By Kevin Ferrisi –

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – TheaterWorks in Hartford marked the return of its annual Celebrate Drag showcase for the third year, bringing together a dynamic lineup of performers and a strong dose of RuPaul’s Drag Race star power. The evening was hosted by Connecticut native Robin Fierce from season 15, who welcomed fellow alum Amethyst to the stage along with season 17 standout Suzie Toot as the headliner. Adding a local touch to the star-studded cast, Natalia Fierce, Robin Fierce’s drag daughter, also delivered a performance that celebrated the growing visibility and artistry of Connecticut’s drag scene.

Connecticut’s drag star Loosey LaDuca from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15 hosted the inaugural Celebrate Drag show in 2023, setting the tone for an event that highlights the cultural and social importance of drag. The art form continues to thrive as a space for self-expression, storytelling, and community building, offering audiences both entertainment and a deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ visibility. By bringing together local talent and nationally recognized performers, Celebrate Drag underscores how drag serves as both an artistic movement and a vital platform for inclusivity and acceptance in Connecticut and beyond. 

Robin Fierce opened the show with a commanding presence, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening of drag and live performance. She delivered a medley of songs that highlighted both her vocal power and versatility, weaving in a soulful, blues-infused take on Alicia Keys’ “Fallin” along with other crowd favorites. With each number, she blended jazz stylings and theatrical flair, creating a performance that was as musically impressive. Her ability to connect with the audience and build excitement set the tone for the star-studded night that followed.

Connecticut’s pop star Amethyst followed with a dynamic set that showcased both her flair for camp and her musical talent. She opened with a lip sync to Britney Spears’ “Do Somethin”, affirming her pop diva persona before shifting gears to perform live vocals on Tate McRae’s “Sports Car.” Closing her set with a performance of her original track “Hard2Get,” Amethyst demonstrated her versatility as both a drag entertainer and recording artist, leaving the audience with a strong impression of her artistry.  

After a short break, Robin Fierce returned to the stage to introduce her drag daughter Natalia Fierce, often regarded as Connecticut’s own Beyoncé. Natalia delivered a show-stopping performance inspired by Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour, complete with a self-made ensemble that closely mirrored the superstar’s iconic stage looks. Her attention to detail extended beyond the costume, as she flawlessly captured the choreography, mannerisms, and expressive gestures that define Beyoncé’s stage presence. The result was a performance that felt like a true preview of the tour, offering the audience an unforgettable experience that rivaled the real thing.

To close out the night, Suzie Toot made her Connecticut debut, thrilling fans with the energy and charisma that made her a favorite on her season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. She opened with a live performance of her original song “Smokin’ Suzie,” incorporating impressive tap dance moves that highlighted her technical skill and stage presence. She continued with live renditions of classics including Sarah Vaughan’s “Mean to Me,” and Irving Kaufman’s 1920s number “Masculine Women! Feminine Men!,” as well as Rosemary Clooney’s “Take Me Back to Manhattan,” and finishing with Bing Crosby’s “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” The audience responded with raucous applause, rising to their feet and chanting her name in celebration of a show-stopping finale.

Suzie Toot, a standout contestant from the seventeenth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, has quickly made her mark as a unique force in the drag world. She claimed victory in the season’s reunion Lip Sync LaLaPaRuZa Smackdown, earning the title of Queen of She Done Already Done Had Herses. With a background as a professional tap dancer and a style influenced by the glamour of the 1920s and 30s, Suzie blends vintage inspiration with modern camp. Known for her sharp comedic timing and theatrical flair, she has crafted a persona that channels the playful spirit of Betty Boop with the classic charm of Lucille Ball.  

The evening concluded with a high-energy group performance as all four cast members took the stage for a lip sync of Lady Marmalade from Moulin Rouge. Following the finale, VIP bracelet holders were invited to a champagne hour where they had the opportunity to mingle with Suzie Toot and Amethyst, as well as enjoy a photo opportunity that gave fans a lasting keepsake from the night. Drag at TheaterWorks has become a celebrated part of its programming, showcasing local and national performers while highlighting creativity, inclusivity, and community engagement.

In 1985, Steve Campo opened a small theater in downtown Hartford with a vision to redefine the local theater experience. From affordable tickets to a relaxed dress code that encouraged flip flops over formal attire, the theater embraced simplicity and accessibility. Eventually known as TheaterWorks, the company established a reputation for bold, daring productions and a general admission, first-come, first-served model that welcomed audiences of all kinds. Located at the historic 233 Pearl Street, the theater became both a cultural anchor in the neighborhood and a testament to TheaterWorks and their enduring commitment to artistic integrity and innovative performance.

To check out TheaterWorks in Hartford, Connecticut and their upcoming shows, visit twhartford.org.  

PHOTOS: Click here to check out all of the photos in the Events Gallery from Celebrate Drag at TheaterWorks in Hartford, CT on July 31, 2025. Photos by Kevin Ferrisi.