I heard awhile back, thanks to the social media accepting homosexual themes into their clutches, and giving the world the likes of Super-gay-men like the “Queer Eye” bunch or the “Queer as Folk” group, that the allure and need for drag performing was plummeting down, and many who made a name in feathers and glitz, had hung their wig up for the last time. This was alarming to me, as someone who likes to play around in the fluid nature that is gender both on and off stage, and I wondered what, or where my path would lead to, and if I had to hang my natural hair up for the last time as well. Of course, the statement that “Drag Is Dead” was false in many respects, and Seattle has continued to embrace our Queens as they should be, one of course being Queen Bee Sylvia O’Stayformore. Ms O’Stayformore has been a local presence for over ten years, having a laundry list of accomplishments and active duties, playing hostess for drunk kids at your local dive, and keeping the elderly of West Seattle laughing right along, too. Five of those years, she has brought us Bacon-Strip, a monthly theatrical event that splices together a colorful barrage of music, wicked humor, creative costuming, and of course, real bacon as an intermission snack. This happened to be my first trip down to see a Bacon-Strip show… so, the dish and spill!
This month’s theme: Space Pirates. Makes sense! The American population has recently been absorbed in a long list of gutter-like lifestyles and attributes: pirates, zombies, granola bars… they all have parades in Fremont, right? Seattle eats it up! And from the look of the audience and their fantastic costume display they assembled themselves, (which is an encouraged act on part of the Producers, and gets you two bucks off the door cost), this is a proven statement. (I would have loved to of seen last month’s Studio 54 outfits, and am anxious to get my best Divine in “Pink Flamingos” together for next month’s salute to John Waters.) Back on track… Our list of guests was extensive, with some being very familiar, and others new to me, and Bacon-Strip as well. Sylvia’s crowning moment came with a beautiful performance to the late, great Bea Arthur’s original recording of “The Man In The Moon” from the musical “Mame”; a splendidly ghastly riot was brought on by the gutsy Honey Bouquet, whose rendition of “Connie” was a fantastic introduction, and only to return in the 2nd act topping herself with a spin on the classic song “(Everyone Knows It’s) Wendy” by suggesting that “Nobody Knows It’s Tranny”, an homage to those fearless gender bending vixens who walk amongst you; and Troy Mink dazzled under the pseudo name Pat Carroll, performing “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from the 1989 Disney film “The Little Mermaid”. The eager, astonishingly well-clad cast were naturals, each adding a particular dose of necessary spice to the evening’s ultimately fun-and-games nature. This kind of solid, laid back, trashy and all at once classy cabaret show should never lose its brand of rustic flavor, and whoever is going around suggesting that “Drag Is Dead” should promptly button it. For ten bucks, the gang serves up a delicious dish worth frequenting on your first Saturdays, late into the night when you just need that proper dosage of ballsy smarts. Highly recommended for EVERYONE!
As I mentioned earlier in the article, next month’s Bacon-Strip show is John Waters themed. How could you miss this!? Think of all the Egg Obsessed Ladies, and Tracy Turnblads! Hopefully, we’ll get a few Serial Moms, and even a gigantic, but non-rapey lobster? I can’t think of a more thoroughly grotesque way to enjoy my 2nd of October at the Re-Bar, 10:30 p.m., door opens at 9:30 – tickets being only $10 bucks (or, as mentioned too, $8 if you come in costume). 21+, too… and check Sylvia, and Bacon-Strip out on Facebook, or at their website. Sylvia’s ALWAYS got something going on…
All photos courtesy of the divinely talented Jeff Schoner…check out the complete set at Flickr!
-Aiden Karamanyan
Aargh! There be Space Pirates at Re-bar Place!
The divinity known as Troy Mink (aka “Carlotta Sue Phillpot”) channeling Pat Carroll as Ursula the Sea Witch in Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Pirates enjoy a little cuddlin’…or is he plunderin’ her?
Otter Pop LOVES suckin’ on stage!
Sex Pigs in Spaaaaaace!
The fabulous Jinx Monsoon.
Courtney Love made a surprise appearance at Bacon-Strip! Or, is it Grace Slick?
I’m a Trekker/Trekkie but I don’t seem to remember this episode…was it the “Trouble with Titties” episode?
These boots are made for SOMETHIN’ but I don’t think it’s walkin’…
Bacon Strip is also recorded in front of a live audience and available at a later date on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/pwaless
Thanks Perry! I saw a clip and thought about posting it but thought it might be overkill with all the great pictures…but maybe I'll post one later on.