Dean Martin, George Burns, Rodney Dangerfield, and Judy Garland look-alikes are attending the sixth annual Celebrity Impersonators Convention May 28 to May 31 at the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino.
New this year will be celebrity impersonators of Paris Hilton and Angelina Jolie. Also among the impersonators attending will be movie star Elizabeth Taylor, comedian Jay Leno, movie character Austin Powers, singer Barbara Streisand, and gossip favorite Anna Nicole Smith.
The convention culminates with a talent showcase and brunch on May 30. Between 25 and 50 agents and talent buyers are expected to view the performances. The general public can attend for $15.
"The talent showcase is what the convention is all about," said founder Elyse Del Francia-Goodwin. "Networking in our industry is at the core of successful impersonator bookings."
Last year's talent showcase was the first time Michael Coldiron - a dead ringer for Dean Martin - had attended the celebrity impersonator convention and performed in the talent showcase. Not having any previous stage experience, Coldiron said he was a nervous wreck and forgot the second line of his song. When he finished, he was swarmed by talent agents.
As he was on his way to the airport, his cab driver was amazed at Coldiron's uncanny resemblance to singer. Coldiron delayed his return flight and met Sandy Hackett, producer of the Rat Pack Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey, and Dean.
Coldiron said Hackett encouraged him to take voice lessons, study Martin's mannerisms, and make a videotape.
"I never dreamed last year that I would be in Las Vegas now pursuing a Dean Martin impersonator career," Coldiron said. "And it all started with last year's celebrity impersonators convention."
