Wickedest Performer: A Burlesque Competition
Thursday, April 16, 2026  
7:30PM   
Adler Theatre

The curtain rises on the first night of the Wickedest City Burlesque & Variety Fest! Join the celebration of fearless performance, radical joy, and the unapologetic spirit of Davenport’s infamous Bucktown past, where art, vice, and spectacle once thrived loud and proud. We’re kicking it off the only way that feels right: with a battle for the crown!

Welcome to Wickedest Performer a competition featuring electrifying artists from across the country, including Arizona, North Carolina, Seattle, Des Moines, and right here in the Quad Cities. Each performer brings their boldest, bawdiest, and most unforgettable act to the stage, all vying for one title: The Wickedest Performer.
Presiding over the spectacle is a panel of four iconic judges:
Catty Wompass burlesque powerhouse known for high energy performances and festival features across the Midwest
Qween Quan dynamic drag artist and producer celebrated for bold, boundary pushing stage work
Milange Cavalli local drag performer known for highglamour aesthetics and commanding stage presence
Charlie Quinn Starling award winning burlesque performer and educator recognized for theatrical storytelling and competition success
From sultry striptease to jaw dropping variety acts, this night is a showcase of the daring, the decadent, and the downright unforgettable.
Only one performer will claim the crown, cash prize, and a featured spot in the Grand Showcase on April 18th.
So settle in, clutch your pearls or toss them we don’t judge, and witness the moment a new legend is crowned