LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
BEACH Bum |
by Eric Morrison |
Miss Gay Delaware America Pageant 2009
On Saturday, March 28, I attended the Miss Gay Delaware America 2009 pageant at the Christiana Memorial Fire Hall, and just like the past two years, it was a wonderful event. Once again, the event was produced by Manakin Productions, owned by partners Scott Ross and Barry Sabo. The Miss Gay Delaware America pageant is a preliminary to the annual Miss Gay America pageant. The 2007 and 2008 pageants were stellar, and Manakin Productions really topped itself this year. Scott and Barry deserve the community's gratitude for once again honoring and presenting the best in the art of female impersonation. The theme for this year's pageant was "An Evening at the Speakeasy." Following a fabulous opening number by Miss Gay Delaware America 2008 Karyn Thomas, contestants were presented in gorgeous flapper-era attire. Three contestants vied for the coveted title of Miss Gay Delaware America 2009. They competed in the categories of evening gown, on-stage question, solo talent, talent, and male interview. Male interview was judged earlier in the day. During solo talent, contestants have three minutes to impress the judges with a number that cannot include props or back-up dancers. For solo talent, contestant Natasha Rose fired up the audience with a lively, seductive performance of "When You're Good to Momma" from the Chicago film soundtrack. Contestant Jenelle Collins then delivered a sultry, sassy rendition of "Summertime" from the Broadway classic Porgy and Bess. The pageant's third contestant, Tisha Towers, wowed the audience with her illusion of country music diva Wynonna, lip-syncing to a live recording of "I Want to Know What Love Is." Then, it was time for regular talent competition, with a time limit of seven minutes, during which contestants can utilize props and back-up dancers. Natasha Rose set the bar high with a grand production number performed by herself and various fairy tale characters, to a mix of clips from the Disney classic Snow White and various pop songs. Jenelle Collins, decked out in a sparkling black, purple, and teal sequin dress, complemented by a very fluffy black and teal feather boa, energized the crowd with a fun performance of "Push the Button" from the Broadway hit The Color Purple. Tisha Towers left the crowd in stitches with a hilarious mix of Patsy Cline's "Crazy" and various comedic sound effects and TV theme songs, dressed as a campy mental hospital patient. The evening's other categories were just as competitive. During evening gown competition, contestants worked the stage for a few minutes in their gorgeous gowns. Sequins, beads, and stones sparkled in the spotlight, and each contestant sparkled during evening gown competition. Natasha Rose portrayed a look that could be described as classic but edgy, in an original design of a black satin gown accented with sparkling clear stones. Jenelle Collins chose a bright, yellow, flowing gown, reminding the audience of sunny Spring days to come. Tisha Towers sparkled under the spotlight in a silver sequin gown complete with a long, elegant train. After each contestant completed their evening gown modeling, they moved to the back of the stage and chose a secret envelope for an on-stage question. Answering tough, pointed questions under the stage lights, in front of hundreds of audience members and five eagle-eyed judges, is enough to jangle any queen's nerves, but the contestants handled the situation with grace and aptitude. Each competition category takes a lot of backstage preparation time for the contestants. In between categories, audience members were entertained by a virtual who's-who line-up of Delaware and national female impersonation favorites. Former Miss Delaware title holders included Mahogany, Deana Brandell, Robin Banks, Stephanie Michaels, Tiffany Cartier, Blair Michaels, Miss D. Meaner, and Miss Peaches. Other performers included Rehoboth Beach's own Julia Sugarbaker, Miss Gay Delaware America 2008 Karyn Thomas, Miss Gay Heart of America 2008 Jade Sinclair, and Miss Gay America 2009, Victoria DePaula. During her visit to "The First State," Miss DePaula represented the national title with grace, enthusiasm, and professionalism. She was very well-received at the 2009 Miss Gay Delaware America pageant, as evidenced by standing ovations, loud applause, and audience members lined up well past the edge of the stage to tip her during performances. Miss DePaula had a very busy weekend, overseeing the pageant on Saturday and then, on Sunday, delivering the opening performance at Bingo-a-Go-Go, then performing at the official post-pageant show at Baxters Club, and then a show at Crimson Moon. The evening's festivities honored outgoing Miss Gay Delaware America 2008 Karyn Thomas, who wowed the audience with her elaborate handmade costumes, flawless appearance, and riveting impersonations of Anastacia and Annie Lennox. During her reign, Karyn Thomas represented the Miss Gay Delaware America crown throughout Delaware and the region with numerous performances and appearances at fundraising events. At the end of the night, it was all about Tisha Towers, who proudly captured the Miss Gay Delaware America 2009 crown. All three contestants should be very proud of how they competed throughout the night. I did not envy the illustrious panel of judges. First Alternate went to Jenelle Collins, and Second Alternate went to Natasha Rose. Both Tisha Towers and Jenelle Collins will serve as Delaware's representatives in October 2009, as they compete for the coveted national title of Miss Gay Delaware America in St. Louis, Missouri. Best wishes to Miss Gay Delaware America 2009 Tisha Towers and First Alternate Jenelle Collins, as they prepare to compete in October. We're sure that you'll both make Delaware proud! Also, congratulations to Miss Gay Delaware America 2008 Karyn Thomas on a wonderful reign. If you are interested in supporting Miss Towers and Miss Collins as they prepare for national competition in the fall, several benefits will be held between now and then to help them raise much-needed funds for national competition. Also, numerous Delaware clubs hold regular drag shows where you can support the arts of female and male impersonation. For more information about Miss Gay Delaware America, visit www.missgaydelawareamerica.com. For more information about Miss Gay America, visit www.missgayamerica.com. Pictures of the Miss Gay Delaware 2009 pageant are hosted by Delaware Pride, and will be available for viewing soon, if not already, at www.delawarepride.org. Eric and his feminine alter-ego Anita Mann can be reached at anitamann@verizon.net. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 19, No. 03 April 03, 2009 |