Cabaret for a Cause

Regional drag queens step out, raise money for Valley AIDS Network

Platinum blond wigs, elaborate false eyelashes, crimson red lipstick and extravagantly sequined dresses overtook the College Center Grand Ballroom Sunday night for JMU's first annual cabaret show. Sponsored by the University Health Center and the University Program Board, the night was dedicated to raising money for the Valley AIDS Network.

The show lasted from 8 to 10 p.m. and put a new spin on past fund raisers by featuring some of the area's leading female impersonators. The night was hosted by the 2002-'03 Miss Gay Harrisonburg, Sabrina B. Thirteen other performers took the stage singing and dancing their way into the pockets of the over 300 audience members.

"The Valley AIDS Network is in dire need of the money," said Aimee Johnson, a peer program coordinator for the Health Center. "The amount we raised is fantastic."

University Health Center coordinator Ann Simmons said through the entertainers' generosity and audience participation, the event raised over $2,200 for the Valley AIDS Network.

Johnson said, "The performers volunteered their time and donated all their tips."

The evening began with Sabrina B. dancing around to Chicago's "All That Jazz," weaving between the tables and collecting dollar bills from donating audience members.

The next performer who strutted her stuff was Ms. Virginia Pride, Stephanie Michaels. She made a number of appearances on stage, the most memorable being when she donned a butterfly ensemble complete with a 5-foot wingspan.

"I grew up in Mount Jackson," Michaels said. "I bet you didn't think they grew this kind of stuff on the farm, did you?"

The night would not have been complete without a makeover, and SGA President Levar Stoney stepped up to the challenge. An ultimatum was set: if the audience of over 300 could raise $1,500 before the night was over, Stoney would go backstage, only to return in full drag. "I have 14 screaming queens backstage dying to put him in drag," Sabrina B. said to the audience.

Fortunately for the entertainment of his fellow students, the goal was met and after the transformation, Stoney's huge hair and high heels were matched by his bright red lipstick and metallic eye shadow.

"I was a little nervous at first, but it was just for such a great cause," Stoney said.

Stoney said he lost an uncle to AIDS years back, and, "although my uncle isn't here to benefit from the fund raiser, it's great to see that others may. It hit so close to home that it was definitely worth it."

Freshman Erin Barocca said, "I think it is so great that JMU was so open and accepting to bring this kind of diversity to campus, especially for such a good cause. It was just so much fun; I have never seen anything like it."

Between the acts, students came onstage to help educate the audience about how to be protected from AIDS.

Health Center intern Amanda Tinnel, who played a role in bringing this show to campus, was one of the speakers who shared information on free condoms and STD testing at the Health Center. "And don't let any of those condoms go to waste," Sabrina B. jokingly added.

Simmons said, "In case you missed it this year, look forward to the Spring 2004 Cabaret Show."

This event was such a success, more than I had ever envisioned," Simmons added. "I was floored!"