Singer, comedian and impressionist Don Coulombe’s holiday show runs at Resorts to Dec. 20.
Don Coulombe, at Resorts with his Christmas show through Dec. 20.
Singer-comedian Don Coulombe created the stage name “Don Who?” in response to people who couldn’t pronounce his French last name and it has worked for him since 1988. Before beginning his own variety show, he was the drummer, singer and composer for the New England based band Fox. He is also a regular performer in the popular Las Vegas show V: The Ultimate Variety Show. Originally from the White Mountains in New Hampshire, naming his holiday-themed show after his home region was a natural fit. Now, Coulombe has brought his show Christmas From the White Mountains to Resorts. In an interview with Atlantic City Weekly he talked about his show and his reaction to the news reports post-Sandy.
Tell us about your Christmas show.
It’s got a little of everything. While it is 75 percent Christmas songs, it has an Elvis Presley tribute and it has some Bobby Darin stuff in it and a tribute to Dean Martin. I also do a tribute for the survivors of Hurricane Sandy and a tribute to our veterans with “God Bless America.”
What are your favorite Christmas songs?
My favorites are in the show — “White Christmas,” “The Christmas Song,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and “Mary, Did You Know?” That last one is an audience favorite. It’s a newer Christmas song. I have more people wanting to buy my CDs because of that particular song.
Where were you during Hurricane Sandy?
I was in Massachusetts and our home got a little wet; it was bad up there also. I came back that Saturday after the storm [Nov. 3] when the casinos reopened. I was amazed that the Boardwalk was still there because of all the news reports that said that the Boardwalk was destroyed. I was looking at Al Roker and saying ‘What casino is he standing in front of?’ Then I got here and saw that it was down past Revel [where the Boardwalk was damaged]. I called everybody I knew and told them, “There is nothing wrong with the Boardwalk.”
Is this your first time performing in Atlantic City?
I love Atlantic City. My wife and I come down here often. I’ve done private shows at the Hilton [now Atlantic Club] but as far as being hired to do a seven-week stretch, this is the first time for that length of time.
How did you start doing musical impressions?
I started performing at 12 with my brother and I had a show band for many years [Fox]. Then back in 1988 I started doing the Don Who? Show. Playing in a band all those years, you have to copy other artists so I got pretty good at doing impressions. I do a lot of comedy in my show and I think my comedy is stronger than my impressions.
Why did you come up with the stage name ‘Don Who?’
The Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority offers the following suggestions to "DO AC Free For The Holidays."
If you’ve ever seen a performance by local entertainer Charlie Prose, and quickly became a fan, there are a couple of quick assumptions that might be made. You’ve probably traveled extensively on tour buses that have played his best-selling videos and you know what they call the cardboard tube in a roll of toilet paper (It’s a tu-ta-roo, by the way. Well, if it’s decorated).
Mitchell Etess, CEO of the Indian Tribe casino company, which operates casinos in Connecticut and Pennsylvania, says it's the perfect time for a strategic partnership with Resorts and get back into the Atlantic City market.
Newly named president and CEO of Resorts Atlantic City, Gary Van Hettinga, makes it clear that Atlantic City's oldest casino is an "asset that has a lot of potential."
The hottest people and coolest happenings around the Atlantic City region. This week, Carrie Underwood, Wolfgang Puck and Savor Borgata, Afrojack at HQ plus more!
Atlantic City is staring down the barrel of Labor Day weekend after experiencing the single most diverse array of live entertainment ever presented here during one summer. Not just during the last 34 summers of the casino era, either, but throughout its entire gaudy, bawdy and, occasionally tawdry 160-year-old past.
A comprehensive listing of entertainment coming to the Atlantic City casinos, Boardwalk Hall and Bader Field.
Article:
Carvey’s World
Article:
The Wrecking Crüe
Article:
Robin Leach to
Make Millionaires in Atlantic City
Article:
At Last!
Article:
New in June: The Social Concert Series
Article:
Laughing with George Lopez
Article:
Fight Night at Boardwalk Hall
Article:
Adrenaline Rush
1. Anonymous said... on Nov 21, 2012 at 04:19PM
“Saw the show at Resorts - on a scale of 1 to 10 , this show is about a 3. He needs some help on the stage - reminded us when we were kids and would put on a "SHOW" and left the stage to change. Not having anything on the stage but a video while Don was gone is slightly "cheesy".”
2. Anonymous said... on Nov 25, 2012 at 09:45AM
“Don Who's "Christmas from the White Mountains" Show was versatile and entertaining from start to finish. It had something for everyone of all ages. A great way to celebrate the holidays!”
