PRESS RELEASE (DECEMBER 1999)

Singer Easton to join Cassidy in new show

By Michael Paskevich

Review-Journal

Singer Sheena Easton will join David Cassidy as co-star of his upcoming Broadway-styled show at the Rio when it debuts Jan. 18. "From here out she's going to be 50 percent of the whole concept," said Cassidy, following an introduction of Easton before a lunch gathering in the circular Copacabana show room at the Rio.

"From the music to the theatrics and the staging, this show (`At the Copa') will create a new blend of Broadway-type entertainment that hasn't been seen before in Las Vegas," said Cassidy, a teenage heart-throb in TV's "Partridge Family" in the '70s who went on to perform on Broadway in dramatic works such as "Blood Brothers." He moved to Las Vegas to take the lead in the "EFX" production show at the MGM Grand in 1997, replacing Michael Crawford and reviving theproduction with more modern music, stronger staging and a palpable plot.

Easton, hidden behind a multicolored curtain as Cassidy praised her talents, noted she has never worked with Cassidy but added she is impressed with his skills both on Broadway and in "EFX." "The light bulb just came on," said Cassidy, who initially intended to be the show's only marquee name. "During rehearsals, it became more and more apparent that we needed a special talent who can take a 50-50 role in this show. We needed someone who, after I leave the stage, can come right in and take command. And she can." Cassidy, 50, added, "I'll be singing some of my hits, she'll be singing hers and, of course, we will be singing together."

Easton, 40, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, where her career began with her portrayal of a singer in a 1980 BBC television special. Her first No. 1 hit in the United States was "Train (Nine to Five)" in 1981. The same year, she sang the title track for the James Bond film, "For Your Eyes Only." Easton counted Las Vegas showrooms among her regular stops during a touring career that still finds her playing up to 200 concerts a year. She also played a lead in the musical "Man of La Mancha" on Broadway. She has two children,ages 4 and 11, and has been living in Seattle. "It will be nice to be performing in one place," Easton said. Nineteen musicians will bring the cast count to more than 30 in a story Cassidy said has one foot in the by-gone swing era and the other in modern times.

The musical, co-produced by Cassidy and Don Reo, will open Jan. 18 and play two shows most nights.