Fan first, tribute artist second.
That is the order of progression for Kenneth Banks as he has portrayed Madonna for more than a decade in two Strip productions.
“The first time I saw her was in 1991 on ‘The Blond Ambition Tour,’ and I thought, ‘I can do that,’ ” says Banks, eschewing the fact that Madonna and he are of differing genders. “I attempted it, I did all the numbers from ‘Blond Ambition,’ and it still works.”
Banks arrived in Las Vegas in 2004 as a cast member of “An Evening at La Cage” at Riviera and in 2009 followed headliner Frank Marino to Imperial Palace (later The Quad and now The Linq Hotel) in his tribute show “Divas Las Vegas.”
Throughout that journey, the 44-year-old Banks has dressed and danced as Madonna through approximately 1,600 performances in Las Vegas. He’ll be easy to spot (or maybe not, actually) dressed as Madonna in her “Desperately Seeking Susan” gear at Saturday’s “Rebel Heart Tour” stop at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Banks also is hosting the official Madonna pre-concert at MGM Grand a few hours before the show dressed as the superstar to help dial in the full Madonna vibe.
As he prepped for tonight’s performance of “Divas,” where he performs “Vogue” with the Frank Marino dancers, Banks fielded a few questions about his singularly focused career:
What is your favorite Madonna look?
I like just about every Madonna look she has ever portrayed. I love “The Blond Ambition Tour,” which I feel changed concert production forever. I love the 1980s party-animal Madonna, and later on “The Confessions Tour” has been a favorite of mine.
First album?
Her self-titled album with “Lucky Star.” I saw her on “American Bandstand” with Dick Clark promoting that song and album, like I think everyone else did …
When she told Dick Clark that she wanted to rule the world. Prophetic.
Right? I remember that so well. The performance was fantastic, and she wound up ruling the world. She still does.
What did you think when you first heard her music?
I thought she was this amazing new black artist. I had no idea she was a white girl from Detroit.
She has attracted a lot of tribute artists because of her willingness to reinvent her look and sound, right?
She came from the '80s, where self-expression was such a big cultural phenomenon, and she developed a great sound and a great look. Everything she did was stylish, and she had self-expression down. She was the persona of the 1980s, no question.
Ever met her?
No, unfortunately. Maybe on Saturday I’ll have a chance to shake hands with her.
Do you have a favorite memorable moment in your portrayal of her?
I was in a show in Palm Springs, at Fantasy Springs Casino, called “Boy-Leave It or Not.” Fun show. This was in 2002, and I had gotten to know Luis Camacho, who had choreographed and was part of “The Blond Ambition Tour.” He had produced “Vogue” for me and came with me to that show in Palm Springs. He was such a big deal that everyone thought I’d found someone to portray Luis Camacho. They couldn’t believe I’d found someone who actually worked with Madonna, he was that big.”
I’ve seen you in “Divas,” and you’re just having a blast, huh?
I love it. This is a career and a lifestyle, being part of the Las Vegas entertainment community and working for Frank. It shows in the performances. I can’t help but be happy, and it shows onstage.
Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at Twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow “Kats With the Dish” at Twitter.com/KatsWiththeDish.
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