Empower Wisconsin | Dec. 8, 2020
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers may have just saved a “drag extravaganza” in Madison.
The Democrat recently announced he’s giving nearly 100 live entertainment venues in Wisconsin a total of $15 million through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The grant recipients — 96 in all — include FPC Live, owners and promoters of Madison’s Sylvee and Majestic Theater. A $395,000 COVID relief grant will help the majestic bring Wisconsin’s capital city “She’s A Woman: Starring Miz Cracker.”
Miz Cracker is the stage name of Maxwell Heller, an American drag queen and television personality.
“Miz Cracker‘s brand new drag extravaganza has it all—standup, original music, slapstick, and jump splits!” the Majestic raves about its rescheduled act, set to take the stage in February — for the low, low price of $30 a ticket, $60 for VIPs.
Grant awards also went to promoters of outdoor music festivals, children’s theaters, opera houses, and fine arts centers from Appleton to Platteville to Washburn.
No doubt the live music and arts have been hit hard by the pandemic, but the $15 million grant program speaks to the priorities of the governor and his administration. It follows a $15 million in CARES Act funding for the arts Evers announced last month.
As businesses statewide reel from the brutal economic impacts of the virus and stringent health orders, is giving bailouts to promoters of Miz Cracker and her “drag extravaganza” an appropriate use of taxpayer money?
