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RuPaul's Drag Race Live!

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RuPaul's Drag Race Live!
Residency by the cast of RuPaul's Drag Race
Promotional poster for the residency
LocationLas Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
VenueFlamingo Showroom
Start dateJanuary 30, 2020 (2020-01-30)
No. of shows700
Websiterupaulsdragracelive.com

RuPaul's Drag Race Live! is a concert residency in Las Vegas, Nevada, featuring past competitors from the TV series of the same name its franchise. The residency show features a variety of original music, lip-syncs, comedy, and dance numbers directed by RuPaul and choreographed by Jamal Sims. The performances are held every weeknight at Flamingo Showroom and produced by World of Wonder and Voss Events.

Background

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The concert residency was originally announced at RuPaul's DragCon NYC in September 2019, and unveiled a dozen contestants from the drag reality television franchise which includes Asia O'Hara, Derrick Barry, Kameron Michaels, Naomi Smalls, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, and Yvie Oddly as the first rotating cast with Aquaria, Coco Montrese, Eureka O'Hara, India Ferrah, Kahanna Montrese, Kim Chi, and Shannel as the second rotating cast.[1] RuPaul was announced as the director with Jamal Sims being the choreographer for the residency;[2] Ryan Grainger would also act as the assistant choreographer and dance captain for the Pit Crew.[3] They also revealed the concert is presented at Flamingo Showroom, where it formerly housed the eleven-year run of the Donny and Marie Osmond concert residency.[4] The variety musical is produced by World of Wonder and Voss Events.[5] The performances was set to begin in January 2020 with ticket presales commenced on September 10 via Ticketmaster.[6]

"It was definitely disappointing, [especially] because we had all been touring prior to coming to Las Vegas and we were looking forward to doing the show and staying in one place, finding that consistency and leading a somewhat normal life."

–Asia O'Hara, explaining how the pandemic affected the concert residency to Las Vegas Weekly[7]

The residency was first premiered with the first rotating cast on January 30, 2020, with the scheduled performance set to last through 2021.[8] Unfortunately, the concert residency ran until March 15 and was placed on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting live entertainment.[9] A year later, performances were later rescheduled with the same rotating cast on August 5, 2021.[10] In January 2022, newcomers Eureka O'Hara, Jaida Essence Hall, Plastique Tiara, and Trinity K. Bonet joined the cast of the residency concert.[11] Around the summertime of 2022, Latrice Royale and Kennedy Davenport were announced as the new additions to the performing cast; Jorgeous is also set to perform in the upcoming year.[12] The variety concert later marked their 300th show on October 6.[13]

Deja Skye and Daya Betty later joined as new cast members for the concert residency.[14] Before the cast performed their 500th show, Bosco, Lawrence Chaney, Nicky Doll, and Pangina Heals were introduced for the live residency for summer 2023.[15] The residency cast celebrated its 700th mark in March 2024.[16]

Production

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The live production incorporates an insular plot such as the format of the drag reality competition, with the performers portraying a character competing for the crown. It starts with the host of the performance announcing the "mini-challenge" and "maxi-challenge" to shake up the crowd. Throughout the show, RuPaul makes an appearance from pre-recorded video clips. At the end of the concert, the audience has the opportunity to act out as judges and choose the winner of the "final lip-sync battle" using the majority applause.[17] Andy Walmsley, an English production designer, created and ranked the residency's scenery as number one showcasing its "ambitious creative energy" for the cast. In the interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Walmsley "channelled [his] inner drag queen and designed a truly over-the-top, [...] glitzy-cartoonish, [and] you-go-girl-design."[18]

In April 2024, Derrick Barry mentioned to her fellow castmate, Trinity K. Bonet, that they both "didn't mesh well together" and made "your dream job a nightmare" at the residency.[19] Trinity replied back in an Instagram post that she understood why they "won't reply" about her return on the show.[20] Given Derrick's comments, everyone knew she had "severe arthritis" in both legs which made it difficult to work, and ended up quitting.[21]

Cast

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Here is all 32 Drag Race queens who have been part of the cast of RuPaul's Drag Race Live!. Including 29 queens from the American version, as well as 3 international queens, one from the British version, as well as the hosts of Drag Race France and Drag Race Thailand.

