Chicago becomes center stage for "RuPaul's Drag Race" ahead of Season 18
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A replica of the Werk Room from "RuPaul's Drag Race" as part of the "Drag Race: The Experience" exhibit in Logan Square. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios
RuPaul's Drag Race" is having a Chicago moment.
The big picture: The award-winning MTV reality show is about to kick off its 18th season, but instead of just red carpets and press junkets on the coasts, the show is entrenching itself in Chicago with a new exhibit and a Midwest press preview.
State of play: "Drag Race: The Experience" has already welcomed thousands of visitors to an interactive, immersive exhibit in Logan Square that features replicas of famous set pieces, behind-the-scenes looks at production, exclusive meet-and-greets with past stars, and plenty of social media opportunities.
What they're saying: "The City of Big Shoulders deserves to be the first stop for 'Drag Race: The Experience' because it's the home of some of America's most celebrated drag queens," "Drag Race" co-producers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato tell Axios.
- "'Drag Race' is more than a TV show. It is an interactive community, and Chicago and the surrounding area have been such important partners."
- "Drag Race" Season 18 starts Jan. 2.
Driving the news: Beyond the immersive exhibit, the producers are nodding to Chicagoans' love for the show by bringing next season's contestants to town for a media preview. It's been years since the show has done press in person.
- "Chicago has a huge drag scene, and it's always expanding," Season 18 contestant Discord Addams tells Axios. Addams lived and worked in Chicago for five years.
- "Chicago is all about the hustle. Gigs, gigs, work, work. The great thing about this town is that you can have a drag show literally anywhere."
Zoom out: It's not surprising the producers are looking to dive more into the Midwest. Chicago has produced memorable contestants.
- Names like Shea Couleé, Sasha Colby and Denali are mainstays in the international "Drag Race" community.
- And Chicago has a vibrant, historic drag community, which includes the Miss Continental pageant. RuPaul often references the city's scene on the show.
- Not to mention that many of the famous queens now live in the Chicago area, like Couleé, Detox, Brooklyn Heights, Willow Pill, Utica and more.
The intrigue: Chicago has become a big booster of the show, too. Northalsted venues and event spaces like departed nightclub Spin and Roscoe's Tavern have brought fans together for years for watch parties, paying big-name queens to come to the bar while any of the "Drag Race" franchises are airing.
- Also, Market Days and other big summer events invite "Drag Race" alums to headline.
What's next: It's unclear if RuPaul's producers will continue to push Chicago as an epicenter of "Drag Race" fandom, but local fans have a unique chance to revel in the show's renewed interest in the city that has contributed so much to the iconic franchise.
The bottom line: Shantay, you stay, Chicago.
If you go: "Drag Race: The Experience" runs through February at 2367 W. Logan Blvd. in Logan Square.
- Tickets start at $59.