Lisa Levy is crowned Miss Subways 2017! Photo by Megan Penmann.
Last Thursday, mermaids, sword swallowers and oracles joined their fellow New Yorkers in the back garden at City Reliquary (370 Metropolitan Avenue) for the Miss Subways Pageant 2017. All thirteen contestants displayed their stunning talents, and even more exciting costumes, in hopes of being crowned Miss Subways 2017. Each contestant took to the stage to express love for the subterranean system that connects us all (when its not being held by the dispatcher). The night was alive with Transit Tarot, Subway Striptease, an ode to the G Train, and a whole lot of Razzle Dazzle.
SUZQ, regal representative of the N and W trains. Photo by Megan Penmann
The Reliquary invited community members to enter the competition, and New Yorkers from all over town turned out for the fun. To enter, each contestant had to write a short essay about their favorite subway line and why it “inspires/enrages/enchants.” There were representatives from myriad lines. An L Train Drag Queen competed against an F Train Oracle, a 6 Train Singer and a Q Train Mermaid. A panel of local civic heroes and celebrity judges including Janeane Garofalo, downtown art icon Reverend Jen Miller, NY1 reporter Roger Clark and writer, comedian, author and producer Baratunde R. Thurston ultimately crowned Lisa Levy Miss Subways 2017.Continue reading →
Miss Subways 1968 contestants (Frank Hurley/New York Daily News)
Local cultural ephemera museum The City Reliquary (370 Metropolitan Ave) is seeking contestants for its 2017 Miss Subways Pageant, happening in September. “In a night of performances spanning the classy, the trashy, the weird, and the whimsical, contestants will demonstrate their love, frustration, and ultimate devotion to their subway line of choice. But only one will take home the transit tiara!”
Via The City Reliquary:
We’re seeking Miss Subways 2017!
On Thursday, September 28 at 7 PM, The City Reliquary Museum will host The 2017 Miss Subways Pageant. You might remember that the Reliquary celebrated NYC’s most maligned line with its 2009 “Miss G Train” competition. How things have changed! The G is now one of the most reliable lines in the system. Clearly, something must be done.
The “Summer of Hell” is upon us. These days straphangers are filled with dread over a stalled train, signal failure, or sick passenger leaving them trapped in a dark, sweltering transit nightmare. Between its deteriorating equipment and the massive crowds cramming into its cars each day, our 112-year-old system, though still a marvel of public transportation, is showing some wear and tear. Governor Cuomo’s “MTA Genius Grant Challenge” suggests we’re on our own in this mess, so it’s time for the people to take matters into their own hands. Continue reading →
