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Tag: Ginger Minj

  • Ginger Minj Summons a Star-Studded Drag Coven for Hokus Pokus Live! Tour

    Ginger Minj Summons a Star-Studded Drag Coven for Hokus Pokus Live! Tour

    Witches, drag lovers, and theater kids unite because Ginger Minj is casting her most ambitious spell yet. The RuPaul’s Drag Race icon and Hocus Pocus 2 scene-stealer has announced the return of her spellbinding stage production Hokus Pokus Live!, and this time, she’s bringing a cauldron full of drag royalty along for the ride.

    This all-new theatrical experience will tour 22 U.S. cities from Sept. 4 to Oct. 6, co-starring Drag Race darlings Jujubee and Sapphira Cristál, along with Dragula champion Landon Cider.

    A Wickedly Starry Lineup

    Ginger Minj, known affectionately as “The Glamour Toad”, isn’t just performing; she wrote, directed, and co-produced Hokus Pokus Live! through her Fruit Wine Productions. This marks the show’s third iteration, but don’t expect a rehash. Each performance promises a fresh blend of iconic characters, new songs, and supernatural sass tailored to the talents of this all-star cast.

    “It’s more than just a drag show,” Minj said in a statement. “It’s a magical theatrical experience that will leave audiences spellbound.”

    That magic comes in no small part thanks to her cast:

    • Sapphira Cristál, the operatic powerhouse and runner-up of Drag Race Season 16.
    • Jujubee, fan-favorite multi-season queen with Broadway chops from DRAG: The Musical.
    • Landon Cider, a trailblazing drag king whose theatrical flair made him a Dragula winner.

    The Bette Midler Blessing

    The origins of Hokus Pokus Live! are as iconic as the show itself. Ginger credits Hocus Pocus 2 co-star Bette Midler for planting the spellbinding seed. “I just really love the way that you do me,” Midler reportedly told Ginger. “I would like to see you take this and run with it and turn it into something.”

    Consider it done, Divine Miss M.

    Tour Dates & Ticket Info

    The tour kicks off Sept. 4 in Orlando, FL, and hits major cities like NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles before wrapping Oct. 6 at The Novo. Tickets go on presale July 16 (Code: SPELLBOOK) and general sale July 18 at hokuspokuslive.com, with VIP packages available for those who want to hex it up with the cast.

    VIP Packages That Slay

    Whether you’re looking for a spooky meet-and-greet or some exclusive glam swag, there’s a VIP tier for every witchy wallet.

    • Coven Ultra VIP includes front-row seats, Q&A sessions, exclusive merch, and a group photo with the cast.
    • RIP (Really Important Person) includes premium seats, a supernatural meet-and-greet, signed posters, and more.

    Final Spell

    From Broadway-worthy vocals to drag transformations that defy reality, Hokus Pokus Live! promises a theater experience with a high-glam twist. And with a cast like this? The spell is already cast.

  • ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10’ Drops Star-Studded Trailer Featuring Ariana Grande, Chappell Roan, and a Brand New Format

    ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10’ Drops Star-Studded Trailer Featuring Ariana Grande, Chappell Roan, and a Brand New Format

    Start your engines—and make room in the werkroom. RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars is returning for its 10th season on May 9, and this time it’s bigger, queerer, and witchier than ever.

    With a star-studded guest judge lineup and the largest cast in All Stars herstory, All Stars 10 promises high-stakes glamour, jaw-dropping performances, and a brand-new “Tournament of All Stars” format that could shake up the franchise forever.

    Grande, Erivo, and Roan… Oh My!

    In a teaser trailer that sent fans into a glittery meltdown, Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande storm the werkroom with the line: “The witches will see you now!” Queens lose it (as they should), and honestly, so did we.

    Meanwhile, queer pop icon Chappell Roan makes her entrance in a wig cap and robe, dryly asking the queens, “Do any of you queers have something sexy I can slip into?” Consider the bar for guest judge entrances raised.

    Buffy Is Back—and She Brought Ice Spice

    The judging panel this season reads like a who’s who of queer icons, Oscar nominees, viral hitmakers, and cult TV legends.

