Drag Revue Show At Delco VFW Supports Vets Through Comedy, Music, More

MEDIA, PA — A few times a year, the Media VFW Post 3460 hosts a show that some might be suprised to learn about.

"U.S.Oh My!" is a veteran-produced and hosted drag and burlesque cabaret show that benefits the VFW while bringing bawdy humor to roaring crowds.

The show is the brainchild of Army veteran Timmay Barlow, better known on stage as Gio Michaels.

Michaels, 57, launched the show about three years ago and told Patch it's only grown since its inception.

The former nurse said his upcoming show on Thursday, May 11 already has more than $500 worth of tickets sold.

"It's hit or miss," he said of strong attendance, but went on to say the show has been successful overall, especially lately.

His last show was standing room only.

Michaels is best known for portraying Liza Minnelli, Stevie Nicks, and Judy Garland in drag.

He got his start when he was stationed in Hawaii in the 1990s when he and a friend did a gender-swapped costume idea for Halloween: He went as Marilyn Monroe and his friend as Elvis.

After making waves on Oahu for his portrayal of old Hollywood starlets, he ended up working in San Francisco then in shows on the Las Vegas strip.

There, he spent time working with huge stars such as Debbie Reynolds and Joan Rivers, making a name for himself.

"I learned from the best," he said. I'm very proud of it."

For seven years he performed on the strip before moving back to the East Coast for nursing.

He eventually ended up in Chester and wanted to help out the VFW, of which he is a member, when COVID led the hall to take a hit.

It all started as a burlesque show in the hall's cafeteria/canteen.

Michaels pays for the space, but also pays his cast and crew.

And the crowds who attend support the VFW by spending money at its bar and on tickets.

Michaels and his team split the ticket prices with the VFW, and his paying for the space to perform helps pad the VFW's coffers, as well.

Shows also have 50/50 raffles that support the VFW.

"In a way, I still feel like I'm serving my country," he said.

The show has evolved, and always is evolving.

Michaels and his cast and crew are always trying new things to see what will catch on with their audiences, which he said always include a few guys being dragged to the shows.

"They're the ones who always have the most fun," he said. "It's a great time."

But in 2023, a man dressing up as a woman is still a taboo subject in some areas and among some individuals

"There are always a few people wherever you go," Michaels said of those who oppose gender-bending theatrics of drag shows and performers.

Not in Media, though, he said.

"The cast always comments how welcome they feel at the VFW," he said.

And it is rather uncommon to see such a flamboyant performance in spaces reserved for military veterans.

Michaels said his experience performing at the VFW in Media has been overwhelmingly positive, however.

That's not to say his community of cabaret, drag, and other performers aren't the target of certain groups.

"It's Unbelievable what's going on in the world, and they're coming after us," Michaels said. "We're the Marines of the LBGTQ community: You're not gonna **** with us!"

Despite his anger at those lashing out at his community, Michaels does not push politics or opinions in his shows.

"I try to keep politics out of it," he said. "I'm not involved in preaching or telling people how to think or vote."

He does end shows with a song that he said defines his existence.

When the show is nearly over, he strips off his makeup and gets into his Army fatigues to perform the song "What Makes a Man a Man" by French singer-songwriter Charles Aznavour.

The song is about a male performer who take the stage in drag.

The lyrics, in part, read:

I do a very special show
Where I end nude from head to toe
After stripteasing
Each night the men look so surprised
I change my sex before they're eyes
Tell me if you can
What makes a man a man

Later in the song, Aznavour's protagonist laments of going to sleep alone and friendless, longing for a lost love, and how some rules must be broken to live.

I know my life is not a crime
I'm just a victim of my timeI stand defenseless
Nobody has the right to be
The judge of what is right for me
Tell me if you can
What makes a man a man

The next U.S.Oh My! show will feature Michaels and performers Salotta Tee, Lisa Parks, Joey Josephs, and Miss V.

A surprise guest performer is also planned for the May show.

"Every time I ask, my cast is there," Michaels said. "The cast has a lot of professional experience to bring together in one happy little cocktail of lunacy.

Tickets are $25 for general admission and $10 for veterans.

Get tickets online here.

While tickets are sold in advance of all shows, Michaels said a set number are reserved at the door.

The Media VFW Post 3460 is located at 11 Hilltop Road in Media.

"It's the most glamorous piece of trash you'll ever see," he said.