By Kevin Ferrisi –
FAIRFIELD, CONNECTICUT – Last Wednesday, Connecticut’s drag enthusiasts gathered at Trevi Lounge in Fairfield for Wacky Wednesday, the beloved weekly open stage event hosted by Frankie Cyanide, for a truly fun-filled evening. The cozy LGBTQ+ hotspot buzzed with excitement as RuPaul’s Drag Race season 3 star Stacy Layne Matthews made a spectacular comeback, gracing the crowd with her signature charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. Southern Connecticut’s drag scene embraced the legendary “Henny” queen with open arms, celebrating the fusion of local creativity and national stardom in a night to remember. Fans cheered, a full line of local performers shined, and the vibrant community reveled in the magic of drag.
The night began with an exclusive meet-and-greet where every guest had the chance to snap a photo and share a moment with the iconic Stacy Layne Matthews, who radiated warmth and charm. As the spotlight shifted to the stage, local performers dazzled the crowd, stepping up one by one in the beloved weekly open-stage tradition. The show unfolded in two vibrant sets, with Frankie Cyanide, the event’s spirited host and creator, kicking off the festivities. To the audience’s delight, the legendary Stacy Layne Matthews closed the first set with a showstopping lip-sync to ‘Diamonds’ by Rihanna, solidifying her place as a true queen of drag royalty.
Stacy Layne Matthews, an American drag performer and trailblazer, made history as the first Native American contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race during its third season. Known for her humor, heart, and the iconic catchphrase “Henny,” Stacy’s presence extended beyond her original season, with memorable appearances on All Stars 4. She shone as a musical guest and challenge focus in “Super Girl Groups, Henny,” brought her wit to the role of court stenographer in “Jersey Justice,” and lent her charm to the audience of Lady Bunny’s funeral roast. These standout moments solidified her status as a fan favorite, fueling demand for her return to the All Stars stage and cementing her legacy as a beloved figure in drag history.
Beloved for her contributions to the drag world, Stacy Layne Matthews has had a journey marked by resilience and renewal. In January 2021, she hinted at stepping away from drag in an Instagram post, sparking concern among her fans. She later announced an indefinite hiatus, prioritizing her physical and mental health. However, her unwavering connection to the art form and her supporters ultimately brought her back. In January 2024, Stacy delighted her followers by announcing her return, inviting them to share where they’d love to see her perform. The announcement marked a new chapter for the iconic queen, ready to reclaim her spotlight and inspire once more.
Stacy’s comeback has been met with excitement and applause, with fans eagerly welcoming her return to the stage. This month, she’s been booked and busy with stops throughout New York, making a special detour to Trevi Lounge in Fairfield for Frankie Cyanide’s Wacky Wednesday. True to her iconic “Henny” catchphrase, Stacy brought her signature charm to the Connecticut crowd before rushing off to her next gig in New York City the very same night for Paul’s Dolls. Her whirlwind schedule is a testament to her enduring star power and the love her fans have for the legendary queen.
Frankie Cyanide, the self-proclaimed drag daddy of Connecticut, has carved out a space for future drag kings and alternative drag artists to shine. Their brainchild, Wacky Wednesday, is a haven for all types of LGBTQ+ performers, fostering a community where creativity knows no bounds. Every week, Trevi Lounge in Fairfield becomes a stage for drag kings, queens, monsters, and performers of every stripe from across New England. From burlesque and dance to stand-up comedy and live singing, the show celebrates diverse artistry. Since its debut in February 2022, Wacky Wednesday has proudly held the title of Fairfield County’s only regularly scheduled LGBTQ+ open stage, breaking barriers and setting the scene ablaze with talent and inclusivity.
Back at Trevi Lounge, fans bid farewell to Stacy Layne Matthews. Though her time on stage had come to an end, she left the audience with words that resonated deeply: a heartfelt reminder of the importance of supporting local drag. Stacy urged her excited fans to uplift their community by championing the incredible talent in their own backyard. Her parting message wasn’t just advice – it was a call to action, ensuring that her legacy would inspire not just applause, but continued support for the art form she loves. “Give it up for your local entertainers. Let me tell you something, I advocate for the local entertainment because I used to be one.”
She continued, “Let me tell you, just because you’re not on TV, doesn’t mean you’re not special and entertaining or have a gift. Amen. Yes Henny, you guys support local drag! I come from a small town. I lucked up, I got on drag race, I done my thing. But guess what? I fought to get there and that’s what these other entertainers are doing too. Just because they aren’t given the opportunity, please show some love and respect, tip them, and encourage them to do and be better than what they are. So come out to the shows and tip these queens and show respect. I love you guys so much.”
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