    Joining RuPaul and resident judges Michelle Visage, Ross Matthews, Carson Kressley, Ts Madison, Jamal Sims, and Law Roach are a diverse slate of guest judges, including:

    Meet the Queens

    Season 10 features a jaw-dropping 18 returning queens—making it the most packed All Stars season yet. Competing queens include:

    This diverse cast spans fan favorites, controversial queens, early outs, and redemption-seekers—all bringing a mix of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent back to the main stage.

    New Format: The Tournament of All Stars

    Drag Race All Stars 10 will debut a brand-new structure known as the Tournament of All Stars. According to a press release from Paramount+:

    “The queens will be divided into three groups of six, each competing in their own bracket across three episodes. At the end of each bracket, the top three queens with the highest point totals will then advance to the semi-finals.”

    From there, it’s a high-stakes dash to the crown. The finalists will face off in an epic Lip Sync Smackdown for the Crown, with one queen ultimately earning a coveted spot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame.

    And yes, Untucked will be back too—because if you’re not watching Untucked, you’re only getting half the tea.

    How to Watch

    RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 premieres May 9 exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and WOW Presents Plus internationally.

    Watch the full trailer now and get ready for the ultimate drag battle royale—glamour, chaos, and glitter bombs included.

  • Lydia B. Kollins Dives Into ‘Drag Race All Stars 10’ Just A Week After Season 17: “What Do I Have to Lose?”

    Lydia B. Kollins Dives Into ‘Drag Race All Stars 10’ Just A Week After Season 17: “What Do I Have to Lose?”

    Lydia B. Kollins barely had time to unpack her wigs from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 17 before being whisked back into the Werk Room for another round of fierce competition. The fan-favorite queen has confirmed she joined the massive cast of All Stars 10 just weeks after wrapping up her debut season.

    In an interview with The Playlist, Kollins revealed that she had about five days—yes, days—to prepare for her second Drag Race run. “I had gotten back from Season 17 filming, and it was like three weeks later they called [with the All Stars 10 invite],” she said. “And I had about five days to a week to sort of get it all prepared and ready, but it was chill.”

    Chill? Maybe for her. Fans on social media couldn’t believe the turnaround.

    Another fan gushed, “Lydia’s AS10 casting is probably the craziest & gaggiest AS casting they’ve ever done. It’s kinda iconic.”

    Despite the whirlwind schedule, Lydia didn’t hesitate when offered a second shot at the crown. “It was an automatic yes,” she said. “To go back, I feel like you can’t pass up on an opportunity to A, be on TV, and also B, get to share your art in front of RuPaul. So yeah, automatically, I was like, ‘F**k yeah, why not? What do I have to lose?’”

    She described the experience as surreal. “I feel like I’m in two different timelines at the same time. So it’s been a lot… late-night breakdowns do be happening, but I think I’m handling it pretty well. I’m keeping my head above water.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Lydia B Kollins (@foreheadbrows)

    Lydia is part of All Stars 10’s largest cast ever, with 18 returning queens in what’s being dubbed the “Tournament of All Stars.” The new format divides contestants into three brackets of six queens, each battling it out over three episodes. The top performers will advance to the semi-finals and eventually to an epic Lip Sync Smackdown for the Crown.

    Joining Lydia are returning legends including Acid Betty, Aja, Bosco, Denali, Ginger Minj, Mistress Isabelle Brooks, and many more.

    RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 premieres May 9 exclusively on Paramount+.

  • ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars’ Season 10 Reveals Record-Breaking Cast and Brand-New Tournament Format

    ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars’ Season 10 Reveals Record-Breaking Cast and Brand-New Tournament Format

    Start your engines—and your brackets! RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars is shaking things up in a major way for its milestone 10th season, debuting an all-new “Tournament of All Stars” format and the largest returning cast in franchise herstory.

    Eighteen fan-favorite queens will sashay back onto the runway in what promises to be one of the most competitive and gag-worthy seasons yet. Spanning 12 episodes, Season 10 is ditching the traditional format in favor of a multi-round, bracket-style showdown that has fans already dusting off their fantasy draft boards.

    Tournament Time, Honey!

