Block Talk- Episode 121: Jacklynn Hyde

Here she is world! It's my exclusive interview with the fabulous Jacklynn Hyde!

To listen to the podcast, subscribe and download on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 120: Michael Block

Oh my lord how the tides have turned! The interviewer becomes the interviewee! But it's gonna take two to fill these shows! Nicole Onoscopi and Seraphim take the mic to interview Mike!

To listen to the episode, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 106: Make Mike Watch Dirty Dancing

I'm so excited to release the first of hopefully many in the new series on Block Talk, Make Mike Watch! This will be a series of episodes were my guests will suggest a movie for me to watch for the very first time! On this episode, Pussy Willow and Aria made me watch Dirty Dancing and then we sat down and dissected it!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Stitcher!

Review: The Many Hauxs of the White House

By Michael Block 

Throughout the history of time, the true backbone of the American presidency is the First Lady. And we’ve had some iconic ladies filling that position. Offering her unique viewpoint on history and drag, Heidi Haux has compiled a “best of” list of First Ladies sharing their story in First Haux, which made its debut at The Duplex.

photo by Michael Block

Using Melania Trump as a framing device, Melania seeks help from First Ladies of the past to help her through her newfound title. Unlike a Dickensian drama, not all of these “ghosts” have wise words to spare. From Martha Washington to Jackie Kennedy to the Bushes, the array of women offer a slice of their journey that played an impact to their moment in history. Playing into intelligent storytelling through each wifes' music and sound clip selections, Heidi takes pop culture and history and marries them into a subversive theatrical evening. There’s a fairly formulaic structure to keep this solo cabaret moving. Heidi goes from wife to wife with a number and a costume change, accompanied by an oft comedic history lesson. She has room to play with order and stray away from a mostly complete chronological timeline. At the end of the day, tone is key and insuring the balance of the hilarious moments between the dramatic bits heightens the arc of the piece. With Jackie O, Hilary, and the Bushes coming so close together, the latter half of the night becomes heavy-handed. That being said, Heidi, a campy queen at heart, delivers some extraordinarily winning heartbreaking moments. See Jackie O. Move over Natalie Portman, Heidi Haux has taken your gig. As she continues to develop this powerful piece, there is an opportunity to dive deeper into characterization and voices on mic. Distinguishing from Heidi neutral and individual First Lady assists with storytelling.
First Haux goes beyond a solo cabaret. This is a work of theater. First Haux deserves a larger stage. Heidi Haux has managed to entertain while educating through the art of drag.

Spotlight On...Alejandro Cervantes

Name: Alejandro Cervantes

Hometown: Oakland, CA

Education: NYU Tisch Class of ’18 Baybeeee

Favorite Credits: A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the Juneberry Collective or The Orange Terror Cycle by Kev Berry.

Why theater?: It’s the only job where, at the end the day, I can say “if I knew what I was doing now in the 8th grade, I’d be so proud of myself”

Tell us about Elaine, Strips at Liberty: Elaine, Strips at Liberty is a burlesque/cabaret/one-man-show/homage to the legendary Elaine Stritch and her autobiographical masterpiece (and similarly titled) Elaine Stritch at Liberty. Strips blends musical theater standards with contemporary pop songs, celebrated Broadway folklore with private intimate stories, vodka with soda - all in a celebration of tenacity, theater and a good drink.

What inspired you to write Elaine, Strips at Liberty?: I’d been memorizing Elaine’s monologues for cocktail parties and to impress older men, and the next thing I knew I was off book and obsessed. Performing and reinterpreting Elaine’s stories is my way to embody her perseverance, grit and fearlessness - and maybe take some of that strength with me when the show ends.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Sparkly stuff.

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I want Bebe Neuwirth to play my mom.

What show have you recommended to your friends?: I was crazy about School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play and then, of course, anything Sara Kommer writes.

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Liza Minelli’s assistant, he’s probably an actor, and it’d be called “Dunkirk”.

If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Opening night of Elaine Stritch at Liberty at The Public tops the list. Follow ups: Christine Baranksi in Mame in DC (it was  supposed to go to Broadway but then investors got scared by Wicked) and closing night of Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Charcuterie boards.

If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: Married.

What’s up next?: I’ll be in Kelly (1955) at the New York Theater Festival this March!

