Despite the atrocious overhead lighting in Rosse Hall, the night shone with glamour, sparkles and a tinge of Halloween spirit at the Office of Student Engagement’s first-ever drag show. The show, held on Friday evening, was a highly anticipated celebration of self-expression and queer joy. The show was headlined by former RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 contestant Dawn, who set a new standard for campus drag, performing alongside several of Kenyon’s very own glamorous queens. The night celebrated unapologetic confidence and the power of authenticity through fierce drag. 

Dawn took to the stage in a feathered headdress and glittering bodice as she lip-synced to Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.” A vision in teal feathers with flowing ginger hair, clad in her signature elf-like look, Dawn emceed the rest of the event and prioritized interacting with and meeting her audience. She moved through the seats, chatting with students and occasionally picking playful fights. “Who here has seen Drag Race?” she asked, earnestly getting a feel for her audience and making sure everyone felt like part of the experience, whether they were seasoned fans or first-time drag show attendees. “Who here liked Plain Jane better?” she teased, referencing one of her Drag Race competitors. Dawn’s energy and willingness to engage kept the audience fully in her orbit, hungry for the next act. 

After Dawn’s initial performance was Masala Kumari (Mihir Joshi Lennox ’27), a South Asian queen with unmatched command of the room. She’s recognizable for her use of props: often knives or her signature whip. She first appeared on stage inside a black bag wrapped in green lights and “caution” tape. From there, she slithered out to Britney Spears’ “Toxic” in a neon green and black number, cartwheeling and falling into the splits in death-defyingly high latex boots. Next on the program was Ginger Ale (Cam Bellaria ’28) who appeared in a cute 1920s-style outfit: a black feather boa, tiny top hat and chin length ginger wig. They lip-synched to “Satan’s a Woman” by Twin Temple and finished off their performance by revealing a sparkly red outfit underneath their outer clothes.

Following Ginger was another familiar redhead in the Kenyon drag scene, recognizable for her sizable beehive hairdo. Fleaux Rosé (Lily Leone ’26) leaned into the spooky spirit, performing “Disease” by Lady Gaga in a tattered pink dress which she later effortlessly tore off to uncover a short black leather outfit. Her dancing perfectly encapsulated the zombie vibes of the song. Next came Dry Negroni (G Negroni ’28), who lip-synched to “The Doll People” by Sofia Isella, further amplifying the creepy atmosphere. Wearing accompanying black marionette garb with broken porcelain makeup drawn onto their body, their movements were sharp and uncanny, fully committed to the doll persona. 

Finally, the audience welcomed back Masala Kumari and Ginger Ale for a duo performance to “Devil’s Souls (Southern Version)” by Dirty Monster. Ginger sat center stage in masculine attire: a white button-down, tan vest and jeans. Whilst holding a bible, Ginger began to lip-sync solo, tearing off their southern garb and casting aside the book to reveal a sparkly cascading chest piece just as Masala Kumari stepped out from behind the curtains in a strappy leather look, smeared in blood. They danced and fought, showing off choreography that perfectly blended theatrics and agility before Masala seized control with her knife tricks. The two danced and wrestled in unison, making the crowd go wild. 

After the show, I had the chance to speak with them both about the future of drag on campus. Masala and Ginger explained that they are starting a drag house named “House of Spice.” Ginger went on to explain, “It’s going to be all about drag, about learning how to develop your character as a drag performer, learning how to do some makeup, glued-on eyebrows and starting to try and incorporate more performances into Kenyon culture.” Masala added, “I find I get a lot of self-expression through drag because, I mean, the queer community on campus is so small, and the queer community of color is even smaller, and the way I’ve managed to meet most of my queer friends of color is through drag.” The two performers clearly want to expand existing spaces and open up new ones for expression on campus — having found such strong friendship with each other, they hope to give the opportunity to others who may be interested. 

Last but not least, Dawn performed one final number to Lady Gaga’s “Zombieboy,” forgoing her elaborate headdress to roll onto the stage from the audience. The night was brought to completion with energy, sass and stunning stage presence. After the show, I asked Dawn what she would say to students attending a drag show for the first time. “Oh, my God. I would say, go to more,” she said. “If you enjoyed it, then get out to whatever nearest gay bar that does drag shows. You can put on your own drag show. … Drag is universal. It’s community. … Slap on a wig, or don’t. Just go out there and dance, have fun.”

Thanks to events like this, as well as the rise of student groups like the newly formed “House of Spice,” drag at Kenyon is becoming more than just a handful of annual shows. As drag performers continue to make waves and carve out spaces that insist on joy, creativity and self-expression, there’s so much more in store for the future of this art on campus.