Reception

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Brock Radke of the Las Vegas Sun witnessed the audience screaming "support and the cumulative result of all this exuberance is a jubilant, victorious vibe [...] in this venue." The performers are "wildly charismatic" with Naomi Smalls bringing "over-the-top glamour", Kameron Michaels' "unbelievable athleticism and undeniable presence", and Derrick Barry's "peerless portrayal of Britney Spears could be its own show." Radke also adds that Asia O'Hara presents the residency "with charm and grace" which amazes the audience with laughs. Radke sees the concert as exciting and successful, he also hopes it picks up more momentum.[22]

Music

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Many of the performances use various songs from its franchise or RuPaul's discography. A soundtrack extended play was released on January 27, 2020. This featured four original songs co-written by RuPaul, Tom Campbell, and Leland, with Gabe Lopez as producer.[23] Three out of the four songs were performed as a medley in the semifinal episode of the twelfth season of RuPaul's Drag Race.[24]

Television

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Rotating cast members during their "Losing is the New Winning" performance for RuPaul's Drag Race

A docuseries based on the concert residency was announced in July 2020.[25] During the fifth season finale of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, an extended preview aired showcasing the six-part documentary.[26] RuPaul's Drag Race: Vegas Revue later premiered through VH1 on August 21, the first episode was dedicated to Chi Chi DeVayne, a former contestant of RuPaul's Drag Race who later died in the same month.[27]

The fourteenth-season reunion and the finale of RuPaul's Drag Race were filmed at the same venue with the rotating cast performing "Losing is the New Winning" alongside the contestants.[28] In the same episode, RuPaul was awarded the key to the city of Las Vegas with April 22 being officially RuPaul Day.[29] The finale filming took place "a few weeks ago" and lasting under five hours.[30]

The production company announced another six-part documentary in October 2023 and set to premiere in the upcoming year.[31] The docuseries premiered through WOW Presents Plus on April 17, 2024.[32] During the sixteenth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, an episode showcased the contestants giving makeovers to the Pit Crew members of the residency concert.[33]

