WHAT’S SHAKIN’

Queens for a Day

In the Delicious Irony department, a group of female impersonators is preparing for an annual fundraiser for women undergoing cancer treatment that are likely feeling less than womanly. The You’ve Got Strength Benefit, organized by Syracuse drag queen Tim Reitz in honor of his mother who died in 2008, aims to make women feel pretty again, regardless of hair loss, radiation burns and overall malaise brought on by chemotherapy. It takes place Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Palace Theatre, as part of a weekend of events.

“My mother was an Italian woman so she had that long, beautiful black hair,” Reitz said about Lynn Marie Reitz, who was diagnosed with cancer in the fall of 2007. “We were in her car coming back from a treatment and she said, ‘I’m going to lose my hair.’ I said, ‘Mom, don’t worry. This is why it’s good to have a drag queen for a son. Hair, makeup—we’re good at that, and if you need tits, I can get you those, too.”

Entering its fourth year, You’ve Got Strength has raised $7,500, all of which has financed wigs and makeup for the female patients at Upstate Medical University’s Regional Oncology Center (ROC), 750 E. Adams St. ROC’s Look Good Feel Better program, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, a few fragrance companies and the state Cosmetology Association, gives a wig to each woman as well as cosmetics that match her complexion.

“Tim helps provide the wigs,” said Tina Evans, who manages ROC. “I didn’t know Tim when his mom was a patient here, but he approached me about the fundraiser and that he wanted to donate some wigs, and I said of course.” So far, You’ve Got Strength has given nearly 135 wigs to Look Good Feel Better.

It wasn’t a stretch for Reitz to create this hair-raising benefit. “Because my mother was going to lose her hair, I went on a rampage, if you will, to find something identical because I wanted my mother to feel as comfortable as possible. With knowing wigs as much as I do, my mother gave me some of her hair to match to a wig. I said, ‘Mom, I don’t need that. I’ve looked at you every day of my life.’ A woman’s identity is her hair. It’s the biggest thing that cancer patients tend to miss.”

Reitz, who performs regularly as Madison DeVine, has recruited 14 female impersonators for a show that is decidedly for those older than 18. “It’s an adult show,” he cautioned, “not for the sensitive. There is no nudity, but one of the things that I learned the first year, when I opened it up to families, is that a G-rated drag queen is kind of a scary thing. You may as well put duct tape over her mouth.

“When I say an adult show, there’s sexual innuendo, sexual humor. I’m a fullfigured gal and I say, ‘If you want a slip and slide with legs I’d go to Wal-Mart to buy it, but if you want the entire amusement park ride, that you can ride all day and all night, I’m standing right here.’ And if you think you’re just going to sit there and watch a show; you’re wrong. We’re going to have fun with you.”

Joining DeVine, whose signature alcoholic drink is vodka and cherry (“After three of those, everyone looks beautiful,” Reitz-as-DeVine joked, “if you’re still standing. Most people can’t drink like me.” To which Reitz-as-Reitz added, “I’m not really an alcoholic. I just play one on stage.”) will be Mercedes Monroe Cassadine, a performer from Philadelphia who resembles Beyonce, and Samantha Vega, an awardwinning drag queen from Rochester.

“She’s been with me from the very begin ning,” said Reitz. “She’s been doing female impersonation longer than me.”

And lest anyone feel confused about all this, Reitz offered this clarification. “We’re actors,” he said about female impersonators. “It’s a common misconception that we want to be women. We don’t. I enjoy my manhood. There are transsexual drag queens, and I do have a couple in the benefit. We are merely gay men that enjoy entertaining. There’s really nothing like stepping on the stage, hearing your name announced, hearing the screams, and after you get off the stage, seeing everyone smile.”

As for the performers, Reitz said to expect a little bit of everything. “I’m at the point where I had to hold auditions this year because I have so many performers that want to get on stage,” he said. “Each performer has a small amount of time on stage because there is only so much menin-heels-with-duct-tape that people can take, including drag queens.

“I’m looking for variety. I’m considered a camp queen: It’s all about humor. I’m also a female illusionist because I look like a real female. I’m looking for humor, sex appeal and something new. It doesn’t have to be the most polished because sometimes that isn’t always the best. When you see a drag queen doing a split it makes me cringe. No. 1, because they’re in stilettos but they’re also strapped down, the boys are strapped down. Duct tape is our friend.”

Reitz has organized a weekend of fundraisers, all to benefit You’ve Got Strength.

College Thursdays at Trexx, 319 N. Clinton St., the official bar of the benefit, starts things off Oct. 20. All tips from Madison DeVine’s regular weekly performance at 11:15 p.m. will go into the kitty, as will those from DeVine’s Friday Night of Illusion gig on Oct. 21, 10:30 p.m., at Twist Ultra Lounge & Dance, 252 W. Genesee St.

