Hail to the Queens

Prior to their Chicago show, The Queer Queens of Qomedy share a few fun and funny facts
By Jason P Freeman

"Let's make like a fetus," Dana Eagle explains of her favorite childhood joke, "and head out."

And that's what Eagle will be doing when the New Jersey native heads out to join The Queer Queens of Qomedy in Chicago. Hosted and produced by Poppy Champlin, the all-lesbian comedy ensemble's mission is to have annual shows across the country. Following its foundation in 2005, The Queer Queens have appeared in Virginia, Texas and California. Their Windy City stay is scheduled for Friday, August 8, 2008.

"I want to bring gay comedy to the gay communities that don't have a way to produce it on their own," says Champlin.

In anticipation of their Chicago show, both Champlin and Eagle shared brief bios with ChicagoPride.com:

POPPY CHAMPLIN
As Seen on TV: Champlin can be seen on HBO's Documentary, "All Aboard: Rosie's Family Vacation."

Online Presence: www.poppycockprod.com

Stage Presence: Champlin charms the crowd with a hip, fearless and in your face style of comedy that convinces them to come along for the ride.

Sadist or Masochist? "I'm not a sadist, but I am most happy when I leave the audience screaming, crying and doubled over in pain from laughter."

DANA EAGLE
As Seen on TV: Eagle has appeared in an ABC Pilot with Jason Alexander and was the host of Comcast On Demand's "UNConventional." She has been seen on Byron Allen's "Comics Unleashed" and was a writer and contributor to the show.

Favorite Pastime: I like eating candy. Not chocolate, just straight sugar like Spree or Skittles. I've just started taking yoga. They don't let you bring candy.

Proudest Moment of Stage: "I guess I feel proud of my trip to Iraq but I'm not sure if it was as much proud as honored to get such an opportunity. It opened up my world. The people I met, the things I got to do. It was all so much, quite overwhelming still, it's hard to distill into one or two sentences--though I did make a four-minute music video about it that you can view on my web site, DanaEagle.com. Thank God for the Green Day song 'Time of Your Life,' which can eloquently capture any experience. If I had gone bowling, I would have a music video with that same song; the pictures would be different though."

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Performing at The Lakeshore Theater, 3175 N. Broadway, Queer Queens Champlin and Eagle are joined by LOGO's "Big Gay Sketch Show" ensemble member Julie Goldman, Friday, August 8, 2008 at 8 p.m. Call the theater for tickets, 773-472-3492: $20 dollars in advance, $25 at the door.