The Motyer-Fancy Theatre drama department welcomes a new seasonal drag musical
For this Holiday season, drop the touques and gloves and don your wigs and glitter, because a new drag musical is coming to the Motyer-Fancy Theatre! A Very Carole Christmas Carol, a holiday musical, is opening on Nov. 26, with shows going until Nov. 29, offering both evening and afternoon showtimes. The show has been described by the cast as “camp,” “sickening,” and “fabulous,” with an age advisory of 16 or older.
“A Very Carole Christmas Carol” is an original musical created by Jay Whitehead, a Crake drama fellow at Mt.A, and Kathy Zaborsky, the composer of the musical. The show is a drag retelling of the classic Christmas story, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, turning the novella into a campy and fabulous musical production. The show acts as a retelling of the original story and acts as a celebration of the queer community everyone can enjoy. As for the age warning, the show contains mature language, dirty jokes, and some moments that might leave the Grinch clutching their pearls. This is all to be expected from a typical drag show, as they are often dramatic and camp.
Drag performances are not uncommon at Mt.A and around Sackville, with organizations such as Ducky’s and the MASU hosting drag events throughout the year, however, this performance is different. This event is the first time a drag musical has been performed at the Motyer-Fancy theatre, and the first opportunity students have been able to apply their drag education from previous drama classes to a theatrical performance. This also offers a great opportunity for new students to dip their toes into the drag scene, which, while a diverse and unique field of art, can be difficult to start. Students are able to explore the art of drag in a safe, organized environment with Whitehead, an experienced drag performer themselves, guiding the cast with their knowledge and expertise.
The musical has offered the opportunity for many Mt.A students to explore the creative and fabulous side of drag. Kody Hatfield, one of the performers in the show, is an avid fan of drag. He finds the show has been an incredible opportunity, as drag is a diverse art that anyone can experience. He also describes it as “an opportunity for people to step out of their shell”. He encourages those interested in exploring the art of drag to just take the “first step,” and start playing around with the art.
The show will feature glitter, glamour, and a whole lot of drama. A Very Carole Christmas Carol opens on Nov. 26, with tickets currently being available on Ticket Owl for only five dollars, courtesy of the Motyer-Fancy Theatre’s Radical Access program, which offers accessible theatre for everyone. Please note pearl-clutching at the show is purely optional.
Sleigh the boots house down!