ABOVE: Bianca Del Rio, photo courtesy Voss Events.
Since its premiere in 2009, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has taken over the world — so it should come as no surprise that some of its hottest superstars are ready to save it.
After the year we’ve all had, contestants from throughout the 10+ seasons of “Drag Race” and “Drag Race All Stars” are ready to roll into Tampa Bay for the superhero-focused production of “Drive ‘N Drag Saves 2021.” Led by season six winner Bianca Del Rio, newly-christened as The Superc*nt, the cast will don their fiercest capes and most sickening cowls to protect fans during four shows Feb. 23-24.
The outdoor, drive-in concert series was originally scheduled to visit Tampa for a holiday-themed production in December but was postponed due to a rising number of COVID-19 cases. The reimagined outing begins next month in Georgia before making only two Florida stops — one in Tampa, the other in Fort Lauderdale — then moving on to Texas and California. A version will subsequently stream online.
“We’re excited to hit the road again in 2021 with our drive-in productions,” Producer Brandon Voss says. “Our wildly popular stage shows have proven the drag show must go on even through a pandemic!”
“Basically it’s a drag show that comes to you,” Del Rio summarizes. “It’s probably the safest and easiest way to see a show right now.”
Del Rio will serve as the show’s host, narrating the action with her quick wit and biting tongue as only she could. “In the theme and the vein of me, I am Superc*nt,” she says. “It’s not necessarily glamorous, but I think it’s a great way to set up who I am.”
Saving the masses with the entertainer are a number of fan favorite performers. They include three from season 10: the Interstellar Aquaria, its winner; the She-Hulk Kameron Michaels, one of its finalists; and the Luminous Asia O’Hara, who placed fourth. Season 11’s eighth place finisher Plastique Tiara will also swoop in as The Winged Warrior, fighting beside the Dazzling Naomi Smalls.
The latter was a finalist on both “Drag Race” season eight and “All Stars” season four. They’ll all work together opposite the winner of season seven, the Seductive Villain Violet Chachki.
“Getting to be with the other queens is going to be fun, because they do all the hard work,” Del Rio laughs. “They do the flipping and the dancing and the jumping in these tiny little costumes. God bless all of them. I’m not at an age or capability to do any of that.”
Audiences will enjoy the show from their own vehicles, surrounded by concert-style staging and lighting. Each performance features Jumbotron screens and sound broadcast from the stage and through each vehicle’s FM transmitters. Food, beverages and limited-edition merchandise will also be available.
“We need some sort of distraction from the craziness of the world,” Del Rio says. “You can only take so many walks or read so many books. Let’s get some drag on the stage! There’s nothing more distracting than a man like myself in a wig.
“We’re trying to get people back out and about and hoping for the best,” she adds. “Superc*nt is done with everything we’ve been dealt and ready to fly! Aren’t we all?”
“Drive ‘N Drag” will be held Feb. 23-24 at 7 and 9:30 p.m. each night at Westfield Brandon Mall, located at 59 Brandon Town Center Dr. Each evening will also feature three performers from throughout Tampa Bay for a special pre-show.
Tickets are available at VossEvents.com and begin at $69 per two-person vehicle, with limited VIP spots available for $150. Additional passengers are $25 each and general admission spots will be assigned upon arrival.
