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Legends in Concert: Stacy Whitton as Shania Twain

Tommy · Guru

Legends In Concert Opens Its 2013 Season Today At Bally’s Atlantic City

By jmarmo | March 6, 2013

The 2013 cast of Legends In Concert opened today to a standing ovation at Bally’s Atlantic City.

That’s right. A good friend of Legends In Concert Atlantic City started us off on the right foot. This bestie being Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn wasn’t even supposed to be starting us off on the right foot. She was a last minute replacement for our Madonna who is currently ill and hopes to join the cast within the next couple weeks.

Marilyn never disappoints, though. She’s always a crowd favorite and this time was no exception. She gracefully made her way onto the stage, all bedazzled out in long, flowing diamonds. Naturally, this was the perfect time to give us a little “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend”. Let us tell you, that breathy, sexy voice was like candy to our ears.

She even ventured out into the audience at one point during “I Wanna Be Loved By You” to flirt with the gents. One lucky fella, Charlie, even got her on his lap at the end of the number. Then she told him “It’s a good thing you moved your hands…”. We LOL’d. She brought Charlie up on stage with her to play “Happy Chair” where Marilyn decided to pretty much dishevel all articles of Dave’s clothing after pulling out amazing one-liners telling him “you’ve been wearing a new button down shirt you got at the flea market for $12.99″ and “you never played Santa Claus, did you? I would hate to see you park your car,” as she attempted to stretch out his legs to get a good seat on the lap. LOLz. Marilyn was HILARIOUS! She ended her set with a little “My Heart Belongs To Daddy” and red kisses all over Charlie’s face! Perfect!

Elton John took the stage next, throwing his dramatic, sparkly cape into the distance and then getting down to business at the piano. The resemblance here was uncanny, folks. Space between the teeth and all. Not to mention the round, aging face, rectangular dark glasses and one, lonely dangling earring.

He hyped up the crowd from the start with a little “Crocodile Rock”, but the famous deep and husky Elton John voice we’ve all grown accustomed to over the years became especially prevalent when he slowed things down in a ballad medley of “Your Song”, “Candle In The Wind” and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”. Just his voice, the piano keys and some light strings. Totally stellar. And he’s a real piano player, people. No fake shiz going on. We thought that was very cool and refreshing.

And from one piano player to the next, but totally different of course, Stevie Wonder bopped in all decked out in a red military style type suit with gold plated shoulders. Baller!

And let us tell you, the classic Stevie Wonder head bops and foot taps weren’t the only things that were SO RIGHT ON with this performance. The singing voice was just awesome and so reminiscent, especially those high notes a la “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” and “Uptight”. Even the high-pitched “ow’s!” were to a tee. What can we say? We loved.

Let’s go girls (and everyone else), com’ on. Shania Twain was the next performer to rock that stage. And man, she felt like a woman. She told us that during the first song. And she wore this incredible lace bodysuit like this one.

See the resemblance? We thought that was amazing. And hot. Plus her signature hoop earrings and long, flowing brunette locks. Perfection. The voice was pretty perfect too. That low bellow that really only changed registers when she needed to make a statement…which can be often for Shania. Like the key change in “From This Moment”. Not just a pretty face, for sure. See what we did there? *wink*

The Blues Brothers were the perfect choice to close the show…and they did. They brought the energy. The somersaults. The high leg kicks. The jumping. And the running in place. And the crazy harmonica action. They brought it all. And the classics like “Soul Man” and “Do You Love Me”. The audience really got down too. Lots of dancing, clapping (some more on the beat than others) and singing (some more on key than others).

One of our favorite parts about this act was how they played off the audience. They took a little time between songs to converse and make funnies. They have to be true comedians because they sure are great at the improv. And did we mention that they really looked like Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi?

We mean, the dress doesn’t take much to emulate, but these guys seemed to even have the right face and body structures. Freaky, yet cool.

Check out the new 2013 spring cast of Legends In Concert at Bally’s Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays at 8 p.m., 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Saturdays now through May 12th. Get tickets here and get down to the music!

http://atlanticcityblog.caesars.com/legends-in-concert-opens-its-2013-season-today-at-ballys-atlantic-city/#.UTlKjVcsmSr

Butters · Guru

I will never understand the whole going to an impersonator thing......

Tanya · Guru

Butters, neither will I. My position is once you have talent - do your own thing.

Tommy · Guru

Atlantic City Journal — Day 4: My Evening With Madonna and Shania Twain

By Caitlin Miller | April 26, 2013

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) Coty Alexander and Stacey Whitton all set to go on stage as Madonna and Shania Twain, respectively.

