LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Christopher Peterson's Eyecons, Take Three |
by Barry Becker |
Who else but Christopher Peterson could be going into his third summer of entertainment in Rehoboth and still be packing them in this early in the season? On a recent Sunday evening at the Renegade, at another standing-room-only crowd, the ever-so-popular entertainer had the crowd applauding madly at his talent, screaming and laughing at his act, and, of course, gasping at his ribald running monologue. If you haven't heard of Christopher Peterson, he is a fabulously creative female impersonator that sings his own songs and makes his own outfits, while delivering one-liners and a performance you won't soon forget. His repertoire includes, well, close to 20 performers including Bette Davis, Jessica Rabbit, Peggy Lee, Julie Andrews, Cher, and many, many divas. He presents 6 performers in each show. On this particular evening, Marilyn Monroe arrived in a big mirror high heel, singing a most seductive rendition of My Heart Belongs to Daddy. Her take on Marilyn included an hysterical re-take on the famous wind uplifting her white dress, and the poor dear just couldn't get that wind from beneath her wings to stop. A quick survey of the audience indicated the sustained drawing power of this amazing act, with most of the audience having been to his show before. Of course, there are always the virgins, and they, along with all of us, howled at the unbelievable dialogue being hurled at us between songs. With what seemed like a simple flip of the wig a whole new persona erupted onstage. Carol Channing did her own version of Diamonds are a Girls' Best Friend, though these were not diamonds our Carol was singing about. In between acts, Chris changes on stage from his "magic closet" while he delivers a running monologue about his life. Oh, the things we learn. Next, Madonna emerged to do a medley of Evita and Vogue, which in this special translation was Vague. Joan Rivers rapped her way around the stage with her QVC jewelry, but it was Tina Turner that brought the house down. In a Tina wig and short gold glittery dress he did Proud Mary just like Tina....nice, and easy, then nice, and rough. With gold glitter a-jiggling, the place erupted as the tempo and Christopher went into overdrive. As he huffed offstage he said "how does that bitch do it?" Finally, the most perfect Barbra Streisand was unveiled to sing one of her great hits, You Don't Bring Me Flowers Any More. Hysterically, Neil Diamond sang his part as well, though from offstage. Her Barbra was as perfect as it could get, and just standing there he brought the house down. This year, the Christopher Peterson's Eyecons set has been technically enhanced by the talented Richard Verzier, who was instrumental in the development of the theme and design elements for the Renegade's past PRIDE events. Renegade Chef Bill Wilson has put together a reasonably-priced dinner menu plus lite fare for those who prefer the dinner show atmosphere. It's the best way to be guaranteed a place to sit while you enjoy the show, but reservations are a must. The area fills to standing room only capacity. If you have not been to see the show these past 2 years, now is the time to start making it a part of your summer entertainment. If you've been before, it's time to go back. Christopher Peterson's Eyecons Show can be seen at the Renegade every Thursday, Friday and Sunday throughout the summer. For those who prefer the dinner show atmosphereand be guaranteed a seatreservations are a must. Call the Renegade at 302-227-4713. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 10, No. 7, June 16, 2000. |