top of page
Theater Lights

February 12, 2025

BENNY DOES BROADWAY

This performance is a celebration of LGBTQ history in concert set to classic, iconic, and campy Broadway Show Tunes. Join your favourite Potsdam-based drag performers Scarlett Vendetta, Lyn Guinie, Father Luci, and Benny Bübman. 

Featuring the musical prowess of:

Brian Dunbar, flute

Max Grube, bassoon

Luke Spense, trumpet

Peter McCoy, trombone 

Keilor Kastella, piano

Tim Sullivan, drumset

Emma Gierzal, percussion

Jonathan Schaller, alto sax

Miles DeCastro, bari sax

Andrew Voelker, voice/piano

Nils Klykken, voice

Liz Combs, voice

Kathleen Crecco, voice

Jill Roberts, conductor

Special Thank You to: Josh Barkley, Douglas McKinnie, and Tamara Sawchyn, 
for all their help with lighting, sound, design and for making this event possible. 
Sincere thanks to Kathleen Crecco for vocal coaching for drag kings. 

Your Hosts

Theater Marquee Lights
sub-buzz-24565-1559160365-1.jpg.webp

Seize the Day

From the Broadway musical Newsies, this number depicts the young and disenfranchised newsies organizing to strike against unfair and unjust practices. This number features documented footage of the first Gay Liberation march in New York City in 1970. It was not the first organized and public demonstration of the homosexual movement but it did lay the ground work for what we now know as Pride Parades. It is important to remember that Pride is not just about rainbows and parades. Pride is a protest. 

Gee, Officer Krupke

From the legendary West Side Story by the alphabet mafia's own Leonard Bernstein, "Gee, Officer Krupke"  depicts a group of young ruffians humorously explaining their poor behaviour to the local police officer. They mock numerous social institutions like the police, courts, social workers, and psychiatrists. These are the same institutions that tried to criminalize, cure, and suppress homosexuality. It wasn't until 1980 that homosexuality was finally removed from the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and was only decriminalized officially in the US in 2003. 

900x0.jpg
Edythe_Eyde.jpg

Fairer Tomorrow

Here we deviate from our Broadway theme to honour the musical writings of Edythe Eyde also known as Lisa Ben. in the 1940's Lisa Ben penned the very first lesbian magazine Vice Versa which she would secretly distribute to other gay women and then tell them when they were done to pass it along to another "gay gal". Her writing was positive, full of hope for a future where being gay was nothing to be ashamed of and nothing to hide. She also performed in gay bars and clubs singing her original comedic songs. She didn't like how straight folks would come to the gay clubs to gawk at "how the others lived" and didn't like gay performers making fun of gays for the benefit of the straight people passing through. Her songs were funny, sharp, and full of wit. Her song Fairer Tomorrow is not one of the humorous ones but it is one filled with the quintessential Lisa Ben hope and it is a sentiment that I think many LGBTQ folks even today can resonate with. 

Two Ladies

Two Ladies is a comedic number about a relationship with three people-or in modern speak- a thruple.

 

​Like most things in Cabaret this number is full of humour and camp. It pokes fun at traditional relationships and societal expectations of gender and sexuality. Filled with witty double-entendres this piece is a classic of queer-coded musical fun. ​​

p0f021vb.jpg.webp
gay-power-is-trans-history-street-transvestite-action-revolutionaries-1.png

Consider Yourself

This number is from the classical musical OLIVER! based off of the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist about a poor orphan who is trying to find his was and his family in a difficult world. 

Consider Yourself was chosen to honour two significant activists in New York City, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. Sylvia and Marsha started Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries which was a grassroots organization aimed at getting gay and trans kids, particularly those of colour, off the streets. 

This was far easier said than done, especially because Marsha and Sylvia were still really kids themselves. But with money that they earned from hustling and sexwork they got a building and would house more than 50 kids at a time. 
The goal of STAR house was to provide a home and protection for the younger generation so they wouldn't have to face the same hardships. It is only fitting that we honour them with this number. 

NEVER

Lip-syncing has developed into a sort of queer-folk art. So what would a  drag performance be without one? 

Never, from the rock musical Footloose is to honour the contributions of the late activist and politician Harvey Milk. 

Milks message was that you must come out. We cannot make progress if you are hiding in the shadows. The message in this song "You can never hide your heart" connects to Milks message. 

Harvey-Milk-front-camera-shop-San-Francisco-1977.jpg.webp
service-mbrs-ntscrm-01991429-01991429.gif

All for the Best

The musical-comedy/drama Godspell is based on the Gospel of Matthew in the Bible. This campy duet between Jesus and Judas is about how unjust and unfair life can seem sometimes. This is a sentiment that folks from all different walks of life can identify with. Jesus sings about life's earthly difficulties with the promise of heavenly rewards while Judas highlights the unfairness and inequalities of life. 

