To commemorate Drag365, I've compiled my favorite nine photos for each month during Drag365. Now's the time for you to tell me YOUR favorite from each month! All you have to do is head on over to Instagram, follow me @michaelblocktalk and comment on the January Fav 9 photo grid! It's so simple! 

By Michael Block

First we waited for Godot. Then it was Guffman. Now, we're waiting for Judy Garland. Making her Greenroom 42 debut, Gloria Swansong brings a little bit of Gloria and a little bit of Judy to the stage in Waiting for Garland. A two-act epic drag dramedy, Waiting for Garland introduces the audience to why Gloria and Judy are a dynamic duo.

photo by Michael Block

Gloria Swansong is brought to the stage to announce that her partner for the night, the one and only Judy Garland has not arrived yet. So to kill time, Gloria has to tell some outlandish stories of her past while entertaining the crowd with some of her signature numbers. Between "Let's Have a Kiki" and "Cell Block Tango," Gloria gave us a uniquely remarkable narrative. Who knew that Gloria was a part of an old-timey trio! As she stalls and stalls, Gloria discovers Judy may actually be deceased, and finally leans into dark magic to summon Judy because that's why we came! After the séance worked, Judy takes over Gloria's body to perform some of her iconic numbers. Waiting for Garland is a surrealistic drag spectacular. While the script does get a little long-winded, the meat of the show is learning how Judy came into Gloria's life. In a cabaret setting, less is always more. Shrinking the amount improvised banter and perhaps eliminating a number or two in each act may allow the show to be a brisk ninety-minute show. Waiting for Garland is also a new and intimate look into the stage persona of Gloria Swansong. Is she really an old broad from the Vaudevillian circuit? Did she really get offered a role in Chicago? Probably not, but having a perspective is fresh for a cabaret. Whether or not you know her or not, Waiting for Garland is your opportunity to learn about the artist. And if you didn't know, she's an exceptional designer and seamstress. To remind the audience of this, Gloria keeps a garment rack of costumes that she goes in and out of throughout the show. To help with the pacing, perhaps including a hired hand in the form of a hunky lad could be in order. The costume showcase is a large part of what makes Gloria, so finding a way to incorporate it in a smoother fashion is a necessity.
The skeleton of an exceptional cabaret is all there. Now it's finessing the mechanics of the piece that will take it to the next level. Gloria Swansong has given audiences her Judy shows, now's her chance to give a reason why.

Jackie Cox // photo by Michael Block

Day: Sunday, March 11th      

Show: Just Jackie

Location: New World Stages

Queens Seen: Jackie Cox (@jackiecoxnyc), Gilda Wabbit (@gildawabbit), Gloria Swansong (@gloria_swansong)

Jackie Cox, Gilda Wabbit // photo by Michael Block

Gloria Swansong, Jackie Cox // photo by Michael Block

She's the new queen of New World Stages! Just Jackie and Friends finds Jackie Cox and her special friends celebrate drag and theater with an almost all singing show. With a fresh take on the classic drag sensibility, Jackie Cox manages to entertain from top to bottom. To kick the night off, the pretty queen sang "Pretty Girl Rock" with her own unique spin. She followed it up with the Postmodern Jukebox version of Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl," because why not? Joining her for theatrical debauchery were Gilda Wabbit and Gloria Swansong. Gilda showed off her pipes with Pink's power ballad "Glitter in the Air" and her signature parody of "Defying Gravity" entitled "Double Penetration." For Gloria's turn, she dazzled with her solo version of "Cell Block Tango" and the powerful "Back to Before" from Ragtime. It wouldn't be a full show if Jackie didn't ask for her gal pals to do some duets. In a wild live-sung/lip sync extravaganza, Jackie and Gloria did "Sing" from A Chorus Line, which yielded quite a comical result. Gilda and Jackie took on Maria and Anita in West Side Story for "A Boy Like That." Audiences like a good drag show. Audiences love a smart drag show. Jackie brought in a little Wicked and Judy Garland trivia as an homage to her guests.
Jackie Cox delivers time after time to ensure an enjoyable show that's special and entertaining. Smart drag is the best drag.

