Queens of Rock

ABSOLUTE PERFECTION

By Sam Novak

In 1984, ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT aired a segment that would become one of the most notorious film reviews in history. Critic Leonard Maltin was scheduled to discuss a remake of the beach comedy “Where The Boys Are.” Instead of a detailed analysis, Maltin stood on a beach, tossed a reel of the film into the waves, and walked away wordlessly.

If I were to follow Maltin’s lead for my write-up of QUEENS OF ROCK, I could simply type “It’s perfect!” hit the “publish” button, and then take an afternoon nap. It’s really that good. But star Elyzabeth Diaga and a sizzling live band (Alex Papa, Christian Brady, James Oleson, and Zach Throne) deserve a lot more than a stunt review from a lazy critic.

QUEENS OF ROCK is a journey through decades of hits by powerhouse female artists. Elyzabeth Diaga walks a perfect line between tribute artist and featured headliner. The chart-toppers she delivers will be forever associated with their original artists, but Diaga flavors each song with her own fiery zest. You’ll be tempted to sing along and dance at your seat, but you might miss the wonderful nuances of this star-making performance.

Performing at Mosaic Theater, QUEENS OF ROCK is a non-stop cavalcade of the music you know and love. The star, who hails from Quebec, sails across the stage in a wild collection of leather pants, capes, corsets, boots, and even roller-skates. A veritable symphony of lights, effects, and heart-pounding music, Queens is the kind of ambitious production that deserves as much attention as any star-packed headliner act.

It may be surprising to know that female rockers began as far back as the 1930s. That’s when Sister Rosetta Tharpe defied cultural norms, blending gospel, soul, and R & B into what we refer to as “Rock and Roll.” A young black guitarist/vocalist who caused quite a furor in her day, Sister Tharpe nevertheless became known as the “Godmother of Rock and Roll.”

QUEENS OF ROCK pays tribute to Tharpe, then powers through decades of favorites from Heart, The Pretenders, Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Tina Turner, and Annie Lennox. There are a few unexpected entries like En Vogue, Evanescence, Madonna, and Lady Gaga that’ll keep you wondering who they’ll conquer next.

Fun is definitely one of the defining elements of Queens of Rock. Everyone involved seems to be having a fantastic time, and you will, too. So, when Elyzabeth Diaga takes her throne to close out the show, you’ll agree that Queens of Rock has earned her a place in Las Vegas entertainment royalty.

QUEENS OF ROCK performs Thursday through Monday at 7 pm inside MOSAIC THEATER, 3765 Las Vegas Blvd.