The Legend of Georgia McBride
Reviewed by Julia Stier
Crown City Theatre Company
Through December 29
“Here we are, a straight man in drag, and a drag queen in hell.”
Casey (Neil Unger) is a struggling Elvis impersonator whose rent checks keep bouncing and whose wife (Shelley Francisco) has a baby on the way. When his Elvis act at Cleo’s — a small town bar in Florida — gets discontinued and replaced by a drag show, Casey is desperate and disheartened. So, when one of the queens is unable to perform, he suddenly finds himself slipping into heels and a wig — and Georgia McBride is born.
Written by Matthew Lopez and directed and choreographed by Michael J. Marchak, The Legend of Georgia McBride is a comedy with a lot of heart.
As the countrified drag queen Georgia McBride, Unger delivers lively renditions of “I Cain’t Say No,” and “Before He Cheats.” Michael Mullen as Miss Tracy Mills, Casey’s teacher in all things drag, is a showstopper. The character’s confident, carefree attitude is infectious, and her performances are as glitzy as the dresses she wears.
While much of the show is a collection of upbeat drag performances, there are other moments that address the history of drag and its importance. As Rezy, another drag queen, Donzell Lewis gives an especially poignant speech about drag being as much a “protest” as an art form. She shares her story of having been on the receiving end of hate crimes, and how being in drag was the one place she felt safe. It’s a sobering reminder that while there have been changes for the better, homophobia is not yet a thing of the past.
While the play has fun with drag, it never feels exploitative. Yes, there are humorous scenes in which Casey confusedly dons a bra and tights, but scenes like this are refreshingly non-judgmental. Casey may be afraid to tell his wife about his new gig, but it’s not because he disrespects the art form. Both as Casey and later as Georgia McBride, Unger has fun — and so does the audience. The show is a wonderful, upbeat way to end 2019.
Secret Rose Theatre, 11246 W. Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.; through Dec. 29. crowncitytheatre.com. Running time: one hour and 45 minutes with no intermission.
