Disney-themed, all-ages drag show in former church canceled thanks to Catholic diocese

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown managed to prevent an all-ages, Disney-themed drag show from being held at one of its former churches thanks to "restrictive covenants" included in the bill of sale.

Last weekend, Kelsey Theater in Saint Clair, Pennsylvania, about 50 miles west of Allentown, had planned to host "A Night at Disney All Age Drag Show" to support the Actors Guild of Schuylkill County and to raise money to repair the theater's roof. However, just days before it was supposed to take place, the actors' guild had to cancel after the diocese threatened to sue for a possible contract violation.

Back in 2019, the diocese sold Sts. Peter and Paul Church on N. Mill St. to the actors' guild, which then turned the building into the Kelsey Theater. As part of the sale, the new owners agreed to certain "restrictive covenants" regarding the way the building would be used. To wit, the diocese did not want the former sacred space used for events or performances that go against church teaching. Such performances include topless dancing — and drag shows.

"Drag shows, particularly those including minors, contradict the teachings of the Church and our understanding of the dignity of the human person," the diocese said in a statement. "The Diocese of Allentown relied on the good will of the Actors Guild of Schuylkill County and the promises they undertook when taking ownership of the church property."

Last Wednesday, the diocese stepped in and warned the actors' guild not to go forward with the Disney drag show or face possible litigation. The threat worked. By Thursday, the guild had canceled the event.

"We don’t have big bucks to go up against the diocese," said Amy Mills, treasurer and spokesperson for the theater. "We don’t have the money for a legal fight."

The drag queens have already rescheduled the event for a different venue at a later date. Meanwhile, the guild is working with the diocese to get better clarity on the "current restrictive covenants" associated with the theater since the guild did not believe the drag show violated them.

"We would also like to state that we have no ill will towards the church," a Facebook post from the guild read in part. "The Guild is trying to build a community theater location that is inclusive to everyone."

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