Block Talk- Episode 76: Block Talk Live!

We had a blast back in August with the first ever Block Talk Live! I was joined by four incredible guests who each gave mini interviews and lots of shows! The audio quality is not my favorite, and I apologize for that, but still, give it a listen!

To listen to the episode, visit iTunes or SoundCloud! And leave a review while you're there!

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

Block Talk: Episode 52- RuPaul's Drag Race Season 10 RuCap Episode 2

It's a musical! Rather a Rusical! And to join me to talk through this musical episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 10 episode 2 is the musical theater queen herself, Carlos the Uber Driver!

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

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

Drag365: Show #67- Ultimate Drag Pageant, Week 8 at the West End

Nicole Onoscopi // photo by Michael Block

Day: Thursday, March 8th     

Show: Ultimate Drag Pageant

Location: The West End

Queens Seen: Marti Gould Cummings (@martigcummings), Nedra Belle (@nedrabelle), Allura Borealis (@alluraborealis), Bambi (@imstillcute), Carlos the Uber Driver (@carlostheuberdriver), Celah Doore (@celahdoorenyc), Foolisha (@thefoolisha), Nicole Onoscopi (@nicoleonoscopi), Shelby Late (@shelby_late), Tiffany Anne Coke (@tiffanyannecoke)

Bambi // photo by Michael Block

After 8 long weeks of competition, it's time to finally crown a winner of Season 6 of Ultimate Drag Pageant. Eight girls go in, one remains. Marti Gould Cummings and Nedra Belle welcomed the Two Tuckers as the special guest judges. With a pageant theme, the girls were ready to show off their best talents. Tiffany Anne Coke began the night with a burlesque number as an ode to Gypsy. With a little technical glitch, she came back later to do it again with an extra fire inside. Foolisha looked like a vampire goddess as she lip synced, fangs and all. Allura paid homage to one of her heroes, her sister, and sang "Cabaret." Reminding the judges and the crowd of her winning weeks, Nicole Onoscopi sang "If I Had My Time" from Groundhog Day as she brought out three of her friends who each wore the outfit from her previous numbers. Shelby Late gave a pageant-themed number honoring some stupid hoes in the pageant circuit. Bambi danced the house down to "Grown Woman" by Beyonce. To lighten the mood, Celah took a bunch of shots on stage as she performed "Good Old-Fashioned Love Story" from The Wild Party. Rounding out the night was a preview of the solo show Carlos the Uber Driver would create, a challenge the judges gave her weeks prior. After all was said and done, with all the judges scores and audience votes tallied, the top three to reach the finale lip sync were Bambi, Carlos, and Nicole. After an emotion-filled performance to "This Is Me," It was Nicole Onoscopi who was crowned the winner of Ultimate Drag Pageant season 6.
It was quite a joy to watch the ten queens journey to this grand finale. I'm proud of each and every one of them and extremely excited to see what happens next. Bright futures are ahead for sure.

Meet the Queens: The Ultimate Drag Pageant Season 6 Finale

The Ultimate Drag Pageant is rounding out its sixth triumphant season on Thursday, March 8th at 11:00pm at the West End. Hosted by Marti Gould Cummings and Nedra Belle, eight girls will fight for the crown and prize package sponsored by House of La Rue! Before you cheer them on, let's meet the eight queens battling it out!

Allura Borealis 

What has been the best part about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?: Finally getting to explore my drag and build up my repertoire, also having the chance to build some relationships with other Queens who were relatively new to the scene as well. In all honesty, each of them gave me some inspiration for the future.

What was your favorite performance of the first 7 weeks?: If I absolutely HAD to choose, I'd say Bambi's entrancing number from week 7, cause that was just POWERFUL and live for a number with a strong social message behind it.

What can we expect from you in the finale?: I like to think it'll be very different look-wise, my performance is a bit of a redemption for my own piece of mind.

Bambi 

What has been the best part about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?: My favorite thing about participating in the Ultimate Drag pageant is meeting all these freakishly talented and beautiful queens! #sisterhood.

