By Sherani Theophilus, Times Chronicle
Drag and burlesque combined last Saturday (Feb. 25) as a sold out show transformed Osoyoos’ The Sage Pub into a riotous evening thanks to Freida Whales’ Drag Show.
You may have heard of Freida Whales – performed by Tyler Cook – through the controversy stirred up in 2019 at the Kelowna Public Library.
A memo at the time from Okanagan Regional Library CEO, Don Nettleton, described the Kelowna Drag Queen book reading program for children as, “controversial and potentially very divisive,” as he pushed the board to make decisions about programming. The memo identified local Okanagan Drag Queen Miss Freida Whales.
Shortly thereafter the library board issued a statement recommending Nettleton and all senior staff members receive sensitivity training which was completed in December, 2019.
Freida Whales
Hundreds of supporters came to cheer Cook on Jan. 28, 2023, as Drag Queen Story Time finally returned to the Kelowna Library after a two year hiatus. While speaking with Cook before the Osoyoos show they commented: “Super excited for how it all ended up. It was a great turn out for our side. We’ve got lots more planned, more coming down the chute!”
Asked if it’s part of their mission to bring drag further into the mainstream, Cook answered: “I’m definitely more of a clown character, more like Bugs Bunny in a way. I dress up for laughs and gags. I just like to have a good time.” Freida Whales refers to themself as the Okanagan Orca, the BC Beluga, “everything about me is a dad pun that’s ocean based.”
Cook explained that drag can be very innocent as it is for children at story time, and it can also be more sexualized as it was for the audience at the Osoyoos performance.
They spoke of their show as more of a variety act, a little bit of everything. “Drag queens, drag kings, drag things, some burlesque, some live singing, and even some comedy tossed in there. Really everything for everybody.”
Cook brought an assistant and three dancers who put on a well received burlesque performance interspersed with comedy from the character they perform as Freida. It was high energy and the crowd was extremely engaged.
As many know, drag and burlesque performers dance for tips, so the concept of consent was discussed at the beginning of the show, so everyone was on the same page about getting permission before touching.
“We added Osoyoos because we love bringing small towns, big city entertainment! Small towns are the best audiences too! We look forward to bringing many more shows to the South Okanagan and more! Next one is April 29th and is already selling fast!”
Allan Redekopp, owner of The Sage Pub, said that he was thrilled that the event was a complete success and sold out faster than any other event they have ever hosted.
“I feel that it was well received and understand that it is not for everybody, yet was very proud of our community for both the acceptance and attendance, as well as the respect of those not necessarily thrilled or accepting of this type of event, for remaining neutral or quiet, which is a very positive sign.
Redekopp said he did receive some negative feedback, “which we both expected and attempted to deal with constructively and with understanding and acceptance of their point of view. There is always at least one in every crowd,” he added.
Because of the overwhelming success of the show, the pub will be hosting another on April 29 with Redekopp recommending people get their tickets early, as he expects another sold out show.
