Darling, gather 'round! It's your girl Emma, the Pink Tutu Princess of Time Travel, and today's blog is a doozy. You see, March 3rd, 1987, isn't just a random date - it's a landmark moment in drag history, darling!
Now, grab yourselves a cuppa, pull up a pouffe, and let's delve into this juicy bit of time travel: I’ve arrived in NYC, right where the glitter is, in my trusty pink tutu, ready to paint the town… oh, darling, I haven't even told you about the outfit! Picture this: A shimmering hot pink tulle tutu with a bejeweled belt (the biggest one you've ever seen, honestly, a good foot wide!) paired with a blush pink silk blouse. I was the picture of pastel perfection!
Of course, I've also brought my signature fabulous fuchsia feathered fan! And, oh honey, just wait till you hear the tea…
You see, this day, a dynasty was born, a legend in drag was beginning - the divine Miss RuPaul! This magnificent queen is literally, darling, literally, a drag icon! And today, back in the mists of time, he made his Broadway debut. Imagine the excitement! I've always had this huge fondness for RuPaul; even with the difference of…well, 36 years, we have a very strong understanding. The drag sisterhood spans millennia!
Can you believe it, darlings? That magnificent creature took on a leading role in “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.” And not just any role, mind you. He took the leading role of "Princess Puffer". It was her Broadway debut, which, considering RuPaul's legend, is just phenomenal. He has graced our world for over 30 years, spreading that gospel of self-expression and flamboyant fashion. Oh, the queens he has influenced, the stars he has nurtured, the art he has brought into the world... Simply glorious, darling, simply glorious.
I, of course, got to the theatre as early as possible. Just imagine the glamour! It wasn't just the anticipation of RuPaul's performance; this theatre, the Belasco Theatre, just radiates vintage Broadway history. The velvet, the golden accents, the smell of aged oak - simply sublime! And then, as he took to the stage…Oh, honey, he truly shone! Every note, every twirl, every wink to the audience was perfection. He took a stage with his unique confidence and his star power shone bright.
After the performance, I had to indulge in a bit of the New York shopping experience, as any well-rounded time traveler would. The department stores were a sight, a wonderland of satin, lace, and fabulous colours! And who can forget those amazing hats! (Oh, how I love a good hat.) Of course, my trip wouldn't be complete without seeing what was on in the drag scene. Luckily, in New York, there’s always a party, a ball, or a performance to catch.
It's funny, because though we are talking about the 1980s, it wasn’t a golden age for drag yet, as we understand it today. Sure, you had the traditional drag queens of bars and cabaret stages, but the landscape was starting to change. Back then, a show, like RuPaul’s “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” would be pretty much unique, especially on Broadway. A truly courageous step, and truly amazing. RuPaul didn't just act, they sang, danced, and oozed charisma and confidence. A true legend. It was clear, then and now, that drag was about more than just wigs and make-up - it was a stage for genuine, fearless artistry.
My pink tutu has carried me through decades of amazing history, and seeing the spark of RuPaul's talent was simply unforgettable. It's always a privilege to witness a blossoming legend. As always, darling, I remind you, never underestimate the power of pink! I want to see everyone wearing pink, it’s the colour of love, laughter, and above all, fabulousness!
Until next month, stay gorgeous,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
