If you’re at the Royal Canadian Legion branch 124 on March 9, you’ll have the chance to see Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton all in one room.
Vancouver’s Bonnie Kilroe has performed her one-woman comedy shows across the world for the last 24 years but has yet to perform in Ontario – until now.
She’ll be bringing her show “Country Queens” to the Legion, a musical tribute to the brightest stars in country music, featuring impersonation performances of classic artists like Loretta Lynn, to today’s icons like Shania Twain.
As luck would have it, Kilroe decided to plan her trip to the province because of a good deal she saw online.
“I got an email from Air Canada saying there was 30 per cent off flights and I thought, ‘I’d like to go to Ontario,'” Kilroe told The Lake Report.
She booked her flights before any shows were even planned, she said, so she sought out venues and branch 124 agreed to host the “Country Queens” show.
Kilroe herself never expected to become a travelling one-woman act, but her love of music and theatrics, along with a flare for comedy led her down a unique path.
“I grew up in a heavy country music family,” she said. “All my relatives played an instrument and everybody loved country music.”
Kilroe played the guitar and the fiddle growing up and in her late teens discovered her ability to sing.
“I remember using a cassette tape back in the mid-80s and wearing out a tape,” she said.
Kilroe not only sings all the songs in her show, she dons full costumes and wigs – and changes her look for each country diva.
There has been some confusion around the nature of her show – some have thought she was a drag queen, she joked.
“Every show I ask the audience, ‘Who thought this was a drag show?’ and the crowd yells, ‘I did!’” Kilroe said.
“I joke and say, ‘I’m sorry to disappoint!'”
Those interested in experiencing “Country Queens” can purchase tickets on Bonnie’s website at celebrity-imposters.com or buy one at the door on March 9 for $35.
