(WITH VIDEO) – The Curris Center was set alight with strobe lights, sequins and sass as the Murray State Alliance held it’s 8th annual “Fame” drag show Thursday night in the Curris Center Ballroom.

The Murray State Alliance has been a part of Murray State’s campus  for 18 years, dating back to 1997.

Performing to a near full house, drag kings and queens took to the stage to show their elaborate outfits and shake their stuff for the crowd.

Many performers also brought members of the audience on stage to share in the fun.

Jordan Anderson of Murray was brought on stage twice during the show. One time included being fed whipped cream out of the can from queen, Gypsy Red, and another time stripped down by “Dolly Parton,” queen Trixie Lynn James.

“It was very nerve-wracking,” Anderson said. “I didn’t know what to do, but I had fun.”

The show was emceed by Tracie Gilbert, visiting professor in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts.

Morgan Randall, president of the Murray State Alliance, said she expected first-timers to the drag show to be thoroughly entertained.

“I think it’s a great experience to see the illusion of these performers,” Randall said. “People who, in plain face, look completely different and can transform themselves into something that’s awesome and to be able to be put out there as a character.”

With queens and kings taking the spotlight with performances of songs by Iggy Azalea, Reba McEntire, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, Jason Derulo, Bruno Mars and many more, it was hard for some audience members to choose a favorite.

“It’s just not something you see everyday,” said Kaylor Crawford, freshman from Memphis, Tenn. “It’s comforting to see how open they are with themselves in real life.”

Every year the Murray State Alliance holds two separate drag shows, the first entitled Fame and another in November, called Glamour.

Story by Breanna Sill, Features Editor