Dr. Steven Evans: You have been busy! We go way back more than 10 years, to the first year of OutClique! I have loved watching your career unfold from piano playing to acting to writing to cruises to film (go stream BIG EASY QUEENS on HULU NOW!), but you seem now to be really established and settled at Next Bar and Lounge. How is the show going and how do you find the show has improved?
Miss Bouvèé: The concept of a show-tunes-themed night is not original or specific to me. But, having done the themed show for over 5 years now locally, I really wanted to improve the guest experience. At Next Bar and Lounge they have a unique to the Drive LED video wall which can be utilized by performers, a state-of-the-art sound system, drinks not found anywhere else on the Drive, and a NYC cabaret lounge feel in the room. In the end, I think it just feels like the whole package.
Evans: Why show tunes? What makes that kind of a theme special?
Bouvèé: I think a lot of folks in the LGBTQIA+ community grew up going to the theatre, acting or dancing in the theatre, or appreciating icons from the theatre. The songs are familiar like “Everything’s Coming Up Roses”, memorable like “Age of Aquarius”, and in some cases even life defining like “I Am What I Am”. I think next to the divas we love, show tunes often represent our struggle, our need to shine, and help create a space for us to gather and feel like we are not alone.
Evans: Do you ever get tired of the songs? What is your favorite song to sing?
Bouvèé: In the end, I am there for the audience. If they want to hear Defying Gravity every week, then I sing Defying Gravity every week. They drive the show, not me. Do I grow tired of certain songs, sure; but my job is to sing and entertain, not really to have an opinion on the request someone is generously tipping for. These days, one of my personal favorites to sing, though, is “Anthem” from Chess.
Evans: You are known as quite the activist in town and last year even made the Out100 national list of artists and activists in the LGBTQIA+ community. What do you think about that?
Bouvèé: I think activism is a duty all drag queens should partake in. Some element of service, especially to our community, should be a part of what you do and offer the folks you expect to support you. To me, it is something that is just a central part of my being. I can’t imagine not speaking up for social injustices; I don’t always get it right, but the key is to listen when you don’t and learn.
Evans: What are you currently raising funds for?
Bouvèé: Naples Pride and Key West Pride. I am raising $15,000 for Naples Pride in an effort to offset their security charges required to hold the event for roughly 2,500 people. Secondly, I am raising $7,500 to keep the live-singing performer’s stage alive in Key West for their pride. While it doesn’t cover all the costs, it does alleviate significant financial woes from the Business Guild now that state money is no longer permitted to fund any DEI initiatives, like Gay Pride(s).
Evans: You came up with a pretty cool way to incentivize giving for those campaigns. Tell readers about that!
Bouvèé: YES! The City of Miami held an auction which had the usual things like repossessed cars and other items but in September, they sold off the remaining bricks from the rainbow crosswalk! I bid on several of the 10 brick lots and won. So now, if someone donates $250 or more to either campaign, they receive a brick! This is a piece of history in the state of Florida, nay, the nation. These were removed out of fear, bigotry, and were an attempt to erase us. To my knowledge, they are the only surviving rainbow bricks in the state of Florida since all the other crosswalks were sandblasted over or painted. Donate by emailing MissBouvee@gmail.com
Evans: You have graced our cover three times before this month (February 2021, May 2022, October 2023) and you always have interesting projects; what can folks look forward to from Miss Bouvèé next?
Bouvèé: I am really turning my attention to cruising exclusively with OUTbound. They are just such a great full charter company to work with and for. I am working on polishing up my holiday cabaret “Bells, Boughs, and Bouvèé” debuting this month in Palm Springs. Most importantly, I am trying to manifest production of my next full feature film “Fiddler’s Green” which is a period specific film that focuses on the oppression of our queer and artistic community in Nazi-era northern France. I think audiences will find it chillingly timely.
Miss Bouvèé’s ShowTune Tuesday LIVE is presented every Tuesday at Next Bar and Lounge. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling or texting 754-800-4201. 8:00 PM showtime. No cover or ticket required. Next Bar and Lounge, 2242 Wilton Dr. Wilton Manors FL 33305.
