In the News: Broad Street Review takes in 'Long Live the Queen'

Broad Street Review writer Krista Mar to Long Live the Queen: A Her-Story of Drag. A collaboration between composer Andrea Clearfield and drag artist/opera singer Cookie Diorio, this flamboyant work exists at the intersection of opera, multimedia cantata, drag, cabaret and performance art.

Overall, the parts that broke opera conventions, like the third act, and parts where Diorio inhabited her drag persona engaging the audience, had the most heart and connection.

Diorio’s performance as a drag queen and opera singer were really impressive. Diorio’s costumes echoed the storyline, with a structured, 18th-century gown in the first act as she dove into history, a mermaid dress as she was constrained by inner demons in the second, and a shorter mid-thigh fringed dress in the third that allowed the most freedom of movement (Michelle Biddle-Rowland is credited as wardrobe supervisor). This piece is a thoughtful examination of a drag queen’s personal story and evolution. It is a promising new work and an impressive collaborative feat.

Read the whole story HERE.

Image of 'Long Live the Queen' dress rehearsal via REC Philly.