Legends star Stacey Whitton Summers rocks Branson as Shania Twain-Pat Benatar

For over three decades, Stacey Whitton Summers has captivated audiences night after night on stages from Las Vegas to Branson, creating the concert experience of iconic performers like Shania Twain, Pat Benatar and Marilyn Monroe with remarkable authenticity and artistry. Yet her talents extend far beyond the spotlight—by day as a co-founder of her family’s tequila brand she plays a commanding role in shaping a standout industry venture, “El Sativo,” a certified organic, 100% agave Azul tequila that represents the same dedication to craft and excellence she brings to every performance. A true renaissance woman in entertainment and entrepreneurship, she embodies the rare combination of a consummate performer and savvy business operator, proving that creativity knows no bounds when channeled with passion and purpose.

This journalist had the opportunity to interview this amazing lady for the Branson Globe. The results of this interview are below in a Question and Answer format:

Q: Who is your favorite artist to listen to in your personal time?A: Currently, the artist I listen to all the time is Harry Styles.

Q: How did your musical journey begin?A: I come from a musical family filled with singers and actors, and my journey began when I was just five years old, singing harmonies with my mom around the house. I also spent 12 years playing the saxophone right up until I went to college.

Q: How did your college education shape your performance skills?A: At the university, I heavily focused on the performing arts by studying opera and theater, alongside a minor emphasizing comedy and drama.

Q: When did you transition into a professional music career?A: At 21 years old, I performed in a musical at the Flamingo Hilton in my hometown of Reno, Nevada. Shortly after, in 1992, I signed a record deal singing in a four-girl a cappella group.

Q: How long have you been performing with Legends in Concert?A: I have been with Legends in Concert for 32 years, starting back in 1994.

Q: What title do you prefer for your profession?  While I don't mind terms like tribute artist or impersonator, I meticulously create famous icons and prefer to simply be considered an “actress.”

Q: How did you first get cast to portray Shania Twain?A: I was originally hired by Legends to portray Marilyn Monroe. In 1998, while doing the Marilyn act in Canada, people constantly told me I looked exactly like Shania Twain when I was out of my blonde wig. I officially auditioned for the Shania role that same year and opened on the Las Vegas strip in 2000.

Q: What is the key to capturing Shania Twain's stage presence?A: Shania is a fun-loving, sincere and athletic singer who runs around the stage, and she has a distinct nasal vocal tone that is quite natural for me to replicate.

Did she ever see your tribute?A: She actually came to see my show in Las Vegas and complimented me, saying, "Great show. I was thoroughly impressed."

Q: What is your absolute favorite part of your Shania Twain set?A: My favorite part is singing the ballad “From This Moment.” Almost everyone knows it from weddings, and it always brings back beautiful memories for people in the audience.

Q: You also perform a tribute to Pat Benatar. What makes her such a great character to portray?  A: Singing rock music is my absolute favorite thing to do on stage, and Pat Benatar's pop-rock style is incredibly fun. We also share the same vocal range and we both studied opera.

Q: Besides Shania, Pat and Marilyn Monroe, what other iconic singers do you perform?   A: Over the years, I have expanded to portray Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson, Katy Perry and Naomi Judd. I especially love the wow factor of tricking the audience by doing two different characters, like Naomi Judd and Marilyn Monroe, in the same show.

Q: Out of all your world travels, what has been your highest honor?A: Honestly, my biggest honor is simply being able to work for Legends in Concert for 32 years and being asked back to perform every year.

Q: Have you ever performed alongside any original musical legends?A: While I haven't performed directly with the legends I tribute, I have done a show alongside the real Dolly Parton and the late Dom DeLuise.

Q: You have made several television appearances as well. Where might audiences have seen you?A: I was on “The Next Best Thing,” “Country's Most Shocking” on E! Television, and a small MTV show called “Taquita and Kaui.”

Q: Do you also sing and release your own original music? 

A: Yes, I have released three solo albums. I had the amazing opportunity to co-write and record a blues-rock album with the late Delaney Bramlett, a famous hit maker from the 1960s and ‘70s.

Q: What creative business pursuits do you have off the stage?A: I make all my own costumes and wigs, which actually led to a business. In 2010, I created crystallized floral brooches for my Martina McBride costume, and they were so popular that I launched a French-inspired accessory line called Whitton De Fleur.

Q: If you could meet and perform with any artist, living or dead, who would it be?A: I would absolutely choose Pat Benatar. At 71 years old, she still tours with her husband and has incredible longevity, making her the perfect role model for the entertainment industry.

Q: Speaking of husbands, tell me a bit about your family life.A: I have an incredible husband who fully supports my career; we have been together for 30 years. He has his own creative passions and is launching a channel called Fab Twins with his identical twin brother, where they rebuild 1960s and ‘70s cars.

Q: How do you feel about performing in Branson, Missouri?A: Branson is my second home, and I first performed here in 1997. The audiences are incredibly fulfilling because they genuinely want to be there for the entertainment, unlike casino crowds where people might just be dragging their partners along. I love supporting the town and seeing other shows. Branson is filled with incredibly talented performers and musicians, and our community of entertainers truly lifts one another up. 

Q: Finally, do you have any other business ventures outside of entertainment?A: Yes! When I am not performing, I handle logistics, importation and education for my family's organic, additive-free tequila brand, “El Sativo.” You can find it at www.elsativo.com.

Stacey will be performing her tributes to Shania Twain and Pat Benatar In the Legends and Concerts show at the Pepsi Legends Theater in Branson now through May 24, 2026. For tickets, either visit their website or call 417-339-3003.