Queens pretending to be princesses.
That’s what “Dragged Diznee” is all about: Drag queens putting a unique and campy twist as a parody of beloved Disney characters — think Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ursula, Tiana and more. The Off-Broadway sensation will make its South Florida debut at Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale for one night only: on Tuesday, March 18, at 8 p.m.
The New York City production ran for 11 years and went on to play Key West, Philadelphia and Fire Island, New York. It also was staged as part of Gay Days at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. This SoFlo run will feature show host Holly Dae and a cast including Fifi DuBois, Androgyny and Inita D.
“The show takes all your favorite Disney characters and Disney movies … and puts a big spin on them,” Dae tells the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “We are mixing pop culture, LGBTQ+ history and so much more into your favorite childhood memories. The audience can expect a lot of laughter and joy from some of NYC’s finest drag queens.”
Aquaplex owners Michael and John Barrett say they’re excited to debut it in Fort Lauderdale. The couple also own Aquaplex Key West, where Dae is a regular and “Dragged Diznee” played back in December.
Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale
Fifi DuBois from “Dragged Diznee.” (Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale/Courtesy)
“It is simply a lot of fun,” Michael says. “The show concept lends itself to a great time, and our venue with all-new bells and whistles is the ideal place to see it.”
Dae, who has been in “Dragged Diznee” since its off-Broadway bow, says the show is always reinventing itself.
“It’s been a wild ride and the show is constantly evolving and updating as The Mouse gives us new material to work with,” Dae says. “The castmates have changed over the years, and I am the last original castmate. However, whenever a new queen joins, she brings her own style and ideas, which makes the show feel new and fresh.”
Some might think — with the political climate of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and recent headline-making contretemps with Walt Disney World in Orlando — that the gay-riffic cast has something to say on that matter.
Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale
Inita D from “Dragged Diznee.” (Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale/Courtesy)
“This show is by no means political. That being said, in the world we live in right now, it’s hard for anything not to be,” Dae says. “What is happening to our community is a full-on attack, but when you experience this show we want to remind you what we are all fighting for … and that’s love.
“Love to be seen, heard and recognized. Come to the show, put your worries aside and enjoy. But when you leave, let it be a reminder of what we are fighting for.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Dragged Diznee”
WHEN: 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 18 (doors open at 7 p.m.)
WHERE: Aquaplex, 1421 E Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
COST: $25 for general admission; $35 for VIP experience
INFORMATION: 954-567-0987; aquaplexftl.com
Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale
Androgyny from “Dragged Diznee.” (Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale/Courtesy)
Originally Published: