We are what we are, and it's an illusion according to Frank Marino, entertainer and female impersonator, who stars in the Riviera Hotel & Casino's "An Evening at La Cage."

For Marino, being a female impersonator has really been a way of life for the past fifteen years. The show is about to begin its 16th year at the Riviera, with Marino as the source of energy behind the hectic three-shows- a-night format.

"I like to make sure the audience is happy,"' said Marino. "I have a chance to create the mood. Our show has something for everyone. If a wife drags (pardon the pun he says smiling) her husband in, he will find me doing my comedy routine after the first opening number."

Smiling, Marino says "I make it pretty clear that we don't walk around the house like this," as he touches his elegant beaded gown that most women would kill for.

In fact, Marino grins and says when people meet him after the show, one of the first things the women comment on are the more than 13 dresses he wears during the show.

The designer dresses, with at least half being ing the creation of famed entertainment couture Bob Mackie, cost between $2,000-$3,000 each, according to Marino.

For his upcoming 37th birthday bash, Marino says he is having something stupendous created by famed designer Bob Mackie, who dressed Madonna on her latest tour.

All this from the guy that went to college for four years and had wanted to be a doctor.

"Some of the training came in handy, especially when I broke the news to my mother that I was leaving school and going on the road to be a female impersonator," Marino says laughing.

The artist says after he revived his mother, who fell on the floor when she heard the news, he just packed up 10 dresses, tossed them in a suitcase and moved on.

"When we first started (the show), I kept saying 'wasn't this a lot of fun.' Now it's more serious. It has become a million-dollar business," explains Marino, who says if he wants to continue this lifestyle, he has to keep working pretty hard.

Work is something Marino enjoys. The results are apparently appreciated as he estimates that about 50 percent of his audiences are repeat business.

Female impersonators have always had an incredible response from people because there is this fascination with men dressed like women. Marino says this phenomenon dates back to the days of Shakespeare or the Kabuki theater in Japan.

Marino says he gets to set the pace of the show, which gives him a sense of power. Some nights "stars" such as Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin and Madonna are better received. Other times it is Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston or Judy Garland that bring the house down. Bette Midler, Diana Ross and a very large Cher all are part of the fast-paced production. Marino says he and the other cast members enjoy entertaining people, who seem to be fascinated with the show.

However, Marino always makes sure there is a picture of him as a male to accompany his Joan Rivers look so people will see what he looks like.

Looking back, Marino says he remembers when he was the "baby" in the show. Now that he is the same age as everyone else, it is different.

But, Marino loves the work and his life. "I feel challenged, excited and thrilled. I love being a female impersonator in Las Vegas, where I get to meet the most exciting people."

One of his friends is none other than Joan Rivers, who originally sued him for $5 million about seven years ago.

Since then, the pair have become close friends. He stopped using some of the jokes that she used in her act, and they since have hit it off. He has even appeared on her television shows.

"Joan has been very good to me," says Marino.

Grateful to be in the position to entertain others while enjoying his own life, Marino says, "I have had millions of great experiences. I have met exciting people who have recharged my energy, and I like to share that with others."

And that is what Marino and his fellow girls do nightly, except Tuesdays, at the Riviera. While they may be an illusion, having a good time will be real.

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