“I heard them whispering “where have you been. How come you don’t know how to keep your business clean?”‘ plays loudly while Patty Gonyea lip-syncs and gyrates on stage. The screen shows the faces of some of the biggest oil billionaires on the planet, including Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods, who earns $35 a year. Larry Fink’s annual salary is $32 million.
Patty Gonia is the host and one of several drag performers in this week’s environmentally-themed drag show called “Save Her!” and takes place during Climate Week. The two-night show focuses on using the art of drag to celebrate our planet and highlight major issues currently affecting it. Patty Gonia takes the main stage alongside drag queens and kings including Sequoia, Vera Hannusch and Uncle Freak, who are both using their moments in the spotlight to address climate change and provide climate solutions.
Of course, drag stars have some edgy and interesting ways of doing it. Patty Gonyea opened the show Tuesday night with Katy Perry’s “Firework,” only Patty sang the same lyrics over and over again: Do you ever feel like you’re a plastic bag? Meanwhile, drag king Uncle Freak performed a provocative striptease to Nelly’s “Hot in Herre” while a video of wildfires played on the screen — a clear sign of how hot our planet is getting.
Of course, there are also many personalized and fashionable combinations. For a more thematic approach, performers and those in the crowd were dressed in their best sustainable attire. The clothing code “Mother Nature Disco” aims to create a look from vintage or upcycled clothing that embodies “whimsy, sparkle, skin and fun.”
Patty Gonia’s costumes included a gold dress made of can labels and an all-pink look made of pool floats, shower curtains and kitchen globe lights. Cy Burpace chose a dimensional floral coat made of fabric, while Nini Coco wore a dramatic butterfly dress updated from a vintage stage look. News from a rowdy, fun-filled night? Our planet is in environmental crisis – try rewearing your clothes. Apparently, you can still look great while doing so.
Come on down and save her! More photos from inside the show.
