by Mary Gardella

In the blink of an eye the transformation, for many, is fascinating. "I can't believe that's really a man?", one onlooker whispers to another as the show gets under way at Divas Night. The performer graces the stage wearing a red bouffant wig piled high on her head with a silver-sequined blouse glimmering in the stage lighting. Barbara Joe Peterson giggles as she struts on stage with an accent that could be found in a southern trailer park and is greeted by a delighted crowd of clapping hands and laughter.

Behind the scenes the remaining performers, surrounded by lavish costumes and other attire, race from mirror to mirror perfecting their look with grace, charm, and a hint of masculinity. In one corner, Tia's muscles bulge as she touches up her lipstick. Snatch, towering over everyone at over seven feet with six-inch heels, rummages through her suitcase for the perfect accessory and Candie Swallows primps and prods at the new blond wig that doesn't quite cover her sideburns. This surreal scene could be taking place in the girl's bathroom at a high school prom.

On the other side of the green shower curtain, which serves as the stage door, Candie Swallows is announced and woos a crowd of gay men with a song impersonation of Mad About You. Enticed, the men surround the singer slipping dollar bills into the top of her dress. Candie affectionately blows kisses to her adoring crowd and leaves the stage.

What does it mean to be gay or straight, when you are a man or a woman attracted to men who are performing as women? What does it mean to be male or female, when your performance embodies a sex to the point of rendering genitalia irrelevant?

But, ultimately: who cares? The entire night, filled with gender bending confusion from both the performers and audience members, is a success.