Queen of the Capital

Queen of the Capital is a compelling 2020 documentary directed by Josh Davidsburg. The film is an intimate view of the world of drag and the impactful personalities that make it colorful and vibrant. It stars Daniel Hays, Kevin Alicia, and Rick Legg Benavides, among others.

The film is centered around Muffy Blake Stephyns, a larger-than-life personality played by Daniel Hays, who works for the Bureau of Labor Statistics in Washington D.C. by day. By night, he transforms into his drag persona, Muffy, spreading glitter, joy, and significant political messages. Gary, as Muffy is known in his everyday life, is a distinctive profile in his community, being a government worker, a member of a local charity drag organization, and being the husband of a veteran.

Kevin Alicia is a vibrant contributor to the color palette of the film. He plays Miss Pinky Saki, a member of the Imperial Court of Washington D.C., a charitable organization that raises money through drag events. Kevin's adoration for the drag world is utterly infectious, and he brings a sense of camaraderie and support that is incredibly inspiring.

Rick Legg Benavides, better known by his drag persona Ella Fitzgerald Kennedy Onassis Kennedy, is a multi-talented presence in the film. Known for his strong musical background, Rick brings a unique flair to the drag performances. He is also an advocate for HIV awareness, which brings an essential and poignant message to the narrative.

The titular 'Capital' in Queen of the Capital refers to Washington D.C., where the film is set. In this city, bureaucracy and politics dominate daily life, and the contrast between this and the world of drag is fascinating. This backdrop also facilitates an exploration of the intersectionality between LGBTQ+ rights, political activism, and the drag world's social importance.

The film's general plot revolves around Muffy's ambition to be crowned as Queen of the annual charity fundraiser, the Imperial Court of Washington D.C., which will allow Muffy to channel even more support toward causes close to her heart. This journey is not just about earning the crown, but about advocating social change, friendliness, and acceptance, all set against a backdrop of dazzling costumes, balanced with real-life work, and Pennsylvania Avenue politics.

Queen of the Capital is much more than a playful look at the ebullient world of drag performance. It's an intimate examination of the lives of its stars, exploring how these individuals negotiate various spaces - from their demanding day jobs, the D.C. charity scene, to their night-time roles as radiant queens of the stage.

This profound and emotional narrative also touches on the importance of these individuals' work beyond the entertainment they provide. It showcases the charity work that's often a part of what these drag performers do, contributing to their communities and raising awareness for essential causes.

The documentary balances these deeper, more serious themes with plenty of heartwarming, fun-filled moments. It provides viewers with an in-depth perspective into the world of drag, from selecting the perfect sequin dress to meticulously applying makeup, to the energy-filled actual performance.

Queen of the Capital is not just a tribute to the drag community and the essential work that they do in charity and in advocating LGBTQ+ rights. It is also a portrait of the complex lives that these individuals lead, juggling their day jobs, personal lives, and their dedication to a craft that is often misunderstood. It highlights the importance of living one's truth, fighting for a cause, and doing so with a sense of humor, joy, and a heaping helping of glitter.

On a broader perspective, Queen of the Capital is a portrait of America's capital city that has rarely been perceived before: one that fosters a spirit of acceptance, diversity, and advocacy. The film is a celebration of the courage of expressing oneself, framed against the backdrop of a charity drag show, a testament to the resilience, comic relief, and glamour of its stars.

In closing, Queen of the Capital is an enlightening, inspiring, and thoroughly entertaining documentary that advocates understanding, acceptance, and making the world a more vibrant, accepting, and colorful place.