Madonna’s likeness joins Stratosphere’s ‘Superstars’ team

Friday, Jan. 10, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

What's an "American Superstars" show without Madonna? Pretty un-vogue.

That's why the Stratosphere picked up Coty Alexander for its new and improved impersonators show.

The singer-dancer plays the Madonna of the '80s, performing such numbers as "Material Girl."

A former child actress from Hollywood, Alexander was "discovered" at age 15 when she won a spot on the first of many USO tours entertaining American troops from Tokyo to Switzerland.

Shortly after her tour of duty ended, Alexander and her sister put together a country-rock singing act with original material. They toured Canada, made a recording and even shot a music video.

A couple of years ago, while performing at Caesars Palace, Alexander was spotted by Springtime Productions Executive Producer Mark Callas, who cast her as Madonna in "American Superstars."

Until she landed at the Stratosphere late last month, she was in "Superstars" for a year at the Flamingo Hilton in Reno. Before that, she was in "Jukebox Giants" in Laughlin.

Also new to the Stratosphere's "Superstars" lineup is Second Wind's Tribute to the Temptations, led by Gregg Austin. The act, which will stay through the month, features Motown classics such as "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "Just My Imagination" and "My Girl."

The regular cast includes Marva Scott as Diana Ross with the Supremes; singer-dancer Damian Brantley as Michael Jackson; Michelle Rohl as Gloria Estefan; and fiddle champ Johnny Potash as Charlie Daniels.

The stars are backed by the Superstars Dancers and a seven-piece band at 7 and 10 nightly (dark Thursdays) in the Broadway Showroom.

Tickets are $22.95 including tax for adults and $16.95 for children 5-12, and may be purchased at any Stratosphere ticket counter or by calling 380-7711.