Louis B Hobson's- Late Great Drag Queen

The Late Great Mormon Drag Queen

Steven Morton has to be congratulated for finding this true story. It’s as unbelievable as it is entertaining. Brigham Morris Young was the 15th son of the polygamous Mormon prophet Brigham Young. He was a shy, unassuming man destined to be forgotten, except that he found his true vocation, in the drag persona of Madam Pattrini. Morris came alive when he donned the wig and dress and people loved him. The prophet Lorenzo Snow even asked Morris to entertain at his 87th birthday, because drag was not as vilified as it has become these days. Morris wouldn’t accept the invitation until his wife and five children gave their permission.

Morton tells this story using original vaudeville-style songs which he also wrote and by switching characters. He is particularly effective when Morris and his wife are talking. It’s amazing watching Morton switching character so quickly and effortlessly. Morton has a great voice and he treats the vaudeville songs with real pizzaz, but he is also a trained opera singer so his Madam Pattrini is a vocal delight. Fun and funny as this piece is, Morton still shows great pathos especially when Morris writes to his eldest son who is studying abroad to tell him about his drag persona and to get his son’s approval.

Morris’ drag persona is very simple. It is Morton who brings Madam Pattrini to life. He goes behind a screen to don the wig and dress. He should do that transformation in front of the audience. Morton makes it clear that Morris comes alive when he dons the dress and wig, and we should see that transformation happening.

This is a show destined to become a staple in Morton’s repertoire and it should be seen in one of its final performances.