Speaking of falling off one’s high heels, the contes- robert santio
tants are not above devious schemes, should the need arise for trickery to get an edge up on the competition. Jeremy is ready on several levels, “Oh I’m going the distance! I’m here with my politics game on point, hair to the gawds… and just in case… a bag of marbles.” Santio picked up the ball next, “I am willing pull out all The Bird- cage’s tricks and I have my marbles ready too. Or better yet, a little itching powder in their setting powder!” Robert made it known that he is not opposed to “cut-
jeremy
ting a beeyatch” to secure victory. But, just to a degree, “I will do whatever means necessary to win,” he said. “If it means I have to cut the other contestant’s wigs up, I’ll do it!” Erik ominously countered, “How far am I willing to go for the crown? Well, that’s a risky question to ask in this neighborhood! But these queens better watch their wigs!” Cat’s eyes, itchiness and butchered wigs aside, there’s
erik
the other matter of talent. Each of the remaining bar queens had their own mysterious takes on how they will wow the crowd. Not to give away any trade secrets, but, each contes-
TANTRUMS & TIARAS: THE COMPETITION IS FIERCE
by tim parks
o paraphrase the theme song for The Muppet Show, “It’s time to put on makeup. It’s time to dress up right. It’s time to raise the curtain on…” the 2015 edition of Tantrums & Tiaras! After a triumphant return last year, following a five-year absence from the
stage, this Battle of the Bar Queens is bringing another round of “she-nanigans” to the North Park Theatre, 2891 University Avenue on Sunday, February 15. The popular event puts the “fun in fundraiser” by pitting local bar employees with little-to-
no drag experience against each other, with proceeds benefitting The Center. Hostess-with- the-mostess, Babette Schwartz will be on hand, along with the fabulous Cockettes, to make sure it is a rousing night of feather boas, mile-high heels, big hair and even bigger hijinks. The Rage Monthly spoke with a few of the tiara wannabes, including Santio Cupon of
Urban MO’s, Robert Rodriguez of San Diego Eagle, Erik Benson of Number One Fifth Av- enue and Jeremy Latham Davies of Flicks, to get the skinny on their plans for snatching the crown—and gurrl—the competition is fierce, indeed! With both nerves and excitement colliding in what is sure to be a glittery explosion, the contestants are hard at work to get the two to live together in harmony. Santio Cupon offered his perspective, “I am completely excited about participating in
this year’s Tantrums & Tiaras. Not only am I representing an amazing company, Urban MO’s, I am entertaining hundreds of people with my talents and skills as a comedic performer.” Jeremy Latham Davies followed with, “I’m more excited, but I definitely have a healthy
dose of nerves going on!” Both Erik Benson and Robert Rodriguez find it more of a mixed “makeup bag” of emo-
tions. “I am absolutely nervous about Tantrums & Tiaras, but in the same breath, extremely excited!” said Erik. “I am super excited to represent my bar and surprise everyone with my total transformation.” Robert followed with, “I’m a bit excited and more nervous about competing in a pageant. I respect all drag queens who do this for a living. I’ve never done this, so, let’s hope I don’t fall flat on my face with these heels.”
10 RAGE monthly | FEBRUARY 2015 Tantrums
& Tiaras takes place on Sunday, February 15 at 7 p.m. at The North Park Theatre, 2891 University Avenue. For tickets and more information, go to
tantrumstiaras.org.
tant was asked to give us “a crumb, but not the whole cookie,” as Erik put it, just before dropping his poetic hint about what he has planned. “Some do it on point. Some end up flat. I won’t disappoint. I promise you that.” Not one to be outdone, Santio proclaimed emphati-
cally, “I am one-of-a-kind! No one can remotely compare to who and what I will be sharing. Just know that I will be gliding my way to victory come the 15th!” While Robert offered up his big—ahem—tease,
Jeremy gave us a politically laced answer…we think. “My talent is going to be sexy, hot, sensual and funny, Fifty Shades of Grey has nothing on this performance.” He continued, “Have you heard of one Mr. George Washing- ton? Liberty? Freedom? Then, you’re free from serving time in Gitmo.” Of course, no pageant would be complete without
asking the proverbial “How would you use your crown for the good of all?” question (cue the solemn music). The responses range from humble to humorous with Robert beginning, “My legacy would be that after I win, I continued on the fundraising aspect of the title and raise money all year long, instead of just one night. And... to rule the world while I’m at it.” Santio followed with a dose of humble, stoic senti-
ment, “Despite where you come from, what experiences you have and how you got there, know that hard work, dedication and self-trust will help you get to the top.” Jeremy followed with his message about humor and
community, “I would like to help continue the legacy of fun and camp, that is so integral to this wonderful an- nual fundraiser. I would like to also continue to promote the San Diego LGBT Community Center and all of the wonderful services they provide.” Eric summarized (here’s the humorous part), “If I am
crowned, my legacy would be, that ratchet queens can steal more than your heart! They are coming for that crown, too!”
photography by cece canton
info@cecephoto.com
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