What was your favorite performance of the first 7 weeks?: My favorite performance (of mine) thus far was my number for comedy week. I never considered myself a comedic performer but I  surprised myself. Favorite performance of all... Nicole, week 7, performs a live colonoscopy on stage!!!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

What can we expect from you in the finale?: A royal procession.

Carlos the Uber Driver 

What has been the best part about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?: I've had so much fun learning about who I am as a drag performer and what my style of drag is/ how I can affect an audience with my drag! It's also been fun to compete with all the girls, who I've come to really love over the past weeks, and especially my "girlfriend" Tiffany!

What was your favorite performance of the first 7 weeks?: My favorite performance was my "Le Jazz Hot" performance for Glamour week! It was so fulfilling to nail one of my favorite numbers from the Julie Andrews cannon!!

What can we expect from you in the finale?: This week look forward to   Something very theatrical, exciting, and possibly even moving! 😉

Celah Doore

What has been the best part about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?: I wanted to join this show because I was as a new girl who wanted to meet other up-and-comers in the drag world of NYC, and I've been a huge fan of Marti since I met her and I wanted a chance to watch her and learn, as well as meet queens who are exactly where I am. It would be nice to win, but my biggest goal for this was to learn about my own drag, and I really feel I did that.

What was your favorite performance of the first 7 weeks?: That I did it that someone else did? I was a REAL big fan of Tiffany's 90's week number, I think that one sticks out at me the most. As for myself, I really liked my last weeks number, singing live, because I feel I really learned what i wanted my drag to he and what direction I wanted to steer it. I also loved my Broadway number (Killer Instinct). I think it was clever hahah!

What can we expect from you in the finale?: She went through a creative journey this competition, and she came out on the other side having discovered why she likes to do drag. So I think you can expect a killer lewk, a fierce beat, and some good old fashioned musical theatre comedy. That's where I think she thrives.

Foolisha 

What has been the best part about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?: The most wonderful thing about being part of this pageant has been getting to know my sisters and the audience and showing them who I am as an artist and performer. It was such an honor to share my work here and to witness the work of my pageant sisters.

What was your favorite performance of the first 7 weeks?: Honestly, I was not able to see all of the performances because I need to focus and keep to myself before I go on BUT seeing Bambina as Eartha Kitt's Cat Woman was a real treat and I was living for her diamond heist story. As far as my own, it's hard to say, from week 3 on, I was having a blast. PrimaDonna Girl was probably the most fun though;)

What can we expect from you in the finale?: shock, madness, confusion, disorder...you know, the usual😏

Nicole Onoscopi 

What has been the best part about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?: It truly has been a treat to get to know the other girls. Our styles of drag could not be more different and it has been a wonderful asset to be able to learn and draw inspiration from them. When I first  moved to NYC, Marti Gould Cummings was the first drag queen I ever saw perform and she quickly became a big inspiration for me. To compete in this competition with Marti and Nedra at the helm has meant so very much to me and has affirmed my passion for the art of drag.

What was your favorite performance of the first 7 weeks?: With all of the effort that has gone into each week I imagine that answering this question is very much like choosing a favorite child, but I if I HAD to choose I would pick my parody of Grow For Me for Broadway Week. I always feel so at home in the musical theatre canon and I feel that having earned me my first win of the competition, this number really started my momentum and taught me that I have a skill for comedy. Week 7's colonoscopy number would certainly come in a very close second.

What can we expect from you in the finale?: Throughout this entire competition I have been giving high-energy comedic numbers with a bit of a shock factor, but for the finale I want to take the opportunity to do something a bit more heartfelt. I am so grateful for the immense love and support that has been sent my way over the course of this competition. This pageant has provided me an opportunity for such immense growth and for that I couldn't be more pleased. Thursday will be about appreciating this journey and those that have come out week after week to support.

Shelby Late 

What has been the best part about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?: The challenge and creative push.

What was your favorite performance of the first 7 weeks?: My Moira Rose mix for Comedy week.

What can we expect from you in the finale?: Like every other week... I'll be serving looks and a killer mix.

Tiffany Anne Coke

What has been the best part about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?: I have had so much fun boppin around the stage each week in UDP- my favorite part has been getting to experience and learn from so many great minds in the industry. (Pageant answer, you are welcome)

What was your favorite performance of the first 7 weeks?: My favorite performance was absolutely musical theatre week, being able to perform with my boyfriend/girlfriend Carlos The Uber Driver was a dream. She's taught me a ton,  you could say I luh her.

