Flyer: "Leigh Shannon as Bette Midler"
"Flyer promo of Leigh Shannon as Bette Midler. On flyer is written ""Leigh Shannon as Bette Midler. Outrageous, Brassy, and Always Divine. Live Stand-Up and Lip-Synch Recreaions of ""The Divine Miss M.""
Marty Fugate Jr. or known through his female impersonation as Leigh Shannon, is an Actor, Ordained Minister, Stand Up Comic, Narrator, Director, and Business Owner. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky where he also graduated from its university, Fugate Jr. set his business Ritzy Rags Wigs in 1982 in Orlando, Florida. In addition to Ritzy Rags Wigs store, Fugate Jr. extensive work has also produced and directed four films and: Leigh Shannon’s Cabaret Dinner Show, Wild Wednesday’s at once Revolutions Nightclub, Leigh Shannon’s Studio 55, and was a cast member of An Evening at LaCage as Patsy Cline and Stevie Nicks, The Footlight Players at Parliament House and The Downtowner in Louisville, Kentucky. Leigh Shannon has won Miss Metropolitan Continental Elite, Miss Kentucky (America and USofA), Miss Mid-West (USofA), Miss North Florida, Miss Central Florida, Miss Mid-Florida, Miss South Florida and has won Entertainer of the Year (The Dixie Awards), The Spectrum Awards and the Head of the Community Awards. In addition, Shannon was 1st Runner-up for: Miss Florida-USofA, Miss Central South-USofA, Florida Entertainer of the Year Nomination and Spectrum Awards of 1998 and 1999. Although known as Mr. Leigh Shannon, he is known for his celebrity impersonations like Bette Midler and Elton John."
Anne Nolan
Drag Album
Anne Nolan
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
Photograph
Photograph: "Leigh Shannon performing"
Image of Leigh Shannon performing at Club Paris.
Marty Fugate Jr. or known through his female impersonation as Leigh Shannon, is an Actor, Ordained Minister, Stand Up Comic, Narrator, Director, and Business Owner. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky where he also graduated from its university, Fugate Jr. set his business Ritzy Rags Wigs in 1982 in Orlando, Florida. In addition to Ritzy Rags Wigs store, Fugate Jr. extensive work has also produced and directed four films and: Leigh Shannon’s Cabaret Dinner Show, Wild Wednesday’s at once Revolutions Nightclub, Leigh Shannon’s Studio 55, and was a cast member of An Evening at LaCage as Patsy Cline and Stevie Nicks, The Footlight Players at Parliament House and The Downtowner in Louisville, Kentucky. Leigh Shannon has won Miss Metropolitan Continental Elite, Miss Kentucky (America and USofA), Miss Mid-West (USofA), Miss North Florida, Miss Central Florida, Miss Mid-Florida, Miss South Florida and has won Entertainer of the Year (The Dixie Awards), The Spectrum Awards and the Head of the Community Awards. In addition, Shannon was 1st Runner-up for: Miss Florida-USofA, Miss Central South-USofA, Florida Entertainer of the Year Nomination and Spectrum Awards of 1998 and 1999. Although known as Mr. Leigh Shannon, he is known for his celebrity impersonations like Bette Midler and Elton John."
Joe Riedley
Drag Album
Joe Riedley
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
Photograph
Photograph: "Leigh Shannon"
Image of Leigh Shannon in her living room.
