Reviewed by Joseph Klink
Stage Raw
Hollywood Fringe
Becoming Austin Nation - from Crack to PhD: A Drag Queen's Story is an inspiring, autobiographical account of one person's overcoming of life's greatest difficulties and their finding even greater love.
The show is performed in the Renberg Theatre, a space with high ceilings, intricate lighting and a beautiful proscenium. A solo show performed in this venue demands the complete attention of the audience.
The stage is set with a clothing rack, a mirror and chair - for applying makeup to the face - and a small table, next to a beautiful dress. This set is simple yet exactly what is needed - Nation fills the rest. He enters from the house, interacting with the audience before taking the stage, and seamlessly welcoming us to his past. He speaks to us as if we've been friends for a lifetime yet somehow avoided sharing the details of our lives. The show becomes an opportunity to finally share those details with absolute ownership, self-respect and pride.
Now 60 years old and living their best life, Nation delivers this story with care, patience and energy - and vulnerability. The piece is embellished by brilliant color and select music choices. It's full of ingenuity. For fans of empowering queer stories, and anyone else who'd like to see a well-grounded work, this show comes highly recommended.