    So, how does this new Drag Race extravaganza work?

    The queens will be split into three separate groups of six, each competing in their own bracket over a three-episode stretch. At the end of each bracket, the top three queens with the highest point totals will advance to the semi-finals, where they’ll go head-to-head with winners from the other groups.

    From there, it’s a two-episode semifinals showdown before the season culminates in the grand finale: a Lip Sync Smackdown for the Crown. The last queen standing will walk away with a sparkling $200,000 cash prize and a permanent place in the prestigious Drag Race Hall of Fame.

    The queens and their respective groups on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 10. Photo: Paramount
    The queens and their respective groups on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10. Photo: Paramount+

    Meet the All Star Queens of Season 10

    Get ready to gag over this lineup of legends, rising stars, and some long-awaited returns:

    • Acid Betty (Season 8)
    • Aja (Season 9, All Stars 3)
    • Alyssa Hunter (Season 14)
    • Bosco (Season 14)
    • Cynthia Lee Fontaine (Season 8, Season 9)
    • Daya Betty (Season 14)
    • DeJa Skye (Season 14)
    • Denali (Season 13)
    • Ginger Minj (Season 7, All Stars 2 & 6)
    • Irene the Alien (Season 15)
    • Jorgeous (Season 14, All Stars 9)
    • Kerri Colby (Season 14)
    • Lydia B. Kollins (Season 17)
    • Mistress Isabelle Brooks (Season 15)
    • Nicole Paige Brooks (Season 2)
    • Olivia Lux (Season 13)
    • Phoenix (Season 3)
    • Tina Burner (Season 13)

    Season 14 dominates the competition with six returning queens, while early-season veterans like Nicole Paige Brooks and Phoenix are making a fierce comeback over a decade since their last appearance. Meanwhile, Season 17’s standout Lydia B. Kollins is back fresh off the finale, where Onya Nurve was recently crowned.

    The Battle of the Brackets

    Let’s break it down, bracket-style:

    • Pink Bracket: Jorgeous, Lydia B. Kollins, Mistress Isabelle Brooks, Tina Burner, Nicole Paige Brooks, Kerri Colby

    RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 10 Pink Bracket. Photo: Paramount+
    RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 Pink Bracket. Photo: Paramount+

    • Purple Bracket: Denali, Cynthia Lee Fontaine, Alyssa Hunter, Daya Betty, Acid Betty, Ginger Minj

    RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 10 Purple Bracket. Photo: Paramount+
    RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 Purple Bracket. Photo: Paramount+

    • Orange Bracket: Olivia Lux, Bosco, Aja, DeJa Skye, Phoenix, Irene the Alien

    RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 10 Orange Bracket. Photo: Paramount+
    RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 Orange Bracket. Photo: Paramount+

    Each bracket brings a different flavor—and fans can expect runway drama, hilarious reads, emotional backstories, and iconic lip sync battles that’ll have everyone yelling, “Shantay, you stay!”

    The Legacy Continues

    Previous inductees into the Drag Race Hall of Fame include a sparkling roster of queens like Chad Michaels, Alaska, Trixie Mattel, Trinity the Tuck, Monet X Change, Shea Couleé, Kylie Sonique Love, Jinkx Monsoon, Jimbo, and most recently, Angeria Paris VanMicheals.

    Who will snatch the crown this time?

    Catch all the charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent when RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 10 premieres Friday, May 9 at 12 a.m. ET / 9 p.m. PT Thursday on Paramount+.

  • RuPaul’s Drag Race Live Hits Major Milestone with 1,000th Show in Las Vegas

    RuPaul’s Drag Race Live Hits Major Milestone with 1,000th Show in Las Vegas

    RuPaul’s Drag Race Live has been dazzling audiences in Las Vegas since 2020, and on Sunday, the concert residency reached a major milestone — its 1,000th performance. The show, held at the Flamingo Hotel’s Flamingo Showroom, is a nightly celebration of fierce performances, showcasing fan-favorite queens from MTV’s RuPaul’s Drag Race.