3. Dave L said... on Nov 25, 2012 at 10:36AM
“I've been seeing Don Who? perform for many years and this performance is a wonderful showcase of his many talents. His singing is beautifully moving. When he tells a joke, his comic timing is impeccable; he's such a fantastic storyteller! I love the way his shows manage to balance humor and seriousness-- and no one does audience participation quite like Don Who?
This particular show really brings out the child in me-- I particularly love his renditions of Christmas songs. He's a performer with the rare gift of making you feel warm and comfortable from the moment he enters the stage, and I'm always sad to see him go! I'd recommend this show to all kids from 1 to 92 :)”
4. Anonymous said... on Nov 25, 2012 at 10:37AM
“My wife and I attended the "Don Who?" show a few weeks ago. We enjoyed the variety of songs he performed. His ability to connect with the audience was excellent. I was concerned that the show would be all Christmas music but it was a nice mix of everything. I really enjoyed "My Dad" which brought back wonderful memories of my own father. We would definitely go to another "Don Who?" show.”
5. Anonymous said... on Nov 25, 2012 at 11:45AM
“Great show! It was just what I needed to get us into the Christmas spirit. His vocals are great...gave me the chills.”
6. Anonymous said... on Nov 25, 2012 at 11:53AM
“We had a great time! My children really enjoyed the show - I would recommend this to anyone who needs a Christmas Spirit lift!! :)”
7. Sue D. said... on Nov 26, 2012 at 10:09AM
“Wonderful show!.My boyfriend and i were down and out after the storm so we went to see the Don Who? Christmas Show at Resorts. Don Who? does a great variety show, he has a beautiful voice, his impressions we right on, and his comedy and stories about his wife and family were very funny. Thank you Don Whoever you are for helping us forget about our problem for an hour or so, we will go see you again.Your new fan's.Sue and Dave”
8. Tony Pace said... on Nov 26, 2012 at 03:54PM
“Congratulations my friend. You deserve all the success. I had no doubt that you would be a hit and will continue to make people happy with your warmth and talent.”
9. Peter B said... on Nov 26, 2012 at 06:09PM
“I saw the show with my girlfriend and it was entertaining from start to finish. It had laughs, serious moments and was a real showcase of Don Who's talents (which were many). It got us ready for the Xmas season and anyone looking for a great show in AC has to check it out!!”
10. Anonymous said... on Nov 26, 2012 at 11:26PM
“By far an amazing show!! Don makes you realize the love of family,and he truly is so real with his stories that make you laugh. Christmas in the white mountains is a great show!! Don't miss it”
11. "Bobby G" (Bob Gauvreau) said... on Nov 26, 2012 at 11:36PM
“Don, Kathy and I were so happy to read the great review regarding your show! Congrats to you and your success in Atlantic City. You certainly deserve it, my friend! I only wish we could be there. You're a great guy and so very talented! Hopefully our paths will cross again in The White Mountains of New Hampshire. To your continued success......”
12. Fred L said... on Nov 27, 2012 at 10:37AM
“Great show!! It really puts you in the holiday spirit!”
13. Andy Dubuque said... on Nov 27, 2012 at 12:52PM
“I had the pleasure of meeting you at your resort in the White Mts. With Yves. Enjoyed your show then and I am sure I would really enjoy your show now. Happy for you. Merry Christmas.”
14. Betty Jones said... on Nov 28, 2012 at 01:44PM
“Caught your show last night, wow!!" your amazing", it's hard to believe that one man can do all that.One of the best variety shows i've seen in years, good luck with the rest of your shows in Atlantic City. WOW!!!!!!!”
15. Carol Hamlin Buczek said... on Dec 2, 2012 at 06:07PM
“I brought a bus group down to Resorts to see this show and the passengers loved it! They agreed it was a terrific way to get into the holiday spirit with the Christmas season approaching. I've known Don for a number of years from his days in the White Mountains and he never fails to put a smile on my face. You are a terrific performer Don and I am thrilled for your success. Keep up the great work and you will continue to make people happy.”
16. Anonymous said... on Feb 10, 2013 at 10:56AM
“There were plenty of things that went wrong, during this show. The fog machine went haywire and his canned music player shut down during a song.
After viewing a portion of this show, a small group of us couldn't bear another moment and we had to walk out. We were embarrassed for this guy. The stage was just too large for this entertainer "wanna be". He is a novelty act at best and was way out of his element.
We all were asking ourselves why any Atlantic City Casino would actually hire such a weak performer. The more we thought about it the more we became convinced that he must have rented the stage, during the Casino's slowest season.
Thankfully the admission tickets were complimentary or we would have sought a refund for sure.
”