It’s akin to a “Legends in Concert” show, or even (reaching back a few) “American Superstars.” But all the acts are classic rock.
The “Ikons of Rock” tribute production is roaring into The Strat Theater on Aug. 25. The show runs 7 p.m. daily, dark Mondays and “other select dates.” Tickets are on sale at thestrat.com.
Adam Steck of SPI Entertainment, who runs the room, has announced the move. “Ikons” most recently played Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip, opening in January.
“Ikons” shares the theater with the adult-comedy revue “Rouge,” which takes the 9 p.m. spot. The rock-concert performance features Kiss favorites “Detroit Rock City” and “Rock N Roll All Nite,” Heart’s “Barracuda” and “Crazy On You,” Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me” and “Hysteria,” and Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” and “No More Tears.”
Journey is in the mix, with “Open Arms” and “Don’t Stop Believing,” Joan Jett with some “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out,” and (naturally) a Motley Crue medley.
The Strat has dabbled in tributes in the past, notably “Superstars,’ which ran from April 1996-March 2011; “The World’s Greatest Rock Show” from 2017-2020; and the nomadic “MJ Live” Michael Jackson show (2015-‘21).
Steck’s company has also produced several classic-rock headliners. Sammy Hagar, Cheap Trick, Rick Springfield and Night Ranger have all headlined the venue.
Darren Moore, “Ikons” co-creator along with entertainment-biz entrepreneur Scot Gains, headlines the production and plays several front men, among them Paul Stanley, Osbourne and Cooper. Moore has been a member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame band Harlquin and has been a busy film, TV and recording artist.
The show’s production lineup is Moore, Gaines, Dave Hainfeld and Steve Arnold of A&R Management. Arnold also presents the “Soul Fusion” show periodically at Myron’s.
Moore is joined by vocalist Christelle Dussault, a touring solo artist and songwriter who has collaborated with hit-making team The Matrix; Rachel Kline, a favorite on the city’s live music scene since 2021; Nannette Fortier, a drummer with Blue Man Group and Celine Dion; Andy Gerald, who has backed Marilyn Manson and the Blue Men; Kurt “KK” Krezanski, a veteran lead guitarist for touring rock and country acts; Drew Hart, a Las Vegas production-band veteran of several tribute shows (including “The World’s Greatest Rock Show”); and Rob Robbins, a guitarist and songwriter who has performed and recorded with Maxi Priest, Dave Mason and Moxy. Anne Martinez, who has sung in myriad Vegas productions — including “Fantasy” at Luxor and Mayfair Supper Club — swings in the production.
Having run for several months on the Strip, the show’s pricing merits a double-take — starting at $73.02, brushing against Cirque discounts at that level. But that was the ticket price at Hard Rock, where the show prospered. And the “Ikons” team emphasizes the show’s production value, with detailed costumes (fans of wig work will dig the production), live vocals and music, pyro and fake smoke are all in the show. The idea is to evoke an arena performance at Strat Theater, which seats 603 for the rock show.
“Ikons of Rock was built to give audiences the full arena concert experience up close, with the authenticity and musicianship these legendary artists deserve,” Moore says.
Steck has been impressed by the show’s solid run on the Strip and sees a right fit.
“When I saw ‘Ikons’ at the Hard Rock Cafe, I was blown away by how amazing each character was. They played every note perfectly. The video content and the special effects were incredible. The voices were amazing,” Steck says. “I thought to myself, ‘We could really take what they have and make it even better in our theater.”
Dance the night away
“Bolero — The Show” has been destined for added dates at Plaza Showroom after its fiery debut June 20. The Latin-themed dance production has been extended for six shows at the hotel’s classic showroom: Aug. 1, Aug. 15, Aug. 29, Sept. 12, Sept. 19, and Oct. 3. Get the tix at plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/bolero/.
All shows will be at 7:30 p.m., with doors at 6 p.m. Cocktail service will be available throughout the 90-minute performance. The venue will stay open after the formal performance for an after-party led by a DJ.
“Bolero” showcases a live band, singers and dancers. This is a heightened scene, sparked by bolero, flamenco and Latin themes. Adan Alejandro, Las Vegas producer, singer, and songwriter leads the local production. His wife, Colombian dance star Jenny Bolivar, directs.
Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel works alongside sidekick exec Bronson Olimpieri on booking the room. The officials were convinced “Bolero” could draw a partying crowd to the hotel after last month’s opening.
“Everyone was dressed up. They spent money in the casino, in the restaurants, in the bars, before and after the show,” Jossel said in an interview this month. “For me, it was an eye-opening, wonderful experience.”
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.