On September 16, one of the Ice Palace season’s most enjoyable annual events took place, the Turnabout Show, when staff members who don’t usually cross dress take to the stage in drag—and anything can—and does—happen. DJ Brant was responsible for music, sound, and lights, and Titanium Teddy—singer Lavinia Draper/Susan Campanaro, in her goateed, leathery persona—served as host.
Donna Flats (Robby Ranger) helped set the tone for the evening with a fearsome “Fashionista.” Teddy related “When the Lights Go Down” to Sayville and Cherry Grove. Mary Ana Trench (Sean) was “Sorry, Not Sorry,” and distributed turquoise roses as she realized “I Got You.” Ray-Chel Rocket (Ray), as Lady Gaga, gave us a bit of history repeating by performing “Just Dance” and “Love Game” (“I wanna take a ride on your disco stick”), the very songs Lady Gaga delivered when she appeared here 10 summers ago. Real Housewife Little Ange (Mike) was all black and shiny showing “Skin” and declaring “I’m Coming Out.” Sheneeda Go (Vinnie) strutted in silver high-heeled boots and hung from the rafters, while vowing “I Will Always Love You.” Aimmee Man (Al) glittered as Liza Minnelli, saluting “New York, New York.”
ZZ Pink Tits (Wendy and Sue) sported furry faces and fuzzy guitars, as they paid tribute to the “Legs” of their Whiskey Girl dancer Ray-Chel. Lady Charles (DJ Chuck) won our hearts, as usual, with “Man! I Feel like a Woman” and by waxing torchy, then tambourine-banging gospel, when “Checking Out (of the heartbreak hotel).” Teddy got hot singing “Light My Fire” and Dragon Lady Rosetta Stone (DJ RDK) was showered with ‘100 dollar bills,’ by husband Mark, when she told us that “Money—it’s what I want.” Ray-Chel found she was “Too Drunk to Fuck” and bartenders Sheneeda and Aimmee made a sorry mess of the stage, pouring from bottles and missing the glasses, throwing a fan, kicking a tip bucket, and finding it generally “Cool for Summer.” Cara Sucia and Travis D contributed other numbers.