RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! just celebrated its 1,000th performance, and five years in, the Las Vegas revue is more important and needed now more than ever, according to its creators.
PEOPLE caught up with World of Wonder cofounders and RuPaul’s Drag Race executive producers Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey ahead of the milestone show at The Flamingo on Saturday, March 15 to reflect on its past, present and future.
“We are super excited and grateful,” Barbato said of the milestone. “I think we’re grateful of all the casts that have been in it over the years. We started before COVID, so it’s been quite tough to nurture a hit on the Vegas strip, but we’re here!”
“If you can make it in Vegas, it’s a good omen,” added Bailey.
Saturday’s show included performances from the current cast — Ginger Minj, Asia O’Hara, Jaida Essence Hall, Mophine Dion Love and Plane Jane, along with the muscled Pit Crew — and an appearance and special message from RuPaul himself.
“This is an amazing feat and we are so proud of this show,” RuPaul told the audience. “This has been a dream of all of ours for so many years. It’s such a legendary stage. It is such an honor that you are all here tonight because you are our secret weapon. You keep coming back show after show, year after year, and for that, I thank you.”
The fact that a show with predominantly LGBTQ+ creators, cast and crew is thriving in the middle of The Strip in the oldest, most iconic property isn’t lost on Barbato and Bailey, especially in the current political climate where anti-gay and anti-trans rhetoric is being launched.
“When you come here to Vegas and you see all the different people from all over the country, different countries, many different backgrounds, many different beliefs on every side of the political spectrum — for [Drag Race Live!] to work and be here for 1,000 shows, that says something!” Bailey explained. “I think that a lot of the rhetoric is just that — rhetoric. It’s baiting.”
“For the first time, this show puts drag queen celebrities on residency. It really has become such a visibility for drag queens. We’re on billboards, we’re on ad campaigns, we’re on taxis, we’re at the airport. It’s amazing to see these TV personalities come to life on a Las Vegas stage,” said performer Derrick Barry, an original cast member who has appeared in around 900 of the 1,000 shows.
“This show is monumental because it’s opened people’s eyes to drag,” added Asia O’Hara, who is only second to Barry in number of performances. “To be in a drag show on the Las Vegas Strip, in the entertainment capital of the world, is incredible in its own. But to last 1,000 shows is a true testament to what the world really needs right now, which is love, laughter and light.”
“Drag Race Live in Vegas and also RuPaul’s Drag Race on MTV are more important now than ever,” Barbato echoed. “Just our presence is political, 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 and we’re even more committed than ever.”
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To keep the show diverse and fresh, new talent is brought in. Morphine Love Dion and Plane Jane, who appeared on the most recently completed season of Drag Race, brought their signature high energy and humor, respectively. Jaida Essence Hall and Asian O’Hara are seasoned showgirls, and Ginger Minj delivered a Wicked number that would make two-time Drag Race guest judge Ariana Grande proud.
Season 17’s top 6 – Jewels Sparkles, Lana Ja’Rae, Lexi Love, Onya Nurve, Sam Star and Suzie Toot – also joined the festivities. Some of them may be gracing the Flamingo stage soon.
As for the future of the show, Barbato and Bailey say anything is possible, including a potential second show and a Broadway expansion.
“We have so many talented queens who we can’t wait to get on the stage. Maybe we need two drag race and two different casts in two different venues,” Barbato teased.
Legendary Vegas female impersonator Hot Chocolate summed it up best. “I’ve lived and performed in Vegas for 40 years. To see the art of drag actually become so mainstream that they have 1,000 shows, that’s just amazing.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! 1000th show is available to stream on WoW Presents Plus and season 17 of RuPaul’s Drag Race is currently airing on MTV.
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