Today, I got to meet some celebs. No, really. I met Madonna and Shania Twain today. At least they could have been. But more on that later.

I started today as I've started most days here in AC: quick breakfast, work, and more work. After deligently working all morning, our group decided to head over to White House Sub Shop to try the infamous subs for lunch. You know, the ones I said The Beatles have eaten?!

Here's a refresher:

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) The infamous White House Sub Shop.

But we didn't make it to the original location. Sorry! Out of convenience, we headed to the new location at the Trump Taj Mahal. We ordered two subs for our four-person team to eat. And it's a good thing we didn't order more because they were massive. It was kind of ridiculous.

(Photo by Danica Lo/StyleBistro) This is a half of one sandwich...

So, after devouring — or trying to — our subs, we were off to work for a few hours.

But that night was when it really got fun. I was lucky enough to go backstage and meet with two fantastic performers for 'Legends in Concert,' a world-renowned celebrity tribute show.

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) Alexander and Whitton pre-show.

I got to speak with Madonna and Shania Twain, or Coty Alexander and Stacey Whitton, as they're more commonly known. Both of these women are extremely talented singers, dancers, and performers. I sat down and learned all about their careers, what they like to do in AC, and their beauty secrets for transformationing into Shania and Madonna. But you'll have to wait for all of that!

But here's just a little tease of what I saw:

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) Whitton starts with her eyes for prep for transforming into Shania.

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) Whitton adds a wig and some bling to get the look.

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) Alexander curls her Madge wig before the show.

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) Alexander applied heavy eye makeup, arched brows, and contouring makeup on the nose and cheekbones.

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) Alexander and Whitton about 10 minutes before the show — not worried one bit.

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) Alexander and Whitton make their transformations into Madonna and Shania.

I was with Stacey and Coty up until show time (7:54 p.m. to be exact). I then headed out to enjoy the show, which also featured Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and The Blue Brothers impersonators.

There were also amazing backup dancers. I was particularly fond of the male performers, who had a number of costume changes including: a sheer black button down, a rainbow-patterned button down (in satin!), a choir robe (for 'Like a Prayer' obviously), and my personal favorite, a cheetah-print button down. One question: Where can I buy these? I see future Christmas presents for all the men in my life.

But I have to say my favorite part of the night might have been watching the crowd at 'Legends.' The average age might have been 65, but the way these people were responding to the performers, you would have thought they were 18. They were yelling, singing, and cheering. It was kind of amazing.

And after the show the whole team got to meet Shania and Madonna.

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) The whole team with Shania (Whitton).

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) Now, the whole team with Madonna (Alexander).

But most importantly, we walked away with programs and Elvis scarves. Score.

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) I'm really excited about this Elvis scarf.

So following 'Legends,' we decided to stop by Phillips Seafood at Caesars.

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) That's one big crab.

I mainly wanted to come here because of the big crab on the sign. But I stayed because of the frozen drinks.

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) Our colorful drinks displayed proudly.

I'm 99 percent sure mine was just ice cream and no alcohol. My response: Even better.

Until tomorrow, AC!

Follow all my Atlantic City adventures on my Twitter: @CaitlinSMiller.

http://www.stylebistro.com/Atlantic+City/articles/JcR7NtyUghr/Atlantic+City+Journal+Day+4+My+Evening+Madonna

Tommy · Guru

Madonna and Shania Twain — How Two Women Become the Famous Faces

By Caitlin Miller on April 29, 2013

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) Coty Alexander and Stacey Whitton before their transformation into Madonna and Shania Twain.

There's no secret that a little makeup can go a long way. But with a little shading here and some highlighting there, makeup can totally transform a person. During StyleBistro's recent trip to Atlantic City, I caught up with Stacey Whitton and Coty Alexander from the famous 'Legends in Concert.'

About an hour before show time, I sat down with Shania and Madonna — errr, Whitton and Alexander — and learned what it truly takes to make the transformations into these legendary women.

Becoming Shania Twain:

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) Whitton gets ready to become Shania. Notice the Marilyn and Shania wigs in the background.

Stacey Whitton has been impersonating celebrities and performing with 'Legends' for over a decade. During her time with the company, she has been not only Shania Twain, but Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson, Katy Perry, and even the timeless Marilyn Monroe. Although, Whitton calls Reno home, she spends ten months out of the year on the road performing. 'Legends' has taken her all over the world, including to my home state of Missouri (Hooray, Branson!). Whitton shared with me her favorite song to perform, her talent for making vintage floral brooches, and exactly how she becomes Shania Twain.

