NYC Drag Queen Paige Turner
Table of Contents
Introduction
Biography
Drag Persona and Career
So You Think You Can Drag Competition
Critical Reception
Introduction
Paige Turner, known as the "Showbiz Spitfire," is a New York City drag queen known for her glamorous aesthetic and comedic cabaret performances. Her show "Drag Me to the 80's" is a popular sing-along mix tape of 80's hits and parodies. Amber LeMay spent some time with Paige talking about her career, and her upcoming performance at Winter Rendezvous, where they will both get to hang out and relax.
Biography
Paige Turner's real name is Daniel Frank Kelley. Kelly is an actor and singer from Long Island, New York. He began his career as a theatrical actor before creating his Paige Turner persona in 1996 at East of Eighth restaurant in New York City. Paige Turner is portrayed as the illegitimate love child of Pee-Wee Herman and Barbie.
Drag Persona and Career
Paige Turner lip syncs and sings live during flamboyant, comedic performances. Her shows feature campy 80's looks with big hair, bold makeup, and sequined gowns. Turner has headlined at major NYC venues like Splash, Therapy, Pieces and The Ritz.
She is known for her original musical parodies posted on YouTube, including call Me Maybe and One Direction covers. Her video "The Grindr Connection" won a 2015 Glam Award for Best Music Video.
Turner has taken her show on the road, with touring acts and a summer 2022 residency in Provincetown. She is also a staple on the Atlantis gay cruise circuit. Turner has appeared on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen several times.
So You Think You Can Drag Competition
Turner is one of the producers and hosts of "So You Think You Can Drag," an annual live drag queen competition held in New York City. Celebrity guest judges have included Adam Lambert, Charles Busch and Jackie Hoffman. The competition ran for eight seasons from 2014 to 2021 at New World Stages theater.
Critical Reception
Paige Turner has earned praise from critics for her comedic talents, vocal skills and ability to connect with audiences. She has been called a "showbiz spitfire" and the "Holly Golightly of drag." One review noted "Paige has a Broadway powerhouse voice, filled with good cheer and openness!"
—This article was written, restructured, or adapted by Russell with information gathered from sources around the internet. Russell is the producer of Amber Live and is greatly overworked to pull it all together. If it’s on the internet, it must be true. (We’re kidding.) BUT, if you find any errors or omissions in the article, please let us know so that we may correct the issue. Thanks for your support!
