Well they are all impersonated by Christopher Peterson, who has become known as one of the best impersonators in the world. Christopher takes you on a journey through his magical closet without ever leaving the stage. It was a pleasure to interview this sought after entertainer…
What do Judy Garland, Joan Rivers, Dr. Ruth, Marilyn Monroe, Katherine Hepburn, Carol Channing, Eartha Kitt, Reba McEntire, Barbra Streisand, Cher, Julie Andrews, Betty Davis, and Peggy Lee have in common, besides being well known entertainers?
Well they are all impersonated by Christopher Peterson, who has become known as one of the best impersonators in the world. Christopher takes you on a journey through his magical closet without ever leaving the stage. It was a pleasure to interview this sought after entertainer.
When did you realize you wanted to be an entertainer?
Probably as I was coming out of the womb and I saw the bright lights and asked the doctor if I can break into song and dance.
At What age did female impersonation become an interest?
At age 7 I was in summer camp and we put on a variety show. I did Nancy Sinatra’s “Boots Are Made For Walking” and I was smitten by drag.
What was the first impersonation you did? Describe the experience.
Ann Margret. My first experience with Ann Margret was from the Flinstones you know Ann Margrock. I dyed my hair red and people were saying that I looked like Ann Margret. At the time I didn’t know who she was, so I researched her and starting doing
that character.
How do you develop your characters?
Before I started to sing live I already lip synched all the divas. I had their voices in my head so it came natural when I decided to
sing live.
You were born in Canada, lived in LA and toured around North America. What’s your favorite city and why?
There are so many for so many different reasons. However, if I had to pick just one it would be Vancouver British Colombia, because that is where Christopher Peterson was born and the first chance I got to grow as an entertainer. I will forever be grateful to
that city.
Who is your favorite person to impersonate and why?
They are all children to me and I love them equally, but I do have a special affinity for Judy Garland because I feel like I inhabit her skin on stage. That bitter, drinking, loud personality comes easy to me. Imagine that.
How did you develop the show Eyecons?
It started in Toronto, Canada at a place called the Treehouse. I was doing voiceover impressions with a hat tree, which I put wigs on and would change wigs right in front of the crowd. 16 years later I still change right in front of the audience, but now there is a lot more make-up and costumes involved. This show is titled Christmas with Christopher Peterson’s EYECONS so it’s all your favorite girls playing tribute to some of the most classical Christmas music with a twist!
Is there a diva that you would like to add to your repertoire?
Yes, Celine Dion because she is an amazing caricature of herself. Her voice is much harder than most, but I am working on it!
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.
I make all my costumes and jewelry as well as do all my make-up and set all my wigs. I do head to toe. Another thing is that I have a husband for 25 years.
What’s ahead for Christopher?
I just did a brand new play last year called “Bitch Slap,” which is a feud between Betty Davis and Joan Crawford refereed by Heddy Hopper. The play also stars my friend Randy Roberts as Joan Crawford. I am planning on getting that on the road.
Catch Christopher Peterson and all his characters as he performs Eyecons The Christmas Show at the Rising Action Theatre 840 E Oakland Park Blvd. from December 3rd to the 20th, Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 7 pm. For those of you who have not seen Christopher, trust me you will love it and will be talking about it for months. You can purchase tickets at RisingActionTheatre.com or by calling 954-815-8826 ask for Vicki or Theatre box office 954 561 2225.
