It was a sweaty, 83-degree day when I went to Revival Theatre Company’s staging of La Cage Aux Folles. This was perfect weather to be spirited away to Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera and into a packed theater full of cheering, clapping and the best show I’ve seen this year. The musical is a reworking […]
drag queens
Posted inArts & Entertainment
‘Star Search: All Stars’ Ep. 4: A diamond sparkles in a lip-sync-a-rama testing contestants’ memory and stage presence
Catch up on episode one, two and three. This week’s challenge is Judge Beep Beep’s favorite, Drag Roulette, but it takes a different form than in previous seasons. A week ago, the contestants were given a sheet of songs to memorize completely, one of which would be chosen at random for them to perform. In past […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
‘Star Search: All Stars’ Ep. 2: Hats are thrown into the ring as girl groups perform, alliances form
For those uninitiated, Star Search: All Stars is a live, weekly reality competition show in Iowa City’s Studio 13, that’s basically the region’s own RuPaul’s Drag Race. There’s been five previous seasons, but this one is special: it’s an all winners and almost-winners lineup. Each contestant has competed before and was a crowd favorite. […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Is it hot in here? A local erotica writer reviews Bawdy Bawdy Ha Ha’s sexy burlesque circus
No animals were harmed by Bawdy Bawdy Ha Ha, Iowa’s premier burlesque ensemble, in the presentation of their circus-themed variety shows last month. But you could still hear plenty of hooting and hollering from the wild animals in the audience of the adults-only Cirque Sensuale — including Yours Truly.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
The ultimate Iowa City drag competition has begun, and the sparks are flying already. Here’s your intro to ‘Star Search: All Stars’
You don’t know Iowa drag if you don’t know Studio 13’s Star Search. And if you don’t know Star Search, you can start your education with Star Search: All Stars. The new season premiered this past weekend, and you’re going to want to clear out your Sundays, 9-11 p.m., for about the next nine weeks. […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Can she get an amen? Flamy Grant, Christian drag musician, is set to perform at St. Andrew in Iowa City
There’s no shortage of drag shows or performers in Eastern Iowa, and with Pride Month on the horizon, they’ll no doubt be busy as can be. But North Carolina’s Flamy Grant isn’t like the rest. For one thing, her June 4 performance will be at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. Jeff Charis-Carlson, director of communication and […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Drag ordinances in three Iowa cities are unconstitutional, argues ACLU of Iowa
This story originally appeared in LV Daily, Little Village’s Monday-Friday email newsletter. Sign up to have it delivered for free to your inbox. On Tuesday, the ACLU of Iowa sent letters to the city councils of Dyersville, Pella and Waukee advising them to revise their ordinances restricting drag shows because they are unconstitutional. All three […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Thew Brewing Rebrands as Lucky Cat Comedy and Events
Cedar Rapids bar and former brewery Thew Brewing has rebranded as Lucky Cat Comedy and Events. Thew closed on May 14; the new venue will have its first public open mic on Tuesday, May 31. “We took a look at what was working and what wasn’t working that well for us,” said Haley Flenker, who […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Five questions with Loretta Stone, real dragwife of Des Moines
If you’re familiar with the Des Moines drag scene, you’ve probably run into Loretta Stone. The Perry native lived in New York City for 10 years before moving to Des Moines to become a Midwestern drag icon. Whether you’re catching her emceeing at The Blazing Saddle or hosting her variety show at The Garden, get […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Belle’s Basix, Cedar Rapids’ only LGBTQ bar, is closing — unless a new owner steps up
After a quarter century, Belle’s Basix, an iconic Cedar Rapids bar and one of only a handful of LGBTQ night spots in eastern Iowa, may soon close for good. “Unless someone buys the business, the bar will be permanently closed on Feb. 1st,” owner Andrew Harrison wrote in a late Sunday night Facebook post. “If […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Photo Gallery: Iowa City celebrates 50 years of Pride
Iowa City held its 50th annual Pride celebration on Saturday. This year’s Pride would’ve been the 51st, but Iowa City Pride 2020 was canceled due to the pandemic. Iowa City first celebrated Pride in 1970, when the Gay Liberation Front marched in the University of Iowa’s homecoming parade. Organizers decided not to hold Pride’s traditional […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Hazy Buchanan, the groundbreaking Miss Iowa City titleholder, offers advice ahead of the 2020 pageant
With Iowa City Pride Week still five months away, the community could use a dose of charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent. Iowa City Pride will host their annual Mr. and Miss Iowa City competition at Studio 13 on Sunday. Last year, Hazy Buchanan, a drag queen who identifies as a woman, both in and outside of drag, was dubbed Miss Iowa City.
