Monday, February 26, 2018

Drag365: Show #46- Lady Liberty: Snatch Game at Ace Hotel

Juicy Liu // photo by Michael Block
Day: Friday, February 16th         

Show: Lady Liberty: Snatch Game 

Location: Ace Hotel

Queens Seen: Brita Filter (@thebritafilter), Rose (@rosewithanaccent), Ari Kiki (@arikiki_hotmess), Chola Spears (@cholaspears), Edie James (@xoxoediejames), Jackie Cox (@jackiecoxnyc), Juicy Liu (@missjuicyliu), Miz Diamond Wigfall (@mizdiamondwigfall), Lemon (@lemongivesyoulife), Mahogony Bleu Dijonae, Poppy (@thecolorpoppy), Queen Robert (@queenrobert), Tammy Faymous, Zarria (@zarria_thediva)


Zarria // photo by Michael Block
We’re back! If timing is everything, Lady Liberty returned for another one off event celebrating all things celebrities with a special edition Snatch Game! Airing just the day before, the event is inspired by the infamous challenge on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Rather than an actual game, twelve competitors took to the stage to take on their interpretations of twelve famous personas. Hosted by Brita Filter and Rose, I am fortunate to be a resident judge for the competition. Alongside Jim Silvestri, Ish Perralta, Jan Sport, RuPaul’s Drag Race’s own Alexis Michelle, and a packed house, twelve of nightlife’s best battled it out for a $1000 grand prize!
Miz Diamond Wigfall // photo by Michael Block
To start the night off, the hostess showed off their own celebrities as Brita was Oprah and Rose was Ellen DeGeneres. After a runway where each contestant showed off their celebrities, it was time for some numbers. Kicking off the night was Tammy Faymous as Amy Winehouse. Tammy sang a version of “Rehab” as she sniffed some poppers along the way. Next up, Zarria took on Tiffany Haddish in a high-energy mix that got the house going. Poppy, the winner of the previous one-off Lady Liberty: Witch Hunt, tried her luck at winning it all as the multi-Oscar winner Meryl Streep. Poppy’s mix was an exploration of Meryl’s biggest hits, with a confetti gun finale. Edie James as Lana Del Rey went quirky and weird, throwing in some Donald Duck singing Lana into the mix. Miz Diamond Wigfall danced the house down with her Britney Spears production number, bringing the night’s first set of hot backup boys. With the Latina flavor, Ari Kiki Bidi Bidi Bom Bomed her way on the stage as Selena as she got the crowd to dance along with her. Mahogany Bleu Dijonae took on the late great Whitney Houston as she lip synced to “I’m Every Woman.” Speaking of late and great, Queen Robert shaved off her beard to portray Big Ang in a big boobed send off of the mafia queen. Jackie Cox took on Fran Drescher singing a parody of “Somewhere That’s Green” entitled “Somewhere In Queens” as she paid homage to Fran’s sitcom counterpart. The newest girl on the block, Lemon, played Paris Hilton in an homage to millennial pink and being hot. Taking us back to the 60s, Chola Spears went with Janis Joplin, the second victim of the 27 club of the night, as she did a lip sync to the classic song “Cry Baby.” Rounding up the night was Juicy Liu bringing original choreography as Liza Minelli, dancing to “Mein Herr” from the movie version of “Cabaret.” If you are a Fosse fanatic, then this number gave you life. After tallying the judges scores and audience votes, Juicy Liu, Lemon, Queen Robert, and Zarria found themselves in the top four. Squaring off in the final lip sync, it was Juicy Liu versus Queen Robert, where Juicy ultimate was crowned the night’s winner by the judges.
Lady Liberty, produced by the brilliant Vincent Cooper, is a staple of the city. When it comes back for season 5, be sure to follow along and join us at the Ace Hotel for an incredible competition!