"Forever’s Gonna Start Tonight" (2009), directed by Michelle Lawler, is more than just a documentary - it is a heartfelt celebration of the extraordinary life and career of Vicki Marlane, America's oldest professional transgender drag entertainer. A living legend in the San Francisco drag scene, Marlane's journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and unwavering passion for performance.
The film explores her transformation from a young man named Donald Sterger, born in Crookston, Minnesota, to the beloved diva and icon known to generations of fans as Vicki Marlane, or as her admirers affectionately called her, "The Lady with the Liquid Spine." The documentary delves into the heart of the theme that creative expression is a powerful tool for overcoming life’s greatest challenges - whether they are biological, social, personal, or economic. Marlane's life is a testament to how artistic expression, when pursued with dedication and fervor, can transcend societal limitations and enable individuals to navigate obstacles that seem insurmountable. Vicki Marlane's life is nothing short of a series of reinventions. Born on September 5, 1934, in Crookston, Minnesota, Marlane had a difficult childhood, growing up on a farm and struggling with an oppressive environment that left little room for self-expression. But from an early age, it was clear that she had a flair for performance and a deep need to break free from the constraints of her small-town life. As a young adult, Marlane left Minnesota and joined a traveling circus. Her first role in the circus was as part of the "Six-Legged Women" act, where she played both the 5th and 6th legs of the performance. Later, she gained notoriety as the "Alligator Woman," covering her skin with crackling glue and green food coloring to create an illusion of reptilian eyes.
This bizarre and daring act was a reflection of Marlane’s ability to embrace flamboyance and push boundaries in an era that was not always accepting of non-normative identities. She later took her talents to various cities across the United States, performing in drag shows in New Orleans, Flint, Michigan, Portland, Oregon, and Chicago, where she went by the stage name "Mister Peel." Each stop was a new chapter in her evolution as a performer and as a person, slowly shedding the layers of her past life and fully stepping into the woman she was destined to become. In 1966, she moved to San Francisco, a city that would become the heart of her career and personal transformation. Here, she performed at iconic venues like the Top of the Town, the Frolic Room, the 181 Club, Jackie D's, and the Gilded Cage. Her performances, marked by bold costumes and a passion for life, captivated audiences and cemented her place in San Francisco’s thriving drag scene.
One of the central messages of "Forever’s Gonna Start Tonight" is the power of passion in overcoming challenges. Marlane’s life story is one of perseverance in the face of numerous adversities, not the least of which was her transition. In the 1980s, she underwent sex change surgery, and for a period, she retired from performing to focus on her new life. Moving to San Diego, she lived near her close friend Judy Kane, and for a time, it seemed that Marlane might quietly fade from the public eye. However, in the late 1990s, Marlane returned to the San Francisco drag scene, performing at the popular Aunt Charlie's Lounge. It was here that she launched "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," a drag review that would evolve into the "Hot Boxxx Girls" show, drawing crowds from all over the Bay Area. Even as Marlane faced personal hardships, including bouts of illness, her love for performance never wavered. She continued to “bring it” to the stage, as her close friend Bus Station John put it. Whether the house was packed to the rafters or nearly empty, Marlane’s commitment to delivering her performance was unwavering. Her presence was a reminder to both audiences and fellow performers alike that true showmanship comes from the heart, not from external circumstances. Her passion for the craft was contagious. To quote John again: "She taught me that true show people 'bring it' regardless of how many people show up, focusing not on who isn't there, but who is." This was Marlane’s gift - to be able to summon boundless energy, charisma, and artistry, no matter the situation. Even in moments of personal exhaustion or illness, she would push through to create something magical for her audience.
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Marlane's life and career also intersected with the broader LGBTQ+ community, particularly in her advocacy for transgender rights and visibility. She was a trailblazer who lived openly as a transgender woman at a time when such identities were not widely accepted. Marlane’s transition was not just a personal journey - it was an act of defiance and resilience, challenging both societal norms and the limitations of the drag world at large. Her influence extended beyond the stage. In 2003, she was named the Grand Marshal of the San Francisco Pride Parade, a significant honor that acknowledged her long-standing contributions to the city's LGBTQ+ community. Her work at benefit shows, her performances at Imperial and Ducal Coronations, and her deep connections to both the drag and transgender communities solidified her status as a beloved icon. Marlane’s legacy is also preserved in the numerous awards she received, the adoration of her fans, and the efforts of San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ organizations to rename a block of Turk Street in her honor. In 2011, Marlane passed away from AIDS-related complications, but her impact on the world of drag, transgender visibility, and the arts continues to be felt.
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Through "Forever's Gonna Start Tonight", Michelle Lawler gives audiences a powerful look at Vicki Marlane’s life, capturing not just her performances but her humanity. The documentary, which has been screened at film festivals in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, Arkansas, and even internationally in England, Australia, and New Zealand, continues to inspire those who watch it. The film is a tribute to a woman who defied the odds, transformed herself and the world around her, and taught us all the transformative power of creative expression. In her lifetime, Vicki Marlane proved that art has the power to transcend personal limitations, heal wounds, and create community. As a performer, she was larger than life, and as a person, she was kind-hearted, passionate, and fiercely dedicated to her craft. "Forever’s Gonna Start Tonight" is not just a chronicle of her remarkable life; it is a celebration of the way creative expression can change the course of a person’s life, and in doing so, leave an indelible mark on the world. Vicki Marlane may have passed away in 2011, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of the people who saw her perform and in the ongoing efforts to honor her memory in San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community. As the documentary shows, forever truly does start tonight - because the essence of Vicki Marlane’s spirit and artistry will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Image credits: Vimeo
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