|
'An Evening' with Joan/Frank
By Len Butcher
Las Vegas, as its self-proclaimed title of Entertainment Capital of the World denotes, has always offered a wide array of talent, from singing headliners to magicians, to productions shows such as those offered by Cirque du Soleil and more recently Broadway shows. But it also has been home to those acts that play to smaller audiences in smaller venues but are just as entertaining and, in some cases, have proved their popularity by their longevity.
One that stands out is the very entertaining "An Evening at La Cage" at the Riviera, starring Frank Marino, now in his 22nd year with the show and still impersonating his alter ego, Joan Rivers. But he admits to having to go through a number of reinventions. He likes to say, "I've gone through so many reinventions. I should be called 'Joan Reninvention Riviera' Marino!"
Don't let him kid you -- he loves it. And not only does he play the famous comedienne onstage but offstage as well. Marino also is one of the most giving entertainers our town has ever had, always willing to show up to help a good cause or raise funds.
He knows, however, that Rivers is key to his success.
"I've always done Joan Rivers and thank goodness she is still around and hasn't left show business like many celebrities. Her shtick is timeless. If she had gotten Jay Leno's job on 'The Tonight Show.' I would even be bigger. When Joan plays Vegas, our room counts are phenomenal."
Getting back to reinvention, Marino admits that it doesn't always work.
"Reinvention doesn't always work, but it's the mother of success. I tried Fran Drescher and her career went down the toilet. But I am always working on a new monologue and I love bringing new costumes on stage. They help my reinvention.
"The cast members also bring fresh, new approaches to numbers, which are superbly choreographed. We may have the best dancers in Las Vegas. We are currently the only show of its type in Las Vegas and the houses are packed."
Marino says that all of his reinventions can be seen on his four-color poster, celebrating his years in show business.
"I used to have it on sale on my Web site, but now you are lucky if you can find one on eBay. I think I sign more autographs after the show than any other performer on the Strip."
Marino continued," The show is one of the most successful in Las Vegas, when you talk about filling the seats. I think that's because of three things -- the price is reasonable; the entertainers are superb; and we get repeat business from Middle America, believe it or not. I think that a show about female impersonators would not appeal to most people, but the fact that we are portraying superstars and are pretty close to dead-ringers is what people are curious to see and when they see our acts, word of mouth gets out."
You can see "An Evening at La Cage" at 7:30 p.m. daily except Tuesdays. Tickets are $65 plus tax and fee. The Riviera also offers special dinner/show combinations. For information, call 702-794-9433 or 1-800-634-3420. Children under 12 years old are not admitted; children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who is 18 years or older.
|
|
|
