Alaska Returns to DRAG: THE MUSICAL

A dear friend once swore that if you can’t find the heartbeat of a production within the first three seconds of the overture, you’re better off heading for the nearest bar. I used to roll my eyes whenever she said that—until one memorable night in Sydney, when a flamboyant drag queen in six-inch platforms stormed the stage during a comedy gig, lip-syncing to a classic disco anthem and swirling a bright pink boa. The audience erupted, the entire room felt electrified, and I realised in that instant how a single grand entrance can send goosebumps through a crowd. Fast-forward to February in New York City, and I’m having the same tingles of anticipation for Alaska, who’s returned to DRAG: THE MUSICAL at New World Stages. If you’ve been longing for a show that captures the riotous spirit of a high-energy drag performance while dishing out plenty of heart, strap on your sparkliest stilettos—you’ve just found it.

The Royal Return Of Alaska

The big news, of course, is that Alaska Thunderf*ck, co-creator and original star of DRAG: THE MUSICAL, has stepped back into the role of Kitty Galloway from 8 February. For those who’ve followed her rise—from conquering RuPaul’s Drag Race to amassing legions of devoted fans—her return is more than mere casting convenience. In many ways, the musical owes its DNA to her irreverent brand of comedy, her penchant for the unexpected, and her unwavering commitment to celebrating drag culture in all its forms.

This new Off-Broadway run started on 21 October 2024, and though another RuPaul’s Drag Race alum, Jimbo, held the torch before her, there’s a special spark that comes when an original creator reclaims the spotlight. If you’re sceptical, consider a quick fact: in a recent audience survey by the Off-Broadway Alliance, DRAG: THE MUSICAL has rated among the top three shows people are most eager to see or revisit—no small feat in a city that devours musicals by the dozen. It’s a testament to the show’s unique allure and Alaska’s potent star power.

The Glittering Cast List

But let’s not forget: a drag show (or drag musical, in this case) is nothing without a parade of extraordinary performers. Alongside Alaska, you’ll see Nick Adams taking on Alexis Gillmore, Eddie Korbich as Drunk Jerry, Jan Sport as Savannah St. James, Jujubee as The Tigress, Lagoona Bloo as Tuna Turner, and Luxx Noir London as Popcorn. If the names alone don’t make you grin, the dazzling range of talent surely will.

Completing the cast are Liisi LaFontaine as Dixie Coxworth (soon to be succeeded by Tamika Lawrence from 26 February) and J. Elaine Marcos in dual roles of Gloria Schmidt and Rita LaRitz, with Lisa Hemi Johanson stepping in for her between 17 February and 24 March. Nick Laughlin plays Puss Puss DuBois, and young Remi Tuckman and Yair Keydar alternate as ten-year-old Brendan Hutchinson. The cherry on top? Adam Pascal—yes, the original Roger from Rent—portrays Tom Hutchinson, the show’s resident “straight man.” That’s one ensemble guaranteed to delight, provoke, and enthral in equal measure.

And let’s not overlook the ensemble: Cameron Mitchell Bell, Peli Naomi Woods, Kodiak Thompson, Nicholas Kraft, and Teddy Wilson Jr. are also on hand to bring the world of these rival drag bars to life. You’ll hear them sing, dance, and sashay across the stage with enough pizzazz to rival any main street Mardi Gras.

A Story Of Rival Bars And Fiery Emotions

At its heart, DRAG: THE MUSICAL depicts two competing drag bars, each wrestling with financial strains while trying to out-sparkle and outshine the other. It’s a premise brimming with potential for comedy—imagine the behind-the-scenes catfights, the flamboyant costume reveals, and the comedic timing that only a group of seasoned drag divas can deliver. However, there’s more here than just pantomime-level fun. Like any worthwhile musical, it taps into deeper themes: family (both the one you’re born into and the one you find), acceptance, and the bittersweet fight for survival in a world that too often marginalises drag culture.

This storyline resonates beyond the stage. According to data from GLAAD, representation of drag and LGBTQIA+ performers in mainstream media has seen an uptick of nearly 30% over the past five years. Shows like this, celebrating drag artistry, reflect that surge in public fascination—and, crucially, they’re helping push the conversation forward. In short, it’s not just light entertainment: it’s a celebration of a cultural phenomenon that’s here to stay.

Behind The Sequins

You can’t mount a production like DRAG: THE MUSICAL without a dream team guiding the vision. Helming the directorial and choreographic duties is Spencer Liff, whose talent for slick, energetic staging is widely admired. He’s worked wonders before, and this production is no different, featuring dance numbers that somehow manage to be both outrageous and precise.

