Following Hedda Lettuce’s sold-out show at The Rosendale Theatre last December, Big Gay Hudson Valley teamed up with the venue again to commemorate its 10th anniversary with a slew of new programming.
The season kicked off May 5 with a show from Varla Jean Merman, a drag queen who also happens to be a trained opera singer. The schedule continues on June 9 during Hudson Valley Pride Week, when Chris Harder will play 12 different characters in a humorous look at his personal experience working in adult entertainment.
Among the other acts featured in the partnership is Cunio Sings Etta, a tribute to the life and music of Etta James by Broadway performer Michael Cunio and a five-piece band. Described as the “spawn of Freddie Mercury and Janis Joplin,” Cunio’s performance electrifies songs like “At Last” and “A Sunday Kind of Love” with new life. Come October, drag legend and LGBT headliner, Miss Coco Peru, will take the stage to let loose a little tension.
Around the holidays, things get even more exciting with BGHV’s 6th annual burlesque spectacular, Hung With Care, and Big Red & The Boys, a show by singer Meghan Murphy and her ensemble of four fellas that focuses on the joy of spending the holidays with chosen family.
The Rosendale Theatre first joined forces with Big Gay Hudson Valley in 2016. Since then, more and more productions have been staged. “It’s been a huge boost to our business and our neighbors here on Main Street,” says Ann Citron, executive director of the theater.
“Over the course of the last decade, we’ve seen the community grow, diversify, and many new members of the LGBTQ+ community have moved in. People realize that having a diverse community is important,” says Stephan Hengst, co-founder of Big Gay Hudson Valley. “It’s nice to see the Hudson Valley has become a more welcoming place in the last 10 years.”
Tickets for events range from $25-35, but all are expected to sell out. Order in advance at www.biggayhudsonvalley.com.
