RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! Hits 1,000 Shows in Vegas: “More Important Than Ever”
In a world where drag queens are often relegated to the fringes of mainstream entertainment, RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! has not only infiltrated the Las Vegas Strip but has also thrived for 1,000 performances—a feat that feels almost defiant in today’s political climate. The show, which celebrated its milestone at The Flamingo on March 15, is a glittering testament to the power of joy, diversity, and unapologetic self-expression. Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey, the masterminds behind the production, couldn’t help but reflect on the journey, especially given the challenges of launching a hit during a global pandemic. “If you can make it in Vegas, it’s a good omen,” Bailey quipped, and honestly, who could argue?
RuPaul himself made a rare appearance to thank the audience, calling them the show’s “secret weapon.” And let’s be real—when RuPaul shows up, you know it’s a big deal. The current cast, including fan favorites like Ginger Minj, Asia O’Hara, and Jaida Essence Hall, delivered performances that were equal parts camp and charisma, proving that drag is not just an art form but a cultural force. Derrick Barry, an original cast member who’s performed in nearly 900 shows, noted the show’s unprecedented visibility: “We’re on billboards, we’re on taxis, we’re at the airport.” Drag queens, it seems, have officially gone mainstream—and not a moment too soon.
But let’s not sugarcoat it: the show’s success is also a political statement. In an era where anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric is on the rise, Drag Race Live! stands as a beacon of resilience. Barbato put it bluntly: “Our ability to provide people with joy and laughter and diversity at a time when all those things are hard to find—it’s our mission now.” The show’s longevity is a reminder that love, laughter, and light are not just feel-good buzzwords but essential tools for survival.
Asia O’Hara, who has performed in nearly as many shows as Barry, summed it up perfectly: “To last 1,000 shows is a true testament to what the world really needs right now.” And what the world needs, apparently, is more sequins, sass, and unapologetic fabulousness.
So, while some politicians are busy fear-mongering, RuPaul’s queens are busy slaying—literally and figuratively. If that’s not a win for humanity, I don’t know what is.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine
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