Miss Wanda, right, and her drag daughter, Miss Boleggs
Jasper Lightsey and his ‘Miss Wanda’ show have moved to Club Vegas
MELISSA WHITLER | NBCU Fellow
melissa@dallasvoice.com
Jasper Lightsey has been performing in drag Miss Wanda in Dallas since 1995. For the last five years, her show, The Suga Shack, has been hosted weekly at Marty’s Live. But as the show developed a following, her audiences have grown and grown. In addition to her dedicated regulars, people come from all over the world to see her perform.
Miss Wanda had been teasing on social media that something is coming after announcing her final show at Marty’s, and on a recent livestream she finally revealed the big news: She has moved to Club Vegas with a new show, based on the theme that what happens at Vegas stays at Vegas.
Miss Wanda explained that a big reason for the move was the growth of her show. Marty’s Live is no longer able to accommodate the crowds that her Suga Shack show was attracting. Club Vegas is able to accept more table reservations and performers.
Club Vegas celebrated their soft opening on June 26. Originally set to open in 2020, club owners had to delay because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But now Club Vegas is finally ready to open its doors.
The club will have different theme nights for each day of the week, with Miss Wanda leading on Sundays. Now, instead of just hosting an hour-long show, Wanda will be in charge of the whole night.
The move is one of elevation, according to Wanda’s drag daughter Miss Boleggs.
The two first became acquainted back in 1996, when Miss Wanda saw Miss Boleggs perform at the Metro. “She was so impressed, she pulled me aside after the show, told me how unique I was, and asked me to be her drag daughter,” Boleggs said.
The two have been performing together ever since. They started at JR.’s, and have become a staple on the strip. Their shows are unscripted, as Miss Wanda has a natural talent for comedy and connecting with an audience. The shows often include special guests, line dances and contests, with the goal of including everyone. Her new show at Club Vegas will also include DJ Starks, who she has worked with for a long time.
“I’m very excited about the change,” Miss Boleggs said. “The move is to a bigger space, and it will allow us to raise the standard of our performances and reach an even bigger audience.”
The excitement of announcing a new show also comes with some bittersweet news. Next year, after over 30 years of doing drag, Miss Wanda will be retiring. Throughout her time in the spotlight, she has worked to uplift many of her fellow performers, and sewn the seeds for her show to continue, Miss Boleggs said, adding that after Wanda steps down, she will keep things going and continue her drag mother’s legacy.
“She’s created a safe space for us, no matter one’s identity,” Miss Boleggs said, adding that Miss Wanda has paved the way for others to elevate their careers, giving queens the opportunity to grow.
Miss Wanda now performs each Sunday at Club Vegas, 1820 W. Mockingbird Lane. Doors open at 8 p.m., with a $10 cover charge after 9 p.m. For more information visit the Club Vegas Facebook page.