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Topp Twins live review

Posh socialites Prue and Dilley characters

Story of our lives: it seems that qPDX is plagued with camera problems. Mike’s equipment broke at the colorful La Lucha event leaving us photo-less and my ancient borrowed digi has a missing cord that makes it impossible for me to get pictures of the Topp Twins‘ Portland performance off the machine and onto this blog. Don’t even get me started on all the camera borrowing, mishaps, and jerry-rigging we’ve done before.

But I was in attendance at last night’s sold out Mission Theater show and it was worth it, camera or no. Every bit as hilarious as I expected them to be, the twins are also extremely talented musicians and endearingly sincere. It was also refreshing to be in a diverse audience of gay and straight, west and east-siders, hippies and yuppies. Though I have to say, the intimate venue made walk-ups, most of whom I would guess would be a lot younger than the bulk of the crowd, impossible.

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QDoc moview (P)reviews - 'Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls'

Topp Twins characters Ken & Ken

Why does it take really cool things forever to be on US radars? We’ve certainly been missing the boat by not recognizing the amazing comedic and musical genius of lesbian New Zealanders the Topp Twins. Hopefully the release of their new documentary, Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls, screening this Sunday at 7pm as part of QDoc, will remedy that. Because this is my favorite film of the fest.

The dynamic duo of Jools and Lynda are also taking their act on the open US road with shows here in Portland on Tuesday at the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan). A mix of sketch comedy, yodeling and folk music the Topp Twins have been beloved in their home country for decades as well as outspoken leaders in gay rights. Even though they have never shied away from their stances nor their personal sexualities, a diverse country of farmers both more and less gay-friendly have embraced the folksters unlike any other act.

Untouchable Girls chronicles their lives as ranchers, musicians and activists and blends hilarious interviews with their alter egos with serious topics such as Jools’ battle with cancer, coming out to their parents and a nation, and the real love both have for their respective partners.

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