Latest news with #Mrs.Doubtfire
Newsweek
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Videos of Drag Queens at Trump Musical Performance Go Viral
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Videos of drag queens attending a performance of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center theatre while President Donald Trump was also in attendance have gone viral online. Why It Matters Trump has a contentious relationship with the Kennedy Center, which he appointed himself to chair in February. He then announced that he was firing most of the board of trustees and said that he would be in charge of programming going forward. The president told reporters in February that he "didn't like what they were showing" at the Kennedy Center and that he would ensure that the programming was "good" and "not woke." Trump's planned attendance at this performance of Les Misérables had already been well publicized, as in May, the cast of the show was reported to be considering boycotting the performance. What To Know Videos on social media showed the group of drag artists walking into the theatre before the show began and being met with raucous applause. "Trump went to the Kennedy Center to watch Les Misérables and it turned into a drag show.... love it for him!" the account @WUTangKids wrote on X (formerly Twitter) in a post that has been viewed 1.2 million times as of press time. Trump went to the Kennedy Center to watch Les Misérables and it turned into a drag show 🤣….love it for him! — Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) June 11, 2025 This is a warmer reception than the president received, as he attended his first appearance at the arts venue since the venue's leadership was fired. Trump was met with boos and jeers at the performance, though this was ultimately drowned out by chants of "USA." Drag shows have long been a hot-button issue for Trump and his supporters, with lawmakers in several U.S. states enacting or attempting to enact laws that restrict drag performances. Trump wrote in a Truth Social post in February, "Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP." The 2025-2026 schedule, however, includes Chicago, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and Mrs. Doubtfire, all of which generally feature performers in drag. L: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the opening night of "Les Misérables" at The Kennedy Center on June 11, 2025. R: Drag queens walk together to the Kennedy Center to... L: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the opening night of "Les Misérables" at The Kennedy Center on June 11, 2025. R: Drag queens walk together to the Kennedy Center to attend the same performance. More/What People Are Saying Some social media users were critical of the drag queens' attendance and defensive over Trump. The X account @_e_tto_, in a post viewed 24,000 times as of reporting: "The empty seats and the scowls from his own crowd—some looking like they've stepped straight out of 'The Handmaid's Tale,' seething with rage at the mere sight of diversity—paint a perfect picture of MAGA's cultural war. The drag queens didn't just steal the spotlight—they exposed the fragility and fear at the heart of MAGA's so-called revolution." The TikTok account @3reecrossingradio, in a video viewed over 20,000 times, about the drag queens at the performance: "I don't know about you ladies and gentlemen, but we are in some interesting times. The X account @gogo22325, in a post viewed over 33,000 times: "I am a former broadway performer (and Les Miz cast member) and AEA. Drag queens were always filth and only found in late night sketchy dive bars. ALWAYS .The things that are glorified today are so disgusting . I could never return to the stage now." What Happens Next Whether actions like this from drag queen groups will continue remains to be seen, but given the current political tensions and the schedule of shows featuring drag performers, similar types of protests may occur at future events.