On the design side, you’ve got Jason Sherwood tackling the scenic elements and Marco Marco overseeing the costumes. If that name rings a bell, it might be because Marco Marco’s designs have graced the likes of Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj. Brace yourself for a parade of vibrant outfits, from neon feathers to crystal-studded corsets that catch the spotlight in every flick of a high-heeled shoe. Meanwhile, Adam Honore’s lighting design sets the mood, flipping between the lurid neon of a rowdy nightclub and the stark vulnerability of the dressing room mirror. Drew Levy handles the sound design—crucial for a production whose big musical numbers hinge on comedic timing and punchline-perfect lyrics—while Aurora Sexton shapes the makeup design that underscores each queen’s distinctive persona. Add in Aaron Rhyne’s projection design, and you’ve got a visual tapestry that immerses the audience in a bedazzled wonderland.

Oh, and let’s not forget the behind-the-scenes angels ensuring the whole show runs seamlessly. Jennifer Rogers is the production stage manager, ably supported by Matthew Hermann as assistant stage manager. The general management comes from KGM Theatrical, coordinating everything from financial matters to scheduling. It’s a staggering collaboration, and one that feels meticulously calibrated to ensure the onstage chaos is precisely the kind you want—hilarious, heartfelt, and oh-so-memorable.

An Unlikely Producing Team

Perhaps the most surprising detail is the eclectic mix of producers who’ve bet their chips on this Off-Broadway delight. You’ve got Tomas Costanza (who co-wrote the show with Alaska and Ashley Gordon), Scott Prisand, Matthew Weaver, and so on, but here’s the real kicker: Liza Minnelli is among the producers. Yes, you read that correctly. The icon herself, daughter of Judy Garland, legend of stage and screen, is part of the team helping to bring these flamboyant rival bars to the spotlight. There’s something rather poetic in that, isn’t there? Minnelli, famed for her own boundary-pushing performances in the 1970s, now championing a new generation of drag performers in a musical that captures the rebellious spirit that made her a star. You can practically hear the echoes of CABARET tapping at the wings.

A Nostalgic Nod To Drag’s Roots

While many will flock to New World Stages for the comedic spectacle, DRAG: THE MUSICAL also provides a moving tribute to the lineage of drag performance. Though the show brims with modern references—snapchat filters, social media buzz, nods to RuPaul—there are subtle throwbacks to the underground clubs where drag survived long before it became a mainstream phenomenon. Historical data from LGBTQ+ archives suggests drag culture thrived in secret bars as far back as the 1800s, forging tight-knit communities built on shared artistry and mutual support. The two struggling bars in this show, battling financial hardships and scrambling to attract loyal patrons, echo the real stories of drag havens that have come and gone over the decades.

When the queens here belt out a rousing anthem about resilience or dish out witty banter about the trials of making rent, you sense the legacy of countless performers who paved the way. It’s a poignant reminder that for all the glitz and glamour, drag is grounded in perseverance and community—qualities that remain as vital now as ever.

Finding Strength In Sparkle

At first glance, DRAG: THE MUSICAL might appear to be all glitter and giggles. But stick around for a few scenes, and you’ll see it’s a heartfelt ode to self-expression, unity, and the bonds formed in the pursuit of dreams. In a world that can feel increasingly divisive, watching these larger-than-life characters unite to save their beloved bars offers more than just entertainment—it serves up a healthy dose of hope. Because, ultimately, drag isn’t just about impersonation or pageantry; it’s about stepping bravely into the spotlight, celebrating who you are, and forging a community around that freedom.

So, if you’re flipping through your diary and wondering whether you’ve got time to see something dazzling, allow me to persuade you: you need a ticket to DRAG: THE MUSICAL. You need to witness Alaska reclaim her crown as Kitty Galloway. You need to see sequins, feathers, and over-the-top wigs swirl in a kaleidoscope of colour. And you absolutely need to walk away feeling that buoyant sense of belonging that only a truly inclusive production can impart.

With that, I bid you adieu—though trust me, you’ll be thanking me later when you’re humming the show’s catchiest tune on the plane ride home or rummaging through your closet for your own bejewelled corset. The queen is back, the stage is set, and the world of drag is once again proving that life is far too short not to embrace a bit of sparkle. Go on, be part of the magic. After all, in a city that never sleeps, a night spent cheering on your favourite drag superstar feels like the perfect way to stay awake.