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[title]Time Out’s Drag Star Showdown was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of queer joy and self-expression, with a side of sequins and sass. Hosted by Time Out Market’s resident Drag Diva, Big Atlas, eight queens took the stage one by one to lip sync their hearts out and deliver showstopping runway looks.
The judges, who included RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 finalist Plane Jane and Boston’s “Singing Blonde Comedy Queen” Patty Bourée, ranked the queens based on criteria like originality and overall stage presence before announcing the two finalists who were asked to perform one final lip sync showdown to Lady Gaga’s “Vanish Into You.” But in the end, only one queen proved she had more than enough of the stuff to be crowned the winner. In fact, she had plenty.
Describing her drag as “regal, radiant and relatable,” Landa Plenty’s drag is all about theatricality, joy and community. And while she may be new to the Boston drag scene, she proved that she’s certainly a force of fierceness to be reckoned with. “This competition felt like the perfect opportunity to step into the Boston scene and share a little Plenty with a new audience,” she said. “The performances I chose were all about storytelling and connecting. I wanted to showcase my range: from humor to glamor, from camp to concept. My runway look was a celebration of classic Plenty: elevated, polished and full of presence.”
Having been performing drag since 2007, Landa Plenty’s drag journey began at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, MA, where she was cast in a production of Pierre Miravaux’s Island of Slaves. “That experience opened a door I never closed, and I’ve been exploring, evolving and expanding my drag ever since.”
When asked who or what inspires her drag, Landa Plenty says that she pulls inspiration from classic stage icons, bold fashion, and the resilience of queer communities. “I always want my audience to feel something - whether that’s empowered, entertained or just seen. There’s always a wink, a nod, and a whole lot of heart behind what I do,” she shared.
Being new to the Boston drag scene, Landa Plenty said it was overwhelming to hear her name called as the winner, but in the best way. “There’s something powerful about being truly seen and celebrated,” said Plenty. “To hear my name called meant so much - not just personally, but as a performer who’s looking to plant roots in this city and collaborate with the beautiful community here.”
While she doesn’t perform regularly in Boston currently, Landa Plenty is hoping this win opens some doors. She says she’d love to connect with local drag performers to create some real magic together, and in the meantime looks forward to continuing her work with Out at the Fair, where she hosts events at various state and county fairs on the West Coast, creating joyful, safe spaces for queer communities.
In the words of RuPaul herself: “Condragulations! You’re a winner baby!”
Follow Landa Plenty on Instagram @HouseofPlenty