Divas Starring Frank Marino

Show Review

Queen of the Night

By Caroline Fontein

Frank Marino sizzles in Divas Starring Frank Marino. After starring in "La Cage" at Riviera for more than 20 years, this Vegas icon is taking audiences by storm in his new show at Imperial Palace. During the 75-minute revue, superstar female impersonators portray famous divas including Britney Spears, Cher, Madonna, Dolly Parton, Diana Ross and Beyonce. Marino stars as comic icon Joan Rivers and host of the show.

Divas Starring Frank Marino opens with Lady Gaga's "Let's Dance." A female impersonator portraying Lady Gaga lip-syncs to the chart-topping hit while six attractive male back-up dancers help get the party started on stage. Wearing a short, white, patent leather dress, sparkling glasses and a blonde wig, this Lady Gaga has all the pizzazz of the real performer.

Next, Marino enters to greet the audience and tell a few jokes.

You won't believe what we have going on back stage, says Marino. We have Madonna, Cher and Bette Midler getting ready, and they're all shaving in the same mirror.

As the show's emcee, Marino is sassy, spunky and stunning in his ever-changing wardrobe of extravagant sparkling gowns and feather boas. He puts on a different outfit between each act, bringing an international whirlwind of couture to the stage with every entrance.

"This damn dress is made like a cheap hotel, there's no ballroom," jokes Marino after walking on stage wearing a fitted evening gown.

People watch in amazement as each new female impersonator takes the stage. Although the performers don't sing, they emulate every aspect of the divas they're impersonating from their looks to their signature moves. 

A high-energy soundtrack adds to their exhilarating performances. Every act features a No. 1 hit from your favorite diva including Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)," Britney Spears' "Circus" and Madonna's "Music." Some divas perform solo while other acts also feature the talented back-up dancers.

Later in the show, an impersonator portraying Liza Minnelli brings audience members to their feet with his riveting performance of "New York, New York." His convincing dance moves and facial expressions make it hard to believe he's not actually singing.

Throughout the show, people sing along and dance in their seats to the popular songs. Glitzy costumes, dazzling performers and a soundtrack of chart-topping hits - Divas Starring Frank Marino has it all.