What can we expect from you in the finale?: Tiffany is going to have a good time doing what she does best...moving too much and wearing nothing. Let me entertain you.

Drag365: Show #39- Ultimate Drag Pageant, Week 4 at The West End

Nicole Onoscopi // photo by Michael Block

Day: Thursday, February 8th       

Show: Ultimate Drag Pageant, Week 4 

Location: The West End

Queens Seen: Marti Gould Cummings (@martigcummings), Nedra Belle (@nedrabelle), Allura Borealis (@alluraborealis), Bambina,  Carlos the Uber Driver (@carlostheuberdriver), Celah Doore (@celahdoorenyc), Gina Tonic (@itsginatonic), Foolisha (@thefoolisha), Nicole Onoscopi (@nicoleonoscopi), Shelby Late (@shelby_late), Tiffany Anne Coke (@tiffanyannecoke)

Shelby Late // photo by Michael Block

No one ever said comedy was easy! While the joke of the night may have been the technical woes, it was comedy night at Ultimate Drag Pageant! Mike Kelton, comedian and producer of Shade: Queens of NYC, joined hosts Marti Gould Cummings and Nedra Belle as they watched the contestants try their hand at comedy. And isn’t it ironic that on comedy night, there was drama!? Not only did two contestants do their versions of the same character, it was an elimination night AND two queens tied for the win of the week!

Gina Tonic // photo by Michael Block

The night began with Tiffany Anne Coke paying homage to “30 Rock” icon Jenna Maroney looking quite adorable with her silly visor and flamingo dress. Following her was her other half Carlos the Uber Driver with an “ugly” mix, looking, well, anything but ugly. Nicole Onoscopi went out of the box portraying a one-legged blind person as she hopped around the stage, had a miraculous recovery, only to lose her other leg. Allura Borealis went all in with daddy in her mix. Next up was the first interpretation of “Schitt’s Creek’s” Moira as Shelby Late took on the Rose matriarch with a fabulous lip sync and a wig reveal. Babmi took a willing audience member from the audience to play off during her pussy and dick mix. Foolisha brought the energy with her hilarious Maria Bambord mix. With quite possibly the biggest risk of the night, Gina Tonic played her own version of Snatch Game, taking on the Carol Channing, Melania Trump, and Mary Berry. The night ended with the second Moira mix from Celah Doore, with not one, but two wig reveals.
Before announcing the queen who would be eliminated, Marti and Nedra revealed that there was a tie for the top spot, as my weekly winner, Nicole Onoscopi and Shelby Late both walked away with a prize from House of La Rue. As you’ll notice, Precious Envy was not present this week and, but votes, would have been the eliminated queen. Nine queens remain. What will the girls bring next for Glamour week!

Drag365: Show #31- Ultimate Drag Pageant, Week 3 at The West End

Carlos the Uber Driver // photo by Michael Block

Day: Thursday, February 1st   

Show: Ultimate Drag Pageant, Week 3

Location: The West End

Queens Seen: Marti Gould Cummings (@martigcummings), Allura Borealis (@alluraborealis), Bambina, Carlos the Uber Driver (@carlostheuberdriver), Gina Tonic (@itsginatonic), Foolisha (@thefoolisha), Nicole Onoscopi (@nicoleonoscopi), Precious Envy (@theenvyofprecious), Shelby Late (@shelby_late), Tiffany Anne Coke (@tiffanyannecoke)

