Hudson’s Royal Court Reigns Supreme

March 8, 2025
At The Barbershop Bar
WINDSOR, Ontario

A Night of Royalty and Revelry

Hear ye, hear ye! Windsor’s drag scene gathered for an evening of medieval mischief and birthday cheer as Hudson Bae hosted Hudson’s Royal Court at The Barbershop Bar on March 8th. Guests were invited to don their finest royal attire and join the king of the night in a celebration filled with high-energy performances, captivating costumes, and an atmosphere brimming with laughter and camaraderie.

Table of Contents:

• A Regal Affair: Setting the Scene

• Courtly Performances: The Stars of the Show

• Fashion Fit for Royalty

• A Night to Remember

A Regal Affair: Setting the Scene

As the clock struck eight, the doors to The Barbershop Bar opened to an eager crowd, excited to partake in Hudson Bae’s birthday bash. With the venue packed and the audience dressed to impress, the ambiance was electric, blending the charm of a Renaissance festival with the high energy of a modern drag show.

Hudson, ever the charismatic host, welcomed guests with his signature wit, kicking off the night’s festivities with a blend of comedy, charm, and classic court jester antics. From the moment he took the stage, the energy was contagious, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.

Courtly Performances: The Stars of the Show

Hudson’s Royal Court featured an outstanding lineup of drag royalty. Venom Von Snaps, Luxy Charms, and Cecil Cecropia graced the stage with stunning performances, each bringing their unique flair to the celebration. Though Lua was absent, the show pressed on with enough excitement to keep the crowd thoroughly entertained.

Venom Von Snaps delivered sultry, commanding performances, serving rock-and-roll edge with her leafy green ensemble and fiery red locks. Later in the night, she transformed into a punk princess with fishnet details and a schoolgirl skirt, proving her versatility as a performer. Luxy Charms embodied pure theatricality, first appearing as a devilish rocker in a Kiss crop-top, and later switching to a more refined, black and white aesthetic, all while maintaining her signature clown-inspired look.

Cecil Cecropia was a powerhouse of punk and rebellion, first in an all-black rocker ensemble and later embracing a DIY aesthetic with an oversized sweatshirt, safety pins, and skull-themed accessories. And of course, Hudson Bae himself was a sight to behold, first in a blue jester’s garb complete with a white ruff, then in a striking white ruffled shirt and platinum wig, playfully wielding a “#1 Daddy” coffee mug.

Fashion Fit for Royalty

The night wasn’t just about the performances—it was also a visual spectacle. Themed outfits added an extra layer of excitement, with each performer embodying their own take on royal flair. The audience, too, played their part, arriving in their best regal attire, transforming the venue into a full-blown royal court. Whether clad in crowns, flowing gowns, or medieval-inspired finery, the crowd fully embraced the theme, making the event feel like a grand festival.

A Night to Remember

With a packed house, stellar performances, and a birthday celebration fit for a king, Hudson’s Royal Court proved to be a night of unforgettable revelry. The camaraderie between performers and audience alike made the event feel intimate yet spectacular—a true testament to Windsor’s thriving drag community. As the night came to a close, the cast stayed on set to mingle with guests, ensuring that everyone had the chance to capture memories with their favorite royals.

Long live Hudson Bae and his court—until the next royal gathering!

Review by Kevin Blondin
Photos by Liana Anselmo

Lights, Laughs, and Luxy!

February 14, 2025
WINDSOR, Ontario

A 50s Sitcom Brought to Life

There’s something magical about stepping into a time warp, and on Valentine’s Day, Windsor’s Temple Ballroom became a living, breathing 1950s television set. I Love Luxy, an original concept by Epoxy with co-production by Temple Blooms Productions, starred the incomparable Luxy Charms, and delivered a side-splitting spoof of vintage sitcoms, complete with live skits, improv, and lip-sync performances that kept the audience roaring with laughter.

Table of Contents:

• A Mock-Live Filming Experience

• A Cast of Colorful (or Grayscale) Characters

• Nosey Neighbours and Interactive Comedy

• A Perfect Valentine’s Day Treat

A Mock-Live Filming Experience

The show kicked off just after 8 PM, instantly immersing the audience in the black-and-white world of classic television. With a set designed to resemble a 50s-style home and a cast decked out in grayscale costumes, I Love Luxy brilliantly recreated the aesthetic of vintage TV. The night was packed with raunchy yet playful humor, over-the-top performances, and cleverly executed skits that paid homage to the golden age of sitcoms.

