Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova did a reside recording of their podcast “The Bald and the Stunning” July 28 at State Theatre in Minneapolis.
After competing facet by facet on season seven of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Trixie and Katya started pursuing comedy collectively of their standard collection, “UNHhhh,” launched in 2016. They proceed to carry out as a duo in a wide range of codecs, bringing pre-recorded and reside productions to followers worldwide.
Trixie, initially from a small city in Wisconsin, speaks typically about rising up within the Midwest. The star contributes to a proud and vibrant LGBTQ+ neighborhood in Milwaukee, WI, the place Trixie owns the homosexual bar This Is It!
Like Milwaukee, Minneapolis is a hidden hub of queer tradition. Listed here are a couple of important moments in Twin Cities drag historical past — together with a short evaluate of Trixie and Katya’s sold-out present.
1914 – Julian Eltinge performs on the Metropolitan Opera Home
Within the early twentieth century, “feminine impersonators” discovered success on Broadway, performing vaudeville for rich people in elite venues. Julian Eltinge was maybe probably the most profitable performer, as his decades-long profession included a wide range of musical comedies, movies and a specifically requested present for King Edward VII of England.
Eltinge appeared on the Metropolitan Opera Home in Minneapolis in 1914, performing “The Fascinating Widow,” a present particularly designed to showcase his abilities. Somewhat than exaggerating the mannerisms and appearances of girls, feminine impersonators like Eltinge targeted on mastering the act of deception, convincing audiences they had been ladies till the large reveal on the finish of the present.
1949 – Jewel Field Revue begins a six-month contract with Curly’s Theater Cafe
The Jewel Field Revue made historical past as the primary inclusive touring firm of feminine impersonators. Over 25 performers without delay placed on exhibits throughout the USA, from Ohio to Miami to Minneapolis. Whereas the vaudeville period typically integrated blackface and offensive stereotypes, this early revue –– shaped in 1939 –– was extra racially inclusive and commenced acknowledging range.
Although the exhibits in Minneapolis had been immensely standard, the town and police requested the termination of the revue’s six-month contract with Curly’s. This was simply one in every of many efforts to suppress drag that continued to influence life into the twenty-first century.
Nineteen Seventies – Membership Cabaret, Casablanca Present Lounge and Homosexual ‘90s
The Membership Cabaret was a venue for drag that opened in 1972 on Hennepin Avenue. Drag began to enter the mainstream on this period, discovering its place in standard tradition.
Although Membership Cabaret didn’t final lengthy (it closed the identical decade it opened), different places took its place. One in every of these venues was the Casablanca Present Lounge, now known as Lafemme Lounge, within the upstairs of the favored bar Homosexual ‘90s.
2001 – Margarita Bella turns into an area for homosexual Latinos
The Latin bar Margarita Bella expanded its clientele in 2001 by inviting the queer neighborhood for “homosexual nights,” typically involving drag queens. Right now, loads of LGBTQ+ areas existed throughout the town, but there was (and is) nonetheless a stunning lack of range in lots of communities. The house owners prioritized welcoming homosexual Latinos and creating mutual help amongst people.
June 28, 2023 – Minneapolis decision declares drag efficiency is free speech
As anti-drag payments handed throughout the nation, the Minneapolis Metropolis Council lately affirmed drag tradition as part of free speech. Led by Council President Andrea Jenkins, who’s transgender, the committee discouraged future efforts to criminalize drag by declaring they “condemn the rise of anti-drag and anti-transgender laws the place bans and restrictions have handed or are being superior.”
July 28, 2023 – Trixie and Katya reside at State Theatre
The gorgeous and historic State Theatre was full of a whole bunch of Trixie and Katya followers, a lot of whom waited months to see the duo after the unique present in February was canceled.
Trixie shocked on stage in an elaborate, sparkly and (clearly) pink ensemble. Katya, additionally beautiful in a brief gold costume, introduced the chaotic vitality she is thought for and multiplied it by ten.
It was a Purple Bull, she defined, that motivated her to run laps round Trixie and carry out handstands.
“Montréal didn’t get that!” Katya mentioned, referring to the earlier night time’s present.
Trixie and Katya’s unscripted hour-long dialog had the viewers in fixed laughter. They mentioned Katya’s bizarre desires, the Minneapolis-St. Paul rivalry and ugly hook-up tales.
As regular, the duo’s contrasting personalities made for an amusing dynamic. Trixie, poised along with her legs crossed, was not fazed by Katya’s antics, however the best way the 2 associates made one another giggle was, in itself, sufficient to entertain the gang.