Cumberland’s Embassy Theatre was transformed into the Lavender Lounge on Friday, March 12 for an evening of divinely diva in drag entertainment.  The art deco retro aura of the theatre provided the perfect ambiance for the ladies, dressed in stunning “red carpet” outfits, as they performed their favorite songs while stage lights twirled vibrant colors through the misty mystique of fog.  ( In the photo at the right Lance Davis, Miss Donna Rabanna, Miss Mona Lott and Wayne Smith await the show in the Embassy Lobby.)

To the audience’s delight, the Embassy’s own artistic director and improv extraordinaire Mark Baker along with last year’s and the current reigning Queen of Queen City, Miss Stephanie Michaels and Miss Mona Lott respectively, opened the evening with non-stop jokes and bawdy innuendos.   The warmed crowd was ready for fun when Baker turned the mike over to Michaels, resplendent in her snakeskin patterned sheath, who graciously introduced the first act, Miss Alyssa Mathews. (Mark Baker pictured at left.]

“How are we all doing Cumberland?” Mathews asked of the cheering crowd.  “Everyone hold up a dollar,” she requested of the raucous audience who complied by eagerly waving bills in the air.  Then she delivered the punch line “It takes a lot of money to look this cheap,” and the non-stop action and music began.  (Matthews pictured at right.)

Miss Arya Sparks sang “Sweet Dreams” and no doubt delivered such to her many admirers as she strutted her way through the crowd after discarding her floor length black cape to display a more revealing outfit.

Then, “from the southside of Sheetz,” Mathews intoned, “Miss Mona Lott,” who entered the stage singing of the “Bubba Mobile.”

And back to Michaels who reappeared in a flowing red gown and long curly locks.  “Get this party started,” she demanded as her gown parted to display a silvery black leotard, long legs and high black patent heels.  Her stunning rings blazed as the stage lights danced over her.

“Waking Up in Vegas” brought Nicole James on the stage who much pleased her admirers when she shed her long green cloak to reveal a white “wonder woman” outfit complete with plunging neckline and high white boots.  Her “Tina Turner” legs carried her off the stage and through the welcoming audience.

With thigh-high leather boots and stiletto heels, Ashley May with her blonde hair and black bustier was very much the pleasing Madonna persona of the evening.

Mathews reappeared singing “I Touch Myself,” Sparks sang Beyonce’s “Halo,” “Lady Gaga” sang and then Lott reappeared.  Part song, part theatre can only describe her rendition of “I Know I’ll Never Love This Way Again.”  Needless to say, no one in attendance will ever make salad again without remembering Miss Lott’s performance.

The show segments mentioned above are but a small part of the evening’s repertoire and apologies for not giving coverage to each and every act.   Let it just be stated “You would have to have been there to have believed it.”  It is difficult to do justice to the amount of energy and creativity these performers utilize for their acts.  The costume changes are numerous with at least one queen, the very talented Stephanie Michaels, making all of her own beautiful outfits.  “I was a costumer in college theatre,” she explained.

One thing quite evident was the prevailing air of enjoyment had by all.  Thanks to The Embassy and their technical crew for their work to put on this show.  And, an additional thanks the light tech for the evening’s lighting which was quite the display.  Please look forward to the next “Lavender Lounge.”