Las Vegas Weekly

June 9, 2009 · 4:01 PM

Former Michael Jackson backup singer lands Mel B role in Peepshow

By Robin Leach

Shoshana Bean.

Photo: Courtesy

With strong Broadway credits in Hairspray and Wicked, Shoshana Bean’s new role in taking over for Mel B in Peepshow looks certain to propel her to overnight Strip stardom. Shoshana confirmed this afternoon that she has accepted Peepshow creator, director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell’s invitation to take the lead role in the adult burlesque cabaret at Planet Hollywood.

As of June 22, Shoshana, 31, will join Playboy platinum blonde beauty Holly Madison, who takes over for Kelly Monaco. Holly and Shoshana will be feted at a grand opening party June 25. Shoshana will fly to Las Vegas tomorrow or Thursday to start rehearsals with Holly and the cast and with Jerry when he returns from London directing work.

Holly and Shoshana have much in common. They both hail from Oregon and were born within 18 months of each other. Holly grew up in Astoria, and Shoshana was born in Beaverton, near Portland. Shoshana comes to Las Vegas after completing a run this past weekend in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in Pittsburgh.

In Broadway circles, Shoshana is best known for her roles in Wicked and Hairspray and for her performance alongside Brian McKnight on the Soul Train: Lady of Soul Awards in honor of Aretha Franklin. Shoshana released her debut solo album Superhero just before Christmas. In its first week, Superhero hit No. 5 on the iTunes R&B charts, making it the only independent album in the Top 100.

Shoshana has been a backup singer for an endless list of superstars including Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Destiny’s Child, Usher, ’N Sync, Ray Charles and Britney Spears. I’m reliably told that Brian, who recently performed here at Mandalay Bay for the David Foster & Friends Concert, will be here to cheer her on during her opening week.

Thanks to YouTube, here's an advance look at Shoshana and a listen to her incredible voice:

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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