Two-foot-tall wigs and chandelier headpieces barely cleared the doorway of the Gifford House in Provincetown on Feb. 10, where the lobby served as backstage for “Thirsty Through the Years.”
It was billed as a fashion show, but the evening was not for the strictly runway-ready.
Rebecca Orchant wore a chandelier headpiece and tassel pasties that she twirled with panache, plus black garters. “She looked great,” said Provincetown resident Brian Halley, who stood in the back because he didn’t have a reservation. “Full house,” he noted.
Orchant said it was her first time being in a fashion show. She did not mind that there were more people in the room than she’d expected. “The crowd made me feel adored,” she said.
The show was a benefit to support Thirsty Burlington, who is preparing for surgery and chemotherapy treatments that she knows will make it impossible for her to perform for a time. Thirsty’s been on this road to recovery before, after a routine colonoscopy was followed by a cancer diagnosis in 2021.
Burlington, in a pale gold gown and the role she’s famous for — singing Cher’s songs and covers — sold all the outfits that were modeled during the runway show in an auction at the end of the night, raising $12,000. Most of the costumes were from her closet, but some of the jewelry and Fendi glasses were donated by friends.
“Town came together to support someone beloved,” said Steve Azar, who owns the Gifford House, the next day. “Thirsty has spent her life bringing joy to us. Last night we gave it back.” He hopes the money raised will help her breathe a little easier.
Scarlett Strauss, one of the show’s organizers, was also its choreographer. She sang “Walking in Memphis” behind the velvet ropes of the V.I.P. section.
Karl Gregory walked down the runway as “Trish,” wearing a neck brace and with one front tooth blacked out. His smile tilted, and his outfit sold. —Pat Kearns
