Opera singers and drag queens are alike in more ways than one: the extravagance, the big wigs, the shiny dresses.
“It’s all performance,” said Toledo Pride Marketing Director Kelly Heuss. “It blends more than you think it does.”
Both types of performers will be part of the Opera Ain’t No Drag event at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd. The event is a collaborative effort between Toledo Pride and the Toledo Opera Association.
“It’s just kind of a ridiculous, fun evening,” Heuss said.
Toledo Pride Executive Director Lexi Staples has done wigs and makeup for the opera for a few years, which is how the connection between the two groups was first made.
The idea, brainstormed by Staples, was put into effect two years ago to much success. More than 500 people attended the event and Heuss said the crowd was diverse.
“You get the opera guild members and then you get the younger generation that hangs out at the bars and watches the drag queens,” she said.
Heuss said the two types tend to mesh well.
“I just love that it’s a fun event that really brings together different parts of the community,” she said.
The event will include live performances by opera singers and lip-synced performances by drag queens and a drag king. The songs included during the event will include some well-known numbers.
The local performers include Jenny Cresswell, Micah Graber and Madeline Harts from the Toledo Opera Association; drag queens London Asia, Empress Fontaine, Amber Stone and Sugar Vermonte; and drag king Santana Romero.
Tickets for the event cost $15 or two for $25, available in advance or the day of the show. To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit toledopride.com.
