SOUTHEAST SHOWCASE LOOKS FOR CELEBRITY LOOK-ALIKES

Hollywood is coming to Cape Girardeau, and the "star search" is on for contestants to take part in a special Celebrity Look-Alike Contest.

Sponsored by the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation and Wehrenberg Theatres, contest preliminaries will be held on Sunday, Nov. 5, at West Park Mall. The top 10 finalists will be in the spotlight when Southeast Showcase "Goes Hollywood" Nov. 16 at the Show Me Center.

Now in its seventh year, Southeast Showcase features food and beverages from more than 40 area restaurants and vendors and lively entertainment. Corporate sponsor for Showcase '95 is Ford Groves. Promotional sponsor is K103/KZIM radio.

J. Charles Stotz, foundation executive director, said the Celebrity Look-Alike Contest is a fun opportunity to bring the stars to Cape Girardeau and let people know about the great food and entertainment they can enjoy at Southeast Showcase -- all for a great cause.

Last year's Showcase raised $19,000 in support of patient-care services at Southeast.

Entries are now being accepted for Celebrity Look-Alike preliminaries. Deadline for registration is Wednesday. Contestants must be at least 16 years old.

Entry forms are available at Wehrenberg Theatres in the West Park Mall during normal theater hours. At other times, entries may be picked up at the mall's customer service desk. There is a $5 entry fee.

Judging will be based on a contestant's physical resemblance to the celebrity they are impersonating, including walk and manner of dress.

Ten semifinalists will advance to the final competition at Showcase. There, the top three winners will be determined by audience participation.

Cash prizes of $200, $100, and $50 will be awarded to the top three winners.

While Celebrity Look-Alike contestants vie for cash prizes, Showcase guests will have the opportunity to win a three-day, two-night trip to Hollywood, Calif., courtesy of AAA Travel in Cape Girardeau and Marriott Healthcare Services.

For more information, contact the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation, 651-5510. Tickets for Southeast Showcase are $35 each, and also may be obtained by calling the Foundation office.