 Madonna. Cher. Whitney. Celine.
The mere mention of these names evokes diva status
unrivaled in the pop world.
Until "La Cage," that is.
The Riviera Las Vegas homage to the tradition of the
French cabaret is indeed a celebration of the
diva as an arsenal of female impersonators glam
it up in designer gowns, sky-high wigs and plenty
of lip gloss, eyeliner and mascara.
Not an easy task for the average woman, let alone
man. But this accomplished cast of female impersonators
certainly makes it appear that way.
Frank Marino, as a sassy, sharp-tongued Joan
Rivers, is the show`s emcee. The real Rivers,
however, could only dream to have Marino`s closet
full of opulent designer gowns in every color
under the sun, complete with gorgeous jewelry,
furs and feather boas.
Each segment recreates memorable scenes from
movies, music videos and concerts. Chris Woods,
as a slinky Whitney Houston, emerges in a black
robe a la "The Bodyguard," quickly turning
the number into a disco version of "I Will
Always Love You."
Woods (who also does a supreme Diana Ross impression)
stands better in spikes than any woman has a right
to, and stands so thin and beautiful in his blue-sequined
gown, you`d be hard-pressed to find a female in
the audience that isn`t jealous.
 In his dead-on impressions of Cher and Celine
Dion, Steven Wayne brilliantly captures every
nuance, every facial expression and gesture of
his subjects with aplomb. Wayne offers an uncanny
tribute to Dion`s "My Heart Will Go On,"
complete with the pop superstar`s signature chest
pound.
And as a tattooed, scantily-clad Cher, Wayne
even had Marino musing "Even I don`t know
where she puts it."
The portly Jimmy Emerson, however, was the crowd
favorite. First as Madonna`s "bigger"
sister, and then as Tammy "Spraynet,"
Emerson had the house howling as he pranced around
in his cowgirl outfit, trying to keep his silicone
boobs in check.
Lane Lassiter as Michael Jackson is the show`s
only cast member to perform as a male. A carbon
copy of the King of Pop, the audience oohed and
aahed as Lassiter moonwalked and danced about
to an inspired re-make of Jackson`s "Thriller"
video.
In addition to those listed above, Jayson Malone
as Bette Midler and Judy Garland, Larry Edwards
as Patti LaBelle and Tina Turner, John Bloss as
Reba McIntire and Jon Merritt as Liza Minelli
all give stunning performances. If you`re sitting
in front, you`ll feel the stage shake from all
the energy and enthusiasm expended.
These girls know how to have fun with it. "La
Cage Las Vegas " is an over-the-top evening you`ll never
forget.
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