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Wedal Jackson, performs as Diana Ross at Seven Feathers Casino, Thursday.
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ENLARGE
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"Jewel Box Revue" performers, from left, Dennis Russell, Wendal Jackson, Alex Serpa and Cody Collins perform the opening act at Seven Feathers Casino, Thursday.
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CANYONVILLE — The disco balls were spinning; the lights dimmed.
Four long-legged ladies took the stage in high heels and sequined, cleavage-baring, fire-red dresses. Dangerously high slits revealed toned thighs.
Their styled hairdos reached record heights. Eight pairs of fake eyelashes nearly skimmed foreheads with each blink and the lips of four crimson mouths shone in the spotlights— glamorous.
As the music boomed through the speakers and 80 percent of the audience members turned down hearing aids, the four ladies snapped their fingers and simultaneously swayed their muscular arms to the rhythm.
As the music continued and eyes adjusted to the dazzling stage, it was obvious: The four “women” were not really women at all.
The unrealistic girth of their biceps and the straight shot of their torsos, skipping waists altogether, exposed the gender illusion. The performers, despite thickly padded hips, still lacked the feminine curves of a woman.
“This is not brain surgery, this is not rocket science; this is just men in wigs,” said the mistress of ceremonies Dennis Russell, who is a singer, comedian and impressionist.
Currently showing in the Cabaret Lounge at Seven Feathers Hotel and Casino Resort through July 20 is “The Jewel Box Revue,” a female impersonation show.
It’s the first time Canyonville has hosted a show of its type.
As performers took turns lip-synching and singing to hits by Diana Ross, Dolly Parton and Reba McIntire, Russell cracked lewd jokes in between songs.
At one point the drag queen appeared on stage as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.
“Where else you gonna go on Tuesday night and see a 50-year-old man in pigtails and a gingham dress?” Russell asked the audience. “I’m sure I’m breaking some rule here in Canyonville.”
The audience cheered and laughed as female impersonator Alex Serpa lip-synched to Celine Dion’s “I’m Your Lady” and “I Drove All Night,” and then later appeared as Cher, donning that infamous thong-singlet and thigh-high black boots.
Coti Collins, who toured with country star Reba McIntire as the latter’s double for her 1996-97 tour had the audience in hysterics when he sang McIntire’s hit, “Fancy.”
And when Russell yelled into the microphone, “Direct from the Betty Ford Center— here’s Whitney!” Wendal Jackson actually sang parts of “I Will Always Love You” instead of lip-synching.
Russell also opened the floor for the audience to ask tough questions. We learned that he wears a size 14 high-heel shoe, among other important details.
A mix of humor and martinis inspired laughter throughout the show. One white-haired gentleman sporadically bobbed his head to the music.
At the end, people rushed into the lobby to have their pictures snapped with the performers.
Stephanie and George Roberts drove from Roseburg and thought the show was “great.”
“Tina Turner had great legs,” said George Roberts.
The four impersonators returned to the lounge after their fans had departed to discuss, in a more serious tone, all the components and misconceptions of female impersonators.
The men have impressive biographies and have graced stages across the United States. All four agreed that they do not choose their characters, but their characters choose them, based on physical attributes.
Russell, 50, performed at the Grand Ole Opry.
“I know it was quite a shock to Nashville,” he said, laughing.
The four told personal stories of how they became intrigued with costumes and makeup years ago. They then discussed the Canyonville experience.
Jackson has performed in half a dozen shows for Greg Thompson Productions, the company that lends its talents to Seven Feathers for lounge acts.
He said Thompson came to him and asked him to round up three good guys who would be able to create the lighthearted touch that would make the show successful in South County.
Jackson, 47, is from Portland and was familiar with the area. He knew there had never been a female impersonation show in Canyonville. He offered insight to the three other men he chose for the show.
“So how are they going to take it?” thought Russell of the reaction they would receive in South County before they began their six-week stint at Seven Feathers.
“It’s always nice to change the perception of what people think of us,” said Collins, 42.
The four wanted the show to be humorous and entertaining first and foremost.
Jackson explained that people have a “curiosity” but don’t believe a man could step onstage and sing like Tina Turner.
“In their minds, they think, ‘Could people transform themselves?”’ said Jackson, who added that by the end of the show, audience members are either cheering or have already left.
“A couple guys will get up and leave— and that’s fine,” he said.
“It goes with the territory,” said Collins.
Serpa, 37, added, “That’s with any show.”
The four friends are unruffled in person. They fussed with their diamonds, examined their fingernails and sipped bottled water while conversing. Their flamboyant personalities had all but disappeared.
For the most part, the cast of “They Jewel Box Revue” has been enjoying the weather and their beautiful surroundings, the men said. The busy schedule of twice-nightly shows feeds their attention-craving personas.
“The drug is the applause,” said Serpa.
The performers have also been taking full advantage of the hotel amenities and said they have been hitting the gym.
And with that comment, Russell’s feminine side revealed itself.
“I’ve lost 16 pounds in three weeks,” he said excitedly.
• You can reach reporter Cara Pallone at 957-4208 or by e-mail at cpallone@nrtoday.com.
