Cookie Dough, local drag performer extraordinaire, proudly celebrates ten years of "The Monster Show," the weekly variety show which she's been hosting, first at Harvey's, and more recently at the Edge. Known for its wacky movie and pop culture themes, The Monster Show will hold its big tenth anniversary party on Saturday, August 23 at Beaux.
So who, we wondered, is Cookie Dough? It turns out that Cookie, aka Eddie Bell, is one of the nicest guys ever to don a dress. As she decides what to wear to her big soiree, Ms. Dough replied to questions about the anniversary, and the special recipe for Cookie's dough.
David-Elijah Nahmod: Tell me more about Cookie Dough.
Cookie Dough: I am a local drag artist, a native San Franciscan. I do performances and fundraisers. My partner and I, DJ MC 2, have been together for 14 years. We co-created The Monster Show, which is a drag show party. It's the longest running drag show in the Castro. DJ is the quiet behind the scenes type. I'm the loud, boisterous one with the mike.
What drew you to drag?
Since I was a kid I wanted to perform, to be an actor. I loved performing, but sometimes life sidetracks you. I was the sound and light person at Josie's Cabaret and Juice Joint (which closed in 1999). After working behind the scenes at Josie's, it was time to try something different. I think part of it was to put on a costume and to be fearless and to get than instant gratification from an audience. I tried it once, and 14 years later...
Didn't you also work with Marc Huestis at his Castro Theater celebrity shows?
Yes, Marc saw me do the lights for Lypsinka, and he hired me. I did shows for him for 13 years. After one show, Marc, Karen Black and I sat around talking for an hour.
Do you ever perform out of drag?
I try to take acting and vocal lessons. I've done some male parts at Rebel. It's fun to get up and be a guy and act.
As a cross-dressing performer, what are your thoughts on the T word controversy?
I feel that as things progress, how much power do we give to a word? It's the intent of words and how we use words and actions.
Do you think Trannyshack should change its name?
Heklina is not out to hurt anyone's feelings. She's not political. You can't take something that's been around for eighteen years and change it. None of us wants our transgender brothers and sisters to be hurt. I'm a drag queen, that's what I am.
What are some of the charities you like to support when you do benefit performances?
I'm a big advocate for schools and for AIDS research. PAWS (Pets are Wonderful support) is a great organization. Also Wounded Warriors, a nonprofit for soldiers who come home with no limbs need help and funding.
And now the tenth anniversary of Monster Show is at hand. What can those who join you for the celebration expect?
We'll be at Beaux on Saturday, instead of our usual Thursday night at The Edge. Beaux and Edge are owned by the same people, and they're the nicest guys. Heklina will be co-hosting, and my husband, DJ MC2, will be there, along with Paul Goodyear, who's a legendary award-winning DJ. We're the official after-party of Peaches Christs' Showgirls at the Castro that same night!
"The Monster Show's 10th Anniversary Party," starring Cookie Dough and Heklina, with DJs MC2 and Paul Goodyear, and many guest performers, will be held Saturday Aug. 23, at Beaux, 2344 Market Street at Castro. 9pm-2am. $5 cover, $2 off with a Showgirls ticket stub. www.beauxsf.com