PORT ANGELES — With the first Drag Off at Studio Bob last October deemed a fabulous success, the crew at Bob’s decided to do it again. The Drag Off returns this Saturday night, bringing drag queens and kings to the Alle Stage at Studio Bob, the event space upstairs at 118½ E. Front St.
There will be eight drag queens, men dolled up like women only more so, and four drag kings, women decked out as men in this singing, dancing, lip-syncing show. It’s all for the 16-and-older crowd, with show time at 8 p.m. sharp; admission at the door will be $15 while advance tickets are available for $12.
“There will be more Salmonella and more prizes,” this time, promised organizer Sarah Tucker. She speaks of Salmonella Riviere, the popular Port Angeles drag queen and Drag Off mistress of ceremonies.
Moments after 8 o’clock, Salmonella promises, she will make a grand entrance with her version of an Academy Awards opening number.
“It’s going to be my interpretation, filled with music and comedy and shenanigans,” she said, adding that since this is National Drag History month, there will be nods to early drag performers and styles.
Then comes October Drag Off grand champion Blake McCabe — “the fiercely fabulous,” declared Tucker — plus performing artists Merryn Welch, Tana Villella-Flath and Richard Stephens with bonus numbers in addition to the competition.
“They will be making grand entrances,” Tucker said, “with amazing performance pieces.”
Once the contest gets going, Stephens, Welch, Villella-Flath and theater director-actor-harpist John Manno will be the judges, assessing the drag kings’ and queens’ overall looks and talents. And much like the Miss America pageant, each contestant will answer a question posed by Salmonella.
“This time, everyone competing will receive an award,” Tucker said, while the winner in each category will receive rather bizarre prizes from Pacific Rim Hobby.
Winners will receive other gifts from Udjat Beads, Oven Spoonful and Cafe New Day, all of downtown Port Angeles.
To those who might be wondering if they’re ready to attend a Drag Off, Salmonella has advice.
“Come with an open mind,” she said, “and be prepared to have an epic amount of fun.”
Advance tickets for Saturday’s event are available at three Port Angeles locations: Odyssey Books, 114 W. Front St., Good to Go Grocery at 1105 S. Eunice St. and Pacific Rim Hobby, 138 W. Railroad Ave.
For more information, see the Drag Off at Studio Bob page on Facebook or email Tucker at sarah@tuckerart.com.