Sasha Velour, known for her boundary-pushing performances and iconic rose petal reveals, is on a mission to elevate drag to new heights. Her latest endeavor, Velour: A Drag Spectacular, aims to prove that drag belongs on Broadway just as much as any traditional theater production. Velour’s journey, chronicled in her book The Big Reveal: An Illustrated Manifesto of Drag, reflects a deep commitment to showcasing the rich history and artistry of drag, a genre that has often been overlooked by mainstream theater.
At the heart of Velour’s work is the belief that drag is not just entertainment but a powerful form of artistic expression. Her new show at the La Jolla Playhouse is a testament to this, featuring elaborate reveals and a narrative that intertwines her personal journey with the broader history of drag. Despite the challenges drag performers face in the theater world, Velour remains undeterred, using her platform to challenge norms and invite audiences to experience the full spectrum of drag performance.
Velour is not alone in her quest to bring drag to Broadway. Icons like Peppermint and Jinkx Monsoon have paved the way, proving that drag artists can hold their own on the big stage. However, Velour’s approach is unique in its focus on bringing the essence of drag shows—complete with lip-syncs and dramatic reveals—directly to mainstream audiences. Her collaboration with legendary theater director Moisés Kaufman has further solidified her vision, making Velour: A Drag Spectacular a must-see production that blends the personal with the political, the historical with the contemporary.
In this new era, where queer sensibilities are increasingly embraced by mainstream culture, Velour’s work serves as both a celebration and a call to action. She invites audiences to not just witness drag but to engage with it, to understand its history, and to recognize its place on stages like Broadway. With Velour: A Drag Spectacular, Sasha Velour is not just making art; she is making history.