Marty Fugate Jr. or known through his female impersonation as Leigh Shannon, is an Actor, Ordained Minister, Stand Up Comic, Narrator, Director, and Business Owner. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky where he also graduated from its university, Fugate Jr. set his business Ritzy Rags Wigs in 1982 in Orlando, Florida. In addition to Ritzy Rags Wigs store, Fugate Jr. extensive work has also produced and directed four films and: Leigh Shannon’s Cabaret Dinner Show, Wild Wednesday’s at once Revolutions Nightclub, Leigh Shannon’s Studio 55, and was a cast member of An Evening at LaCage as Patsy Cline and Stevie Nicks, The Footlight Players at Parliament House and The Downtowner in Louisville, Kentucky. Leigh Shannon has won Miss Metropolitan Continental Elite, Miss Kentucky (America and USofA), Miss Mid-West (USofA), Miss North Florida, Miss Central Florida, Miss Mid-Florida, Miss South Florida and has won Entertainer of the Year (The Dixie Awards), The Spectrum Awards and the Head of the Community Awards. In addition, Shannon was 1st Runner-up for: Miss Florida-USofA, Miss Central South-USofA, Florida Entertainer of the Year Nomination and Spectrum Awards of 1998 and 1999. Although known as Mr. Leigh Shannon, he is known for his celebrity impersonations like Bette Midler and Elton John."
Joe Riedley
Drag Album
Joe Riedley
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
Photograph
Photograph: "Leigh Shannon as Bette Midler"
"Image of Leigh Shannon as Bette Midler at City Lights.
Marty Fugate Jr. or known through his female impersonation as Leigh Shannon, is an Actor, Ordained Minister, Stand Up Comic, Narrator, Director, and Business Owner. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky where he also graduated from its university, Fugate Jr. set his business Ritzy Rags Wigs in 1982 in Orlando, Florida. In addition to Ritzy Rags Wigs store, Fugate Jr. extensive work has also produced and directed four films and: Leigh Shannon’s Cabaret Dinner Show, Wild Wednesday’s at once Revolutions Nightclub, Leigh Shannon’s Studio 55, and was a cast member of An Evening at LaCage as Patsy Cline and Stevie Nicks, The Footlight Players at Parliament House and The Downtowner in Louisville, Kentucky. Leigh Shannon has won Miss Metropolitan Continental Elite, Miss Kentucky (America and USofA), Miss Mid-West (USofA), Miss North Florida, Miss Central Florida, Miss Mid-Florida, Miss South Florida and has won Entertainer of the Year (The Dixie Awards), The Spectrum Awards and the Head of the Community Awards. In addition, Shannon was 1st Runner-up for: Miss Florida-USofA, Miss Central South-USofA, Florida Entertainer of the Year Nomination and Spectrum Awards of 1998 and 1999. Although known as Mr. Leigh Shannon, he is known for his celebrity impersonations like Bette Midler and Elton John."
Joe Riedley
Drag Album
Joe Riedley
Unknown
Rodriguez, Alexis
"Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com"
image/jpeg
Photograph
Orlando
Photograph: "Leigh Shannon in dressing room"
"Image of Leigh Shannon in the dressing room at Parliament House, Orlando.
Marty Fugate Jr. or known through his female impersonation as Leigh Shannon, is an Actor, Ordained Minister, Stand Up Comic, Narrator, Director, and Business Owner. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky where he also graduated from its university, Fugate Jr. set his business Ritzy Rags Wigs in 1982 in Orlando, Florida. In addition to Ritzy Rags Wigs store, Fugate Jr. extensive work has also produced and directed four films and: Leigh Shannon’s Cabaret Dinner Show, Wild Wednesday’s at once Revolutions Nightclub, Leigh Shannon’s Studio 55, and was a cast member of An Evening at LaCage as Patsy Cline and Stevie Nicks, The Footlight Players at Parliament House and The Downtowner in Louisville, Kentucky. Leigh Shannon has won Miss Metropolitan Continental Elite, Miss Kentucky (America and USofA), Miss Mid-West (USofA), Miss North Florida, Miss Central Florida, Miss Mid-Florida, Miss South Florida and has won Entertainer of the Year (The Dixie Awards), The Spectrum Awards and the Head of the Community Awards. In addition, Shannon was 1st Runner-up for: Miss Florida-USofA, Miss Central South-USofA, Florida Entertainer of the Year Nomination and Spectrum Awards of 1998 and 1999. Although known as Mr. Leigh Shannon, he is known for his celebrity impersonations like Bette Midler and Elton John."
