DIVAS & DRAG V:
young, sexy, and baroque
DIVAS & DRAG (D&D) showcases the art of Drag and the spectacle of Opera as local Drag and Opera artists forge their brilliance for unforgettable mashups celebrating self-expression through the most spectacular art forms ever to grace the stage.
This year, we bring you: DIVAS & DRAG V: young, sexy, and baroque.
Not only will we be transporting you to an era of gilded decadence for the ears and eyes, we’ve roped in our friends at Bach Society of MN to join us and make this a truly spectacular authentically baroque musical event.
If you like jazz, music with texture, ear-worm pop, solid song-writing, and acoustic vibrations, you’re not going to want to miss this awesomeness.
Tickets go on sale in July.
August 21-25
Historic Mounds Theatre, St. Paul
1029 Hudson Rd,
St Paul, MN 55106
Friday, August 21
Saturday, August 22
Sunday, August 23
Monday, August 24
Tuesday, August 25
*Performance is ASL Interpreted
RUNTIME:
Approximately 70 minutes with no intermission
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Abby Vaughan, costume designer
Ches Cipriano, stage manager
Dante Lawerence, lighting design
Dick von Dyke—co-artistic producer
Isa Tejeda—production manager
Katie Edwards—set design
Kelly Turpin—executive producer
Queenie von Curves—co-artistic producer
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Dandelion
DeCréme
Dick von Dyke
Emily Cottam
Felix Aguilar Tomlinson
Jared Mikach
Joel Mathias
Justin Anthony Spenner
Myrtle Lemon-Todd
Texas Tea Cake$
Queenie von Curves
Victoria DeVille
Zetta Laveau
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New Wave aficionado and a new member of the Dragged Out cast, Dandy Lion is a cosplayer turned drag king who danced to Minneapolis all the way from the Southern most of the Dakotas. Dandy uses his extensive craftsmanship experience from over a decade of sewing and designing costumes for competitive cosplay to make the drag he wears all across the Twin Cities. He has been awarded for both his craftsmanship and performances. His love of dance started young, starting with ballet and leading to J-Pop and K-Pop dance covers he would meticulously copy and learn from YouTube videos, even auditioning and joining a local Minneapolis J-Pop Idol group. After moving to Minneapolis in 2024, he fell into the local drag scene. The androgynous look and feel of 80s New Wave fashion inspire his drag aesthetic and persona, drawing from inspirations like David Bowie, Grace Jones, and Boy George.
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Praised for her fearless and compelling presence on stage, mezzo-soprano Emily Cottam (she/her) performs comfortably in a wide array of roles, from standard trouser roles, to new modern contemporary opera. Most recently, she appeared as Sesto in La clemenza di Tito, and as the Mezzo Soprano soloist in Hydrogen Jukebox with Opera Reading Project.
Emily has been a Young Artist with Opera Maine, Nashville Opera, Tri-Cities Opera, and a two-time Emerging Artist with Seagle Music Festival. She has been a featured soloist in the American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS) concert series in Graz, Austria, was a semi-finalist in the AIMS Meistersinger Competition, and a finalist in the Opera Ithaca Edward M. Murray International Competition of Voice.
Notable operatic credits include Rosina in Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia; Ruth in Muhly’s Dark Sisters; the title role in Handel’s Xerxes; Street Singer in Leonard Bernstein’s MASS; Hermia in Purcell’s The Fairy Queen; Tisbe in La Cenerentola; and Julia Twitchell in the world premiere of Harmony.
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Recent highlights include the Sergeant in Rossini's The Barber of Seville (Minnesota Opera), the Notary in Donizetti's Don Pasquale and Baritone Vocal Fellow with Lakes Area Music Festival, the title role in Verdi’s Falstaff (Opera Reading Project), Pa Zegner in Mazzoli’s Proving Up (Journey North Opera Company), and Junius in Britten’s Lucretia (AOT Opera Theatre). Joel grew up in White Bear Lake, MN, studied voice with John De Haan at the University of Minnesota, and currently resides in Minneapolis with his husband Chris, their dog Blair, and cats Shadow and Oliver. Joel currently studies with Dennis Petersen at 480 Arts.
