community
by tim parks For years,Tantrums & Tiaras has been entertain-
ing San Diego audiences with its unique blend of campiness and competition as local bar employees, many their first time in drag, duke it out to see who will emerge triumphant. There is a twist to this year’s event however—no,
the queens won’t be Jell-O wrestling in their quest for drag supremacy— though you may experience a case of “gayja vu!” That’s because each ofTantrums & Tiaras fierce competitors have taken to the stage for previous shows and are now returning as All Stars alaRuPaul! The Rage Monthly chatted with organizer Ian Johnson of the San Diego LGBT Center and this year’s all-star contestants:Robert Rodriguez of the San Diego Eagle, Erik Mitchell-Benson from #1 Fifth Avenue,Kirby Carlock of Flicks,Grant Foreman from MO’s Bar & Grill andMadison Kailukaitis from Rich’s. Johnson gave us some of the behind-the-scenes
details on how the decision was reached to do an All Stars edition, which will benefit programs offered through The Center. “The past couple of years people have been asking for an All Stars edition and there was a nice, big pool of people,” he said. “We reached out to all of them to see who was interested and they also had to provide us with what their brand-new character would be.” As to why the secrecy surrounding said characters, Johnson
explained that choice, “People love a good surprise and I think one of the things withTantrums, is that when you go to the show you know what to expect, it’s going to be over-the-top. But for the character aspect, it’s the first time that the audience will see a transformation, on top of what that character will be.”
Speaking of characters…it’s on to the “queens
with an attitude” and our question and answer por- tion of this story: The first in a series of hard-hitting questions asked, was how it felt to be asked back as an All Star? The Eagle’s Robert Rodriguez said, channeling
Sally Field, “It feels amazing! They like me! They really do like me!” Erik Mitchell-Benson followed with “I am honored. I feel extremely blessed to represent not only the #1 Fifth Avenue, but to assist the LGBT Center in such a manner is by far the most endearing compliment I’ve had in a long time. A ‘second go’ is an opportunity to be respected, not wasted!” Next, Kirby Carlock of Flicks responded with, “I’m not gonna front, I’m ready to turn this competition upside down!” Grant Foreman from MO’s Bar & Grill excitedly exclaimed, “Nerve racking! It’s such a production and coming up with something that the crowd not only gets, but thinks is funny, is a lot of pressure. That being said, I can’t wait to get dressed up and play in heels, ha!” And finally, Madison Kailukaitis from Rich’s offered,
“Being asked to be a part ofTantrums & Tiaras again is just as great a feeling as it was the first time. It’s a lot of fun and laughs working with everyone. And nothing reminds you more about how much you lost, like being an all star, ha-ha.” Since knowledge is power, we wondered if there
was anything they learned about themselves and what they’re capable of, from their lastTantrums & Tiaras go ’round? “The show goes by in the blink of an eye that night and the lead up is so intense. Knowing this, I think this time around will be a little more chill, since the nerves won’t be such a surprise,” Foreman said. “I learned I can rock 6” platform stilettos and not look like a wooden donkey doing it!” Carlock proclaimed next, “I learned that when fear and nerves are present, your body kicks into fight or flight mode…and I’m a fighter!” Kailukaitis piped up with, “Last year I was shaking so much. I could barely remember lines… thankfully I was an old woman! Now, I cannot wait to get on stage, give me that microphone Babs!” Benson followed next with, “Since my previous experience I have had a lot of time to reflect. I wish I had thought a bit more about production values. I have always thought about the value of it and how I could have done better. I have learned my lesson.” Rodriguez said the following, “It made me step out of my comfort zone and I learned I can do anything if I set my mind to it.”
Gentlemen, start your engines, and may the best woman win.”—RuPaul 8 RAGE monthly | FEBRUARY 2018
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