We are thrilled to welcome back Olney Theatre-favorites Echinacea Monroe (Solomon Parker III), Evon Dior Michelle, and Tiara Missou (David Singleton) to not only close out this year, but bring good tidings to the 1938 Original Theatre space. They star in the show, Drag the Halls, a special 2-night-only event playing at Olney Theatre Center December 8th and 9th. If you didn’t already know, Drag the Halls is the last performance to grace the stage in the 1938 Original Theatre on our campus before renovations begin in the new year. With such a rich history of unforgettable performers and performances in the 1938 space, we are overjoyed to have 3 amazing queens as part of that journey through this epic holiday extravaganza!
Have questions about the show? Want to learn more? Continue reading to hear from one of the stars, Solomon Parker III.
Meet the Queens
Drag the Halls stars:
Evon Dior Michelle - Baltimore’s 2020 Best Drag Queen and founder of SAD Drag Brunch
Tiara Missou - DC’s delectable dessert dancing diva who crafted the show's garments
Echinacea Monroe - The star of Olney Theatre Center’s production of Kinky Boots, who recently moved to New York City!
[Solomon Parker III] “All three queens would consider themselves local artists and [shared that they] have a sense of home in the DMV arts community.”
Where did the idea for Drag the Halls come from?
[Solomon Parker III] “The idea for the drag show came about when three wise men brought gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh to a young Jewish boy in a manger. Over a FaceTime call between the queens, [they] talked about plans for the holidays. And the idea of three queens bringing glitz, glam, and camp to Olney’s oldest theater felt right. Folks want to feel festive during the holidays. Olney has had a full season of programming that’s highlighted drag artists and amplified diversity so this felt like the right partnership for this end-of-year celebration.”
I’m so curious. I heard the queens wrote the show. What was that process like?
[Solomon Parker III] When creating the show, we knew we didn’t want it to be your typical drag show format. We really wanted to utilize the fact that we had three multifaceted queens who can sing and dance together. The show is a celebration of the holidays and holiday Divas. It features music from groups like the Ronettes and Destiny’s Child and icons like Mariah Carey and Cher. The music itself is infectious and bright; however, the queens also sprinkled in the nostalgia of A Christmas Story. Not that specific film, but this recipe of finding the spirit of the holidays that we feel every time we watch holiday movies. This isn’t just a Christmas show, it’s a show to celebrate togetherness! A show to feel Merry and Gay.”
What can I expect from the show?
[Solomon Parker III] “The audience can expect to leave feeling connected and feeling bright! Drag the Halls is interactive and calls on everyone to participate. What’s the point of gathering together to celebrate the holidays if we aren’t going to sing, share stories, and play together? The show is about togetherness during the most wonderful time of the year.”
I can only echo Solomon’s words above as I reflect on the laughter and love that Drag brings, especially during this time of year. “Drag the Halls takes the celebration of a traditional show and adds a sentimental holiday twist!” Purchase tickets now before they sell out, and while you're here, take a last look at the 1938 Original Theatre.
