TBA Review: Critical Mascara’s ‘Post-Realness Drag Ball’

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Byron Beck, GoLocalPDX Features Editor

Critical Mascara

Cheryl Ladd aka Michael Horwitz at Critical Mascara

Critical Mascara "A Post-Realness Drag Ball" was a queer-driven drag show that featured celebrity judges, special guest performers, and a late-night dance party for both performers and guests.

And it was AWESOME.

Held late on Saturday night at The Works as part of PICA's TBA Festival, this late night drag extravaganza, with an emphasis on gonzo, packed an eager audience around an outdoor stage where "Critical Mascara" creator Pepper Pepper (aka Kaj-Anne Pepper) held court and fierce queens dazzled the crowd with their talents.

The winner at the end of the night was given $666 hard-earned dollars by Pepper Pepper (who spent a portion of the evening floating above the crowd attached to balloons that would explode and rain glitter on everyone), but the truth is I think this merry band of pranksters and performers would have sashayed that runway for free (or for a very small fee).

To see more of Byron Beck's photos from the drag ball click here.

Related Slideshow: Critical Mascara Drag Ball at PDX’s TBA Fest

Critical Mascara is a queer-driven "post-realness" drag ball featuring celebrity judges, special guest performers, and a late-night dance party for both performers and guests. Here are some highlights of the night.