Her turn, his voice: ‘The Domita Show’ debuts at Noce

Domita Sanchez performs at Noce. (Photo: Noce)

By Hailey Evans

For almost 10 years now, Noce has drawn crowds of all ages to Walnut Street to see local and national acts spin out classic jazz, blues, big band tunes and even soul and gospel. Its wide range of artistic styles grows even wider on Friday, when the club debuts a new cabaret starring local drag queen Domita Sanchez.

“The Domita Show featuring Travis Ness” was co-created by Travis Ness, who performs in drag as Domita, along with composer Paul Lichy, Noce owner and singer Max Wellman and fellow Noce performer and show co-producer Napoleon Douglas.

Ness has been performing drag for a decade, notably as one of the Saddle Gurls at the Blazing Saddle, as Lola in the 2023 run of “Kinky Boots” at the Des Moines Playhouse and as an opener for Chappell Roan during her concerts last year in Iowa. Before that, Ness was a cheerleader and theater kid in high school, and he studied theater at Drake University. Ness, Wellman and Douglas have been friends since their school days and their tight-knit friendship and talent is evident in the fun, artistic show they’ve created to spotlight Ness.

Wellman said conversations for “The Domita Show” began shortly after last year’s success of Noce’s “Voix de Ville” cabaret, which featured Domita as well as drag queen Tyona Diamond and Ballet Des Moines dancers Logan and Amelia Hillman. “It was clear to me that there was a lot more Travis could do,” Wellman said.

This show will differ from a traditional drag show. It’s a variety show in every sense of the word, with comedy, dancing and a 10-piece band playing arrangements of pop songs and jazz standards. Ness will sing live, both as himself and as Domita.

“In the past, it was frowned upon for drag queens to sing because crowds didn’t want them to have these low, masculine voices,” Ness said. “Now it’s kind of changing. It’s cool to see them showcase that talent.”

For some, the notion of listening to jazz at a live jazz club may feel intimidating, but Wellman challenges that idea with shows like this one. “Cabaret, the art form, is such a great space for creativity and thinking outside the box,” he said.

“The Domita Show” is currently slated for two performances, at 7 p.m. this Friday and June 13. But the creative team hopes to continue the show with updated performances throughout the year. Tickets are available online.