Valley drag fans rang in the holiday season at the Arizona Financial Theatre with, “A Drag Queen Christmas,” presented by Murray & Peter.
The live show ran for just over two hours and featured performances, comedy and elaborate make-up, costumes and design from some of the most popular names in drag.
The show was hosted by “Miz Cracker” best known for her time on season 10 of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Miz Cracker opened the show with a lip-sync performance that was equal parts comedy and captivating performance.
She followed up song and dance with a monologue and then came back on stage throughout the show to introduce each act.
The cast of the Arizona show also included Drag Race fan-favorites Sasha Colby, Luxx Noir London, Jessica Wild, Trinity “The Tuck” Taylor, Jimbo The Drag Clown, Crystal Methyd, and Brooke Lynn Hytes.
Each queen lip-synced and danced to about four songs, including hits from Lady Gaga, Christmas classics and even their own original music. “Every queen brought something unique to the stage, making it an entertaining night from start to finish,” said Cristina Silbert, an attendee and enthusiastic Drag Race fan.
The queens utilized backup dancers and props, but their outfits were what really stole the show.
Mid-performance costume changes, just like those featured on Drag Race keep the audience and judges on the edge of their seats. These “reveals” — as they are commonly known in drag — are one of the most entertaining parts of the live shows.
However, “reveals aren’t just for clothing”, Silbert said, who’s favorite moment of the night was when Trinity Taylor flipped off her first wig to reveal a completely different hairstyle. “[Trinity] is known for her reveals, but the wig change still took me by surprise! I was so excited.”
Isabella Luebkin, a student at Arizona State University and avid Drag Race viewer, has attended three drag shows.
For “A Drag Queen Christmas” she purchased front row seats and a meet-and-greet with the queens. “It was so much fun. All of the queens were so incredibly nice — especially Jimbo” she said about her experience. “It was worth every penny.”
