If you have yet to visit the ALEX Theater at the Metropolitan at the 9, I highly suggest it. As you exit the elevator on the 2nd floor you are greeted with a small art gallery highlighting work from local artists, as well as a selection of pieces from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Around the corner is the small, full-service Ledger Bar overlooking the front foyer of the building. The theater itself, presents an intimate and comfortable setting—the lounge-style seats are roomy with plenty of leg space to kick back, a small gallery bar provides service to the venue itself, and there is not a bad seat in the house.
The performance at the theater on Friday, November 17th did not highlight live musicians, yet still contained that same passion and expression through an alternative form of artistic expression. Cleveland’s own Veranda L’Ni, hosted one of the theaters monthly attractions – Queens of the 9. Joined on stage by fellow Cleveland performer, Shari Turner, and visiting artists Helena Troy and Deva Station this powerful team of artists presented a night of dance, music, laughter and fun that kept the audience captivated and wanting more. As one audience member, experiencing Drag for the first time, stated during intermission, “I can’t take my eyes off of them!”
Veranda L’Ni captured the audience with her comedic presence, entertaining and engaging the audience throughout her performance numbers and with her playful banter between artists. Her enjoyment of the stage came through as she danced and laughed on stage. In her first number she combined a musical number with audio clips from film—seamlessly carrying the bold personality of the character she was portraying though her dance moves and animated facial expressions.
Helena Troy presented two powerful numbers, completely entrancing the audience with her intensely passionate performance. Between the musical selections, striking outfits, and commanding movements, her performance elicited a response that was both cerebral and emotive. In her second number, Helena Troy donned a floor length white dress that highlighted her motion and expression in such a way that it could truly only be explained as art in motion.
In her fast-paced dance moves and emotive expression, Shari Turner channeled the spirit of such incredible stage performers as Beyoncé and Tina Turner. In her first performance of the evening, her intricate footwork coupled with her fierce, yet joyful, expressions to exhilarate the entire venue with energy. When she returned to the stage for her second number, she slowed the pace and upped the emotion—donning a flowing, sheer gown; she became an instrument of impassioned emotional expression.
Rounding out the team of impactful performers, Deva Station’s award winning smile and passion for performance engaged the audience as she utilized the entire theater for her numbers. Recently crowned Miss Gay America 2018, her gregarious personality shown through as she engaged directly with many of the audience members as she traversed the venue.
Her second number was a crowd favorite as she harnessed the spirit of the musical artist she had chosen to highlight for the number—returning to the stage in a vibrant yellow gown, she presented the playful spirit of Madonna. Then, in the same fashion as the artist she channeled, she stripped herself of the flowy gown to reveal a striking body suit fitting for the dynamic conclusion of her performance.
All of the performers on Friday night at the ALEX Theater presented powerful and engaging pieces. The night was an impactful theatrical experience that elicited enjoyment, entertainment and emotion. Host Veranda L’Ni ensured that the audience had a great experience and were fully engaged and entertained. One segment of the evening even brought audience members on stage for a playful “game show” reminiscent of the Price is Right, but with a lot more laughter.
The pieces performed by the artists were a great balance between playful, fun, comedic and impactful.It was clear how much precision these artists put into every little detail of their performance—from the musical selection, to the gorgeous outfits, to the incredible make-up; so much care and artistry was placed into their presentation, even before they stepped on stage to express their theatrical prowess.“I am ART,” Veranda L’Ni expressed in a moment on stage where she chose to share some of the experience and background of Drag. Without hampering the fun of the evening, she also addressed some of the realities of Drag and its common misconceptions; sharing a story of amazing community and heartless cruelty that occurred at the Austin International Drag Festival.
The Queens of the 9 present a monthly performance at the ALEX Theater, Veranda L’Ni host each event with a rotating cast of artfully selected performers. If you have never experienced this style of performance art, it is worth an open-mind and a little bit of your time. And if you already have an appreciation for this impressive art form, this is definitively a presentation you should not miss!