For more on Alejandro, visit  http://alejandrocervantes.com/

Block Talk: Episode 93- RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 4 RuCap Episode 8

Well that was a gaggy episode! Catrina Lovelace joined me to RuCap the latest episode of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 4!

To listen to the episode, visit Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

Review: Boudoir's Fabulous Coven

By Michael Block 

She’s like the energizer bunny. I’ve famously called her the Roomba of Drag on an episode of Block Talk. If you’ve never seen Boudoir LeFleur, you’re doing yourself a extreme disservice. Hosting a haunting Pre-Halloween treat, The Witches Rumble is entertainment spectacular hosted New York’s premiere drag witch.

photo by Michael Block

Offering a Halloween spoon, Boudoir LeFleur brings the dark magic to the Laurie Beechman stage as she throws herself across the floor to classic rock, pop divas, and a little Broadway. The Witches Rumble takes the darkness of the season and thrusts it on stage with a sexy spin.  If you’re looking for a cabaret with a semblance of a through-line, you won’t find it here. Instead, you get a stellar lineup showcasing their best. Boudoir is an effortless host, as she brings some dry wit. When she performs, she goes 150%. She’s unafraid to risk her body for the sake of the stage. Joining Boudoir is her Assassin sister Kimmi Moore, Drag powerhouse Honey Davenport, Winnifred Sanderson impersonator extraordinaire Jennica McClearly, and former American Idol standout and Broadway superstar Diana DeGarmo. The diverse lineup fit the mood of the evening as they combined live singing, dance, and burlesque. If you’ve been hiding under a rock, you've been missing out on Diana DeGarmo. DeGarmo is the real deal. Singing a pair of numbers from her upcoming album, DeGarmo is a vocal femme fatale. Her voice is a knockout of seductive poison, quite like her song. Jennica McClearly easily proved why she’s a premiere Winnifred Sanderson impersonator. If you’d never seen her before, McClearly brings a dose of burlesque to the character, and it’s everything. Assassin sister Kimmi Moore delivers an original track, but her highlight comes as she shares the stage with Boudoir for a lip sync dance duet. Honey Davenport serves exceptional looks, but stops the show with her emotion-filled rendition of “Angel Down” by Lady Gaga.
The Witches Rumble is a holiday treat among the many Halloween tricks at other venues in the city. Boudoir LeFleur concocts the right potion to captive an audience all night long.

Review: A Powerhouse Trio Unite

By Michael Block 

The Marvel universe has the Avengers, a super team of heroes who come together to fight the evils of the world. Each of these heroes lives in their own stand-alone story, but when they come together, it’s magical. Such is the case in You Don’t Own Me. Jackie Cox, Paige Turner, and Sutton Lee Seymour, three of New York’s premiere theater drag divas, reunite for an evening of fun, laughs, and a good time in You Don’t Own Me at the Laurie Beechman. With a silly premise to string the night along, the heart of the show is the power of community and friendship.

photo by Michael Block

After a hilarious audition of “Three Little Maid for “Handmaid’s Tale the musical,” Jackie, Paige, and Sutton vow to make a musical on their own. But how will these three different queens with three very different ideas create a jukebox musical? That’s the fun of You Don’t Own Me. This campy musicale brings together a stellar drag trifecta who have each uniquely planted their flags in nightlife and the cabaret scene. While each being a campy Broadway performer, they infuse their own brass, crass, and sass to unite a cohesive team. Whether you know them from their individual shows or at their bar shows, they bring a special version of their character and individual relationships to allow for a necessary plot and arc. Paige portrays the blonde center-of-attention determined to make a musical at any stake. Sutton shows up as the scowl-laden negative Nancy who has taken a hard turn on Broadway. And Jackie jumps in as the air-headed Disney- loving princess. Together, their blend makes magic ignite. This show isn’t all trio numbers as you might wish it were. To cover the tricks if the trade, we get moments of solos and duets that allow each queen their moment to shine.
In a world of hardship, there’s a big, bright, beautiful tomorrow when you find hope and joy in art. You Don’t Own Me delivers a night to escape this world. Love, laughs, and a perfect friendship are their keys to success. The show is nothing short of a satisfying treat that leaves you begging for the next reunion.

