Behind the Scenes of Dragapalooza

Jonathan and I were asked this past Monday to come and take a sneak peek at the closed set of Dragapalooza Hollywood Divas.  Since not many stories have come out about the show, I couldn't wait to get in there and see for myself what was going on.

We walked up to the stage door and rang the bell.  Salotta Tee greeted us and told us to come in.  As we entered the stage area I could hear Diana Dharling yelling at the performers "Words!!  This is your solo number!"  Diana definitely has a strong hold over the cast of the show!  But honestly in any professional show the director/choreographer has to be like that!  She is a perfectionist and wants the show to be just that....perfect!  Although I did see some minor mess ups during rehearsal I think they are well on there way to a very amazing show!

The girls ran through the show and I was excited to see that there are some big surprises.  I assumed that the whole show would be very "Broadway movie".  While you have the expected "Grease" and West Side Story", there is also some unexpected numbers like from "The Sweetest Thing"!  I didn't even know there was a song sung in "The Sweetest Thing"  The West Side Story number is actually quite impressive!  This year the show seems to have bigger production numbers and even better songs!  They are truly bringing a little slice of Hollywood to Philadelphia!

Some of the stand out performers for me were Tammy Faymous (who knew this girl could dance like that?), Stephanie Chic ( for a newbie she really steals one of the numbers), Mrs. P (girl is more than half the show and knows her choreography) Satine Harlow (her facial expressions alone make her numbers) and Crystal Electra (her lift during WSS is dreamy)

My favorite number was "Paris Original" starring Diana Dharling, Serena Starr, Stephanie Chic and Mrs. P!  I loved the choreography!!  To be honest and to much of the credit of the girls in the show it was really hard to pick a favorite!  The whole shows flows perfectly and I found myself smiling every time they moved onto the next number saying to myself "I love this song"!!  I actually even writing this article I keep thinking of more numbers I would love to highlight but I need to leave something for you to see!

Songs from Grease 2, The First Wives Club, Hocus Pocus and The Wizard of Oz medley were also some of my favs!

Brittany Lynn returns as host of the show!  Now she didn't really rehearse that part but Brittany is always sharp tongue and fierce on the mic!  So I have no doubt she will have you rolling with laughter all night long!

During some of breaks I got a chance to sit and talk to some of the girls to ask them why they liked doing the show.  I especially wanted to talk to Brenda Dharling to see why she comes down from NYC to do the show each year.  Also to talk to some performers who did the show last year and some rookies!  Here was some of there responses.

Brenda Dharling (returning cast member): "I moved to NYC to do musical theatre.  This show is just like something you would see off Broadway.  There are live singers and dancers and drag performers, it's the perfect combination!  There is no other show like it!  Diana is not too hard and is very realistic to what a choreographer would do.  I am so excited to be back doing the show again!"

Satine Harlow (returning cast member): "I learned a lot getting into fights over the past year.  At the end of the day its really hard work but we all are really trying to put on the best show possible.  It was great to be a part of such a great cast,.  I need a drink after rehearsal!"

Stephanie Chic (new cast member): It has been a great experience.  Its been very tough at times but it just builds up our excitement for the real show!

Salotta Tee (new cast member):  "Its been a lot of work but it pays off!  There is some tension during rehearsal but we all know its not personal.  In the end as long as the audience is smiling and having a great time that's all that matters.  I love working with all these girls!"

Joey Josephs (returning cast member): "I have been doing this for over 20 years and it is such a rewarding experience.  I love learning things from these new girls.  Its and exciting show." 

I also got a chance between changes to get a quote from director / choreographer Diana Dharling.  Here is what she had to say: Working with Bruce is always amazing.  He supports my creativity which allows me to present the best production.  The girls may talk about me and I raise my voice on occasion.  But at the end of the day we all love this show and are a drag family.  Dragapalooza is the biggest drag event in Philadelphia.  It's elaborate, it's rehearsed and includes over 22 queens.  It pushes the drag envelope and bring entertainment to a new level!"

One of the best things for me about this show is watching all these girls working together to put on the best show possible.  There are queens who have been doing this for 20+ years dancing right along side queens who haven't even been performing for one year!  There seems to be no attitude (except from Diana lol) and everyone works seamlessly together. 

The show really is exciting to watch and when they finished the run though I could wait to tell Diana and Bruce how great the show looked (and everyone knows I can be picky)! 

The show's cast has 21 queens!! 21!!! 

Including: Brittany Lynn, Diana Dharling, Mrs. P, Joey Josephs, Salotta Tee, Crystal Electra, Navaya Shay, Tammy Faymous, Satine Harlow, Serena Starr, Alexis Cartier, Stephanie Chic, Robyn Kradles, Bridgette Jones, & Eva Summers. 

There is a guest performance by: The Goddess Isis, Omyra Lynn, Porcelain, and Misty Maven

Special Guest Performances by Danielle Alis, Brenda Dharling, and THE RETURN OF JASON COZMO!  I hear she is doing Dolly Parton!! <---But from what movie?

This show is going to be big!  VERY VERY B I G!!!  You are not going to want to miss it!!  The show is only a week away!  GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!  I PROMISE YOU IT IS WELL WORTH IT MY LITTLE DRAG HAGS!!!  THESE GIRLS ARE PUTTING THEIR PUMPS UP!!!