MONROE, N.C. — A play led by a drag queen at the Dowd Center Theatre in downtown Monroe will still happen.
On Friday, Monroe city Leaders voted to continue having private events or shows at the city-owned Dowd Center Theatre.
WCNC Charlotte heard from many Monroe residents who said some on the city council, like Mayor Robert Burns, were trying to suspend all shows to stop one show from performing. But instead of suspending the show, the council voted to honor the existing contracts of the private bookings.
Next week, through funding by the North Carolina Arts Council, Cristal Robinson with Union County Pride said they will put on the show "Hello, Daddy!". The play is produced and performed by Delighted Tobehere, a drag queen from South Carolina who is known for her appearance on the 10th season of America's Got Talent.
"We get to do our event," Robinson said. "And that’s what we get to do on March 22. It’s about a drag queen auditioning for plays.”
The show has been promised and tickets have been sold. Robinson said Union County Pride went through the right avenues to put the show on at the theatre by submitting an application and meeting with leadership. Pete Hovanec, the Monroe Tourism Director confirmed that with WCNC Charlotte.
Despite the city council's vote, some in Monroe believe the material being performed is inappropriate.
Councilmember Franco McGee said that some members of the council wanted to suspend all current contracts at the Dowd Theatre. That would have included the upcoming "Hello, Daddy!" production.
On Friday, after a closed session meeting, the Monroe City Council returned to council chambers. They were expected to vote to suspend all performances for the time being. Instead, councilmember Julie Thompson said something unexpected.
"Private rental events in 2024 to remain and consider a pause on additional events being added to the 2024 calendar," Thompson said.
In response, some council members said the decision was made with the safety of everyone in the community in mind, including minors. Before the vote, Mayor Burns made a final plea.
"The possibility of what this opens up is, I believe, detrimental to the city and the progress we are making," he said.
The council voted 4-2 to honor the current contracts. But the theatre can't accept new ones until a new application process is agreed upon. Franco McGee voted with the motion and WCNC Charlotte reporter Austin Walker spoke with him after the vote.
"We serve all people and make sure that everyone is safe," McGee said.
McGee did say he does support a rewrite of the current contract and application process.
But while the show is scheduled, Monroe resident Michelle Ball said she is unhappy with how some on the council voted.
"So many people you think are conservative and you think love the Lord and you think want to protect kids didn’t vote to do that," she said.
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.