From Zara Larsson’s “Midnight Sun” to The Cranberries’ “Linger,” the Louis Room at Norris University Center transformed into a stage for Chicago-based drag talent at Northwestern’s annual Drag Show.
Hosted by drag queen Addy Rawls, the show featured drag performers Mats, Lúc Ami, Kerosene, Pagina and DJ Perl.
Organized by the Society of Trans and Non-Binary Students and NU’s Rainbow Alliance, the theme for this year’s event was “Drag is Art,” aiming to showcase the creativity behind drag as an expressive art form.
The night kicked off with Ami lip-syncing to Beyoncé’s “ALIEN SUPERSTAR,” drawing interest and cheers from the crowd as students began tipping the artists to show support to the performance.
Kerosene stunned the audience with a number of “draglesque,” blending burlesque-style entertainment with drag. She began the song wearing a gold dress and black feather boa, gradually removing layers of her costume, incorporating the reveal into the choreography.
Ultimately, she finished the number in a corset-style top with multiple dollar bills scattered across the stage.
“It’s so hard picking a favorite because they were all just so good,” said audience member and Weinberg senior Jordyn Simon. “Their confidence, it just radiated through all the performances.”
As the show continued, Pagina stepped onto the stage dressed in a Pope costume and danced to George Michael’s “Father Figure.” They received laughter and screams from the audience every time they dramatized the line, “I will be your preacher teacher,” while kneeling and directly pointing at some audience members.
Mats closed the first act with a dance-based number, in which she got praise from the crowd due to her flexibility and tricks like the death drop.
Pagina excited in a performance of “Father Figure” dressed as the Pope.
During intermission, host Rawls invited attendees to the stage to play the game “Are You Smarter Than A Northwestern Student?” in which drag performers competed against audience members on a quiz of historical events and scientific questions.
After three students were called for the game, the drag queens and student team ended up in a points tie.
“I just love school,” said Pagina after the results, being praised by their fellow team members.
The second half of the show included performances from the same drag artists, giving each one another moment on stage with different outfits and songs.
Kerosene returned to stage in a new purple outfit and trotted around the attendees, interacting with the roughly 15 students present.
Pagina took a more comedic approach to her second number, dressing as a Beanie Baby while lip-syncing to The Cranberries’ “Linger.” Wrapped in a trash bag, the performance referenced how these plushies have been replaced by newer plush toys.
The event ended on a high note as Rawls changed into a rhinestone bodysuit and performed the hit song “Midnight Sun” by Zara Larsson.
Finishing her number, Rawls thanked the audience for being present, reinforcing the idea that in events like this drag show, the “community” stays strong.
“This is my second year doing this show, and I love Northwestern, the students are so engaged,” Rawls said. “This show allows students to be a part of that (the drag scene), and get their own inspiration. Who knows who in the crowd is going to be performing at some point?”
SESP junior and president of STANS Shepherd Williams said the planning for this event started towards the end of winter break to coordinate with the University and performers
Likewise, both Williams and Rawls agreed that these events help the student LGBTQ+ community feel more included in this environment despite their young age.
“Queer folks on campus deserve to do things that are fun, and this is one of those things. I think seeing drag when you’re under 21 is not easy,” said Williams. “The audience always has an amazing time. I remember my first drag show here, I had such a wonderful time, and it’s what really motivates me to keep doing it.”
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