February 11, 2026 - The Proscenium Theatre - SUNY Potsdam
BENNY GOES WILD
Doors at 7:00 for pre-show tunes by DJ Schaller.
We are thrilled to have Potsdam Pride at our event. You can meet with them outside of the Proscenium before the show to learn more about the incredible organization and how to get involved.
Benny Bübman
Benny Bübman, the clarinet playing Drag King from Montreal made his debut in February 2024. Benny first hit the stage as part of a Faculty Drag Showcase he decided to organized. He was inspired by an evening of bottomless margaritas and rising anti-LGBTQ legislation and violence in the US.
Benny has no time period, no country, and often no sleep. Fuelled by coffee, Lucky Strikes, and delusion, Benny wails on his horn as leader of a big band and lives out his fantasies of being a Broadway star despite his inability to sing. As a clarinetist Benny is a sponsored artist for Royal Global Clarinets, B. Corbin Clarinet Products, and D’Addario Woodwinds. As a singer Benny is sponsored by no one... At his essence, Benny is not really a butt guy, but more of a Bübman
featuring the incredible
Scarlett Vendetta
What inspired this?
Just a friendly chat with a friend who jokingly said "What's next? Benny Goes to the Zoo?" and then the idea stuck.
As I began to do a bit of research for the show I came upon an article in The Advocate, the oldest LGBTQ publication in the US (1967). The article was from 1979 and titled "Who's Who in the Zoo: A Glossary of Gay Animals"
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George Mazzei wrote the funny article on July 26, 1979 and long-time Advocate illustrator and cartoonist Gerard Donelan illustrated the article. This article humorously characterized different stereotypes of the LGBTQ community as animals in the zoo.
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This kind of slang was not new in 1979 and it still exists today.
What To Expect
This evening you'll hear a mix of classical music, popular tunes, and
favorites from your childhood along side the dramatic drag stylings of Benny Bübman and friends
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The program includes:
Selections from Camille Saint-Saens Carnival of the Animals
and more!
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Is it family friendly?
It is not specifically designed for children or families. That being said there is nothing overtly offensive or inappropriate but it does include some mature humour.
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These performances are specifically for the college and to give visibility to the LGBTQ community.
Who's Who in Our Zoo
Brian Dunbar (flute), Jacob Nance (saxophone), Jon Schaller (saxophone), Miles DeCastro (bari sax), Max Grube (bassoon), Samson Flancbaum (euphonium), Peter McCoy (trombone), Keilor Kastella (piano), Emma Gierszal (percussion), Tim Sullivan (percussion), Jill Roberts (the maestra)
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And narration/emcee by Nils Klykken and Wesley Roy.
Who Is
Potsdam Pride
and how can you get involved
Potsdam Pride is a grassroots organization dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and empowering the LGBTQIA+ community in Potsdam and the surrounding areas. We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment through events, advocacy, and education. Our mission is to foster visibility, unity, and pride while championing equality and acceptance for all. Together, we’re building a brighter, more vibrant community—one where everyone can truly be themselves.
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Pride Weekend June 12-13, 2026
Drag show June 12
Potsdam Pride Festival June 13
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