WHITECASTLE...

 

As in Harrisburg's newest premiere Grand Dame...Betty Whitecastle! After I and a slew of other queens all left and moved on to other cities, Harrisburg faced a huge drag vacancy. It seemed like drag may actually wilt on the vine and dry up...at least till 2018, when Betty Whitcastle showed up!!! And this comic queen's slogan has always been, "Life's a fabulous joke, so you may as well be in on it!" I love that. Betty is indeed a character filled with hilarity and good will. I first knew of Betty years ago from the Harrisburg Men's Chorus. Not only does Betty do campy kitsch that's reminiscent of the late great Divine and the silliness of other queens like Dina Martina and Miss Richfield, but he also has a rich, heartbreaking tenor voice, and opts to sing over lip-synching, in addition to making and sewing her own creations. Betty graduated from the Maryland Institute College with a master's degree in art education, and then began his career as an elementary school art teacher. After more than a decade of the teaching and suburban life, Betty longed to once again get access to his performance artist side. While back in Harrisburg and now president of the Harrisburg Gay Men's chorus, Betty got the help of fellow Harrisburg queen and friend, Lizzie Beaumont, and together... the fabulous Betty Whitecastle was born. The two have single handily brought drag back to Harrisburg and are having fun hosting drag brunches at various restaurants and the Midtown Arts Center, hosting the Central PA Pride at the Capitol Building and various weekly shows at the 704 Lounge and the Brownstone. I'm not sure one ever really gives drag up. Even though I retired for the most part from doing drag, they have both twisted my arm to do a few appearances, which should be a hoot with Betty. In addition to Harrisburg spots, Betty can also be seen at the Woods Campground, Rehoboth Beach, and Philly. I love too that she genuinely will work a club to make everyone feel welcomed.