Hold onto your wigs, theatre and drag fans! The much-anticipated “Drag: The Musical” is set to make its dazzling debut Off-Broadway towards the end of this year, following a triumphant run in Hollywood, California. Starting with previews on September 30 and an official opening night slated for October 21 at New World Stages, the show promises to bring an unforgettable blend of glitz, glamour, and drama to New York City.
“Drag: The Musical” began as a creative experiment by RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars-winner Alaska Thunderfuck, along with her musical collaborators Tomas Costanza and Ashley Gordon. What started as a fun project evolved into a studio recording album, which then transformed into a fully-fledged stage production. The show premiered at The Bourbon Room in Hollywood, where it received rave reviews and multiple awards, including the Broadway World Los Angeles Award for “Best New Play or Musical” and the Queerties Award for “Live Theater”.
“Drag: The Musical” unfolds a compelling narrative centred around two rival drag bars fighting for survival amidst financial turmoil. This fierce competition is more than just a business rivalry; it’s a battle of egos, creativity, and resilience. The story explores the lives of the queens who run these bars, delving deep into themes of fashion, family, and forgiveness. As tensions rise, the queens navigate their way through personal and professional challenges, ultimately discovering that their true strength lies in unity and self-acceptance.
The musical’s vibrant energy and spirit echo iconic shows like “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”, “Kinky Boots”, and “The Rocky Horror Show”, offering audiences a nostalgic yet fresh theatrical experience. Unique to “Drag: The Musical” is its strict “no lip-synching allowed” rule, ensuring that every performance is raw and authentic, showcasing the true talents of its cast.
With its dynamic storyline and unforgettable characters, “Drag: The Musical” promises to be an extraordinary celebration of drag culture, resilience, and the power of being unapologetically yourself. Whether you’re drawn in by the glamorous costumes, the heartfelt story, or the electrifying performances, this musical is set to captivate and inspire all who attend.
Directed and choreographed by the highly acclaimed Spencer Liff, “Drag: The Musical” boasts a stellar cast that promises to captivate and enchant audiences. Leading the lineup is the winner of Season 2 of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Alaska Thunderfuck, whose charismatic performances and unique style have made her a beloved figure in the drag community. Joining her on stage is Joey McIntyre, known for his role in the legendary boy band New Kids on the Block, bringing his musical talents and star power to the production.
The cast also features the sensational Jujubee, who is renowned for her wit and elegance and is a fan favourite from RuPaul’s Drag Race where she’s competed four times for the crown (five if you count Queen of the Universe) and still not won—yet. Joining her are Jan Sport and Lagoona Bloo, both members of the trio drag queen group Stephanie’s Child alongside Rosé. Jan Sport’s exceptional voice and clever performances have earned her widespread acclaim, as well as making her mark on Season 12 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and Season 6 of All Stars. As for Lagoona Bloo, she is a rising star with a three-octave range and has a knack for creating unforgettable pop anthems.
Adding to this dynamic ensemble is J. Elaine Marcos, a seasoned Broadway actress with a diverse array of credits to her name. As if this impressive lineup wasn’t enough, additional cast members are set to be announced soon, further heightening the anticipation and excitement surrounding this groundbreaking musical.
In a statement, Alaska Thunderfuck expressed her excitement, saying, “When I first moved to Los Angeles, I dreamt of being an actor. Then I realized being an actor is hard, so I became a Drag Queen. Now, after almost 20 years of drag, I’ve written myself into a musical. I think New York audiences are going to love this sweet and simple tale of Drag Queens being cunty to one another. What I’m trying to say is: dreams really do come true.”
“Drag: The Musical” comes to life thanks to an exceptional team of creatives. Scenic designer Jason Sherwood and costume designer Marco Marco set the stage with their imaginative and bold creations, ensuring an unforgettable visual experience. Adam Honore’s lighting work adds depth and atmosphere, while Drew Levy’s sound design guarantees every note and word is heard clearly. Aaron Rhyne’s projections further enhance the storytelling, creating a dynamic and immersive environment. General management by KGM Theatrical ensures seamless production, with Aurora Productions handling the intricate logistics. Casting by RBT Casting rounds out the team, all dedicated to making “Drag: The Musical” a standout success.
The show’s Hollywood triumph has set high expectations for its New York premiere. Entertainment Weekly hailed it as “drag at its best”, while BroadwayWorld praised it as “rowdy fun with the glamor of a Broadway musical”. The cast, described by Entertainment Tonight as an “epic cast of drag, theater, and LGBTQ+ icons”, is sure to dazzle Off-Broadway audiences.
“Drag: The Musical” is already creating a buzz, making it one of the most anticipated shows, as it comes to New World Stages, later this year. Tickets, starting at $47, are available for purchase on dragthemusical.com, telecharge.com, or by calling (212) 239-6200. For group tickets and special events, arrangements can be made through BroadwayPlus or by emailing concierge@broadwayplus.com, ensuring everyone can be part of this exciting theatrical experience.
“Drag: The Musical” represents a significant milestone in the evolution of drag culture in mainstream theatre. With its compelling story, talented cast, and creative team, it is poised to become a queer theatre classic, celebrating the resilience, creativity, and spirit of the drag community. The soundtrack alone is a complete masterpiece that we’ve listened to repetitively ever since it was dropped, so combined with the awesome theatre production and narrative, we just know this is going to be the one Off-Broadway show that is not to be missed.
We all know what’s next… We don’t want to jinx it or anything, but we truly believe this successful theatre production will continue to soar… We can’t help but hope that it will make herstory, going from strength to strength, and make its way onto Broadway itself… And then, next? Hopefully the West End… And then the world!
Drag is already becoming an incredible force to be reckoned with thanks to RuPaul, and we just know that “Drag: The Musical” is set to be another historic win for the LGBTQ+ community.