What happens in Vegas usually stays in Vegas, but not this past weekend when the show “Legends of Las Vegas” came to Bangor. Imitators of Barbra Streisand, Dean Martin, and Marilyn Monroe performed for the audience at the Gracie Theater at Husson University.
Susan Griffiths, the Marilyn Monroe impersonator, said she was excited to be in Bangor.

“It’s lovely to be here in Maine,” she said. “It’s a very beautiful state and it’s a big state. I know that because we drove through most it last night,” she joked.

Joan Rose, the Barbra Streisand impersonator, liked the change in temperature from that of her home in Florida. She also commented on how nice it was being on a college campus and having the students help with the show.

Andy DiMino, who plays Dean Martin, has been doing this act for over ten years. He grew up watching the Rat Pack, and decided this was what he wanted to do for a career.

“It wasn’t the type of music I sang as a musician but I realized the power and the nostalgia of it and the opportunity to make a good living,” he explains.

Griffiths is one of the most notable Marilyn Monroe impersonators of this decade, taking roles in the film Pulp Fiction and more recently the show Nip Tuck. Her acting, singing, and overall resemblance of Marilyn make her the full package. She says her favorite part about the act is the audience’s reaction.

“I enjoy people enjoying themselves, so if someone is having fun and having a good time that’s the best part for me,” she says.

Rose has been a musician all her life, so mimicking the talents of award-winning singer Barbra Streisand, came naturally to her, she said.

“I’ve had a zillion people tell me I look like her, so I decided to go with the flow,” she said. “I love her music and her costumes. It’s all really fun.”

Dean Martin is brought back to life in DiMino’s performance. Having followed the late Rat Pack musicians his whole life, DiMino says he is glad he can bring the memories back to his fans. He enjoys the “opportunity to reconnect the audience with the music and the characters that they love so much and grew up with.”

The characters sang popular tunes like “That’s Amore” and “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” They engaged the audience by asking them to sing along, and told jokes in between numbers. One audience member was invited up on stage with Marilyn for a dance, which sent the crowd of over 200 people in an uproar of laughter and applause.

To learn more about upcoming events at the Gracie Theatre, visit www.gracietheatre.com

Print this Story

Recent Stories