The Longest Running Drag Queen Troupe, The Armorettes, Celebrate 40 Years
Lois Reitzes talks with two retirees of the Armorettes drag queen troupe, Tony Kearney, or Wild Cherry Sucret, and Jim Marks whose stage name is Bubba D-Licious, about 40 years of performances in Atlanta raising money for HIV and AIDS organizations.
Summer Evans / WABE
The longest running Drag Queen troupe in the United States will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this weekend.
The Armorettes began with the original six performers: Thelma, Julie Garden, Justa Tish, Kitty Carlisle, Ginny Tonic, and Liz Helen. The drag shows began in 1979 at the Armory in Atlanta.
The show was an effort to help raise money for the HIV and AIDS crisis.
Through the last 40 years, The Armorettes have raised more than $2.3 million for social services that specialize in helping people with HIV/AIDS.
Two of the retired Armorettes members, Wild Cherry Sucret (Tony Kearney) and Bubba D. Licious (Jim Marks) sat down with Lois to talk about the history of being in drag.
The Armorettes will celebrate their anniversary with these shows this weekend:
Friday: Welcome Reception at The Heretic from 7-9 p.m.
Saturday: 40th Anniversary Show (sold out) Buckhead Theater from 8-11 p.m.
Sunday: Brunch at Midtown Moon from noon-3 p.m.
Sunday night: Armorettes Show at Midtown Moon from 8-10 p.m.
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