Taking Drag to the Next Level
Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ very own Broadway Divas returned to the beautiful Samueli Theater Sunday afternoon in a brand-new Broadway-themed drag brunch, bringing everyone’s favorite Broadway musicals to life once again.
The performance proved to be one to remember as the audience stepped into the enchanting world of dazzling entertainment and quirky fun as the vivacious Miss Clair Voyance took center stage to present an afternoon extravaganza of playfulness, performance, and pizzazz with her electrifying all-star lineup of drag talent. A total of six of California’s best and most captivating stage personas, whose larger-than-life performances and mesmerizing moves left viewers spellbound, dazzled an audience of well over 300 on Sunday afternoon.
As the mistress of ceremonies, Miss Clair Voyance is not just a charismatic hostess—she's also a whirlwind of wit and wardrobe changes that keeps the crowd roaring with laughter, all while performing Broadway’s biggest numbers in her distinctive, melodious flair. Her glamorous drag creations—complete with sparkling sequins, towering wigs, and makeup contoured to perfection—are a spectacle in themselves.
Headlining with the charming Miss Clair Voyance are Leeko Rae, April Showers, Big Deelish, Mama St. Merman, and Zai, each delivering powerhouse renditions of Broadway hits from shows like “Cabaret,” (a sizzling rendition from Leeko Rae) “Mean Girls” (by Miss Clair herself), “Hedwig” (a Big Dee sensation), “Chicago” (April Showers, accompanied by an all-boy chorus), “Grease” (a Mama St. Merman celebration), “Evita” (a classy tear-jerker from Zai), “Hello, Dolly!” (a grand finale tripling your fun with Clair, Leeko and April) and many more! These ladies lit up the room with their own radiant charm and wardrobes, bringing an extra layer of fierce excitement and elegance to the stage with performances that were off the charts.
This new, never-before-seen revue featuring many of the most famous 11 O’clock numbers that ever came out of the Great White Way, elevated the extravagance significantly, showcasing opulent production numbers choreographed with a dozen talented backup dancers, all in tribute to Broadway's legendary musicals.
But it was not just the show—it was also the fashion, the hair, the make-up, the personalities, the charisma! Each Broadway segment was a stroke of genius, bursting with creativity as the familiar music soared to the rafters and the video projections helped paint the stories. With its inventive staging, costumes that glitter with every hue and punchy choreography, it was an experience woven within the threads of fabulosity and flair that only these glamorous queens can deliver.
In short, this show was definitely a riotous musical event bursting out of the seams of the intimate Samueli Theater, complete with pristine entertainment, innovative arrangements, professionally sequenced dancing, laughs galore and a fashion parade that rivals any red carpet.
Each ticketholder that attended also received a complimentary glass of champagne to put you right in the mood. Optional floor seats purchased at a premium included a fully catered brunch which began at 11 AM. Additional beverages were also available for purchase at the bar. And the meet 'n greet post-show photography was not only an added benefit, but became one of the highlights.
Chris Daniels
Arts & Entertainment Reviewer
The Show Report