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DeCrème is a Minneapolis-based drag queen. Originally from Arkansas, she brings the Southern charm, glamor, and boldness. In her 4 years of drag DeCrème has successfully competed in a number of pageants at the local, state, and national level, placing nationally the past 2 years at All American Goddess At Large. Onstage DeCrème delivers dynamic performances, ranging from high energy to sultry to slow and emotional numbers. Activism is also central to her drag and she uses her platform to educate and advocate for social justice. During these dark times, she strives to bring the light through drag.
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Kara is a singing actress based in the Twin Cities and she is thrilled to be returning for her second Divas & Drag! No stranger to AOT, Kara debuted the titular role in their unique and moving production of Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia. Most recently, she spent the 2024-25 season as a Resident Artist with Minnesota Opera and will be featured in their upcoming productions of Così fan tutte, the world premiere of My Name is Florence, and a rare presentation of Puccini’s Edgar. Other career highlights include apprenticeships with Merola Opera, Santa Fe Opera and Sarasota Opera; mainstage credits with Pacific Opera Project and Fargo-Moorhead Opera; and recognition from the Schubert Club, Opera Tampa, and Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competitions. Offstage, Kara enjoys cooking, crafting, and hiking with her partner and dogs.
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Texas Tea Cake$ is a Minnesota-based burlesque performer, producer, and community member. Since calling Minnesota home in 2021, Texas Tea Cake$ has become 2023 Nudie Nubies Nationwide Champion and 2023 Burlesque Gotz Skillz Sing and Fling Champion! In 2026, she created Sustain the Tease, a production company whose mission is to uplift and support the Minnesotan burlesque community, believing that we are only as good as our collective spirit. Come be a witness to her journey as she shakes her way through the world of burlesque!
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Felix Aguilar Tomlinson is a Latino lyric tenor from Minneapolis, MN. He completed his BM and GPD in
Opera Performance at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and has been a resident artist with
Chautauqua Opera, Tri-Cities Opera, and Syracuse Opera, and was a recipient of MN-based Opera
Reading Project’s IDEA Fellowship in 2024. As versatile singer-actor, Felix has performed in musical
theater, opera, and concert performances across the country with companies including Theater Latté Da,
Nautilus Music Theatre, Mixed Precipitation, Boston Lyric Opera, the Boston Pops, Geneva Light
Opera, and Lyric Opera of the North. Notable roles include Freddy in My Fair Lady (Theater Latté Da),
Henrik in A Little Night Music (Lyric Opera of the North), Fenton in Falstaff (Geneva Light Opera), and
Tobias Ragg in Sweeney Todd (Chautauqua Opera). You can see Felix this fall as Hoffman in The Tales of
Hoffman with Mixed Precipitation.
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From Chile to the chilly Twin Cities, Zetta Laveau (she/her) is a proud Latina performer who’s been lighting up the local burlesque scene since arriving in 2021. A natural onstage since childhood, she brings over 25 years of experience in music, dance, and theater, ultimately finding her true calling in burlesque in 2016.
An international showgirl and Nudie Nubies Ultimate Reveal Champion, Zetta blends bold, colorful costuming with playful, coquettish choreography to flaunt her lower-latitude attitude wherever she goes.
Known as The Lavish and Luscious Latina Seductress, she has graced stages and competitions across the U.S. and South America, including the Burlesque Hall of Fame. Now, she’s captivating audiences far beyond the Twin Cities, one tease at a time.
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Corissa (she/her) is thrilled to be part of AOT’s fabulously fierce Divas & Drag! She first performed with AOT in their inaugural production of The Consul and was excited to return this past spring to sing the roles of Yasha and Sadie in The Cradle Will Rock. Corissa was most recently seen singing Sister Dolcina in Out of the Box Opera’s immersive Suor Angelica and performing Ayo in Minnesota Opera’s reboot of the baby opera NOOMA. Among her favorite roles are Mimì in La Bohème at Theater Latté Da and Chue Moua in Minnesota Opera’s 50th world premiere, The Song Poet. Corissa has also enjoyed merging classical and contemporary music with Mixed Precipitation’s Pick Up Truck Opera, singing Pamina in volume 1, The Magic Flute, and Juliet in volume 2, Romeo & Juliet. Currently, she is performing the role of Marguerite in Faust PUTO volume 3.