Joe Riedley
Drag Album
Joe Riedley
Unknown
Rodriguez, Alexis
"Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com"
image/jpeg
Photograph
Orlando
Photograph: "Leigh Shannon as Bette Midler" (1999)
"Photograph of Leigh Shannon as Bette Midler by Loc Robertson. Photograph was taken at Shannon's store Ritzy Rags, Orlando. On photograph there's a handwritten note stating:
"To Out & About, The Best! To Miss Betty the only one?
Love Leigh"
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, ""Men in Heels 2000"" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Marty Fugate Jr. or known through his female impersonation as Leigh Shannon, is an Ordained Minister, Actor, Stand Up Comic, Narrator, Director, and Business Owner. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky where he also graduated from its university, Fugate Jr. set his business Ritzy Rags Wigs in 1982 in Orlando, Florida. In addition to Ritzy Rags Wigs store, Fugate Jr. extensive work has also produced and directed: Leigh Shannon’s Cabaret Dinner Show, Wild Wednesday’s at once Revolutions Nightclub, Leigh Shannon’s Studio 55, and was a cast member of An Evening at LaCage as Patsy Cline and Stevie Nicks, The Footlight Players at Parliament House and The Downtowner in Louisville, Kentucky. Leigh Shannon has won Miss Metropolitan Continental Elite, Miss Kentucky (America and USofA), Miss Mid-West (USofA), Miss North Florida, Miss Central Florida, Miss Mid-Florida, Miss South Florida and has won Entertainer of the Year (The Dixie Awards), The Spectrum Awards and the Head of the Community Awards. In addition, Shannon was 1st Runner-up for: Miss Florida-USofA, Miss Central South-USofA, Florida Entertainer of the Year Nomination and Spectrum Awards of 1998 and 1999. Although known as Mr. Leigh Shannon, he is known for his celebrity impersonations like Bette Midler and Elton John."
Loc Robertson
Drag Album
Loc Robertson Photography
Rodriguez, Alexis
"Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com"
Image/jpeg
Photograph
Orlando
Photograph: "Leigh Shannon as Bette Midler" (1999)
"Photograph of Leigh Shannon as Bette Midler by Loc Robertson. Photograph was taken at Shannon's store Ritzy Rags, Orlando.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, ""Men in Heels 2000"" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Marty Fugate Jr. or known through his female impersonation as Leigh Shannon, is an Ordained Minister, Actor, Stand Up Comic, Narrator, Director, and Business Owner. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky where he also graduated from its university, Fugate Jr. set his business Ritzy Rags Wigs in 1982 in Orlando, Florida. In addition to Ritzy Rags Wigs store, Fugate Jr. extensive work has also produced and directed: Leigh Shannon’s Cabaret Dinner Show, Wild Wednesday’s at once Revolutions Nightclub, Leigh Shannon’s Studio 55, and was a cast member of An Evening at LaCage as Patsy Cline and Stevie Nicks, The Footlight Players at Parliament House and The Downtowner in Louisville, Kentucky. Leigh Shannon has won Miss Metropolitan Continental Elite, Miss Kentucky (America and USofA), Miss Mid-West (USofA), Miss North Florida, Miss Central Florida, Miss Mid-Florida, Miss South Florida and has won Entertainer of the Year (The Dixie Awards), The Spectrum Awards and the Head of the Community Awards. In addition, Shannon was 1st Runner-up for: Miss Florida-USofA, Miss Central South-USofA, Florida Entertainer of the Year Nomination and Spectrum Awards of 1998 and 1999. Although known as Mr. Leigh Shannon, he is known for his celebrity impersonations like Bette Midler and Elton John."
Loc Robertson
Drag Album
Loc Robertson Photography
1999
Rodriguez, Alexis
"Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com"
image/jpeg
Photograph
Orlando
Photograph: "Leigh Shannon as Bette Midler"
"Image of Leigh Shannon as Bette Midler at City Lights.