Block Talk- Episode 70: Jackie Cox

I got to sit down and chat with one of my favorite people on the planet, Jackie Cox! We discuss everything from SYTYCD to I Dream of Jackie to the tea on some of her dear sisters.

To listen to the podcast, visit iTunes or SoundCloud! And don't forget to leave a five star review while you're there!

And take a look at our Patreon at patreon.com/theaterinthenow!

Spotlight On...Michael Kushner

Name: Michael Kushner

Hometown: Coral Springs, FL

Education: BFA in Musical Theatre from Ithaca College

Select Credits: On The Town (Barrington Stage, Pre Broadway), Much Ado About Nothing (Barrington Stage), Sons of the Prophet (GableStage), Eastbound (MTF / Playwrights Horizons), Balloon Boy (NYMF), Toxic If Swallowed (Ars Nova)

Why theater?: I'm not good at anything else! Math? No. Science? Nah. I remember my grandma teaching me about theatre when I was very young and even then I was like, "This feels right." On the macro level - it brings so many people together, inspires change, and heals.

Tell us about Moo With Me: It's a play about showing up, demanding what you want out of life, and owning yourself. I was in middle school right when Wicked came out and, like many of us, I identified so deeply with the story. Once I discovered Idina, it was over, that whole experience helped me discover who I was: zany, vulnerable, powerful. The play leads up to the moment where I got to photograph her for an event - and how that changed my life.

Who do you play in Moo With Me?: Myself. And Idina for a literal line.

What is it like being a part of Moo With Me?: Terrifying and liberating! It's only me up there. But the fourth wall is broken and the delivery is sort of stand-up-ish, so it feels like a safe space with the audience relating to me.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: All theatre inspires me. It takes guts to get up there and create something, bearing your whole soul! Whether or not it's "good" or not, just the buzz, energy, and bravery of a performance is enough to make me want to work. As for who inspires me? The greats. Ethel, Judy, Patti, Idina. I'm also incredibly inspired by artists that keep other artists working like Seth Rudetsky, Shakina Nayfack, and Jennifer Ashley Tepper, all who I've had the pleasure of working with before.

What's your favorite showtune?: "One Day More" from Les Miserables. It's tattooed on my chest.

If you could work with anyone you've yet to work with, who would it be?: Carol Channing and I would be great scene partners.

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I think Idina should play me in a movie. That's pretty appropriate. It would be called "Ethel Merman is BACK! or The Wide Vibratoed Kid" ...or something.

If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: SO many. The original companies of Gypsy, Cabaret, My Fair Lady, Les Mis, and Chicago, Marat / Sade, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Footloose.

What show have you recommended to your friends?: Come From Away.

What's your biggest guilty pleasure?: Broadway bootlegs!

What's up next?: You're telling me.

For tickets to Moo with Me, visit ww.thegreenroom42.com. For more on Michael, visit www.michaelkushneronline.com and www.michaelkushnerphotography.com

Drag365: Show #72- Drag Me to the Top at the Laurie Beechman Theater

Paige Turner // photo by Michael Block

Day: Wednesday, March 14th      

Show: Drag Me to the Top

Location: Laurie Beechman Theater

Queens Seen: Paige Turner (@paigeturnernyc)

*Disclaimer: So in case you didn't know, I'm a theater critic. That's my primary job in the biz. As opportunities came, I got to introduce drag and cabaret into my repertoire. I'm excited that I am now able to mix the mediums together where I can bring my typical theatrical criticism into the world of nightlife. For shows that I see at the Beechman, my full review will be the source of criticism but I'll still include the show in Drag365. I will include a pull quote to the review along with the link to the full review.

"Think of Drag Me to the Top as a potential future pilot of the Paige Turner universe. The concept of the show follows Paige after she stumbles upon a handy dandy rule book that will make her a star. In this hour-long comedy romp, Paige discovers how to be the star that she knows she already is. Laced with sugary covers of showtunes, pop songs, and entendre after entendre that keeps the gays "yas-ing," Drag Me to the Top is the full package." 

To read the full review, click here.

Block Talk: Episode 51- Vicky Boofont

In this episode of Block Talk, I sit down with Vicky Boofont to talk about her drag journey, 4 Girls 4 at 54 Below, and so much more!

To listen to the podcast, visit iTunes or SoundCloud! And leave us a 5 star review already!

