A Rusical (portmanteau of "RuPaul" and "musical") is a musical theatre[1] challenge recurring across the Drag Race television franchise. Rusical productions began in 2014 during the sixth season of the American series, and have subsequently become "a highly anticipated staple" of the reality competition, allowing contestants to showcase their talents.[2]
Rusicals by series
RuPaul's Drag Race
Season nine's Rusical (Kardashians: The Musical) was inspired by the musical Hamilton.[3] The American series has also seen Rusicals about Cher, Donald Trump, and Madonna. Seasons fourteen and fifteen had parodies of the films Moulin Rouge! and Footloose respectively. Season sixteen's Rusical was a parody of the musical The Sound of Music and its film adaptation.
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars
The Rusical in season 2 of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars depicted historical women. Alaska Thunderfuck, Alyssa Edwards, Detox, and Ginger Minj portrayed a Britney Spears-inspired Eve,[10] Annie Oakley, Marie Antoinette, and Catherine the Great, respectively.[11] Katya and Phi Phi O'Hara portrayed Princess Diana and Helen of Troy, respectively.[12][13] On season 3 ("Divas Lip Sync Live"), Aja performed as Amy Winehouse, BeBe Zahara Benet as Diana Ross, BenDeLaCreme as Julie Andrews, Chi Chi DeVayne as Patti LaBelle, Kennedy Davenport as Janet Jackson, Milk as Celine Dion, Shangela as Mariah Carey, Trixie Mattel as Dolly Parton, and Thorgy Thor as Stevie Nicks.[14][15] Season six's Rusical (episode "Halftime Headliners") was based on Super Bowl's halftime show performances.[16] Season eight's Rusical was based on the life of Joan Crawford.[17] Season nine's Rusical was inspired by the film Rosemary's Baby.[18]
| Season | Rusical | Winner(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | HERstory of the World | Alyssa Edwards |
| Detox | ||
| 3 | Divas Lip Sync Live | BenDeLaCreme |
| Shangela | ||
| 6 | All Stars 6 Hall of Fame Halftime Show[19] | Jan |
| 8 | Joan: The Unauthorized Rusical | Kandy Muse[20] |
| 9 | Rosemarie's Baby Shower: The Rusical | Jorgeous |
| Shannel |
RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race
The Rusical on season 1 of RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race was about Dolly Parton and her 1980 comedy film 9 to 5.[21]
| Season | Rusical | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Twerking 5 to 9: The Rusical | — |
Canada's Drag Race
The clown-themed Rusical of season 2 was inspired by the 1938 film Under the Big Top.[22] On season 4, the Rusical was about the life of host Brooke Lynn Hytes.
| Season | Rusical | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Under the Big Top | Pythia |
| 3 | Squirrels Trip: The Rusical | Vivian Vanderpuss[23] |
| 4 | From Drags to Riches: The Rusical | Aurora Matrix |
Canada's Drag Race: Canada vs. the World
The second season of Canada's Drag Race: Canada vs. the World had a Rusical about the Snatch Game.
| Season | Rusical | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Snatch Game: The Rusical | Lemon |
Drag Race España
The second season of Drag Race España had a Rusical based on the musical La llamada.[24] The third season had a Rusical inspired by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz setting the story during the La Movida Madrileña countercultural movement.[25] The fourth season's Rusical was an homage to Spanish musical artists across the last century.
| Season | Rusical | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | La Llamadrag | Estrella Xtravaganza |
| 3 | El Mago Precoz | Pitita |
| 4 | Eternas | Vampirashian |
Drag Race France
| Season | Rusical | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Le Bossu de Notre Drag | Keiona |
| 3 | Céline Dion: The Rusical | Leona Winter |
Drag Race Germany
Drag Race Holland
The Rusical for the second season of Drag Race Holland was based on the story of Cinderella.[26]
| Season | Rusical | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Máxima: The Rusical | Janey Jacké |
| 2 | CindeRulla: The Rusical | My Little Puny |
Drag Race Italia
The second season of Drag Race Italia had a Rusical dedicated to Lady Gaga.[27]
| Season | Rusical | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carrà: The Rusical | Divinity |
| 2 | Lady Gaga: The Unauthorised Rusical | La Petite Noire |
| 3 | Paola & Chiara: An Unauthorised Fairytale Rusical | Sypario |
Drag Race México
The first season of Drag Race México had a Rusical based on Acapulco Shore, the Mexican spin-off series of Jersey Shore.[28] The Rusical in the second season was inspired by three telenovelas starring Thalía: María Mercedes, Marimar, and María la del Barrio.[29]
| Season | Rusical | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dragapulco Shore: The Rusical | Cristian Peralta |
| 2 | The Three Marías: The Rusical | Jenary Bloom |
Drag Race Philippines
The second season of Drag Race Philippines had a Rusical inspired by the film The Little Mermaid.[30] The Rusical in the third season was inspired by Wicked.[citation needed]
| Season | Rusical | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | OPM Divas: The Rusical | Precious Paula Nicole |
| 2 | Sirena: The Rusical | DeeDee Marié Holliday |
| 3 | AaWicked Kita: The Rusical | Zymba Ding |
Drag Race Thailand
RuPaul's Drag Race UK
The Rusicals in the second and fourth seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race UK were inspired by the musicals Cats[31][32] and Mary Poppins,[33] respectively. The Rusical in the fifth season was a pantomime.[34]
| Series | Rusical | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Rats: The Rusical | Veronica Green[35] |
| 4 | Lairy Poppins: The Rusical | Danny Beard |
| 5 | Pant-Oh She Better Don't!: The Rusical | Ginger Johnson |
| 6 | Pop of the Tops - Live: The Rusical | La Voix |
RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. the World
| Season | Rusical | Winner(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | West End Wendys | Janey Jacké |
| Pangina Heals | ||
| 2 | Seven!: Confessions of a Drag Queen | Marina Summers |
| Tia Kofi | ||
References
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