An interview with Jay Whitehead and Ben Blue
A Very Carole Christmas Carol, the first drag musical at the Motyer-Fancy Theatre, premieres from Nov. 26-29. The musical, which began rehearsals in September, has been the first chance for many students to explore their drag personas. Jay Whitehead, the director, and Ben Blue, one of the featured performers, had the chance to talk to The Argosy about the musical, exploring a variety of topics, from the inspiration of the show to how the actors have developed because of the experience.
“Working with students brings a ton of energy,” says Whitehead, in discussion on how it differs from other drag shows. Whitehead commented most drag performances are focused on solo performances and lipsyncs, however this performance is done in a musical style; full of choreography, singing, and acting. “This has been the most complicated musical I’ve worked on” says Blue, highlighting the makeup, wigs, and quick changes have all added complications to the performance, however it runs fantastically because of the tech team, which he thanks. Whitehead, also known as drag persona Mama Didi, has guided performers throughout their drag journeys, from makeup tutorials,movement work, and character building. “It mixes drag freedom with theatre structure” says Whitehead, who has been encouraging performers to “play” and “make big swings.” Unlike other drag performances, which are often self-driven, this musical has each performer united to the story, and a personality that is written into the show. With those elements in mind, performers are able to add their own flair to their characters, finding new choices as the show nears opening night. Blue comments this format has led to the performers “finding pieces” of themselves that get to shine through on stage.
“Drag is the story” says Whitehead, adding how the musical was born from his love of campy holiday specials, and, of course, his love of drag. The show is not merely a drag musical because it is performed in drag; but rather drag has shaped the production through it;s aesthetics and cultural influences. Whitehead elaborates, saying the show is “filtered through drag, satire, and queer humour.” Blue describes the show resembles The Muppet Christmas Carol with a “classic drag flair,” without losing sight of the classic storyline. Blue finds the story of chosen families to hit close to home for 2SLGBTQIA+queer people reflecting that the holiday seasons can be seen as particularly lonely for some members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who are not accepted by their families, resulting in the finding of chosen families. This mirrors how Scrooge, who is a grouch and lives alone, is able to find family with the Crachets and his nephew Fred.
While Sackville may be a small town, it is home to a variety of drag performances and performers, however, A Very Carole Christmas Carol is a unique drag performance bursting with effort and heart. “Everyone deserves to see queer stories onstage,” says Whitehead, “It gives visibility, builds community, and widens what people think theatre can be.” Blue considers himself a novice to drag, having only performed in three shows, but has since developed an “affinity” to drag. While Blue found it “scary” to star in a drag musical, he ultimately found the experience “so unbelievably worth it.” Whitehead comments on the cast development since the start of the production, finding they are “braver, bolder, and having way more fun.” He elaborates, saying “you can see them growing into their drag identities,” highlighting that the art of drag pushes everyone to take risks, find confidence, and develop a “new sense of freedom.”
The production has had a lot of heart put into it, with Whitehead describing the show as a “a wild, joyful, queer holiday ride.” For those interested in drag, Blue encourages that anyone should “give it a shot,” and Whitehead encourages those interested to “not be afraid of being ridiculous.” While Blue wants everyone to enter with a blind eye, as “surprise is the best part,” he claims that the audience should know that it is “full of some of the worst divas!” Whitehead wants people to know the message of change and compassion remains the same from the original story, ”but now with a lot more glitter.”
A Very Carole Christmas Carol premieres on Nov. 26 at 7:30PM in the Motyer-Fancy Theatre. Tickets are available online and in limited numbers at the door! For more information follow @dramamta on Instagram.