In June, 2000, Edwards, who also performs as Patti LaBelle hosted a remote for KISS-FM at Studio 54 and ended up partying the night away with Oscar de la Hoya and his fiancee and friends.

"I invited Oscar de la Hoya to the show and he said it's a show he always wanted to see. He was with a very pretty lady who was probably his fiancee. It's been in the newspapers that he is about to wed a Hollywood actress. Although he lost his last fight to Mosley, he was in very good spirits and said he was just relaxing in Las Vegas and having a good time, we both sat next to each other in the VIP section. He was dancing with the ladies and enjoying a good cigar. He was very cordial and posed for photographs." - Larry Edwards

In September, 2000, Edwards met Tom Gill during the filming of the FOX TV special.

He's from Virginia, a teacher, and I met him in the VIP area of Studio 54 during the two weeks they were filming "America's Sexiest Bachelor TV special. Tom Gill was a very nice guy. He worked with handicapped kids doing charity work in a foreign country helping surgeons during the summer fix cleft palates on children. He was crowned king of the bachelors.
Excitement was in the air during the two-week event. Imagine 51 bachelors all competing for the ladies' attention. It was the first event of its kind and I'm predicting this will be an annual event.
It was an amazing event and my association with KISS-FM made it possible to meet many of the bachelors. He was voted by an all-women panel of judges. It was very exciting with over 2,000 women in the audiences. I knew who the winner was for a few weeks and didn't tell anybody."
In January 2001, Edwards appeared with Dick Clark at the Vegas NAPTE convention.

On May 6, 2002, Edwards, as Tina Turner, had some publicity pictures taken in front of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign to help celebrate National Tourist Week.

Also in May, 2002, Edwards, as Tina Turner, had his picture taken with Mayor Oscar Goodman.

Lane Lassiter is the only male impersonating a male in the show. The year 2001 marks nine years for the 40 year old Lassiter at La Cage. Born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Lassiter is married with a wife, son, and another child due in June, 2001.

I've been impersonating Michael Jackson since the late '70s. I love doing what I do. People have even told me to drop by Madame Tussaud's to check out the Michael Jackson figure. They say I look more like Michael than the figure does. Somebody brought me photos of the figure, but I didn't think they looked like the real Michael. I'll probably bring my son along to see what he thinks. Mike's the only singer that I've ever heard of to have four No. 1 hits in 12 months. I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save, I'll Be There in 1969 and 1970.

My roots will always be in Chapel Hill. I graduated from Chapel Hill High School. The pop singer James Taylor is probably the most famous entertainer to come out of there. We've had some great sports figures too, like Lawrence Taylor, Michael Jordan and James Worthy." - Lane Lassiter

"I'm having the time of my life, because for the first time in my life this IS my life! I love teaching during the day and I love live performing in the evening. I am a very lucky person.

A workaholic? "With two jobs, you might think so, but I get back so much from the children. My career in education is flourishing . . . and La Cage is the biggest show I've been in so far. I've learned a great deal from the cast. And besides, when you are having fun doing something you love, how can you call it work? The high energy levels of Celine and Cher invigorate me. THey are both such upbeat people, though I admit Cher is on the top of my list as favorite entertainer. I started impersonating her 13 years ago. I even have the same rosary tattoo on my left arm just like her, though she has now removed all her tattoos. Cher had six, including the famous one on her behind, which I also had done, but I have 12 tattoos and plan on getting more." - Steven Wayne

Hailing from Huntington, West Virginia, Wayne taught pre-school in North Carolina before moving to Las Vegas in 1999 to join the cast. He's now a resident kindergarten teacher in the Las Vegas school system, and plans on working on his Masters in Early Child Development, all while perfomring in La Cage.

Chris Woods as Diana Ross

I'm in a show that features the world's best female impersonators and that's what makes me the best at my characters. Every one of us strives to make our act better and better and the audiences appreciate our efforts.

