He’s worked with The Walt Disney Company and Opera Australia.
He’s even appeared at the Logie Awards.
But when Fabio Cattafi steps on to the Riverlinks Westside stage in Mooroopna next month — when heels hit the floor, the wig settles, and the first bars of Proud Mary ring out — he will disappear entirely.
In his place: Tina Turner.
In A Night With Tina – A Tina Turner Drag Cabaret, Mr Cattafi delivers a sweat-soaked, sequin-drenched tribute to the late queen of rock ’n’ roll, powering through hits including Proud Mary, Private Dancer and Nutbush City Limits.
“(The show) is a joyous celebration of Tina Turner and her music,” Mr Cattafi said.
“There’s lots of audience participation — we have a dance competition and photo opportunities after the show with me.”
There’s also lots of preparation beforehand.
And it’s much more than just wearing handmade replicas of Tina Turner’s original costumes.
“It’s a full-body wax, so she’s hairless, a good hour and a half in makeup, then half an hour just getting everything else on,” Mr Cattafi said.
“I superglue my earrings on, and I’ve got three major wigs of Tina’s — her ’60s, ’80s and ’90s looks — because we go through the genres.
“I have a corset, and it’s got hips built into it, so it gives me all the shape that I need for Tina, and then I put my costumes over the top of that.
“It’s fun, and I’m not going to lie, it is uncomfortable — but it’s the price you pay for being Tina.”
Mr Cattafi’s admiration for the global superstar began at 14, studying dance full-time under Tony Bartuccio.
Now, 35 years into his professional career, the chance to embody his idol feels full circle, while a visit to Greater Shepparton feels like a homecoming of sorts.
“My uncle used to have a farm in Lockington, and we used to go to Echuca and then to Shepparton for day trips,” Mr Cattafi said.
“It’ll be nice to come back ... and have a blast with the people of Greater Shepparton.”
A Night With Tina – A Tina Turner Drag Cabaret is on Saturday, March 14, from 7.30pm at Riverlinks Westside, corner of Echuca Rd and Homewood Dve, Mooroopna.
Tickets can be purchased in person, online at riverlinksvenues.com.au or by calling the Riverlinks box office at 5832 9511.
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