Quote of the Day: Drag ain’t a hobby, baby. Drag ain’t a night job. Drag is a protest. Drag is a raised fist inside a sequined glove. Drag is a lot of things, baby, but drag is not for sissies. line spoken by Rexy in her passionate speech about who she is and what she does, from Matthew Lopez’ brilliant play The Legend of Georgia McBride, on stage at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, MN through August 26, 2018. 

Jayson Speters (Casey) and Cameron Folmar (Tracy) in the Guthrie Theater’s production of The Legend of Georgia McBride by Matthew Lopez, directed by Jeffrey Meanza. Scenic design by Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams, costume design by Patrick Holt, lighting design by Ryan Connealy and sound design by Scott W. Edwards. July 14 – August 26, 2018 on the McGuire Proscenium Stage at the Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis. Photo by Dan Norman

Jayson Speters (Casey) and Cameron Folmar (Tracy) in the Guthrie Theater’s production of The Legend of Georgia McBride by Matthew Lopez, directed by Jeffrey Meanza. Scenic design by Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams, costume design by Patrick Holt, lighting design by Ryan Connealy and sound design by Scott W. Edwards. July 14 – August 26, 2018 on the McGuire Proscenium Stage at the Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis. Photo by Dan Norman

The costumes are always part of a play, an important part in the storytelling and characterization. In The Legend of Georgia McBride, the costumes are the story. Costume Designer Patrick Holt has created some masterpieces for this legendary, heart-felt production. Casey (played by Jayson Speters) is struggling to eek out a living as an Elvis impersonator. When Miss Tracy (played by Cameron Folmar) appears one night and steals the show with her partner Rexy (Arturo Soria) dressed in drag and bursting with energy, Casey has a big decision to make. What he discovers is that drag is not just a romp on the stage for a quick buck, it’s a life changing experience. A new persona is born. His wife Jo (Chaz Hodges) has some soul-searching to do herself, and the dynamic between her and Cassie rings so true and beautiful, as do the relationships between the other characters. And, our Twin Cities favorite, Jim Lichtscheidl kills it as the hapless bar owner Eddie who finds unexpected success with the new entertainment and clientele. 

Cameron Folmar (Tracy), Arturo Soria (Rexy) and Jayson Speters (Casey) in the Guthrie Theater’s production of The Legend of Georgia McBride by Matthew Lopez, directed by Jeffrey Meanza. Scenic design by Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams, costume design by Patrick Holt, lighting design by Ryan Connealy and sound design by Scott W. Edwards. July 14 – August 26, 2018 on the McGuire Proscenium Stage at the Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis. Photo by Dan Norman.

Cameron Folmar (Tracy), Arturo Soria (Rexy) and Jayson Speters (Casey) in the Guthrie Theater’s production of The Legend of Georgia McBride by Matthew Lopez, directed by Jeffrey Meanza. Scenic design by Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams, costume design by Patrick Holt, lighting design by Ryan Connealy and sound design by Scott W. Edwards. July 14 – August 26, 2018 on the McGuire Proscenium Stage at the Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis. Photo by Dan Norman.

Watching The Legend of Georgia McBride unfold on stage is pure entertainment and unbridled joy. All the actors are fully committed to their roles and telling this story. It has so much humor, that our faces hurt by the end of the show. And, it had so much heart, that my eyes well up a little as I type this. People are people, and when they can find what truly makes them come alive, they are a pure joy to be around. My friend Joanna accompanied me to this performance. The minute the raucous applause from the standing ovation died down, she turned to me and said, “Can we see it again?”

Jayson Speters (Casey), Chaz Hodges (Jo) and Cameron Folmar (Tracy) in the Guthrie Theater’s production of The Legend of Georgia McBride by Matthew Lopez, directed by Jeffrey Meanza. Scenic design by Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams, costume design by Patrick Holt, lighting design by Ryan Connealy and sound design by Scott W. Edwards. July 14 – August 26, 2018 on the McGuire Proscenium Stage at the Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis. Photo by Dan Norman.

Jayson Speters (Casey), Chaz Hodges (Jo) and Cameron Folmar (Tracy) in the Guthrie Theater’s production of The Legend of Georgia McBride by Matthew Lopez, directed by Jeffrey Meanza. Scenic design by Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams, costume design by Patrick Holt, lighting design by Ryan Connealy and sound design by Scott W. Edwards. July 14 – August 26, 2018 on the McGuire Proscenium Stage at the Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis. Photo by Dan Norman.

The Legend of Georgia McBride is filled with many surprises and outstanding performances.  The entire team of creators need to come out and take a bow, like the crew did! What fun to see them as they had to come onstage for at least one transformation. It was fun to read about the backstage crew in the program. Shout out to my friend Carrie Monroe who is behind the scenes for those quick costume changes!

Jeffrey Meanza has directed a sensational show. Matthew Steffens choreography is delightful and sexy. Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams developed a stunning set with movable parts. Ryan Connealy is responsible for the brilliant lighting, and Scott Edwards did the sound design. You can see this stunning show on stage at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, MN through August 26, 2018.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: What do you do that makes you come alive?