Vogue Singapore
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
A day in the life of Qodrat 2's special effects make-up artist
Perceived as the dark underbelly of the beauty industry, horror prosthetics reveal the artistry—and often emotional toll—behind transforming faces into nightmares. Although horror is arguably the most revered genre in Indonesian cinema, it is striking how small the field of special effects make-up remains. Not too long ago, Cherry Wirawan was one of only two make-up artists in Indonesia specialising in this field. Now, with a team of talented professionals by his side, his vision is pushing new frontiers. His most recent project, the portrayal of the demon As-suala in Qodrat 2 , was brought to life through time and considerable teamwork. Creating prosthetics extends beyond visual effects, bleeding into the creation of immersive experiences that linger with audiences long after the credits roll. As the demand for complex storytelling grows, so too does the need for innovation in special effects make-up; an art form steadily gaining traction in Southeast Asia, thanks in no small part to pioneers like Cherry who are reshaping its possibilities. Below, Cherry takes us through a day in his life of blood, sweat, and gore. View this post on Instagram A post shared by cherry (@cherrywirawan) Tell us about your creative process. Before my team and I execute any look, we always consult with the director and creative team. It starts with the script—understanding the story and tone—then we gather references and develop concept sketches. Creatively, I draw inspiration from everywhere; YouTube, films, anything that grabs my attention. I often look to classics like Mrs. Doubtfire, Jurassic Park, and other Hollywood landmarks. Prosthetics have been evolving in the West since the early 1900s. Indonesia is just catching up, which leaves plenty of room for reinvention. With Qodrat 2 , we designed As-suala's look based on a set of agreed references , detailing aspects such as hair, texture, colour, and facial features. Once I've refined the reference material, I begin sculpting with clay to visualise the final look. View this post on Instagram A post shared by cherry (@cherrywirawan) What sets special effects make-up artists apart from other make-up artists? As special effects make-up artists, we can't just purchase our tools or materials at any cosmetics shop. Cosmetic latex and silicone aren't your average make-up bag staples—they require precision, patience, and a great deal of trial and error to master. The prosthetics also have to be hyper-realistic. The colours, facial expressions, and even the eyes must match the actor's perfectly. That realism doesn't just rely on how the prosthetics are made—it's also about how they're applied. Moisturiser might be your skin's best friend, but it can spell disaster for prosthetics. It's best to avoid skincare or skin prep products altogether—they interfere with the prosthetics' durability and can ruin the final look. View this post on Instagram A post shared by cherry (@cherrywirawan) What is the energy like on set? For my current project, I'm working on replica faces of characters so we can shoot scenes of people being maimed. Everyone on the team has a specialised role—some sculpt, some punch hair. It's all very collaborative. However, working in this space means that intense, occasionally disturbing visuals constantly surround us. One time during dinner, there was a fake skinned face on the table. Someone joked, 'This looks delicious!' We were laughing and gagging at the same time. Humour helps. If we didn't joke around, the sheer intensity of the work would be hard to handle. View this post on Instagram A post shared by cherry (@cherrywirawan) How do you cope with the intensity of your work? After an entire day surrounded by horrific, gore-soaked scenes, you need a way to reset. I ground myself through physical activity—working out, walking in nature, or just spending time with loved ones. But more than anything, I keep in touch with my faith and maintain my grounding. That grounding becomes a necessity when the line between real and surreal starts to blur—friends who visit my home or workshop often say the atmosphere gives them chills, as though there are spirits around. Some even refuse to come inside. But for us, it's just another day at work. Perhaps we're used to it. Only God knows. Above all, what keeps me going is originality and the chance to bring my ideas to fruition every day. There's nothing more fulfilling than having your work recognised as truly yours. I want to be different, but I don't set lofty expectations—I just want to keep improving. That's my mindset: Just keep growing.
Axios
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Weekender: 32 things to do in Charlotte this Father's Day weekend