Plus, visit patreon.com/theaterinthenow to learn about why you should become a patron!

Review: Gloria Gloria Gloria

By Michael Block

First we waited for Godot. Then it was Guffman. Now, we're waiting for Judy Garland. Making her Greenroom 42 debut, Gloria Swansong brings a little bit of Gloria and a little bit of Judy to the stage in Waiting for Garland. A two-act epic drag dramedy, Waiting for Garland introduces the audience to why Gloria and Judy are a dynamic duo.

photo by Michael Block

Gloria Swansong is brought to the stage to announce that her partner for the night, the one and only Judy Garland has not arrived yet. So to kill time, Gloria has to tell some outlandish stories of her past while entertaining the crowd with some of her signature numbers. Between "Let's Have a Kiki" and "Cell Block Tango," Gloria gave us a uniquely remarkable narrative. Who knew that Gloria was a part of an old-timey trio! As she stalls and stalls, Gloria discovers Judy may actually be deceased, and finally leans into dark magic to summon Judy because that's why we came! After the séance worked, Judy takes over Gloria's body to perform some of her iconic numbers. Waiting for Garland is a surrealistic drag spectacular. While the script does get a little long-winded, the meat of the show is learning how Judy came into Gloria's life. In a cabaret setting, less is always more. Shrinking the amount improvised banter and perhaps eliminating a number or two in each act may allow the show to be a brisk ninety-minute show. Waiting for Garland is also a new and intimate look into the stage persona of Gloria Swansong. Is she really an old broad from the Vaudevillian circuit? Did she really get offered a role in Chicago? Probably not, but having a perspective is fresh for a cabaret. Whether or not you know her or not, Waiting for Garland is your opportunity to learn about the artist. And if you didn't know, she's an exceptional designer and seamstress. To remind the audience of this, Gloria keeps a garment rack of costumes that she goes in and out of throughout the show. To help with the pacing, perhaps including a hired hand in the form of a hunky lad could be in order. The costume showcase is a large part of what makes Gloria, so finding a way to incorporate it in a smoother fashion is a necessity.
The skeleton of an exceptional cabaret is all there. Now it's finessing the mechanics of the piece that will take it to the next level. Gloria Swansong has given audiences her Judy shows, now's her chance to give a reason why.

Review: How to Succeed in Topping Yourself

By Michael Block 

It's hard to top yourself. Just ask any of the twinks in Hells Kitchen, Paige Turner might say. Double entendre aside, when you're a seasoned artist with hit after hit, you might think the next one will be the one that flops. Yet somehow Paige Turner continues to defy the odds with her latest smash, Drag Me to the Top. After a stint in Puerto Vallarta and Boston, Paige brings the show home to the Laurie Beechman Theater for a two-month Wednesdays residency.

photo by Michael Block

Think of Drag Me to the Top as a potential future pilot of the Paige Turner universe. The concept of the show follows Paige after she stumbles upon a handy dandy rule book that will make her a star. In this hour-long comedy romp, Paige discovers how to be the star that she knows she already is. Laced with sugary covers of showtunes, pop songs, and entendre after entendre that keeps the gays "yas-ing," Drag Me to the Top is the full package. Whether it's your first time or your fortieth time seeing Paige, she ensures that you know exactly what she's about to bring. With a Queen opener, sung through the audience, Paige smartly and comically alerts the audience that this is her show and to not stop her now because she's having a good time. From there, she's off to the races. The set list Paige infuses is a wonderful blend of classics, Broadway standards, and pop ditties, all of which have a coloration to the themes of the rule book. They don't feel forced, but appropriately fitting. Rather than sprinkling in a plot through line, Paige makes the story a driving force that carries the show from start to finish. There's nothing extravagant about it. It's simple and straightforward. And that's all it needed to be. When an idea is smartly conceived, it allows the execution to be flawless. And that it was. Paige brings a great comfort in this performance. She scattered some fan favorite numbers amongst some fresh material, but no matter what she sings, she exudes a confidence that is insatiable. She always turns out some impressive costumes, but when you're able to rock out in a robe in a fabric of your own cartoons, you know you've landed on the top. And kudos to Gloria Swansong for the impressive costumes, seen twice in the show.
She jokes about being polarizing in the show, and later sings a number about being a good person. Regardless of where you fall on the "off the stage" spectrum, Paige Tuner has the stuff that legends are made of. Drag Me to the Top should be launch pad to the next level. There is an untapped medium that deserves Paige Turner. Spend an entire first season watching Paige try to drag herself to the top. Introduce the whacky characters she's brought out in her other shows. I've said it before and I'll continue to say it until the universe obliges, give her a webseries. Hell, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, whoever is listening, option this star while you still can.

