The DIVA community are saddened to hear of the passing of Mogadonna, Nicholas Schmich, who left us today surrounded by family in Orange after a period of ill health. We extend our sincere condolences to Nicholas’s family and sister friends.
Mogadonna’s first appearance was as a member of the ‘Stick Ladies’ at the Albury Hotel in 1991, which very quickly lead to her first professional show with Mitzi Macintosh and Bonina Bod in ‘Tit Bits’ in early 1992. She went on to star at the Albury Hotel until it closed in 2002 and during her exciting and colourful career worked at every venue on Oxford Street.
Many international tourists and locals alike were entertained through the spectaculars of Mogadonna’s Mardi Gras years. Her first appearance was in ‘Celebration’ (1993) where she starred as a Purple Chook and continued with ‘We are Family’ (1994), ‘Slave to The Rhythm’ (1994 Sleaze Ball), ‘I Feel Love’ (1997) and the moving ‘Somewhere’ in 1998 for the 20th Anniversary.
No one at the biggest ever Mardi Gras in 1996 will forget the heart stopping excitement of ‘The Boss’, when Mogadonna performed in a ring suspended from the ceiling of the RHI. So great was this triumph that ‘The Boss’ will forever be remembered as Moggie’s signature spot!
By now Mogadonna was Sydney’s big party star performer, so who else could create the ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ extravaganza for the opening of Sydney’s now infamous Harbour Party. Perhaps only topped by returning to perform the lead at the last Harbour Party with ‘Don’t Let this Moment End’ encased in some of the biggest cheers and most stunning fireworks ever seen on any dance floor.
Mogadonna won five DIVA
Awards, Bitch of the Year (1994), Best Shows, “Black T” (1994) and ‘Drag Dolls’
(1995 and 1998). In 2004, to celebrate this most fabulous of careers, Mogadonna
was inducted into the DIVA Hall of Fame.
One of our great performers, Moggie’s life will be celebrated with a memorial in coming weeks.
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