A PERFORMER who has entertained audiences around the world with his unique blend of popular music and caricature, opened the 2007 season of the Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts last night.For nearly 20 years, Ennio Marchetto has built an act around international celebrities — using music to poke fun while performing in paper costumes created in their likeness.

Explained a Festival spokesperson: "With the aid of caricature paper costumes and a keen sense of humour, (Ennio) makes musical fun of high-profile figures in the world arena. (Mr.) Marchetto, an Italian, first made his name in Europe and, following a landmark performance at the Edinburgh Festival, has delighted audiences worldwide ever since with his innovative brand of comedy. His imaginative costumes are the brainchild of Sosthen Hennekam who creates them, constantly researching new characters and techniques."

According to Mr. Marchetto, the idea stemmed from a dream he had nearly 20 years ago of Marilyn Monroe dressed in paper. It inspired him to create a similar costume for the Venice Carnival and led to private showings for friends.

"So I started doing it for fun but then people began pushing me to do it as a job," he explained this week. "The show is very musical. I rely on popular icons from opera as well as American and internationally-famous singers. Everything is made in paper which is actually quite difficult as it all has to be immediately recognisable to the audience."

He has since travelled the world with the show, taking it to 61 countries including Bermuda in 19 years. The performers impersonated run the gamut — from Elvis Presley to Doris Day and Liza Minelli and Kylie Minogue and Tina Turner.

"Apart from the classic artists, the show has to remain current so the entertainers are always changing. It's a very visual show, like a fireworks of music and paper. I have 50 different characters. The costumes are really amazing, really fantastic — I use one piece of paper which then transforms into two, three or four different characters."

He added that "some people misunderstand" the concept and chalk it up as nothing more than "a drag show"."It's not. It's funny. It's intelligent. It's great for kids and adults."

Ennio performs at the City Hall Theatre tonight at 8 p.m. and tomorrow at 2.30 p.m. and 8 p.m.. Tickets are $25 for students, $55 for adults. Tickets are available online, on www.bermudafestival.org, and at the Bermuda Festival box office located next to the Ferry Terminal on Front Street. The box office is open between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday, until March 3. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone by calling 296-5774 during box office hours.