In the latest episode of Block Talk, I welcome the incomparable Gloria Swansong to talk about her newest show, Waiting for Garland!

To listen to the podcast, visit iTunes or SoundClound! And subscribe today!

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Gloria Swansong // photo by Michael Block

Day: Tuesday, February 13th         

Show: Good Judy 

Location: ICON

Queens Seen: Gloria Swansong (@gloria_swansong)

She has two degrees so she can cross dress on the fly! Gloria Swansong returned to ICON for her monthly show Good Judy. With Valentine’s Day just a day away, she made the night “Love on Top” themed, with that song of course being a part of the set list. Since she is a vintage queen, of course she gets an overture. And from there, it’s off to the races. The evening includes two pretty long pauses to create a three-act night, where she took the time to talk to the crowd. Face time is important! Gloria showcased a new look for each act. If you’re coming to Good Judy expecting all Judy, all the time, you’ll be disappointed. While she is known for her impeccable Judy illusion, this is a bar show so she has to deliver to the masses. But don’t fret, a night with Judy Garland is in the cards. Gloria Swansong has the versatility most queens strive to find. She gives you classics, pop, showtunes, and all that jazz. Good Judy is a nice night to socialize with your good Judy, Gloria Swansong.

Paige Turner // photo by Michael Block

Day: Wednesday, February 7th       

Show: WTF Wednesdays

Location: Hardware

Queens Seen: Paige Turner (@paigeturnernyc), Gloria Swansong (@gloria_swansong)

Gloria Swansong // photo by Michael Block

I shall make a confession. I have seen Paige Turner many times at the Laurie Beechman for her cabaret shows. This was my very first time seeing Paige Turner at one of her bar shows. Boy, what a treat this was! A night of showtunes, games, and fabulous banter, WTF Wednesdays is the place to be on a Wednesday night. With a room filled with random stragglers and Paige super fans alike, Paige caters to the crowd by giving them what they want. Joined by another classic, vintage inspired queen Gloria Swansong, the pair, decked out in polka dots, celebrated what they do best. Beginning with a hilarious Pocahontas mix, Paige set the mood of the show: anything goes. Actually, there was none of that show, but Thoroughly Modern Millie did appear a few times, including a fabulous duet of “How the Other Half Lives.” Paige delighted with her classics while Gloria pulled out a new mix inspired by “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Some queens stick to a single audience game during their show. Paige played three. Using “You Don’t Known Jack” as a source, there was a round of putting sitcoms in chronological order, true or false porn titles, and trivia in which we learned, for the second time this night, what a donkey punch was. We later played a couple rounds of Match Game before leading into a “Drag Potpourri” where the audience got to select artists for Paige and Gloria to perform. I went with one of my usual suspects, “Yma Sumac” because who doesn’t love watching a drag queen try to imitate those noises.
Take a journey to WTF Wednesdays for a fun and fulfilling night with Paige Turner. If you’re looking for the modern pop hits, maybe this isn’t the show for you. If you love Broadway and the classics, there aren’t many who can do what Paige does!

Gloria Swansong, Vanna Deux, Shelby Late // photo by Michael Block

Day: Thursday, February 1st   

Show: Drag Race Viewing Party

Location: The West End

Queens Seen: Vanna Deux (@vanndeux), Gloria Swansong (@gloria_swansong), Shelby Late (@shelby_late)

