Frank Marino won’t be slipping into any sequined gowns (at least, onstage) anytime soon.
“I’m not doing any shows this year,” the famed drag queen and star of “Divas Las Vegas” said in a phone conversation Thursday. “I’m done for 2018.”
A mild surprise, maybe, but Marino for the first time has ruled out a return of the show under a specific timeline. It would be spring before Marino, 54, attempts to reassemble a stage production to replace “Divas.”
“I might reinvent the show and take more stage time myself, in the center of some backing dancers,” said Marino, who for 33 years has helmed the show in his Joan Rivers persona and introduced a rotation of tribute artists in drag. “But the cast has dispersed. I have not even talked to some of them since the show closed.”
“Divas” abruptly shut down after its performance at The Linq Hotel on June 26, after a Caesars Entertainment investigation found that the show had mishandled funds promised to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada.
Marino for years had told audiences that revenue from the sales of his merchandise would be donated to Make-A-Wish, but the investigation found money had not been transferred to the charity for about five years. Also at issue were cash payments collected from ticket-holders for upgrades to VIP seats, money that was also supposed to be sent to Make-A-Wish and not delivered.
Marino and the charity have settled the dispute, with the Strip headliner making a single payment to Make-A-Wish to close the issue. Though neither side will disclose specifics of the resolution, Marino’s payment reportedly exceeded $100,000.
The State Gaming Control Board continues its investigation into the matter, reviewing whether Caesars violated any gaming regulations.
One option for Marino is to tour “Divas,” then shop the show on the Strip.
No chance, he says.
“I can’t stand flying with this show,” he said. “It’s too much work to take 25 drag queens through TSA. Try it sometime. You’ll know what I’m talking about.”
Marino says he’s spending most of his time with his new pups, Baby Boy (a bichon frise) and Angel (a Maltipoo). “I’m busy playing with them and being happy. I’m in no hurry to make any big decisions.”
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