Darcelle XV Showplace at risk of going out of business, asks community for support

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Portland’s Darcelle XV Showplace is calling for public support to avoid going out of business, the celebrated drag show venue announced on July 24.

The news comes roughly 16 months after Walter Cole, the club’s iconic owner and performer known for his drag queen persona Darcelle XV, died at the age of 92 . The grim announcement was posted to the club’s Facebook page in a statement addressed to its “faithful supporters of 57 years.”

“The time has come to make difficult decisions regarding the future of Darcelle XV Showplace,” the Facebook post reads. “As our friend Darcelle and the legacy she’s left behind has been there for the greater Community for almost 6 decades, it’s time we ask for help in return. To ensure our doors remain open we need your help! Please come support our club, attend our shows, plan your celebrations with us and help spread the word far and wide that our club is nearing the unfortunate moment so many other small businesses have recently.”

Local performer Kevin Cook, who takes the stage as his drag queen alter ego Poison Waters, told KOIN 6 News that Cole’s family still owns the venue, but the loss of Darcelle has had an impact on attendance.

“The issue is what we knew it would be,” Cook said. “The show itself is fabulous, and the club is fabulous, but people want to see Darcelle. He is the star of the situation.”

Cook said that customers are also reluctant to come back to Old Town Chinatown, but that the its working with audiences and neighboring businesses to revive the area.

“Between Darcelle passing and coming out of COVID, people are still hesitant to come to Old Town, so we’re doing our best to work with our neighbors to make sure Old Town is thriving. We started a brunch show and that’s our biggest seller. That’s a reflection that people prefer to come to Old Town in the daytime,” Cook said.

It’s uncertain how long the club can stay in business, but Cook said that the club and its performers appreciate any support to help keep the venue open.

“We just wanted to let people know the writing on the wall,” Cook said. “So many small businesses close and we wanted to give folks the opportunity to help us now … It’s not as dire as tomorrow, but who knows what the following months the rest of the year will look like.”

Darcelle’s holds one show on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., one show on Fridays from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., two shows on Saturdays, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday Funday Brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. People can also show support by renting the venue for private parties.

“Thank you for understanding and hearing this humble plea,” the club announced. “But the reality is, this is where we are at.”

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