review by Steve Desroches
Provincetown magic was in abundance at the Crown & Anchor at Thirsty Burlington’s show last Tuesday night. A legend and an icon of drag, and a beloved Provincetown year-round resident, Burlington is ingrained into the cultural fabric of the town, be it in August or February. And she’s presented a variety of drag looks and characters over the years. But none have resonated more so than Cher, an impersonation for which Burlington has become a star as she sings live, presenting a clever illusion as the real pop phenomenon, but also letting Thirsty shine through. And that’s always a great thing.
This incarnation of Burlington’s deep dive into all things Cher focuses on her work in the 1980s, a landmark period in a career that has lasted seven decades. Burlington presents music of Cher’s from those years, as well as renditions of classic eighties tunes sung as Cher. The vocal performance is incredible and this is the tightest Burlington show in years. Playing as a “Cher concert,” the stage at the Crown & Anchor’s Paramount room takes on an arena quality with the perfectly used LED screen as well as lighting and smoke machine, at times used to great comedic effect. While Burlington’s song interpretation is as Cher her patter is all Burlington, sweet and sassy, quick and sharp. Her comfort on stage slinks an easy command of the room and keeps her in charge, like when she handled a would-be heckler, putting them gently, yet firmly, in their place…permanently. There’s only one star of a Thirsty Burlington show and it’s not a drunk queen with a North Shore accent and a bad haircut.
The show took on an added significance on this particular night as none other than Bob Mackie, fashion designer who dressed Cher, Tina Turner, and also worked on The Carol Burnett Show, was in the audience. A longtime fan, Mackie often takes in Burlington’s show whenever he’s in Provincetown. Necks craned throughout the evening to see his reaction whenever Burlington came out in another interpretation of a Mackie creation, another stand out element of the show. But most importantly this Carnival week sold out crowd was clearly made up of longtime fans of Burlington’s who know her work and also know that for several years Burlington has been fighting cancer. And just a week prior Burlington got word that no cancer was detected in her body. Burlington is resilient and a fighter, navigating the highs and lows of a life on the stage with determination and grace. And that spirit is also part of her triumph against cancer. As such her performance style these days exudes gratitude and love as she moves on from this difficult experience. When it comes to what will be left at the end of the world—Cher and cockroaches—don’t forget to add Thirsty!
Thirsty Burlington: Cher 1987 is at the Crown & Anchor Tuesday at 7 p.m. now through September 17. Tickets ($35/$45) are available at the box office and online at onlyatthecrown.com. For more information call 508.487.1430.
