Where do I watch Amber Live when the show is live?

You can watch Amber Live in many places (FaceBook, Twitter, Twitch, right here on our website) BUT, we recommend watching on YouTube. On YouTube, you can watch in full HD and you can join in the discussion and chat with the Amber Crew in the comments section! And don’t forget to write in questions for our guests!

Can I watch past episodes of Amber Live?

Every incredible episode of Amber Live is available on YouTube! But you can also find them right here on our Episodes Page!

What is Amber LeMay’s favorite beer?

If you watch the show, you know Amber prefers vodka. And like most drag queens, cheap vodka. We would tell you the brand, but until they sponsor us, we aren’t giving them any more free publicity!

How does Amber LeMay find all her great guests?

This is a deep dark trade secret, but let’s just say it takes a lot of hard work, networking, begging, crying, and lots and lots of luck. We also depend on the kindness of strangers (and our strange friends) for suggestions and contacts. If you know someone who would make a great guest, use our contact form to send us a message!

What is a drag queen?

A drag queen is anyone dressing up in outrageous clothing (usually women’s clothing) and having a fabulous attitude! Most drag queens do this for performance reasons, but many people do it just to go out on the town for fun, for a party, or even for Halloween. A transgendered person or a transvestite are not necessarily drag queens.

What else does Amber LeMay do?

Please check out our Instagram and TikTok pages for lots of other adventures involving Amber. You can find our latest social media right here on our site. We update them daily!

Are all drag queens men?

The short answer is no! Historically men dressed as women to perform were often called drag queens and women dressed as men for performance purposes were drag kings. However, times have changed and things are more fluid now. Attitude is everything, and now there are women who dress as drag queens, there are non-binary drag queens, and there are even transgendered drag queens!

Are drag queens male or female?

Anyone can be a drag queen! Being a drag queen is about confidence, performance, and fabulousness! It is not based on one’s sex or sexual orientation. Don’t dream it, be it!

Are drag queens transgender (trans)?

A drag queen can be transgendered, but it’s not required. These are two different things, and one does not exclude the other.

Why do people do drag?

As Amber LeMay says, “Leather or feather, it’s all drag.” In other words, every day, everyone dresses for a reason. Essentially, all clothing, all fashion are some form of drag. However, drag queens usually like to dress to perform! That’s why you see them on stage, at brunch, hosting bingo, educating children, and even just walking around town.

A drag show is usually a musical entertainment spectacular featuring one or more drag queens doing any or all of the following: live singing, lip-synching, telling jokes, hosting bingo, engaging with the audience, and so much more!

What does a drag show consist of?

A drag show consists of more fun than you can imagine. Each drag queen makes their show unique, but you may get to see them dance, sing, lip-synch, tell jokes, interact with the audience, do magic, and more. If they can dream it up, they will do it!

Where can I see drag queens?

Drag queens are found almost anywhere that is friendly to the LGBTQIA community. They often perform at gay bars, cabarets, night clubs, and even restaurants. Try searching Google for a local drag brunch. And don’t worry, drag queens love when friendly straight people come to see them! Just don’t forget to tip!

Have drag queens been seen on TV?

Drag queens have been on TV since it’s beginning. Many shows used a drag storyline within the show, often for comedic purposes. Milton Berle often performed in drag. The Beverly Hillbillies had a drag character named Jethrine. In the 1980’s Bosom Buddies starred Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari as two men who had to disguise themselves as women to live in a cheap apartment. Today, drag is all over TV, including of course, Saturday Night Live, RuPaul’s Drag Race, The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, and We’re Here. There are many many more examples than we can list here.

What is “drag queen story hour?”

Drag queen story hour involves storytellers using the art of drag to read age appropriate children’s books and sing songs to kids and their parents. For more information, check out Drag Story Hour online. The Mission of Drag Story Hour is “Drag Story Hour celebrates reading through the glamorous art of drag. Our chapter network creates diverse, accessible, and culturally inclusive family programming where kids can express their authentic selves and become bright lights of change in their communities.”

What is a “drag king”?

A drag king is typically a woman dressed as a man, often as part of a performance.

What are some movies featuring drag queens?

Drag queen Amber LeMay’s favorite movies with drag queens include The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Paris Is Burning. However, there are hundreds if not thousands of them. Some of the best known are La Cage aux Folles, Some Like it Hot, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, Kinky Boots, The Birdcage, Hedwig and The Angry Inch, Tootsie, Mrs. Doubtfire, Hairspray, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Rent, Pink Flamingos, Desperate Living, Polyester, The Crying Game, Die Mommie Die, Psycho Beach Party, and many, many more.

Are all drag queens gay?

No. A drag queen can be of any sexual orientation or gender.

Where can I see drag queen Amber LeMay perform live?

Drag queen Amber LeMay has performed throughout New England, but most often she performs in Burlington, Vermont. She appears at many fundraisers for worthy charities, and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for good causes. Each February she and the House of LeMay host the annual Winter is a Drag Ball in Burlington, Vermont, and she often does shows with the Beaver Pond Players throughout the year. Look out for the “Leaf Peepin’ Cider Sippin’ Review” in the fall and the “Sap Tappin’ Mud Flappin’ Review” in the spring.

