The venues have changed over the years, beginning at Suede a few doors down from Double Down and stopping for a time at Liberace Museum. Those haunts have since closed, but Composers Showcase lives on, and the next Showcase is set for tonight at 10:30 at Garfield’s Grand Atrium lake-front performance venue (the address is 2620 Regatta Drive, Las Vegas 89128).
Performing away from their usual gigs and shows and planning for such are Kelly Clinton, Bill Fayne, Michelle Johnson and cast members from “Jersey Boys,” “Nunsense,” “Le Reve,” “Legends in Concert” and “Phantom -- the Las Vegas Spectacular.” Some of the top entertainers in the city will perform original numbers to a piano or scaled-back ensembles, and it is such a hoot.
Ticket prices are in the form of a $10 donation at the door (call Garfield’s at 240-5216 to reserve a seat). A cash bar and late-night menu are offered during the performance. Money raised is to benefit the nonprofit Creative Studios Las Vegas, which develops and stages live entertainment in our city.
Having been a fan since the Showcase opened at Suede in 2006, I can say the 10 bones is easily money well spent. Founded by “Jersey Boys” music director Keith Thompson and his counterpart at “Le Reve,” Michael Brennan, the performances never fail to dazzle.
While we’re at it, I’ll throw a shout to Jim Caruso’s Cast Party, a similarly brimming-with-talent entertainment showcase that was most recently staged at Alexis Park. Organizer Jim Caruso has not made formal arrangements to bring back the Cast Party, but tonight the cool hang is Garfield’s and the Composers Showcase.
Get a nap. It’ll be a late one, kids.
Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at Twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow “Kats With the Dish” at Twitter.com/KatsWithTheDish.
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