On Sunday, Oct. 23, Cocktails with Divas:

The Final Show hits World Lounge & Martini Bar, 134 E. Genesee St., starting at 5 p.m. After a small drag show (tickets cost $5), visitors can purchase $10 tickets for 10-minute sit-downs with impersonators of singing icons in World’s lounge. “For that 10 minutes,” Reitz said, “Cher, Beyonce and Lady Gaga will make you their world.”

T-shirts, shot glasses, raffle items and lavender “You’ve Got Strength” silicone bracelets will also be sold at Saturday’s show with all benefits going toward the cause. Advance tickets are $15 for general admission or $25 for VIP seating. Tickets on Saturday are $20. All tickets include a voucher for a beverage at area Starbucks. In addition, Reitz is accepting direct donations to: You’ve Got Strength, 8402 Theodolite Drive, Apt. 512, Baldwinsville 13027.

Call 730-3398 to purchase or go to youve gotstrength.org or madisondevine.com.

—Molly English-Bowers

URBANE URBANITY

The ladies are at it again, bringing all things crafty, funky and hip from the area to downtown on Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Keeping with the tradition of the past two years, the Salt City Urban Art and Craft Market is back, this time at a different, bigger location, with more music, food and—of course—arts and crafts.

“The major difference is our space,” said Vanessa Rose, one of the event’s organizers. “We’re working with a new space. It’s a bigger and different layout, but still very much warehouse-y. It’s pushing us to figure different ways to work things out.”

This year the market is moving to King + King Architects, 358 W. Jefferson St., along West Street near the Redhouse. “Their headquarters are in there, and they refurbished most of it into an office,” explained Briana Kohlbrenner, another event organizer. “But they have three rooms that aren’t quite done.” As Kohlbrenner and Rose described, they received a tour of the offices a few weeks ago, starting in the finished office space, and were a little confused. After all, how would an urban arts and craft market work in a refurbished office of architects?

But then the tour continued down a hallway that opened onto a loading dock. From there, they were led to yet another unfinished space. The choice was then clear: It was the perfect spot.

“This year we have 50 artists,” noted Kohlbrenner, when asked if they could fill the new space. “And last year we had 38.” Twenty of them are new this year and are selling everything from clothing to toys to prints to jewelry. “There’s definitely a large grouping and assortment of jewelry,” said Kohlbrenner. “And there’s a crazy price range of jewelry. You can get something for $10; you can get something for $200.”

With the economy the way it is, price remains an important factor. “We have to assure there are things for a college kid,” said Rose. “We do try to have the vendors have their own variety {of prices}.”

Along with an increase in the number of vendors at the market this year, the organizers are planning more musical entertainment as well. Since the venue consists of two rooms, one will house the acoustic acts, and the other the electric. “We like having the energy of the music, and each space lends to a new vibe,” said Rose.

And let’s remember one of the most important parts of any event: the food. “We’re keeping with Strong Hearts,” said Rose. Strong Hearts Cafe, a local vegan restaurant, provided beverages and pastries at last year’s market as well. “They really have their act together, and they have food everybody can eat.” Roji Tea Lounge and Café Kubal will also be there.

While the food promises to be great, perhaps the most important aspect of the Salt City Urban Art and Craft Market is the local factor. “A lot of people don’t realize the talent that’s in Syracuse,” noted Rose. In a college town well known for basketball, the urban arts and crafts scene is not on the forefront of the community’s mind. But maybe events like the market will change that.

“The market is about building a community between the designers,” said organizer Stasya Panova. “If you join a market and meet up with like-minded people, it gives you more hope about this area as well.”

If you’re not convinced already, here’s one more perk: The holiday season is right around the corner. “It’s the best place to get all your Halloween gifts, all your Christmas gifts, all your Easter gifts,” Panova listed with a laugh.

“And all your own gifts!” concluded Kohlbrenner. Indeed.

For more information about the Salt City Urban Art and Craft Market, visit saltcitycraftmart.com.

—Lorna Oppedisano

Internal Affair

A giant has fallen in Syracuse, and we don’t mean the Cardiff Giant. Visit the Beef Cattle Barn at the New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd., and see for yourself. Just approach the barn and look for a gargantuan pair of feet sticking out. Follow those pasty toes into the barn and behold the newest Halloween attraction. As long as the barn and almost as tall, the defeated giant lies chained to ground. Weakened, the fallen giant surveys onlookers out of the slit of his right eye.

When you walk into the horror-filled Beef Cattle Barn that hosts Syracuse’s annual Fright Nights at the Fair, the Fallen Giant’s Internal Nightmare is just one of the many attractions meant to raise goose bumps. And sure, the Fallen Giant—Fright Nights’ newest attraction—may be inflatable, but what you’ll experience when you enter the gaping gash in his skull and take a tour through his innards is sure to make you squirm and scream.

In addition to the Fallen Giant, Fright Nights features four other frightening attractions—the Insane Asylum, Frankenstein’s Mansion, Skull Kingdom and The Crypt—along with a haunted hayride that brings passengers through “haunted terror-tory.” All the horrifying habitats, excluding the hayride, are housed under the roof of the New York State Fair’s Beef Cattle Barn to protect attendees from inclement weather.

