Rich Kuntz (L) with his drag persona, Gidget Galore. (Photos from Rich Kuntz)
ORLANDO | LGBTQ+ TV network and streaming platform, OUTtv announced that it has a new drag competition series focused on the craft of drag that will premiere April 14.
“Sew Fierce” brings together eight of the world’s top drag designers who will compete against each other in weekly challenges. In each episode, the designers will create a new look based on that week’s theme and then complete a photoshoot to showcase the look with an up-and-coming drag artist. The judges will vote to eliminate a designer weekly based on the garment’s appearance and construction. At the end of the season, the winner will receive a $10,000 prize.
“’Sew Fierce’ is a first of a kind show, taking viewers behind the scenes of drag costume, said Philip Webb, COO of OUTtv, in a press release. “The talent of the designers is second to none and we’re excited to take viewers on a fabulous journey through fashion and costume within the lens of drag.”
The show is hosted by drag queen Barbada De Barbardes, with Jaime Lujan, aka drag queen Lucinda Miu, appearing as the contestant’s design mentor throughout the season.
“The creativity of the contestants exemplifies the drag spirit and talent within the community,” Barbada said in the release. “Each one of the designers brought their own stories and experiences to each of their designs and I can’t wait to show the world their talent in all its glory.”
Among the inaugural season’s contestants is Rich Kuntz, best known by many in Central Florida as drag icon Gidget Galore.
Kuntz is an award-winning drag performer who can frequently been found hosting bingo, trivia and drag events at Hamburger Mary’s Orlando alongside “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Ginger Minj. As his drag persona, Kuntz has been the face of Drag Queen Story Hour at the LGBT+ Center Orlando and appears on stage with Minj, MrMs Adrien and Divine Grace for TV Land Live, a series of stage shows based on famous sitcoms, including “The Golden Gals,” “Rozeanne,” “Gilligan’z Island” and “The Munsterz.”
Following Friday’s pilot episode, the show will air on OUTtv every Wednesday starting April 26 for the season’s remaining eight-episode run.
The season will feature several guest appearances, including by Evan Clayton, Priyanka, NIQ van der Aa (aka Freya Frostbite), Spikey Van Dykey, Chad Hurst, Kiki Coe, Stephanie Benadetto and The Villbergs.
OUTtv is on Roku, Apple TV, IOS and Android apps with monthly, bi-annual and annual subscriptions available. To sign up, visit OUTtv.com.
