Insight Magazine at UNR interviewed me about an article they were drafting about drag queen culture and life. I think the author, Jessica Voss, did an excellent job with the piece. I think she was able to transform a dynamic and complex topic as drag queenary and allow audiences to relate to it. Also she starts the article with a quote from the one Miss Noxema Jackson from the movie "Too Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar" Here is an excerpt from the article

By the end of the night, Ginger is usually feeling the pain that most women are all too familiar with after a night out. The torturous high heels, the smeared makeup, and the restricting clothing (not to mention the corsets) all make a woman or a drag queen feel like she did her best to end her evening in pain.  All of the work seems to be worth it, though, because drag queens are “very beautiful and extremely well-dressed,” according to Pat Ponder, a sixty-seven-year-old Renoite. Others seem to feel similarly; many people say that they find drag queens to be beautiful and confident. Daniels’s female friends often tell him it’s unfair he makes a prettier woman than they do.

Here is a link to the full article. Thank you Jessica for allowing me to be a part of the article.  

It's that time again ladies and gentlemen. A surefire sign that summer has arrived in Reno, is when the Reno News and Review begins the intense "Best Of" competition for Northern Nevada. In the past I have received 3rd best drag queen in Reno and blogger - but now I have my sights on the gold. This year the category I am vying for is "Best Drag Queen".

Here is my case for why I am the best drag queen in Reno. One, a ginger attempting to rise to fame in a desert is a story of overcoming obstacles that stand in your path - like the sun. Secondly, I think to think of myself as an eclectic entertainer. No longer limited to simply lip-syncing to songs like many of my contemporaries, I can sing live, dance, host various events, and do stand-up. I have had the fortunate opportunity to use my drag queenary to perform in live musicals, improv shows, Golden Girls episodes, burlesque shows, and plays and cannot wait to see what the rest of the year brings my way. Also, I like to think I am not one of those scary drag queens. More often than not I transform myself in gorgeous women that confuses and appeals to both straight men and lesbians everywhere. Last but not last, did I mention I can drop down into the splits? 

Here is the link to event's page for the competition. Make sure to follow all of the directions so that your vote is not discounted. I promise that if I am sworn in as the best drag queen in Reno I will rule benevolently and not let the victory go to my head ... too much. 

I am a drag queen genius. I love being a drag queen - what I don't love is the way my feet and body feel at the end of the night. I usually wear a corset; an ancient torture device designed to limit one's breathing and redistribute and reposition fat rolls to a more acceptable space (unfortunately for me gravity works against me and pushes my fat rolls down giving the appearance of a foupa). On top of that, I'm usually stuff my feet into some pair of obnoxious heels that were clearly not meant for men's feet.

However, Saturday night I had a breakthrough. I was getting ready for my friend Franz's birthday party. The theme for the party was an anything but clothes party. I went through an exhaustive list of non-clothing accessories and materials I had - which as a drag queen, is a lot - and found that nothing was speaking to me. A duck tape dress sounded painful, a newspaper miniskirt sounded potentially dangerous, and I didn't have enough bows to make my bathing suit. I was getting frantic and desperate. Then ... all of it sudden it hit me. Rummaging through my already messy room, I flung my snuggie across the room. I stared at it, laying there in all of its magnificent glory, and thought to myself I can work with this. I managed to fashion a kimono out of a snuggie and a vibrant blue scarf. I looked like a ginger geisha. To complete the ensemble, I decided that nothing could glam up this outfit more than a pair of crocs.

The party was absolutely fantastic. Know what's awesome? Having a professional photographer at a party full of people with ridiculous costumes and outfits ... oh did I mention that said party happens to be at the house of another professional photographer who just happens to have a studio in his garage. We decided to have a photo shoot where we took 1200 photos of ourselves. One would think that we would all eventually tire of having amazing photos taken of ourselves ... but we did not. I am hopefully going to use the shots as promo pictures for the new fashion line I hope to start - Snuggie Couture. Imagine ... snuggie dresses, coats, shirts (unfortunately no vests as that would be counteractive to the theory of the snuggie). Of course, the most terrifying part of the night was wearing the 5 inch stiletto heels that were made entirely out of tape ... I tried to move as little as possible and just be seen in them.

