When I profiled Long Island drag diva Peggy Pussie a few months ago, she reminded me that, sadly, she was retiring from performing; and that Friday, November 9th would be her last show. Peggy warned me that her farewell performance would be a real stunner. I was excited-- but just a little anxious too. What tricks did this award-winning queen have underneath her Titian-colored wig? After all, Peggy had told me that two performers that she admired most were Madonna and the late great drag star Divine. Would Peggy re-create some of the scenes from Madonna's "Sex" book on stage? Would she throw live fish into the audience, like Divine did during his live performances? Or would she even go as far as to duplicate the shocking act that made Divine a cult superstar, in the final scene of John Waters' movie "Pink Flamingos?" (I'm not saying what that scene was-- see the movie yourself!) Actually, although Peggy was every inch her raunchy, baudy, sexually aggressive self (Miss Pussie, after greeting the audience with "Welcome to my party!," sprayed us all with fluorescent spray string!), the night had an overall feeling of warmth and togetherness. Peggy, who is retiring from drag for both physical issues (leg problems) and to move on into other endeavors, described the night as "bittersweet." Peggy Pussie's cult of admirers and friends showed up in droves. She even had a large number (over 15) of straight friends and co-workers in the audience, many of whom, according to Peggy, "had never been to a gay bar or a drag show before. They loved it!" And those who were unaware that this was Miss Pussie's retirement party and were expecting just another Friday night of drinks and music at Auntie M's must have been surprised at the diverse lineup of the best of Long Island talent. For $5.00, everyone got quite a show. Many people were unaware that this party was also a benefit for Auntie M's Helping Hands, Inc. Over $800 was raised for the charity. This event was way cooler than Michael Jackson's 30th Anniversary show. "Plus, my nose didn't fall off while I was singing!" added Peggy. So, how did a quiet, shy Long Island boy named Chris transform into a baudy entertainer who can get away with wearing zebra print dresses and who routinely takes both men AND women from the audience to verbally abuse them on stage? That's another story altogether. In the meantime, let's take a look at some of the highlights from Peggy's last night:

Ariel Sinclair hosted the show. Petite and blonde (and bearing more than a slight resemblance to pop star Christina Aguliera), Ariel knows how to entertain! She doesn't just stand and pose! A gifted comedienne, Ariel successfully blends her "Teen People"-like, youthful looks with humor. Peggy Pussie says of her friend, "Ariel Sinclair is one of my oldest friends. I met her through my ex. She was one of the first drag queens I became friends with. Ariel always gives out love. She knows it's all about fun-- and she always blends beauty and humor." Ariel will be hosting the 2002 Miss Auntie M's Pageant. Don't miss it! Another drag performer present that night who Peggy admires is her friend Peter "Pep" Miller, who channels the late screen legend Bette Davis. "I've always admired Peter Miller-- just because of the fact that he's so unique, so outrageous, and so funny. And, he writes his own material." The audience was treated to Bette Davis, cigarette in hand, singing a hilarious parody of Madonna's "Vogue"-- called "Smoke." Opening with "Strike a match...," the clever spoof was a tribute to classic Hollywood's passion for cigarettes. Both Ariel Sinclair and Pep Miller show that the art of drag is not just about female impersonation. Humor, creativity, and the ability to connect to the audience are all part of the formula to please the crowd.

Peaches, who Peggy calls "the Capitol Hill of Drag," performed Melba Moore's "The Other Side of the Rainbow," which was a song that Peggy had requested Peaches to sing. The statuesque Peaches is a celebrity on the Long Island bar and club scene. Peaches won the 2001 LIPP Award for Best/Favorite Male Bartender for all of Long Island. She currently can be seen bartending at Deliverance in Island Park on Saturdays. "She makes a drink that will kill you!" says Peggy. "She's a vision in pictures-- so photogenic, and she's a good friend to have." Peggy and Peaches go way back-- Peaches used to cut Peggy's... uhm, actually, Chris.'.. hair. That night, Peaches looked very classy in a black suit with her blonde hair pulled back. Her look that night seems to have been influenced by Patsy from "Absolutely Fabulous."

