The Broadway-style comedy Pawn Shop Live! is a parody of the story behind the History Channel’s reality smash hit “Pawn Stars,” and is created by Emmy award winning producer Derek Stonebarger.
The production is based on the story of the world famous Gold and Silver Pawn, located in Las Vegas. The stars of the television show have endorsed the production, even making regular appearances at the venue.
Basically, Pawn Shop Live! takes a “before they were stars” approach. “Slick Garrison” recounts his childhood growing up with “Old Fart,” and how they eventually came to run quite possibly the most famous pawn shop in the world. Additionally, we get to see how “Lil Boss” and “Chump” developed their bond over an obscure comic book.
The show has seven live actors and dancers, as well as a puppet. The on-stage characters are lampooned versions of Rick Harrison, Austin “Chumlee” Russell, Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison and Richard “The Old Man” Harrison-better known as Slick, Chump, Lil Boss and Old Fart.
The Old Fart character is played by a puppet while the rest of the characters are played by actors who fairly well resemble their real life counterparts. The “Chump” character in particular deserves props for, if nothing else, nailing the voice of Chumlee.
I went into the show thinking it would either be a great time or a total train wreck. And honestly, it’s a little of both. But if you are a fan of the show, and are not expecting a Cirque type production, it might be right up your alley. Someone commented it was like community theater, and I think that observation was spot on. And there is nothing wrong with that. It had it’s funny moments and the actors all seem to enjoy what they are doing. The best part is that the entire cast was right there in the front row watching. I even spotted “experts” Mark Hall-Patton and the comedian Murray in the crowd as well.
If you are not a fan of the real Pawn Stars, it might not really resonate. But like I said, if you are a big fan, it is worth checking out, especially since the real life stars are said to be making regular appearances as well.
Pawn Shop Live! will be staged in the Gordie Brown Showroom, an intimate, 600-seat theater inside the Golden Nugget.
Tickets for Pawn Shop Live!, are on sale now and are priced at $24.95, $29.95 and $39.95 (tax and fees are additional) and can be purchased by calling the Golden Nugget Box Office or visiting www.goldennugget.com or www.pawnshopshow.com.
During and after the show, I had the opportunity to talk and take some pictures with entire cast of Pawn Stars.
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