I saw my first drag-queen show at age 12, in Almelo, Holland in 1945. We just had been liberated by the 1st Canadian Division.The three hulks that entertained the troops as female impersonators were stationed at our home.Therefore we were allowed, as civilians, to see the show. I'll never forget the high boisterous laugh of my younger sister when she recognized the three drag queens on stage as the men, staying with us. As this film clearly demonstrates, behind the facade of the drag queen is a man, a human being, looking not only for an identity, but for recognition of that identity. Especially by his family and friends, who frequently reject him, once they find out. The same rejection and denial experienced by so many AIDS patients. The director weaves aptly, throughout this tragi-comedy a delightful barrage of Broadway songs and performances. He could not have chosen a better cast for Connie and Carla as Nia Vardalos (born around the same time in Winnipeg, Manitoba as my oldest son) and Toni Collette. The appearance of Debbie Reynolds (born in El Paso, TX, where my family spent a great ten years of their lives) was a pleasant surprise. You want to see this movie at least twice.
Review of Connie and Carla
