This year's Sinatra DeVine charity drag show, "Teaze," is a dance-heavy production.
"We have 150 people who are performing onstage, not getting a cent," co-founder and drag performer P.J. Sedillo said. "They pay for their own costumes, their set designs. It's a great opportunity to give back."
"Teaze" runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the National Hispanic Cultural Center at 1701 Fourth St. S.W.
All proceeds will go to Albuquerque Pride, Act New Mexico - for HIV-positive people who need an emergency service, whether it's a new bed or their rent paid - and to the Anita Salas Organization, which helps women battling breast cancer pay their medical bills. The drag queens and drag kings worked all year rehearsing the pieces they designed themselves. Some acts have as many as 20 dancers.
"They try to top themselves each year," Sedillo said. "I went to see ticket sales (yesterday), and we're way above what we were last year. In Albuquerque, everyone waits until the last minute. We have Thursday, Friday and Saturday to sell tickets, and there's only 200 seats left."
The show has 23 acts featuring comedy, dance routines, singing, skits and impersonation acts of celebrities like Judy Garland, Cher and Elton John.
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A drag troupe called The Dolls, legendary for their comedic abilities, will perform a short skit that night.
One of its two founding members, Geneva Convention, died last year.
They will also give out two awards that night: the Into the Light Award and the Standing Ovation Award for people who have raised money and given time to the community.
Performer Raquel del Rio will star in the opening act with his group "The Del Rios."
The Standing Ovation Award will go to 83-year-old Jose Sarria, the first person ever to run for political office as an openly gay male. He will be at the show.
"People automatically assume Harvey Milk was the first person," Sedillo said. "(Sarria) had done it 16 years before Harvey Milk had."
Going on his eighth year of being in the show, del Rio and his troupe of female impersonators will receive the "Into the Light Award" for their contributions to the community.
"I've been dancing since I was about 5 years old, so I've always just loved to perform and put on shows," said del Rio. "So the opportunity to be in such a beautiful event to raise money for charity really inspired me to be in this show."
Del Rio's backup dancer, Anthony Montano, will perform with him in the opening number they call the "Teazer." He will also have his own act, "Super Star."
"I like to entertain people without them having to go to a bar," Montano said. "If you're a person that can put on a good performance, then that makes the show that much more entertaining."
Call (505) 856-0871 for more information.
