By Kevin Ferrisi –

Sienna Rose celebrated her 200th show, aptly named Sienna Says, marking a significant milestone in her journey that began in the spring of 2021, as the world began to emerge from the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as a weekly RuPaul’s Drag Race watch party at Troupe429, during a time when restrictions had forced the closure of many public spaces, blossomed into a solo show. After COVID-related restrictions were lifted and venues could reopen, the owners of Troupe429, Casey and Nicholas, offered her a residency, giving Sienna Rose the opportunity to create her own show. Debuting during Pride month, Sienna Says was more than just a performance; it was a testament to the strength of chosen family and the joy of coming together after such challenging times. Reaching 200 shows was not just a number, but a celebration of perseverance, passion, and the lasting connections she had fostered along the way.

Reaching the 200th show of Sienna Says feels surreal for Sienna Rose. It’s more than just a milestone; it’s a moment filled with deep gratitude. What began as a small idea during a time of uncertainty has blossomed into something she could have only dreamed of. Every week, she has the privilege of sharing an artistic space with an incredible community, creating moments of joy, and doing what she loves, all while surrounded by people who believe in her. She doesn’t take that for granted. To her, it’s a testament to the power of queer creativity, collaboration, and consistency, and she’s incredibly proud of what they’ve all built together.

One of the biggest challenges Sienna Rose faced on her journey to success was navigating the unpredictability of nightlife in Connecticut. Unlike major cities like New York, where an established drag scene brings in a constant stream of built-in audiences, she had to question whether Sienna Says could truly thrive long-term. On top of that, it’s a one-woman show, every performance rests solely on her shoulders. Entertaining for over two hours, week after week, with the pressure to deliver consistently, was no small feat. What kept her going were the incredible audience members who showed up week after week. Whether local or traveling from out of state, their support made it feel like they were all building something special together. She learned that you don’t need a big city to make a big impact. She also made sure to give a heartfelt shout-out to the bartenders and Troupe team, as well as the talented performers from Connecticut, New York City, and New England who shared the Sienna Says stage with her.

Sienna Rose has countless memories from her shows, but some stand out more than others. One of her favorites was having Jessica Wild from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 2 and All Stars 6 as a special guest – a queen Sienna had admired and tried to emulate for years. It was an incredibly surreal moment for her. Another standout is performing “Defying Gravity,” which has become her signature closing number and one of the most requested songs during her Drag Roulette segment. Drag Roulette is her favorite part of the show each week, and while it’s a staple in many New York City drag shows, Sienna Says was the first in Connecticut to adapt and truly own it. This segment creates an electric, collaborative moment where Sienna and the audience build a one-of-a-kind experience, never to be replicated again. It’s the spontaneity, the energy, and the connection with her audience that fills her with the most pride. Every week, it reminds her why she does what she does – and it’s the perfect way to end every Friday night show.

Sienna Says has provided the queer community with something truly essential: consistency, joy, and a space where people feel seen and celebrated. In a place like Connecticut, where queer nightlife isn’t always easy to find, having a weekly show people can count on has made a real difference. But it’s not just about the performances, it’s about creating a space where community thrives. Regulars have become chosen family, and new faces are always welcomed with open arms. Every week, there’s humor, heart, and a deep sense of connection. Sienna is proud that Sienna Says has become not just a show, but a creative and emotional anchor for so many, herself included.

She officially started doing drag in 2018, though she had experimented with makeup before, doing “boy beats” for nights out. It wasn’t until Troupe429 opened in 2017 that she found a space where she felt truly welcomed. The sense of safety and community there gave Sienna the confidence to explore drag more seriously and professionally. Although she had been an avid Drag Race fan for years, it wasn’t something she ever envisioned herself doing until she started attending the weekly watch parties hosted by Hazel Berry and Robin Fierce at Troupe429. Watching Drag Race surrounded by community opened her eyes to the possibilities of drag. Hazel and Robin encouraged her to take the leap, giving her the final 1% of confidence to match the 99% she already had. A few months later, she made her debut at Trail Mix Thursday, Troupe429’s open stage night, where she later became the co-host alongside Robin.

Sienna Rose started doing drag because, when she first began going out, the scene felt unwelcoming and isolating. She often felt like she didn’t belong. But when she found her voice in drag, she made it her mission to create the kind of spaces she had always wished existed for her, spaces where people feel seen, celebrated, and safe. That’s why Troupe429 isn’t just her home bar; it’s her home. Their mission aligns with hers, and that’s what makes Sienna Says work. The venue cares. The staff cares. Casey and Nicholas care, not just about the show, but about her as a person. And she cares deeply for them. That kind of love and mutual support is rare, and it’s the foundation of everything she does. For her, this isn’t just nightlife; it’s her chosen family. It’s her life.

Choosing a drag name was no easy feat for Sienna Rose. It had to encapsulate everything about her before the audience even saw her perform. After many ideas, only one ever felt right. Sienna was sultry and elegant, with a connection to her Italian roots, the city of Siena in Tuscany, known for its art, boldness, and timeless beauty, which are qualities she brings to the stage. Rose added a softness to balance that, evoking romance and classic beauty, while also nodding to the idea that beauty often comes with a few thorns. And of course, it didn’t hurt that it looked great when written on a nice, fat check!

Sienna Rose’s achievements rival those of queens in major cities like New York and Los Angeles, yet she remains deeply connected to the drag scene in Connecticut, proudly calling the state her home. As the host of Connecticut’s longest-running weekly solo drag show, Sienna Says, and the longest-running RuPaul’s Drag Race watch party, both at Norwalk’s Troupe429, Sienna has built an enduring presence in the local drag community. Over the years, she has welcomed an impressive roster of guests, including Aquaria, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 10, Real Housewives of New York star Sonja Morgan, and Connecticut’s first openly gay Miss CT USA, Shavana Clarke, among many others.

In partnership with Troupe429, she hosts Drag Brunch CT every month at Coals Restaurant in Norwalk, CT. Now in its third year of sold-out monthly brunches, Drag Brunch CT has become the perfect place for unforgettable Sunday celebrations. With high-energy performances from local and regional drag stars, a live DJ, and bottomless mimosas, it’s no wonder why Drag Brunch CT is one of Connecticut’s best Sunday drag brunches. Tickets are available online at DragBrunchCT.com!