Varla Jean Merman brings her “Stand By Your Drag” show to Sunshine Cathedral on Friday, Jan. 5.
It’s been a year since Varla Jean Merman's earth-shaking, knee-breaking “Tic-Taccident” found her flat on her back with her legs in the air. Since that time, the daffy diva has worked hard to get back on her feet, on the stage, and in your pants. Now with drag bans, anti-LGBTQ legislation, and a skyrocketing bar tab, America is conspiring to knock Varla off her Lucite heels again! Join this show-biz survivor as she takes a stand for life, liberty, and the pursuit of non-skid breath mints in a show directed by Michael Schiralli, musical direction by Gerald Goode, and a script by Jeffery Roberson, Jacques Lamarre, and Ricky Graham.
DIVAS UNLIMITED
Joe Posa and Seth Sikes reunite for a performance of “Tributes,” an homage to iconic female legends, on Saturday, Jan. 13. Uniting performance art and female impersonation, Joe Posa will impersonate Joan Rivers, Barbra Streisand, and Liza Minnelli, while Seth Sikes will sing nostalgic melodies made famous by Judy Garland, Bernadette Peters, and other artists. The cleverly choreographed show includes duets with Seth Sikes and Joe Posa as Barbra and Liza.
WHAT A WEEKEND
Singer/actor Tom Goss performs on Jan 19. He has self-released five studio albums, one live album, two EPs, and multiple non-album singles. He has seen commercial success with his music featured on MTV's Logo TV. He won “Best Gay Musician in DC” from The Washington Blade twice. Many of Goss' songs and music videos ("Lover", "Bears" and "Make Believe") speak to LGBT issues such as marriage equality, Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT), and gay subcultures such as bears.
Singer/actor/comic Lea DeLaria is best known for her role in “Orange is the New Black,” but she has a powerhouse voice and will perform her jazz-influenced tunes on Jan. 20. If this show is like any of her others, you’ll also get some hysterical commentary on contemporary issues and politics.
THE DIVA IN THE HOUSE (OR CHURCH)
Latrice Royale, a hometown girl who has ruled on “RuPaul’s Drag Queen” brings it all to the people on Feb. 10. You can expect high hair, soaring vocals, raised voices, and low heels!
WIND, SAND, STARS
Portland-based singer/songwriter Matt Alber appears on Feb. 16 as part of his tour supporting his latest self-produced studio album entitled, “Wind Sand Stars.” The album features original pop/folk art songs rooted in melody with vocals reminiscent of Rufus Wainwright, Iron & Wine, and John Grant.
A WORD OF ADVICE
Miss Richfield brings her “Bad Advice” tour to Sunshine on Feb. 17. “Good advice is always annoying”, says Miss Richfield. “But bad advice never is!” The Midwestern maven wins over theater audiences with an interactive format that combines homespun warmth and edgy improv, leaving audiences in hysterics. Her live performances have received critical acclaim with The New York Post declaring Miss Richfield 1981“the must-see act in Provincetown." Join Miss Richfield as she unpacks a healthy heap of advice that promises to leave you entertained and maybe just a little annoyed!
THAWING OUT
As winter warms into spring we can look forward to upcoming performances by comic/actor Caroline Rhea on March 2, Tony Award-winning actor/singer Levi Kreiss on March 16, the outrageous Amy Armstrong on March 23, and David Maiocco in a Liberace tribute show on Apr. 27.
