Silver City, NM- The anticipated annual event is finally here– WNMU’s Drag Show! On Wednesday October 11, Light Hall was absolutely packed with alumni and members of the community of Silver City of every age. The show features Lip Sync and dancing performances brought together by both men and women dressed in drag. The show also welcomed the iconic NM 2016 Pride Queen Lady Shug as both a judge and a performer.
The show included students and faculty interpreting as recognized celebrities such as Madonna, Selena, and Lady Gaga. Other contestants however, decided to create their own drag persona on stage. Every performance was loaded with enthusiasm, energy, and audience interaction. During the intervention, audience member Isaac Wenning shared his thoughts on the show. “I’m very excited, this is a whole other experience,” quotes Wenning, “this is a chance where people can express themselves and be accepted for who they are. It’s a way to get out of your comfort zone.” Wenning also described the drag show as “a lip sync battle with a bit of a rainbow dash.”
As the show progressed, the judges have made their final decision, the contest was nearing its suspenseful end, and the winners were soon announced. Third place belonged to the Kitty Cat Dolls with their stunning performance of ‘When I Grow Up’ by the Pussy Cat Dolls. Next up, the winner of second place was Icy Tights who made a remarkable performance of ‘You and I’ by Lady Gaga. And finally, last but definitely not least, the winner for the 2017 Drag Show was the MEChA group with their performance of Vals de Las Mariposas and other classic Quinceañera tunes. The group of students received a check of $150, however they all decided to donate it to a fellow colleague’s medical care after a tragic brain aneurysm.
After the show, performer and member of the winning group MEChA, Josue Carrasco shared his thoughts on having his group be awarded first place. “Surprised! This is one of those things you think up as a team” quotes Carrasco, “it took us two days to get the wardrobe and the performance ready.” In response to the idea behind their performance, he answers, “it was to bring our culture on stage.” Carrasco also showed interest on participating in next year’s show. That closes the curtains on another successful annual drag show, until next year!