Before adventurers can bravely enter the perilous attractions, a costume-clad attendant announces your arrival by yelling “fresh meat” into the dark, haunted hallways. Bloodied, bandaged and masked ghouls stalk, scare and scream at those who dare to enter their dwelling. Strobe lights, red lights and fog machines make for an eerie environment, while groans, organs and clanking chains make attendees jump.

To keep haunting-hunting adventurers satiated and energized, a small caravan of food wagons sells nearly everything from blooming onions to blue and pink cotton candy along with a variety of beverages. A vendor sells glow sticks to light up the night, while a few small rides provide spook-free entertainment and picnic tables offer respite for attendees who need a break from Fright Nights’ horrors.

Fright Nights runs every Friday and Saturday in October from 7 to 11:30 p.m., and on Sundays and Halloween Monday, Oct. 31, from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Although the haunted haven is open to everyone, its attractions are recommended for ages 9 and above. Experience one haunted attraction for $10, a creepy hayride for $15 or all five attractions and a hayride for $20. For more spooktacular information, call 876-839 or visit www.frightnights atthefair.com.

—Samantha House

Puppet Masters

It’s been a Syracuse standard since 1980, starting in a loft studio and moving into ever-larger space until it found its current home at 518 N. Prospect St. Open Hand Theater has also been a favorite among parents and children alike; in fact, many Salt City kids have memories of spending two weeks each summer at its circus-themed day camp. And now the tradition enters a new phase, with celebrations of a grand reopening of a newly refurbished castle.

The event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 20, 4 to 7 p.m., and will serve as a way for Open Hand to reach out to other arts organizations and schools who are interested in puppet theater. It will also “be an opportunity for Open Hand to thank sponsors and introduce the facility,” said Geoffrey Navias, who has been artistic director for 28 years.

Open Hand Theater has occupied the castle at the corner of North Salina Street for 10 years. The structure was built in 1890 as the private home of German immigrant Charles L. Hoffman, who specified that the building be a onethird-scale reconstruction of a castle on the Neckar River in Germany.

Since then, the castle has been home to an array of businesses including, a Veterans of Foreign Wars post, a bridal shop and a church. Bobby Kennedy addressed a crowd from the castle’s steps when he was a senator from New York. This is not the castle’s first renovation, but it’s the most extensive.

Open Hand’s renovation was originally set to start in 2001 but the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks stalled matters. “Funding was out the window because people were uncertain about the future,” Navias said.

“Season subscriptions went down and investors were unsure.” Ten years and $250,000 later, Open Hand has received exterior and interior upgrades. Donors include the Gifford Foundation, the Central New York Community Foundation and the John Ben Snow Foundation. State funding was secured by Sen. John DeFrancisco, and a HUD grant came through former Rep. James Walsh.

Exterior renovations include the addition of a red brick walkway leading to the entrance, new landscaping, light posts with gargoyle details and roofing. Staff also moved all the puppetry, scene and costume shops to a new location next door “to be able to have a building that’s truly dedicated to the artists,” Navias said.

The focus of interior work was to create a space that met the needs of children and adults. There are doors and windows with kid-level handles, as well as new carpet for softer landings. The gift shop has also been scaled back to create more gallery space to display puppets. The main exhibit for the reopening, featuring a collection of masks and marionettes from some of Open Hand’s past productions, will run until December.

Many of the castle’s original, ornate features are still intact. The fireplaces are pieces of art in themselves, with the area surrounding the firebox of one resembling Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” painting, and another portraying two lovers surrounded by flowers. The main gallery ceiling, also left untouched, is painted with yellow and pink roses set against a blue sky. Original ivy designs in the wooden door frames and flying angels etched in the stained-glass windows sustain the castle’s grandeur.

Even with all the renovations, Open Hand continues to take imagination on the road, with seven touring shows, all with messages about literacy, conflict resolution and inclusion. Navias said there is always an “educational piece about cultures and human experience. We believe kids are fascinated by that stuff when it is presented in a language familiar to them.”

Navias also teaches a community and puppetry class in the College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University where SU students work with students at Van Duyn Elementary School to put on a puppet show. One of the shows formed with Van Duyn students, The Life and Times of Albert Einstein, will be added to the tour schedule in spring 2012. The show uses an Einstein puppet to teach children about science and math based on the formula E=MC 2 .

Adults will have the chance to get in on the fun at the reopening celebration, which will have wine, appetizers and, of course, puppets. With an array of masks from around the world and marionettes to play with, bigger kids can stay enchanted as well.

Open Hand Theater hosts its Saturday Series performances the first two Saturdays of each month. Tickets cost $6 for children and $8 for adults, and can be purchased by calling 476-0466, at the door or online at openhandtheatre.org.

—Kelundra Smith