 Madonna. Cher. Whitney. Celine.
The mere mention of these names evokes diva status unrivaled in the pop world.
Until "La Cage," that is.
The Riviera Las Vegas homage to the tradition of the French cabaret is indeed a celebration of the diva as an arsenal of female impersonators glam it up in designer gowns, sky-high wigs and plenty of lip gloss, eyeliner and mascara.
Not an easy task for the average woman, let alone man. But this accomplished cast of female impersonators certainly makes it appear that way.
Frank Marino, as a sassy, sharp-tongued Joan Rivers, is the show`s emcee. The real Rivers, however, could only dream to have Marino`s closet full of opulent designer gowns in every color under the sun, complete with gorgeous jewelry, furs and feather boas.
Each segment recreates memorable scenes from movies, music videos and concerts. Chris Woods, as a slinky Whitney Houston, emerges in a black robe a la "The Bodyguard," quickly turning the number into a disco version of "I Will Always Love You."
Woods (who also does a supreme Diana Ross impression) stands better in spikes than any woman has a right to, and stands so thin and beautiful in his blue-sequined gown, you`d be hard-pressed to find a female in the audience that isn`t jealous.
 In his dead-on impressions of Cher and Celine Dion, Steven Wayne brilliantly captures every nuance, every facial expression and gesture of his subjects with aplomb. Wayne offers an uncanny tribute to Dion`s "My Heart Will Go On," complete with the pop superstar`s signature chest pound.
And as a tattooed, scantily-clad Cher, Wayne even had Marino musing "Even I don`t know where she puts it."
The portly Jimmy Emerson, however, was the crowd favorite. First as Madonna`s "bigger" sister, and then as Tammy "Spraynet," Emerson had the house howling as he pranced around in his cowgirl outfit, trying to keep his silicone boobs in check.
Lane Lassiter as Michael Jackson is the show`s only cast member to perform as a male. A carbon copy of the King of Pop, the audience oohed and aahed as Lassiter moonwalked and danced about to an inspired re-make of Jackson`s "Thriller" video.
In addition to those listed above, Jayson Malone as Bette Midler and Judy Garland, Larry Edwards as Patti LaBelle and Tina Turner, John Bloss as Reba McIntire and Jon Merritt as Liza Minelli all give stunning performances. If you`re sitting in front, you`ll feel the stage shake from all the energy and enthusiasm expended.
These girls know how to have fun with it. "La Cage Las Vegas " is an over-the-top evening you`ll never forget.
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