To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar is a 1995 American comedy film directed by Beeban Kidron. The movie features standout performances from Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, and John Leguizamo, who play three drag queens from New York City embarking on a road trip. The film's title is a nod to an autographed picture of actress Julie Newmar that they carry with them, and Newmar even makes a cameo appearance in the film.

This film premiered in theaters on September 8, 1995, quickly becoming a box office success, grossing approximately $47.8 million worldwide. While the critical response was mixed, many praised the lead actors' performances, particularly those of Swayze, Snipes, and Leguizamo. At the 53rd Golden Globe Awards, Swayze received a nomination for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, while Leguizamo was nominated for Best Supporting Actor.

The story begins with drag queens Noxeema Jackson and Vida Boheme winning a trip to Hollywood after tying for the title of "Drag Queen of the Year." To make the journey, they decide to bring along Chi-Chi Rodriguez, an inexperienced drag performer. Instead of flying, they use the money from their plane tickets to buy a vintage Cadillac convertible. The road trip takes an unexpected turn when they face challenges, including a violent encounter with a sheriff. Each obstacle, however, helps the trio bond and empowers them to uplift the local townspeople they encounter.

In the small town of Snydersville, the queens find themselves stuck while waiting for car repairs. As the weekend unfolds, they help the local women with makeovers, leading to newfound confidence and style. Unfortunately, they also face prejudice and hostility, but their charisma and resilience shine through. In a pivotal moment, the town's residents rally to protect the queens from the sheriff, leading to a community celebration known as the Strawberry Social.

Ultimately, the film culminates in a glamorous drag competition in Los Angeles, where Chi-Chi wins the title of Drag Queen of the Year. This moment of triumph is made even more special by the presence of Julie Newmar herself, who crowns her.

The film's cast includes:

• Wesley Snipes as Noxeema Jackson
• Patrick Swayze as Vida Boheme
• John Leguizamo as Chi-Chi Rodriguez
• Stockard Channing as Carol Ann
• Blythe Danner as Beatrice
• Chris Penn as Sheriff Dollard

To Wong Foo has been recognized as a groundbreaking film for its positive portrayal of drag queens in mainstream cinema. While some critics noted its similarities to the Australian film, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the film still holds a distinct place in pop culture history. The film's exploration of themes such as friendship, acceptance, and self-expression continues to resonate with audiences today.

The film's soundtrack was released on August 29, 1995, featuring a mix of pop, dance, and R&B tracks that complement the film's vibrant aesthetic.

In recent years, there have been discussions about adapting To Wong Foo into a stage musical, with a production premiering at the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester on 21 October 2023.

Despite its mixed reviews, the film remains a cult classic, celebrated for its humor and heartfelt messages. Critics have commended the performances of its stars, noting that they successfully bring depth and authenticity to their characters while addressing important social issues in a light-hearted manner.