Performers show off moves in 'Draglesque' show in Pottsville

Feb. 19—POTTSVILLE — Five drag performers provided a night of raucous entertainment Saturday night during their staging of "Draglesque" at the Majestic Theater.

The performers took to the stage and showed off their moves in a cabaret-style drag show featuring a rich, energetic musical selection and audience interaction.

Each performer had a unique style and appearance, which they executed masterfully as they glided down the aisles in high heels.

The performers changed into different costumes throughout the night, choosing outfits that best fit their presentation and musical accompaniment.

About 60 people attended the BYOB event, which was the theater's fourth "Draglesque" show.

Trixy Valentine, of Berwick, made her onstage entrance in a green, Disney-esque dress, miming and lip-synching passionately to the backing of "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)."

Minutes into her performance, she wielded a curved sword and balanced it on her head, drawing loud applause from the audience.

The show's only drag king, Xander Valentine, of Catawissa, wore several black outfits, including a wide-brimmed cowboy hat and a vest that gave him the look of an '80s post-punk musician.

The other performers in the lineup were Nichole Valentine, of Easton; her fiancée, Mia Ho Moore, of Easton; and Feebee Foxx, of Hanover.

The crowd was in high spirits throughout the presentation.

As the performers strutted around the theater, many in the audience handed out tips, which were collected in a large container by helper Danielle White, or "Ambrosia."

Drag community

The performers enjoyed getting the chance to perform in Pottsville, noting the audience's enthusiastic response.

Nichole Valentine said drag performers often travel long distances to reach as many LGBTQ-friendly audiences and venues as possible.

"There's not enough time, space, people. ... We travel to all these different locations, just so we can be out there and be proud and happy, and do what we do," she said.

Trixy Valentine said Schuylkill County is known for welcoming drag acts, including in the annual Schuylkill County PrideFest. Having performed in previous "Draglesque" shows at the Majestic Theater, she wants to bring more performing opportunities to Pottsville.

"We wanted to bring more drag and queer spaces to the area," she said. "So that's kind of how ('Draglesque') started — to bring something to downtown Pottsville related to queer space and drag."

Trixy stressed that drag is, above all, an entertainment form and a mode of creative expression.

"Drag is not hurtful," she said. "We're here to express ourselves and to let people just have a moment where you can let your hair down. ... Drag isn't about sexual exploitation or anything. It's about loving yourself and the people in the room."

At the end of the show, the performers promised the audience that "Draglesque" would return to the theater, although they didn't specify a date.

Before leaving the stage, Trixy had a final message for the audience.

"Drag is about expressing yourself and having a good time," she said.

Contact the writer: hlee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6085