It was a controversial episode and Vanna Deux was there to guide the crowd through the drama on screen, and at the show. Joined by vintage vixen Gloria Swansong and stellar songstress Shelby Late, Vanna held down the fort while a technical glitch caused a unique viewing experience for part of the show. Once the sound arrived, the show at the show began. Vanna sported a brand new ‪Dolly Parton inspired Bobbie Pins wig as she lived her country fantasy with Dolly’s cover of “Higher and Higher.” Shelby paid homage to the pop divas of today with ‪Demi Lovato’s “Daddy Issues” and a stunning rendition of Pink’s “Glitter in the Air.” Gloria gave us a party with “Let’s Have a Kiki” and a heart-wrenching rendition of “Back to Before” from Ragtime. Bartender Megan took to the front room stage singing her version of “Umbrella/Singing in the Rain” while some contestants attempted to lipsync for their drinks. It wouldn’t be a diva show if the classic icons didn’t arrive. Vanna and Gloria did an impromptu duet of Judy Garland and ‪Barbra Streisand’s “Get Happy/Happy Days.”
Despite the minor glitch, the staff of the West End took care of the Drag Fans with oopsie shots. They came in handy after the tv show’s results.

The Cast of My Big Fabulous Birthday Drag Show // photo by Lindsey Kay

Day: Friday, January 19th 

Show: My Big Fabulous Birthday Drag Show

Location: The West End

Queens Seen: Aviva Dickman (@avivadickman), Bella Noche (@bellanochenyc), Didi Cumswell (@didicumswell), Gloria Swansong (@gloria_swansong), Harieola Grande (@haireolagrande), Nicole Onoscopi (@nicoleonoscopi), Petti Cake (@petticakee), Poppy (@thecolorpoppy), Vanna Deux (@vannadeux), Whendy Whaxwood (@whendywhaxwood)

Vanna Deux // photo by Michael Block

It’s not very often you can ask ten of your favorite queens to take a night and celebrate the most important thing in the world: me! I kid. But seriously. As I make my way through the world of nightlife, I’ve been fortunate to meet some incredible people who have gone from colleagues to friends. And being able to share my birthday with my friends means the world to me.

Petti Cake // photo by Michael Block

The fine folks at The West End were gracious enough to allow me their space to bring all my friends together for My Big Fabulous Birthday Drag Show, hosted by me-proclaimed drag rivals Poppy and Vanna Deux, the night was filled with shows, reads, and surprises galore. After this future duo got the night underway, Vanna gave me the birthday gift of Dolly Parton, performing a lip sync to Dolly’s version of “Higher and Higher,” reveal and all. Following Vanna was the life of the party herself, Miss Haireola Grande, giving Idina Menzel realness. Bella Noche next proved that she is, in fact, a shapeshifter showing off her favorite number as well as the night’s first big read. Newcomer to the family Nicole Onoscopi gave me the gift of performing a mix that I had made inspired by Dating Horror Stories! It was really special to finally have a queen perform something I made. It’s only the beginning! But wait, another queen showcasing something I made comes up next? Didi Cumswell brought an incredible Broadway mix while wearing a one-of-a-kind necklace and bracelet set I made! And she looked divine. The vintage diva herself, Gloria Swansong graced the stage with “Gimme Gimme” and her perfectly executed flapper costume reveal. She too, brought some post performance reads, commenting on my accurately old age. The whonderful Whendy Whaxwood gave us a bitch mix and the night’s second “oh shit” dig at me. It truly is what I asked for! Following her was the wildcard of unexpectedness, Aviva Dickman. What was Aviva going to give us? The entire track of “If I Were a Rich Man.” Just when you thought something would be mixed in, she surprised us all with nothing, a feat she can only pull off. Petti Cake came next with the evening’s reading and dance number, even bringing the props. Finishing off the solo portion of the show was cohost Poppy, reminding us that, just like Meryl Streep, she’s a winner of many things. A drag show isn’t complete without a drag roulette and since it was my birthday, I created a special edition drag roulette I called: “From ABBA to YMA.” It was a wild mix that challenged the girls, and ended with a group rendition of “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen.
Overall, this was the best way I could celebrate my birthday. I was surrounded by people I love and care about, both on stage and in the crowd. I like to think about a birthday as a starting a new chapter. And this birthday show illuminated that possibility. I look forward to what the year brings and the stronger relationships that come with it.

