Taylor Swift 'Eras Tour' tribute show coming to Bayway Arts Center
Kelsey Edquist, of Glenwood Landing, portrays Taylor Swift in "Totally Taylor New York — A Taylor Swift Tribute Act." Credit: Greta Jaye
If you were unable to get tickets to Taylor Swift’s "Eras Tour," Kelsey Edquist, of Glenwood Landing, has the answer. She is starring in "Totally Taylor New York — A Taylor Swift Tribute Act," coming to the Bayway Arts Center in East Islip on Feb. 16 at 1 p.m.
"I treat it like this is the ‘Eras Tour.’ I even talk as if I’m Taylor," Edquist says. "We do all the costumes and all the eras. I typically go through a dozen outfits."
Edquist is the 32-year-old owner of Royal Princess Prep Entertainment, a character entertainment company based in Glen Head. She began by appearing as Swift at parties in November 2023 and transitioned to doing concerts in the tristate area starting in March 2024.
The two-hour show features more than 30 songs, with a 15-minute intermission. The first act starts with "Cruel Summer" ("Lover" era) and closes with "Shake It Off" ("1989” era). Act 2 opens with "22” ("Red" era) and ends with "Karma" ("Midnights" era). Other bangers in the set list include "You Belong With Me," "Love Story" and " ... Ready For It?" Edquist is determined to include "Opalite" and "The Fate of Ophelia" from Swift’s new album, "The Life of a Showgirl."
"These songs get everyone up and involved in the show, which makes it fun for everyone," Edquist says. "The kids are overwhelmingly excited to be there. They are screaming, dancing and singing along to the lyrics. The vibes are amazing."
Being a Swiftie herself, Edquist feels her own fandom helps her directly relate to the audience, which typically skews female, ranging from age 3 to 11.
"I have been where they have been, growing up with Taylor’s music and watching her change and become more complex. Knowing what those audience members really want and need is a huge bonus," she says. "Taylor is only a couple of years older than me, therefore my life has grown with hers."
For tickets ($40) or more information, call 631-581-2700 or visit: baywayartscenter.com. A VIP experience ($65) includes tickets upfront, plus a post-show photo-op with Edquist and swag bag.
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
