"It was definitely disappointing, [especially] because we had all been touring prior to coming to Las Vegas and we were looking forward to doing the show and staying in one place, finding that consistency and leading a somewhat normal life."
The residency was first premiered with the first rotating cast on January 30, 2020, with the scheduled performance set to last through 2021.[8] Unfortunately, the concert residency ran until March 15 and was placed on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting live entertainment.[9] A year later, performances were later rescheduled with the same rotating cast on August 5, 2021.[10] In January 2022, newcomers Eureka O'Hara, Jaida Essence Hall, Plastique Tiara, and Trinity K. Bonet joined the cast of the residency concert.[11] Around the summertime of 2022, Latrice Royale and Kennedy Davenport were announced as the new additions to the performing cast; Jorgeous is also set to perform in the upcoming year.[12] The variety concert later marked their 300th show on October 6.[13]
Deja Skye and Daya Betty later joined as new cast members for the concert residency.[14] Before the cast performed their 500th show, Bosco, Lawrence Chaney, Nicky Doll, and Pangina Heals were introduced for the live residency for summer 2023.[15] The residency cast celebrated its 700th mark in March 2024.[16]
Production
The live production incorporates an insular plot such as the format of the drag reality competition, with the performers portraying a character competing for the crown. It starts with the host of the performance announcing the "mini-challenge" and "maxi-challenge" to shake up the crowd. Throughout the show, RuPaul makes an appearance from pre-recorded video clips. At the end of the concert, the audience has the opportunity to act out as judges and choose the winner of the "final lip-sync battle" using the majority applause.[17]Andy Walmsley, an English production designer, created and ranked the residency's scenery as number one showcasing its "ambitious creative energy" for the cast. In the interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Walmsley "channelled [his] inner drag queen and designed a truly over-the-top, [...] glitzy-cartoonish, [and] you-go-girl-design."[18]
In April 2024, Derrick Barry mentioned to her fellow castmate, Trinity K. Bonet, that they both "didn't mesh well together" and made "your dream job a nightmare" at the residency.[19] Trinity replied back in an Instagram post that she understood why they "won't reply" about her return on the show.[20] Given Derrick's comments, everyone knew she had "severe arthritis" in both legs which made it difficult to work, and ended up quitting.[21]
Cast
Here is all 32 Drag Race queens who have been part of the cast of RuPaul's Drag Race Live!. Including 29 queens from the American version, as well as 3 international queens, one from the British version, as well as the hosts of Drag Race France and Drag Race Thailand.
Brock Radke of the Las Vegas Sun witnessed the audience screaming "support and the cumulative result of all this exuberance is a jubilant, victorious vibe [...] in this venue." The performers are "wildly charismatic" with Naomi Smalls bringing "over-the-top glamour", Kameron Michaels' "unbelievable athleticism and undeniable presence", and Derrick Barry's "peerless portrayal of Britney Spears could be its own show." Radke also adds that Asia O'Hara presents the residency "with charm and grace" which amazes the audience with laughs. Radke sees the concert as exciting and successful, he also hopes it picks up more momentum.[22]
Music
Many of the performances use various songs from its franchise or RuPaul's discography. A soundtrack extended play was released on January 27, 2020. This featured four original songs co-written by RuPaul, Tom Campbell, and Leland, with Gabe Lopez as producer.[23] Three out of the four songs were performed as a medley in the semifinal episode of the twelfth season of RuPaul's Drag Race.[24]
Television
Rotating cast members during their "Losing is the New Winning" performance for RuPaul's Drag Race
The fourteenth-season reunion and the finale of RuPaul's Drag Race were filmed at the same venue with the rotating cast performing "Losing is the New Winning" alongside the contestants.[28] In the same episode, RuPaul was awarded the key to the city of Las Vegas with April 22 being officially RuPaul Day.[29] The finale filming took place "a few weeks ago" and lasting under five hours.[30]
The production company announced another six-part documentary in October 2023 and set to premiere in the upcoming year.[31] The docuseries premiered through WOW Presents Plus on April 17, 2024.[32] During the sixteenth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, an episode showcased the contestants giving makeovers to the Pit Crew members of the residency concert.[33]
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