PRISM drag show delights crowd
2 min read
By NANCY BELLE
On April 5, the Great Hall played host to the glitteriest University of Mary Washington tradition, the PRISM Drag Show. As the 13th annual Drag Show, the event featured a “Candy Land” theme and drew a crowd of over 250 attendees.
Hosted by UMW’s own Justine Beaver, the show featured performances by Riveria Chalet, Ophilia Throbbincock, Gabby Dee, members of the Downtown Dollies, a local drag troupe.
After opening with a dance featuring Beaver and various students, the show continued with performances from seven student drag acts.
The routines and music were varied throughout the night. Chalet performed Christina Aguilera’s “Candy Shop” and Donna Belladonna performed Pink’s “Blow Me (One Last Kiss).” Student group The Hot Rod Boys danced to “Take Your Mama” by The Scissor Sisters.
As varied as the performances were, the costumes were more so. Ophilia Throbbincock took the stage dressed as a gumball machine, while Ms. Andrea Dworkit dressed as a schoolmarm for her performance of Beyonce’s “Run The World (Girls).”
The bright costumes were not just limited to the drag show participants. Many in the crowd, including some faculty judges, were dressed in gender-bending clothing, sequins and sparkles.
At the end of the night, prizes were awarded, with Kalliah Throbbincock taking the crown. Aurora Glo and The Hot Rod Boys came in second and third place respectively.
The show was a good time for all, and while former popular drag acts, such as previous winner Gigi Boutton, boyband Diktation and last year’s host, Britney Queers, were missed by some, it was great to see the future of drag at UMW.
