By
Aaron Cowman
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Drag show, 'Diva La Paz,' expected to draw at least 200 people tomorrow night
University life is all about new experiences. Moving away from home, preparing for the future - and learning more about transvestites.
The performers of "Diva La Paz," an annual show held at La Paz residence hall, are the highlight of the show, and rightfully so. Dressed in drag, these talent-laden queens generally attract a large audience.
"Last year, there (were) about 200 people," said Vanessa Stedronsky, a chemical engineering sophomore and one of the program's coordinators. "We're expecting just as (many) this year."
The show is tomorrow night at 7:30 in the Sol Courtyard of La Paz. Four performers will make up this year's playbill, including Bunny Fufu - who is Miss Gay Tucson 2001 - and Miss National Capitol Cities USA, aka Mr. Kenneth Blake.
"They're all professionals," Stedronsky said. "They do this for a living."
Posters have been hung at every residence hall on campus, and personal invitations were sent to administrators and faculty including President Peter Likins.
"It has been highly anticipated," said Marc Kohn, hall director of La Paz. "People have been asking about it since September."
"Diva La Paz" has not always met with fond appreciation, however. In the past, eggs have been thrown at the performers and hateful signs have been displayed by audience members who disapproved of the show.
"We are beefing up security so something like that doesn't happen again," Stedronsky said. "We're going to have security all around the courtyard."
Kohn said he doesn't think an incident like those in the past will occur this year, but there will be people watching out for it just in case.
"The staff will be providing security to ensure that there is no violence," Kohn said. "We don't want any danger."
Although in the past the program has been organized by a multicultural group, the group decided not to run it this year, Kohn said. Instead, members of La Paz's hall government and various residence assistants helped put the show together.
"The general format hasn't varied," Kohn said. "It should be between an hour and an hour-and-a-half long."
The program will include performances by the four actors accompanied by music from KAMP Student Radio. A question-and-answer session will follow the show.
"It allows people to have conversations about things they don't normally take part in," Kohn said. "People realize that they (drag queens) are just like everyone else."
Kohn said he hopes the personal invitations and posters will help draw people to the event and allow them to open their eyes to different cultures.
"It is typically well-attended," Kohn said. "And we expect it to be again this year."
"Diva La Paz" takes place tomorrow night at 7:30 in the Sol Courtyard of La Paz residence hall. The event is free and open to the public.
