Mon 23 Jul 2012 In: Performance View at Wayback View at NDHA
Rumbles as Miss Berlin “Lotte Schlongenschlurpen” From sponsor to performer, Andrew Rumbles describes his journey to becoming Miss Berlin “Lotte Schlongenschlurpen” for the final Queen of the Whole Universe show. “My limited experience included a part in the chorus line in a production of Grease 30 years ago and I had worn drag once in Dunedin in 1991,” he explains. This is a review of a show from the inside. Some quick background: eight or so years ago Queen of the Pacific surprised and wowed Auckland and now the last show has just had its final curtain call. My personal connection was as a small sponsor of the last Auckland show and then a nagging feeling in November 2011 that I would regret it if I didn’t contact Jonathan Smith and ask if I could join up for this last one. This took some courage. My limited experience included a part in the chorus line in a production of Grease 30 years ago and I had worn drag once in Dunedin in 1991. Over eight weeks ago I joined a mixed group of men and women of all races, sizes, sexual identities and performance abilities and stumbled through the first steps of the choreography of “On the Floor”. I was out of time, unable to co-ordinate what Alpha Dance Theatre’s Sarah Boocock was demanding of us, but like my fellow cast I was coaxed and encouraged to relax and slowly the choreography became almost second nature. The twice weekly rehearsals have become addictive. The friendly atmosphere has been totally welcoming and the realisation that we have put on a show that has wowed our Aotea Centre audience is quite mind blowing. Members of the audience tell me that the opening number was fast and impressive, our singing voices pitch perfect. The Headgear of Nations catwalk impressed with its poise, creativity and size. Poi E created an atmosphere of tension and emotion that stunned many. Buffy and Bimbo’s ability to laugh at themselves and really enjoy the show they lead was demonstrated from the off when fellow MC Brad Hills, took time out from his honeymoon to play with them with some rather large knives. Throughout the show these three kept the show moving and move it did. Act 2 is difficult to describe adequately. The huge amounts of work the performers put into their pieces makes them all winners. On the night Ali Mau and her team of judges awarded the crown to Miss Spain, who outperformed the amazing Miss Vatican City, Miss Bali Hai and Miss Egypt. The cameo performances by Miss Portugal with a Celine Dion number and Miss Teen Black America reliving Whitney Houston’s final moments were inspiring and comedic. Any bad taste was quickly excused by Whitney’s fans as her bathtub death was replayed. After the awarding of the final sashes and our finale dance, we took our final bows and strode out in to the audience to a huge round of applause. The acclaim was amazing and the show we had all produced was finally complete. Thanks to everyone who was in the show with me and for all those who supported it by coming and having the night of their lives. The journey was amazing and the camaraderie and support of everyone allowed me to be brave enough to play my part in this show that Jonathan Smith was inspired to create. Andrew Rumbles - 23rd July 2012