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Loading ...Economy blamed for ending Las Vegas drag revue
02.11.2009 9:25am EST
(Las Vegas) The final curtain has fallen on the long-running Las Vegas female impersonators revue “An Evening at La Cage.”
Headliner Frank Marino and the rest of the cast were informed after Monday’s performance that the show was closing immediately, ending a nearly 24-year run.Producer Norbert Aleman says that he is negotiating for a TV show and hopes to reopen the show that features Marino as Joan Rivers.
Riviera Hotel & Casino President Robert Vannucci says he “understands the economic pressures forcing the situation” and says the hotel hopes to announce a new show soon.
“La Cage” opened in September 1985 and became the fourth longest-running show on the Las Vegas Strip.
The Tropicana’s topless revue, “Les Folies Bergere” announced last month that it was closing March 28 after 49 years to make room for an undisclosed new production.
Though a “gay” staple in Las Vegas since the 80s, I’ll admit I was overly unimpressed with Marino’s show. I saw it a few years ago when he was awarded his own street and I remember thinking “He was awarded a street named after him for *this*?” I’m sure back in the 80s it was a site to behold, but with every Tom, Dick, and Harry performing their own Drag Spectacular – with a lot better reviews – it was only a matter of time before La Cage fell, recession or not. Besides – when you’re claim to fame is Joan Rivers – it might help to actually look like her, i.e. Plastic Surgery. The same ol’ tired drag makeup can’t keep up with the number of times that old queen has been under the knife.
No Worries! Cashetta will be opening in Vegas by the end of the month at The Hard Rock! (hope I got the location right!) Gonna miss him here in Fort Lauderdale!