I recently attended the Donnie and Marie Show at the Flamingo Showroom with the understanding that they were soon taking some time off to allow for Olivia Newton John to begin her new “Summer Nights” show. Was it perhaps that Donnie and Marie Show ticket sales were in a decline as their market appeal to the fifty and older crowd was finally thinning and competitive entertainment options were growing? Not! Their show was sold out to a very energized older crowd of adoring and loyal fans.

With ticket prices ranging from $104.50 to $306.00 before handling fees I was surprised at the acceptance of these ticket price levels as well as the impulse spending at the post-show merchandise display. I also noticed how few floor cocktail servers were present. They could not sustain the amount of beverage orders. This crowd was there to celebrate the legacy of Donnie and Marie and wanted beverage service. The Flamingo left plenty of revenue “on the tables”.

Donny and Marie along with the Osmond Brothers will soon be celebrating fifty years in show business. Donny started as a five year old guest on the Andy Williams Show. The Osmond performance legacy is an American icon with over sixty record albums, a highly rated variety show in the seventies, Broadway and memorable performances most recently on the popular TV Show “Dancing With The Stars”. The cover stories from countless teen, family and lifestyle publications and vast TV appearances on other programs keep them current through the decades. Their 90 minute Flamingo show was rated as the best overall show in Las Vegas with Donnie being rated as the best male vocalist in the 2014 “The Best of Las Vegas” readership poll conducted by the Review Journal.

In welcoming the audience, Donnie specifically mentions that the Flamingo Donnie and Marie Showroom is the last of the “original great showrooms” that delivers a premium experience. The audience agrees with cheers and applause. They have fond memories of the shows when stars could be seen up close and personal in showrooms of this intimate design. The acoustics, audio, lighting, staging and cameras were all flawless in their support of the performers. The view was good from every seat including the balcony.

The show production concept offers something for everyone. Donnie and Marie radiated elegant stardom and they performed their hits along with select Broadway and classic rock hits arranged with modern dance and stunning costumes. The band and dancers were younger and also outstanding. They were a part of every number and kept the energy flowing. The effective use of retro Osmond TV variety show along with highlight footage from other assorted shows interspersed with personal family photos and images with every imaginable celebrity legend were tightly woven into the production and delivered precisely on cue. The production was flawless and all involved were well seasoned with the experience to deliver this fast paced show with perfection and gusto.

Donnie and Marie and their cast were genuinely having fun. There was much banter and improvisational comedy in addition to audience member interaction and some minor audience participation. Donnie would not allow the customary geriatric handclapping to the best of one of their songs. He commanded the audience to bang their hands on table tops and sing along on cue. There was total audience participation in response. The moments shared from their lives along with laughing at their aging selves made it seem like an intimate night out with old friends. You don’t find many embraceable artists with shows delivering this level of consistency and spirit in Las Vegas. Their family oriented production can rock with the best and rolls their fans through a myriad of nostalgic memories and associated emotions. The grandparents in the audience were obviously delighted to share it with their grandchildren often whispering to them their youthful recollections associated with each chart topping hit being performed. It is a celebrity based high production value show aimed at pleasing the generations. Nothing is left out, not even the classic ending confetti cannon blasts into the thin white hairs of these fans.

The success components are all there. Star power, a well written and executed production, multi-media magic, celebrity intimacy and sheer fun. It is evident that this is still in-market demand outside of the new EDM club and pool party mania. The Donnie and Marie fans poured out of the theater swarming into the gaming and bars areas to continue their evening. EDM fans do not. The fans departed as very happy customers with a classic Las Vegas memory to share with others. There is no contest when it comes to the quality of this show or the related successful sales. Talent and good production in the ideal venue can command higher ticket sales and consistent patronage. Donnie and Marie truly deliver and deserve this home. They are entitled to a vacation but not for long. More fans will be eagerly awaiting their return. This re-confirms the fact that quality star power ensures stay power.