A contemporary revival of the iconic musical; funny, sweet, and poignantly relevant today.
This show, by Amsterdam’s Queen’s English Theatre Company, was my first taste of a drag-related musical, and it was a lovely introduction of extravagance and cheekiness, brilliantly executed on an intimate podium with some audience members seated on each side of it. Living up to a well-known production is always difficult, especially when the original ran for more than four years and won six Tony Awards. Another challenge is the changes in socio-cultural landscapes: what was seen as a confrontation of gender construction in the 1983 original could risk portraying more of a reinforcement of restrictive binaries in the current.
The performance by the star-studded cast, including special guest Barrie Stevens, offers the opportunity to ponder such questions on identity, social norms, and expression, embedded within a tale of family, love, and acceptance. Especially in the “now” of simmering anti-LGBTQ sentiments in Europe and the US, this contemporary revival of the iconic musical is not only funny and sweet, but also poignantly relevant today.
The story follows the chaos that ensues when Jean-Michel, son of George and drag queen Zaza, announces his marriage to the daughter of the right-wing politician Edouard Dindon. On top of the glamorous drag, witty dialogue, and camp personalities, the audience interaction segment in the form of a scored drag competition seals the deal for a fun, engaging show.
If you’re looking for sips of sobriety between laughter, pzazz, and drama, hop along on QETC’s longish (2hrs40mins) affair for your weekend or for further performances until 15th December. Rosina Lui 23rd November 2024
Photo by Cheryl Hart
