It comes as no surprise, even this early in, that the arts have taken a huge hit with the coronavirus , as it has shut down concert venues and theaters, and stretching right into the cabaret and bar scenes, where many drag queens are feeling it. Doing drag doesn't come cheap. With no bars, that equals no shows. And no money from the pay and tips, queens will be hurting. But as the old adage goes, the show must go on and some crafty queens are already taking to there handy Instagram's to go live and feature performances from the comfort of their own homes, or the backdrop of the stages where they performed. I know Amanda Lepore, Tina Burner, Hedda Lettuce and Sasha Velour started this over the weekend. My fellow queen, Magnolia Applebottom is at the ground zero of this movement I believe, as is Bev in Philly.
Magnolia is a popular queen from my favorite summer beach town, Rehoboth Beach, where as everywhere else, the town is feeling the effects of the quarantine. The Blue Moon shuttered last week. That's Mags above in the final show before closing. To my amazement on Instagram last night, she said she was going to go live. So I checked back in with her and sure enough she did. She conversated with people, took questions, acted the general clown she usually is, all while downing a bottle of wine. She even did a number, Wig in a Box from Hedwig. It was pretty funny
Of course, there was bound to be some technical difficulties. Magnolia used her Alexa to play the tunes to lipsynch to, and with the volume, set off many other Alexa's in viewers homes!!!! That was actually pretty funny. The Prince Butterscotch handle is yours truly. We later were talking how cool this is, and she said she and another queen from Rehoboth Beach, Roxie Overbrook would be doing a whole hour show from Blue Moon this Friday at 8pm on live feed on Instagram and Facebook. Now this is community service! They may even have a pay pal where they can acceptt tips. Maybe this will become the wave of the future, at least for some time. Drag queens have already proved in past times of dispair and worst of times, they are resilent, crafty and built Ford tough.
Let us just pray Bunny doesn't start this.
I don't think I have enough hootch to join that live feed.
That is awesome!!!!! And she look amazing. A drag show right in out own home!!!! I must search for your Instagram.
ReplyDeleteYou CANNOT keep a good queen down.
ReplyDeleteThis is super resourceful. I would be up for it in a minute. It's intimate, it's crafty, it's funny and it may lead to awesome moments like the Alexa activation. A riot!
All the queens should start a Venmo account to let people tip them when they do these online shows. Yeah!
XOXO
Yes, I believe many do or will have a venom to do so.
DeleteYup, the show must go on but... in quarantine, unfortunately. It's a crazy time, seriously. This needs to blow over already.
ReplyDelete"crafty and built Ford tough." That says it all.
ReplyDeleteI'll watch these shows online and sip my newest drink concoction: the Quarantini.
ReplyDeleteBasically it's just a regular martini but you drink it at home, alone.
Very resourceful. I read a story about a small theater that taped their show and you purchase a ticket for a viewing time on Venmo (I think). You then view the performance and afterwards there is a question and answer period with members of the cast.
ReplyDeleteOh and support your local businesses. I’ll be working from home which means I won’t be using the services of our dog walker. It is my intention to continue to give her something each week. I won’t be spending as much on gas so that will free up some money. I look at it as a retainer. When this blows over, I’m going to need her again.
Nice to see Magnolia!!!! I would have never thought this possible. And how much more intimate to get to know the audience. You queens never cease to amaze me.
ReplyDeleteThat is great!!! She has excellent style! I think a few queens here from drag race are trying to get something here up and running. Did you get my dm? I know your not always on insta.
ReplyDeleteNo surprise that they'd continue to find creative ways to entertain. I might even start watching.
ReplyDeletevery bestest of wishes to all
ReplyDeletethe Queens. Hope this ends
soon! xoxo :-)
The entire entertainment scene is trying to move "online." Both as a service to fans, but also to make up for the monetary hit they will all feel. It's a smart move on her part to get in on the front end!
ReplyDeleteI'd watch her..Im adoring her style! And so...I may have to seek you out on Instagram!!!!
ReplyDeleteMayhem Miller did a great show live last night and garned more viewers than she thought.
ReplyDeleteGood for her and all these queens, Not only does it provide a distraction, but some fun in this climate. I too started a story time, live, on the Instagram for the young and young at heart. Yesterday was AMAZING for the very first STORY TIME WITH NINA. This will be happening again (and again and again!). One of the things I appreciate most is how well I have trained my lil’ Edgar to bark in rhythm with the theme song. I hope this first story time brought some smiles. Until the next one, cuddle up with a good book!
ReplyDeleteBless them all! Times certainly have changed.
ReplyDeleteI think we are going to see this blow big till this quarantine goes away. It is truly amazing to see the support from both sides.
ReplyDelete