Actors Theatre of Louisville Celebrates Drag and Theatre with Dusty Ray Bottoms and May O’Nays

 Already enjoyed an evening of theatre at Actors Theatre of Louisville or somewhere else in town? The fun doesn’t have to stop there! Prepare for a night that’s more thrilling than an 11 o’clock number and as memorable as a classic show tune by sashaying your way to The After Show Show—a late-night offering where the worlds of Broadway and drag collide. 

The sickening, musical-theatre stylings of renowned drag queens Dusty Ray Bottoms (RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10, Cleopatra Musical—Original Off-Broadway) and May O’Nays (Tuba Atonement) will frame a celebration of the musical theatre tradition from Louisville’s local theatre companies, touring talent, and youth. 

Bottoms says they want to give back to the creative community in Kentuckiana because, after all, it’s where they got their start in showbiz.

“I wanted to start a show in my hometown that celebrates the local actors of all backgrounds and experience — from community to professional,” they said. “So I asked my drag daughter May O’Nays if they would be down to tackle this dream.” 

With anti-queer legislation sweeping the Bluegrass with legislation like Senate Bill 147, the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility is paramount. 

Kentucky’s Senate Bill 147 prohibits “adult-oriented” businesses from being located within 933 feet of a child care facility, children’s amusement establishment, school, park, recreation facility or place of worship. It defines “adult-oriented business as “an adult arcade, adult bookstore or video store, adult cabaret, adult theater, or any establishment that regularly hosts any performance involving sexual conduct.” 

No one understands this more than Kentucky’s Fairness Campaign Director, Chris Hartman, who is also a theater lover himself.

“Drag performance has been a celebrated art form in Kentucky for more than a century,” he said. “It consistently brings our community together and breaks down barriers and prejudice.”

A WORD FROM ACTORS THEATRE

“I’m a queer, disabled, Latina theatre producer!” says Katie Peña-Van Zile, line producer at Actors Theatre of Louisville. “I’m a sparkling unicorn in this field that is largely dominated by straight white men. The absolute best part of my job is getting to say ‘I see your vision and I’m going to do everything in my power to make it happen for you.’ When it comes to artists from marginalized communities, when one door opens for us, all of our friends are walking in too. That’s what is at the heart of The After Show Show, a complete rejection of the scarcity mindset of our field. So the powers that be won’t let you onto their stages because they’re uncomfortable with an aspect of your identity? Well, we’re going to build a new stage then, and everyone is invited to come see our show.”

In a statement, Actors Theatre of Louisville Executive Artistic Director Robert Barry Fleming also said:

“The After Show Show serves as a dynamic embodiment of our organization’s mission to unlock human potential, build community, and enrich quality of life by engaging people in theatre that reflects the wonder and complexity of our time. Through its spirited integration of drag, singers from both our community and touring Broadway musical theatre companies, and contemporary dance, this late-night cabaret doesn’t just entertain—it also amplifies diverse voices and perspectives, reflecting our commitment to uplift stories, art forms, and performers historically excluded from traditional narratives and spaces. By collaborating with local theatre companies, touring talent, and youth, The After Show Show creates a welcoming space of belonging across differences and disciplines, giving us the chance to be lifelong learners about of the richness of historically marginalized people, ideas, and cultural practices.”

UPCOMING DATES

Tickets to The After Show Show are available at several price points, with all fees absorbed, to best serve the community while also getting some money honey! 

Cocktails and beverages are available for your enjoyment, so don’t miss out. Get your tickets now and get ready to be swept off your feet in a whirlwind of singing, sequins, and slaying! 

March 21, 2024 at 10:00p.m. – Victor Jory Theatre

April 11, 2024 at 10:00p.m. – Victor Jory Theatre

Run Time: Approximately 90 minutes.

Age Recommendation: 13+

Grade Recommendation: High School (Grades 9-12)

Content Warning: Improvised dialogue that may contain adult language.