SGN April 1, 2011 - Section 2

Page 1

Seattle Gay News

Issue 13, Volume 39, April 1, 2011

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT File photo

Seattle Pride Idol Shangela to make her is back! Seattle debut na te go wd

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by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

Billy Elliot a boy born to boogie by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN Contributing Writer

By now, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve either heard about or watched RuPaul’s Drag Race. Now in its third season, the show has propelled drag into the mainstream and given Gays a plethora of catchphrases like “Don’t fuck it up” and “The time has come. For you to lipsync for your life.” But none have been repeated quite as much as “Halleloo,” as made famous by Shangela Laquifa Wadley: The Debutantness of the Deep South. And if you’ve really been paying attention to all three seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race, then you will note that whether you hate her or love her, Shangela gives good TV. Seattle Gay News caught up with the infamous drag star while she was on the set of A Mann’s World (a television pilot project for NBC, starring Don Johnson) to discuss the “T” on her upcoming two-night Seattle debut as a headline performer in Le Faux at Julia’s on Broadway. It only takes a few seconds with senile grandmother and an older brother and father who are minors in the small town. As Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher continues her relentless war on the union workers, a strike is called and Billy’s father and brother clash with riot police on a daily basis. Accidentally stumbling into a ballet class that immediately follows his boxing lesson, Billy meets the dance instructor Mrs. Wilkinson. Recognizing his natural gift for ballet, she personally supervises the motherless boy, taking him under her wing with private lessons and encouraging him to follow his inner dreams. When his father finds out, he struggles with the conflicts of his own pride, questions of masculinity, and how to give his son what is see billy elliot page 33

michael Brosilow

Lex Ishimoto in Billy Elliot: The Musical

Shangela to realize that her energy and humor are infectious. Make no mistake, Seattle; Shangela is gonna bring it! In her own words, “I’m coming to town to shut it down!” On April 8 and 9, Shangela will make her Seattle debut. “Although I’ve been to Seattle before to watch a show at 5th Avenue Theatre, this will be my first time performing,” she told SGN. “I absolutely loved it. I think Seattle is so beautiful and although you all don’t get a lot of sunshine up there, the people make up for it in

see Shangela page 32

SGN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Lisa Lampanelli lets it all hang out by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer Like a favorite aunt who’s had too many boilermakers on Christmas, anything and everything can fall out of Lisa Lampanelli’s mouth. The comedy world’s “queen of mean” has made a living from skewering every person in the room, regardless of their race, sexual orientation, or penis size – she’s not for the easily offended, regularly throwing fireballs with explicit language and flabbergasting stereotypes that could only be extinguished with holy water. Lampanelli, who premieres her newest Comedy Central one-hour special Tough Love on March 27, was dealing with plumbing issues (kitchen sink, people) at her New York home on the day she phoned in, but still managed to squeeze us into a chaotic afternoon. see lampanelli page 32

Lisa Lampanelli

warner brothers records

Billy Elliot: The Musical Paramount Theatre Through April 3 To say a show is inspiring, uplifting, or a dancing sensation is to be redundant in regards to Billy Elliot: The Musical. Based on the 2000 film of the same name, this musical tells the story of young boy who exchanges boxing gloves for ballet shoes when his gift of dance is discovered. Set against the violent conflict of the U.K. miner’s strike, this beautifully staged musical comedy is something that will remain in the memory of all who see it. The time is 1984, and the place is Northern England in a village that survives by coal mining. Billy Elliot, 11 years old, lives with a semi-

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

courtesy shangela.com

Seattle Pride Idol, presented by Verizon Wireless, FUZE, Seattle’s Best Karaoke, Neighbours Nightclub, Seattle Gay News, and MOViN 92.5, is back, and it is bigger and better than ever! Pride Idol is a citywide singing contest produced and presented by Seattle Out and Proud (SO&P) every Sunday night at Neighbours Nightclub (1509 Broadway). Doors open Brandee Medei ros at 6 p.m., where contestants sign up to sing in the 7 p.m. competition. The grand finale up to wow the crowd. This was is scheduled for June 19, where no ordinary karaoke night! We a winner will be chosen as Se- couldn’t have asked for a better attle’s 2011 Pride Idol! group to start off the season. The 2011 season kicked off on Contestant number one, Zoe March 27 with a bang. Hostess Dixon, came with sass and conGaysha Starr welcomed back fidence as she performed “Black last year’s Pride Idol, Karolina Horse and a Cherry Tree” by KT Longoria, and returning judges Tunstall. Her vocals and song Sister Domine Trix, me, and new knowledge advanced her to the 2011 Pride Idol judge Cookie Wildcard round! Corset. Karl Reyes of the Seattle Next up was the adorable Opera House joined the panel as Ramiro Orellana, who bravely we voted to advance one contes- and skillfully sang Lady Gaga’s tant to the Wildcard round and another to the Grand Finale. Nine competitors showed Elizabeth Taylor see pride idol page 33


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