I've decided that I will never wear anything else to an anything but clothes party. I have never been so comfortable as a drag queen before. In fact, part of me wants to wear nothing but snuggies and crocs the rest of my life ... however I don't feel that will go over too well.

Come laugh your asses off with the Utility Players. Now that American Idol, GLEE, and the rest of our favorite televisions shows are over, fillthe void with a fantastic improv show with the Utility Players. Always high-energy, this audience-driven show is created on the spot, making it a unique experience each and every time it is performed. Similar to Whose Line Is It Anyway?, The Utility Players like to put on a truly diverse show; incorporating musical comedy, dance numbers, stand-up, and sketches into an exciting 90 minute show. David Hegle, from the Reno Metromix, wrote an absolutely fabulous review of the show we just had at the Pioneer Underground. You can check out pictures and a play-by-play description of the show here . Tonight's show is at the Good Luck Macbeth's theater in downtown Reno - 119 North Virginia Street. Admission to the show is $6. Doors will open at 7:00pm and the show will promptly begin at 7:30pm.

This past weekend, Bruka theater premiered their latest theatrical hit with "Angry Housewives". When I first heard the title of the musical, I assumed it would a little bit of Betty Friedan mixed in with "Diary of a Mad Housewife" ... only in musical form. I thought brilliant; make women's studies more accessible by converting its messages into musical lyrics.

Angry Housewives follows the story of four eccentric housewives as they each start their own journey of personal transformation. The musical establishes the trials and tribulations of each woman. Bev, who is broke after her husband died, must deal with the immature and self-centered antics of her son Tim. Next we have Wendi who quits a project as soon as she begins it, Jetta who must maintain her incompetent husband's pampered lifestyle, and finally Carol who fills the voids in her life with food - which explains her rather pronounced derriere. All are dealing with financial and relationship woes at the onset of the musical. Wendi soon convinces the girls to start a punk rock group - under the name Angry Housewives - and enter a battle-of-the-bands like competition where the winner gets $2,000.

Of all the places I thought that a musical entitled "Angry Housewives" could have gone, punk rock band was one of the last places I thought of - which is odd given the poster for the production. I thought an alien abduction would happen before a punk rock band - that being said, I appreciated the twists and turns the musical took throughout the show. The campiness of the musical was probably what I enjoyed most; given the nature of the plot line, the musical in some ways makes fun of itself and let's audiences know, that yes, this musical is about four middle-aged women starting a punk rock band.

Once again, the Bruka community delivers a masterful and thoroughly enjoyable production. I remember sitting in the seats watching Adam and Bradford don their tap shows before breaking out in an incredible tap duet thinking to myself "is this really happening?" I was peeing my pants throughout the entire show, and though I am not a fan of punk rock, I learned that I AM a fan of musicals about punk rock. I certainly recommend this show to anyone who likes hearing the hilarious plights of four disgruntled women on their path toward self-discovery and independence. Make sure to check out Bruka's website or facebook page for a complete listing of show dates.

At some point during my "Inside the Actor's Studio" interview, James Lipton will look at me and say how long have you been an entertainer. With a sense of whimsy, I'll reply that I came out of my mother's womb an entertainer, glitter and all. After a quick guffaw from the studio audience, I will explain that for most of my college career, I had been a performing drag queen with aspirations of success and fame. Post college, I moved to the Biggest Little City in the World to earn my place in the lexicon of iconic entertainers and comedians of the world. Most assuredly, I will reference tomorrow's improv show at the Pioneer Underground as a momentous mile marker on my path to achieving that goal.

The Utility Players are having our premiere improv show at the Pioneer Underground, connected to the Pioneer Center in downtown Reno, this Thursday at 8PM. It seems ridiculous; at one point we were performing in a space to three people and slowly over time we have grown and expanded - both in our capacity as a troupe and performers but also our fan base and name recognition - to where we are now, having the opportunity to perform in a gorgeous theater with 175 seats. It truly is the biggest little show of my life. It seems a little surreal that this is happening. I love making people laugh; nothing brings me greater joy and excitement than watching a group of people lose it and allow themselves to fill into fits of hysterics. Or when someone comes up to after a show and exclaims that they came to the show in a terrible mood, upset by the events of the day, but were so happy they came to the show because it made their day.

