All Rise for “QUEENS OF ROCK’ and the “King of Pop”

Mosaic Theater’s QUEENS OF ROCK and MJ THE EVOLUTION return this week in a new venue. But are they back for good? Don’t wait to find out.

If you were in Las Vegas at the end of last June, you might have heard a collective gasp. That’s when MOSAIC THEATER aka “Mosaic on the Strip” abruptly closed its doors. The somewhat historic venue, which had just debuted a clever burlesque show entitled LADY LIKE, fell victim to some faulty wiring…and the impending plans of a real estate developer.

Rumors had been swirling for a while about Mosaic’s doom, which may have expedited the relocation of Kyle Martin’s PIANO MAN and AUSSIE HEAT. The Billy Joel/Elton John tribute landed at Planet Hollywood’s V THEATER, where it continues to play. The Aussie male revue moved to NOTORIETY but will shuffle over to Alexis Park Resort on April 1st.

Clever LADY LIKE has seemingly disappeared 

LADY LIKE, which was only scheduled for a trial run, never resurfaced. That left two crowd-pleasers in the wings, waiting for the right time and place to re-appear. Finally, the wait is over. Starting Monday, March 20th, QUEENS OF ROCK and MJ THE EVOLUTION are back, this time at the main showroom of ORLEANS CASINO HOTEL.

My original review of QUEENS OF ROCK called it “absolute perfection.” Creator and star Elyzabeth Diaga, who hails from Quebec, was backed by a flawless live band that included Alex Papa, Christian Brady, and James Oleson. I recall telling Diaga after the show opened in the midst of the turbulent pandemic, that “no matter what happens, never leave Las Vegas. This city needs you and what you do.”

Fortunately, Diaga and her faithful producer Gilles Beaulieu have persevered. When Mosaic shuttered, QUEENS OF ROCK went on the road, bringing the stunning production to numerous cities. But it’s clear that a Sin City return was always being considered. Diaga even performed a recent 0ne-off showcase at the new COOP’S CABARET. But now they’re ready for a triumphant full-scale return in the spacious Orleans Showroom.

MJ THE EVOLUTION follows a similar path. The show is a dream project for Dean Coleman, who operated Mosaic Theater along with fashion stylist Sophia Song. They, along with highly respected director Blair Farrington, have kept the production alive through a performance at Wynn Las Vegas and a live-streaming event last November at VU Las Vegas.

A beginning-to-end chronology of Michael Jackson’s career, MJ THE EVOLUTION opens with a recreation of the Jackson 5 era. The show is built around a trio of MJ impersonators including Michael Firestone. A Las Vegas resident whose live vocals and dance skills are absolutely stunning, Firestone is considered to be the world’s greatest Michael Jackson tribute artist.

Michael Firestone’s live vocals set MJ THE EVOLUTION aflame

Musical director Christian Brady spearheads EVOLUTION‘s live band. An in-demand artist who can be seen almost nightly throughout the city, Brady also plays guitar in QUEENS OF ROCK. Safe money is on the two shows sharing musicians during the Orleans dates.

The likelihood of both shows becoming ongoing residencies will undoubtedly be determined by the success of these four performances. So if you’re an established fan…or just appreciate solid musical productions, head here and order your tickets.

QUEENS OF ROCK and MJ THE EVOLUTION will perform on March 20, 23, 24, and 25. Performance times vary by date. Tickets start at $54.99 plus taxes and fees. Click here for more information and to order tickets.