Bigger and bolder
Stage show being presented Saturday during Truro’s Pride Week
Music, comedy, energy and eyecatching outfits combine to create an unforgettable show when Jake Chisholm and Shaun McLean take the stage, and they’re doing their first Truro show this month, before taking August off.
“We were able to participate in the Pride parade last year and we got a really nice warm reception,” said Chisholm. “We thought this would be a perfect way to wrap up our summer performances.”
The idea for a drag show came to him when he dressed in drag for Halloween. He approached McLean to see if he was interested and they created “Jake and Shaun’s Big Gay Affair.”
“It’s not a typical drag show, I call it new drag,” he said. “There’s a lot of comedy. We have a cast of about 10 and do comedy sketches. I have 10 or 11 outfit changes during a show. There’s a lot of live music, and it’s music everyone’s familiar with so it turns into a big sing- a- long. The whole point is for everyone to have fun.”
Chisholm grew up near Toronto and did a lot of modelling and acting when he was young. McLean, who has lived in Nova Scotia his entire life, has been singing and performing for decades. They live in Pictou County.
“Jake & Shaun’s Big Gay Affair” first hit the stage in July 2016 and has now been staged in communities around the province.
The men will take part in Truro’s Pride Parade again this year — with help from sponsors Century Honda and Century Hyundai — and Civic Square celebrations before the show at the Marigold Cultural Centre at 7: 30 p. m. on July 29.
Earlier in the day they will read to children during story time at the library.
“We’re very flattered to be asked to do that, and we’re excited because we haven’t done that before,” said Chisholm.
He’s not sure how they’ll dress for that event but there will be eye- catching outfits.
The men are also writing what they hope will become a television show. Chisholm said it is similar to the stage show with its sense of comedy but is more of a talk show and doesn’t involve drag.
For more information check out “Jake & Shaun’s Big Gay Affair” Facebook page at https:// www. facebook. com/ biggayaffair/.