A&E

Cee Lo’s ‘Loberace’ would work better in a different time slot

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Cee Lo is looking regal on the Strip.
Photo: Eric Kabik

The Details

Three stars
CEE LO GREEN IS LOBERACE
Through April 13, Wednesday-Friday, 11 p.m.; Saturday, midnight; $55-$155.
Planet Hollywood, 785-5055.

“Well, I think you’re crazy. I think you’re crazy. I think you’re crazy.”

Crazy is one word to describe the performance times for Cee Lo Green’s new residency show Cee Lo Green Is Loberace at Planet Hollywood. The schedule is the Achilles’ heel for Loberace—11 p.m. (and midnight on Saturdays). By that late hour, people are waiting in line to get into a nightclub, partying and/or drunk. If they’re not sleeping. Few people are in the mood for a show, even if its ringmaster is the fabulous and talented Cee Lo. What 11 p.m. show on the Strip is a rip-roarin’ success?

Saturday’s midnight VIP and official grand opening started 30 minutes late (Cee Lo’s first-night February 27 show also reportedly started 30 minutes late), and incidents of vomiting and spilled drinks were reported among the late-night crowd. It’s all a shame because Loberace has potential to be a hit.

Cee Lo’s costumes are Liberace fabulous—gold, silver and sparkles galore. The loud (not a complaint) and over-the-top production really fills the Peepshow theater. Cee Lo has a large and devout following from his music and TV work, and fans should enjoy this show. His dancers are sexy and gorgeous and nearly steal the show. But where is the Liberace-esque piano or Cee Lo’s own flying and flaming piano?

So what does Loberace include? Boy George impersonator Bryan Watkins lip syncing to Culture Club’s “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?,” “It’s a Miracle” and “Karma Chameleon”; a mini Cee Lo also lip syncing; bald-headed songstress V. Bozeman on “Closet Freak,” “Le Freak” and “Super Freak”; a toast with TY KU sake; and, the highlight of the night, an all-too-short reunion with the Goodie Mob (Khujo, T-Mo and Big Gipp).

Saturday night’s covers included INXS’ “Need You Tonight,” Rod Stewart’s “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” and The Pussycat Dolls’ “Don’t Cha,” but Cee Lo’s hits—“Bright Lights Bigger City,” “Fool for You,” “Crazy” and “F*ck You” (the audience, not Cee Lo, sang the F-word)—elicited the biggest response. With a few tweaks, Loberace could find its, ahem, voice.

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