By the sea with Miss Sabrina Blaze
One of the Ocean State’s most popular drag queens is spending the rest of the summer at a seaside venue doing what she does best - entertain.
Miss Sabrina Blaze, aka Wayne Hawkins, will be the host of the Late Night Cabaret at Bistro by the Sea following evening performances at Theatre By The Sea in Matunuck every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening until September 6.
Blaze was spotted by Theatre By the Sea’s management during her recent performance in the musical, Nunsense. They were so impressed that they offered her the chance to serve as host of the cabaret.
"I was delighted and jumped at the opportunity," Blaze told EDGE.
The late night cabaret has become a Rhode Island attraction, Blaze noted.
"The Cabaret is a lot of fun. It’s bawdy, a little crazy, full of dirty jokes and some really elaborate costuming. For a cabaret it’s a little over the top," Blaze said.
Audiences can expect songs from the shows Cabaret, La Cage Au Folles, and Chicago Blaze also promises appearances from some "zany" characters like Carol Channing, Mae West, and Carmen Miranda.
Blaze has appeared in several theatrical productions over the years, such as the Emcee in Cabaret, Billy Flynn in Chicago, Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and Albin in La Cage aux Folles.
"I would have to say that Scrooge in a Christmas Carol is my favorite," Blaze explained. "I think because its the deepest of all the roles and has the most diversity. "(Scrooge is) up and down. You hate him (and) you love him. The range and what’s required for the role is challenging and that makes it my favorite."
Blaze started working in charity drag shows and has received much praise for her work. Providence Mayor David Cicilline recognized Blaze for her charity work and Blaze was voted entertainer of 2006.
In 2008, the Volunteer Center of Rhode Island honored Hawkins as an Outstanding Volunteer for his service to his community through AIDS Care Ocean State.
Blaze also can be seen regularly at The Dark Lady in Providence, hosting karaoke or starring in the comedy show Beauty and the Bitch with Kitty Litter. Blaze also has produced and directed her own shows, Sabrina Blaze the One Woman Show, and Sabrina Blaze Live in Concert.
Blaze recently performed at Rhode Island’s Gay Pride Festival, where she made a big splash. The future looks very busy as well. Blaze has signed on to appear in the next edition of the Legends calendar, which features drag queens dressing up as famous entertainers.
"In years past I’ve been Carol Channing, Nora Desmond, Lucille Ball and Annie Lennox. It’s all very hush hush so far I can’t reveal who I will be this year," Blaze said.
Blaze also hopes to do another Sabrina Blaze concert.
"I get asked a lot when the next big show will be," Blaze said. "I do hope to have one coming up if some other fabulous project doesn’t come along."
In spite of her fame and throngs of adoring fans, Blaze remains humble about her success.
"I just work hard and treat everyone well. I know how I like to be treated and I am always mindful of others. I think that’s a big part of my popularity," Blaze added.
Reservations are strongly recommended for the cabaret and for dinner, (Tuesday - Sunday evenings) and can be made by calling (401) 789-3030 after 3:00 pm.
Tickets for productions being presented as part of Theatre By The Sea’s 76th Season, are currently on sale at the box office Monday - Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm, online 24-hours-a-day at the Theater by the Sea box office and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (401) 782-TKTS (8587). On performance days, the box office will also be open one hour prior to every performance and at 12 noon on Sunday.
