By Anna Bechtel –

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – On Saturday, August 30, Chez Est in Hartford hosted its third annual Mx. Chez Comedy Legend pageant. The night celebrated campy and comedic drag, and the audience was treated to hilarious performances from local queens.

As in previous years, the night was hosted by Connecticut’s drag clown and creator, mother of the House of Jones, Enigma Jones. This year’s judging panel included Mx. Chez Comedy Legend 2024, Rory Roux Lay, along with Kenya Mone Heart and Kiki Lucia.

This year’s competitors were Sauvignon Blanc, Perry Winkle, Frankie Cyanide, Bonnie Petite, Tiki Malone, Flaminia, and Frizzie Borden. They were evaluated by the judges across three categories: a comedic performance, a group reading challenge, and a Q&A segment in which they showcased an outfit reflecting their sense of humor. The judges’ scores determined the top four contestants.

After a fierce competition, Frizzie Borden claimed the crown as Mx. Chez Comedy Legend 2025. Perry Winkle secured the runner-up spot, Tiki Malone placed third, and Frankie Cyanide completed the top four.

Frizzie Borden (8/30/25) from CT Drag Fans on Vimeo. Frizzie Borden, Mx. Chez Comedy Legend at Chez Est in Hartford, CT on August 30, 2025. Video by Nick Dionne.

Frizzie Borden captivated the crowd with a sailor-inspired number set to “I’m On a Boat” by The Lonely Island and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot. The performance featured images of ships, including one under attack by an octopus, and props such as paper sailors and boat workers. In a playful twist, she handed out the paper sailors to the audience, many of whom proudly wore them on their clothes for the rest of the night.

Perry Winkle delivered a quirky tale of romance between a lifeguard and a talking shark. The number opened with a Baywatch-inspired slow-motion run in full lifeguard gear, then unfolded through witty dialogue and musical interludes set to Olivia Rodrigo’s “Bad Idea Right?” and Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do.” The act climaxed with Perry defeating the shark, dragging it offstage, and triumphantly returning with sushi in hand. The audience erupted with laughter at the outrageous twist.

Perry Winkle (8/30/25) from CT Drag Fans on Vimeo. Perry Winkle, Mx. Chez Comedy Legend at Chez Est in Hartford, CT on August 30, 2025. Video by Nick Dionne.

Tiki Malone paid tribute to Tina Belcher and Jimmy Jr. from Bob’s Burgers with a playful, tongue-in-cheek performance. She lip-synced a parody of George Michael’s “Careless Whisper” while a backup dancer wielded a cardboard saxophone, sending the audience into fits of laughter. Tiki also recreated Tina’s iconic twerking, a beloved internet meme, adding an extra layer of humor to the act.

Tiki Malone (8/30/25) from CT Drag Fans on Vimeo. Tiki Malone, Mx. Chez Comedy Legend at Chez Est in Hartford, CT on August 30, 2025. Video by Nick Dionne.

After all the contestants had performed, it was the judges’ and host’s turn to take the stage. Kenya Mone Heart sang and danced to “Tequila” by The Champs. Kiki Lucia delivered a comedic mix featuring Moira Rose’s dialogue about crows from Schitt’s Creek. Rory Roux Lay performed stand-up, roasting everyone in her step-down performance. Finally, Enigma Jones opened with an homage to the Now! That’s What I Call Music CDs, performing songs by Connecticut drag artists while impersonating each one. The second half of her act marked the debut of her original song, “Down to Clown.”

Finally, the audience held their breath as the judges revealed the top four. After a tense moment, Frizzie Borden was crowned Mx. Chez Comedy Legend 2025. It was a memorable night full of laughs and creativity, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating next year’s competition.