Shine, passion, and unforgettable performances took over The ’Sco at this year’s Drag Ball on April 4. The event showcased a mix of professional and student performers who delivered acts ranging from dark, theatrical storytelling to high-energy performances.
Obie alum and drag king The Twisted Transitioner kicked off the night performing to “Forever & Ever More” by Nothing But Thieves. They wore an outfit inspired by Critical Role character Mollymauk Tealeaf — silver chains around their waist, a loose beige shirt, and black boots. Their purple and black makeup, horns, and pointy ears made them look like an otherworldly creature. This performance immediately set the tone for a night full of charm, energy, and unearthliness.
Following their act was another featured drag king, Ronnie Wrath, who continued the dark and haunting elements with a purple, black, and silver outfit, performing to “A Touch of Evil” by Judas Priest.
The first student performer of the night was drag queen Tryst Deluxe, College fourth-year Henry Feller, whose act centered around the story of a seductive vampire. He performed “Disease” by Lady Gaga.
“I started listening to ‘Disease’ a lot, and I was thinking, ‘What if I have this lesbian vampire lady enchanting this woman into a castle?’” Feller said. “Then at the very end, they’re about to kiss, but she bites the s**t out of her neck, and there’s blood everywhere.”
The performance delivered, ending with Tryst Deluxe dancing across the stage covered in blood, fully embodying the character.
A well-known figure ended the first half of the show: Dawn, who performed on season 16 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. She also rocked out in black and purple, performing to “Toxic” by Britney Spears. She knew how to keep the audience engaged by walking off the stage and dancing in the crowd, turning the room into part of the show.
Kicking off the second part of the night was another student drag queen, Cafecito Crema, College fourth-year Z Gutierrez. She did her act to the song “Fireball” by Pitbull. Demonstrating how drag can serve as a political art form, similar to her performance at last year’s Drag Ball, Cafecito Crema referenced ICE by carrying a prop ice cube that she proceeded to stomp on during her performance.
The next drag queen, Jade X C**t, gave a seductive, eye-opening performance to the song “Frank Sinatra” by Miss Kitten. She appeared in a purple cloak that she removed partway through the act to reveal a black camisole bodysuit with fishnets and heels.
Following Jade X C**t, Dawn returned to the stage in a baby blue feathered outfit. She began with an emotional performance of “Picture You” by Chappell Roan before shifting the energy halfway through. The song transitioned into “Red Wine Supernova,” bringing the crowd back to an upbeat atmosphere as Dawn once again stepped into the audience to dance.
The night concluded with a final performance by drag queens Jade and Pearl. Their act featured songs from KPop Demon Hunters, while incorporating the evening’s theme of Dungeons & Dragons. Before performing each musical segment, they acted as if they rolled dice, adding a playful, theatrical element to the performance. To end their act, they performed “Golden” and used a hand cannon to make gold confetti rain from the roof.
Their vibrant and energetic act was the perfect way to close out a night full of creativity, expression, and celebration. Everyone came dressed in dazzling outfits, cheered from the heart, had fun, and lived in the moment. The atmosphere truly represented how drag brings life, love, and the opportunity for true self-expression to a community.
“After being inundated with a lot of transphobia saying, ‘Your body’s disgusting, you’re mutilating yourself, don’t ever show yourself to anyone else,’ hearing that reception to [my performance … was] life-changing,” Feller said. “That’s the experience that drag affords people, especially young trans people: getting to see your body in this light of being a vehicle of beauty. You get to feel beautiful. … Doing drag is like feeling that love you are so often discouraged from feeling as a trans person, and that is so meaningful.”