Bambina // photo by Michael Block

Hooray for Hollywood! It was Hollywood week at The Ultimate Drag Pageant. With Nedra away, hostess Marti Gould Cummings brought along her “Shade: Queens of NYC” gal pal, Showbiz Spitfire Paige Turner to the judges panel. Offering profound insight, the duo guided the girls through their numbers ahead of the upcoming elimination in week 4. To kick things off, Gina Tonic returned from her stint in La La Land with a comical rendition of Britney Spears’ “Lucky” as the titular character fails at killing herself. The number featured Gina shaving her head live on stage. Bringing a modern interpretation to the theme, Shelby Late began with a soundbite about Harvey Weinstein that led into an emotionally charged rendition of “Creep.” Nicole Onoscopi brought the out-of-the-box comedy to the thriller genre with her flip on “Silence of the Lambs” characters Clarice Starling and Buffalo Bill. Keeping the horror trend going, Precious Envy played around with “Nightmare on Elm Street.” Eartha Kitt as Catwomen made a cameo appearance in Bambi’s diamond inspired number. Foolisha found a way to interject David Lynch into drag with her “Mulholland Drive” mix. The standard drag number “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” was the source for Tiffany Anne Coke, who looked stunning in her gown. Carlos the Uber Driver paid tribute to Hollywood while performing Broadway with a number from Sunset Boulevard. Rounding out the night was Allura Borealis lip syncing to the title song of the James Bond flick, “Goldfinger.”
With an array of interpretations, the judges went in deep and hard with constructive criticism. For the first time in three weeks, a unanimous decision didn’t happen between the judges and I. While my pick of the night was the bold “Silence of the Lambs” mix from Nicole Onoscopi, it was Carlos the Uber Driver who earned a 5 star rating as the winner of the week. The next time you read a UDP recap, at least one competitor will be gone after the Comedy week elimination. Who will it be? Come to the West End to find out!

Drag365: Show #27- Ultimate Drag Pageant, Week 2 at The West End

Nicole Onoscopi // photo by Michael Block

Day: Thursday, January 25th  

Show: Ultimate Drag Pageant, Week 2

Location: The West End

Queens Seen: Marti Gould Cummings (@martigcummings), Nedra Belle (@nedrabelle), Allura Borealis (@alluraborealis), Bambina Da Dondiva, Celah Doore (@celahdoorenyc), Carlos the Uber Driver (@carlostheuberdriver), Foolisha (@thefoolisha), Nicole Onoscopi (@nicoleonoscopi), Precious Envy (@theenvyofprecious), Shelby Late (@shelby_late), Tiffany Anne Coke (@tiffanyannecoke)

Tiffany Anne Coke, Carlos the Uber Driver // photo by Michael Block

Alright drag fans! We’re back for week two of the Ultimate Drag Pageant! Sponsored by House of La Rue, the theme for week 2 was Broadway. Nedra Belle was back alongside Marti and guest judges Tony d’Alelio and Juan Torres-Falcon. So how did the girls do honoring the Great White Way? Let’s find out! This season is unique having a couple compete against one another. In a big risk for the competition, Carlos the Uber Driver and Tiffany Anne Coke decided to share the stage in a tribute to Chicago. Carlos took on the role of Velma Kelly while Tiffany sported the blonde wig as Roxie Hart. Backed up by sexy dancing boys and original choreography, Carlos and Tiffany each took a stab at their characters’ infamous solos before doing the dance duet of all dance duets, the “Hot Honey Rag.” These chorus boys by day looked comfortable as leading ladies at night. It was safe, yet visually stimulating. Next up was Shelby Late honoring Gypsy with a live sung number. Two costume reveals, gorgeous costumes, and a stunning wig weren’t the stars of this number. Oh no, it was the gimmick Shelby surprised us all with: balloons! She blew up those silly clown balloons to create a hat for a one, Miss Juicy Lui, who was in the audience indragneto. When you got a gimmick, you best show it off if you want to stand out! Dare I say defiling Little Shop of Horrors, Nicole Onoscopi turned out a parody of “Grow For Me,” equating a blood-thirsty plant to a blood-thirsty penis. With a little collaboration from someone who may or may not be writing this article, Nicole took an idea and ran with it, never afraid of going too far. Did it pay off? Wait to find out! With a trifecta of live sung numbers in a row, Foolisha showed off the incredible pipes you may not known she had. Singing “Wig in a Box”, Foolisha got the crowd singing along. Bambina took on the diva slot of the night by performing a dance to Dreamgirls’ “One Night Only.” Despite a reveal mishap and a late game stumble, Bambina brought it all. Precious Envy went with a number that was a drastic turn from the previous week with a lip sync to “Fly Fly Away” from Catch Me If You Can. She let the ballad keep her grounded as the lyrics soared. Easily the most emotional number of the night, Allura Borealis gave us her rendition of “He Used to Be Mine” from Waitress. If there is one word to describe the number it was vulnerability. Rounding out the night was Celah Doore bringing the campy comedy with “Killer Instinct” from Bring It On. Rather than a straight up number, she mixed in names of some of the “Shade: Queens of NYC cast” for comic effect.

