After MUCH hype and numerous postponements and delays, on February 26, 2013, the "Muppet-sized, sequin-styled international Lady Killer" known as CeeLo Green finally arrived on the Las Vegas Strip, wielding a flaming piano, on the eve of his show's debut at Planet Hollywood.
The "surreal, supernatural, sexified" extravaganza he dubbed CeeLo Green is LOBERACE, which we did not get a chance to catch during its limited-duration run though April 13, was greeted with a gushing review by Las Vegas Sun gossip columnist Robin Leach: "The music superstar is a man of momentum. He doesn’t stop for a second. Not only do the hits keep coming, but he also dances, shakes, performs magic, sings, talks -- going out into the audience -- and climbs the winding golden staircase." Featuring 10 dancing girls, a Boy George lookalike, and a forklift, among other things, it was "a nonstop assault of hits, dancing and surprises," according to Leach.
The usually dependable Vegas Chatter blog, however, was less effusive, describing the show as "pop cultural necrophilia," decrying the use of lip-syncing and lack of a live band, and calling the show "weak on presentation."
Again, we didn't see it, so we don't know, but you may get a chance to judge for yourself. Although no official announcement has been made, and the Box Office at Planet Hollywood had zero information, according to a March 3 follow-up article from Robin Leach, on the official opening night of the show CeeLo announced that it had already been renewed for another season, beginning some time in October and running through the New Year. "We came to try it out to see if it worked well for everybody. Here we are on opening night, and we’ve already been renewed. That’s a fantastic vote, and the dream I always had for Las Vegas has come true," said its star and creator. So, watch this space (or, rather, "Today's News") for updates.
In the meantime, if you're a true Liberace fan, Behind the Candelabra, the highly anticipated biopic starring Michael Douglas and Matt Damon, debuts on HBO May 26. Described in a recent interview by co-star Rob Lowe (who plays the flamboyant entertainer's plastic surgeon) as "so gay, it makes an average episode of 'Glee' look like 'The Expendables,'" it is, he assured, "unlike any other movie" and we can't wait to see it!