Woods grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and first performed as Natalie Cole in a nightclub when he was 16 years told. "I was paid $10 for my first show and made another $300 in tips. After that show, my bookings went crazy and I spent the next eight years playing clubs all over Florida. Woods left his home state and went on tour with Dance Fever. His travels took him throughout the United States and to South America. When the tour ended, Woods came back home and continued playing local nightclubs. "One night a talent scout stopped me when I got off stage and gave me a letter offering me a spot in La Cage. They wanted me to come to Las Veas and be in the show and I jumped at the chance." Woods started his career impersonating Natalie Cole, Eartha Kitt and Donna Summers, but really hit the limelight when he assumed the character of Diana Ross. "Diana evolved at a hotel called The Wentworth," remembers Woods. "They wanted me to do Diana Ross after an impersonator quit and I've been doing her ever since. Although I've also portrayed Dionne Warwick, Pearl Bailey and Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross is my all-time favorite. She's my idol and the public likes seeing me perform her character. My second favorite is Whitney Houston. When I began my career, this form of entertainment wasn't widely accepted by the public. Now, audiences from all walks of life realize what we do is an art form and true entertainment."

In 1996, eager fans mobbed impersonator Woods when he decided to create some mischief after Diana Ross' concert at the MGM Grand. He decided to test the crowd by appearing in costume as Ross. The experiment proved too successful when autograph hounds forced him to seek refuse in a nearby restaurant.

Sammy Gonzales as Liza Minelli

"When I was 19, I worked at a funeral home. At the time, I thought I'd be a terrific forensic doctor. However, doing makeup and hair for the deceased convinced me I had talents leaning in other directions. Show business! For stability I work at a beauty salon during the day, but during the nights, I now become the diva herself. I transform into the Minnelli persona. I have studied her on tapes and have learned how to perfect her facial features, as well as duplicate her gestures. I walk, talk and dance like Liza 12 times a week! I hail from Northern New Mexico and when people ask me what have I been doing for most of my life, I simply answer 'catering to Debbie Reynolds.' I traveled for several years with Debbie. I did Debbie's hair for the TV movie These Old Broads, and for her appearances on Will and Grace, as well as accompanying her to the Oscars, Emmys, and to Europe. I feel so at home on the stage. It's where I was meant to be. In the show I do New York, New York and Cabaret. I hope all all my fans come to see me." - Sammy Gonzales

"I'm optimistic and I've got good things to say. This guy has had such a career. Sammy Gonzales is the best Liza impersonator I have seen to date. He's uncanny." - Frank Marino

Brent Allen returns to the show in 2003 being one of the very first performers for the original La Cage.

A native of Newport Beach, Allen returns to the show that gave him his big show business break.

"It was my first professional job in Los Angeles. I toured with it a few years under its first producer. Then the current producers, the Alemans, took it over and I was hired to rejoin the show. That lasted a few years over a decade ago. Now, here I am back with the fold and it's great to be back. The cliche, show business is my life pertains to me. I felt I've done it all. I've fulfilled my career aspirations. Yes, I could be content to be a homebody the rest of my life, but if something comes my way, I'll go for it. For instance, I got calls to do The Drew Carey Show and Baywatch Nights. Now there's two credits I never thought I'd havef.

Judy and Bette are two entertainers that have influenced my career the most. From different eras, they are two of the most famous women in show business. Truthfully, if I couldn't be one of them on stage, I'd be working womewhere backstage doing costuming or devoting time to my movie memorabilia collection.

I just love being back at the Riv! This place has so much history. You might say it's the Grande Dame of Las Vegas these days. I am so happy to be a part of the Riviera's very famous show business roster." - Brent Allen, 2003

"We have one right here in Las Vegas and I believe he's the nation's oldest living professional drag queen. His name is Billy Smith and he'll turn 77 on July 28. Billy's been around for years, adding his comedy characters to revues playing throughout the country. Unfortunately, Billy suffered a stroke and is now under doctor's care. He resides at the Eljen Convalescent Home, where he is allowed to receive mail from his fans.

As a special pre-birthday surprise, the kids invited Billy and his nurses to the show and what a surprise it turned out to be! His nurses, Denise and Sharon, wheeled Billy to his special seat. Billy later revealed he had such a great time that it took him out of a depression slump and he'd like to return with all the residents from the home.

