Drag performer joins Windsor Symphony Orchestra for cabaret weekend

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The Windsor Symphony Orchestra has accompanied a wide variety of performers over the years, but this weekend is the first time the musical ensemble has taken the stage with a drag queen.

Accomplished singer, actor and “gender illusionist” Randy Roberts will be featured with WSO this weekend in two cabaret shows at the Capitol Theatre.

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WSO Music Director Maestro Robert Franz described Roberts as a “talented singer and entertainer”.

“His impersonations of Carol Channing, Cher and others are spot on,” said the conductor.

The 80-minute show is voiced by Roberts in full makeup and costume, backed by arrangements from the WSO Orchestra.

A veteran drag performer, Roberts has been in show business for over 30 years. His repertoire of celebrity tributes includes Bette His Midler, Mae West, Phyllis Diller and Joan Crawford.

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He also has original work, including a Latina showgirl named Consuela and a burlesque act inspired by Gypsy Rose Lee.

In 2015, he appeared on the national television show America’s Got Talent, with Roberts’ rendition of the Rodgers and Hart show song “The Lady is a Tramp” (favorite by Frank Sinatra).

“It’s not so much that I’m impersonating a woman, I’m impersonating a specific person,” the Florida-based performer told WatchMojo.com.

“Cher walks a certain way, she moves her head a certain way when she sings… With Bette Midler, you have to hold your face in a completely different way. doing.”

As part of a new WSO series titled “Curtain Call Conversations,” Roberts joins in an onstage conversation with Franz after Saturday’s concert.

Audiences will have the opportunity to ask Roberts about his influences, creative process, coping with stage fright, and more.

Randy Roberts Cabaret Nights Saturday 7:30 PM to Sunday 2:30 PM at the Capitol Theater (121 University Ave. West).

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.windsorsymphony.com.