The Joseph Stone Auditorium was oozing with talent and lekker entertainment on Saturday night when the Divas One Night Only event took to the stage for the ninth year running.
The mastermind behind DONO is drag queen Kat Gilardi, who brought the house down with the Broadway theme.
“Not everyone gets to attend theatre and witness the amazing shows happening on world stages, so we bring it home for our people,” says Kat.
“I don’t think I could have done it without my husband, Errol Stroebel, and my right hand, Barry Reid.
“They are such a huge part of why DONO has been so successful.
“The Divas come from as far as Durban and Joburg, with their own fans, to showcase their talent.”
The Divas performed hit songs from Broadway musicals such as Chicago and also the film The First Wives Club.
Performers included Manila Von Teez, Laylah Raja Novacek, Vida Fantabisha, Emogen Moore, Wendy La Rosa, Skyla Barrymore, Angel Lalamore, Kat Gilardi and Dayana Lima.
Emogen, a plus size former Miss Gay Western Cape 2017, had jaws dropping when she performed with a hip hop crew from Lavender Hill, the Hybridt, which has 25 members.
“They are from disadvantaged areas and yet they are still humble and striving. They don’t get the recognition they deserve and they love performing with me at Divas One Night Only. This is the second year they performed with me,” says Emogen.
Soli Philander and his mom Shaheeda also attended the show.
“It’s my mom’s birthday and so I brought her along for a treat,” said a delighted Solly.
venecia.america@inl.co.za