A little history. Originally, Billy worked his comedy drag routines for almost 10 years in the show called Campers, which started out at Oil Can Harry's in San Francisco. Then came the Wall-Maes production of Book Tube Review at Vegas World where Billy would knock them dead.

In 1984, Billy starred for almost three years as the comedy act in Boylesque Two in Honolulu, Hawaii. Wall then invited Billy to join the family of Bottom's Up, first at the old Mint, and then at the Gold River in Laughlin. The Riviera followed and then the Flamingo.

The stroke happened while Billy was performing the Flamingo engagement. The industry missed him. He was going to move to be with his two sisters in Phoenix, but decided he would miss the excitement that is Las Vegas. The cast gathered around Billy for a souvenir photograph. The nurses told me the trip did so much for him and the picture is handing on his wall." - Jimmy Emerson

Clockwise around Billy in the center is Jayson Malone, John Bloss, Larry Edwards, Stephen Wayne, Lane Lassiter, Jimmy Emerson, Chris Woods, and Jon Merritt (kneeling).

In October of 2002, Frank Marino (Joan Rivers), Larry Edwards (Tina Turner), and Seven Wayne (Cher), were invited to Kelly Osbourne's 18th birthday party at Lutece at the Venetian.

Kelly and her mother Sharon joined Edwards for Prince's song Star. Wayne performed Believe and Marino let loose with special Rivers-type material for the occasion. Only 100 people were invited to Kelly's party.

"We wined and dined on shrimp and prime rib. Kelly also had a two-tier chocolate cake with pink icing." - Steven Wayne

Jayson Malone as Judy Garland

Jayson Malone impersonates both Bette Midler and Judy Garland.

"Unlike many performers who put on one face for the night, I put on two. I am constantly changing, applying, wiping away and reapplying makeup during each show; however, it's worth the effort . . . everytime I walk out on that stage to entertain, it's a dream come true!" Other cast performers in La Cage also perform two divas, but the makeup is very similar. For instance, Steven Wayne does Celine and Cher. Study them carefully and you'll find similar bone structure. The same applies to Chris Woods who performs Diana Ross and Whitney Houston, and Larry Edwards who portrays Patti LaBelle and Tina Turner. Each is a master at their impersonations." - Jayson Malone

In May, 2002, Malone, as Bette Midler, met with Charo performing at the Sahara and had their picture taken together.

La Cage will be celebrating its 18th Birthday on September 18th.

"I know what Jay Leno must feel like every night - actually any daily talk show host. The monologue. It's your introduction to the audience. I do mine as Joan Rivers, but the material must be topical. OJ Simpson jokes don't cut it anymore. The material must be fresh, almost a take-off on your current headlines. I watch the war jokes, but Hussein will be the butt of one-liners for years to come. This birthday will also mark my 21st year as a drag star! Last year I commissioned a four-color poster feauring my many looks throughout the years. From an early Joan Rivers to a nowadays Joan Rivers, from a Lann Turner look-a-like to a Ru Paul impression, the poster reflects all the looks.

This year I am introducing a Frank Marino Bobble head to the public. Half me, half femme fatale. It's already on sale in the hotel gift shop. Audience members grab them up after each show. It's a great sourvenir, becuase it can only be bought in Las Vegas.

It's hard to believe I've done this show for 18 years! It's a record! My basic goal has always been to go out there and entertain people. I am a comedian. I'm up there telling jokes. So what if I wear a dress? I'm still a comedian and I look forward to the next 18 years doing the same basic thing - entertaining people." - Frank Marino, August, 2003

In November of 2000, Merritt assisted St. Therese Center's Outreach Program to help those affected with AIDS.

"We need new underwear and socks for 635 clients. It's run by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas. I volunteer during my off-time. The center is located in Henderson. I'm not afraid to say that I lost a very close family member to that disease. The St. Therese Center literally feeds them, makes sure that they have medication and that they have the appropriate doctors to see. They also have a food and clothing pantry. We particularly want to help the homeless with HIV. My particular platform is to get them underwear or socks. Father Joseph O'Brian is in charge of this entire project. Dr. Jerry Cade and Dr. Michael Karagiozif are also involved. To donate you can phone the St. Therese Center at (702) 564-4224 or mail them to the St. Therese Center, P.O. Box 90625, Henderson, NV, 89009-0625. THey need new underwear and socks. We hope that some store see this and wants to donate to this project. This is a full bown charitable organization any donations qualify for (501-C) deductions. Anyone can donate now thru Christmas." - Jon Merritt

April 2001 -

"I am the only Liza impersonator that Liza Minnelli actually endorsed. I got the bug to join the Las Vegas La Cage cast again after performing with them in London. The British press called me a 'spot on,' more like Liza than herself, the very essence of Minnelli.

