Nova! The Brightest Starr in Salt Lake City
David Horne
Issue date: 11/11/09 Section: Community
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Originally from Denver, Colorado, Nova has been performing for eleven years and loves living in Salt Lake. When asked if she feels that what she does here in Salt Lake is important, she said, "Why do you think I'm still here?" She reminisced on positive experiences in cities like St. Paul and Philadelphia where she said drag stars are "worshipped" in contrast to Salt Lake where it is hard enough for them to be taken seriously or even get respect. Nonetheless, she continues to entertain and perform all over the Rocky Mountain region.
Despite the tough crowd in Salt Lake, Nova performs weekly at Babylon in downtown Salt Lake. She performs with a handful of other performers also known as her "children"; together they all make the Starr family. Directing her "children" for performances and making sure their makeup is just right, Nova plays a crucial part in the production of her show. Almost every outfit she wears, she makes herself, and the jewelry is designed by her and made by Starr Jewels, a company she co-owns. Starr Jewels sells to clients all over the U.S. and some locations overseas.
For Nova's Halloween show at Babylon on Halloween night, she was busy airbrushing club staff to look ghoulish as ever. Nova was also busy assisting her "children" with their own makeup, including budding star Vivaca Starr -or Skyler Folcomer, 21, who would be performing as the Cheshire cat, in their rendition of Alice in Wonderland for the Halloween night show on Babylon's stage. With everything done but her makeup, the show was almost ready.
In the low lighting of her dressing room, hopes were high as the amazing transformation from man to woman took place in minutes as each stroke of MAC makeup was applied, and elaborate costume was applied. The Rose Queen was ready to rule the stage wearing a fringed skirt with a dramatic bolero inspired shoulder piece with red crystals everywhere; this was one Queen not to be reckoned with. The performers took the stage as clubbers screamed and cheered in approval of all the hard work and creativity.
Nova Starr may be right about Salt Lake City and their criticisms against the gay community, but there is no doubt about the presence of those who are willing to accept this form of art and entertainment. It was quite the show. Nova said "what was I thinking?" about the defining moment she decided to perform in this arena, but her actions on stage would say the opposite. It was a great show and well received too. You can learn more about Nova's current reign on gayinternationalpageants.com and explore her jewelry collection at starrjewels.com.
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