The lights dim, and the curtain slowly opens. The melody of Madonna’s “Human Nature” fills the auditorium. A blond woman in a black dress, high heels and cat ears struts onto the stage while dancing and lip-synching with the music. The audience claps and cheers for Lila Budreaux.

When she’s not performing, however, Lila is likely to answer to her real name: James.

Lambda Student Union held its third annual Spring Drag Show Monday, April 28 in the University Center auditorium.

Members of Lambda encouraged students to take a rest from studying for finals in order to watch “the flames of Knoxville” perform in their finest ladies’ attire.

Melinda Hanna, a junior in journalism and electronic media, said this was her second time attending a drag show sponsored by Lambda.

“It’s been a very stressful year, and I needed a break from studying and writing papers,” Hanna said. “This was a light and fun diversion.”

The show provided two hours of entertainment and door prizes.

Impersonating singers such as Dolly Parton, Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Cyndi Lauper and Shania Twain, the performers were not afraid to flaunt their flashy outfits and well-rehearsed dance moves.

Vanessa Karns wowed the audience with cartwheels and dancing skills that were “better than Beyonce’s,” freshman Lauren Masey said.

“I wish I could move as well in high heels as Vanessa did,” Masey said.

Other crowd favorites included a rendition of “I Can’t Do It Alone” from the musical Chicago, performed by Diana Heart, Sexy Lexi Alexandria’s imitation of the band members from Girlicious, and “Backwoods Barbie” by Betty Lou Booney.

An overwhelming audience response occurred, however, when Sharlay Francis took the stage wearing nothing but black lingerie and vivid blue eye shadow. Spectators lined up on both sides of the stage to tip Sharlay, and she maintained the crowd’s enthusiasm during her second performance as she threw a beach ball into the audience during “Girls Just Want To Have Fun.” Her costume? A bright pink bikini.

Sharlay is the stage name for A.J. Wilmoth, a sophomore in medical technology. Wilmoth said he went shopping for his drag show outfits with a friend.

“It’s been so much fun,” Wilmoth said. “I can’t wait to perform in the next show. Lambda has been the best thing I’ve found at UT.”

Hanna, although not a member of Lambda, agrees that the organization is beneficial to the university.

“I came to the show to support my friends, and I think it’s really important to celebrate the diversity of the UT community,” Hanna said.

Lambda’s mission is to develop a support group and provide a social atmosphere for homosexual, bisexual and transgender students, faculty and staff. The drag show helps to raise money for this purpose. “This show was extremely successful,” said Amy Davidson, president of Lambda and a graduate student in social work. “We made a lot more [money] than usual.”

The Spring Drag Show collected about $500, and all proceeds benefit the general operating account that will help to fund Lambda’s events next year, including World Aids Day, National Coming Out Day and National Day of Silence, Davidson said.