Marty Fugate Jr. or known through his female impersonation as Leigh Shannon, is an Actor, Ordained Minister, Stand Up Comic, Narrator, Director, and Business Owner. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky where he also graduated from its university, Fugate Jr. set his business Ritzy Rags Wigs in 1982 in Orlando, Florida. In addition to Ritzy Rags Wigs store, Fugate Jr. extensive work has also produced and directed four films and: Leigh Shannon’s Cabaret Dinner Show, Wild Wednesday’s at once Revolutions Nightclub, Leigh Shannon’s Studio 55, and was a cast member of An Evening at LaCage as Patsy Cline and Stevie Nicks, The Footlight Players at Parliament House and The Downtowner in Louisville, Kentucky. Leigh Shannon has won Miss Metropolitan Continental Elite, Miss Kentucky (America and USofA), Miss Mid-West (USofA), Miss North Florida, Miss Central Florida, Miss Mid-Florida, Miss South Florida and has won Entertainer of the Year (The Dixie Awards), The Spectrum Awards and the Head of the Community Awards. In addition, Shannon was 1st Runner-up for: Miss Florida-USofA, Miss Central South-USofA, Florida Entertainer of the Year Nomination and Spectrum Awards of 1998 and 1999. Although known as Mr. Leigh Shannon, he is known for his celebrity impersonations like Bette Midler and Elton John."
Joe Riedley
Drag Album
Joe Riedley
Rodriguez, Alexis
"Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com"
image/jpeg
English
Photograph
Orlando
Promo: "Florida's Leading Lady: Leigh Shannon" (1997)
"Digital image of flyer promoting Leigh Shannon as Florida's Leading Lady with handwritten to Bruce Ground. Main image and to the right was taken by Loc Robertson.
Marty Fugate Jr. or known through his female impersonation as Leigh Shannon, is an Ordained Minister, Actor, Stand Up Comic, Narrator, Director, and Business Owner. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky where he also graduated from its university, Fugate Jr. set his business Ritzy Rags Wigs in 1982 in Orlando, Florida. In addition to Ritzy Rags Wigs store, Fugate Jr. extensive work has also produced and directed: Leigh Shannon’s Cabaret Dinner Show, Wild Wednesday’s at once Revolutions Nightclub, Leigh Shannon’s Studio 55, and was a cast member of An Evening at LaCage as Patsy Cline and Stevie Nicks, The Footlight Players at Parliament House and The Downtowner in Louisville, Kentucky. Leigh Shannon has won Miss Metropolitan Continental Elite, Miss Kentucky (America and USofA), Miss Mid-West (USofA), Miss North Florida, Miss Central Florida, Miss Mid-Florida, Miss South Florida and has won Entertainer of the Year (The Dixie Awards), The Spectrum Awards and the Head of the Community Awards. In addition, Shannon was 1st Runner-up for: Miss Florida-USofA, Miss Central South-USofA, Florida Entertainer of the Year Nomination and Spectrum Awards of 1998 and 1999. Although known as Mr. Leigh Shannon, he is known for his celebrity impersonations like Bette Midler and Elton John."
Loc Robertson
Drag Album
Loc Robertson Photography
Rodriguez, Alexis
"Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com"
image/jpeg
English
Photograph
Orlando
Photograph: "Miss P at the Miss Florida Pageant" (1978)
Image of Paul Wegman- Miss P performing a recreation of the 1977 Bette Midler television special for the 1978 Miss Florida Pageant. The pageant took place at Fontainebleau hotel, Miami Florida. His brother Dave Wegman comments that " I bleieve he was MC'ing, not a contestant." Rusti Fawcett Hurd was in the number as well.
Paul Michael Wegman or known as Miss P was born and raised in Rochester, New York and moved to Florida in 1960's, where he graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Theatre at the University of Central Florida. Although known as an entertainer for Parliament House, Wegman was also a performer at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater and adjunct professor at Valencia Community College. Over the years Paul received many awards and acknowledgements from local civic, charitable and theatrical organizations. Wegman passed away on August 24, 2004 due to complication resulting from AIDS.
Unknown
Drag Album
Unknown
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
Photograph
Miami