Entertainment, especially comedy, has the power and ability to change society and impact the individual. Laughter can be a healing remedy. Performances can inspire people to action or create the opportunity or space for them to accept something about themselves and feel safe in doing so. I'm grateful that I continue to find opportunities to perform and contribute to that change.

So if you are looking for showing to do in Reno on a Thursday night, come see the funniest comedy show in town with the Utility Players. Get your tickets in advance for $10, or $15 at the door (additional fees may apply). The show begins at 8:00pm; come early and grab a drink at their full service bar. Hope to see you all at the Pioneer Underground on Thursday!!!  

This morning, a co-worker and I decided to take a morning walk – though it was 30 degrees and windy. In the midst of a great conversation about Princess Katherine’s magnificent dress at the Royal Wedding today, three shuttles drove past bearing the words “Have you heard the awesome news? The End of the World is Almost Here!” Apparently an assortment of fanatical religious cults has put down their cups of Kool-Aid and are now preaching that the end of the world is nearer than anticipated. Originally, I thought I had at least until 2012 until fire and brimstone began to rain from the heavens. I learned that these new groups think that Judgment Day is occurring on May 21^st while the actual Day of Destruction will occur sometime in the middle of October.

You have got to be kidding me. There is no way in hell that Judgment Day is taking place the day prior to my birthday. I don’t want to be in the midst of my birthday party, if and when, the good lord comes down from on high. I have this vision of me getting buck wild and freaky on the dance floor, mixing a martini in the mouth of a suave gentleman caller when God cuts in and stares down at me and ever so slightly shakes his head as he says “Oh Ginger”. At that point I would calmly remind God of his omniscient powers and state “Come on God, you and I both know this is not the worst thing I have done”.

I did some more research on the group in question making such allegations. I learned it is coming from a group called Family Radio, run by a man called Harold Camping. Harold’s predictions and prophecies for the fate of the world have included:

1. Harold Camping proclaimed the Lord's return would be in 1994!
2. Harold Camping now proclaims the Lord's return will be in October, 20, 2011!
3. Harold Camping taught that NO ONE was saved between 1988 through 1994!
4. Harold Camping teaches that the church age ended in 1994!
5. Harold Camping teaches that the Holy Spirit is NO LONGER working in the church!

After more scrolling I learned that “gay pride” is a sign from the good lord of the impending apocalypse – and once again it all comes back to the gays. I don’t care about “Family Radio” or their incessant need to send people into a blind panic about their salvation. We live in the city of Reno, why don’t we leave it to chance, take a little gamble, and see on May 21^stwho God condemns to an eternity in Hell. My question though is how these individuals manage to find the financial resources to purchase shuttle vehicles and billboards to spread their falsities. Are they receiving grants? Are people actually donating to the cause? Or do they happen to own some ridiculous business like Pizza Hut or Quiznos and that’s how they front all of their operations? Either way, I feel that as we get closer to 2012 the crazies are going to come out in force, each with a varying opinion on how or why the world is ending. Meh, I’m over it, if the world ends, it ends. However, if this plays out exactly like Y2K I will be pissed.

Tomorrow (April 14th), the Utility Players- voted Reno's best comedy troupe - has a brand new all improv show. Well, given the nature of improv, can an improv show ever be anything but brand new? I believe I will leave that one to the theologians. Anyway, our very hilarious and very cheap - a meager $6 - is occurringtomorrow at the Good Luck Macbeth theater in the heart of downtown Reno - 119 N. Virginia St. As always show starts at 7:30 - doors open at 7:00pm - make sure to get there early.

the Utility Players just passed our two year anniversary, a momentous occasion that left us all in a state of utter disbelief. Two years .... seriously .... two years. How did we go from a period of time where barely anybody came to the show and very few individuals even knew who we were to now where we are selling out shows and big opportunities loom on the horizon. It has been ridiculous experience; one that I have been fortunate enough to be a part of. My roommate and I routinely make jokes about how this is all a part of our E! True Hollywood Story.

It's crazy to think that there was a period in my life where I didn't know what improv was and dubiously looked at my producer Jes whenever she attempted to throw me into an improv game. The timid member who usually ran sound or lights in the back is now a strong principal player in the troupe.  I couldn't imagine doing anything else and really want nothing more than to be able to perform and play improv and have that be able to sustain my livelihood.

