By Kevin Ferrisi –

As a cherished local tradition, Bingomania on Woodward Avenue in New Haven offers a mix of entertainment, community support, and a celebration of diversity as Connecticut’s longest running drag bingo event to date. It all started as an offshoot of the Connecticut Gay Men’s Chorus’ fundraising efforts. This bingo, held under the Chorus’ permit, was entirely staffed by dedicated volunteers. The Chorus itself, founded in 1986, often struggled to cover its expenses through ticket sales alone, leading them to host a variety of fundraisers over the years, from selling fruit to offering singing Valentines.

Intriguingly, an earlier group had secured a bingo permit but never managed to get it off the ground. However, in 2006, Joe Evangelista, then the Director of Development, decided to give it a shot. Operating a bingo event in Connecticut came with a slew of regulations and state inspections, making it a strict yet legitimate form of regulated gaming. The first venue was the Unitarian Society in Hamden, Connecticut – a modest, non-air-conditioned space that could hold about 140 people. Despite the humble beginnings, the event quickly gained popularity, growing steadily and becoming a staple in the local community.

The pivotal moment came in 2007 when Joe Goodwin, owner of 168 York Street, connected the event organizers with the Annex Club in New Haven. This move was a game-changer, allowing them to transition from a 140-seat hall to a 400-seat venue. Located right off the highway with ample free parking in a safe neighborhood, the new location significantly boosted attendance. Joe Evangelista, the Director of Development and a performer with the group, became the first host. Although not a drag performer, Joe had a knack for character acting and had previously appeared as Joan Crawford in the Chorus’ shows. Adopting this persona, Joe hosted Bingomania as Joan Crawford, with characters Christina and Christopher, Joan’s “children,” assisting on stage by pulling balls and running contests. Each month featured a new theme, encouraging attendees to dress up, or wear silly hats, or simply immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. This creative and inclusive approach ensured the event’s popularity, making it a beloved tradition in the community.

The event flourished for almost 18 years. The audience grew steadily, largely through word of mouth, with 25-30% of attendees each month being newcomers who had heard about it from friends. This organic growth ensured a dynamic and ever-refreshing crowd. Joe Evangelista, performing as Joan Crawford, was the face of Bingo from 2006 until 2018. When Joe moved south, the mantle was passed to Robin Banks, who came highly recommended and hosted until the onset of COVID-19 in 2020. Robin’s talent for engaging a diverse audience – spanning ages, sexual orientations, and family configurations – was pivotal in maintaining the event’s broad appeal. Post-COVID, Robin opted not to return, and Joan Crawford was brought back to help relaunch the event, a significant milestone after a short hiatus. This relaunch was met with great enthusiasm, reigniting the community’s love for Bingomania and cementing its place as a cherished local tradition once again.

After the return of Joan Crawford to help restart the event post-COVID, Loosey LaDuca took over hosting duties. Loosey, who hosted for just over a year, took a break to film season 15 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, much to the excitement of the local community. The anticipation and support for Loosey LaDuca exploded, with everyone eagerly watching and cheering for her success on the show. While Loosey filmed the MTV show, Summer Orlando stepped in as a short-term sub for three events and was fantastic. Following her stint on Drag Race, Loosey decided to pursue the countless opportunities that opened up for her, leading to a continuous whirlwind of engagements. In her place, Kiki Lucia was brought on board – through a recommendation from Loosey herself, given their friendship. 

Kiki Lucia started hosting in January 2023 and has since proven to be an exceptional fit, bringing all the necessary charisma and talent to the role. Kiki’s seamless integration into the event has kept the spirit of Bingomania alive and thriving, much to the delight of its diverse and devoted audience. We reached out to Kiki to find out what hosting Bingomania has meant to her. Without hesitation she replied, “Everything! Bingomania has been this incredible experience that has given me the opportunity to connect with a completely new part of the community, help support a group that I have always loved working with and enjoyed, and it has also made me a better host and artist.”