When Corissa isn’t trying to keep up with her two young sons, she likes running, baking, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, traveling, boba, and jamming out on the melodica.
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Multi-genre Baritone Justin Spenner’s work is described as a "wild and anxious ride" (Star Tribune), “...deliciously funny and evil…” (Pioneer Press), and “...a mood” (audience member). They are known for their captivating work that spans opera, art song, chamber, avant-garde, folk, and metal.
Justin performs, premiers, and workshops music with Edvard Grieg Society MN, Border Crossing, An Opera Theatre, Mississippi Valley Orchestra, 113 Composers, Nautilus Music-Theater, Bach Society MN, and tons of others, including working with prominent living composers. Justin spontaneously makes music in hip venues like Resource, Berlin, Barely Brothers Records, and random alleyways.
Their producing/composition work follows the philosophy that “sad songs will save us all.” Ongoing projects include 10+ years of multi-practice tinkering with Schubert's Winterreise, long-form metal band (ab)scheid, art song duo poem|music, avant-choir band To Be Named, Thing, and multi-genre song concerts under the B-Sides moniker.
All this, with no manager. Keep in touch/hire them(me) at www.barispen.com!
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Jared Mikach is a Mexican-American collaborative pianist and educator in the Twin Cities. He earned a B.A. in Music from St. Olaf College, and a Master’s Degree in Collaborative Piano and Coaching at the University of Minnesota. Jared's experience spans various opera and musical theater productions where he has worked as a pianist, assistant music director, and repetiteur. Beyond performance, he is actively engaged as an educator: he served as the music department pianist at North High School, is a Youth Program Music Director for MN Opera, and a core faculty member for the Ordway’s GreenRoom fellowship. As a freelance pianist, Jared has collaborated with organizations including BorderCrosSing, Heritage Choir, Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra, Schubert Club, Source Song Festival, OOPS MN, Mississippi Valley Orchestra, Skylark Opera Theatre, AOT, and Journey North Opera Company. Jared strives to bring a holistic approach to every facet of his art making, creating spaces that foster sustainability in the arts.
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Isa Condo-Olvera (she/her/ella) is excited to join Divas & Drag for the first time! She made her debut with AOT in The Cradle Will Rock and returned this spring as the Sorceress in Dido & Aeneas with Opera Underground. Born in Costa Rica to an Ecuadorian dad and Mexican mom, Isa has always been captivated by music, storytelling, and the power of words. She moved to Minneapolis to train at the UMN Guthrie BFA Actor Training Program and has since performed as an actor and singer across the Twin Cities and beyond. Some of her recent credits include Passion (Theater Latté Da), Voces Latinas (Teatro del Pueblo / Park Square Theatre), Cinderella (Theater Latté Da) and Laughs in Spanish (Milwaukee Chamber Theatre). When she’s not onstage, Isa is happiest spending time with her loved ones, nerding out about dialects, reading a good book, and enjoying yummy food. Website: isacondoolvera.com
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Dick Von Dyke (he/him/hey girl) is a goofball in a mustache who's been dazzling audiences for nearly a dozen years in over a dozen different cities. A lifelong student of queer musical performance, he’s thrilled to be returning for his fourth rendition of Divas & Drag! You may know him from his appearance last summer on the first-ever televised drag king competition show, or just from Dickin’ around right here in his home of Minneapolis. He’s eternally grateful to be making art and building community with the wonderful folks at AOT. He’s also poised and ready for his close up...and watch out, it's a Dick Pic. Big thanks to his partner Kate, and his cat Tootie.
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Del The Funky Homosexual is known for his smooth moves and undeniable energy.
Always dressed to kill, this lover boy has a passion for demonstrating just how captivating Draglesque can be.
Del got his start with his beloved Dykes Do Drag in Minneapolis and earned his stripes as a member of Sweetpea’s Vigilantease Collective. He is currently a proud member of one of the longest running Drag King troupes in the U.S. - Dragged Out.
Del is thrilled about bringing The LIFT, a new multidisciplinary, all BIPOC show to Minneapolis with his partner Borinqueña Bonita!
Get ready to experience the funkiest homo in town, it’s Del The Funky Homosexual!
