One way or another

A line of people began at the Ballroom and ended near the doors to the Dining Center. For some, it was the first time they would ever experience such an event: the extravagance, the costumes and the dollar bills littering the stage. Others in line were seasoned veterans. They knew what to expect, and it was the unexpected. They were all waiting for the doors to open, letting them into the spectacle that is UMD’s drag show hosted by QASU.

The host of the evening was Fantina Delux, a crowd favorite from past drag shows.

“This is not an opera, this is not London Symphony Orchestra — this is a drag show!” Delux shouted to the crowd, who screamed with excitement in response.

Delux looked very confident on stage, tossing her hair back and standing with her hands on her hips. But the confidence was actually a result of nervousness.

“I take my nerves and I try my best to convert them into excitement,” Delux said.

And it doesn’t hurt that she gets to wear some of her favorite wigs.

“I love wigs,” Delux said. “They’re the final piece of the whole package.”

In fact, the wigs are so important that the three Delux wears have their own names: Big Red, Trixy and Black Beauty.

“Big Red is kind of my signature wig,” Delux said.

Big Red made an appearance during Delux’s first number, called “Only Anally.” She addressed the audience after her performance.

“Sorry mom and dad,” Delux said, pointing to her parents sitting next to the stage.

Of course, Delux wasn’t the only one to perform at the show. Many kings and queens returned to the stage after performing in previous shows, including Jackie Amore, Danny McCoy, and Atticus Blaze, among others.

Blaze returned because of the support he received after his first performance at UMD last spring.

“You blew me away with your energy and now I’m a regular performer,” Blaze told the audience.

He also dedicated his second performance of the evening to the first man he fell in love with. “I fell in love with him last year and he is no longer with us,” Blaze announced.

The performance included Blaze stripping down and changing into a blue shirt that read “Trans*? Fine by me.”

This performance was freshman Sophie Geerdes’ favorite.

“I don’t even know what to do with my emotions after that one,” Geerdes said. “But they’re definitely good emotions.”

In addition to the returning performers, there were a few new faces including Mr. E, a member of One Erection.

“It’s my first time,” Mr. E said. “I’m super excited to perform. And I’m excited for my surprise.”

Mr. E hid in the audience until the performance began, at which point he jumped out and joined the group on stage.

The night was full of surprises. Copper Cock performed to “Sing” and placed a hat at the end of the runway for tips, claiming he would need his hands. While most performers grab the bills — either with their hands or mouths — Copper Cock performed the entire song in ASL.

The night ended with Fantina Delux and Vivica Colada performing “Problem” together. They collected some of the biggest tips of the night, a relief to Delux.

“I do drag,” she said. “This is a very expensive hobby.”

The proceeds from the evening benefit QASU.

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