Characters performed: Shania Twain, Gretchen Wilson, Martina McBride, Katy Perry, Marilyn Monroe

Favorite character to perform: "I don't have a favorite, and that's why I've probably done so many. As an actress, you want something new!"

Favorite song to perform: "As Shania, my favorite is 'From this Moment." And most of the time, I get to do that as a duet. I love the harmonies. And the audience loves that song! It's fun to do songs that even if the audience isn't a die-hard Shania fan, they know that song because of weddings. Eighty year olds are like 'My daughter had that at her wedding!' Plus, I think that's the only really romantic moment in the show. I like that one because it's so romantic."

How to become Shania: "I use all Mary Kay products. I've been using them for 20 years, and that's definitely been the best thing for me. And I would say for all my characters. If you're lucky enough to have an even palette makeup wise, it's not too difficult to transform your face with hair and makeup. But I don't use prosthetics at all! We have to naturally look like our characters a little bit. But to become Shania:

1) I have to make my eyes look smaller.

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) Whitton says she has to change her eyes the most for playing Shania.

That means no eyelashes. To make your eyes look smaller, use eyeliner in the center, not all the way around your eye. Use dark eyeshadow to make your eyes look a little receded. Also, I don't pull my eyeliner out to far. I stop short to make the eyeball look shorter and smaller. But Shania does the opposite with her eyes! She makes them look bigger. For impersonating, for me it's about doing your makeup to look like their structure, not trying to create the makeup that they do.

2) I don't do a ton of shading. I do more highlighting.

(Photos by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) Whitton lays out her tools, I mean makeup, before beginning to make the transformation.

Highlighting rather than harsh shading to gives a soft look. If you do too much shading, you start to look hard.

3) I have to arch my eyebrows more.

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) Whitton adds some bling to her glamorous Shania look.

She has a distinct arched eyebrow that's higher in the center.

4) I have to make my lips smaller for her.

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) Whitton has to draw on new lips in order to capture Shania's look.

Basically, you would use concealer to draw new lips on. I probably have to get rid of my upper lip for all of my characters, even Katy Perry. She has this kind of this pouty thing."

Time it takes to become Shania: "About 45 minutes to get ready for Shania. It's mostly hair for me. Her look is going to be dominantly hair. I have short hair, but when my hair was long, people would say, 'You look like Shania.' I don't really have to do that much to my face. Oh and costumes are huge!"

Favorite things to do in Atlantic City: "I like to jog on the boardwalk and walk on the beach. People watching is so fun here. Also, we raid Juicy Couture. It's now 75 percent off! We like to go shopping at The Pier."

Fun facts: She has her own vintage brooch company, Whitton de Fleur. "I had an attic full of my grandmother's old doilies. So when I was playing Martina McBride, I was making a vintage country bustier. So I started making these flowers for that, and I just got so many people saying 'Oh my gosh where did you get those?,' so I started making headdresses and bows. And now I sell all over the world and in little boutiques in every place I perform."

See some of Whitton's brooches here:

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) Whitton displayed some of her brooches in her dressing room.

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) Alexander applies her Russian Red lipcolor and Whitton works on creating voluminous hair.

After spending an hour with Whitton and Alexander, I learned that both are total pros at this. Neither was phased by a voice from the hallway alerting them it was 7:54 p.m. (The show started at 8 p.m., and they weren't in costume yet!)

They both are also very particular about their characters and how they should look, down to the very last detail. That's why they both make their own costumes. "We know the details we need to make because we're looking at the details closely and recreating the character," Whitton explains. "You give a picture to somebody to make a costume, and they do their version sometimes." Alexander adds, "And again, we may want it to flatter our bodies more so than the other people would. Stacey and I like it to sparkle more, too."

"And people expect that," Whitton chimes in. "When they come out to see a show, they expect it. They expect that million-dollar look!"

And boy did they both have million-dollar looks. From the classic Madonna bustier to Shania's cheetah-print jumpsuit, Whitton and Alexander nailed their characters down to a tee. I think it's safe to say I shared an evening with Shania Twain and Madonna just as much as I shared an evening with Whitton and Alexander.

See the ladies' completed transformations below:

(Photo by Caitlin Miller/StyleBistro) Alexander and Whitton in full makeup as Madonna and Shania Twain.

http://www.stylebistro.com/Atlantic+City/articles/hhsLKH1qVyV/Madonna+Shania+Twain+How+Two+Women+Become