References

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  1. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (September 7, 2019). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' sets live show in Las Vegas". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on September 8, 2019. Retrieved September 8, 2019.
  2. ^ Taylor, Star (September 7, 2019). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' Announces New Las Vegas Live Shows Beginning in 2020". Billboard. Eldridge Industries. Archived from the original on September 9, 2019. Retrieved September 8, 2019.
  3. ^ Street, Mikelle (January 31, 2020). "Here's the Pit Crew from 'RuPaul's Drag Race: Live' in Vegas". Out. Pride Media. Archived from the original on February 6, 2020. Retrieved February 6, 2020.
  4. ^ Radke, Brock (September 12, 2019). "Curtain Up: 'RuPaul's Drag Race Live,' Barry Manilow, Aerosmith, 'Cherry Boom Boom' and more". Las Vegas Sun. Greenspun Media Group. Archived from the original on September 13, 2019. Retrieved September 13, 2019.
  5. ^ Hegedus, Eric (September 7, 2019). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' queens sashay to Las Vegas residency". New York Post. News Corporation. Archived from the original on September 7, 2019. Retrieved September 8, 2019.
  6. ^ Szydelko, Paul (February 10, 2020). "'RuPaul's Drag Race Live!' debuts at the Flamingo". Travel Weekly. Northstar Travel Group. Archived from the original on July 13, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  7. ^ Radke, Brock (August 5, 2021). "'RuPaul's Drag Race Live' looks to recapture last year's Las Vegas-opening momentum". Las Vegas Weekly. Greenspun Media Group. Archived from the original on December 6, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  8. ^ Hastings, Warring (February 27, 2020). "Drag Race on the road – from television to tour". GLAAD. Archived from the original on September 21, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  9. ^ O'Keeffe, Kevin (September 28, 2020). "'RuPaul's Drag Race: Vegas Revue' was a fascinating artifact of a pre-pandemic era". Xtra Magazine. Pink Triangle Press. Archived from the original on May 7, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  10. ^ Radke, Brock (August 9, 2021). "'RuPaul's Drag Race Live' stuns on the Las Vegas stage". Las Vegas Magazine. Greenspun Media Group. Archived from the original on August 14, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  11. ^ O'Keeffe, Kevin (January 26, 2022). "Eureka O'Hara, Jaida Essence Hall join 'RuPaul's Drag Race Live'". United Press International. News World Communications. Archived from the original on January 26, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  12. ^ Cornish, Ricky (September 22, 2022). "Latrice Royale and Kennedy Davenport spill 'Drag Race' tea in Las Vegas". Out. Pride Media. Archived from the original on July 28, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  13. ^ Zbat, Gabrielle (October 7, 2022). "RuPaul's Drag Race Live! marks 300th show in Las Vegas". KSNV. Sinclair Broadcast Group. Archived from the original on October 8, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  14. ^ Jurbala, Em (April 21, 2023). "'RuPaul's Drag Race Live!' in Las Vegas introduces new cast members". Las Vegas Magazine. Greenspun Media Group. Archived from the original on May 7, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  15. ^ "'RuPaul's Drag Race Live' adds new cast members for summer shows in Las Vegas". KSNV. Sinclair Broadcast Group. May 31, 2023. Archived from the original on March 17, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  16. ^ Radke, Brock (March 13, 2024). "'RuPaul's Drag Race Live,' new edition and more Las Vegas showbiz news". Las Vegas Sun. Greenspun Media Group. Archived from the original on March 24, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  17. ^ Taylor, Star (January 31, 2020). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' is right at home in Las Vegas: Everything you need to know about new live show". Billboard. Eldridge Industries. Archived from the original on September 27, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  18. ^ Katsilometes, John (February 7, 2020). "Emmy Award-winner Andy Walmsley lists top 5 Las Vegas sets". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on October 25, 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  19. ^ Duncan, Charlie (April 26, 2024). "Drag Race star Derrick Barry names 'nightmare' queen she'd happily never work with again". PinkNews. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  20. ^ Wratten, Marcus (May 6, 2024). "Drag Race star Trinity K. Bonet claps back at Derrick Barry: 'I want no part of this sh*t anymore'". PinkNews. Archived from the original on May 7, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  21. ^ Robledo, Jordan (May 5, 2024). "Trinity K. Bonet responds to Derrick Barry's Drag Race Live! comments". Gay Times. Archived from the original on May 7, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  22. ^ Radke, Brock (February 10, 2020). "'RuPaul's Drag Race Live' brings beautiful energy to the Flamingo". Las Vegas Sun. Greenspun Media Group. Archived from the original on January 13, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  23. ^ Dinant, Jason (January 29, 2020). "RuPaul is ready to take over Las Vegas". KTNV-TV. E. W. Scripps Company. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  24. ^ McCallion, Paul (May 15, 2020). "RuPaul's Drag Race Recap: Luck Be a Lady". Vulture. Vox Media. Archived from the original on May 5, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  25. ^ Vary, Adam (July 22, 2020). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' to launch new docuseries on Las Vegas live show". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  26. ^ Street, Mikelle (July 22, 2020). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' is launching yet another television show". Out. Pride Media. Archived from the original on July 22, 2020. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  27. ^ Anderton, Joe (August 22, 2020). "RuPaul's Drag Race pays on-air tribute to Chi Chi DeVayne after her death". Digital Spy. Hearst Communications. Archived from the original on August 23, 2020. Retrieved August 22, 2020.
  28. ^ O'Keeffe, Kevin (April 25, 2023). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' season 14 finale recap: Long may she reign". Xtra Magazine. Pink Triangle Press. Archived from the original on April 25, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  29. ^ Gregory, Drew Burnett (April 23, 2022). ""RuPaul's Drag Race" episode 16 recap: Shoutout to Kornbread's ankle". Autostraddle. For Them. Archived from the original on April 29, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  30. ^ Tangcay, Jazz (April 25, 2022). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' season 14 finale: Three things you didn't see on television". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  31. ^ Nolfi, Joey (October 5, 2023). "Drag Race queens unite for new RuPaul's Drag Race Live Untucked television series". Entertainment Weekly. Dotdash Meredith. Archived from the original on March 26, 2024. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
  32. ^ Thompson, Cher (April 3, 2024). "RuPaul's Drag Race Live Untucked trailer reveals past contestants creating a ton of drama in Vegas". Screen Rant. Valnet Inc. Archived from the original on May 7, 2024. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
  33. ^ Frank, Jason (March 30, 2024). "RuPaul's Drag Race Recap: A Dance with Drag Moms". Vulture. Vox Media. Archived from the original on March 30, 2024. Retrieved March 31, 2024.

Further reading

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