Review – What’s the Name of the Dame?

by James Olsen for FILMbutton

What’s the Name of the Dame?

Director: Allan Neuwirth

Cast: Betzy with a Z, Cashetta, Connie Cat, Edie, Hedda Lettuce, Joie Starr, June Bug, Sade Pendarvis, Yolanda

In 2004, Figjam Records brought together nine of New York City’s top drag queens to re-imagine fourteen classic ABBA songs. With this film, we are given not only music videos to go along with many of these songs, but also stories from the queens involved and other notables, and a look at the enduring popularity of ABBA.

With the talent between these queens, the songs are all entertaining, although some do stand out more than the others. Top among the highlights of the videos, Hedda Lettuce and Yolanda perform as the Chixie Dix and provide a great version of Dancing Queen as a country-western number. Other memorable numbers include Yolanda returning for a beautiful solo with a gospel-blues take on Lay All Your Love on Me, and Cashetta doing a touching performance of The Winner Takes It All.

In between the videos, the queens talk both about their personal experiences as well as drag and LGBT history. While the personal stories are interesting and alternately touching and amusing, it is the historical stories that are more captivating. The history of drag is looked at through Vaudeville, Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, and to Club 82 in New York City in the 50’s and 60’s. Also providing commentary are celebrities such as Christine Baranski, Joan Rivers, and Bruce Vilanch. Special recognition is given to Divine and RuPaul for their roles in helping drag be more mainstream.

A recurring presence throughout the film is Benny Andersson, who acknowledges himself that he never always understood the popularity of his own music. He puts forth various theories, but seems most content with knowing that the LGBT community is largely to thank for both their initial popularity as well as the fact that the world continues to listen to the music of ABBA.

For any ABBA fans, this film will provide unique takes on familiar tunes, all of which are very enjoyable. Non-ABBA fans may find a version or two that they can enjoy, but will obviously get much less out of the film.

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