Even Las Vegas Strip celebrities get to take a vacation every now and then, and Riviera "La Cage" star Frank Marino is no exception. Marino explains, "Every December I take my family down to Orlando for the Disney World/Universal Studios experience. We ride all the rides and sometimes I am so worn our, I feel like I need a vacation from the vacation. But, it's worth every minute, being able to do this for my family members.

And, usually before the Spring, I try to get away to a new adventure and this year it was a Mexican cruise with a stopover in Florida. While in Florida, I happened upon an auction of celebrity clothing and memorabilia, with all the proceeds going to AIDS charities. They had rounded up pictures, old suits, shoes, personal items like lighters, children's toys, dresses and monogrammed towels; all these various items from the likes of Tom Selleck, Bette Midler, Chita Rivera, Burt Reynolds... and dresses? Did I say dresses? Well, out they came with this black and pink number, a gown that once belonged to, yup ? you guessed it... Joan Rivers! I think I remember her wearing it on the Tonight Show,' but I could be wrong. Anyway, the bidding was furious... but I landed the threads for $5,000. It was for charity and I couldn't leave without that dress! It is a very, very, very special souvenir, you might say."

It's been a long climb to the top, but Riviera star will tell you it's been worth every minute! With a ten million dollar contract under his belt, a multi-million dollar home and another dream dwelling being built, and with a wardrobe that would be the envy of most Hollywood luminaries, let alone the royalty of the world, Marino is sitting pretty and relishing the whole situation. "Like everybody else, I came to Las Vegas to become rich, and now I am in more ways than one. I thank the public for all their love and support because it costs a lot of money to look this cheap!

"To commemorate my 20 years in show business, besides treating myself to the Joan Rivers original, I had commissioned a four-color poster featuring my many looks throughout the years. From an early Joan Rivers to a nowadays Joan Rivers, from a Lana Turner look-a-like to a Ru Paul impression, the poster reflects it all.

"I used top photographers from all over the country and Europe. The photo sessions themselves cost over $20,000. I wanted something to give my fans, and believe it or not, I've had a fan club from the very beginning. Right now you can get these posters through my website www.frankmarino. com and soon they will be available in all the Riviera gift shops.

"My basic goal has always been to go out there and entertain people. It's been a wonderful 20 years in heels, but rather than an impersonator I tell people I am an entertainer. I am a comedian. I'm up there telling jokes. Big deal, I'm wearing a dress. I'm still a comedian and I look forward to the next 20 years doing the same basic thing... entertaining people."

Others cast members in the current edition of "La Cage" include Jimmy Emerson as Tammy Spraynette and Madonna's Bigger Sister, as well as Jayson Malone as Bette Midler and Judy Garland, Larry Edwards as Tina Turner and Patti LaBelle, Jon Merritt as Liza Minnelli, Steven Wayne as Cher and Celine Dion, Lane Lassiter as Michael Jackson, Chris Woods as Diana Ross and Whitney Houston and John Bloss as Reba McEntire.

You can catch Marino and the incredible cast of "An Evening At La Cage," six nights a week, Wednesday through Monday, at 7 and 9 pm. You might even catch Marino wearing his new Joan Rivers frock. VIP seating and a line pass are available. Ask about the special dinner and show combos. For tickets and more information, call the Riviera Box Office at (702) 794-9433.

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