Foolisha // photo by Michael Block

For the second week in a row, the judges and I were unanimous in our winner of the week. Nicole Onoscopi and her rag-filled “Grow For Me” walked away the gift certificate to House of La Rue. Can Nicole keep up the momentum going into Hollywood week or will week 1 winner Gina Tonic, fresh from her trip from Hollywood come back for the top spot? Or will one of the other eight make this competition interesting and emerge as a front runner? Check out week three of the Ultimate Drag Pageant on February 1st at 11:00pm, only at The West End.

Drag365: Show #20- Ultimate Drag Pageant at The West End

Gina Tonic // photo by Michael Block

Day: Thursday, January 18th

Show: Ultimate Drag Pageant, Week 1

Location: The West End

Queens Seen: Marti Gould Cummings (@martigcummings), Allura Borealis (@alluraborealis), Bambina Da Dondiva, Celah  Doore (@celahdoorenyc), Carlos the Uber Driver (@carlostheuberdriver), Foolisha (@thefoolisha), Gina Tonic (@itsginatonic), Nicole Onoscopi (@nicoleonoscopi), Precious Envy (@theenvyofprecious), Shelby Late (@shelby_late), Tiffany Anne Coke (@tiffanyannecoke)

Nicole Onoscopi // photo by Michael Block

Hosted by TV’s Marti Gould Cummings and Nedra Belle, the Ultimate Drag Pageant is a drag queen showcase competition where one queen will emerge victorious. For their sixth season, Ultimate Drag Pageant is upping the game. Now with ten contestants, this season is sponsored by House of La Rue, who will be giving away a weekly prize to the winner of each week. The first week’s theme was “Show Us Who You Are.” It’s a way for each contestant to show the judges and the crowd what to expect from them through the season. With Nedra away this week, filling in was guest judge Bearded Bitch, Kizha Carr.

Shelby Late // photo by Michael Block

To kick off the season, Nicole Onoscopi wowed the crowd with a Fancy mix, looking shiny and fabulous, as she mashed up the titular songs by Iggy Azalea and Reba McIntire, alongside some spoken word bits about being fancy. Serving robotic mask realness, Foolisha delivered a robot inspired mix which brilliantly featured “Coin Operated Boy” by The Dresden Dolls. Celah Doore showed off her pipes doing with an acoustic Lady Gaga medley. Timing is everything and Precious Envy capitalized on the recent death of Cranberries’ lead signer Dolores O’Riordan through a mashup of Katy Perry’s “ET” placed against The Cranberrie’s “Zombie. The seasoned queen of the cycle, Gina Tonic started off with a smart stand up set before singing a 20s-set version of “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift. Allura Borealis went for a straight number with “Gemini Feed” by Banks. The drag dancing diva Bambina Da Dondiva, or Bambi for short, brought a high-energy MILK mix with all the tricks you could want on this stage. This season is special for bringing the competition’s first couple competing as individuals. First up was chorus girl turned drag queen Tiffany Anne Coke with an NYC inspired mix. Her partner, Carlos the Uber Driver brought what she called a “Disco Nonsense” Mix, which included basically everything. The night concluded with Shelby Late offering the second twisted Taylor Swift number, with a live sung “Look What You Made Me Do.”
As stated, the season, the judges would award a weekly prize to the winner to the strongest performer of the bunch. I decided to do the same thing in my recaps. Coincidently, both the judges and I were unanimous. Gina Tonic was the clear-cut winner of the week. Keep an eye out for what Gina will bring as the competition continues. This is a very unique group of competitors. It’s evident that there are some tops and bottoms after one week. Will the bottoms rise to tops? Can the tops remain there? Follow along each week and make sure you take a visit to The West End and vote for your favorites! Each drink is an audience vote!