Vegas Popular

Today we catch up with 'Queen of the Strip' Frank Marino, seen here with Mary Lou Retton, and the cast of his world-famous 'An Evening With La Cage' show that has been entertaining crowds on the Strip for more than 20 years. Frank was recently on Penn Gillette's new game show, 'Identity.'

Frank and friends sit down with PR Guru Wayne Bernath to talk about the show and how current events like Anna Nicole Smith's untimely death change the show.

FRANK'S NEW NEIGHBOR MOONWALKS
"My new neighbor next door is Michael Jackson. It's very strange that they have the `Queen of the Strip' and the `King of Pop' living on the same block. We have Michael Jackson's longest running impersonator Lane Lassiter who has been in the show since day one."

"I said, `You could come over and we could go next door and borrow a cup of sugar. If we get yelled at we will just moonwalk out of his yard.' The show is going strong in its 22nd year. The show is all brand new. I have a new monologue where I'm talking about Donald Trump and Rosie O'Donnell having arguments and I say, `Hey, let the best man win!'"

"I'm still getting my plastic surgery. I have my plastic surgeon on speed dial. I have to do that because we have such young people coming into the show like Britney Spears and people like that. This show is reasonably priced too. I also talk about Britney Spears shaving her head and looking like Howie Mandel in drag. You can purchase tickets at frankmarino.com where also include updates on `La Cage."

FOX CONTACTS MJ
The FOX Network contacted Lane Lassiter (above right) to show up at a moon-walking contest at the Fremont Street Experience whereas the contestants see who can Moonwalk the longest. Lane Lassiter believes they just wanted him there to add to the ambiance of the event.

ANNA NICOLE'S IMPERSONATOR
Frank Marino's understudy, Jimmy Emerson, was deeply saddened since among a cavalcade of celebrities he also performed as Anna Nicole Smith at the Riviera.

He said, "I do `Madonna's Big Sister' and `Tammy Spraynette' which is a combination of all the big-haired country singers from the '60s and the '70s a little bit Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn. I won't be impersonating Anna Nicole Smith any longer. We had to take her out of the show out of respect. Everyone at `La Cage' has always respected her. I met her in LA when she was at her biggest size and they were looking for people to impersonate her for a comedy part. I went dressed as Anna Nicole and met her six years ago. She was stunningly gorgeous. I told her `you are absolutely beautiful, Anna Nicole.' The movie was `Wasabi Tuna.'" The film is out on DVD.

Jimmy will be subbing for Frank in July as Roseanne, who just started a six-week run in Vegas.

CHART TOPPERS
Kenneth Blake performs as Madonna and Dolly Parton and wishes Dolly would tour more often. "I'm very upset because Dolly Parton played in Primm and I missed the concert. She needs to tour Las Vegas more often."

LIFE IS A COLOSSEUM, OLD CHUM
Caesars Palace headliner Celine Dion is taking indefinite time off at the end of this year with Cher and Bette Midler have been rumored to replace her in rotation. That has 'La Cage' cast mates Brent Allen and Steven Wayne excited. Both pull double duty in the show: Brent as the Divine Miss M and Judy Garland and Steven as Cher and Celine Dion. Brent tries to stay current on his alter-egos noting that "Bette Midler was recently on 20/20 defending eco-systems in Hawaii."

SHAVING GRACE
As the Britney Spears performer, Derrick Barry gets a lot of questions about Britney's shaved head. "I think that she is just reinventing herself. She's making a new look for herself,' he said. "I'm pleased with whether she has hair or doesn't."

MCENTIRE, ROSS AND HOUSTON WITH A LITTLE BIT OF KNOWLES

In what sounds like the name of a law firm, Ryan Zink performs as Reba McEntire and Crystal Woods performs as Diana Ross, Whitney Houston and Beyonce on occasion. Crystal said, "I came from Florida and began performing in `La Cage' when it opened in 1985. Diana Ross is back on tour. I also do a little Beyonce. We've been helping charitable organizations like Golden Rainbow with fund-raisers."

About the Show: Known for spot on perfromances and a lavish wardrobe, 'An Evening with La Cage' revue has been entertaining the masses for 22 years and won many awards. Frank's wardrobe was designed by the legendary Bob Mackie. Looking for a good time, check out Frank's site at frankmarino.com

Tomorrow's Tease: The girls of X have been labeled Xotic and Xciting but just what is a day like in their lives. LUXE Life has the hour by hour countdown of the dancing beauties who hold court at the Flamingo with their sexy show.

Also Pop-ular in Vegas Right Now:
- LUXE LIFE: Hugh Hefner in Vegas
- LUXE LIFE: Why I Love Vegas By George Wallace
- AOL Vegas: Pussycat Dolls Casino in Vegas

Share This Little Slice of Vegas:
Subscribe to Vegas Pop RSS Feed
Digg! This Story
Add to Netscape
Add to del.icio.us

Technorati Tags: las vegas celebrity vegas shows frank marino the riviera la cage female impersonators