I LOVE GAY is a “sparkling salute to the most fabulous flag of all.” Last Friday Night, and yes that is a line from a Katy Perry’s song, I had the opportunity to attend I LOVE GAY at the Brisbane Powerhouse which was part of the Melt Festival. Accompanying me was my partner in crime/fashionista/DIVA/and legs for days: Michael. Once the shows were announced for Melt, Michael and I instantly knew that we needed tickets for I LOVE GAY and would do anything… ANYTHING for them! This Is How We Do (Perry again). Thank goodness the Gods from above (aka Review Coordinator Joanna L) were looking after us. Now, back to I LOVE GAY.
The talented and creative minds of Joel Devereux and Ruby Slippers bring to you a spectacular, flamboyant, and sometimes naughty, but always FABULOUS cast of attractive and sexy Queers. It’s an assault on your senses. From the opening performance where we stood up to sing the National Anthem by Veronicas (who else did you expect) to the last performance where there was an overwhelming sense of community, inclusivity and love, I LOVE GAY didn’t disappoint nor fail to deliver. It was a fun and enjoyable show. I LOVE GAY is a “Do ask and Do Tell” story focusing on Ruby Slippers, the Commander and her diverse squad. Each person’s story is brought to life through music, dance, comedy, drag, and most of all, Love.
From the hard-hitting and comedic performance by Tyson Goddard (Comms), Crimson Coco (Admin & HR), and Luna Thicc (Medic) who brought songs like “Phone” by Lizzo and “Lets Talk About Sex” by Salt-N-Pepa alive and made everyone in the audience want to jump out of their seats, pierce their lips, bump and grind, and whip their hair back and forth: FIERCE! To the scandalous and gender bending burlesque performances by Karl Kayoss (Drill Sergeant) and Porcelain Alice (Munitions). Who would have thought that fire and doing the splits could be such a turn on? The audience were in ore, or at least Michael and I were.
To the heart felt and inspirational performance by Ruby Slippers performing to Paloma Faith’s rendition of ‘I’ve Gotta Be Me’ - such a powerful performance. You end up walking away with the words “I gotta be me, gotta be me, what else can I be but what I am,” lingering in the back of your mind. In a world that can be judgemental and difficult to find where you belong, you realise how important it is to believe in yourself, love yourself, and accept yourself.
And not to mention the captivating performance by Sham (Undercover Agent). Such a moving dance piece which draws you in emotionally and moves you. A very well thought out and controlled piece of art. You can tell she is a well trained dancer, her techniques are on point and she moves with such grace and conviction. The end result is that you leave I LOVE GAY feeling happy and inspired, but most of all feeling PROUD TO BE GAY.
27 - 29 June, 2019
Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse
Kasper Van