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Myrtle Lemon-Todd (they/them) is a Professional Hype Man™. Solely because of the body they inhabit, they are constantly advocating for justice; Myrtle works to platform Trans and Queer stories and voices in both the virtual and the physical. In their freelancing work as founder of SharkyLemon LLC, Myrtle organizes the Trans Artist Market, a monthly market platforming local trans talent (including performers!). When not freelancing, you can find them at Wildflyer Coffee, running media and fundraising with their beloved team. After a performance hiatus, they are elated to be back on the stage..but you might have seen them perform in the past with VocalEssence, Opera on Tap, and at local recitals. Learn more about Myrtle and their work on instagram (@sharkylemon) or online (www.sharkylemon.com).
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"The Twin Cities' Dirty Little Secret", Mistress Victoria Deville began her drag journey at the Gay 90s in the fall of 2002 in the weekly amateur contest. The Bold, Bald Badass's drag show credits include Show Director and Creator of "Suck It: Gag on the Drag'' at The Townhouse Bar and "#DragRevolution" at LUSH from 2015-2020 as well as competing in Entertainer of the Year and Miss Gay USofA.
Victoria has a deep love for the art of burlesque and feels fortunate to have worked in that world since 2009 including being the voice of Black Hearts Burlesque since 2011, multiple years hosting the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, and emceeing The Atomic Bombshells in Provincetown, MA.
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Known as the Rubenesque Royale of Burlesque, Queenie von Curves is producer of Bare Book Club Mpls, Divas and Drag with An Opera Theater, 2 Dykes Walk into a Bar with Dick von Dyke, and Dr. Sketchy's Mpls. A lifelong Queer artist, having earned a BFA in theatre performance, performed as a company member of Ballet of the Dolls, worked as a costume designer and in theater/event management, Queenie has always strived to promote joy and community through the arts. With her unorthodox style of striptease, cheeky sensuality, and clever costuming, it's no wonder the Quintessence of Curves and Quirk has been entertaining audiences across the country, celebrating her 16th year!
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Lela M. Olson is an educator, artist, and advocate who loves contributing to the Twin Cities’ vibrant arts scene. She has a passion for acting and has appeared on local stages with The Phipps, Zephyr Theatre, Century Playhouse, and Lyric Arts, among others. Lela has supported youth development through the arts in previous roles as a school principal, Managing Director of Blue Water Theatre Company in Wayzata, and as a Minnesota Boychoir board member. As a current Teacher for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Lela is excited to be part of a production that highlights a vital accessibility tool and appreciates how the production has evolved through collaboration with the Deaf community.
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This kitschy, campy queen is here to share the great news of fat liberation, disability advocacy, and implement the queer agenda. This subversive babe puts the CULT in pop culture as they’re devoted to il-LUMA-nating minds about thinking differently about the consumption of art and fat bodies. They’re the February AND Ultimate Reveal 2023 winner of Nudie Nubies and has been making waves on Midwest stages. Luma produced the number one most reviewed show in the 2023 Minnesota Fringe Festival, that was featured in BroadwayWorld.com, sold out her first show at Bryant Lake Bowl Theater in April 2024 called Luma Notti’s 27 Club, has hosted events such as The DisabiliTease Festival, Fat Cat Cabaret, curated the halftime show at the 2024 MPLS Queer Mud Wrestling, opened for John Waters in Queenie’s Haus of CuriosiTease, and was a performer at the Texas Burlesque Festival. They’re here to enlighten your mind and lighten your wallet, it’s LUMA NOTTI.
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The sweet treat from down the street, it’s DeCrème! Hey there girls, gays and they’s! A little background on me, I’ve been doing drag for a little over 3 and a half years. I’m currently residing in Minneapolis, MN but I’m originally from El Dorado, AR. I have all the best qualities of a southern belle, Kindness, Love, Patience. I’m the ripe age of 28, and a Scorpio. Fun fact About me I placed 1st alternate for All American Goddess at Large 2024 and then 2nd alternate for All American Goddess at Large 2025, which is a national pageant. Sweet, Sassy, and southern, Expect to be turned on and turned out! She loves a good laugh, and her heart will truly fill the crowd.
THANK YOU, SPONSORS!
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council and Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.