With a mop, fuzzy slippers, and house dress, Tabitha Rivers showed us her "housewife fabulous" look as she performed Eartha Kitt's "Where Is My Man?" At one point Tabitha set her eyes on a straight man in the audience, which didn't please the guy's girlfriend! Although a catfight was avoided (damn!), Tabitha did flash one of her (bra-covered) breasts at her rival, to which the girl responded by pointing to her own boobs and saying something like "Mine are REAL!" Ouch! Could things get any weirder? Yes-- when Eddie Finan, Board Member of AIDS Care, Inc., appeared as Mother Mabel Maria (of Our Sisters of St. Dorothy of Kansas), swirling around on stage and lip-synching to a high-energy gospel number called "Hail Holy Queen." This had to be the loopiest nun act since that Sally Field TV show a few years ago. Eddie said of Peggy Pussie, "I got to know Chris during rehearsals for 'Oh So Divine.' He is just so warm." After that, Alexis Flame performed "If You Could Read My Mind." True, this dance hit is a crowd-pleaser to begin with, but Alexis made it even more exciting with her energy and her moves. And what a figure she's got! Delfina Best, whose been described as "Long Island's Most Congenial Queen," performed Cher's now-classic hit "Believe." Other performances included buxom and beautiful Ivana Humpalot, the ever-elegant Mirkala Crystal, a rendition of the campy show tune 'Busom Buddies,' and the chameleon-like Avoca Rain, who is always finding new ways to surprise the audience. An out-of-drag Venise Charles also made an appearance. Diva Crystal Clear started her performance looking very classy, in a mink coat and 1940's-style Hollywood glamour-girl hair. She then delighted the audience by throwing off her fur to reveal a skimpy midriff-baring butterfly-shaped top and short skirt. Whoa! What a body! Crystal denies that she was influenced by that OTHER performer, Mariah Carey, in her choice of wardrobe that night!

Auntie M's staff got into the act too. In drag, Tommy B. could have passed for Peggy Pussie's blonde sister. ("I was told I look like Jean Smart," Tommy commented.) John D. then delighted the crowd and almost brought Peggy to tears when he performed "Please Don't Go," a not-so-subtle message for Peggy. John added, "Peggy doesn't just do drag-- she puts her heart and soul into it. The community will feel a loss." The staff of Auntie M's then awarded Peggy Pussie with roses, a tiara, and the title of "Honorary Miss Auntie M's-- Forever."

Early in the night, a brawny, shy guy came up from the audience and presented with a gift-- a Transformer toy. Although Peggy was not overly impressed with the fan's trinket ("That guy's an admirer. I've seen him at a couple of shows. He's just the way I like 'em-- big and stupid! Just kidding!"), the Transformer was a very telling gift-- because for her moving last act, a drag diva named Peggy Pussie transformed into a man named Chris on stage before the audience's eyes. Teary-eyed friends and admirers came up on stage one by one with hugs and kisses. And to conclude, Ariel Sinclair told the audience, "Meet Chris King."

Chris, the former Miss Pussie, was pleased that everyone got along that night. "There was no attitude, no drama." What legacy does Chris hope that Peggy Pussie left behind? "I don't want anybody to forget who Peggy was and what she represented-- hope, love, peace, and commitment to the community. I always believe in giving out love." And rest assured: Chris King is just as committed to the Long Island gay and lesbian community as Peggy Pussie was. Plus, here's something to think about: Eddie Finan's delayed new play, 'Oh So Divine,' will hopefully be ready to go in 2002. Will Peggy Pussie come out of retirement to star in it? Inquiring minds want to know!

In the meantime, Chris will now be bartending at Auntie M's on Saturdays from 5 PM to 10 PM, and possibly other nights as well. Go there and tip this boy well-- and have a toast for Peggy Pussie!

Photos: Jed Ryan

See Related Articles:
Man! I Feel Like a Woman! Drag Queens and their Admirers Get Together at Wigstock 2001
Auntie M's Staff Show: Helping Hands and High Heels
Mascara, Music, and Mayhem: The Drag Invasion 2001
Miss Auntie M's 2002 Pageant