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鈥淧ride month started a month ago for me鈥� said a bubbly Dean, fresh of a breakfast radio shift, when quizzed about his preparations.听
In many ways, Pride is something Dean lives 24/7. Having played shows at Gippsland Pride, Mardi Gras and more, Dean鈥檚 presence in Australia鈥檚 Queer scene is as undeniable as it is electric. 鈥淧ride season, I drive right in and keep on swimming鈥� he reflected. A man of many talents, Dean鈥檚 list of professions include (but are not limited to) singer, comedian, radio presenter, and entertainer. It鈥檚 because of this, Dean is going to be one of the hottest tickets during 2024鈥檚 Midsumma Festival. 鈥淚 wear many hats鈥� he humbly admitted. But what will be his 17th appearance, is a show with great significance, especially on a personal level.听
鈥淩eclaiming the space I was supposed to have鈥�
Dean Arcuri Is Out Of This World! was supposed to be one of the highlights of Midsumma 2023, but thanks to the bigotry of a number of online extremists, the show was sadly cancelled.
2024鈥檚 return to the Midsumma Festival lineup, for Dean, will be him 鈥渞eclaiming the space I was supposed to have鈥�, launching his audience on a cosmic, space inspired journey filled with campery, tributes to the Queer artists he loves, and plenty of heart, looking at the cosmos as inspiration for some self-reflection.
With everything from Queen to Bowie, Out Of This World! is packed with memorable moments, laughs and a very healthy dosage of medleys, something Dean loves but admits is a 鈥渘ightmare for musicians鈥�. Dean鈥檚 imagination and ambition seemingly knew few limits. From the costumes to the wild mashups, it鈥檚 almost sad that there is only so far you can go with a stage performance. 鈥淪ome point, you have to draw a line鈥� confessed Dean, acknowledging this unfortunate fact.听
鈥淵eah, I鈥檓 gay!鈥�
Something that is imbued into all of Dean鈥檚 shows, but especially in his upcoming Midsumma Festival gig, is his identity not only as a performer, but as a gay man. For as long as Dean could remember, he did not want to simply be known as a gay performer first and foremost. But as his shows have evolved, and his identity as a performer grown, these two elements have intertwined. 鈥淵eah, I鈥檓 gay鈥� he laughed, emphasising that his part of him only adds another layer of exploration for his show.听
Victoria鈥檚 Pride and Midsumma hold a special place in Dean鈥檚 heart. 鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 have to cost you a fortune鈥� Dean said on the matter, highlighting the openness and warmness of the southern state鈥檚 celebration of all things Queer. And it鈥檚 because of this, Dean keeps coming back.听
When: January 23, 30, and February 6
Where: 171 Smith Street, Fitzroy
