Queens of the Night

SYDNEY: Tora Hymen stars in a show inspired by fallen diva Whitney Houston that’s sure to raise some eyebrows – and plenty of laughs. 

You’ve done Cher, and you’ve covered Dolly. And now you’re doing Whitney Houston.

We are slowly making our way through all the icons, well the ones whose music is right for a show. I don’t think we will do a Celine Dion show, I love her but it would be a real wrist-slitter.

The show is described as a ‘tribute’. Tell us about that.

We are paying tribute to small parts of her life – the good, the bad, the fashion, the fame, and the downfall – as well as we can in under 20 minutes.

You are joined on stage by Minnie Cooper, Charisma Belle and Felicity Frockaccino, winner of the most recent Tora’s Drag Race. What can you tell us about Felicity?

Felicity is a fabulous breath of fresh air to the Sydney drag scene. She is from New Zealand, having moved here earlier this year. She’s very camp and has a huge personality. With so many girls opting for the whole ‘fierce’ thing, it’s great to see a new girl embracing the camper side of drag!

Some might say it’s too soon to do a show on Whitney Houston. What is your response to that?

Yes, it’s definitely too soon, but I wanted to strike while the bath water was still warm! But seriously, I don’t think there is such a thing as too soon when it comes to celebrities and celebrity culture. Sure some people will be offended, but then if we didn’t go there, others will be upset that we were too safe. You’re damned if you don’t and you’re damned if you do – so we did!

And the title of the show is sure to raise some eyebrows.

Well, we wanted a title that would get people’s attention, something that they would immediately associate with Whitney and that was relevant to some of the themes in the show. ‘Crack is Whack’ was perfect.

Final words for punters...

Come along on a Thursday and enjoy the show for what it is: four men in dresses dancing on a plywood box in the corner of a gay bar with a light pointed at it. And don’t take it too seriously – we don’t

[Pictured] Tora Hymen (second from right) with the cast of Crack is Whack. Photo: Robert Knapman

Crack is Whack is on every Thursday night at the Midnight Shift, 85 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst.