November 29, 2006
Queen of the Whole Universe – two days to go!
There’s only two days to go till the outrageous and third annual drag beauty pageant “Queen of the Whole Universe” hits
Auckland, and Ali Mau is excited.
The Prime TV presenter says she’s looking forward to acting as MC for part of the show, to be held at the Aotea Centre
in Auckland on December 1st, World AIDS Day. “I’ll just be there to introduce some of the most stunning creatures you’ll
ever see, and I’m fully expecting to be completely overshadowed by all of them!” she laughs.
Ali says she feels it’s important to continue raising awareness about HIV and AIDS in a time when it seems to have
slipped off the radar: “It may not be seen as a ‘hot’ issue because of the new treatments that are available, but AIDS
is something that hasn’t gone away or disappeared – it’s still a serious life-threatening illness.”
“Queen of the Whole Universe” director Jonathan Smith says there have been four choreographers hard at work on the
extravagant show, which promises to be an evening of glamour and high camp. “The opening routine is going to blow
people’s socks off – 34 girls, four muscle boys, and contestants as far away as Burkina Faso,” he says.
While light-hearted, the show also contains a strong acknowledgement to World AIDS Day, with the inclusion of the New
Zealand Quilt Project. “This show is about reflection, not just on those we have lost but also literally – some of these
costumes could light up the National Grid,” Smith continues.
“Queen of the Whole Universe” takes place 8pm this Friday December 1st at the ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGE.
Tickets are available from Ticketek on (09) 307-5000, and all seat prices include an invitation to the post-event party.
Profits from the show will be donated to the New Zealand AIDS Foundation for its education and prevention work, and
support for all New Zealanders living with HIV.
ENDS