Frank Marino Femme Fatale
For Frank Marino, being a Vegas headliner is the only job he
knows. After 23 years of starring
in An Evening at La Cage, Marino
who impersonates Joan Rivers, has
proven he can withstand the test
of time. I’m not referring to the
countless number of plastic surgeries;
but how genuine star power,
creativity, and hard work can pay off.
“We’ve survived 4 presidents, 2
wars and the turn of a century,”
quips Marino when referring to the
longevity of La Cage. The success
of the show can most notably be
attributed to its ability to change
with the times. When La Cage first
started it featured acts such as Ann-
Margaret, Marilyn Monroe and Julie
Andrews. Today’s line-up includes
more modern artists like Britney
Spears and Jennifer Lopez. “We are
able to modify the show regularly, so
you can come back every six
months and see a completely new
show,” Marino adds.
Marino’s heavy New York accent and
gravely voice sound strikingly similar
to that of Rivers; which leads one to
wonder if after impersonating Joan
for so long, he finds himself slipping
into character when not at work?
“It usually takes me about an hour to
get into character and about an hour
and a half to get out of it!”
Marino admits when he first began
the show, he had reservations about
impersonating the aging Rivers. If
her career were to take a downward
turn, would his impersonations have
to change as well? So, Marino started
doing his opening act as Joan Rivers,
and the rest of the show as himself…Frank Marino in drag. “Just like a
Femme Fatale…” as he refers to it.
Impersonating Joan Rivers may have
made Frank Marino a star, but back
in 1986 it almost ruined his career.
Rivers sued Marino for 5 million
dollars for copyright infringement.“Thank God we settled because I was
like 80 bucks short!” he jokes.
Rivers and Marino have since
patched things up and now remain
great friends.
Marino’s career, much like that of Rivers, remains as dynamic
today as it was 20 years ago. Both hard-working individuals have
continuously reinvented themselves
to appeal to a mass of audiences.
With a true passion for making
people laugh, we can expect to see
Frank Marino around this town for
many years to come.
“I’m hangin' on like Cher for dear
life!” – Frank Marino.
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