He's a fashion guru, author and reality TV star who's currently using his discerning eye to help thin out the competition on RuPaul's Drag Race. But one thing Queer Eye for the Straight Guy alum and Northwestern Lehigh High School grad Carson Kressley is not known for is tearing up the stage as a song and dance man. That, however, could soon change. He's teaming up with vocal dynamo and electronic dance queen Kristine W. for an event called “Stand Up with a Twist.” “The name is a little misleading,”Kressley says. “I think it's more of a variety show.”
The collaboration with Kristine is a long time coming for the old pals, who are drawing inspiration for their tag team effort from the television shows they used to watch as children. “Both of us grew up loving Sonny and Cher, and Donny and Marie,” says Kressley. “We're envisioning an evening like that.” Think stories, dancing, comedy, audience interaction and, of course, singing—and not just from the professional songstress on the bill. “I might even sing a song or two,” Kressley says.
The curtain will rise on “Stand Up with a Twist” at Joe's Pub in New York City on Friday, March 16. Then the pair will hoof it to New Hope in Bucks County for a show the following night at The Rrazz Room. It's no coincidence that both venues are of the smaller, more intimate variety. Kressley says it's just the kind of place he prefers. “You can literally reach out and touch the audience,” he explains. It's possible those two initial engagements may be the first of many; Kressley says he and Kristine are considering taking the show on the road.
But before they can wow the crowds, the headliners have to put the finishing touches on their act. On a day in late February, Kressley, fresh off a trip home to his native Lehigh Valley, says it's still a work in progress. “I've wanted to do a cabaret show for a while,” he says. “Now I'm thinking, what have I gotten myself into?”
Minor jitters aside, it's a safe bet that Kressley will find his footing. After all, this is a man who lives to entertain, even when he's wading into somewhat untested territory. “I always love trying new things,” Kressley says.
For tickets, click here.
Stand Up with a Twist | March 17 | $35 | 8 p.m. | The Rrazz Room | 6426 Lower York Rd., New Hope
