Drag Show Boosting Business
by Christina Scannapiego and Andrea Swayne San Clemente Times
Oct 20, 2010
http://www.sanclementetimes.com/view/full_story/9983215/article-Drag-Show-Boosting-Business?instance=sc_living_headlines (http://www.sanclementetimes.com/view/full_story/9983215/article-Drag-Show-Boosting-Business?instance=sc_living_headlines)
The dining room at Adele's looks like any other family-style restaurant with the classic Americana café touches—a United States flag at the entrance, floral draperies on the windows and an array of diner-style booths and tables scattered throughout. Even the crowd looks very "run of the mill"—a mix of gender and age, couples and singles—everything appears rather ordinary. That is until the music starts pumping and a mirrored disco ball sends sparkling flecks of prismatic light spinning around the walls, floor and ceiling and an emcee takes the stage wearing a mile-high violet wig, theatrical makeup and a beautiful gown bedazzled with sequins and feathers. The crowd goes wild with applause. This is going to be some kind of show—a glamorous, curious, gender-bending drag queen show—where the entertainers are men and their performances are over-the-top impersonations of women. The regulars are readying their stacks of $1 bills preparing to tip the "ladies" in appreciation for their dazzling—and at times risqué—comedy, song and dance numbers.
When Adele Lux opened her second diner location at the San Clemente Inn on Avenida Del Presidente in 2006, a live entertainment permit only added to the draw of her already-famous breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. But aside from live bands and parties, Luxe has added this new flavor to her menu—one that San Clemente might not be accustomed to.