On Friday, Feb. 21, Swarthmore alum and performer Dito van Reigersberg ‘94, also known as Martha Graham Cracker, performed in drag on the LPAC mainstage. Described as “the tallest, hairiest drag queen in the world,” Martha Graham Cracker and the quartet who make up the rest of the Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret performed, true to the event’s description, “songs by everyone from Lana Del Rey to Prince to Black Sabbath to Nina Simone to Lady Gaga.” Interspersed throughout the setlist was commentary by Martha Graham Cracker on her time at Swarthmore. She shouted out the dorms she stayed in, regaled the audience with the stories of her many heartbreaks, cracked jokes about Quaker meetings, and shared a tender moment with professor and mentor Professor Nathalie F. Anderson.
The show showcased an eclecticism fitting for a Swat alum. Martha Graham Cracker entered the stage in an outfit inspired by the iconic costume from the Hulu adaptation of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” before removing the cloak and veil to reveal a more conventional getup — at least for her. At one point Martha Graham Cracker got textual and provided a live reading and accompanying commentary from the memoir of Tennessee Williams, focusing on an anecdote when Williams experienced a young, innocent but ultimately fleeting love. Other highlights from the show include a friend of Martha’s who featured on a rock adaptation of Lizzo’s hit “Cuz I Love You,” as well as a Beatles medley inspired by an acronym that Martha Graham Cracker suggested described her relationships: FAST. “F” for flirting, “A” for anger, “S” for sadness, and finally “T” for “teachable moment.” Most notably, her rendition of anger comprised a significantly up-tempo rendition of “Let It Be.”
Van Reigersberg, aside from his frequent appearances in the Philadelphia area as Martha Graham Cracker, is the co-founder of Pig Iron Theatre Company. There, he has starred in countless productions, including recently starring as Aimee Mann in the musical Poor Judge, an adaptation of the singer’s work (in fairness every member of the cast was dressed as Aimee Mann). Pig Iron Theatre Company also has recently begun offering an MFA program in collaboration with Rowan University’s College of Performing Arts. Van Reigersberg channeled this educational tendency at Swarthmore as well, leading a Cabaret Workshop on Sunday from one to five.
Those craving more of Martha Graham Cracker can listen to her recently released album featuring her iconic music “Lashed but Not Leashed,” follow her on Instagram, and see van Reigersberg in a show at Pig Iron Theatre.
