“Master Mimic” Danny Gans Entertains At The Mirage

Showbiz Magazine
By Hilary L. Green

Singer-impressionist Danny Gans’ show at the Mirage is one of the hottest tickets in town. The nationally known comedian-impressionist was recently described as a”..master mimic” by People magazine in a full-page story in their February 17 issue. He’s being called on of the foremost in his profession and the capacity crowds in the theater that bears his name attest to his spot at the top.

Gans draws from his remarkable repertoire of more than 300 voices to present between 60 and 100, dead-on impressions in each performance. Each show is different and is often peppered with impromptu requests from the audience or an improvisation from Gans. His audience is often celebrity-studded, too, with Hollywood stars and show business luminaries.

Gans’ ability to switch from one on-the-money impression to another without missing a beat has earned him kudos from audiences and critics alike. For that moment, it is as if he actually becomes the celebrity he is portraying, down the minutest detail, be it their stance or a characteristic facial expression. Many of the impressions are set to hilarious lyrics that poke good-natured fun at the star, such as an insatiably hungry Garth Brooks and Andy Williams’ song about the day that Joan Rivers “mooned me!” Gans keeps the references, as well as his “if Minnie Mouse could sing” Macy Gray and his “hair inspiration for the troll doll” Don King piece.

“My show is like the weather in Hawaii,” Gans grins. “It’s constantly changing!”

Gans show is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work. He spent many years traveling all over the United States singing with bands, doing stand-up comedy and honing his now famous cast of players. It was when he saw Sammy Davis, Jr. perform in concert that all of the pieces fit together.

“He sand, danced, did impressions and played instruments,” Gans recalls. “He was funny and he was dramatic. I said ‘that’s what I want to do’.”

Be sure to take the entire family to see Gans. It will be an evening you’ll be talking about long after the show.