Drag365: Show #61: Bosom Buddies at The Laurie Beechman Theater

Darienne Lake, Mrs. Kasha Davis // photo by Michael Block

Day: Saturday, March 3rd               

Show: Bosom Buddies   

Location: Laurie Beechman Theater

Queens Seen: Darienne Lake (@dariennelake), Mrs. Kasha Davis (@mrskashadavis)

*Disclaimer: So in case you didn't know, I'm a theater critic. That's my primary job in the biz. As opportunities came, I got to introduce drag and cabaret into my repertoire. I'm excited that I am now able to mix the mediums together where I can bring my typical theatrical criticism into the world of nightlife. For shows that I see at the Beechman, my full review will be the source of criticism but I'll still include the show in Drag365. I will include a pull quote to the review along with the link to the full review.

Bosom Buddies is a feel-good cabaret lead by two seasoned pros. If you strive for that nostalgic sense of performance, Mrs. Kasha Davis and Darienne Lake are certain to deliver. They stay in their wheelhouse for a night you won't want to miss.

To read the full review, click here.

Block Talk: Episode 44- Gloria Swansong

In the latest episode of Block Talk, I welcome the incomparable Gloria Swansong to talk about her newest show, Waiting for Garland!

To listen to the podcast, visit iTunes or SoundClound! And subscribe today!

And visit patreon.com/theaterinthenow to become a patron today!

Review: GOOD JOB!

By Michael Block 

They’re Two Tuckers and they’re back at The Duplex for another night of some original music and some cross dressing. The wild and crazy stage duo of Golden Delicious and Tucker bring their original flair for an evening you’ve likely never experienced before. Two Tuckers is more variety show than cabaret with a whole lot of gay.
He’s a little bit singer-songwriter, she’s a little bit glamazon, but together they are Two Tuckers. In their third iteration of their titular show at The Duplex, they bring the audience along on a tour of their favorite hits. From their original titular theme to “Golden’s Golden Rules” to original songs and mixes, if you’re a fan, you’re in luck. Right off the bat, this duo has a chemistry that surrounds the space with an entertaining energy. Scripted or not, their quick wit and ability to riff off of one another is endearing. And those transitions? They may be hard, but to call them out allows the comedy to remain present. Since the show doesn’t necessarily have a story through line, Two Tuckers is more like a celebration of two talents, both individually and as a unit. Tucker is a pop superstar in the making. His songwriting prowess is uncanny. And that voice? It’s like butter, as Golden’s favorite diva would say. While the duo’s songs usually contain more of a comedic, earworm worthy aesthetic, his solo numbers have top 40 radio written all over them. Golden is a drag queen who knows the importance of a tight lip sync. It’s one thing to know how to make a mix and be funny on stage. It’s another selling it fully. She looks stunning, and yet there’s an awkward charm to her presence. She knows how beautiful she is, as her mix says, but her persona is learning just what it means to be a 7-foot-tall beauty queen.

photo by Michael Block

Give or take, each iteration of Two Tuckers features a similar set list with a rotating number or two. But each show has a variety of performers as the guests. In the February edition, Tucker and Golden welcomed Brooklyn’s hottest comedian Sam Taggart and Mean Girls’ Nikhil Saboo. Sam and the Two Tuckers sang an original comedy number called “Socilate” where Sam went through his fabulous life despite not knowing who Johnny Depp was. When Tucker and Golden brought Nikhil to the stage, a brand-new aura was introduced. Rather than an original number, Nikhil and the duo performed an incredible interpretation of “Who Let the Dogs Out.” And the audience lived. Why? Because this was something familiar. Moving forward, finding ways to incorporate more of these covers may give the show an extra spark.
Two Tuckers is pure fun. If you missed the show before, lucky for you, they’re back in March! Keeping the show fresh and new will be the key to success. Variety is the name of the game, but introducing a similar element, like perhaps another drag queen who is forced to play second fiddle to the diva that is Golden Delicious, might spice things up. Or maybe the next step is a story-based cabaret show where there’s a newfound style of interaction by the duo. There’s a world of endless possibility for Golden Delicious and Tucker and we all look forward to seeing what can come next.

