Pam Schwartz, who looks a bit like Julia Roberts, and I went to Lafayette’s at Point Orlando (9101 International Dr Suite 2220 Orlando, Florida) for the 16th Annual Sunburst Celebrity Impersonator Convention kick off party. The room was filled with impersonators! The host and convention producer, Greg Thompson, was introducing each celebrity impersonator in turn and then giving them just a few lines to lay out their shtick. There were two Marilyn Monroes, yet surprisingly one Donald Trump whose introduction I decided to sketch in the minute or so available. Trump kept his bottom lip protruded and spoke with his didactic simplicity.
Dr. Evil took the stage after Trump. His views seemed tame considering today’s political climate. But he loves to dance as does Austin Powers. The troika of Evil, Trump and Powers were dancing throughout the night occasionally joined by pop stars and pirates. Paula Deen offered up meals drenched in butter and the Queen of England offered the crowd a feeble wave.
Huey Lewis with his pencil thin black tie, took to the stage and started a set. All of the celebrities dances in the aisles. Some folks in the venue had probably just wanted to go to Lafayette’s for some fried Chicken Tenders, beef sliders or Voodoo Chicken Wings, but they got so much more than expected.It was great to see the celebrity impersonators relax dance and just enjoy each others company.
The public is welcome to attend the remaining Celebrity Impersonator Showcase tonight Saturday September 1, 2018 at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center (located in the Florida Mall 1500 Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32809). The Showcase is from 1pm-4:30pm where
impersonators will perform, delight and entertain the masses, including a
special Sunburst edition of “The Tonight Show”. Plus, guests can get
their picture taken with their favorite “celebrity” during intermission
and following the showcases. Showcase tickets are $25 per person at the
door and $20 online.
Each
year, over 100 of the world’s best professional celebrity
impersonators, lookalikes and tribute artists fly, drive and cruise into
Orlando for Sunburst to gather, mingle, network, educate themselves and
have an unforgettable time. They are joined by numerous talent buyers,
talent agents, producers and meeting planners from all over the country
who are invited to watch the imitators perform live and make a lasting
impression. Sunburst features performance showcases, themed parties, an
awards banquet, promotional room and tons of photo opportunities. The
general public is invited to attend the talent showcases and rub elbows
with the “Just About Famous” stars, and with this special public access
again this year, now even more spectators can enjoy the unique, fun and
one-of-a-kind entertainment Sunburst has to offer.