Four long-legged ladies took the stage in high heels and sequined, cleavage-baring, fire-red dresses. Dangerously high slits revealed toned thighs.
Their styled hairdos reached record heights. Eight pairs of fake eyelashes nearly skimmed foreheads with each blink and the lips of four crimson mouths shone in the spotlights— glamorous.
As the music boomed through the speakers and 80 percent of the audience members turned down hearing aids, the four ladies snapped their fingers and simultaneously swayed their muscular arms to the rhythm.
As the music continued and eyes adjusted to the dazzling stage, it was obvious: The four “women” were not really women at all.
The unrealistic girth of their biceps and the straight shot of their torsos, skipping waists altogether, exposed the gender illusion. The performers, despite thickly padded hips, still lacked the feminine curves of a woman.
“This is not brain surgery, this is not rocket science; this is just men in wigs,” said the mistress of ceremonies Dennis Russell, who is a singer, comedian and impressionist.
Currently showing in the Cabaret Lounge at Seven Feathers Hotel and Casino Resort through July 20 is “The Jewel Box Revue,” a female impersonation show.
It’s the first time Canyonville has hosted a show of its type.
As performers took turns lip-synching and singing to hits by Diana Ross, Dolly Parton and Reba McIntire, Russell cracked lewd jokes in between songs.
At one point the drag queen appeared on stage as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.
“Where else you gonna go on Tuesday night and see a 50-year-old man in pigtails and a gingham dress?” Russell asked the audience. “I’m sure I’m breaking some rule here in Canyonville.”
The audience cheered and laughed as female impersonator Alex Serpa lip-synched to Celine Dion’s “I’m Your Lady” and “I Drove All Night,” and then later appeared as Cher, donning that infamous thong-singlet and thigh-high black boots.
Coti Collins, who toured with country star Reba McIntire as the latter’s double for her 1996-97 tour had the audience in hysterics when he sang McIntire’s hit, “Fancy.”
And when Russell yelled into the microphone, “Direct from the Betty Ford Center— here’s Whitney!” Wendal Jackson actually sang parts of “I Will Always Love You” instead of lip-synching.
Russell also opened the floor for the audience to ask tough questions. We learned that he wears a size 14 high-heel shoe, among other important details.
A mix of humor and martinis inspired laughter throughout the show. One white-haired gentleman sporadically bobbed his head to the music.
At the end, people rushed into the lobby to have their pictures snapped with the performers.
Stephanie and George Roberts drove from Roseburg and thought the show was “great.”
“Tina Turner had great legs,” said George Roberts.
The four impersonators returned to the lounge after their fans had departed to discuss, in a more serious tone, all the components and misconceptions of female impersonators.
The men have impressive biographies and have graced stages across the United States. All four agreed that they do not choose their characters, but their characters choose them, based on physical attributes.
Russell, 50, performed at the Grand Ole Opry.
“I know it was quite a shock to Nashville,” he said, laughing.
The four told personal stories of how they became intrigued with costumes and makeup years ago. They then discussed the Canyonville experience.
Jackson has performed in half a dozen shows for Greg Thompson Productions, the company that lends its talents to Seven Feathers for lounge acts.
He said Thompson came to him and asked him to round up three good guys who would be able to create the lighthearted touch that would make the show successful in South County.
Jackson, 47, is from Portland and was familiar with the area. He knew there had never been a female impersonation show in Canyonville. He offered insight to the three other men he chose for the show.
“So how are they going to take it?” thought Russell of the reaction they would receive in South County before they began their six-week stint at Seven Feathers.
“It’s always nice to change the perception of what people think of us,” said Collins, 42.
The four wanted the show to be humorous and entertaining first and foremost.
Jackson explained that people have a “curiosity” but don’t believe a man could step onstage and sing like Tina Turner.
“In their minds, they think, ‘Could people transform themselves?”’ said Jackson, who added that by the end of the show, audience members are either cheering or have already left.
“A couple guys will get up and leave— and that’s fine,” he said.
“It goes with the territory,” said Collins.
Serpa, 37, added, “That’s with any show.”
The four friends are unruffled in person. They fussed with their diamonds, examined their fingernails and sipped bottled water while conversing. Their flamboyant personalities had all but disappeared.
For the most part, the cast of “They Jewel Box Revue” has been enjoying the weather and their beautiful surroundings, the men said. The busy schedule of twice-nightly shows feeds their attention-craving personas.
“The drug is the applause,” said Serpa.
The performers have also been taking full advantage of the hotel amenities and said they have been hitting the gym.
And with that comment, Russell’s feminine side revealed itself.
“I’ve lost 16 pounds in three weeks,” he said excitedly.
• You can reach reporter Cara Pallone at 957-4208 or by e-mail at cpallone@nrtoday.com.
If you go ...
WHAT: “The Jewel Box Revue,” a female impersonation show.
WHERE: Seven Feathers Hotel and Casino Hotel Resort. WHEN: 7 and 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. This show will run through July 20. Smoke-free shows are at 2 p.m. Sunday and 7 and 9 p.m. Tuesday. COST: Free admission with a two-beverage minimum. Information: 1-800-548-8461. |