So if you are looking for something fun to do on a Thursday night, make sure to check the Utility Players in our all improv show. There is really nothing else like this show in Reno; full of musical entrances, stand-up, short-form improv, short sketches and more. A show made by the audience for the audience is kind of the mantra of the Utility Players with your suggestions and ideas driving and shaping the show that is being crafted right before your eyes. So, bring your suggestions, your crazy props and your sense of humor and check out our show; I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

It's really tragic to witness the slow and eminent downfall of an institution of higher education. Since the beginning of March, when the University announced a $26 million dollar budget cut, a new sense of paranoia has flooded the city. Professors and graduate students remain fearful of their positions being eliminated and departments are having to make cuts across the board while students are having to incur the ever increasing costs of college. Of course, those increasing costs are not gaining them access to a quality education, but instead asubstandard and sub par experience. Many of my friends are majoring in theater or dance at UNR; both of these programs face cuts and eventual elimination.

I believe that education is a right for all. Why, would we as a nation not want the most educated populace in the world? Why do we assume that destroying the education system, not only in Nevada, but in the US is somehow going to generate more positive results? Didn't Governor Sandoval boast about having this fabulous education plan? Where has that plan gotten us?

Unfortunately, what is invariably going to happen is the mass exodus of students and faculty from this state, taking with them their knowledge, talent, and money. They will leave Nevada and invest their resources in other states; one that does not rank 50th in the nation for education.

The fall of UNR, represents only the beginning of a very very very bad year. An assumption that budget cuts will stop there is laughable; more cuts need to be made. Regrettably, individuals that are below the age of 18 have very little power and political clout to enact change; therefore social programs geared toward early education, high school music programs, etc are often first on the chopping block. More often than not, representatives will listen to their largest constituent base - who may or may not have children and may or may not support educational endeavours. Perhaps they are voting to expand social security coverage or voting to lower taxes oblivious that money for programs needs to come from somewhere. It sucks even more because research - ya know very costly research - has shown that engagement of children through early education programs has shown to improve grades, behaviors, and chances for future education or careers. Though we have these facts staring at us, we still chose to do nothing.

So let me get this straight. We already had a failing education system before the collapse of the economy. Now that the economy sucks, we feel that the best way to address this problem is make additional cuts to said education system - though they have no money to begin with - and assume that everything will work out in the end? Great we'll be broke and have an uneducated citizenry.

Could somebody please give me a small country to rule? Nothing large or grandiose, but just my own country, because part of me feels that I would be able to rule a country better than some of our current leaders. I would have ridiculous holidays as excuses for days off, amazing social benefits, and my theatre, music, and dance programs would be the best in the world. This would be our flag; Anybody who does not like rainbows is not welcome in my Gay New World. Also, as a Ginger, I see it as my moral responsibility to give Ginger's free sunblock for life.  Anybody want to come?

 Tonight marks the premiere of the 3rd Annual "Made in Reno" musical festival. What started as a small variety show featuring local talent has blossomed and transformed to a larger than life music festival showcasing the best that Reno has to offer. The show has also evolved to become a fundraiser to sustain local music programs. Before the country began to face the greatest economic recession since the Depression, music programs across the nation were experiencing budget cuts with bureaucrats labeling music/music programs as an unnecessary expenditure. Though scientific studies have time and time again proven the overwhelming positive benefits of music programs for youth, finding secure funding was and continues to this day, to be a concern.

Made In Reno represents the combined efforts of a number of individuals who believe in the power of music; as well as the wonderful talent that Reno is ripe with. This two-day music celebration features some of the greatest bands and singer/songwriters in town demonstrating the inherent talent this city has to offer. The money raised through the show will go toward a general scholarship fund for music majors at the University of Nevada-Reno with priority going to students from Washoe County.

The Utility Players will be there lending their support, selling raffle tickets and performing a short set of songs from our all original musical - aptly named Improv the Musical.

Everyone should come out and support this wonderful and fantastic local fundraiser. Here is alink to the facebook event for Made in Reno - happening tonight and tomorrow at the Underground on 4th street. Show starts at 6:30pm and admission is $10. Hope to see you all there.