As Prides season is upon us, another drag legend heads to the grand stages of Fabulon. Philadelphia has lost one of its most beloved of drag queens, Martha Graham Cracker brought to life by Dito van Reigerberg, a drag queen, artist, actor, singer and theater director. Martha co-founded Philadelphia's acclaimed Pig Iron Theatre Co and used his theater background to craft the wildly popular, 7in platform wearing alter ego. I can recall seeing Martha as far back as the early 90's where she was already well established, in standing room only venues, with people sitting on people to watch the show. Martha Graham Cracker was famously inspired by the pioneer of modern dance Martha Graham as well as renowned drag performers Joey Arias and Raven O. Always a very strong advocate in Philly's LGBTQ community, hosting drag shows all over Philly and as far as NYC and Pride concerts-adding his signature mix of sincerity and sass. Once billed as the world's tallest and hairiest queen, forget what you know about drag... Martha often let it all out with her shaggy legs and arms on full display. And to think it all started because he liked to try on his mother's makeup as a kid. Known for his campy, drag on a dime looks, and booming, soul baring singing voice rather than lip synching, Martha packed venues for years, blending chaotic cabaret, humor, wise cracks and heart. This year will be the first of Pride concerts with the Philadelphia Orchestra without Martha. Last year she gave a showstopping performance with the song Rainbow Connection. Tragically, Martha passed away this week at 53 following a battle with leukemia. Spread your magic in Fabulon girl.
Excellent post. What a loss for Philly. Everyone with the orchestra loved our concerts with her each year. Campy, quirky, and eclectic...all good things.
ReplyDeleteWHAT!!!!!! That is sad. We caught her years back at Bob and Barbaras a couple times, and of course at charity bingos with Carlotta Attendant. I wondered if he was still going strong and he was. What a colorful guy he was.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have seen them! What a presence. What a voice! And what a good human being.
ReplyDeleteThe Liberty Bell outfit - over the top! Would have loved to see them in concert!
ReplyDeleteLove the Patti LaBelle rendition; Martha seemed a great talent !
ReplyDeleteRIP
A sad day for Philly for sure!!! She was one of Philly's longest preforming drag queens and performers. This in-your-face rock-and-roll drag cabaret act was like NO OTHER DRAG show I've ever seen. Lots of audience interaction, plus plenty of unexpected, unscripted moments, come together with amazing music to create an unforgettable evening of entertainment that sits at the intersection of live music, theater, drag, and comedy. And she sang it all, from Judy Garland, to jazz greats, to Led Zepplin and Lana Del Rey. Very upsetting.
ReplyDeleteA sad day for the lgbtq for sure. I can't believe how long Martha's been around Philly. I saw her four or five times over the years.
DeleteWhat a loss.
ReplyDeleteWhat a talent.
It’s always sad when an artist passes away. A whole world ceases to exist.
XOXO
Luckily Philly still has two legends going strong ...Carlotta Attendant and Brittany Lynn.
DeleteI remember that one show! I hadn’t been in Philly very long and went to support my newly found Pig Iron friends. I had never seen a performer glow as bright and take as much care of his audience as Martha did. Even still, no one compares to him. I’m forever grateful I got to see Martha’s light and shows.
ReplyDelete53 is young to died; cancer is a plague that takes too many. My brother died of a brain tumour at 53 leaving two young kids and a widow. Greatly missed and still loved.
ReplyDeleteAll the queens that I know that passed away this year have all been on the younger side.
DeleteTaken away too young. But a wonderful legacy!
ReplyDeleteSo sad when someone dies.
ReplyDeleteWow! So Young!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great name. I wonder what the other Martha Graham would have thought.
ReplyDeleteMartha Graham the dancer I have a feeling might have been appalled by her dancing techniques.
DeleteHer backlit butterfly hair look is just fabulous! And her Patti Labelle is very funny.
ReplyDelete53 is far too young to go. RIP Martha Graham Cracker.
When I first moved to Philly I caught one of her shows and she's been around ever since. Such a wide repertoire she had.
Delete:-(
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