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Do you enjoy celebrity
impersonators? If so, “have we got a show for you!”.
Only… you’ll have to
wait until next year to see it.
Each year the
INTERNATIONAL GUILD OF CELEBRITY IMPERSONATORS
AND TRIBUTE ARTISTS has a convention where Celebrity
Impersonators and “Look-a-likes” from all over the world come to mingle,
schmooze and perform all weekend long.
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As a representative of
Vegas Community Online, I attended this year’s closing event, an awards
banquet and show.
As I walked into the banquet area a Bette Midler CD
could be heard playing in the background, but soon after, I was
pleasantly surprised to learn that it was actually SHERIE RAE PARKER
I was listening to, a Bette Midler Impressionist, WOW! Fooled me. |
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After cocktails and schmoozing, dinner began. During the incredible
five course meal, including a Steak and Shrimp dinner with all the trimmings
and desserts “to die for” (Apparently the chef and his staff were not
impersonators, but the real thing!) the evening began with
GEORGE DARE and his Vegas’s Centennial composition of “Shine Vegas Shine’, which was followed by BO WAGNER as Frank Sinatra, with his band
entertaining throughout dinner. After the wonderful meal and the
sensational performance by BO WAGNER, the Award presentations began |
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During the show, STEPHEN SORRENTINO’s comedic
styling were worth the price of admission in itself. He is a wonderfully
creative entertainer with a brilliant mind and kept us all in stitches
during the course of the evening. Stephen also won this year’s “Best Male
Celebrity Impressionist” award. |
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Like most award shows,
there was a lot of “Thank you” speeches, many of which deservingly went to
BEA FOGELMAN, editor and agent for the “Entertainment Network” for the
incredible support and assistance that she has given to so many entertainers
over the years.
Also, during the Awards
there were several people that were acknowledged for “Special achievements.”
They included:
BEA FOGELMAN,
JOHN STUART and PETER BANKS
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This year BEA FOGELMAN
received a “Lifetime Achievement Award” (which I understand, is usually
given to people who are about to retire), but in Bea’s own words “This lady
is not ready to go yet”. Well, we at VCO would also like to acknowledge Bea
for her untiring and unselfish work in the entertainment industry year after
year. Brava Bea! |
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Also recognized was
JOHN STUART. If you are not aware, it was JOHN STUART who created and
produced the Legends in Concert shows. The award given to him was for
his “Excellent Contribution to the Entertainment Industry”. His creative
genius brought literally hundreds of Legends in Concerts shows around
the world, giving audiences a chance to see some of their favorite artists
“perform” through the talent of quality the casts of Impressionists.
Millions of people have seen these shows and his vision is still going
strong today! He is truly a remarkable man! |
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Last, but certainly not
least was
PETER
BANKS (an Austin Powers Impersonator) who was recognized for
his continuous charity work. I have heard said that “Peter has never said
“no” to a charity that needs to raise funds. Well... all we can say to Peter
is “You’re Groovy Baby”. |
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Following the banquet
and award presentations was a remarkable show of celebrity impersonators.
All of which appeared to be “at the top of their game”, perhaps, because
they were performing in a room filled with their peers. The amount of talent
in that room was INCREDIBLE!
Particularly most
appealing both visually and vocally were
ART VARGAS as Bobby Darin and MARK MAYNARD as Frankie Vallie. These two entertainers brought a
smile to my face and a return to my youth.
So by all means, do
yourself a favor and watch for this fabulous event next year. It will be
(like this year) open to the public, and a MUST see for all!!!!
Reviewed by Marleen Marino / Publisher VCO
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