By Kevin Ferrisi –

WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT – With Thanksgiving only a day away, the holiday season seemed to creep in on swift, glittering heels. Families are preparing their turkeys, hanging their twinkling lights, and dusting off their traditions, each unique as a snowflake. While some bundled up for a local theater’s rendition of A Christmas Carol or marveled at the glow of large Christmas light displays, others flocked to a spectacle unlike any other – a holiday drag extravaganza. In a flurry of sequins and stilettos, nationally-known drag queens took the stage, kicking, dipping, and duckwalking their way through pop tunes and jazzy holiday classics.

There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by celebrating with some of the most famous drag queens in the world. The Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford sparkled brighter than a string of holiday lights this past Saturday, as Murray & Peter Present’s A Drag Queen Christmas celebrates its 10-year anniversary in fabulous style. The iconic tour, known for transforming the holiday season into a Christmas spectacle, brought a fresh cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race superstars to dazzle a packed audience. From jaw-dropping lip syncs to festive comedy and heartwarming performances, the queens proved why this annual event remains a beloved tradition as they make their way across 56 cities in the U.S. and Canada.

For one magical night, Wallingford, Connecticut transformed into a holiday wonderland this past weekend, as A Drag Queen Christmas dazzled audiences with its star-studded lineup. Hosted by Nina West, the longest-running drag tour in America featured an extraordinary mix of winners, fan favorites, legends, and Miss Congeniality titleholders, alongside queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 16 and All Stars season 9. The Wallingford stop showcased stellar performances from Jimbo, Sapphira Cristál, Plane Jane, Plasma, Roxxxy Andrews, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Lady Camden, and Crystal Methyd, delivering a night of festive fun and fierce drag artistry. VIP meet-and-greet tickets added an extra sparkle for fans eager to meet their favorite queens before the show.

Nina West, a celebrated figure in the drag world, brought her signature charisma to center stage as the host of this year’s drag tour. Known for her two stints on RuPaul’s Drag Race and her philanthropic Nina West Foundation, which has donated over $3 million to Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community, Nina proved why she’s a force to be reckoned with. Kicking off the show with a high-energy performance from her holiday album, The West Christmas Ever, she captivated the crowd with her campy flair and seamless hosting skills, honed over two decades in entertainment. Each queen dazzled the audience with two distinct performances, celebrating the individuality that made them fan favorites on television.

The audience erupted with laughter as Plane Jane brought her signature physical comedy to life, blending exaggerated antics with playful, up-close interactions that had fans in stitches. The mood took a hilariously irreverent turn when Jimbo strutted onto the stage in a giant inflatable toilet as a notorious South Park Christmas character, delivering an audacious performance to Chappell Roan’s “HOT TO GO” that had viewers gasping and giggling in equal measure. For the Broadway enthusiasts, Plasma captivated with a pitch-perfect homage to Barbra Streisand, channeling the diva’s legendary presence. The evening reached a theatrical crescendo as Plasma and Brooke Lynn Hytes transformed into Glinda and Elphaba, delivering a jaw-dropping rendition of Wicked’s “Defying Gravity” that left the crowd cheering for more.

Each queen brought their unique flair to the stage, transforming music and genres into captivating performances that highlighted their distinct styles. Lady Camden showcased her ballet prowess with elegant jumps and pirouettes, seamlessly weaving them into a lip sync of Queen’s iconic “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Crystal Methyd delivered a playful, campy homage to Heat Miser from The Year Without a Santa Claus, strutting in a fiery ensemble while grooving to Nelly’s “Hot in Herre.” Sapphira Cristál, fresh off her Drag Race runner-up finish, lit up the stage with a dynamic medley of Lizzo hits, culminating in a dazzling display of rapid-fire high kicks. Roxxxy Andrews, a seasoned queen with decades of experience, closed out the sequence with a show-stopping number in a shimmering gown, leaving the audience mesmerized by her radiant presence and timeless glamour.

Ending the night, the crowd roared as Jimbo made a grand return, donning an enormous Santa suit that had everyone wondering what was next. With a mischievous grin, Jimbo twirled, revealing the shocking twist – a Santa clad in nothing but lingerie, prompting both laughter and gasps from the audience. But the true showstopper came next. Sapphira Cristál, regal and poised, reappeared for her final number, stepping into the spotlight to deliver a breathtaking opera ballet performance. Her powerful voice echoed through the theater, perfectly paired with her graceful, balletic movements, leaving the audience utterly spellbound. The room held its breath, captivated by the artistry and raw emotion she poured into every note and step.

From outrageous comedy to jaw-dropping stunts, A Drag Queen Christmas in Connecticut had it all, leaving fans in stitches and awe. Spectacular outfits, lively pop tracks, and just the right amount of lighthearted shade made the night unforgettable. With each passing year, Nina West and her talented cast are hoping to turn this dazzling holiday event into an annual tradition for more fans. “A Drag Queen Christmas has become a mainstay in how people celebrate the holidays, bringing us all together in a truly powerful way,” Nina West shared, encouraging everyone to welcome this new tradition into their lives.