Bingomania has always retained its core name, with each month featuring a unique theme – such as June’s “Taste the Rainbow Bingomania.” The process for getting involved is straightforward but influenced by the event’s popularity and state regulations. Admissions cannot be sold in advance or reserved, so attendees must be present to purchase their tickets and enter the hall. To manage large crowds, particularly for big parties, a number system akin to a deli line has been implemented. People can show up anytime after 4:00PM to pick up a number, and doors open at 6:00PM. Numbers are called in order to allow entry, ensuring a fair and organized process. Walk-ins are also welcomed, especially during the less busier summer months, however, from fall through early spring, sell-outs are common during these times. The $25 admission fee includes game boards for the 12 regular games, with additional boards for three extra games available for $1 each. Cash prizes range from $100 to $200, with special games offering higher prizes through a 50/50 split.

The monthly event not only offers entertainment but also a variety of food options. Attendees can bring their own snacks and pizzas, though beverages have to be purchased on-site due to the liquor permit. The venue provides reasonably priced cocktails, beer, and wine, along with soft drinks. Throughout the night, fun contests and giveaways keep the energy high. Also, each month features a different community organization through their outreach program, offering tables for groups like OutFilm or the Walk to End Alzheimer’s to share information and raffle off items to support their causes or pass along a hat to raise funds for Saint Jude’s children’s hospital. The generous audience contributes to various drives, from collecting food for the needy to raising funds for animal rescue projects. Bingomania has become a hub of entertainment and community support, fostering a sense of togetherness and philanthropy among its attendees.

We reached out to Joe Evangelista a.k.a Joan Crawford to find out what hosting Bingomania for so many years meant to him personally. His response, “Having the privilege to interact with hundreds of audience members each month may forever be my fondest memory. I not only had the opportunity to build relationships during the actual games, but through the magic of social media, I was able to engage with so many people who are still friends to this day. My own perception of the character morphed, from the Mommie Dearest-like inception of who I thought the character had to be, into just being a further extension of my own playful self and spontaneity. I never considered myself a drag queen, because I thought that would be disrespectful to the art form. I was usually also helping to set up the room and gave myself 30-minutes to get dressed and apply some makeup. I am thrilled that Bingomania has since grown, outside of our own membership, to showcase the fantastic cutting-edge talent of true drag performers in our community who have since carried on the legacy as our Mistress of Ceremonies!”

Joe feels Bingomania has made a significant impact on the community by creating a space where people from all walks of life can gather in an entertaining and inclusive environment. By fostering these lively events, the Connecticut Gay Men’s Chorus (CTGMC) has built bridges between diverse communities, allowing individuals to invite friends, family, and co-workers and engage with one another in a meaningful way. Over the years, Bingomania has also provided a platform for numerous worthy organizations to raise awareness and funds for their causes. This spirit of collaboration and mutual support has helped highlight the commonalities among people, reinforcing the idea that, despite our differences, we are more alike than we are different. For many, including Joe, a long-time member of CTGMC who has contributed both as a performer and a hostess, this sense of unity and shared purpose has been a deeply rewarding aspect of their involvement. “I am so proud to have been a part of the CTGMC for so many years, both as a performer in concerts and a hostess of Bingomania,” exclaimed Joe.

Drag has played a pivotal role in creating connections among diverse groups of people. At Bingomania, they have witnessed firsthand how the event fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere, even in the face of initial skepticism that often accompanies any gay organization. By offering a space filled with friendship, joy, and fun, they bring together individuals who might otherwise never have crossed paths, showcasing how the gay community works in harmony and demonstrating that they are much like everyone else. This gradual shift in perception happens one person at a time, subtly changing minds without confrontation. Over time, the distinction between Bingomania attendees and Connecticut Gay Men’s Chorus concert-goers has blurred, with more people from each group attending both events. This blending of audiences has been incredibly rewarding, highlighting the positive synergy that has developed over the 18 years of Bingomania.

For more than 35 years, the Connecticut Gay Men’s Chorus has proudly stood as a leading force in blending performance with community activism, empowerment, and inclusivity. This commitment has solidified its status as a prominent and iconic entity within Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ community. Bingomania has a unique charm. The host, decked out in fabulous costumes, and the energetic MC ensures the games run smoothly and adhere to regulations. A DJ provides the perfect musical backdrop, often sparking spontaneous sing-alongs that fill the hall with joyful voices. The atmosphere is electric, far from the traditional image of bingo. “It’s not your grandma’s bingo,” says Julie the General Manager of Bingomania, capturing the essence of the lively and inclusive event. With prizes, community involvement, and a sense of camaraderie, Bingomania promises an unforgettable experience to witness firsthand. Bingomania is a monthly event. Check out their website or Facebook page for the next date!