The Castaways Hotel & Casino, formerly The Showboat, is quietly stepping into the entertainment arena. Just a breath away from downtown, it too, is taking advantage of a new thirst for real entertainment and the race it has created to meet local demands.

I don't think I've had the pleasure of telling you about the Castaways, this was our first official visit. The covered parking was convenient, the staff was friendly as well as helpful. The casino area was jumping, the atmosphere had a local feel. The ballroom/showroom was perfect for the event. The stage area was beautifully decorated in the Christmas spirit, including poinsettias, snowmen and tiny white lights that twinkled, making the scene picture-perfect.

Now that you can feel the atmosphere, let's move on to the lineup.

"How many of you have taken a cruise, by round of applause" . . . "that's how they fooled us the first time" joked Sweet Lou Collins later in the show. I had to "go there" because the first act reminded me of a cruise ship entertainer.

The heavyweight of comedy, Sweet Lou Collins, picked it up from there. Laid back in plaid, sporting a trendy new hair look, Collins tells it like it is, beginning with himself. He admitted that his wife had suggested he get on a low-fat diet. "I'm 5'5", 270 pounds - I'm already low fat" joked Collins.

His frank comedy offered solutions for current airline problems. A new system for processing airline tickets - just show your money before you take off, and when you land safely, then pay your fare. The crowd loved that one. Check out his latest CD, The New Millenium Comedy CD."

So far this show, brought in by local promoters, Act One Entertainment, was enjoyable. Several elements contributed to their early success. Always making a fashion statement, 88.1 radio personality, Galaxy Glenn and legendary emcee fashion plate James Payton, both added their generational charm to the first Las Vegas show given by Act One Entertainment, brothers Charles and Lorne Jones, who have big plans for Las Vegas. Some names were dropped - Blue Magic, Manhattan, Delfonics - but I wouldn't tell anyone, not just yet.

Now for the main course, the sounds of Enchantment Band.

Filling the air with a melody of Enchantment hits, the five-piece band was good. From stage left came the words of "Get On Board" followed by five red suit-wearing steppers. Take it back, way back -" when you understood the words and you wore your pants around your waist," said the lead vocal singer, Emanuel "E.J." Johnson. They didn't have their pants up to their waist, but then I really don't know. They didn't open their jackets. Their choreography was well timed and executed. Bass vocalist Mickey Clanton is the group's choreographer.

Enchantment went from hit to hit, year to year. "Silly Love Song," the 1978 hit was followed by "Magnetic Field," from the 1979 album, "Journey To The Land Of Enchantment." The groove brought birthday-celebrating local Yvette Adams to the stage. The Enchantment, like stars of yesteryear, crooned to her, making it a memorable occasion for the birthday lady. Class all the way, they honored our country by harmonizing the national anthem. The audience stood and time stopped. Some took the time to reflect, it was a beautiful frame in the picture of life.

They kept the pace of the show fluid as they did their three biggest hits back to back, "Gloria'" Sunshine" and "It's You That I Need." The string of hits brought festive fans' screams from the back. When I turned to catch that moment, I noticed that there were two R & B legends also enjoying the show, Sonay Turner and Ronnie McNair, of the Four Tops. Sitting at the table with the gentlemen was trade show event planner Mable Buckner Payton. Friends of the Enchantments for twenty-five years or more, Buckner worked closely with Act One, ultimately to bring the group to town.

Joe Thomas, first tenor Walter Jones, baritone David Banks, bass and choreographer Mickey Clanton, and Musical Director/Vocal Arranger/Lead Johnson make up the group. Skillfully, they danced and sang their way through a string of Motown hits, including Jackie Wilson's hit, "Workout."

This group has been working together, synchronizing steps and coordinating vocal ranges, and now they are experiencing the benefits of the nostalgic renaissance like so many of the great groups of yesteryear. After speaking with baritone Banks after the show, I learned they are very busy on the touring circuit, traveling with some of those very groups, such as the Whispers, Dells, Blood Stone and Blue Magic.

Act One Entertainment pulled off a tastefully quaint concert with good entertainment and service. Check your calendars and keep your eyes open for another Act One Entertainment event.
The Las Vegas Sentinel -Voice, December 2001