Boyz II Men

What is it?

A show from the ’90s era R&B super group Boyz II Men, whose hits inclued “I’ll Make Love To You,” “Motownphilly,” and “End of the Road.”

Where is it?

In a big theater at The Mirage on the Center Strip.

Is it worth the cost?

Absolutely – this is one of the best values in town.

Why should I see this show?

Because you like Boyz II Men or because you enjoy a good show.

What else do I need to know?

Be careful when you see the roses come out – you might get hurt.

What’s the bottom line?

A terrific concert with terrific energy at a terrific price.

How’s this for a bit of trivia? In 1992 Boyz II Men broke a record that had formerly been held by Elvis Presley for the most weeks at number one on the Billboard charts when their single “End of the Road” stayed at the top for 13 weeks. That record was broken in 1994 by themselves when “I’ll Make Love To You” spent 14 weeks at number one… and then they broke the record again in 1995 when their duet with Mariah Carey, “One Sweet Day” stayed at number one for 16 weeks. That record still stands today nearly 20 years later.

In other words, Boyz II Men had some serious game back in their day. The good news is that while their dominance of the radio charts may have ended, they still rule over the Las Vegas showroom at The Mirage, putting on a show that is energetic, entertaining, funny, emotional, and filled will some amazing vocal talent.

The staging here is pretty simple. There is some video now and then but for the most part you’ve got the three remaining members of the group – Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman – singing and dancing like they are still the teenagers they were when they had their huge hits.

Almost all of them are here – “Motownphilly,” “It’s so Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,” “End of the Road,” “On Bended Knee,” “A Song for Mama,” and “I’ll Make Love To You,” to mention a few. Their harmonies, although enhanced by backup singers, are still tight and when the individual members step out front for solos they really show off their skills. A couple of a capella songs including “Still of the Night” prove that these guys can sing.

But it’s not all just Boyz II Men back catalogue. They spend a big chunk of the show doing Motown hits, complete with classic Temptations style choreography. Hearing the group tear through songs like “Just My Imagination,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” “I’ll Be There,” and other hits of the era is a nice touch for a group that made its name on the Motown label.

Beyond the vocals is the personality. The guys are fun and funny, cracking jokes, teasing one another like brothers, and interacting with the audience to a level that I haven’t seen in a concert in a long, long time. They wade out into the aisles and shake hands, hug people, and pose for selfies while they are singing without missing a note.

And of course there’s the part where they sing “I’ll Make Love To You” while handing out roses to women in the audience. Feel free to bum-rush the stage but just be aware that there are people standing next to you who are willing to fight for one of those roses. I saw some moments that seemed to be a hair’s breadth away from slapping and hair pulling.

I will admit that I was never a huge fan of Boyz II Men, but I am happy to say that I am now.