[zonerboy]

Can any one tell me how to let who ever books shows at Savannah Center or The Sharon know which events were great and which were duds?
Went to see Rus Anderson's "Rocket Man" at Savannah last nite, and the guy really put on a terrific show as an Elton John tribute. The place was not a sellout but those who were not there really missed some great entertainment. I'd like him to be invited back. I'd go see him again in a heartbeat!

[Bogie Shooter]

There are contact numbers here:

Home - The Villages Entertainment * Special Events * Box Office - The Villages Entertainment * Special Events * Box Office

[John_W]

A fellow on my softball team said he and his wife went last week to see the Sonny & Cher Show. They thought it was awful, in fact at intermission they stepped out into the lobby and they could overhear most people saying the same thing. In fact, many said they were leaving and this fellow and his wife also left. He heard the two main actors/singers were Villagers and not a professional touring act that were accustomed to seeing.

I have no firsthand experience since I didn't attend, but if they are Villagers then they have more nerve than I have. However, I've seen some great tribute artist at Savannah, the Beatles twice (Nowhere Band), Elvis Presley (Tony Roi) and the BeeGees (Stayin' Alive). So maybe when these are local performers they should make that more than clear. I did look up the act and they actually appeared 3 consecutive nights, Nov 17-19, there is a video on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oo2bjMBOGmU. On the video as a pair the two perform OK together, but when the woman is just singing Cher by herself and we're use to hearing the real Cher belt it out, this lady is very weak in her performance.

[cbv0211]

We saw the Chinese Acrobats at the Savannah Center and thought it was an excellent performance. A while back a group of us saw a show performed by Villagers and we couldn't wait for it to end because the dancing, jokes, etc. were terrible. We stayed for the whole show hoping it would get better but a lot of people walked out.

[John_W]

Originally Posted by cbv0211

We saw the Chinese Acrobats at the Savannah Center and thought it was an excellent performance. A while back a group of us saw a show performed by Villagers and we couldn't wait for it to end because the dancing, jokes, etc. were terrible. We stayed for the whole show hoping it would get better but a lot of people walked out.

I haven't been to Sea World since this whole Blackfish scandal or uproar. When I did last go, they have a theater there that has the Chinese acrobat performers shows running all day. What it has to do with the sea, I don't know, but it's very entertaining and well worth seeing when Sea World gets their business together.

[Chi-Town]

Recently saw Jay and the Americans there, and it was an excellent show. As far as tribute bands go the Rolling Stones one was painful but the Santana one with Galo Rivera was outstanding.

[DeanFL]

Guess I was a lucky one. I saw the Chinese Acrobats Sunday and the Rocket Man Monday, both at Savannah.

The Republic of China Acrobats were absolutely phenomenal. Could not believe that our Savannah was able to book entertainment as them. My hands were raw at the end, applauding so much. There were about 34 performers, ages probably 15-25, guys and gals. What they did on stage was outstanding, and the costuming and music were wonderful too. It was by far the best performance I've seen at savannah. For sure a 10. World Class (why China does well in Olympics etc...).

Rocket Man, Rus Anderson, was quite good. Excellent rendition of many Elton John songs and he wore authentic EJ clothes etc that he acquired. Rus is a talented likable performer and had a nice 3 piece band accompanying him. A very good show = 8.

Yes, it would be a good feedback tool for our TV Entertainment venues to offer a survey link or such after attending a show - at least a quick hard-copy survey avail in the lobby.

[zonerboy]

I have attended many shows at the Savannah during my 4 years here in the Villages. ( maybe 5 or 6 per year) Most I would rate very good to excellent, only a few were bummers.
I agree it would be a good idea to let the powers that be who book the entertainment know which ones we really like and which ones were bad. Hopefully this would help eliminate the mediocre shows and promote the good ones.

[ADR0317]

My first show at the Savannah and they were excellent. Hope they return.

[Johnd]

Also was at the Rus Anderson Elton John tribute. Great show. Made a plea to be invited back and he should be.

[2BNTV]

The best one's I have been to are:
1. Toronto All-Stars. Playing the big band music. I must say this group was mostly comprised of people in their 20's and they rock.
2. The beginnings band playing Chicago. If I closed my eyes, I would have thought that the actual Chicago band was playing.
3. The Atlantic City boys. Their songs by the Four Seasons, is exceptionally performed.

[rubicon]

The residents who participate in the local theater/entertainment groups are a mix of both professional and non professional. They work hard at their craft.

Going to watch a show at the Savannah Center or any Rec Center for that matter is like going to a restaurant. Your view depends upon your expectations.

People ought to remember that even a great actor like Sir Laurence Olivia can turn in a poor performance once and a while

[DeanFL]

I went to see Rus Anderson - Elton John Rocketman show at Savannah last Monday = excellent show.

I found him on facebook and asked him the following:

Saw your 5pm show at Savannah-The Villages. Excellent!!! we were 3 rows back, few questions. 1. do you have a natural space between your front teeth, like EJ, or do you paint the line or such? 2. And the green piano/bench - are those yours that travel with you - appears the piano is a large elec keyboard with a wooden shell for the piano... just wondering... 3. The girl that played Marilyn - is she your GF/wife or such?

He responded to me>>>

https://www.facebook.com/rusandersonmusic

Hi Dean, Rus here aka Elton! Thanks so much for coming to the show and writing me. It is a fun place and you were great audiences. The tooth gap is in fact makeup! It's used in movies like when someone gets a tooth knocked out etc. It's one of the small details that helps the illusion of that signature Elton smile! Our band is based in Tampa, so for all our Florida shows, we are able to bring all our own gear (piano, drum kit, amps etc). The green piano is a hollowed out shell with digital gear inside it, which makes for a great sound and super easy one man transportation! I have several of those shells for different shows including a red,white and black one. When we fly out of state etc, we usually rent one locally unless the venue has a piano already. My wife is Marilyn, she is also our road manager and various other things behind the scenes including costumer etc. The 4 piece band last night is our main lineup, but we do have many other members for bigger shows including horns, strings, keys, female singers etc. All in all we have a great time, it's timeless music and the era of the 70's & 80's Elton is a blast to perform. He really is a legend. As I said last night, we would love to come back so please put in a good word for us.
My personal and main Facebook page is under Rus Anderson, and our website is Rocket Man: Elton John Tribute Say hi anytime my friend, hope we'll see you soon down the road. Cheers again, have a Great holiday season. Rus

[sueandskip]

Its all a matter of opinion....Your rating would not be mine !!!