Review: Fifth annual drag show was bigger and bolder

The queens strutted their stuff for FAU’s biggest show to date.

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The audience gives a standing ovation at the end of the show. Mohammed F Emran | Staff Photographer

Tayler Grossman, Contributing Writer

Florida Atlantic’s fifth annual and most anticipated drag show to date, hosted in the Carole and Barry Kaye auditorium on the night of Sept. 25, had a successful turnout with approximately 800 attendees.

This was expected to be the biggest show yet, as attendance has steadily doubled every year after the first show in 2011 had a turnout of about 150 students. It was also the first year outside guests were able to purchase tickets.

The show began around 9 p.m., when a group of six students wearing colorful, painted masks introduced the show’s emcee, Ariel Rimm, with a musical number they put together.

The vibrant Rimm has been a part of the show since its inception and clearly knew what she was doing. Between introducing the acts, delivering jokes, quizzing the audience on drag trivia and even sitting on the lap of a student in the audience who played hard to get, Rimm commanded the stage.

“All my single men in the house raise your hands … OK, what kind of jobs you have?” said Rimm as she flirted with the audience.

The crowd was a constant focus of the show, as all of the drag queens made it a point to give their fiercest walks down the auditorium aisles while collecting tips, smiles and kisses.

The performances were eclectic, featuring a wide array of songs. Drag queens Rianna Petrone and Rimm performed pop anthems by Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, while Monica Chanel and Child favored the hard hitting lyrics of Rihanna and progressive indie artist Natalia Kills.

An acoustic lip sync performance of Janis Joplin songs and a tribute to Amy Winehouse were seen by Daizee Deluxx.

Child – the latest addition to the drag queen lineup – shocked the crowd as she brought onstage her pet “gimp” that wore a leash and rubber mask while she donned a ball gag. Petrone showcased her skills with cartwheels, hip gyrating and high kicks.

Emcee Rimm was a star with her collection of outfits. She showcased more than five different wigs, leather overalls and a Khloe Kardashian look-alike ensemble.

At the end of the show, audience members had the opportunity to meet and take photos with the queens, making the unforgettable night that much more memorable.