The falsettos are high, and the heels are even higher.
That’s how the Vancouver Men’s Chorus is billing its annual Singing Can Be a Drag show, which is coming to New Westminster for a just-before-Valentine’s-Day concert this weekend.
You can catch the chorus onstage for its annual drag extravaganza at the Anvil Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 8 p.m.
Just don’t expect your average choral concert — or your average drag show, for that matter. This is a full-on musical production that merges the two, as chorus members step into the spotlight for their own drag numbers, sung live and larger than life.
It’s the third year for the show at the Anvil Centre, after its debut in 2020 and a followup last year (with a COVID hiatus in between). Humphrey Tam, a chorister and board member, promises the show is bigger than ever.
“The queens are really amping it up this year,” he said. “The comedies are funnier; the ballads are sadder. Everything is just amped up. The show is definitely becoming bigger.”
Even Hedda Nipplegate’s wigs are growing more voluminous as the popular “mama hen” of drag returns to host the show.
The queens took Singing Can Be a Drag to the stage for two shows at the Cultch this past weekend, and they’re looking forward to the final outing this coming Saturday.
“Traditionally New West has always been one of the loudest crowds,” Tam said with a laugh. “We cannot wait.”
The show includes some popular returning performers: the comedic Aussie, New Westminster’s own Elaine da Nundah; country crooner Bettey Cocker; Broadway beltress Francesca Hunty Parks; and pop princess Aya Keane, among others.
Audiences will also have a chance to enjoy Wan Ting Moi, the chorus member who used her experience with the drag show to launch a part-time career as a drag performer.
“She’s a dancing queen, but with a powerhouse vocal,” Tam said.
He’s also stoked for audiences to check out a couple of newcomers who “hit it out of the park” in their debut year: Akanisha, with a Selena tribute medley, and Dianne van Damme, tapping into the darkness with an Evanescence number.
The show will also be peppered with group numbers, including a Spice Girls medley. There will even be some Disney sets — but Tam warns they won’t be the G-rated kind of Disney.
“You probably want to have a couple of drinks before you chill and sit down. You want to be ready for these ones,” he said with a laugh.
Audience members should take note that the show is aimed at an adult audience — and one that doesn’t mind when things get more than a little risqué.
But if you’re prepared to laugh, cry and experience some full-on entertainment? The queens have your back.
“We’re very, very excited to showcase a great variety of talent this year,” Tam said. “We really could not be more excited about the New West show.”
Vancouver Men's Chorus presents Singing Can Be a Drag
- What: Singing Can Be a Drag, presented by the Vancouver Men’s Chorus
- Where: Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St.
- When: Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m.
- Tickets: $40 regular, or $75 patron; buy online.
Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
Email Julie, [email protected]
