BY MIA CANTU

Drama Queens

8 P.M. FRIDAY-SATURDAY, THROUGH MARCH 31 THE BOOM 2218 N.W. 39TH 601-7200 $15

The comedy Drama Queens takes on a voyeuristic feel as the audience watches eight personalities clash in a male chorus dressing room. Writer and director Robert Matson gathered his inspiration for the show during his years as a dressing assistant at Lyric Theatre.

“I wanted to create that ensemble feel,” said Matson, an Oklahoma City University graduate. “When I was a dresser, the guys were all very different. Some were high-maintenance, some weren’t at all, and some were funny. I just put together these wild and crazy personalities and it worked out.”

This will be the show’s third run. It was first performed at the Individual Artists of Oklahoma Gallery in the mid-’90s.

Since then, Matson has made improvements, one of which required removing a character altogether. He said the show is sharper, tighter and more emotional than past incarnations.

Drama Queens brings together an array of unique personalities who feed off each other and are balanced by their differences, an assortment ranging from divas and egomaniacs to cowboys and a man who never speaks.

“The audience will be laughing and then get blown away by what happens in the end,” Matson said.

Patrons to the show can also enjoy a meal. The Boom opens its doors at 6 p.m., and the audience is invited to arrive early for dinner and drinks.

“The Boom has a great ambience and great food,” said Matson. “This show is for people who want to have a good time and maybe watch some men take off their clothes.”