Denise Russell and friends drag the crowd into fun at CPAC

Heather Sevigny
·2 min read
24

Making a return to the Cambridge Performing Arts Center on Friday night was female impersonator Denise Russell. Russell was joined during his performance for the 18 and up only crowd by newcomer Vanessa Vaughn.

Denise Russell, a female impersonator, performs at the Cambridge Performing Arts Center
Denise Russell, a female impersonator, performs at the Cambridge Performing Arts Center

Russell has been performing in drag for 42 years. At 65 years old, the singer belted out hits like 'Hey Big Spender' and the Designing Women theme song version of 'Georgia On My Mind.' The performance marks the second time Russell has performed at the Cambridge Performing Arts Center.

Cambridge Performing Arts Center board members Stephen Wolverton and Debi DiVenti welcome Denise Russell to the stage. Russell is a female impersonator and previously performed at the Grand Ole Opry.
Cambridge Performing Arts Center board members Stephen Wolverton and Debi DiVenti welcome Denise Russell to the stage. Russell is a female impersonator and previously performed at the Grand Ole Opry.

The crowd laughed their way through the evening as Russell joked about the trials and tribulations of being a female impersonator, and being the only impersonator to ever perform at the Grand Ole Opry. Russell highlighted his skills while performing the Patsy Cline classic, 'Crazy.' Instead of singing in the style of Cline, Russell demonstrated how the song would sound if performed by ten various artists. Mae West, Cher, Porky Pig, Bill Clinton and Ozzy Osbourne were all highlighted during the performance, bringing rounds of applause and laughter from the crowd.

Vanessa Vaughn makes her stage debut at the Denise Russell performance. Vaughn lip-synced to two songs and met with the crowd afterward for pictures.
Vanessa Vaughn makes her stage debut at the Denise Russell performance. Vaughn lip-synced to two songs and met with the crowd afterward for pictures.

After intermission, a newcomer to the stage, Vanessa Vaughn, had a chance to perform. Vaughn lip-synced and danced to two songs, marking her debut performance with welcome cheers and support.

Toward the end of the performance, Russell discussed his mentor, James Riley. Riley was known as the 'Mother of Youngstown' and went by the stage name of Margaret Riley, breaking barriers and teaching people about drag long before its time.

Singing "His Eyes Are on the Sparrow," female impersonator Denise Russell brought the crowd to tears with the moving rendition.
Singing "His Eyes Are on the Sparrow," female impersonator Denise Russell brought the crowd to tears with the moving rendition.

The show concluded with a sing-along to the classic country hit 'Delta Dawn,' in which the entire auditorium joined in the chorus. Russell and Vaughn met with guests after the show in the lobby for photo ops and questions.

Vanessa Vaughn (left) and Denise Russell (right) pose with crowd members after their performances at the Cambridge Performing Arts Center.
Vanessa Vaughn (left) and Denise Russell (right) pose with crowd members after their performances at the Cambridge Performing Arts Center.

For more information about upcoming shows and events visit the Cambridge Performing Arts Center website, www.cambridgetheater.org, visit their Facebook page or call 740-785-1400.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Denise Russell performs at CPAC

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