Lani continues to enthrall Vegas crowds

(Ed’s Note: Jackie Regala-Katigbak, publicist for the Society Of Seven and Lani Misalucha show at the Jubilee Theater in Las Vegas, shares this review with STAR readers. The author is a novelist whose books are on sale at all mainstream bookstores. One of her current titles is Freedom Twice Lost. Another hit in the offering is Heart of a Designer. Incidentally, Bally’s Casino Las Vegas has renewed the contract of the Society Of Seven and Lani for another nine months. They perform daily, Wednesday to Sunday at 3 p.m. except Fridays at 8 p.m. Dark days are Monday and Tuesday).

In the grand buffet of Las Vegas entertainment the Society Of Seven featuring Lani Misalucha is truly the stellar selection. The Hawaiian-based entertains the audience with an eclectic revue of musical genres. Captivating for two hours, the group makes us laugh, pulls at our heartstrings, instills the dramatic, and makes us feel pride and euphoria. The audience becomes one with the entertainers as the artists both begin and end the show with a salute to freedom.

Unlike so many Las Vegas shows, the acoustics of the Bally’s mid-sized arena were perfectly matched to the size of the theater. The varied instrumentation provided a subtle back- up for the voices- every word and every sound could be clearly heard. From the cocktail seats at front stage to the wing seats at the back of the theater, every note rang clear. The cool temperature combined with the newly refurbished stadium seating provided an unusually comfortable venue. From the perspective of the theatergoer, every need was anticipated, even down to cup holders at each seat.

The show began with a video reflecting the history of the group. Opening with The Ed Sullivan Show, the audience was made aware of the longevity and the staying power of the talented ensemble. The Society Of Seven took hold of the stage with the quintessential American tune of This Land is Your Land, which burst with energy. The multi-ethnic group glistened with pride as their voices meshed in a unique and mellow harmony. Costumed in black tuxedo suits, they set the mood for serious musical performance at its best. There was a plethora of instruments- trumpet, saxophones, two sets of drums and keyboards, several guitars, electric oboe, and to add luster to the more dramatic songs, a complete set of strings.

When Lani took the stage in a svelte black chiffon dress, the audience held its breath as she sang I Will Always Love You, in a stylized show-stopping rendition. A songbird able to hit the high notes with the same finesse as the low ones, Lani’s voice made the hairs at the back of one’s neck stand on edge. This Lani Misalucha, a singer beyond reproach, is lighting up the Las Vegas marquee with her unmatched talent. From the first note to the last, each sound is perfectly formed and each perfectly performed- a talent unmatched by any other singer on the strip. What makes her voice so special is that nothing seems to be pushed, the sounds are fluid and seem effortless. She has enough energy to bring the audience into her soul so we share the music with her- she doesn’t sing at us, but with us. Inspirational, Lani has magic in her voice and passion in her heart. As she finishes the first song, the audience is left captivated and awestruck with emotion.

Ah, but this is a musical revue! From the sublime to the humorous, the Society takes us on a comedic tour of the strip’s legends through impersonations. Commencing with the humor of the Rat Pack, to Chubby Checker’s Twist, to the dramatic parody of Celine, to the uproarious comedy of Sonny and Cher, to Gladys Knight with One Pip, to Wayne Newton, and lastly, to Lani’s flawless version of Barbara’s Evergreen sent the audience to its feet with raucous cheering and clapping.

The impersonations continued as Lani parodied Brittany, Shania, and Bioyonce. Lani became a quick-change artist by transforming from one diva to the next right on stage. Her ability to change costumes as well as style and songs while interjecting humor is unsurpassed. Lani is a talent in a league of her own.

Yet there was a serious side to the show when Lani Misalucha and Gary Baltista stunned the audience with two operatic numbers. Gary’s robust voice brought a standing ovation while Lani’s love song brought the audience not only to tears but also a standing ovation. Each so intense, and each masterfully accomplished. The mood was dramatically changed as the sounds of a full string orchestra enhance the drama of the operatic renditions, as did the elaborate costumes and starlit backdrop. A total transformation had swept the room as the audience sat motionless in total captivation of the artists. At this juncture, the show could have closed on a high note but the revue kept coming.

Animating the crowd with the sounds and choreography from Saturday Night Fever, everyone got up and danced to their favorite disco music as the miraculously quick costume and scene changes flooded the stage.

Disney’s Lion King was the next presentation. The harmony by the Society of Seven was a joy to the ear while the costumes were a delight to the eye. The clever puppetry was the most unique spectacle of the show. The performance of Circle of Life was the most memorable performance as the harmonies sailed through the air as if on gossamer wings- truly ethereal. The theatric mood continued as the finale included songs from Phantom of the Opera.

When all the audience’s emotional energy seemed spent, the show ended as it had begun- with impassioned platitudes of freedom, love and the glory of living in America. The Society Of Seven and Lani Misalucha took a back seat as the American flag was unfurled and the gold lame’ curtains closed. What a show! Memorable and not to be missed.