Hoodbutch Studios: To Wong Foo Turns 30
Ball judges and Hoodbutch Studio production members
Hoodbutch Studios Presents TO WONG FOO TURNS 30: A 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF QUEER CINEMA, DRAG, AND BALLROOM CULTURE Review
TLDR: An absolutely stacked evening at the Music Box, presented by Hoodbutch Studios, frames this special anniversary showing of To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. In addition to the movie screening, the event also involves cocktail hour, drag performances, and a mini ball competition.
Audience members ready for the movie showing
Now Presenting…Rachel Tensions!
Who can forget one of RuPaul’s iconic entrances? And I’m not talking about every time we judge her finale looks on Drag Race. She descends from the rafters of Webster Hall seated very demurely and delicately on the swing bench as Rachel Tensions. Of course it’s the grand finale of New York’s Drag Queen of The Year Pageant in To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. We’ve met the two most famous pageant queens who have taken a newcomer under their wing as they roadtrip from NY to Hollywood, and, well, you know the rest.
The atmosphere inside the Music Box is electric as guests find their seats. Looking around at all the audience, most are dressed up for the occasion. We see some fabulous looks ranging from rainbow sparkles to all red to a gown that looks like it threw up tulle. During the movie, the viewing experience was instantly a community participatory one. We all collectively boo Sheriff Dollard anytime he’s on screen and sigh like the hopeless romantics we are at Chi Chi’s delusions at a non-starter of a romance. And of course there’s so many iconic lines that everyone wanted to shout right back to Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo.
A contestant walking the runway
Vogue For Julie Newmar Honey
In addition to the movie screening, Hoodbutch Studios planned for a non-stop evening of events. Though The After Party wasn’t able to join, if you did decide you wanted a little pre-show fun, the VIP Cocktail Hour started the party around 5p and featured drag queens and other performances. Followed by goodie bags and a silent auction for charity, that rounded out all the pre-show events to get you good and hyped for the movie.
Immediately following the movie screening there’s still more to come honey. Turning to DJ Banana Ketchup, the Music Box has now become a runway for the ball! First strutting down the aisles, we see why these judges are iconic as each one is introduced and takes their seat on stage. Following their grand entrance come the different runway categories ranging from first time runway, to shade, to best Too Wong Foo character lookalike. There were some showstopping performances across the board and some rounds turned into an intense battle as finalists competed for the judges’ 10s across the board.
A contestant walking the runway
The After Party Thoughts
As far as I know, To Wong Foo has not had regular screenings at the Music Box or other theaters throughout Chicago before, but after this event I wish it would! The energy throughout the theater made it feel like we were seeing another cult classic like Rocky Horror or The Room.To Wong Foo is right there, ready to become another audience participatory movie going experience thanks to this production company.
The collective community experience of the screening coupled with the other on-theme performances made this event the place to be to celebrate the anniversary of the iconic film. So, if Hoodbutch Studios decides to ever put on another special event and/or screening of To Wong Foo, you can bet The After Party will be in attendance!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
The distinguished panel of judges
When
September 21, 2025
Where
Music Box Theatre
3733 N Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL 60613
Information
More information about the production company can be found through the Hoodbutch Studios website
Photos
Meridians Ren Eck
Drag performances during the pre-show party
Production Company
Hoodbutch Studios
Judges
Icon Tracy Schiaparelli Balmain
D’Chameleon 007
Legendary Freddie Balmain
Legendary Midwest Mother Amya Juicy Couture
Icon Bionca Lanvin
Mystique / Freya 007 Alain Mikli
Icon Delicious Pink Lady Gorgeous Gucci
MCs
Ian Damont Martin
Phat Ma Juicy Revlon
Deasia Juicy West
DJ
Banana Ketchup