The creators of “Drag: The Musical” dedicated its final show to the memory of Jiggly Caliente, hours after her death was announced.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” winner Alaska, the co-creator, co-writer and co-star of the hit Off-Broadway production, opened the closing night performance honoring the memory of fellow drag queen legally known as Bianca Castro-Arabejo — who died Sunday at age 44 after being hospitalized with an infection that required her leg to be amputated.
Jemal Countess/Getty Images for MoveOn
Drag performer Jiggly Caliente speaks during a press conference advocating for LGBTQ+ rights on Capitol Hill in June 2024. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for MoveOn)
“Jiggly was an icon, activist and friend,” Alaska told the packed audience at New York City’s New World Stages on Sunday night, People magazine reported. “She came and saw the show back in December and she loved it and she was always really supportive of all of us. And I know that she would want us to put on a fierce, [last] show for you today. So that’s what we’re going to do.”
As fellow “Drag Race” stars Jujubee, Jan Sport and Luxx Noir London looked on, Alaska continued to the cheering crowd: “Jiggly, this one’s for you. We love you, honey.”
Castro-Arabejo became a fan favorite in season four of the Emmy-winning reality TV series. Taking her stage name from the Pokemon Jigglypuff, the transgender actress went on to star in the FX series “Pose” and was named a judge for “Drag Race Philippines” in 2022.
Co-produced by Liza Minnelli, “Drag: The Musical” opened in Oct. 2024 and played 215 performances and 24 previews following several extensions. The sequin-splattered production was directed and choreographed by “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” choreographer Spencer Liff.
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