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REVIEW: BROADWAY DIVAS Drag Brunch—Samueli Theatre @ Segerstrom Center

Leaving a Trail of Glitter Wherever They Go!


Segerstrom Center’s very own Broadway Divas returned to Samueli Theater Sunday, August 18th, for their 5th full-scale, technicolor extravaganza, making it the biggest and brightest Drag Brunch to date!


This spectacular, original show features Miss Clair Voyance and her darling Divas of the wildly popular Broadway Divas, all embracing their true colors, and showcasing some of the hottest, most iconic numbers from “Chicago,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and so much more.


Starring some of Orange County’s most fierce and glamorous queens, the show is crafted, directed and produced by Miss Clair Voyance, who also creates the gorgeous gowns and accessories in the show, all of the technical aspects, including projections and set extensions, and helps choreograph all the performers and dancers in the segments. Joining Miss Clair Voyance are Leeko Rae, April Showers, Mama St. Merman, Big Deelish, and introducing Miz Tonz and Dolly Levi, along with a full dance ensemble.



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.


Whether you are marking an Orange County birthday celebration or just looking for a fun time out on the town puttin’ on the Ritz, nothing satisfies Broadway lovers quite like the euphoric atmosphere of a live drag show. Imagine the cheers from the crowd, the taste of the cocktails, the glitter, the gowns, the sky-high bouffants – all while sharing the pure joy of laughter and happiness with your closest friends. Nothing quite compares, proving the sentiment that really, all you need is a little love and a fabulous wig.


The show was truly a vivacious explosion of color, music, and supreme talent as you are swept away into an electrifying pageantry that transcended and celebrated individuality in the most fabulous way. A show so full of entertainment, breathtaking performances, stunning looks and hilarious antics, you just never knew what to expect next.


But it was not just the show—it was also the fashion, the hair, the make-up, the personalities, the sass, 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.


Kicking off the first act was selected numbers from “Chicago” with a full cast and ensemble, then Dolly Levi recreates “Anything Goes.” “Annie” is next with April Showers, followed by “Liza,” performed by Big Dee. “Newsies,” starring Miz Tonz, takes the stage next and just before intermission, Miss Clair Voyance brings down the house with “Smash,” once again performed with a full cast. Act Two gets even better with “Young Frankenstein,” headed up by Mamma St. Merman, then “Cats” by Leeko Rae, “Phantom of the Opera” performed by Miss Clair Voyance, followed by Big Dee’s “Little Shop,” and finally “Pippin” by Dolly Levi, before the show closes out with a full cast extended production number from the musical, “Shrek.”


This program is not one the group takes lightly. Rehearsal times are normally for at least for two months and every show has a considerable group of large production numbers, which may have as many as four to five choreographers working with the cast. Broadway replica costumes are produced for each performer head to toe, and the result is quite the spectacle. The abridged version of “Chicago,” for instance, which opens the show, totals to more than 14 minutes. And all of the queens perform in Chicago’s opening number, “Cell Block Tango,” with the show ending in an extended collage of favorites from “Shrek,” dazzling the entire audience.


Guests who purchased a floor seat had access to the brunch buffet and doors opened at 10:30 for brunch. Doors opened for guests in the loft at 11:00 am, with the program starting at noon. Early arrival is strongly encouraged to allow time for parking and check-in. And all guests 21+ received one complimentary glass of champagne (additional drinks purchased separately at the bar), interactive party favors, and the opportunity to meet the queens after the show.


But, if you missed this special performance, don’t worry – they’ll be back! Go ahead and dust off your top hats and tap shoes (and/or burlap vests and horns if that’s your style) and join these dazzling show-stopping divas next time as Segerstrom Center will once again proudly present its beloved Broadway Divas Drag Brunch hosted by Miss Clair Voyance-everyone’s favorite Off-Off-Off-Broadway star and her show-stopping cast, bringing the Great White Way directly to Samueli Theater for an afternoon of some of the biggest hits of Broadway. For more information, go to: https://www.scfta.org 

Chris Daniels

Arts & Entertainment Reviewer

The Show Report











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