JULY 7, 1995 Gay People's ChroniCLE 21

EVENINGS OUT

A glamorous and fun show onstage and behind the scenes

Get out your teasing comb and the AquaNet hairspray-Wigstock is coming to town. This cinematic experience is anything but a drag.

ous spoof of Woodstock. This annual event now boasts 20,000 partygoers at the all-day festival.

On June 21, the Cleveland Film Society and the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland presented a premiere screening of the film as a benefit to support their programs and services

Film society director David Wittkowsky spearheaded the effort when he heard that the film's distributor had made the film available for benefits in advance ofits release date. Wittkowsky called the distributor, and they were more than happy to provide the film. Cedar-Lee Theatre owner Jon Foreman donated the theatre space, helping to keep expenses at a minimum. A nearly full house of 370 people packed the theatre, raising $3,700 which was split between the two organizations.

Director Barry Shils has captured the true spirit of Wigstock. Filming of the movie took place over two years and includes footage from two Wigstock festivals: the 1993 edition at its original Thompson Square Park home and at the Christopher Street Piers, where Wigstock was moved in 1994 to accommodate a larger audience and show. Shils places the camera into the very roots of this tangled, teased-up, high-gloss festival for a unique perspective. Behind the scenes, the

The Lady Bunny, founder and reigning diva of Wigstock, strikes a pose in Wigstock: The Movie.

Wigstock: The Movie is a bawdy, multimedia extravaganza documenting the tenth anniversary of New York City's most notorious and hip underground event, a glamor-

audience witnesses rarely seen preparations and arduous rehearsals which culminate in a variety of dazzling performances. In essence, the film is a journey underneath the make-up and glamour to reveal and display some unique talents.

Wigstock features such prominent and outrageous pop culture figures and drag icons as "Supermodel of the World" RuPaul, the musical group Dee-Lite, dance music recording star Crystal Waters, Los Angelesbased actors and drag performers Alexis Arquette, Jackie Beat, and such legendary divas as the Lady Bunny, Lypsinka, Mistress Formika and Joey Arias. In addition, there is

literally a "cast of thousands and all in wigs” to complete this outrageous ensemble. Even the audience is dressed up and ready to show.

Like the event itself, Wigstock is about fun and style. Most importantly, the film captures a celebration of uninhibited imagination. As producer Dean Silvers concludes, "The 90's are about diversity, resiliency and being yourself. Wigstock is a celebration of that-with a great soundtrack."

The film begins its run at the Cedar-Lee Theatre in Cleveland on Friday, July 7; and the Drexel Theaters in Columbus in July. Call 216-321-8232 or 614-231-9512 for dates and times.

D.L. Dunkle & Associates

A LESBIAN & GAY PSYCHOTHERAPY PRACTICE

Debra L. Dunkle, LISW

Jane Miller, MSSA, LSW John R. O'Connor, LISW

Martha Webb, CCDC, LPC

Lisa Gilbert, MD

Offering Professional, Confidential Services To Individuals, Couples, And Groups.

12417 Cedar, Suites 21-24 Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44106 216/229-2100

NOT ALWAYS THE SAME OL' GUYS.

Gay People's Chronicle Personals.

Someone for Everyone!

Personals start on page 57