Sasha Velour ’s The Big Reveal – Proctors GE Theater

Sasha Velour ’s The Big Reveal

Drag Show at Proctor’s GE Theater – March 2^nd, 2024

My son and I have been fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race for a while now – and season 9 winner Sasha Velour is one of our all-time favorite queens. So, when we saw her scheduled to perform at Proctor’s GE Theater – we jumped at the chance to get tickets for both the show AND the pre-performance meet and greet.

It’s clear that there are a LOT of fans of drag here in the Capital Region because people were lining up for the meet and greet about 30 mins before it started, and I was grateful we got there early to be toward the beginning of the line. We weren’t sure what to expect, but essentially it was a chance to spend about a minute chatting with Sasha and getting your photo taken with her. The fans were charged up for the chance – and people eagerly awaited their turn while the staff helped things move along efficiently.

For Lee’s turn – he kicked up his glitter gold clad foot to show off his 4 inch heel and Sasha grabbed his leg and held it like an air guitar – and rock-star Lee got his fabulous photos. My turn was slightly less glamorous as I awkwardly held my handbag and couldn’t figure out my pose in time – but it was all in good fun and I loved getting the chance to see the exquisite drag look up close and personal. Sasha was so kind and personable – it was a delight to meet her even if only for a moment.

We waited comfortably in the lounge for the show to start – having a pre-game cheesecake from the concession stand. In the theater was a sparsley set stage with an old school easy chair, a telephone on a stand and a TV set from the 50s that was showing the same film that was being projected on the big screen. These apparently simple props would be integrated throughout the show – in sometimes surprising ways.

A large screen at the back of the stage began an introductory film featuring different Sasha characters giving the audience background on the beginnings of drag and how throughout history the meaning of drag has represented different things to different people. It was as informative as it was entertaining – and Sasha’s comedic talent punctuated the vignettes with her flamboyant wit and flair. Unapologetic self-promotion came next with a mention that her new book, The Big Reveal, was available at the merch table and there would be a book signing after the show.

At last, the music started and the easy chair on stage, which had been removed and returned in the dark during the film, began to move. The blanket over the back of the chair was removed to reveal Sasha’s face – she was inside the chair. As her dance moves grew larger, the chair separated into pieces to become a constantly transforming costume. Our first reveal was a dramatic one! This was truly one of the most unique theater costumes I’ve ever seen – and a brilliant example of Sasha’s quirky charm.

The show continued with each musical number telling stories about Sasha Velour’s journey through her own experience with drag, from her memories of childhood and her family’s encouragement for her to be dramatic as a young boy to what it was like to be shamed for the same behavior as an adolescent. Lee’s attention was rapt through the entire show – as was much of the audience. I was dazzled by the stunning costumes created for each song – and found the insight into Sasha’s life endearing.

It’s worth mentioning that some people think being a drag queen means being able to do these dramatic “death drops” – where during the routine a queen jumps into the air and falls to the ground in a split. While Sasha is not the “death drop” kind of queen – she did bring a special guest to the show, Neon Calypso – who’s dance moves were very athletic. Fearlessly climbing to the top of several stairs – she leapt up and landed straight into a split on the ground. The audience gasped! And Neon kept dancing like it was nothing. A thrilling spectacle!

For Sasha’s finale – the video turns into an avant-garde art deco theme as she ascends the stairs adorned in goddess like robes. The music intensifies and the real Sasha meshes with her video likeness in a frenzied storm of laser beams. It was a spectacular ending to the show. Lee and I left the theater happily entertained, Sasha Velour fans for life!