'What a Drag!' Exhibit Spotlights Key West's Renowned Drag Queens
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Fans of Key West's glitzy, glamorous drag performers can get a "backstage" look at the talented entertainers and their inspirations, finery, lives and role in the island's culture at "What a Drag!" — an intriguing new exhibit at the Custom House Museum, 281 Front St.
The exhibition focuses on the drag queens that light up local cabaret stages as well as the men who create and portray the flamboyant female characters.
Attendees can gain insights into the larger-than-life personas through costumes, shoes, wigs and accessories loaned for the display by some of Key West's leading drag queens. They also can glimpse their glamour rituals, learn about their place in the island's entertainment scene and find out how audiences react to their unique style and shows.
Highlights include a glittering 6-foot red high-heel shoe that serves as a "chariot" for famed Key West drag performer Sushi during the island's internationally renowned New Year's Eve "drag queen drop" that has been featured repeatedly on CNN's New Year's Eve program. Thousands of revelers flock to the 700 block of Duval Street each Dec. 31 to applaud a lavish open-air drag show and Sushi's midnight "descent" from a second-story balcony, perched in the shoe, to mark the new year's arrival.
At the exhibit, attendees also can view media documentation and distinctive photographs of Key West's drag icons and explore their overall role in the community. Emphasis is placed on their frequent participation in local philanthropic and charity events, where they donate their time and talents to raise funds for those in need.
Presented by the Key West Art & Historical Society, the exhibit is sponsored in part by the Key West Business Guild, Aqua Bar and Nightclub, Leather Master of Key West, 801 Cabaret, Bourbon St. Pub and Monkey Apple Art.
"What a Drag!" is to remain on display through Dec. 2.
Exhibit information: kwahs.org
Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest
or 1-800-LAST-KEY
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The exhibition focuses on the drag queens that light up local cabaret stages as well as the men who create and portray the flamboyant female characters. (Photo by Susan Guadagno/Monkey Apple Art Factory)
Some of Key West's leading drag queens include famed Key West drag performer Sushi, famously part of the island's internationally renowned New Year's Eve "drag queen drop" in a red high-heeled shoe.