‘Miss Tuesday Night’ musical takes crown

June 13, 2017 at 12:05a.m.

By LORRAINE WARDLE

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown theater-lovers, prepare yourselves for Drag Queens: The Next Generation.

Robert Dennick Joki, who made drag hip with his “How the Drag Queen Stole Christmas,” returns to the subject with his latest musical, “Miss Tuesday Night,” which opened Friday at Rust Belt Theater Company’s Calvin Center venue.

Of course, drag has existed for a long time. But with the popularity of Joki’s “HTDQSC,” it became a little more acceptable in Youngstown. Joki has also had drag pageants to raise money for organizations. With his latest creation, Joki explores the world of drag pageants, and, as he always does, asks audience members to reconsider their possible prejudices.

In a similar vein as “HTDQSC” or Joki’s “Godiva,” “Miss Tuesday Night” pushes boundaries and buttons while challenging perceptions and – hopefully – opening minds.

“Miss Tuesday Night” takes place in Ohio, possibly the same town as in “Godiva,” or possibly Youngstown. In this town, there are a number of drag queens who compete against one another.

One specific pageant, Miss Tuesday Night, is the cause of much drama, which goes back a few decades. It centers on two young drag queens, Urethra Franklin and Brionna, their respective drag “mothers,” and a newcomer named Ana LeCage. They, among others, gather to compete.

The play is narrated by Starlett O’Hara, Joki’s infamous drag queen character. She explains the process of the pageant and also gives witty commentary throughout. Joki’s narration makes the audience feel as though it is part of the show, not simply spectators.

Joki also makes great use of audience participation. As the audience arrived, some people – mostly males – were asked to participate in the show. As the play progressed, it is revealed that there are not enough contestants for the pageant. Therefore, three audience members join the competition. On opening night, the three were excellent participants who dressed in costume, worked the stage and garnered many laughs.

The cast members embraced their characters and created an impressive and hilarious production. Rust Belt patrons have come to expect professional-caliber performances, and this cast does not disappoint. Though the pace was a little slow on opening night, the cast shone as they sang, danced and competed.

No matter the outcome of the fictional pageant, “Miss Tuesday Night” is a winner.

“Miss Tuesday Night” continues at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and June 23 and 24 at Calvin Center, 755 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown. Call 330-507-2358.