I was looking for new things to write about and as luck would have it, I did something new the day prior by attending a drag burlesque show.
To risk coming off as a boring buzzkill, I don’t see the point in having a bar or club’s music volume break the sound barrier. That’s what concerts are for. I also have tinnitus so I may be biased, but I enormously appreciate Society Lounge’s sound engineer.
Hightop tables lined parallel walls of the lounge. The space between acted as a runway, an extension of the stage, the performance, and an avenue for crowd-work.
The live vocals and physical presence given in each performance captivated the audience. Drag King Jared Jameson‘s 1920s-esq rendition of Carly Rae Jepsen’s Call Me Maybe, was undeniably iconic.
I don’t want to make assumptions, but I would wager most of the event was stacked with former theater kids, especially after witnessing Sappho Lae Fae, School Of Rocky thespian, grace the stage.
Sappho Le Fae performs monthly in the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Kent Stage. Those left in awe of her legendary burger strip-tease would do well to catch Sappho’s next burlesque performance.
Drag is usually synonymous with a different type of energy compared to what you’d find at this jazz-musicale. In place of death drops and dazzling acrobatics, queens project glamour through a stripped-down, dolled-up, Gatsbian homage. A performance reliant on stage presence and vocal ability.
CoolCleveland didn’t take home any prizes for best dressed, despite Howie’s corduroy suit with matching fedora. However, I doubt this will be our last chance to compete.
Cleveland-based event producer Robert Stockham, AKA Uncle Lulu, is certainly hoping for the show’s return. After all, how many parties did Gatsby host?
If you’ve never been to a drag burlesque show, I highly recommend the experience. Follow Society’s Lounge’s Instagram to stay up-to-date with future performances.
Cleveland, OH 44115