Premiere of ‘Voices: The Danny Gans Story’ Documentary

News Summary

The documentary ‘Voices: The Danny Gans Story,’ directed by Andrew Davies Gans, will premiere at the 28th Annual Dances With Films festival. The film celebrates the life and career of Danny Gans, a beloved Las Vegas entertainer, as seen through the eyes of his son, Andrew. It features interviews with notable figures from the entertainment industry and explores Gans’ contributions and challenges, aiming to honor his legacy in Las Vegas.

Hollywood, California — The documentary Voices: The Danny Gans Story, directed by Andrew Davies Gans, is set to premiere at the 28th Annual Dances With Films festival on June 20 at 5 p.m. at the TCL Chinese Theatre. This film chronicles the life and legacy of Danny Gans, a renowned Las Vegas entertainer, through the perspective of his son, Andrew, who aims to honor his father’s contributions to the entertainment industry.

The documentary took six years to complete and was developed during a significant time in Andrew’s life as he navigated his marriage to Taylyr and welcomed two children, 18-month-old Charlotte and 6-month-old Oliver. Andrew envisions his father, known as “The Man of Many Voices,” receiving a standing ovation, dressed in his distinctive mock-turtleneck and white-topped shoes, reflecting on the star’s remarkable career in entertainment.

Initially, the project began as a revival of Gans’ illustrious career, which spanned over two decades as he captivated audiences with his impressive talent for impressions at multiple prestigious Las Vegas venues, including the Stratosphere, Rio, The Mirage, and Encore Theater at the Wynn. As Andrew worked on the film, he not only aimed to showcase his father’s performances but also to delve deeper into his life as a husband and father.

The documentary features interviews with notable personalities from the entertainment industry, including Donny Osmond, Tony Orlando, and Clint Holmes. It also includes reflections from the late comic Louie Anderson and R-J columnist Norm Clarke, along with Danny’s longtime manager Chip Lightman and several of his backing musicians, providing a rich tapestry of narratives around the legendary performer.

Andrew, who was just 19 years old when his father passed away from chronic pain and multiple health issues in May 2009, seeks to address the public’s lack of recognition for Danny Gans in Las Vegas. He underscores the absence of a fitting tribute, such as a street named after his father or a statue commemorating Gans’ contributions to the city.

Throughout the filmmaking process, Andrew reflected on his father’s endurance through a host of injuries, including chronic pain, known colloquially as “Vegas Throat,” arthritis, and back issues that ultimately affected Gans’ performance capabilities. This journey of exploration offered Andrew valuable insights into his father’s resilience and strong work ethic, which he hopes will resonate with the audience.

Through Voices: The Danny Gans Story, Andrew aims not only to celebrate his father’s career but also to fulfill the tribute that the city of Las Vegas has yet to provide. By highlighting the emotional and physical challenges faced by Gans, the documentary offers a unique perspective on the life of an entertainer whose legacy continues to inspire.

As anticipation builds for the premiere, tickets for the screening can be purchased via the Dances With Films website. All eyes will be on the TCL Chinese Theatre as the audience comes together to honor a man whose influence on the world of entertainment remains significant.

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Additional Resources

• Las Vegas Review-Journal: Las Vegas Headliners Career Revisited in Son’s Documentary
• Wikipedia: Danny Gans
• Awards Radar: 28th Annual Dances With Films LA Announces Lineup
• Google Search: Danny Gans
• Playbill: In Memoriam – Remembers Those We Lost in 2009
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Danny Gans