Curtains Up!

Spotlight On Betty Atchison
Cher Impersonator on GigSalad.com

How did your interest in Cher begin?

I have always been a huge fan of the Sonny and Cher Show. It never occurred to me that I looked anything like Cher until my friend Billy suggested it one day out of the blue.

What made you pursue impersonating Cher as a career?

After Billy’s suggestion, I put the idea on the “back burner” until I saw a fantastic female impersonator perform as Cher while I was in Aruba performing as a singer/dancer in a convention show. He absolutely inspired me to give it a go!

What was your day job prior to being an impersonator?

I have performed professionally as a choreographer/singer/dancer/stunt double most of my life working at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Cruise Ships, and in Convention Shows around the world.

When you sing as Cher, it’s amazing and I’ve only seen clips. Have you had vocal training?

I have studied with several vocal coaches throughout my career in Missouri, Texas, and Florida.

Do you have a similar voice to Cher naturally? I ask this because I see that you also do Phoebe from Friends. Cher & Phoebe are not exactly vocal twins.

Not at all. I am a natural soprano and Cher is a contralto! I have to lower my voice a LOT when performing as Cher. It is very tiring after a long event.

What do you think gives Cher her amazing fan base?

Aside from her exotic beauty and amazing talent as a singer and actress, I think it is her ability to come back and succeed again and again in the face of adversity. She is true to herself and inspires others to do the same.

What makes her unique to you?

As a performer, she is a role model to me. I love her ability to look cool and unshaken no matter how rattled she might be inside.

Which Cher is the most fun for you to perform…60s 70s 80s 90s or Now?

The 70s and 80s versions of Cher are the most popular and recognizable to the general public. Although I enjoy the variety of performing all eras of Cher, I would say I have the most fun as 80s Cher. The black leather “Turn Back Time” costume always gets a big reaction!

How long had you been performing before you added other people such as your dancers and Sonny?

It took me about 1 year to get my basic act together. I keep striving to improve my shows and am constantly upgrading my songs, costumes, and scripts to make them better each year.

How did you find your Sonny?

When Billy first suggested I try doing Cher, it never occurred to me that he would be the perfect Sonny. It didn’t dawn on me until much later!

How many costumes do you have?

I currently use 14 costumes I would call “A-list” quality costume replicas. My joke is that Bob Mackie won’t return my calls, so I have had to make them all myself. I can honestly say that every costume is one-of-a-kind! I have another 7 or 8 I made early on during my “learning curve” that I don’t use any more.

Which is your favorite?

My favorite to wear is the Costume Replica of the dress Cher wore for her Vegas shows shown on the People Magazine Cover in the 1980’s. It is a black “keyhole” dress covered in rhinestones that is the predecessor to the “Turn Back Time” costume she had made later. It is the most versatile outfit for stage shows that I have. My most “fabulous” costume I own is the Black Academy Awards Gown and Headdress that Cher made famous at the Oscars in 1986. I could put it on a mannequin, stand it in the center of a room, and it would draw a crowd all by itself!

Do you like being a brunette, blonde or redhead?

As Cher, brunette is always best!

Cher has six tattoos? Do you?

I have the famous derri’re tattoos, but only when I am performing. Personally, I am not a fan of tattoos. I think skin is so beautiful in its natural state. Why cover it in ink?

Do you do your own writing of the shows?

Yes. Although I would love to have some help!!! Know any good writers?

I’m the only good writer I know.

What do you like about the different crowds you perform for?

I love that every crowd is different. It doesn’t matter where it is or what kind of party it is. I love performing for people that love life and enjoy having a good time.

You seem to be a major self-starter…where would you like to go as far as the Ultimate Gig?

That’s a good question! I would love to do a huge show with 10 of my favorite look-a-likes, 10 dancers, and a 10 piece live band with singers on a magnificent stage with all the bells and whistles for a run of 6-8 weeks to a sold out house.

Is there anything you’d like to say to aspiring tribute entertainers? (Or specifically Cher impersonators?)

Be willing to work very hard and be ready to spend a lot of money putting it all together. Because Cher is known for fabulous gowns and costumes, she is an expensive celebrity to emulate if you want to do her well. I sometimes envy the guys who do The Blues Brothers. All they need is a black suit and hat and they are good to go!

So you’ve been a Gig Salad member since October 2007, how is it working for you?

I love Gig Salad! For a long time I have been wishing for an online booking service that is cost effective and doesn’t “nickel and dime” you to death! Gig Salad offers a high quality product to help performers promote themselves at a reasonable price. I also appreciate their desire to keep making it better and their genuine willingness to listen to suggestions. I recommend them to everyone! I can’t wait to see what Gig Salad will be adding next! It just keeps getting better and better!

Visit Betty’s PromoKit at: GigSalad.com/Cheriffic