Many brave it all in vertigo-inducing stilettos, no less. Yet hardly anyone but the queens themselves have seen the venue’s true nerve center: a squeaky backstage staircase that spirals up from the dressing room in the basement, a passageway out of the glittery underworld.įew get to witness this nail-biting opening act: Prior to stepping into the spotlight, queens gussy up in front of vanity mirrors and then quickly ascend the narrow stairs to the compact stage above - ducking to keep their wigs from smashing against a low ceiling and pulling gowns knee-high so as not to trip themselves. Hosting the longest-running show of its kind, now in its 51st year, Portland’s Darcelle XV Showplace frequently sells out its weekend performances. Every night before the first queen struts across the stage, the club’s flickering laser lights, hissing smoke machine and thumping diva anthems give audiences a glimpse of the campy kitsch that defines the West Coast’s most iconic drag revue.