There! Right There!

The song There! Right There! from Legally Blonde the Musical was chosen to feature the work of activist Vito Russo founder of GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation which works to ensure fair, accurate, and inclusive representation and creates national and local programs that advance LGBTQ acceptance) and ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power). Russo also authored The Celluloid Closet which  examines the appearance and portrayal of gays in the history of the film. One of the criticisms of Russo is the queer-coding of villains. Queer coding is the practice of implying that a character is LGBTQ+ through subtext or stereotypes, without explicitly stating their sexual identity or gender. 

images-8.jpeg
Cox-Laverne-2sq400.webp
images.jpeg
images-2.jpeg
images-3.jpeg
images-4.jpeg
images-6.jpeg
images-5.jpeg

Seasons of Love

The rock musical Rent by Jonathan Larson explores themes of queerness, trans-ness, poverty, AIDS, and gentrification. Seasons of Love reflects on the passage of time and is an poignant and uplifting piece that resonates with many people due to its universal message about the value of love and human connection.

While the majority of the history addressed in this show focuses on the activism from the 1960's-1990's, this number features the work of contemporary activists. 

Laverne Cox

has emerged as a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. A prominent actress and the first openly transgender person nominated for an Emmy, Laverne Cox has promoted visibility and awareness on behalf of the transgender community.

Lil Nas X

demonstrates an ongoing commitment to supporting The Trevor Project's mission to end suicide among LGBTQ young people with his openness about struggling with his sexuality and suicidal ideation, his continued advocacy around mental health issues, HIV/AIDS, and his unapologetic celebration of his queer identity. 

Elliot Page

 is a Canadian actor, producer, director, and activist who advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and transgender visibility. He has spoken out about gender stereotyping, environmental issues, and human rights abuses. 

Eric Marcus

is the founder and host of the award-winning "Making Gay History" podcast which mines his decades old audio recording interviews archive to bring to life the voices of LGBTQ history. 

Alexya Salvador

Alexya Lucas Evangelista Salvador  is a Brazilian teacher and reverend. She was ordained in 2019 and was the first transgender reverend in Latin America. 

Dylan Mulvaney

champions the LGBTQ community and advocate for mental health awareness.  Dylan rapidly emerged as a beacon of trans joy, positivity, and inspiration for the LGBTQ community. Dylan’s unwavering commitment to advocacy was demonstrated when she sat down with President Joe Biden to discuss trans rights.

 

Yasmin Benoit

Yasmin Benoit is a British model, multi-award-winning asexual activist, writer, speaker, media consultant and researcher. She launched the UK's first asexual rights initiative - the Stonewall x Yasmin Benoit Ace Project - in partnership with Stonewall. 

Rushkana Kapali

Is a Newar activist living in Nepal. Kapali campaigns for both intersex and LGBT rights and protections. She spearheaded a landmark court case regarding her right to identify as female rather than "third gender" in the Supreme Court of Nepal where the court eventually ruled in her favour. 

Billy Porter

Porter is a vocal advocate for social justice, using his platform to speak for marginalized communities. His activism, hinging on issues regarding LGBTQ+ rights, racial equality, and the arts, has profoundly impacted communities around him.

Eva Echo

Eva is a highly respected activist, writer, and public speaker with a passionate focus on transgender rights and mental health. Eva is well-known for their courageous legal action against NHS England in the High Court, challenging the unlawful waiting times for trans patients.

Lady Phyll 

Also known as Phyllis Akua Opoku-Gyimah is a British political activist known for her work for racial, gender, and LGBTQ equality. She is co-founder and chief executive of UK Black Pride and former executive director of Kaleidoscope Trust. 

Tarek Zeidan

Tarek is a sexual and bodily rights activist from Lebanon advocating for the rights and protection of LGBT communities in the MENA region. He served as the head of Helem, the first LGBT rights organization in the Arab World

Raga Olga D'Silva

a sought after speaker on the subject of Unconscious Bias,  Diversity & LGBT, especially on the subject of everyday challenges. 

Zander Murray

Winning hearts and minds on and off the pitch to combat homophobia. Zander Murray made history in 2022 as the first male Scottish senior footballer to come out as gay. After retiring last year, he shifted his focus to LGBTQ+ education and advocacy.

Ariana DeBose

 an activist who advocates for reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, and human rights. She is also a board member of Covenant House International, which provides services to homeless youth, many of which are LGBTQ. 

Red and Black/
Do You Hear the People Sing?

Does it get any more legendary than the musical Les Miserables based on the tragic story by Victor Hugo? It does not. 

