Comments & Reviews
 |
 |
 |
|
One-man all-star show A versatile mimic delivers a musical tour de force at the Princess Kaiulani The hardest-working man in show business these days, in terms of both sheer energy and talent, is Pete Peterkin, performing at the Sheraton Princess Kaulani's Ainahau Ballroom. Peterkin delivers 90 minutes of almost nonstop, high-energy entertainment. He gets solid support from his three musicians, but beyond that, this is an intense one-man workout by a multitalented entertainer. The sweat that soaks through his shirt seems to inspire him to boost the intensity even further. A show of this length is a challenging undertaking, and Peterkin is up, and then some, for the task. He is, by trade, a musical impressionist. He covers a surprisingly broad spectrum of American singer-celebrities. Many are to be expected -- Barack Obama, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Johnny Mathis, Ray Charles, Sammy Davis Jr. -- and he does all of them well. Others are such an obvious stretch that he does them as a list of the most unlikely and offbeat people he might be asked to do, like Garth Brooks, both Neil Diamond and Barbara Streisand singing "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," Kyu Sakamoto, Cher and Luciano Pavarotti. It's enough of a comic premise to make the whole thing work.  A salute to Motown gives three members of the audience a chance to become part of Peterkin's "Motown All-Stars." This is one Waikiki showroom audience participation number that doesn't make fools out of the participants. Several of his character sketches are longer in length. But none of them drag, and the Stevie Wonder and jimi Hendrix segments establish Peterkin's credentials as a musician. Peterkin re-creates Wonder's early day when "Little Stevie Wonder" would display his virtuosity on the harmonica, drums and bass. This leads into a quick salute to George Benson, and then a powerful re-creation of Hendrix playing "Purple Haze." Little Richard gets his due in a segment that has the Georgia Peach showing the audience all the tricks he claims to have taught Jackie Wilson, Chuck Berry and James Brown. Peterkin does a fine job with the latter three before he wraps it up as Little Richard wailing "Good Golly Miss Molly." Peterkin gets a surprisingly full sound from backup musicians Delores Chambers (keyboards), Gerard Lawson (bass, sax) and DiDi McFadden (drums). Each gets a spot or two with the headliner during the show. Peterkin closes the show as himself, singing "I Believe I Can Fly." By the show's finale, he's been constantly on stage, with only enough time off to make minimal costume changes. But by that time, he's already earned our respect as an engaging entertainer and, yes, the hardest-working man in show business today.
"Brilliantly funny." - Ed McMahon "This guy is really amazing." - Will Smith
THE CORPORATE WORLD IS SAYING!!!! "Pete performed at our 2004 N.S.A. Western Workshop and was terrific. The audience really loved his show!" "Pete has the ability to structure his act to fit the mood of the occasion, and then take it to a level other entertainers only dream about achieving!" "His show drew several standing ovations from our mostly Japanese audience. Mr. Peterkin undeniably has universal appeal!" "I was amazed at his versatility. It's hard to believe one man can do so many things and do them well!" "Aside from a spectacular song and dance show, his impression of Barack Obama was spot on, I really thought it was him!" "We try to use Pete as often as possible. I don't think there's a single star out there today who can match his ability!" |