Jan Sport, Lagoona Bloo, Brita Filter, Rose // photo by Michael Block

Day: Tuesday, January 16th

Show: Stronger Together- a benefit

Location: Hardware

Queens Seen: Brita Filter (@thebritafilter), Celah Doore (@celahdoorenyc), Cherry Poppins (@cherrypoppinsnyc), Chelsea Piers (@thechelseapiers),  Gloria Swansong (@gloria_swansong), Jan Sport (@jansport), Lagoona Bloo (@lagoonabloonyc), Rose (rosewithanaccent), Vanna Deux (@vannadeux)

Vanna Deux // photo by Michael Block

Celah Doore // photo by Michael Block

The LGBTQ community is notorious for banding together when tragedy strikes. And when it happens right at home, there’s no doubt that we’ll come to help those in need. On Tuesday, January 16th, the time slot for The Brita Filter Show at Hardware was turned into a benefit show for Frankie Ross, who lost everything in a fire in Harlem just a week before. Bringing a star studded group of entertainers, Brita and company raised over $800 for Frankie Ross. Stronger Together was just that. Brita’s lineup included the ladies of Stephanie’s Child, Jan Sport, Lagoona Bloo, and Rose, Chelsea Piers, Vanna Deux, Cherry Poppins, Celah Door, Gloria Swansong, Anthony Paparelli, and Ian Joseph. The large crowd gladly threw money at the performers as it went straight to Frankie. Watching Frankie see the money come in warms the soul. It was a look of gratitude and pure astonishment. From Stephanie’s Child performing their “Grindr Sisters” staple to Brita filling the crowd up with her classics to Ian’s stunning ballad to Vanna’s high energy Pokemon number to Jan’s exceptional Mariah tea mix, we got it all in just over two hours.
Brita has stated that she intends to do a benefit show monthly during her time slot. When a queen can use her platform and give back to the community, it makes the community stronger. The reception of just how gracious the performers and audience were kept this night alive. I look forward to the next benefit show Brita puts on!

Drag Race is back with an All Star season! And Block Talk will be here to RuCap every episode! Each episode, I'll feature a special guest host to dissect it all! I'm joined by Gloria Swansong to talk through all of episode 1!

To listen to the episode, visit iTunes or SoundCloud, and be sure to subscribe and leave us a 5 star review!

And visit patreon.com/theaterinthenow to learn about becoming a patron of the website.

Gloria Swansong, Gina Tonic, Allegra Spread // photo by Michael Block

Day: Saturday, January 6th   

Show: Snatched to the Future 

Location: Precious Metal

Queens Seen: Gina Tonic (@itsginatonic), Allegra Spread (@allegradrag), Gloria Swansong (@gloria_swansong)


Gina Tonic debuted her new show Snatched to the Future at Precious Metal to room of fans and patrons alike. Paying homage to a singular decade or era at each show, Gina kicked off her series with the roaring 20s. With a little help from her friends Gloria Swansong and Allegra Spread, the crowd, some decked in period attire, went on the journey to the past alongside the queens in a boozy, jazzy evening of entertainment. Precious Metal is a unique spot with their own clientele. It’s maybe not necessarily a place you’d expect a drag show of this nature. But everyone was ready to play along, even the hipsters of Brooklyn, who were not quite ready for the show. Gina’s strength in bringing a night together was evident in Snatched to the Future. The night flowed seamlessly, while it was able to adapt to the unique setting. While she may be the center of attention, Gina graciously gave the spotlight over to her guests. Gloria Swansong’s ability to command a room is incomparable. Like a bug to a light, she has an inimitable aura that draws you in. Gloria Swansong is a premiere vintage queen. Allegra Spread has a spirit and soul that was perfect for the decade, yet easily transcends. Allegra has a sexy, sultry allure that keeps you wanting more.  The majority of the set list was inspired by songs or stories of the time, including the musicals The Wild Party and Chicago and a jazz-stirred rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space.” Gina did jump up a decade with some Cabaret numbers, but the audience didn’t seem to mind.
If you’re looking for theme shows, Snatched to the Future may be exactly what you’re looking for. If you haven’t been to Precious Metal before, it truly is a special space to drink and be merry. Next month, Gina will time travel to the 80s for what is sure to be a party