Stage and screen legend Liza Minnelli has joined the producing team of Off-Broadway's Drag: The Musical, now in previews at New World Stages and headed towards an October 21 opening night. Minnelli has previously produced her own concerts, though this venture will be her first time producing a full-length musical.
"Kids! DRAG: The Musical is a work of art," says Minnelli in a statement. "It's so brilliant that I had to join as a producer! Join me at every performance. Yes, EVERY PERFORMANCE!" Minnelli was last seen on Broadway in Liza's at the Palace... in 2008, with previous performances including Flora, the Red Menace; Chicago; The Act; The Rink; Victor/Victoria; and Minnelli on Minnelli.
"Liza is the ultimate entertainer and having her join us feels like winning the EGOT lottery all over again," says lead producer Scott Prisand. "Her enthusiasm for this project is contagious, and we couldn't be more thrilled to have her bring that legendary sparkle to Drag," adds fellow lead producer Matt Weaver.
Along with Minnelli, Prisand, and Weaver, the musical's producing team includes Tomas Costanza and Tristan Schukraft.
The cast is led by co-writer and RuPaul's Drag Race winner Alaska Thunderfuck as Kitty Galloway. She's joined by fellow Drag Race alums Luxx Noir London as Popcorn, Jan Sport as Savannah St. James, and Jujubee as The Tigress, along with Joey McIntyre as Tom Hutchinson, Nick Adams as Alexis Gilmore, Bre Jackson as Dixie Coxworth, Eddie Korbich as Drunk Jerry, Lagoona Bloo as Tuna Turner, Nick Laughlin as Puss Puss Dubois, and J. Elaine Marcos as Gloria Schmidt and Rita Laritz, along with Cameron Mitchell Bell, Brandon Burks, Nicholas Kraft, Christine Shepard, and Kodiak Thompson. Remi Tuckman and Yair Keydar are sharing the tole of Brendan Hutchinson. Casting is by Ryan Bernard Tymensky of RBT Casting.
Alaska wrote the musical alongside collaborators Tomas Costanza and Ashley Gordon. The show follows two rival drag bars, each fighting for survival while dealing with financial troubles. Spencer Liff is directing and choreographing.
The production features scenic design by Jason Sherwood, costume design by Marco Marco, lighting design by Adam Honore, sound design by Drew Levy, wig design by Domino Couture, makeup design by Aurora Sexton, and projection design by Aaron Rhyne. KGM Theatrical is general manager. Jennifer Rogers is production stage manager, and Matthew Hermann is assistant stage manager.
Andrew Orbison leads a four-piece band from the keyboards, including Ariel Bellvalaire on guitar, Tyler Connaghan on guitar, and Jasmine Guevara on drums.
Tickets are available at DragTheMusical.com.
