The show, the Strip and the Queens in ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race Live’ go all-in on Las Vegas!
RuPaul said it best, “Basic bit**es not wanted.” Not to worry your pretty little faces people, there isn’t even a hint of a basic bit** in RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! The Las Vegas show that is everything you love about the TV show of the same name is adding four new queens to one of the best drag experiences in the city. Ah hell, who are we kidding, in the country.
Off The Strip (OTS) had a chance to catch up with Eureka O’Hara (Season 9 and 10, All Stars Season 6), Trinity K Bonet (Season 6 and All Stars Season 6) and Jaida Essence Hall (Season 12 winner). They spilled the tea on all things pertaining to the show at the Flamingo.
Exceeding Eccentric Expectations
“The thing about our show is that I feel like the people that are fans of the show already are coming to see it. They get to experience what the judges feel when we are performing for them,” Eureka told OTS just two days before her Las Vegas premiere.
“They have been watching us and seeing us and our energy from a tv screen. There is nothing like seeing an entertainer live and in person. The dynamic, the energy, the sweat.”
Has anyone told Eureka about Vegas in the summers yet?
As for season 12 winner Jaida Essence, it’s all about the weather. “I am from Wisconsin where it is always freezing cold. So to come out and be in the sun, I am like (stretches out arms) “just give me a golden glow yaaas,” she says with a hotter than hot pink feather boa around her right shoulder.
“I am excited to showcase a lot more of who I am. When you watch Drag Race you get a window of who a queen is. And being here in Vegas and not only being able to be myself on stage but with the lights, the production, the dancers. Trust me, it is like Jaida times 10.”
Speaking on behalf of Las Vegas, I don’t think anyone is mad at that. Eureka sure isn’t. I am excited for everyone to enjoy it and get lost in a world world where we all have sh*t going on. We just need a couple of hours where we get to have fun and be gay and merry and fabulous together!
Trinity is equally excited about it. Granted, her excitement comes with a big dose of attitude. “I want everyone to come. I feel like when you come to Vegas you want to see a good show, and this is a great show. Gay, straight? It doesn’t matter. You may not even know what the hell is going on (she says with a head cock) you may not know anyone on stage But it is an entertaining show. Baby, just come see us. Cause I know I am gonna give you your money’s worth!”
Living Like A Queen
For each of the three queens, it’s attitude first, then confidence will follow. Eureka has the whole ‘mind over matter’ concept in her DNA. Quite honestly, I’m not entirely sure it wasn’t her who didn’t come up with the original concept.
“I am just a little queer kid that never thought that I would never amount to anything. At least that is what people tried to make me think. But luckily, the power of the mind with self confidence and self love and growth as a human being has allowed me to be here. So, mama, I am going to share that with all of you on the stage!”
One-hundred percent envious of her self confidence, I had to ask how do we live more like a Queen?
“Always remember that you are wearing that invisible crown everyday of your life. You are that queen you want to be – there is no question,” Eureka said with love.
Same for Jaida who had this to say about it.
“You need to love who you are fully. I don’t think that any of us have mastered that. Makeup is a temporary bandage to confidence. But learning to love what other people consider your flaws is… while that never goes away, learning to love you (she pauses).. Well, you just live better when you learn to love who you are.”
But if you think that confidence is a given for every queen you would be wrong. Trinity shares her moments of self-doubt.
“There are a lot of things that I do with Trinity that I don’t have the confidence to try,” Trinity said in our interview. “I am still one of those people who is seeking confidence and just being able to walk out of the door and feeling like I am that girl. For me, Trinity has always been my boost. So, I say shit, put a wig on! The show must go on!”
She ain’t wrong.
The new queens (there are four in all) made their debut on Thursday night (February 3) at the Flamingo. They join current cast members Asia O’Hara, Derrick Barry, Kameron Michaels, Naomi Smalls and Vanessa “Vanjie” Mateo. The show is ripe to produce fabulousness beyond anything you’ve experienced.
That’s a tall order for sure. For Eureka, she is still basking in the glow of her lifelong wish.
“It’s so glamorous to be a part of something in Vegas and it’s just a dream. Being an East Tennessee small, not so small” (referencing her size) “ queer kid making it to Hollywood and then getting to be on TV and now getting to perform in a Las Vegas show – Well, that is just a performers dream.”
Show Details
WHAT: RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!
WHEN: Thursday – Monday at 9:30 p.m.
WHERE: Flamingo Las Vegas, 3555 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
TICKETS: Tickets start at $49 and can be purchased here.
Next Read: Get a Double Dose of RuPaul
