Pictured from left: Bootsie LeFaris, Pixie Aventura, Holly Dae, Brenda Dharling
Some queens prefer to be princesses.
New York drag darlings Pixie Aventura, Holly Dae, Brenda Dharling, and Bootsie LeFaris invite you to be their guest this week when their wicked pop parody of animated Disney film classics, Distorted Diznee, celebrates its fifth anniversary. Trust that live-action LeFou has nothing on their gay moments! Fun fact: The popular show, which has spun off musical satires like Distorted Kristmess and Distorted Pride, counts RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Bob the Drag Queen as an alum.
I asked the current cast of beauties to share their most beloved Diznee characters and memories. Their answers are just around the riverbend.
PIXIE AVENTURA
Favorite character to play: “Mother Gothel from Tangled. I make her the epitome of a stage mom, ending with the fight scene from Precious.”
Memorable moment: “Every night there’s a group of people who have no idea what they're about to experience. When they realize just how adult the show really is, that's when it really gets fun.”
HOLLY DAE
Favorite character to play: “Elsa from Frozen. The audience gets very excited when the megahit ‘Let It Go’ starts, and they’re always surprised at where the crazy mix goes.”
Memorable moment: “For the past five years, all the girls in the cast do a shot of good ol’ tequila together before the show. It’s a chance for us to wish each other luck. With four drag queens, that's the sweetest way for us to do it.”
BRENDA DHARLING
Favorite character to play: “Pocahontas. Right after the opening number, her fun, energetic, and athletic number sets the tone for the evening.”
Memorable moment: “When my family came to see the show. At one point or another, everyone in the cast has had family come. That love and support gives us the ability to go on stage and be the best men in dresses that we can possibly be.”
BOOTSIE LEFARIS
Favorite character to play: “Mary Poppins. It's always fun to see how much powdered sugar you can snort onstage. Talk about a sugar high!”
Memorable moment: “Holly Dae actually slapped me in the face one night during what’s supposed to be a fake Belle vs. Cinderella princess bitch battle. Someday, when she least expects it, there will be payback!”
Distorted Diznee, which has its special anniversary show March 10, plays select Fridays at the Laurie Beechman Theatre. Photo: Hunter Canning.
BrandonVoss.com, March 2017.