The Alt/Punk Drag Show invites you to ‘Come Out and Play’ with the next generation of drag kings and queens

When rock-and-rolling local drag kings Frankie Cyanide and Paxx Headroom had trouble breaking into the larger drag community still dominated by disco divas, they took their own styles and attitudes and started their own party.

The Alt/Punk Drag Show at the State House club on Chapel Street in New Haven has many distinctions. It’s less dance-pop and more alt-rock. It’s hosted by kings, not queens. It’s held in a rock club, not in a gay bar or restaurant.

The next Alt/Punk Drag Show is Sunday, titled “Come Out and Play,” after the 1994 Offspring hit. The shows are given fun names but not precise themes, Cyanide says. This one marks the start of the school year. Besides Cyanide and Headroom, the featured talent includes Izzy Dun Raven, Chai, queer rapper/dance Ryder Die and Glass Staine.

Besides the State House, Frankie Cyanide hosts a weekly Wacky Wednesday open-stage drag revue at Trevi Lounge in Fairfield. On Saturday, he’s hosting a special Wacky Saturday show at Trevi featuring some of the Wednesday regulars, among them Giri Spade, Destiny Harmony, Guen Reign, Tiki Malone, Rhea Estrella, Perry Winkle, Roger Plotz, Clementine KuLayd, Tiana Maxim, Della Bordeaux and Songbird Angel Love, Ryder Die again and, of course, Cyanide and Headroom. There are three shows, at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 p.m. and the evening is preceded by a four-hour “Drag Sale” at the club from 4 to 8 p.m. where the drag performers will be selling — and in many cases giving away — items they no longer need from their extensive wardrobes.

Cyanide also performs at drag shows he doesn’t host himself, and like every drag performer is overbooked every year during Pride Month. A long-time goal to perform at the best-known drag stage in the state, Chez Est in Hartford, will be realized Sept. 17. The sticking point in getting a booking there, Cyanide says, is his admittedly bad taste in fashion. The show he’ll be appearing in is a special one “about ugly outfits” titled “Problem Prints.”

“Paxx and I saw a void in the scene,” says Cyanide, who only began his drag career in 2018. He didn’t see many opportunities for drag kings, who perform in male drag and embrace or challenge masculine stereotypes. Setting a male-leaning format for shows helped suggest an overall musical style.

“When you’re looking at male vocalists to cover, as a drag king, there are a lot more choices if you include punk.”

Now, he says, “people from all over the state are clamoring to be part of this. One demographic that’s been really enjoying the shows is one that doesn’t feel welcome at other drag shows.”

Cyanide says a new generation of drag kings and queens is being developed. The old guard is also welcome: Some of the most established drag queens in the state have created all-new routines for the Alt/Punk Drag Show.

“We’ve had Mia E Z’Lay, Kiki Lucia, Dixie Normous ... all the big names in the state. They all came up with new mixes that are appropriate for our show. We get along great with the previous generation of queens.”

Cyanide has performed to songs by Green Day, My Chemical Romance, Alberto y Lost Trios Paranoias and Mindless Self Indulgence, but don’t expect those at the Sunday show, since, he says, “I don’t like repeating numbers.”

“You get there, pre-show music is playing. I go up on the stage and vamp a bit,” Cyanide says, describing a typical Alt/Punk Drag event. “I have a bunch of bills in my hand so I can make change for people in the audience that didn’t remember to bring singles. Everybody does one song, there’s an intermission, then everybody does another song. It starts at 8 and we’re done by 10.”

The series began around three years ago, not long after the State House first opened its doors.

“The State House has really enjoyed hosting it,” Cyanide says. The club is known for its eclectic programming as well as its support for local acts.

Cyanide enjoys being able to run a drag show on a real stage, rather than on the floor of a bar or restaurant. “With a stage, it feels a little more formal than at a bar, more like a show. People still tip the acts, and the performers interact with the audience. ...

“We also pay more than bar gigs. Drag performers in general are undervalued.” Respect must be paid, Cyanide says, since “drag is everywhere now,” referring to the surge in drag brunch events, revues and other drag shows.

“We probably have the interest now to do State House shows every month, instead of once every two months. We’re taking our time. But it’s true that people want drag. People want drag everywhere.”

Cyanide, who grew up on Long Island and later in Connecticut, may be relatively new on the drag scene, “but I’ve been following it since I was in middle school.” Most of Cyanide’s drag appearances have been in Connecticut.

There’s been little negative response to his drag shows, Cyanide says. “There were protests outside a drag story time I did in Norwalk, but nothing around the State House shows.” He takes the bigotry the scene can face in stride.

“I was raised in an agnostic Jewish household. People wanting me dead for things beyond my control is something every Jew lives with.”

Building a subculture has been a gradual process.

“At first, I didn’t even know what a drag king is. It’s an uphill battle for sure.” Now they’re known as a mentor for up-and-coming drag talent. “I’m watching a new generation of darn kids who don’t get any of my references,” says Cyanide, who’s only in his late 20s himself. He says he always has his eye out for “that one weird kid in the corner of the club” who’s anxious about getting up onstage and just needs some encouragement.

As for his own style, “I can’t dance, and my taste is terrible,” Cyanide says. “But my makeup is great, I’m charming, and I know how to handle a mic.”

With a persona at odds with more stylish, pop-smart and diva-driven performers, Cyanide says “I wasn’t being given any freedom. At a certain point I decided I’d rather do things my way.”

“Wacky Saturday” happens Saturday with a “Drag Sale” from 4 to 8 p.m. and drag shows at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 p.m. at Trevi Lounge, 548 Kings County Cutoff, Fairfield. There is no cover charge. facebook.com/Trevi.Lounge.

“Come Out and Play: An Alt/Punk Drag Show” happens Sunday at 8 p.m. at the State House, 310 State State, New Haven. Admission is $25, $20 in advance. Open to ages 18 and over. statehousepresents.com.

Christopher Arnott can be reached at carnott@courant.com.