That Time We Put a Drag Queen in Nutcracker

In 2017, I pitched the idea of a multi-genre, multi-period Nutcracker to the rest of the performing arts faculty at the Wyoming college where I worked at the time. While reimagined versions of the holiday favorite are as commonplace as productions of the original, our production was unique for a few reasons: We set the Christmas party in a fantasy log cabin in Wyoming and traded out the Kingdom of Sweets for Clarissa and the prince's dream date at a cirque complete with burlesque dancers, synchronized swimmers, and snake charmers.

In keeping with this theme, I decided that the best way we could adapt good old Mother Ginger (who is often played by a man) was to create a special appearance by Miz Ginger. Designer Kristy McManus created a genius costume that was built to house four of Miz Ginger's "children," who popped out from under her giant dress after she delivered a PG-11 drag monologue with jokes about blenders, Christmas-themed martinis, and Santa Claus' BMI.

The actor who played Miz Ginger presents in daily life as a man who wears plaid shirts, keeps a beard, drives a big truck, and loves his girlfriend. His open-mindedness, enthusiasm, and willing to watch endless episodes of Drag Race with his lovable girlfriend made his whole performance so stunning that he had the audience in the palm of his hand each night.

I was unsure how the moment would be received. We certainly had a few Nutcracker purists in the house that were disappointed in the production as a whole. We also had audience members who were not familiar with the plot, but enjoyed seeing a variety of dance styles on stage. However, we did have audience members who had seen drag performances in other communities and were thrilled to see it on stage in our little rural Wyoming production. To this day, cast members and community members reflect on it as their favorite part of our show. It was a great opportunity for student performers to participate in a cultural phenomenon that they may not have otherwise had access to, while pushing their physical limits (in heels) and fitting in laughs along the way.