Third annual spring drag show a success for Alliance

On Feb. 18, the Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity hosted the third annual production of their drag show The Exhibition. The charismatic Miss Ruby Fay returned as hostess for what would be her last show because of her alter ego’s impending graduation. Ruby Fay was joined by the sultry Erecta Biggons and the spicy Miami Royale as co-hostesses.

The night proved to be one full of gasps, laughs and a lot of not-so wholesome fun. The drag queens, some veteran and others brand new, brought the room to life with stirring renditions of popular songs, dazzling ensembles and fiery personalities.

Ruby Fay kicked off the night with an exciting interpretation of “Dreamgirls,” after which she taught the crowd the meaning of LGBTQQIA and shared her disdain for commencement ceremonies. Ruby Fay and her co-hostesses kept the crowd thoroughly entertained with their witty banter, humorous sexual innuendoes and eccentric advice including Erecta Biggons’ preference of tazing people to fighting.

Like Ruby Fay, Erecta and Miami treated the crowd to a few performances. Erecta Biggons strutted onto the stage for her first performance to Mary J. Blige’s “Just Fine” and captivated the crowd with her sexy dance moves and fierce attitude. Audience members were treated to special dances, kisses and more.

 Miami Royale also impressed the crowd giving her first solo performance to “Work” by Ciara and she did more than work, she stole the show. Miami had students jumping out of their seats, clapping and dancing; some dubbed it to be the best performance of the night. Although Miami did have some close competition.

SoFonda Cox was one of those competitors. SoFonda, her friend Kiki and her color posse gave the audience a fierceness tutorial in the form of the Yes Dance, which was strong enough to bring a presumably dead Kiki back to life.

Another popular performer was Precious. Precious treated the crowd to a Michael Jackson tribute that could have put MTV to shame. The tribute consisted of Precious’s perfect imitation of the late singer’s dance moves and a moment of consciousness resulting from Precious lip syncing “They Don’t Care About Us” as an Alliance member ran through the crowd with a LGBT pride flag.

In addition to being enthralled by the drag queens, the audience was also able to enjoy performances from the drag kings. One personal favorite was Dick Ashton, who serenaded the crowd with Prince’s 80s hit “Little Red Corvette.” Ashton even channeled Prince’s personal style with a long purple coat and lace covering his face.

In addition to separate acts, the drag kings channeled the boy band era with a collaborative performance of “Pop” by *NSYNC.

The show was a spectacle from beginning to end. As the night came to a bittersweet close, it was time for Ruby Fay to take the stage for the last time. Ruby Fay gave the crowd a beautiful performance of “Fancy” that could have left the song’s original songstress, Reba McEntire, feeling envious.

The night took an emotional turn as Ruby Fay tearfully bid the crowd farewell with an excerpt of another McEntire song, “Consider Me Gone” and officially named Erecta Biggons and Miami Royale the hostesses of future shows.

As Ruby Fay departed, the crowd gave her a standing ovation. Erecta and Miami stood and watched as they choked back their tears. Despite the emotions circulating through the room, the show still ended on a high note, with every performer congregating on the stage and an upbeat song played in the background. Early in the show, Ruby Fay told the crowd to “sit back, relax, and enjoy The Exhibition”. As a first time attendee of the show, I wasn’t able to sit back or relax but I enjoyed The Exhibition.
 

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