Indy Drag Theatre (IDT) is going blonde again.
“Legally Blonde(r): A Drag Parody Revival” opens at 8 p.m. on May 9 at The District Theatre — a calling card to IDT’s inaugural production, making it the company’s first revival.
IDT got its start in 2022, founded by Hoosier drag queens Blair St. Clair and April Rosé, who wanted to create an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ storytelling in Indianapolis. The company’s first show was a lip-synched drag parody of the Broadway musical “Legally Blonde,” based on the 2001 film of the same name. Three years later, IDT brought the show back to the stage, bigger and blonder, May 9-11 and May 15-18.
“It’s a full-circle moment for us to bring back the first show that coined the term Indy Drag Theatre,” St. Clair, IDT co-founder and show director, said in a statement. “We had done concert versions of shows, but Legally Blonde marked our first theatrical performance, making it an ideal choice for our first revival.”
Now an integral part of Indianapolis’ drag community, IDT maintains its mission of “offering safety and opportunity for queer Hoosiers and allies to express themselves authentically, artistically, and joyously,” according to a press release. Previous drag parody productions have included “Shrek,” “SIS,” “Mean Queens” and “HairSLAY.”
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As a lip-synced drag musical, “Legally Blonde(r)” centers on LGBTQ+ themes, hoping to bring a new understanding of queer humor and culture; however, this production is not what one would typically expect to see in a nightclub or bar. It is a celebration and fusion of the “traditional art of theatre and the exaggerated art of drag,” combining scenes from “Legally Blonde” the movie and Broadway musical with fundamental pop and queer culture moments, according to a press release.
“We now have full committees, a Board of Directors, a fully experienced team behind us, and a bigger budget to play with,” Rosé, assistant show director, IDT co-founder and choreographer, said in a statement. “We have grown so much in the community and blossomed more than we expected over the past three years.”
Keeping in line with Y2K trends, “Legally Blonde” centers around themes of sisterhood, finding one’s voice, remaining positive and doing “the bend and snap.” IDT’s revival aims to be “more legal, more blonde, and more drag-tastic than ever,” according to a press release.
“Legally Blonde(r)” is onstage at The District Theatre May 9-11 and May 15-18. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit indydragtheatre.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
: A Drag Parody Revival” opens at 8 p.m. on May 9 at The District Theatre — a calling card to IDT’s inaugural production, making it the company’s first revival.){kind=link}