Jason Varnado was crowned Berry Queen’s Consort as the Berry Queen’s Ball subverted audience expectations with a 1920’s themed murder-mystery caper weaved into the show.

Throughout the evening, four contestants, Richard “Buddy” Howell, Ben Lilley, Jason Varnado and Reme Landry competed alongside their wives Brittney Howell, Tammy Lilley, Kelsea Varnado and Constance Landry to earn the title: Berry Queens consort. 

First, contestants competed to see who knew their partner best in a Newlywed game. Host, Suzanne Dugas, asked constants provocative questions like “what’s your most annoying habit” and “what’s your wife most annoying habit.”

After the first game, “detective” April Defelice questioned a lineup of potential suspects of the “killing” of Berry Queen Ginger, dropping clues to the audience along the way.

Throughout the performance, members of the cast would periodically roam the crowd delivering hints at the identity of the culprit.

The second challenge involved a series of physical games which saw contestants crossing the stage as fast as possible.

The final challenge saw each contestant perform a themed dance number with their wives. Howell showed off his many hobbies, Lilley gave a glimpse into hillbilly life, Varnado showed his love for LSU and Landry gave the audience a glimpse even further into the past with a dance.

Finally, contestants performed a dance together backed by nineties classics from groups like the Backstreet Boys and N’SYNC.

After tallying the votes, judges Mark Boyance, Avery Hebert, Queen Sugar and Nicole Delahoussaye crowned Varnado the Berry Queen’s Consort.