Photo: Courtesy of Crown & Anchor
review by Mia Phillips
Tina Burner’s Scene Queen is a polished and captivating one-woman show that deftly blends performance art with rich historical insight. In this hour and a half extravaganza, Tina Burner takes her audience on a journey through Hollywood’s golden age, giving it a modern and edgy twist that keeps the show both fresh and engaging.
From the moment she steps onto the stage, Tina captures the audience’s attention with her charismatic presence and energetic delivery. The show is a combination of live singing, signature mashups, and stand-up comedy. Tina’s ability to weave these elements together creates a dynamic experience, as she offers a clever homage to classic Hollywood by incorporating iconic moments from films such as The Wizard of Oz, Mommie Dearest, Grease, and Titanic. Her performance highlights her genuine adoration for these films, showcasing their historical significance and their impact on the gay community. Tina reflects on how these movies, with their themes of self-acceptance and resilience, resonated deeply with young LGBTQ+ individuals and offered them a sense of hope and belonging.
One of the standout features of the show is Tina’s portrayal of legendary figures from Hollywood’s past. Her costumes and makeup are nothing short of flawless, enhancing her characterizations of stars like Judy Garland, Joan Crawford, and Stockard Channing. Each costume change is perfection, contributing to the show’s visuals and maintaining the audience’s engagement throughout. Tina’s attention to detail in her portrayal of these iconic characters not only adds authenticity but also brings a fresh and modern perspective to their stories.
Her crowd work is another highlight of the show. Her ability to interact with the audience fills one with fear and excitement at the same time, and in the best way. The interactive atmosphere makes each performance feel one of a kind. Her quick wit and unscripted dialogue results in a series of memorable and at times corny, in the best way, one-liners.
Tina’s professionalism and dedication to her craft shine through. Her high-energy performance, combined with her impressive vocal talents and dynamic stage presence, demonstrates her commitment to delivering a top-notch show. Her ability to perform with such intensity and enthusiasm, speaks volumes about her passion and dedication.
Scene Queen is a masterful blend of humor, history, and theatricality. Tina Burner’s skillful merging of classic Hollywood nostalgia with modern comedy results in a show that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The combination of historical insights, engaging crowd work, and visually stunning elements makes this an exceptional drag performance that is not to be missed. Whether you’re a fan of classic films or simply seeking a night of top-tier entertainment, Tina’s show is a must-see.
Tina Burner performs in Scene Queen at the Crown & Anchor, 247 Commercial St., Provincetown, Fridays through Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. through September 10. For tickets ($45 VIP/$35 General) and information call 508.487. or visit onlyatthecrown.com.
