Danny Gans Hits Nothing But Home Runs

Showbiz Magazine
By Hilary L. Green

It was Danny Gans’ childhood dream to play third base for the Dodgers. After college, he was signed to play in the minor leagues but an Achilles’ tendon injury brought his hopes and dreams to a crashing halt. Every cloud has a silver lining, however. Even though the award-winning singer-impressionist had to pass up a career in baseball, he hits nothing but home runs in his show in the theater that bears his name at the Mirage.

Gans’ show is one of the hottest tickets in town-he has taken the entertainment scene by storm. He presents between 60 and 100 uncannily accurate characterizations of some of the world’s most-loved celebrities, drawing from his remarkable repertoire of more than 300 impressions. Does Gans look and sound just like the person he is portraying, he captures even the minutest detail of their persona, be it a facial expression, a stance of a smile. It is as if, for that moment, Gans recreates the essence of that person. The result is quite magical and the audience responds with spontaneous applause.

Gans delivers his extraordinary characterizations with hilarious lyrics, some of which poke good-natured fun at the celebrity. He fires off each musical impression with unmatched precision, back-to-back, with minimal props: Perhaps a hat here or a pair of glasses there-nothing else. His ability to switch from an on-the-money Bruce Springsteen or Macy Gray to Randy Travis or Stevie Wonder without missing a beat is a unique talent. It has earned the amiable performer the respect of critics and peers alike and it has placed him at the tope of his profession.

Gans customizes each show to fit the collective taste of the audience, so no two shows are alike. Plus, he introduces topical subjects and improvises at the drop of a hat, which keeps his band on its toes. You never know who’ll show up in his cast of characters!

Be sure to take the whole family to see the “Man of Many Voices”. It will be an evening that you will long remember.