After I graduated from Southwestern Missouri Sate University with a degree in theatre, I worked at MCA Universal as a union hairdresser/makeup artist with such stars as Heather Thomas, Ann Blyth, and Connie Selleca. These were fun years and my act actually began as a joke. Since I was doing hair and makeup, we had a Halloween party at the studio and were asked to come as our favorite 50's movie star. A secretary friend went as James Dean and I escorted as Marilyn Monroe.

I began in La Cage 18 years ago in L.A. Then Milton Berle brought me to Las Vegas to do his HBO special, Milton Berle Invites you to An Evening At La Cage at which time I joined the Las Vegas show and have been with them on and off ever since 1985." - Jon Merritt

Jimmy Emerson & Don Johnson
1997

Jimmy Emerson as
Madonna's Older Sister
9/21/00

Emerson as Tammy Spraynet

Emerson as Rosanne

Emerson as Roseanne, 11/02

In November of 2002, it was announced that producers had an agreement that multi-talented comedian Jimmy Emerson will be the host of the show whenever Marino is unable to perform for any reason, including illness, vacation or a sudden TV appearance. Emerson provides comic relief with original characters Tammy Spraynette and Madonna's larger Sister - one a take-off on country singing stars and the other a satire on pop divas. Also in his stable of personalities are Roseanne and Anna Nicole Smith (aka Manna Nicole).

Although he began his career in live theatre and is well versed in acting, dancing and singing, it was his flair for comedy, when portraying Tammy Spraynette as a member of Bottoms Up, that impressed producer Norbert Aleman, who saw Emerson's performance in 1986, and asked him to join the La Cage case the very next day. Once, the producer took Tammy out of the lineup, but the complaints from people who had specifically brought friends and family to see her started piling up. In just a flicker of a false eyelash, Tammy was back. When asked if he gets bored or tired of doing Tammy Spraynette:

"Tammy has helped me buy four homes, many cars, and made it possible for me to start up my own company. There is nothing funnier than a 250 pound man in a leather bustier."

His newest character Manna Nicole, was set to premiere on Halloween, complete with costume and body shaping by famed designer David Svisco. Word had gotten out about the new full-figured gal, and she is already in demand by conventioneers and promoters alike.

"I was born on April 12 in the high '50s, in a little town outside of Houston called Sealy, like the mattress. I was born on a queen size Sealy mattress. I'm an entertainer, but a comedian first and foremost. I'm single and live in Southeast Vegas. I drive a GMC Jimmy, four wheel drive. I bought it because it has my name on it. I love to pigout on pizza. I love Italian food and once or twice a year I fly to Atlantic City and have veal sorrentino. It's baby vveal sauteed in white wine with eggplant, ricotta cheese and provolone cheese melted over the top with prosciutto hamd served on a bed of angel hair pasta with marinara saude. Its like sex, it is so good!"

My dad is my hero, first and foremost. He taught me to be accepting of all types of people. H e was a roustabout in the oilfields. That's a dirty, rough and tumble job. I was certainly big enough to be a football player, but I wasn't interested. He allowed me to be who I wanted to be. I was interested in ballet, dance and theater. I particularly liked Musical Comedy Theater. He let me go to college and excel in what I wanted. He never made me feel like less of a son because I wasn't a football player, even though he would rather for me to have been a football player.

People think I'm Bill Kirchenbauer from Just the 10 of Us, the old sitcom. When he plays at the Riviera, people come up to me and tell me they saw my show and that I'm really funny and I realize they just saw him."

In June, 2002, the cast of La Cage discovered that a retired female impersonator lives in Vegas.

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