There are tons of ways to spend time with the family as you celebrate a dad this weekend, from a visiting a vendor market for last minute gifts to catching an outdoor movie. Friday, June 13 🦀 Eat a low country boil with all the fixins with frozen cocktails at State of Confusion. | Free | 6pm | Details 🏒 Cheer on the Charlotte Checkers against the Abbotsford Canucks in Game 1 of the Calder Cup Finals at Bojangles Coliseum. | $34+ | 7pm | Details 🥋 Watch over 600 athletes compete in the World Taekwondo Grand Prix Challenge at Charlotte Convention Center. | $37.50-$125 | Runs through Sunday | Details 🍻 Try your hand with a beer pong tournament at Resident Culture Brewing.| Free | 7-11pm | Details 🧠 Test your knowledge of sitcoms with trivia at Suffolk Punch Brewing for a chance to win a cash prize. | Free | 7-9pm | Details 🎷 Listen to contemporary saxophonist Steve Cole at Middle C Jazz. | $41.45-$50.65 | 6:30-8pm | Details 🍿 Catch an outdoor movie screening of "Mrs. Doubtfire" at First Ward Park. | Free | 8-10:30pm | Details 🙌🏽 Checkout the Juneteenth Festival of The Carolinas in Plaza Midwood with a list of events happening this weekend. | Free | Runs through Sunday | Details ♟️ Play in an annual chess tournament at Hilton Charlotte University Place to win a cash prize. | Prices vary | Runs through Sunday | Details 🍽️ Grab a bite to eat from a food truck Friday event at Hi-Wire Brewing. | Free | 6-10pm | Details 🍿 Watch an outdoor screening of "Daddy Daycare" at Seoul Food Meat Company Mill District. | Free | 7:30-9:30pm | Details 🎉 Vibe to an R&B block party with special performances at Victoria Yards in Uptown. | $23.18+ | 5-11pm | Details Saturday, June 14 🦪 Sip on orange wines and shuck oysters at Frenchy's Sip and Shop | Free | 12pm | Details 🍫 Learn how to turn the viral Dubai chocolate into a macaron at Sweet Spot Studio. | $80 | 10:30am | Details 🏓 Learn how to play pickleball with friends at Rally in LoSo. | $5 | 3pm | Details 💃 Pull up to a Havana Night with dancing, cocktails, live music, live performances and mojitos at Boileryard in Camp North End. | Free | 5pm | Details 👯 Vibe to music from live DJs at a Queer icon dance party at Room Service. | $10-$20 | 9pm-12am | Details 🍳 Enjoy a Broadway-theme d buffet brunch with live performances and complimentary mimosas or beer. | $30-$59 | 11am-1:30pm | Details 🎊 Make friends with CLT Social Club's day party at Resident Culture. | Free | 2-6pm | Details 🎶 See "Tina — The Tina Turner Musical" at Belk Theater. | $40.23+ | Showtimes vary | Details 🏳️🌈 Take your pup to a Pride paw-rade and drag show at Skiptown. | 1-9pm | $15 for non-members. | Details 🌈 See a Diva Royale drag queen show at Scorpio. | 7pm | $35+ | Details ⚽️ Cheer on Charlotte Independence as they take on Greenville Triumph SC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. | $13-$66 | 7pm | Details Sunday, June 15 🍷 Taste and learn about 12 South African wines at Frenchy's Sip and Shop. | $33.85 | 1pm | Details 🥅 Take your father to see the Calder Cup Finals Game 2 at Bojangles Coliseum. If you go as a family and buy three tickets, then dad will get in for free. | $34+ | 4pm | Details 📚 Bring your chair and a friend to read at a silent book club at Camp North End. | Free | 9:30-11am | Details 🍽️ Treat your father to all they can eat tapas at Catalú in South End. | $29-$68 | 10am-9pm | Details 👨 Spend the day with dad at Wildwood in the Whitewater Center with activities like themed crafts, bingo and a scavenger hunt. | Free. Parking is $12 | 2-4pm | Details 🧘♀️ Unwind with stand up paddle board yoga at Whitewater Center. | $39 | Times vary | Details 🎻 Listen to the Charlotte Symphony perform songs from some of Broadway's most popular shows at Symphony Park. | $0-$20 | 8:15pm | Details 😋 Eat a brunch with strangers for an easy way to make friends in Charlotte. | $7.66-$13.35 | 11am-1pm | Details
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Iowa ACLU sends letters to cities calling for removal of drag restrictions
Students got signatures and pictures with drag queens who spoke at Iowa Safe Schools' Annual Governor's Conference on LGBTQ Youth April 28, 2023 at Prairie Meadows in Altoona. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa sent letters Wednesday to five Iowa city councils calling for a change to local statutes that classify 'female impersonators' and 'male impersonators' as adult entertainment, saying such measures are unconstitutional. The letters were sent to the city councils of Carroll, Harlan, Mt. Pleasant, Polk City and Webster City. The five Iowa municipalities have restrictions on performances — typically referring to drag shows — as adult entertainment. In the letters to the city councils, ACLU Staff Attorney Shefali Aurora wrote that the prohibitions on drag performances violate the state and U.S. constitutions, as they conflict with the First Amendment by restricting a form of expression that's protected under free speech rights. Aurora also argued the ordinances violate constitutional equal protection rights, as the measures target the LGBTQ community on the basis of sex and gender expression. Aurora said in a news conference Wednesday the ordinances are restricting performances that are neither obscene or sexual. 