A Cast of Colorful (or Grayscale) Characters

At the heart of the show was Luxy Charms, the unhinged housewife whose home became a revolving door for outrageous visitors. Epoxy and Iddy Oats set the stage as charismatic TV hosts, while a wild lineup of characters—including Belle Vyra as an alien from Mars, Airress as a bohemian beatnik, and Cecil Cecropia as the ever-reliable milkman—kept the laughs rolling. Lua and Mercury Retrograde, playing the nosey neighbours, provided some of the night’s most hilarious moments with their constant surveillance and judgmental expressions.

Nosey Neighbours and Interactive Comedy

The audience interaction was one of the show’s standout elements. During intermission, Lua and Mercury Retrograde remained in character, peeking through the window with binoculars while casually ironing the curtains—a detail that had the crowd in stitches. The commitment to character and the immersive nature of the performance made the experience even more engaging.

A Perfect Valentine’s Day Treat

By the time the final act wrapped, the audience was left in awe of the sheer talent and comedic timing displayed throughout the night. To top it off, the cast stayed on set for a post-show meet-and-greet, allowing guests to snap photos with their favorite characters. Erica Spotton captured the night’s best moments, ensuring the magic of I Love Luxy would live on beyond the stage.

A Nostalgic Night to Remember

With its perfect blend of camp, chaos, and classic TV nostalgia, I Love Luxy was an absolute triumph. Whether you came for the laughs, the lip-syncs, or the sheer absurdity of it all, one thing’s for sure—this was a night Windsor won’t soon forget.

Review by Kevin Blondin
Photos by Eri Spotton

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show 2024

Photos by Santiago Felipe

A Holly, Jolly, Hilarious Night with Jinkx & DeLa in Detroit

DETROIT, Michigan - Monday, November 25, 2024, marked the arrival of The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show at Detroit’s iconic Masonic Temple. Presented by AEG, this festive extravaganza proved once again why Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme reign supreme as the queens of Christmas. As part of their biggest international tour to date, this campy celebration was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

From the moment the curtain rose, Jinkx and DeLa brought their signature blend of sass, spectacle, and holiday cheer. Their chemistry is truly infectious—whether trading witty barbs or belting out their hilarious reimagined pop songs, they had the audience roaring with laughter and cheering for more. This year's production, like the ones before it, blended clever humor, jaw-dropping costumes, and sharp social commentary in a way only these two drag icons can deliver.

The show’s pacing was impeccable, bouncing between laugh-out-loud comedy sketches, heartfelt moments, and dynamic musical numbers. Their playful spins on holiday classics and current hits kept the energy high, while their ability to balance campy humor with poignant messages made for a well-rounded and engaging evening.

After the curtain fell, lucky attendees were treated to an intimate Q&A session with Jinkx and DeLa. The duo didn’t hold back, sharing hilarious behind-the-scenes anecdotes and insights into the meticulous planning that goes into their annual extravaganza. It was a testament to their dedication and talent—every detail, down to the comedic timing and choreography, is carefully calibrated to perfection.

Jinkx and DeLa's ability to weave queer joy, political satire, and pure holiday magic into one seamless show is nothing short of revolutionary. Their work doesn’t just entertain—it fosters community and reminds us of the importance of finding laughter and connection, even in challenging times.

For anyone looking for a festive escape filled with laughs, glitter, and heartfelt moments, The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show is a must-see. With 33 stops across the US, and Canada this year, there’s no excuse to miss out on this yuletide drag spectacular.

Spreading Holiday Cheer, One Stage at a Time

Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme have once again proven why they’re the reigning queens of holiday drag. If the Detroit stop is any indication, this year’s tour is their best yet. So, grab your chosen family, don your gayest apparel, and make The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show a part of your festive traditions. Trust us—it’s the most wonderful, and hilarious, time of the year!