Drag bingo is like any other bingo event, except it is hosted by a drag queen who often tells jokes between balls, and may sing or lip-synch a song between games. If you want to go to drag bingo, just remember, you are going to have a fabulous time! Google drag bingo to find an event near you!

What happens at a drag brunch?

People generally eat and drink at drag brunch. It’s a brunch with a drag queen or queens hosting it. They will tell jokes, dance, sing songs, do wild costume changes, and make your brunch experience amazing.

Do I have to tip a drag queen?

Every drag show has its own etiquette on tipping. If you see other people tipping, you should too. Many drag queens pay their bills with the money they make from tips, so it is polite to do so. Over tip the drag queens who you really love! They will appreciate it. Be sure to tip them if you ask to take a photo with them. When tipping, be sure not to interrupt the performer but wait for an appropriate time in their number to do so. Many performers have a bucket on the stage where you can show your appreciation.

Is it safe to go to a drag show?

Drag queens are putting on shows to entertain people. They want you to come, watch, laugh, and enjoy. They aren’t their to harm you. However, like any public event these days, you should be aware of your surroundings and make sure you know where exits are for your safety.

Is it expensive to see a drag show?

Every drag show is different, and like any entertainment there are various price levels depending on many factors. Some drag shows may be free, some may have a cover price, some request that you tip the performers, and some may be a ticketed event. Check out the event’s website ahead of time, and remember if you are in a bar or restaurant, you may be expected to buy food or drinks.

Will I be asked to go up onstage at a drag show?

Every drag show is different, although many drag shows are interactive. The drag queens may ask people to go onstage, and they may come into the audience to talk to people. If you really don’t want to go onstage, drag queen Amber LeMay recommends sitting in the middle of the row, not on the aisle. Also, don’t dress outrageously if you don’t want the drag queens to notice you!

David Cerda: Pioneer of Camp Theater Hell In a Handbag Productions in Chicago — AMBER LIVE

Introduction

David Cerda is a playwright, actor, and influential figure in Chicago's theater scene. As the Artistic Director of Hell in a Handbag Productions, he has helped define the city's camp theater aesthetic for over 20 years.

Background

David Cerda was born in 1960 in Chicago. He discovered his passion for theater at an early age, and went on to study acting and directing at Columbia College Chicago.

In 1991, Cerda co-founded Hell in a Handbag Productions with his partner Victor Gluck. The company aimed to produce high-quality camp theater that put queer stories and aesthetics center stage.

Hell in a Handbag Productions

Hell in a Handbag has produced over 70 original plays and parodies. Cerda has written or co-written about half of these works. His most popular creations include the long-running Golden Girls parody show, Christmas Dearest, and Poseidon: An Upside Down Musical.

Cerda serves as the Artistic Director for Hell in a Handbag Productions. In this role, he oversees creative development and production for all the company's shows. Under his leadership, the theater has earned a reputation for smart, funny productions that celebrate LGBTQ culture.

Impact and Recognition

In addition to his creative work, Cerda is known as an advocate for Chicago's theater community. He has mentored emerging artists and increased opportunities for LGBTQ performers.

Cerda's contributions have been widely recognized. In 2006, he was inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame. He also received a special Jeff Award in 2017 celebrating his 25 years in Chicago theater.

Cerda continues to write, direct and act for Hell in a Handbag Productions. The company celebrated its 30th anniversary season in 2021.

Golden Girls Lost Episodes

One of Cerda's biggest hits has been Handbag's recurring show Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes. These parody scripts imagine "lost episodes" of the classic sitcom The Golden Girls with content tailored for queer audiences.

The show has been one of Handbag's most popular productions, touring nationally and internationally. In October 2023, Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes will be featured in Golden-Con, the world's first fan convention for The Golden Girls taking place in Chicago.

For over 30 years, David Cerda has made an enormous contribution to Chicago's LGBTQ theater community. His work with Hell in a Handbag Productions has entertained audiences while pushing boundaries and telling inclusive stories. Cerda continues to be an inspirational creative force in the city's cultural landscape.

—This article was written, restructured, or adapted by Russell with information gathered from sources around the internet. Russell is the producer of Amber Live and is greatly overworked to pull it all together. If it’s on the internet, it must be true. (We’re kidding.) BUT, if you find any errors or omissions in the article, please let us know so that we may correct the issue. Thanks for your support!

David Cerda: Pioneer of Camp Theater Hell In a Handbag Productions in Chicago

Table of Contents

Introduction

Background

Hell in a Handbag Productions

Impact and Recognition

Golden Girls Lost Episodes

Now with better Legs

Amber Live

Amber & Friends

Amber’s Merch!

Amber’s updates!

Got questions about Amber Live?

For more please check our FAQs page!

David Cerda: Pioneer of Camp Theater Hell In a Handbag Productions in Chicago

Table of Contents

Introduction

Background

Hell in a Handbag Productions

Impact and Recognition

Golden Girls Lost Episodes

What is the First LGBT Movie?

Michael Coleman Brings Emotive Country Songwriting with See Your Shadow

Now with better Legs

Amber Live

Amber & Friends

Amber’s Merch!

Amber’s updates!

Got questions about Amber Live?

What is a drag queen?

Where do I watch Amber Live?

Can I watch past episodes of Amber Live?

What does LGBTQ stand for?

For more please check our FAQs page!