'Not all drag is obscenity,' Aurora said. 'A lot of drag performances are, in fact, family friendly. Too often, drag is equated with sexualized performances. But drag is not, by definition, adult entertainment. It can simply be someone wearing clothing and accessories conventionally worn by a person of a different gender.' Other performances that entail stories involving a person dressed in a manner that does not traditionally correspond with their gender at birth — such as movies like 'Mulan' or 'Mrs. Doubtfire' — could be restricted from being shown under such local ordinances. A statewide measure to ban minors' attendance at drag performances was discussed during the 2025 legislative session but ultimately did not advance. This proposed legislation contained similar language that defined drag as performances where the main aspect is 'a performer who exhibits a gender identity that is different than the performer's gender assigned at birth through the use of clothing, makeup, accessories, or other gender signifiers.' The bill, which was amended, received heavy criticism not just for limiting family-friendly drag shows but potentially impacting transgender people's ability to be in non-drag public performances and preventing local theaters from performing classic art such as Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night,' as it contains a character that dresses as the opposite gender. Aurora said this is not the first time the ACLU has sent letters to local governments about similar anti-drag ordinances. In the past, the organization has contacted Eagle Grove, Knoxville, Newton, Dyersville, Pella, Waukee and Grinnell — communities that agreed to amend their ordinances after receiving communications from the ACLU on the issue. In 2021, Doña Martha's Office in Eagle Grove had canceled a drag show after receiving a letter from the city attorney that called for the performances to cease, claiming they violated municipal code. Aurora said Eagle Grove later agreed to amend the restriction on 'female impersonators' as part of the city's definition of adult entertainment. While the ACLU is encouraging all cities to review their ordinances and remove language related to drag performances as inherently obscene, Aurora said the latest letters were sent as many Iowa communities are celebrating Pride month, holding events that sometimes host drag performances. 'We thought it was particularly important to raise this issue again this month, with it being Pride, which is why we're sending out the letters this week, just to bring that to the forefront,' Aurora said.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump's Takeover Wrecks Kennedy Center as Subscriptions Plummet
Subscriptions to the Kennedy Center have dropped by more than a third since Donald Trump took over the arts institution and promised to remake it in his image. Sales are down by about $1.6 million, or roughly 36 percent, compared to this time last year, The Washington Post reported Tuesday. By June 2024, subscription sales had produced $4,413,147. But so far this year, the Kennedy Center has only made $2,656,524 off of subscription sales, as well as an additional $155,243 from a special deal, according to internal data shared with the Post by former Kennedy Center staffers. A current staff member anonymously confirmed the numbers. Subscriptions are just one source of revenue for the Kennedy Center. Others include donations, individual ticket sales, and government funding. But the current staffer said it was important to provide an indication of what is going on behind the center's closed doors. 'We understand providing information like this can be seen in a bad light,' the current staffer told the Post. 'But we feel that it is necessary to show that mismanagement by the new leadership is becoming a real problem for the health of the organization.' The employee said that the new Trump-installed leadership has ignored staff opinions and even fired people who disagreed. As a result, 'we feel that we no longer have a choice but to force complete transparency with the public.' Trump took over the prestigious arts organization earlier this year, saying he plans to 'bring it back' from disrepair—meaning get rid of any performances he deems too 'woke.' So far, multiple productions have already backed out of performing at the center in protest against Trump. Interestingly, though, one of the shows Trump has apparently approved to run at the Kennedy Center is Mrs. Doubtfire, which famously features a man in drag. When asked about Trump's effect on the Kennedy Center's popularity, the new leaders pointed to large audiences at events such as a fireworks show by artist Cai Guo-Qiang and a screening of the animated film The King of Kings. Both of those events were free, according to the Post.
