By Denny Patterson
Drag queen and female impersonator Randy Roberts has been entertaining audiences for over 30 years, and 25 of them have been at Key West’s infamous LaTeDa. His signature show at the hotel is a live, multimedia tribute to some of the world’s most loved performers. Roberts’ uncanny impersonations of Cher, Bette Midler, and several other iconic and original ladies have kept him in the spotlight for all these years, and he closes every show with a mini-lounge act, allowing him the chance to get up close and personal with his audience.
In addition to drag, Roberts is also an accomplished lyricist, writer, actor, and producer. His talents are not just reserved for the stage.
Roberts took some time to catch up with OutClique and talk about celebrating 25 years with the LaTeDa and the evolution of his career. When we spoke with him last, the COVID-19 pandemic threw everything out of whack, but fortunately, everything seems to be back on track.
Denny Patterson: Let me begin by asking, how does it feel to celebrate 25 years performing at Key West’s LaTeDa?
Randy Roberts: It’s hard to believe! It still feels like I just started. I feel very lucky to have had this wonderful place to be creative and have people continue to come to see it!
DP: What does it personally mean to you to know that you are a staple within the Key West community?
RR: Key West has such a communal, familial feel to it. The motto is “One Human Family,” and I’m thrilled and somewhat humbled to be considered one of the family. As for being a staple, I think survivor is more like it. Key West has changed over the years. Somehow, I’ve survived the changes. I think the core stays the same here! It’s the people that make it so special.
DP: How did the relationship between you and the LaTeDa initially begin?
RR: I was performing at a club called Divas, now known as Aqua. The owner, Sal Rapisardi, also owned LaTeDa. He asked if I would mind moving to the LaTeDa to try to drum up more business in their Tree Top bar. He said if it didn’t work out, I could always come back to Divas. I said sure, and in August 1998, I started at LaTeDa – and never left!
DP: And how has your drag evolved throughout that time?
RR: I think more than anything, I’ve become more comfortable onstage. My look hasn’t changed that much. I still wear red-ish hair for my Randy Roberts character, and I still lean toward classic beaded/sequin gowns and costumes. I think I know what works on my body. I’m not afraid to let a designer know if I don’t like something. If anything, it’s become more polished. I also no longer lip sync at all. When I first got to Key West, I still lip synced as Cher. Everything else was live. Once I started singing live as Cher, I never looked back.
DP: For those visiting Key West, why should they check out the LaTeDa?
RR: It’s a one-stop venue! A great restaurant, a lovely hotel, three great bars, live music downstairs, a live drag cabaret show upstairs, and it’s all right on Duval St. The main drag!
DP: What can audiences always expect from a Randy Roberts performance?
RR: Something new. I’m always changing songs and costumes, and the interaction with the audience is different every night. I also try to never cross the line into gross or vulgar. I’ve had every age at my show, every denomination, religious leaders – you name it. They’ve all been to my show. I try not to offend, or at least not too offensive. You can’t please everybody all the time, but you can make most of them laugh!
DP: As a female impersonator, you are known for your portrayals of Joan Rivers, Bette Midler, Cher, and many others. Do you have a favorite?
RR: I’m partial to my Randy Roberts character. I like that I don’t have to think about sounding or moving like someone else. The audiences tend to love Cher. They know her. She’s a lot of fun. If they’re not fun for me, I don’t do them.
DP: Is there someone you would love to impersonate but just haven’t nailed it down yet?
RR: I tried Lady Gaga, but it just didn’t work. I’d love to do Celine, but I can’t sing like her! I’m having more fun doing myself. And get your mind out of the gutter!
DP: Have you always had a passion and love for drag?
RR: I grew up with two older sisters and my Mom. My dad died when I was 11, so I was surrounded by women. I think the passion came from that, and the fact that I wore my mother’s shoe size for a while. I didn’t really know about drag until I saw Jim Bailey on The Jerry Lewis Telethon. That’s when a little bell went off.
DP: You are also an accomplished lyricist, writer, actor, and producer. Do you have any projects in the works that you would like to talk about?
RR: I’m working on a new show for myself. Trying to revamp the whole format. It’s daunting. I’ve gotten really comfortable with my show, so it’s time to challenge myself. No promises as to when it will be ready though. I also did some pops/symphony concerts in November. Hoping to do more of those. There’s nothing like singing with an orchestra!
DP: What are some future goals you hope to accomplish with your career and platform?
RR: I’ve been very lucky, so far. I’ve done TV, movies, I’ve been able to sing with orchestras, and I’ve traveled with my show internationally, but if there was one goal left, it would be to do a show on Broadway. That was always the dream. So, you never know.
Stay up-to-date and connect with Roberts by following him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @ItsRandyRoberts, or visit his official website, RandyRoberts.net.