Review by Kevin Blondin

A Drag Queen Christmas

10th Anniversary Kicks Off U.S. Tour in Detroit

DETROIT, Michigan - The holiday season sparkled a little brighter this year as A Drag Queen Christmas – 10th Anniversary kicked off its U.S. tour at the iconic Fisher Theatre in Detroit on November 13, 2024. Presented by Murray & Peter Present, this festive extravaganza marked the premiere of a 39-city tour across the United States and Canada, delivering holiday cheer and jaw-dropping performances.

Hosted by the ever-charming Nina West, the show featured an all-star lineup, including Plasma, Sapphira Cristal, and Plane Jane from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 16, Roxxxy Andrews from All Stars season 9, Crystal Methyd from season 12, Brooke Lynn Hytes from season 11 and Canada’s Drag Race, Lady Camden from season 14, and the hilarious and unpredictable Jimbo, reigning queen of All Stars season 8.

Act One: Festive Glitz and High-Energy Performances

The evening opened with Nina West, wrapped like a holiday gift in her Christmas-themed outfit, flanked by male dancers in red shorts and gold harnesses. Her warm and witty banter set the tone for a night of merriment and over-the-top glamour.

Plasma was the first queen to take the stage, making a grand entrance as a giant Christmas bell wrapped in a red ribbon. Nina humorously "cracked" the bell open with a hammer, revealing Plasma in a candy-cane-striped outfit for a high-energy rendition of Jingle Bells.

Brooke Lynn Hytes followed, turning up the heat with an electrifying number to Def Leppard's Pour Some Sugar On Me. Her high kicks and precise choreography, paired with the male dancers, brought the audience to their feet.

Plane Jane exuded winter royalty in a layered white and silver gown, revealing a chic platinum-blonde braid and sleek ensemble underneath. Roxxxy Andrews brought holiday sex appeal to Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, shedding her luxurious feathered robe to reveal a glittering red mini-dress.

Lady Camden’s performance of Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen was both whimsical and theatrical. Starting as a toy soldier, she transitioned into a jester-like costume, complete with a Freddie Mercury mustache. Sapphira Cristal delivered a stunning transformation number, beginning in a voluminous feathered ensemble that gave way to a sparkling blue and white outfit with dazzling moves.

Jimbo had the audience in hysterics, rolling onto the stage in an inflatable toilet dressed as a cheeky holiday poo to Hanky the Christmas Poo. Her comedic timing and playful twerking to H.O.T.T.O.G.O. by Chappell Roan were show-stealing. Crystal Methyd closed the act with a fiery nod to Heat Miser, ending her set in a quirky pink-and-yellow outfit that encapsulated her signature blend of camp and charm.

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Act Two: Holiday Magic and Show-Stopping Finales

After a 20-minute intermission, Brooke Lynn Hytes, joined by Nina West, treated the audience to a Broadway duet from Wicked. Brooke Lynn stunned in an emerald-green gown with a thigh-high slit, while Nina looked radiant in a pink ballgown with an elegant updo.

Lady Camden opened the second act as a wind-up ballerina to Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, seamlessly transitioning into You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) by Dead or Alive. Plane Jane followed with a sultry rendition of Santa Baby, joined by the dancers dressed as Santa and the Grinch.

Crystal Methyd’s creativity shone in her gingerbread-inspired performance to C Is for Cookie and a medley of tracks, ending with How Many Licks? by Lil’ Kim. Plasma brought vintage Hollywood glam in a green gown with white fur accents, exuding timeless holiday elegance.

Roxxxy Andrews returned with a powerful medley of tracks from The Greatest Showman, including Never Enough and This Is Me, donning a regal blue-and-white fur-lined robe. Sapphira Cristal capped her second set in a glittering blue jumpsuit and furry white boots, grooving to a Lizzo mix.

For the grand finale, Jimbo appeared as a shimmering Santa with a sack of presents, eventually stripping down to a lacey red lingerie set that had the audience roaring with laughter.

A Festive Start to a Glittering Tour

The premiere of A Drag Queen Christmas – 10th Anniversary was a dazzling success, blending holiday magic with iconic drag performances. From Nina West’s charismatic hosting to Jimbo’s outrageous comedy, the queens delivered a show that was equal parts heartwarming and hilariously entertaining.

With 39 stops on this tour, fans across the U.S. and Canada have plenty of opportunities to experience the magic of drag this holiday season. If the Detroit premiere was any indication, this year’s tour will be the best yet.

Photos and review by Kevin Blondin