Block Talk- Episode 35: Tucker and Golden Delicious

In this episode, I sat down with Two Tuckers, Golden Delicious and Tucker to talk about their latest installment of Two Tuckers at The Duplex.

To listen to the podcast, visit iTunes or SoundCloud! And don't forget to hit subscribe!

And visit patreon.com/theaterinthenow to learn about becoming a patron!

Drag365: Show #32- Are You There Ru, It's Me Chelsea at the Laurie Beechman Theater

Cheslea Piers // photo by Michael Block

Day: Saturday, February 3rd    

Show: Are You There Ru, It’s Me Chelsea

Location: Laurie Beechman Theater 

Queens Seen: Chelsea Piers (@thechelseapiers)

*Disclaimer: So in case you didn’t know, I’m a theater critic. That’s my primary job in the biz. As opportunities came, I got to introduce drag and cabaret into my repertoire. I’m excited that I am now able to mix the mediums together where I can bring my typical theatrical criticism into the world of nightlife. For shows that I see at the Beechman, my full review will be the source of criticism but I’ll still include the show in Drag365. I will include a pull quote to the review along with the link to the full review. 

What makes this show unique is the set list. There are standard songs you seem to find in show such as this. Chelsea and her team go beyond the norm and find the fresh. Led by music director Brandon James Gwin, the band is the pulse of the show that keeps the fight against the clock alive. Though at times she seems to be overpowered, Chelsea uses her pop-fueled vocals from top to bottom, with only one very important lip sync thrown in. And that lip sync is her dedication to a potential Snatch Game character, Celine Dion. The irony of timing of this show compared the most recent episode of Drag Race is uncanny.

The full review can be found here.

Review: Chelsea's Live Audition Tape

By Michael Block

RuPaul’s Drag Race. It’s the dream of so many drag queens around the world. It’s the biggest platform for drag performers on the planet with the greatest prize: fame. In Are You There Ru, It’s Me Chelsea, Chelsea Piers makes her long-awaited Laurie Beechman solo debut in an uptempo romp as she films the perfect audition tape for Mama Ru. With a full band behind her, Chelsea showcases why we and Ru should take a chance on her.

photo by Michael Block

Are You There Ru, It’s Me Chelsea follows Chelsea Piers as she films and submits her audition tape for RuPaul’s Drag Race mere hours before the deadline passes. Following the various sections of the application as the guidelines of the show, Chelsea tries to show that she is a versatile performer with a diversity of talents. Chelsea is a rock and roll drag princess. With her signature Bobbie Pinz color dip-dyed wigs and inherent sexiness through outfits, Chelsea brings a grit and edge to the stage. The conceit of the show is cute and keeps the flow of the show moving. Whether you’ve seen the application before or not, having Drag Race as the reference point expands the show for vast possibilities. What makes this show unique is the set list. There are standard songs you seem to find in show such as this. Chelsea and her team go beyond the norm and find the fresh. Led by music director Brandon James Gwin, the band is the pulse of the show that keeps the fight against the clock alive. Though at times she seems to be overpowered, Chelsea uses her pop-fueled vocals from top to bottom, with only one very important lip sync thrown in. And that lip sync is her dedication to a potential Snatch Game character, Celine Dion. The irony of timing of this show compared the most recent episode of Drag Race is uncanny. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone do Celine quite like Chelsea Piers. Perhaps some of the material was new, but Chelsea was most comfortable doing her Celine mix. And it was a crowd favorite. With the plot perfectly set up, when a surprise was thrown in, it was glorious. The biggest of which was the vocal cameo by the “voice of God,” Trixie Mattel. Director Darius Rose, also known as Beechman favorite Jackie Cox, kept the piece moving and engaging while maintaining the fun.
If anything, we wanted to know more about Chelsea. We get some stories that pertain to the relevance of the video, but she may be saving those tales for future shows. Gotta save some material because Chelsea will be back at the Beechman time and time again for sure. Are You There Ru, It’s Me Chelsea is a fresh show for the venue that gives Chelsea Piers a new place to shine.