When Christopher Sadler started producing the Skagit Valley Drag Show in 2013, it was with the aim to provide a safe space for new entertainers, seasoned performers and the community to come together to connect, learn and love through entertainment.
Almost 10 years later, Sadler — aka Gina Touché — has seen this ethos manifest in a number of different ways. One of his favorite tales on the topic involves a performer who will be making their third Skagit Valley Drag Show appearance when the event returns Saturday, April 16 at the Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon.
Sadler said the first time this now-seasoned performer came onstage, they froze up. When their song started, they didn’t make a move. But then something amazing happened. The crowd stood up and began to sing, dance and encourage them through the entirety of the song.
“I knew in this moment that we had achieved the goal of creating a show that thrives on the energy of love and connection,” Sadler said. “Through that you see people learn to love themselves and learn to love each other better.”
Sadler was president of the Skagit Valley College Rainbow Alliance when the Skagit Valley Drag Show debuted, and since then, it has moved from the college to McIntyre Hall, and now the historic Lincoln Theatre. Wanting to bring something new to the community, Sadler said the event was also created as a way for performers to have a place outside the bar scene to showcase their art. But the main goal of the all-ages event, he emphasized, has always been to create as much joy for people as possible.
Each show brings in as many as 350 people to the venue, and sponsors from Skagit, Island and Whatcom counties help move the action forward. As the show’s producer and creator, Sadler said wrangling talent for the event happens mostly organically through social media and reaching out to performers from previous years who are able to lead them to new performers.
“We also get performers who have heard of the show or been in the audience reaching out to be a part of this event and almost every year we have people who have never performed reaching out to us about being in the show after their experience watching it,”
Sadler said. “That is one of my favorite parts, seeing all the new talent that is inspired to express itself.”
Sadler’s own introduction to drag happened one Halloween, but the Skagit Valley Drag Show was his first step into performing as a drag entity. Gina Touché, a “sassy, Southern, glitter-bearded, live singer” came about because he loved to say “damn Gina,” and use the inflection “touché.” One day, a friend posited that would make a great drag name, and Sadler was “born again” into Gina Touché.
Gina won’t be the only Touché front and center on Saturday night. Balistair Touché, Denton Touché, Kit and Dan Touché, and Quintessa Touché will join the lineup, along with Stefanie Pink Rose, Columbia Blue, Sylvia O’ Stayformore, Laura Garman, Kris Rose, and Viktor Rhee Marché. Music will be provided by Manny Petty, and Lady Charlamaine will host.
“Expect nothing you’ve ever heard of about a drag show, but more,” Sadler said.
Per usual, a portion of the sales from the show and additional donations will support a LGBTQ+ scholarship for a student at Skagit Valley College, as well as a number of nonprofits in the area that provide inclusivity, diversity, equality and through involvement and education.
Whether you’re watching from the Lincoln Theatre or tuning in at home to view the livestream on Saturday night, know that your support means the world to the artists who share their talents at the annual event.
Sadler is once again looking forward to the interactions with both the audience and the performers.
“They give me and the show the life it needs,” he said. “As I always say, without the audience we would be a rehearsal, and without the performers, we would be an idea.”
The Skagit Valley Drag Show begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 16 in Mount Vernon at the Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St. Tickets are $15 to view the show in person or online. Info: lincolntheatre.org
