Alexis Sakellaris has a P.h.D.IVA in Stanology and is here to teach eager audiences how A Stan is Born. With a pep in their step, original songs and vocals to die for, Sakellaris tells tales of growing up in rural Germany, defined by their undying love for pop divas. With the help of director and dramaturg Jessica Phillippi and assistance from Madison Cole, the result is a wholesome hour of queer joy, self acceptance and diva ‘herstory’.
A wholesome hour of queer joy, self acceptance and diva ‘herstory’
Sakellaris opens the show on their keyboard, underscoring a sassy introduction with suspenseful chords, before bursting into song. They address the concept of a stan head on (levelling the playing field for the boomers); in fact, according to their opening number, “we are all stans” — that is, we all have someone or something we are a fan of. This universalises the concept and immediately draws everyone in with their relatability. It doesn’t hurt that Sakellaris’ has an astounding voice. Smooth and soulful, they impressively deliver pitch perfect vocals and tributes to Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera in the form of staggering riffs, even in the absence of a mic.
This first section of the show is bold and punchy; however, at times the performance becomes over-exaggerated. Some jokes are rushed and thus don’t quite land, and there is a sense that Sakellaris is leaning into certain stereotypes for comic effect. Embracing more of their natural stage presence and charisma would help create a more nuanced and engaging performance, and Philippi and Cole could work more on bringing out the authenticity of the piece. This could be helped with a projector to provide some visual aids for the references that Sakellaris makes throughout the show.
The show takes on a more vulnerable tone as Sakellaris reflects upon how highly they regarded these women who they knew intimately in their head, but could never quite reach, and gradually reveal the trials and tribulations of being a queer child in a conservative community. The greatest turning point in Sakellaris’ work comes when they acknowledge that divas exist not just in the spotlight, but in our own lives—mothers, sisters, female friends. The show delves into the powerful realization that our idols, too, are imperfect. This is by far the most compelling aspect of the narrative. Exposing the flaws of the divas we worship, whether they be public figures or people we hold dear, forces us to confront uncomfortable truths that resonate on a deeply personal level. It would be fascinating if Sakellaris explored this theme further, weaving it into the show by connecting it back to their own life.
After some touching reflections on the challenges that Sakellaris has faced as a queer stan, they close the show with an uplifting message of self love and empowerment, and you leave the theatre with warmth in your heart. Overall, A Stan is Born is an excellent showcase of Sakellaris’ talents for songwriting and distinctly playful narratives, and has a lot of promise.
