Crystal Reverie: Cirque du Soleil's Frozen Spectacle

A Nostalgic Reunion with Spectacular Performances and Whimsical Winter Magic

I was welcomed back to the enchanting world of Cirque du Soleil's Crystal, where breathtaking performances on ice blend seamlessly with the magic of imagination. Returning to the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario, on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 7:30 pm, this spectacle marked a nostalgic reunion for me with the first Cirque du Soleil show I ever photographed back in 2018.

Taking a journey backstage during the rehearsals on November 23rd, the behind-the-scenes experience was nothing short of mesmerizing. From the bustling wardrobe with over 5,000 costume pieces to witnessing acrobats and ice skaters rehearse their gravity-defying acts, every corner of the arena resonated with the anticipation of the upcoming show.

On premiere night, the excitement reached its peak as I picked up my tickets from old colleagues at the Media Table. Despite being assigned to shoot the event from my seat, the opportunity to capture the artistry of Crystal from a different perspective was a welcomed challenge.

Crystal, Cirque du Soleil's 42nd creation, marks a breakthrough with its exploration of the artistic possibilities of ice. This unique production seamlessly weaves together world-class ice skating, acrobatics, and a captivating storyline, pushing the boundaries of performance. The international cast, representing eighteen different nationalities, brings Crystal's tale of self-discovery to life.

The costumes and makeup, designed to withstand the rigors of ice, add a whimsical touch to the show. From Crystal's flamboyant red hair to the surreal and fantastical attire of various characters, each costume contributes to the visual feast.

The show unfolds as Crystal, a creative young woman, falls through the ice into an underwater world of her imagination. Through a journey of self-discovery, she turns her quirks into creativity, venturing out on thin ice to appreciate life from fresh angles.

The quick-change costumes, the dazzling skates, and the meticulous attention to detail showcase Cirque du Soleil's commitment to creating a spellbinding experience. The event, with its humorous nods to winter themes and impeccable performances, highlights the essence of Cirque du Soleil's magic.

As Crystal graced the stage wearing a Windsor Spitfires hockey jersey, the hometown connection added a delightful touch, resonating with the local audience. Despite a slight delay in the 2 pm show, the enchantment of Cirque du Soleil's Crystal remains timeless.

In conclusion, this event was not just a return to familiar grounds but a reaffirmation of why Cirque du Soleil productions continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Crystal's spellbinding performances, coupled with its imaginative narrative, made for a truly unforgettable night. The magic of Cirque du Soleil's Crystal lingers on, inviting audiences to look at life from fresh angles and discover the beauty of venturing out on thin ice.

Don't Miss the Encore!

After mesmerizing Windsor, Cirque du Soleil's Crystal is set to enchant audiences once again! The dazzling spectacle returns for six spellbinding performances from January 4th to 7th, 2024, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Brace yourself for a journey into a world where ice and imagination collide, delivering a breathtaking experience like no other. Secure your tickets and get ready to be captivated by the magic of Crystal!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Photos and review by Kevin Blondin

Dragtastic Blowout Unleashes Glamour and Laughter at Five15!

In a dazzling extravaganza on Sunday, December 10th, 2023, the illustrious Five15 in Royal Oak, Michigan, hosted the Dragtastic Blowout, featuring the sensational Miss Vanjie alongside special guests Sabin, Iowna, Victoria, Lex, and Emma. The night unfolded as a testament to unparalleled glamour and entertainment, leaving the audience in awe.

Headlining the event was the one and only Vanessa Mateo Vanjie, renowned from her unforgettable appearances on the 10th and 11th seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race. Vanjie graced the stage with stunning looks, a hilariously loud personality, and an ass that could only be described as fantASStic! The audience was treated to a show-stopping performance, with Vanjie captivating hearts while dancing to the fierce beats of a Beyoncé anthem.

The festivities continued beyond the spotlight, as Vanjie showcased her friendly and personable side during the meet and greet. Fans had the opportunity to connect with the queen herself, receiving autographs that will undoubtedly become prized possessions.

However, the night did experience a minor hiccup as the 2 pm show commenced fashionably late, around 2:30 pm, causing a delay in the eagerly anticipated meet and greets. Yet, the crowd's excitement remained undiminished, eagerly awaiting the stellar lineup that awaited them.

Special guest Sabin brought an electrifying energy to the stage, contributing to the overall spectacle of Dragtastic Blowout. Each performer, including Iowna, Victoria, Lex, and Emma, added their unique flair to the evening, creating an unforgettable experience for drag enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Our very own THIS is DRAG US correspondent, David Benvenuto, was on the scene to witness and capture every captivating moment. Dragtastic Blowout at Five15 undoubtedly proved itself as a must-see event, leaving the audience buzzing with anticipation for the next extraordinary drag spectacle.

Stay tuned for more exclusive event coverage and drag insights from THIS is DRAG!

By Kevin Blondin
With photos and videos by David Benvenuto

Glitter, Laughter, & Holiday Magic

A Sneak Peek at The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show

In a festive night filled with sequins, laughter, and holiday cheer, BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon graced the stage for an exclusive preview of their internationally acclaimed holiday extravaganza, The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show. The Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan, played host to the first lucky audience on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, as the dynamic duo unveiled their latest creation, and THISisDRAG.com was there to experience the magic.

As the queens prepared for their grand tour across the US, UK, and Canada, the special preview in Detroit offered a glimpse into the dazzling spectacle that fans can expect this holiday season. Produced by BenDeLaCreme Presents, the duo's sixth annual holiday tour promised to be their biggest yet, featuring more cities, more shows, and even grander theaters, including the iconic Dolby Theatre.

The anticipation in the air was palpable as the queens took the stage, ready to showcase their brand-new production. From the moment the curtain rose, it was clear that audiences were in for a treat—a whimsical journey through a holiday wonderland brought to life by the creative genius of BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon.

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show has become a cherished tradition for drag enthusiasts, and this year's edition did not disappoint. The duo demonstrated their commitment to authentic queer storytelling, taking charge as the sole writers and creators of the show. BenDeLaCreme, also in the roles of producer and director, emphasized the importance of queer narratives being told from within the community.

The Masonic Temple transformed into a festive playground, adorned with dancing snow people, gingerbread characters, reindeer, and a colorful array of holiday-themed personas. The campy duo's sixth year touring together brought forth a spectacle filled with laughter, camaraderie, and an abundance of ridiculous yet delightful musical numbers.

Characters such as Santa, Krampus, angels, Hunky the Elf, a drummer boy, and an ensemble of dancing friends and elves graced the stage, creating a visual feast for the audience. The queens' wit shone through in hilarious medleys, including irreverent renditions of Christmas classics like "Santa Baby" and original songs with a playful twist, such as a Frosty the Snowman tune set to the melody of "Witchy Woman."

One of the highlights of the night was the duo's ability to seamlessly weave together holiday favorites with their unique drag flair. Songs about hot cocoa, set to the tune of classics like "Jitterbug," and a Santa Claus anthem with a rock twist delighted the audience, creating a memorable experience that transcended the traditional holiday show.

As the queens took their final bows, the crowd erupted in applause, signaling the success of the preview night. The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show promises to be a must-see extravaganza, offering a perfect blend of entertainment, humor, and a touch of holiday magic. For those seeking an escape into a world of glitter and joy, BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon's holiday spectacle is the ultimate ticket to a festive celebration of drag at its finest.

By Kevin Blondin (@kevinblondinsta)
With photos by Santiago Felipe (@santiagraphy)