21 perform in Great Pretenders musical

By María Camp

maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com

RUSSELLVILLE — Twenty-one performers took the stage Saturday night for the annual Great Pretenders show at the Historic Roxy Theatre.

Held each year as part of the W.C. Handy Music Festival, the event features performers portraying their favorite musical artists through costume and song.

Performers represented a variety of musical styles and generations, including Frank Sinatra, Etta James, Mahalia Jackson, and Ray Price.

Russellville’s Lily Cate Pace said she chose Frank Sinatra because she has always loved older music.

Pace, who performed “That’s Life” during her third Great Pretenders appearance, said taking the stage at the Historic Roxy made her think about the performers who came before her.

“Being in such a historic building, I could only think about the memories made at the Roxy and all the people who had stood on that stage before me,” Pace said. “It was such a surreal feeling.”

Red Bay’s Megan Rogers portrayed Etta James, performing “I’d Rather Go Blind.” She said she hopes audiences experienced more than the music itself.

“When I’m done singing, I want them to feel the story as well,” Rogers said. “Rather than just listening to the notes that I’m singing, I want them to be able to feel it as well.”

Russellville’s Buford Parker, who has participated in Great Pretenders for about 15 years, said he continues returning because the annual production benefits the theater and the community.

“One reason I do it is that it helps the Roxy to raise money,” Parker said. “I enjoy singing.”