Custom officials must have a fun time when peeking into Bonnie Kilroe’s suitcase.
Inside, sequined gowns of every colour, feathered boas, platform heels and a few “appendages” are just some of the work gear she travels with.
Kilroe will don some of those dazzling outfits when she returns to Vernon with her Divas: Vegas meets Vaudeville show at the Royal Canadian Legion, Oct. 5.
Known for the quickest costume changes this side of Broadway, the Vancouver-based celebrity impersonator and singer (there’s no lip lip-synching in this gal’s act) has added to her wardrobe with new outfits for her Dolly Parton, Cher and Lady Gaga impressions.
“I have really been adding to my show both in costumes and content,” she said. “I now have a part of the show I call ‘who am I?’, where I do a medley of quick impressions with wigs and extreme costume changes and do everyone from Edith Bunker to Britney Spears. It’s really fun and funny.”
Her costumes and act, which usually includes 14 different characters, have made quite the impression as seen when she performed on a private yacht in Monte Carlo, Monaco this summer.
“I got to fly business class for the first time… How will I ever go back?!,” she laughed. “I have been there many times with the cruise ship I worked on, but it was so nice to not have a curfew. I stayed for a week since I travelled all that way and came home with a suitcase full of French tablecloths and lavender and Italian olives and aged balsamic.”
Kilroe also just returned from the Sunburst Celebrity Impersonators Convention in Florida where she was nominated for five awards and won two (Best Costume and Most Unique Act).
“That was my first time there and it was a wonderful experience with amazing talent and great parties,” she said.
Kilroe joined fellow celebrity impersonators and look-a-likes at the Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas for its Celebrity Impersonators Convention earlier this year. There she came in third for best showcase as Barbra Steisand and Parton.
She’ll bring all those characters and more when she returns to Vernon.
“It’s always a surprise where I end up and here I am back in Vernon so I certainly hope I get a full house,” she said.
Kilroe’s Divas: Vegas meets Vaudeville starts at the Vernon legion, 4609-29th St., Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $17 ($20 at the door) available at the legion lounge. Call 250-542-2696 for tickets and info.