Red and Black focuses on a flag, a symbol of unity for the students who are uprising again tyranny. This number will feature the contributions of artist and activist Gilbert Baker who designed the first pride flag- why the rainbow was chosen, and what the colours represent to the community. ​

4714d889-bd2a-4ec9-988a-ff931ce05b3a-RectThumb03.png.webp
00-promo-dear-abby.jpg.webp
hooker-ucdavis.jpg
Screenshot 2024-12-25 at 2.16.44 PM.png
jeanne-manford1-0222a050698f44d437e8128885ce4179f137bf4d.jpg
m8k140D-asset-mezzanine-16x9-DGXZDYG.jpg

If You Were Gay

from the hysterical musical Avenue Q which could only be described as Sesame Street for Adults.  The lyrics say "If you were gay... that would be okay." So what number could be more fitting to honour straight allies who helped move the gay liberation movement forward? Allies like:

 

Dr. Evelyn Hooker who helped to prove that homosexual men were not actually anymore mentally ill then straight men.

 

Dear Abby, an advice newspaper columnist who even in the 1970's displayed support for homosexuals in her column unapologetically, using her platform to help confront bigotry. 

Herb Selwyn, who was a lawyer and activist who worked with the ACLU and provided defence assistance to folks who were arrested 

Jeanne Manford who founded PFLAG, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and whose advocacy is dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their loved ones, providing a safe space for families and friends to connect, learn, and find support regarding sexual orientation and gender identity issues. 

Jane Fonda, who has been a vocal ally of the LGBTQ+ community, speaking out in support of LGBTQ+ youth and the fight for their rights. She has also praised the LGBTQ+ community for their power and importance and has been a long supporter of the It Gets Better Project. 

I Am What I Am

from La Cages aux Folles which also inspired the iconic film featuring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane, the Birdcage. 
The lyrics speak for themselves.

I am what I am

I am my own special creation. 

So come take a look

Give me the hook, or the ovation

It's my world that I want to take a little pride in
My world and it's not a place I have to hide in.

Life's not worth a damn, til you can say

Hey world, I am what I am. 

I am what I am, I don't want praise, I don't want pity.
I bang my own drum, some think it's noise, I think it's pretty

And so what if I love each sparkle and each spangle?
Why not try to see things from a different angle?

Your life is a sham til you can shout out loud
I am what I am!

 

I am what I am and what I am needs no excuses
I deal my own deck, sometimes the ace,

sometimes the dueces

There's one life and there's no return and no deposits

One life, so it's time to open up your closet. 

Life's not worth a damn til you can shout out loud

I am what I am!

Theater Marquee Lights

HOW TO SUPPORT

Learn More

The links below are resources, archives, and websites where you can go to learn more about LGBTQ+ stories, activism, and  history.

Preserving LGBTQ+ history is important because it validates the existence of LGBTQ+ people and helps people understand how society views gender and sexuality. It also helps people understand the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community and the fight for equality. It is important to keep queer history alive so the nuance, wrongs and the triumphs of the past are not lost, and so the work of previous generations is recognized and valued. 

Screenshot 2025-01-23 at 2.38.03 PM.png

Making Gay History Podcast

The Making Gay History podcast has been mining Eric Marcus’s decades-old audio archive of rare interviews to create intimate portraits of  known and long-forgotten champions, heroes, and witnesses to history.

Share-Image-arquives.jpg

ArQuives

The ArQuives is the largest independent LGBTQ2+ Archives in the world and since 1973 the only LGBTQ2+ archives in Canada with a national scope.

images-7.jpeg

ONE Archives

The ONE Archives at the USC Libraries is the world's largest repository of LGBTQ materials, housing millions of items including periodicals, books, films, videos, audio recordings, photographs, artworks, organizational records, and personal papers

GLBTHS_Logo_2018_Color-Horizontal.jpg

GLBT Historical Society

The GLBT Historical Society collects, preserves, exhibits and makes accessible to the public materials and knowledge to support and promote understanding of LGBTQ history, culture and arts in all their diversity.

1842213869-dff8e881bb7b85fb1771694ce4f363c0cbeae18d340a1fb7825f969f17a6f81d-d_295x166.avif

L.O.V.E. Archives

Lesbians Organized for Video Experience (L.O.V.E.) was a video collective that documented lesbian and feminist events in New York City from 1972 to 1977. Their work is preserved in the Lesbian Herstory Archives. 

media-webcasts-2023-230601sgp0000-230601sgp0000_background_00000728.jpg

Library of Congress: LGBTQ+ Studies

The LGBTQ+ Studies Web Archive collects and preserves online content which documents LGBTQ+ history, scholarship, and culture in the United States and around the world

© 2023 by Ryan Simmons. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page