Kristopher Anderson's Shows Were Anything But A Drag

His singing of "New York, New York" or "Over the Rainbow" held audiences spellbound.

His strutting, and his saucy tossing of waist-length black tresses captivated crowds from Brandywine, Pa., to Las Vegas and Seattle.

Liza, Judy and Cher - "Crystal Lane" impersonated them all, from the false eyelashes to every bump, grind and sexy growl.

But none of those lovelies ever topped 6 feet 4 inches - nearly 7 feet in heels and big hair.

And none gave so freely of their talents for charity, for Children's Hospital & Medical Center or the Chicken Soup Brigade - as did Crystal, who served up to seven nights a week, often for no pay, according to friend Tommy Bianchi.

Kristopher J. Anderson, whose stage name was Crystal Lane, died Feb. 18 of an AIDS-related illness. He was 33.

Born in Ballard, Mr. Anderson showed showbiz tendencies early. Arguing over who would wear their mother's clothes, he and his brother and sister put on shows at home.

Mr. Anderson also appeared in school plays wherever the family moved (his father was in the military).

One of his first stage roles was Prince Charming in a school play when he was 6. He was disappointed: He'd wanted to play Cinderella.

Back in Seattle for high school, he sang with Ballard High School Chorale and with it toured the Holy Land.

After graduating in 1977, Mr. Anderson spent several years in New York, where he had bit parts in Off-Broadway shows and studied

with actors Charles Nelson Reilly and Uta Hagen.

Returning here in the early 1980s, he starred in "The Fabulous Fakes," a female-impersonators show at the Golden Crown Restaurants.

He also appeared in Alice B. Theatre productions, such as "The Gay Deceivers" and "Grease."

"Mom and I always went to his shows," said his sister, Leah Pierides of Ellensburg. "Dad would not - he didn't want to see his son dress up."

His sister said Mr. Anderson made his own costumes and beadwork, and had a collection of shoes "that would rival Imelda Marcos'."

She said he was not a cross-dresser or transvestite but that he only dressed up on stage: "To him it was a job. He was a perfectionist."

Mr. Anderson's tastefulness also extended to his home, filled with sculpture and other objets.

Michael Lessard, his partner, said, "What amazed me was his ability to work for charities. And he taught me how to love myself and other people. He thought one of the most important things was to give love away. If you don't share it, there's no use having it."

George Ray, KCTS-TV announcer, said: "His life could probably be summarized with the word `Bravo!' for the way he accepted and understood himself. Bravo! that he had a heart as big as all outdoors. Bravo! because he had an indomitable will. And Bravo! because he always strove for completeness and excellence in everything he did."

Other survivors include Mr. Anderson's parents, Verne and Gwen Anderson, Everett; his brother, Keith Anderson, Seattle; Leah's husband, Jason Pierides, Ellensburg; nephews; a niece; and many friends.

Services were held Thursday.

Remembrances may be sent to the Chicken Soup Brigade, 1002 E. Seneca St., Seattle, WA 98122; Option Care, 13035 Interurban Ave. S., Tukwila, WA 98168; or any group that helps those living with AIDS.