Wednesday Night Out
Judy's Cabaret and Dionysia's Born This Day
Considering Wednesday nights are perfect for sitting alone in my room, last week was a rarity for me. But two new shows to cover in one night, I was excited to put down my knitting, my book, and my broom for a drag double feature of mother-monster proportions.
I started the night in West Hollywood at Judy’s Cabaret. First of all, how chic does that sound? Her first time producing and hosting her own show, Judy opened the cab at Stache. Setting the dance floor with tables, chairs, and the ever-important twinkly light, Judy embodied the true spirit of cabaret.
“I said, ‘I want to host Judy’s Cabaret.' So first I looked up ‘What is a cabaret?’ Sit, drink, and watch a show? Easy, I can do that,” she joked.
The drink menu featured specials like The Judy (Sauvignon Blanc with a splash of Sauvignon Blanc), The Kit Kat Club Soda, and the Just Judy That’s It (just a shot of Kettle One, yum!). Though I didn’t indulge, here’s my Raja Minnelli-inspired look, for thematic reference, of course!
Supported by local artists, family, and friends, including the House of Avalon, Judy kicked up the temperature with her opening performance of “Fever.” Featuring sounds by Succubus, the show included Rock M. Sakura, Lux, Die Anna, a bit of beyond-inspiring poetry, and “this gay guy,” as she lovingly called singer Jack Scott.
As a host, Judy was effortlessly funny — a natural, unsurprisingly. But as a producer, Judy was able to create a new drag space that honored its variety show and cabaret influences while also staying true to a contemporary sensibility. Intentionally casting a diverse range of performers and talent, Judy underscored the unexpected nature of Cabaret— all this on a weeknight, nonetheless.
But all too soon, I had to wish Judy ‘auf wiedersehen, a bientot, good night’ and race up Santa Monica to make it to the Bourbon Room in time for the ultimate Gaga birthday celebration.
In honor of Stefani’s big day, Dionysia hosted “Born This Day: A Lady Gaga Tribute Show” featuring 18 drag artists including Amanda Tori Meating, Satana, Jonnie Reinhart, and Dionysia producers Annie Vaxxer, Lorelei, and Starline Sublime.
After the correct amount of drinking, schmoozing, and step-touching to B-sides, the show began. And to my absolute delight, it did not pause until curtain call. Unlike most drag shows that heavily feature a host who dominates the show between numbers (entertaining or not) “Born This Day” was a non-stop production, perfect for my rotted, micro attention span. As Lorelei said, Dionysia keeps the show pumping.
Though the entire cast was high-energy and engaging, there were a few standouts. Amanda Tori Meating performed a “Chromatica” mix, absolutely demolishing any bad makeup allegations. Jonnie Reinhart’s live performance of “Always Remember Us This Way” was mesmerizing; an audience member leaned over to me and whispered, “why am I so emotional?” Koke was joined by Die Anna (who did both Judy’s Cabaret and the Gaga show like a true professional) for a “Do What You Want” duet, the crowd lived for Aziza Bijou who lived for the applause, and Starlina Sublime entered from the back to show us her light-up disco stick.
But my personal favorite of the night was Mini Horrorwitz, entering to perform a “Joanne” mix wearing her Yosemite Samantha cowboy hat in the perfect shade of Trisha Paytas pink. As the number progressed and tension grew, Mini removed the hat to shower herself in a cascade of tiny pink cowboy hats. She generously handed them out to the crowd, her Instagram handle @spookytoots sprawled across the back.
Maybe more so than any one number, I was impressed by the overall production. By structuring the show with one act transiting to the next, Dionysia producers built a genuine excitement and anticipation among the audience that has disappeared from most drag spaces.
Capping my Wednesday night with kisses goodbye and a redbull before my drive, I returned home genuinely looking forward to seeing what both Dionysia and Judy do next. “Chicago” and a “Beyonsay Happy Birthday" tribute? “Sweet Charity” and a “Cher your Birthday Wishes” production? Regardless, attending either (or both) will be well worth the sacrifice of your usual Wednesday bedtime.
