Photos: NYC Drag Queens Sing Showtunes To Seniors at Inspīr Carnegie Hill

Their 45-minute live performance included singing, comedy, live piano, and ample opportunities for audience participation, followed by a reception in Inspīr’s lobby where residents enjoyed a rainbow-layered Pride cake and photo opportunities with the performers.

Audience members were given the opportunity to draw names and songs out of a hat, resulting in hilarious combinations of showtunes sung in the voices of Judy Garland, Liza Minelli, Barbra StreiseandStreisand, and other gay icons. From “I Love You Baby” and “Get Happy” to “Over the Rainbow,” residents sang along in joyful chorus with the performers, demonstrating the power of music to inspire community and even resurface positive memories in those experiencing memory loss. In a play on words referencing the community’s name, Sutton Lee Seymour remarked: “This might not be Carnegie Hall—but you all are sure making me feel like Judy Garland.”

At the conclusion of the performance, the Queens took a moment to reflect on the current conversation surrounding drag in the United States, sharing with residents what drag has meant to them. “Drag has been in my life forever,” said Miss Evita Loca, “and life is more fun with a little sparkle.” As she finished a powerful rendition of “I Am What I Am” by Gloria Gaynor, the audience applauded and cheered, showing that that age is no barrier to experiencing the magic of drag and the love and inclusivity it stands for.

The Pride concert is one of many events hosted by Inspīr Carnegie Hill to bring residents together, create shared experiences and promote both mental and physical wellness. The community regularly offers exceptional programming in the arts, entertainment, cultural, and educational spaces. “These events mark the difference between simply living and living life to the fullest,” said Evan Rossi, Director of Resident Experience at Inspīr Carnegie Hill. “We love to see our residents engaging in new experiences and know how much they look forward to these events.” Inspīr’s track record of high-quality programming also includes a “Broadway through the Decades” series with Hamilton producer Jeffrey Seller and nine-time Tony Award-winning producer and Theater Hall of Fame inductee Manny Azenberg.

Inspīr Carnegie Hill offers a range of care experiences for older adults, including assisted living, enhanced care, and memory care.

About Maplewood Senior Living / Inspīr

Maplewood Senior Living is known for its upscale senior living residences, offering a broad range of premier services, amenities and care to its residents. Based in Westport, CT, Maplewood Senior Living operates 16 senior living communities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Ohio. There is an Upper East Side location in Manhattan, NY, within the company’s newest brand, Inspīr. This new, senior living offering was launched to provide a luxurious option for seniors looking to join a residential community in major metropolitan areas. A second Inspīr location is under development in Washington D.C.’s vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood.

For more information, please call 203-557-4777 or visit, http://www.maplewoodseniorliving.com.

About Evita Loca

Evita Loca is a “sassy, brassy live singing NYC drag queen. Direct from Jersey Boys and Beautiful the Carole King musical on Broadway, she can be found most Mondays belting out showtunes at Musical Mondays at The Spot Bar in Hell’s Kitchen. “Evita Loca is a bona fide Broadway and touring musical theater star,” says Jim Silvestri of Thotyssey! She performs with Atlantis Events on their Gay Cruises and most winters in Puerto Vallarta she can be found escaping the New York winter to perform her one woman show. She is a Glam award nominee for best vocalist. You can follow her on all social media platforms: @missevitaloca.

About Sutton Lee Seymour

Sutton Lee Seymour is NYC’s Live Singing Comedy Queen whose cabaret shows have toured across the United States and the United Kingdom as well as holding a residency at The Palm Cabaret in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. She also performs with Atlantis Events on their Gay Cruise and Resort Vacations. Her act has earned her a Glam Award for Breakthrough Artist and also a MAC Award Nomination for Best Drag Cabaret. Broadwayworld.com calls Sutton Lee “…a wonderfully theatrical singer and a seasoned comedy queen,” while Provincetown Magazine says “Sutton Lee Seymour has risen the ranks becoming one of THE top drag performers!” Follow her shenanigans on Instagram: @suttonleeseymour.

Evita Loca and Sutton Lee Seymour

Evita Loca, Resident, and Sutton Lee Seymour

Evita Loca and Sutton Lee Seymour

Sutton Lee Seymour

Sutton Lee Seymour

Evita Loca, Resident, and Sutton Lee Seymour

Evita Loca and Sutton Lee Seymour

Evita Loca and Sutton Lee Seymour