By John Moore
Sept. 9, 2013
Sept. 3 wasn’t just opening night of the national touring production of “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” in Denver. It was also Drag Night at the Buell Theatre, with many of Denver’s top entertainers in attendance. They brought both vibrant color and the same air of freedom and tolerance the popular film, and now the stage musical, both espouse.
Audience members stopped several of Denver’s Drag Queens in the lobby, asking for everything from photos to make-up tips to advice on how to talk to loved ones. One Denver Drag Queen said afterward she never felt more validated as an entertainer than chatting with the friendly, curious “Priscilla” audiences.
Interview subjects include actor Scott Willis, who plays Bernadette in the show; Denver drag icons Shirley Delta Blow and Shanida Lawya (apologies for the spelling in the video above); Denver Cycle Sluts LaTexa D’Vynal, Rolanda Flor and Phillis Baskit; and burlesque performers Vivienne Va Voom, La Petite Mort and Joey Smith.
“Priscilla” plays through Sept. 15. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Also: Thursday matinee: 2 p.m. Sept. 12. At the Denver Performing Arts Complex, 14th and Curtis streets, 303-893-4100 or www.denvercenter.org.
Here’s the direct link to the video.
Sheneeda Lawyer, who measures 7-feet tall in heels, poses for an opening-night photo with curious “Priscilla” fans at the Buell Theatre.
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