Colorful Drag Performance Shines at Stratford Festival
Entertainment
A vibrant and modern drag performance is taking center stage at Canada’s largest theater festival. La Cage aux Folles at the Stratford Festival features a chorus of nine men in ten different drag outfits, with consultation from some of Canada’s most prominent drag queens. The show, based on a French play that won six Tony Awards, follows a young couple navigating their different backgrounds, including a star performer at a drag club.
Drag consultant Justin Miller, known as Pearl Harbour, expressed his pride in bringing his craft to the festival. The production, set in 1978, explores themes of love and acceptance, resonating with audiences today. Despite public backlash against drag queens and trans rights, the show offers a relatable and heartfelt story about love and relationships.
The festival’s success in attracting diverse audiences can be attributed to its evolving programming, with a focus on inclusivity. Director Thom Allison emphasizes the importance of authenticity in portraying the world of gay life in the ’70s, while also highlighting the universal themes of family, community, and love. La Cage aux Folles runs through October 26 at the Avon Theatre in Stratford.
