The Off-Broadway play Ms. Blakk for President examines the 1992 presidential campaign of drag queen Joan Jett Blakk, the alter ego of Terence Alan Smith. Co-written by Tarell Alvin McCraney and director Tina Landau, the production seeks to blend elements of political satire and music but has received mixed reviews since its debut at the Vineyard Theatre.
In her campaign, Blakk posed an intriguing question: if there are many ineffective politicians, why shouldn’t a drag queen serve as president? This premise is explored through a narrative that showcases both the vibrancy of drag culture and the shortcomings of modern politics.
Ato Blankson-Wood plays Smith in full drag, donning a vivid pink outfit akin to a glamorous Black Jackie O. The performance shines in moments when Blakk interacts with the audience and navigates confrontations, showcasing wit and charm. However, critics have noted that these highlights are surrounded by less engaging sections that reduce character depth to historical summaries instead of offering an intimate connection to the characters’ experiences.
The show incorporates popular music from the era, such as Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop” and David Bowie’s “Starman,” in an attempt to retain the energy of a drag performance. Despite these elements, critics assert that the production struggles with pacing and coherence, overreaching in its ambition to cover multiple genres, including biography and musical theatre.
Production Details
The Vineyard Theatre’s staging features a striking design by David Zinn, utilizing jewel tones and nostalgia-inducing visuals related to the AIDS epidemic and Queer Nation movements. The set includes retro-style monitors displaying music videos and news clips from the early ’90s, further immersing audiences in the historical context. The lighting by Bradley King enhances the atmosphere, transitioning smoothly between club and political environments.
As of now, Ms. Blakk for President holds an 86% approval rating from audience members on review aggregator Show-Score. Theatregoers have praised its dynamic energy and theatrical flair, though some have pointed out its lack of a focused narrative, indicating a need for refinement in both structure and character development.
The production is running at the Vineyard Theatre until November 29. It aims to resonate with fans of McCraney’s previous works, as well as those interested in the intersection of drag culture and political representation, offering a unique yet at times unfocused portrayal of an important chapter in LGBTQ history.