    To commemorate the momentous occasion, a dazzling chorus of queens from various seasons of the iconic reality competition strutted their stuff on the pink carpet. Among the stars making an appearance was none otworher than RuPaul Charles, the Queen of Drag herself, who surprised the audience with a special guest appearance.

    “RuPaul’s Drag Race Live” is a vibrant, immersive stage experience, where audiences can expect to see their favorite contestants performing original musical numbers, engaging in fierce lip-sync battles, and delivering sharp comedy sketches. The residency has become a Las Vegas staple, drawing fans from around the world for a show that celebrates the artistry, humor, and heart of drag.

    Currently, the show features a rotating cast of performers, including Jaida Essence Hall, Morphine Love Dion, Ginger Minj, Asia O’Hara, and Plane Jane. At the 1,000th performance, the top six queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 were also in attendance: Suzie Toot, Sam Star, Lana Ja’Rae, Jewels Sparkles, Onya Nurve, and Lexi Love. These queens also spent the weekend soaking in the Vegas sights, with photoshoots at iconic locations like the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign and the High Roller outside the LINQ Hotel.

    Photo Credit: Denise Truscello/ Getty Images for Live Nation
    Photo Credit: Denise Truscello/ Getty Images for Live Nation

    The queens even had a chance to interact with fans before the performance. On Friday evening, they joined a crowd at Gipsy Nightclub to watch the RuPaul’s Drag Race episode “Ross Mathews vs. the Ducks” with fans. The weekend’s festivities culminated in a lively after-party at Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse, where influencers and members of the press mingled with the queens.

    On Sunday night, a parade of other Drag Race stars graced the pink carpet, including DeJa Skye, Derrick Barry, Hot Chocolate, Jaymes Mansfield, Kahanna Montrese, Kennedy Davenport, Kylie Sonique Love, Mirage, and Yara Sofia, adding extra glam to the milestone celebration.

    Co-directed by the 14-time Emmy-winning RuPaul and four-time Emmy-nominated choreographer Jamal Sims, the residency is produced by World of Wonder and Voss Events. Guests can purchase tickets for the electrifying show via Ticketmaster.

    Photo Credit: Denise Truscello/ Getty Images for Live Nation
    Photo Credit: Denise Truscello/ Getty Images for Live Nation

    During the 1,000th performance, RuPaul shared heartfelt words with the audience. “We are so proud of this show. Our amazing cast of queens work so hard every show. I love them. It’s just such an honor to be on the Las Vegas Strip,” RuPaul said. “This has been a dream of all of ours for so many years.”

    He also expressed his gratitude to the loyal fans who have returned to the show night after night. “Our audience is our secret weapon,” he added. “For that, I thank you with all my heart.”

    A memorable moment occurred midway through the performance when RuPaul and host Ginger Minj led a comedic segment teaching the audience how to fake slap. After a playful back-and-forth, Ginger took the opportunity to fake slap RuPaul, declaring, “I’ve been waiting 10 years to do that!”

    Before the big event, Drag Race producers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato spoke with Gold Derby about the longevity of the residency. Bailey reflected on the challenges of launching a show in Las Vegas, a city known for its fierce competition. “Vegas is a hard town to get a show up and running,” he said. “It just took a while — and a couple Emmy Awards — to persuade this town that we could compete.”

    Barbato emphasized that drag has always been mainstream entertainment, recalling how the art form was celebrated in the East Village long before it gained widespread recognition. “We always imagined it would go forever,” he said, speaking to the show’s enduring appeal.

    Photo Credit: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for MTV
    Photo Credit: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for MTV

    Bailey also shared his perspective on Las Vegas as a city inextricably tied to drag culture. “Vegas is a city in drag,” he said. “Liberace kind of created Vegas, so Vegas in a way was manifested by, essentially, a drag queen.” He went on to address misconceptions about drag, emphasizing its universal appeal. “Drag is joyous, inventive, and accepting — it’s entertainment that can pull at the heartstrings.”

    With its blend of humor, glamour, and heart, RuPaul’s Drag Race Live continues to bring the magic of drag to Las Vegas, proving that the art form is not just for a niche audience, but for everyone, no matter where they come from or who they love.

    For tickets to the show, visit Ticketmaster.