Fever
The second half of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s “Say My Name!” concert at The Straz Center’s Jaeb Theater on March 22, 2025, began not with a traditional choral piece, but with a sultry, show-stopping drag performance that set the tone for an unforgettable act two. Stepping into the spotlight with unapologetic glamour and commanding charisma, the evening’s emcee, Esme Russell, delivered a smoldering rendition of “Fever” that lit up the room—both literally and figuratively.
With the lights dimmed to a moody purple glow and the first sultry bass notes of the Peggy Lee classic pulsing through the theater, Esme emerged in a shimmering gown that caught every flicker of the spotlight. Her presence was magnetic, her movements controlled and deliberate—each step across the stage a study in elegance and tease. The iconic song, known for its slow burn and sensual phrasing, was the perfect vehicle for Esme’s brand of drag: poised, powerful, and undeniably captivating.
But this was far more than a lip-sync. Esme infused the performance with old-school cabaret energy and a knowing wink to the audience, commanding attention not just with her glamor but with storytelling. With every raised eyebrow, and a coy glance, she drew the crowd into a spell of vintage seduction, reinvented through a queer lens. Her interpretation of “Fever” was both homage and reinvention—steeped in the song’s jazz-lounge roots but delivered with modern-day drag artistry and flair.
The audience, already warmed up from the first half of the concert, responded with roars of approval—cheers, laughter, and a smattering of playful catcalls. Esme fed off that energy, turning the entire Jaeb Theater into her runway, her lounge, her stage. By the time she reached the song’s iconic final lines, she had the crowd in the palm of her perfectly manicured hand.
In the context of “Say My Name!”, a concert themed around identity, presence, and personal expression, Esme’s performance of “Fever” was more than just a glamorous interlude—it was a bold celebration of queer artistry, confidence, and the power of naming and owning who you are. As a drag queen emcee leading the evening with wit, charm, and magnetic presence, Esme Russell didn’t just introduce performances—she embodied the concert’s spirit.
Her performance of “Fever” was the perfect spark to reignite the night—blurring the lines between music, theater, and drag in one dazzling, empowering act that reminded everyone just how thrilling it is to be seen, named, and celebrated on your own terms.