The executive producers of the upcoming feature “Maybe This Time” announce today that internationally renowned Cher impersonator and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winner Chad Michaels will co-star in the romantic comedy as “Stephen,” a celebrity drag performer in a not so glamorous relationship. Starring veteran film and stage actor Mel England and penned by freshman scripter Richard DeFonzo, “Maybe This Time” follows the love lives of drag performers, centering on Robert Hunter, a wildly successful Liza Minnelli impersonator, and his friends in a hit Off Broadway show. Their only problem is that no one wants to date a drag queen!
Based on DeFonzo’s life as one of the most celebrated Liza Minnelli impersonators, “Maybe This Time” is a revealing look into the love lives and backstage struggles of drag performers, including the “Cher” character played by Michaels. “This film is going to shed some heartfelt light on a queen’s quest for love — I have personally lived these experiences so I'm thrilled to help lift that veil of mystery!” said Michaels. He added, “This movie is right on time. We’ve seen the on-screen lives of our favorite drag queens played out on "RuPaul's Drag Race" – so of course, a look at their love lives is the next step for the fans.” DeFonzo had Michaels in mind for the “Cher” role from the beginning. “I’m thrilled to have Chad Michaels on board not just because of his extraordinary talent but also his wonderful spirit,” said DeFonzo. He added, “It’s going to be a party on the set.”
Michaels is one of the world’s premier Cher impersonators, and for over two decades has entertained audiences worldwide – and Cher herself is a fan. He was featured in “The Cher E! True Hollywood Story” and “The Cher A&E Biography.” He starred in “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 4, where he was a finalist in the “Top 3,” and was featured in “RuPaul’s Drag U,” both on LOGO TV. Most notably, Michaels won the first season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,” earning him the honor of the first spot in “RuPaul’s Drag Race Hall of Fame.”
“There’s no one else who could play this part,” says England (“Ron and Laura Take Back America”), who will executive produce and star as Peter, the love interest of Robert. He summed it up by saying, “Chad Michaels is simply the best.”
Emmy® winner Vincent DePaul is set to star and produce, and Tony® award-winning Broadway producer Sue Vaccaro (“Clybourne Park”) and Anton Khachaturian (“RuPaul’s Drag U”) are involved as producer and associate producer, respectively.
Producers are in talks with Liza Minnelli to join the production, which is scheduled to begin filming in 2017.
“Maybe This Time” is a co-production of Magical Iguana Productions and Let Us Entertainment.
About Chad Michaels
Chad has collaborated with and entertained for some of the greatest names in show business, including Elton John, Christina Aguilera, Cyndi Lauper, Gene Simmons, RuPaul, and Cher. He's been featured on “MAD TV,” “Women’s Murder Club,” “Kath & Kim,” “The Comedy Central Gene Simmons Celebrity Roast”, “E! Talk Soup,” “Jane the Virgin,” and “Two Broke Girls.” On stage, he starred in the Las Vegas and London productions of “An Evening at La Cage,” and the South American production of “La Cage Follies.” Currently, Chad produces and stars in California’s longest running female impersonation “The Dreamgirls Revue,” and tours internationally as a proud representative of “Rupaul’s Drag Race.”
About “Maybe This Time”
Robert Hunter is a show stopping Liza Minnelli impersonator in the Big Apple with a big problem, no one wants to date a drag queen! His best friends from his hit show, “Cher,” “Joan Rivers” and “Bette Midler” (well, the drag versions), team up to help him meet Mr. Right, even if it means giving up the act. But, when Peter the new stage manager enters stage left, will Robert finally find his leading man? Maybe This Time…
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