TheaterWorks Hartford, under the leadership of Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero and Managing Director Jeff Griffin, is excited to announce the return of the second annual Celebrate Drag, a one night only event featuring music, dance, visual art, and storytelling. This year’s Celebrate Dragperformance features a headlining performance by PLASMA (Season 16 of RuPaul’s Drag Race). This event will be hosted by ROBIN FIERCE (Season 15 of RuPaul’s Drag Race) with opening performances by NATALIA FIERCE and KENYA MONE HEART, and a gallery exhibition highlighting works from six local LGBTQ+ artists.
Tickets are now on sale at twhartford.org and range from $35-60. This event is sponsored by the Greater Hartford Arts Council. For the safety of the artists, please note that all bags will be inspected before entering the theater.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
PLASMA is the rarest combination of classic glamor, outrageous wealth, sensational wit, spectacular beauty, boundless talent, incomparable performance ability and…humility, obviously. Since starting her official career in drag in summer of 2020, she’s been a comic vamp on a rampage, most notably taking RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 by storm. Since winning the RDR Live acting/singing episode and the iconic Rusical episode, it’s no surprise that BroadwayWorld has dubbed Plasma “the new Broadway baby of RuPaul’s Drag Race!”
ROBIN FIERCE: Strutting her way from Hartford to Hollywood, Robin is just the right amount of sugar and spice, and everything nice! This petite powerhouse is ready to show you what 7+ years in the drag arena has done for her. Performing all throughout the country, Robin is most notably recognized as one of the cast members of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Her style is a mesmerizing combination of slick dance moves, precise lip syncing, and even more powerful live vocals. This singer-songwriter is ready to share her light and love with the world.
NATALIA FIERCE, the daughter of Robin Fierce from RPDR Season 15, is a 27-year-old Drag Queen based in West Hartford, CT. With five years of experience in the drag scene, Natalia has become known for her electrifying performances that breathe life into every show. Her captivating and meticulously crafted looks, all designed by Natalia herself, add a touch of spark and glamour to her performances. Inspired by the legendary Beyoncé and her Puerto Rican heritage, Natalia infuses her drag with dynamic energy and cultural pride. She is renowned for her talent and dedication to all aspects of the art of drag and is constantly pushing herself to exceed expectations with each performance. @nataliathefierce
KENYA MONE HEART is a New England-based artist residing in Middletown, CT. Most seen as a “dancing diva” her drag shows were influenced by the comedic stylings of popular comics like Joan Rivers and Mo’Nique. She is pretty, witty, and looking for a man to clear her student loan debts. Kenya is a queen that splits, kicks, and dips…as long as it is covered by her health insurance. So find Kenya in the same place you find all good quality items…at your local Walmart.
GALLERY EXHIBITION:
In conjunction with the Celebrate Drag performance, TheaterWorks Hartford will also host a gallery exhibition from August 8 to September 13 featuring six LGBTQ+, Connecticut based artists. Local artists included in the exhibition are Adis Halilovic, Jaii Marc Renee, Maxim Tobias Schmidt, Lauren Be Dear, Ricardo Gutierrez, and Sophia DeJesus-Sabella. The theme of the exhibition is “Freedom of Artistic Expression.” Each artist participating in the exhibition receives a color of the rainbow to lean into, and a canvas to create on. All works in the exhibition will be for sale, and all proceeds go directly to the artists. Admission to the gallery exhibition is free.
About TheaterWorks Hartford
Celebrating its 39th season, TheaterWorks Hartford (TWH) produces high quality, contemporary theater and is committed to the power of storytelling in creating community. Founded in 1985, TWH has produced nearly 200 plays and presents approximately 150 performances per season. TWH also owns and manages the historic property at 233 Pearl Street, known as City Arts on Pearl. For updates on TheaterWorks Hartford, visit twhartford.org. Follow on Instagram, Facebook, or Youtube.
TWH PARTNERS
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, Greater Hartford Arts Council, Travelers, CT Office of the Arts, CT Humanities, Lincoln Financial Foundation, Richard P. Garmany Fund, Roberts Foundation for the Arts, HSB, RTX, Burry Fredrik Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, Cheryl Chase and Stuart Bear Family Foundation, Gawlicki Family Foundation, Nassau, Liberty Bank, Ensworth Charitable Foundation, George A. and Grace L. Long Foundation, William and Alice Mortensen Foundation, The Elizabeth M. Landon and Harriette M. Landon Charitable Trust, The Katherine K. McLane and Henry R. McLane Charitable Trust, M&T Bank.
