoy it. Folks around me seemed to love the show - I don't
know if they were bothered by the loudness of the band or not.
So my guess is that if you haven't seen the show, you still should, but
preferably on a weekend night, so the loudness will be tempered because the
audience is full. If you've already seen it at the Rio, you may be a bit
disappointed. Still, if you are a Scintas fan, you probably will still enjoy
reseeing them.
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