Orpheum Theatre – DTLA
Sunday, October 4 at 7 pm

Tickets on sale now!

THE BEST ARE BACK! They’ve competed. They’ve stunned. Now they’re back to settle it once and for all. Fan favorites, runners-up, and past winners return to the Orpheum stage for the ultimate “BEST OF” showdown — and only one can reign supreme.

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About

Best in Drag Show is always a spectacle! Five of the fiercest queens in the game showed off their talents and competed for the tiara. This annual fundraiser is a celebration of the drag community and performers, all in support of the Alliance for Housing & Healing—making a difference for people living with HIV.

services

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Group Homes with 24/7 care for those who are too ill with HIV/AIDS to live on their own and have no other resources

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Permanent, subsidized apartments that are safe places for individuals and families with HIV/AIDS and a second diagnosis

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Emergency financial assistance to pay rent and utility bills for those with HIV/AIDS who are facing eviction and homelessness

Services provided by:
Alliance for Housing and Healing

In the dazzling world of drag, where flamboyance meets philanthropy, one event stands out as a beacon of hope and joy: the Best in Drag Show. With its blend of glamour, talent, and heartwarming generosity, this annual extravaganza isn’t just about fabulous costumes and fierce performances; it’s about making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need — weaving together the art of drag with the noble cause of supporting the vital work of Alliance for Housing and Healing, now under the umbrella of APLA Health.

Each year, five contestants work with a team to perfect their personas and performances to compete in classic pageant rounds: swimsuit, talent, evening gown, and Q&A. Each act is a celebration of self-expression and individuality (with more than a little edgy snark mixed in), reflecting the vibrant tapestry of the drag community.

Behind the scenes, a team of passionate individuals works tirelessly to bring the show to life. From coordinating logistics to ensuring every sequin is in place, their efforts are instrumental in creating an unforgettable experience for all who attend. Leading the way are longtime director Jeffrey Drew, host Patrick Rush, set designer Jimmy Cuomo, and photographer John Paschal, whose passions for both entertainment and community service have helped shape the Best in Drag Show into the spectacular event it is today.

With each passing year, the Best in Drag Show has cemented its reputation as an unmissable spectacle. From its humble beginnings in a West Hollywood living room to its current home at the Orpheum Theatre, the fundraiser’s impact has always been far-reaching, touching the lives of countless individuals over the last few decades and raising millions of dollars to support the vital work of Alliance for Housing and Healing. Since joining forces with APLA Health in 2021, Alliance for Housing and Healing continues in its mission to support low-income people with HIV/AIDS through stable housing and food assistance.

As the curtain rises on another unforgettable evening of laughter, love, and liberation, the Best in Drag Show continues to remind us that when we come together as a community, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.

Bios

Aurora / Miss California

Paul “PJ” Nelson

Formerly known as Madison Square Garden of New York, Aurora returns to the Best in Drag Show stage representing California after a highly questionable move west and an alleged stint in a wellness cult. Winner of the 2022 Best in Drag Show title, Aurora has since traded Manhattan chaos for bronzed skin, soft-spoken enlightenment, and a carefully curated identity crisis. With over a decade of performance experience, this All Stars chapter follows her transformation from campy downtown diva into a more polished, unpredictable, and slightly unsettling version of herself.

Wendy Twister / Miss Kansas

Glen Alen

Wendy is an unhinged, Oz-obsessed fanatic, living somewhere over the rainbow and emotionally supported by glitter and questionable yellow-brick-road life choices. Cursed with multiple personalities, she’s never quite sure whether she’s a good witch, a bad witch, or just a tornado of unresolved childhood trauma. She has survived a treacherous world of poppies, pentagons, and pedos — oh my! Wendy has dedicated her life to ensuring everyone has equal opportunities for drama, delusion, and the deranged pursuit of ruby shoes.

Katrina Debris / Miss Louisiana

Paulo Arranaga-Grayson

Katrina Debris is representing the beautiful state of Louisiana. She found competing in Best in Drag Show in 2023 such a beautiful experience raising funds for APLA Health’s Alliance for Housing & Healing. Organizations like these were there for her in her darkest hour. (She was totally in a tropical depression.) She is honored, privileged, and humbled to show up for her community in this way — so these little beignets better watch out! She’s coming for that crown, this year serving a Category FIERCE!

Vava Fanculo / Miss New Jersey

Stephen Molinaro

This Jerseylicious, larger-than-life Italian mob princess is out of witness protection for one night only, returning to the Wildwood Boardwalk to settle a score. A lot went down since snatching the crown in 2013. This putana — known for outrageous glamour, a razor-sharp tongue, and enough sparkle to blind Andrea Bocelli twice — is back to prove you can survive sleeping with the fishes and still make it home for Sunday dinner. Hide your husbands and hold your balls… she’s back with a vengeance!

Anita Tony / Miss New York

Joshua Skidmore

Anita Tony is the Broadway-belting winner of Best in Drag Show 2017. Equal parts sass, sparkle, and showtune savvy, she easily glides from Sondheim wit to Kander & Ebb glamour faster than you can shout “places!” Whether serving high kicks, high notes, or high drama, Anita brings heart to every spotlight. Think Auntie Mame meets Mama Rose — with better contour. Warm, hilarious, and original, Anita Tony reminds every audience that life’s not worth a damn ‘til you can say, “Hey world, I am what I am!”

Reba Areba / Miss Texas

Danny Casillas

Reba was the #1 country and western singer in all of Mexico and select areas of Northern Central America, until an unfortunate bimbo incident ended her marriage and (most likely) her career. After winning in 2018, Best in Drag Show is giving Reba yet another chance to return to stage and mystify the audience with her talents. Reba thanks the kind folks of El Paso for not hurting her that night at Wild Hare’s in the summer of 1997.