Jackie Beat: Without Me You’re Nothing
Nothing is sacred for drag performer/comedienne Jackie Beat and, for her legions of fans, that is a very good thing. Ms. Beat brought her latest show Without Me You’re Nothing to the Blender Theater at Gramercy in New York City this past weekend before heading to Provincetown on Wednesday, where she’ll be appearing at the Post Office Cabaret through the end of August.
Those familiar with Jackie Beat will not be disappointed with her collection of ’reworkings’ of famous songs with such no-holds-barred topics as surprise bowel movements (Private Bathroom a la Private Dancer) and bestiality (I Kissed A Squirrel a la I Kissed A Girl) as well as how gays are causing more harm than good in We’re Fucking Up America (a la Neil Diamond’s America) a tribute to Michael Jackson with I’m Out Of My Mind (a la She’s Out Of My Life) and a beloved homage to Bea Arthur and the Golden Girls.
Also, an instant classic, He She Chastity, was looked at the recent announcement of Chastity Bono’s sex change as well as mother Cher’s reaction while being sung to Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves. That song alone shows audiences what Beat has been doing great for over 10 years now - finding the humor in celebrity and reality and shaping them into laugh-provoking numbers.
Besides the many songs in the show, to love Jackie Beat is to see her. Beat’s outlandish costumes, one-of-a-kind facial expressions and bawdy body language are only eclipsed by her exaggerated makeup and jet-black eyelashes, which seemed to inhabit a life of their own. Beat also is not afraid to step off the stage and walk amongst the crowd receiving a gift of new eyelashes, insulting audience members for being "ugly" and having to hush the occasional loud-talker. Also, back on stage, she also made sure to note the "amazing" set, which essentially was a few long drapes of colored fabric barely covering what appeared to be the broken down set from another Blender Theater at Gramercy show.
While many drag queens spend their shows merely lip-synching and getting by on hideous outfits and gross-out humor, Beat brings her own unique brand of finesse to her show. Not only can she hold a tune but also her impeccable comedy timing worked every time she threw in a choreographed look or in the way she never failed to get a laugh by appearing ready to start a song but, instead, took a breath and allowed the intro music to continue until she was actually ready.
Jackie Beat appears at the Post Office Cabaret, 303 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA. from July 12 through Labor Day. The performance schedule is Tuesday and Wednesday@ 8:30 PM, Thursday and Saturday @ 10:15 PM & Friday @ 7:30 PM. For more info or tix: 508-487-0006, www.ptowntix.com
For more on Jackie Beat, her touring schedule, YouTube clips and how to purchase recordings of her catalogue of songs, check out her website.
For a taste of Jackie Beat, watch this YouTube video:
