A history of the city's drag scene re-enacted on stage is the second in the three-part Pioneers of Performance series produced by PAL Studio Theatre Society.
Vancouver actor and drag queen Cameron Mackenzie, aka Isolde N. Barron, said Tucked and Plucked pays homage to the drag scene in Vancouver prior to the creation of the Canadian Court System founded in the 1960s by Ted Northe. The Imperial Empire of Vancouver and the former Imperial Empire of Canada, now known as the Dogwood Monarchy Society, recognizes drag queens and kings not just for their performances, but even more so for their volunteer work.
"Ted Northe was a wealth of knowledge and kindness and has a passion for history and tradition," said Mackenzie, during a phone interview from Texas this week. "That's important because often in the world we're just a bunch of people thrown together. It's not like we can learn our history from our ancestors. That's why we have what's called 'gay grandparents.' We need them to guide us and give us context in regards to where we are in history."
Mackenzie said Tucked and Plucked pays homage to an era in the 1960s and '70s when huge drag productions were common. It was also a time when police still raided gay bars. "Drag queens were the foot soldiers of the gay rights movement and in smaller towns they're still crucial in creating acceptance," said Mackenzie. "Even today, drag queens are still the cheerleaders of the community."
Mackenzie also acknowledged long-established drag queens such as Joan-E as inspiration. He noted for years Joan-E staged the longest running drag show in the city, Feather Boa, which took place each Sunday at the Odyssey nightclub that closed one year ago this month. The same night Feather Boa closed, Mackenzie launched the Apocalypstick drag show at The Cobalt on Main Street. "Now Apocalypstick is the longest running drag show in the city," said Mackenzie.
Tucked and Plucked unfolds like an interactive daytime TV talk show along the lines of former Oprah fame, but with a lot more hair and makeup, he said. "And some really great outfits," said Mackenzie, who refused to divulge how many costume changes he undergoes during the show.
Mackenzie is joined on stage by Peach Cobblah, the alter ego of his real life husband Dave Deveau. Together the pair launched Zee Zee Theatre several years ago and collectively write, perform, direct and produce for the stage.
The first Pioneers of Performance production, Speeding & Rolling, took place in July and was a celebration of the city's film and TV history, while the third and final installment of the series is scheduled for November. That still untitled cabaret will explore the history of multicultural performances in Vancouver. Tucked and Plucked runs Sept. 23 and 24 at PAL Studio Theatre, 581 Cardero St. Tickets are $10 and available through the box office by calling 604-684-8028 or at brownpapertickets.com.
Twitter: @sthomas10
