Review: The Girl from Oz-some

By Michael Block 

Most of us have pride when it comes to where we’re from. It tends to be a great theme for a show. Just ask drag’s pop princess Courtney Act! Courtney Act, one of the most stunning humans in and out of drag, brings her homeland of Australia to America in a celebration of song in The Girl From Oz.

photo by Michael Block

While she’s best known to us stateside as a runner-up on season 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Courtney Act is also known for her time as a contestant on Australia Idol. The Girl From Oz was top to bottom a concert and Courtney Act has the pipes for it. Working her Australian artist repertoire, Courtney started off the night with an homage to Olivia Newton John and “The Wizard of Oz” as she roller skated her way through “Xanadu.” From there, Courtney left no big name Australian untouched. Ranging from a Sia medley to rocking AC/DC cover, not only did she educate the crowd on the talents that came from the land down under but quite possibly proved they might just have more talent. Wit three sexy looks that ranged from a riff on Dorothy, a gold frock, and glistening swimsuit accompanied by some ruby red thigh-highs, there wasn’t a moment when she didn’t slay the stage. She may not be known as a comedy queen like her season 6 sister Bianca Del Rio, but Courtney Act is one funny lady. Her audience banter included an array of funny jabs and shady jokes that came easy. What made The Girl From Oz a successful cabaret was the flow of the show and her ability to move from song to song seamlessly. The integration of the videos were a hilarious touch that only added to the humor and theme.
Courtney Act may be blocked by RuPaul but the rest of the fandom loves her and The Girl From Oz proves why. She is an effervescent performer that knows how to command the room. You know you have control when your audience demands an encore by holding gay Aussie icon Kylie Minogue for very last.