ROTTERDAM GIRLS

Drag began out of necessity, although that's not to say its participants didn't enjoy it. When Shakespearean theatre was shiny and new in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the stage wasn't just a place of entertainment. It had strong link to the church and with that came rules that only men could tread the boards. If that play you were in featured a few female roles, then it was up to a couple of the men in the cast to dress up as the female parts. And since then, have there been some great drag queen troupes. I would have loved to have been around to see the Jewel Box Revue!! Back when we went to Amsterdam, we spent a few days in Rotterdam, where it appears the time had come finally...Europe had gotten its own large scale drag production. The latest hip and progressive city in the Netherlands had the honor to host this, now legendary drag show. The Rotterdam Drag Show started back up from the pandemic in September of 2021 in the stunning Schiecentrale studio with the same mouthwatering cast of queens. It has gone on to become one of the biggest drag shows in Europe. It was a fond memory of our Netherlands trip. It was like an evening of no other. The show is built in a classic revue form and contains all the elements that make up a fantastic evening. Heartfelt emotions, laughing out loud, stunning over the top frocks, and stunning numbers that follow each other at a rapid pace. And when the show is over, the real party starts, with dancing, drinking and schmoozing with the queens. And now even greater is that the Rotterdam Drag Show, invites members of the Hungarian LGBTQ to come to the performances for free, to welcome them from their own country where they, and their rights are being trampled on. The legendary cast-

The Latin diva of the group, Miss Abby OMG is a Brazilian bombshell who is known for her fierce beauty and looks and full of energy performances.

If I had a list of drag queens who are a must see, this queen would be on it. If you were here last week, I introduced you to Sederginne in this post. Sederginne is the quintessential comedy queen that will fill the room with hilarity. Always crazy, weird and strange things in life are examined, enlarged and brought to the stage, and nothing is off limits, from Gilles de la Tourette parody to ridiculing Celine Dion. This queen has got it all.

Envy Peru is one of the lead performers together with Vanessa. Envy's persona was born in Amsterdam of 2015. Due to her incredible make up skills, (among some of the best I've seen), and her sensual performances, she quickly made a name for herself in Holland's nightlife and television. Known as one of the Grande dames of the Netherlands and a winner of Drag Race, it has now made her a top queen of prominence in the world of drag. Her acts need to be seen. She would be a reason for me to pursue drag if I already didn't. One class act.

This show is proud to present the like of this queen, and one of it's lead performers, Vanessa Van Cartier. Her routines are full of beautiful numbers, stunning frocks, and an evening of magical entertainment. Her stage entrances remind me of the glamours entrances made by the late Danny La Rue. Vanessa is the first trans queen to win the world championship of Drag: Miss Contintential World, not to mention another queen who was crowned in Drag Race. This is a professional kids.

Meet Janey Jacke', a fiery and fierce talent that stole the heart of fans all across the globe. With her astonishing looks and excellent snarky humor, this dancing queen slays the house down. One of the newer members of the show, Janey will definitely shine on the stage of the Rotterdam Drag Show for some time.

The New York queen, Skyla Versai started her career as an international style ballroom champion, professional dancer and musical theater performer. She is the show's host. With her unique sense of humor, lip-synching, wise cracking and dancing skills, she will amaze any audience. She radiates on the stage. At times, she reminds me of a more lethal, snarky Lucille Ball.

With a line up like this how can one go wrong? Just one of these queens is worth the price of admission. If you get to the Netherlands, be sure to catch this legendary show in Rotterdam.