The world of drag and musical theatre has come together in a fabulous way with the production of DRAG: The Musical, and none other than the legendary Liza Minnelli has played a pivotal role in its creation. The illustrious star has not only joined as a producer but also lent her iconic voice to the show, leading to exciting possibilities for both the production and Minnelli herself.
Alaska Thunderf**k, the acclaimed winner of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 2, is both the creator and star of DRAG: The Musical. This Off-Broadway hit showcases Alaska's unique flair, combining her love for drag with a deep appreciation for musical theatre. But it was the involvement of Liza Minnelli that brought an extra layer of star power and intrigue to the production.
The Genesis of a Collaboration
In a candid discussion, Alaska described how they sought an "iconic voice" to narrate the show. "We were looking for someone who's a showbiz icon to do this short voiceover part," Alaska explained. The team reached out to various candidates, eventually making contact with Liza Minnelli's representatives. The response they received was far beyond their expectations.
Liza Minnelli, known for her bold presence and legendary performances, didn't just settle for a single voiceover part. Instead, she expressed her desire for a more substantial role in the production. "I want you to write a second voiceover part for me," she insisted, "because [just one] isn't enough things to say. And also, I want to be a producing partner on this." This move added a significant boost to the show's profile and underscored Minnelli's enduring commitment to the arts.
A Star-Studded Cast and Riveting Plot
Co-written by Alaska, Tomas Constanza, and Ash Gordon, DRAG: The Musical tells the story of "two drag houses, both alike in dignity" fighting for dominance. The narrative unfolds in a colorful, musical journey filled with fashion, family, and forgiveness.
"After a bitter split, fishy queen Alexis Gillmore opened her club, The Fish Tank, while glamourpuss Miss Kitty established The Cathouse," reads the official synopsis. "Heels click and tensions rise as old wounds are opened up and the two clubs fight to survive." This dramatic storyline is enhanced by a cast featuring several Drag Race alumni, including Jujubee, Luxx Noir London, and Jan Sport, alongside Alaska.
The cast is further enriched by New York City drag legend Lagoona Bloo, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert actor Nick Adams, Six The Musical’s Bre Jackson, Pose’s Eddie Korbich, and Rent: Live’s J. Elaine Marcos. Together, they bring the story to life with energy and flair.
The Road to EGOT
Aside from the show's theatrical success, there is an exciting prospect for Liza Minnelli. If the live cast album of DRAG: The Musical gains significant acclaim, it could potentially win a Grammy. Should this happen, it would complete Minnelli's journey to achieving an EGOT status—a prestigious accolade for those who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.
As Alaska enthusiastically notes, "We want it to go to number one, because Liza Minnelli produced it, and if this album wins a Grammy, she will win an EGOT. So we're trying to win Liza a Grammy! That's the goal. And also it's really f**king good."
The production, which held an initial workshop in Los Angeles in June 2022, officially opened on 21 October at the New World Stages theatre. The run is set to conclude on 27 April, with the live cast album's release slated for 25 April.
Streaming and Sharing the Joy
For those eager to see more of Alaska's talents, her film God Save the Queens is currently available for streaming on Prime Video and other platforms. The film has further solidified Alaska's status as a multi-talented performer and creator.
As DRAG: The Musical continues to captivate audiences, it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and the unyielding spirit of the drag community. With Liza Minnelli's invaluable contribution, the production has reached new heights, promising a legacy that will resonate for years to come.
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