MY SHOW AT THE RUSHTON

Hey guys,

               I know it's been a hot minute since I've posted anything.. I'm terrible, I'm well aware. Life gets busy, new things and projects occupy our time, it's not always easy making time for everything we want to do, no matter how much we love doing them. Seriously though, I could stand to have an extra day tacked on to every week. God I'd be SO much more productive, or at least I tell myself that. 

Anyway, moreover, as I blogged about earlier this year, I've got a small exhibition of my working hanging on the walls of the Rushton. A fabulous little restaurant that serves up exquisite cuisine and high style. Naturally, my work looks amazing displayed in this cozy space, against exposed brick and modern furnishings.  Gurrrrl, it looks good! If you have a chance, check it out. The show runs until March 31st. 

The resturant is located at 740 St.Clair Avenue West. Stop in. Have a drink. Look at some art.

 

http://www.therushton.com

Another Year to Get it Right

So it's 2011, one year ends and another begins.. another chance to get it right. 

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, honestly the month of December is and always have been my hibernation period... I don't know what it is about that month...the cold, lack of sun, holiday insanity or gluttonous behaviour associated with it, its straight up a time where I am not trying to do any kinda work... Full Lazy Girl Month.. it's terrible.

But, it's January 2011, and it's time to get started 'cause it's late. 

This Year is all about change, transformation, and setting myself up for the future. 

Here we go...

T'was The Bitch Salad Before Chistmas

So guys, it's time for another installment of the Bitch Salad franchise, slotted to happen December 7 at Buddies In Bad Time Theatre. This years theme is 'Pee-Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special'. The poster takes some of the classic imagery we all know and love and offers a modern interpretation.

The show promises a rousing and festive performance from everyones favourite Tranny Trio- The Cheeto Girls.  Other performances include She Said What, Keesha Brownie, Kathleen Phillips and a slew of other guests. Please come out and have a Merry Bitch-mas.

http://www.youtube.com/user/heidibrander#p/u

This is old news but- 'To Wong-Foo, Thanks for NOTHING Julie Newmar!'

Ok, so after seeing Priscilla Queen of the Desert, the Musical and revisiting the 1994 cult classic film, I decided to go back and re-watch 'To Wong-Foo Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar'. Truthfully, I'd never actually seen the movie the entire way through.Only ever watching bits and pieces when it aired on CityTv, years back.While sitting down to view the film, it dawned on me... this movie is a piece of CRAP!

Swayze in painted face lookin'
like someones mom

And it all came back to me. I remembered why I hadn't taken the initiative to watch this thing from start to finish in my youth... I was repulsed, 'those guys don't make convincing women at all'- I thought, and a spritely me was right... The casting was TERRIBLE! Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo in dresses... I mean who thought that would be a good idea?!? Don't get it twisted, Patrick Swayzes' face DID take paint well, but really, that's where it ends... Way to Butch!
The parallels to Priscilla are far too apparent. Three Queens in a vehicle trekking across a great land for some prize at the end.
To Wong-Foo stops short of a story and gets sidetracked. The story stops being about the queens and their own trials and development and starts being about empowering middle-American white women. Haven't we seen this predictable plot enough. So BORING. And besides, teaching women drag secrets is RuPaul's job now bitches. Maybe she got the idea for Drag U  from this movie, after all she did have a small cameo in the film. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwmbfOD2ock , but I digress. 
Ultimately, To Wong-Foo was an American flop monopolizing on the hype of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and attempted to pander to a wider audience demographic by casting big Hollywood stars in otherwise unlikely and unsuited roles.

I'm sure ALL this has been discussed before and is SO totally obvious, but it was just something that I was compelled to put to writing.

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT

So about two weeks ago, I had the opportunity of attending the opening of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the musical. And I have to say it was absolutely AMAZING!... the costuming, the dancing and obviously the music, just awesome.

I had seen the film, from which the stage version was adapted, years ago. I might have been in high school as I recall... yikes- So it's definitely been a hot minute since I was familiar with the plot, characters etc. The other night, out of boredom, I decided to revisit the original 1994 release, and was pleasantly surprised! The story was incredible- it's no wonder that they decided to do a stage version of this tranny trek through the desert-the only question is why it took so long? The screen to stage adaption really did the film justice. There was an obvious attempt to keep true to the story and characters while making it revenant enough to a younger audeince by replacing ABBA references with the queen of re-invention- Madonna.
Other than the aforementioned, the plot translation from screen to stage, even with the obstacle of the fourth cast member- the bus- seemed flawless and on point. What a marvel of set ingenuity.
The play really monopolizes on key sequences in the story where one would expect a musical number and effectively interjects them, enriching the overall story telling experience.
The nuances of the stage characters as mirroring their screen counter parts was impeccable- from Ticks trepidatious attitude, to Felicia's exuberant and boisterous swagger to Bernadette's wistful and contemplative demeanour. These traits were not only exhibited in effective acting and convincing dialogue, but were re-inforced in the way the actors would move and perform the musical numbers on stage-it was all encompassing.
The music itself was fun and playful. I mean when referencing disco, funk and 90's hits- how could it not be??? The costuming- lets not even talk about it. Gorgeous... just gorgeous. The show is about drag queens... just imagine what you might expect and multiply it by at least 10. The costumes aren't afraid to be over the top, literal translations in the most interesting way. Example- in the scene where the cast members start painting the bus and they brake into 'Colour My World' by Petula Clark- those back up dancer bitches show up in dresses that mimic the silhouette of giant paint brushes... Genius!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKK1vTIEj9s
Loved it soooo much. It rekindled my affection for the movie... colourful, vibrant, delicious. What more is there to say.

PART-TIME

So, it's official. I will be reducing my hours at my current place of employment to a part-time capacity starting November 1st. I'm super excited about this. I'm really going to have the opportunity to refocus my energies and expertise back on my art. Obviously, I'm a little nervous and anxious, but this is going to open up so many opportunities and freedoms for me. I mean, I'm turning 29, if I don't take advantage of this time, when will I ever do it?!? and I know I'll just be kicking myself if I don't try out of fear. I'm young, I'm talented and I have no ties or obligations- the time is NOW!
Wish me Luck.

I've Been Asked to Show!

The neighbourhood I live in is home to a slew of great cafés and restaurants that I often frequent. They all have the most wonderful ambience and atmosphere bewitching on to eat, drink and spend money! Recently I approached one restaurant in particular about using their space to showcase some of my art. After reviewing my portfolio, they graciously extended themselves to me, requesting my work to adorn their stylish walls.How excited am I?

The Rushton, is a hip and well designed restaurant situated on St.Clair West, with great food, and a beautiful aesthetic. My work is gonna look awesome in that space. The Show has been slotted for March 2011.  

http://www.therushton.com/index.php