The best pageant of the year is back. I’m talking about the hilarious, irreverent and ridiculously entertaining Best in Dragcompetition that returns to the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles this October 7th. The show, which pits drag queens against one another as they battle for the crown in traditional categories like bathing suit, talent and evening gown, is also a fundraiser for Aid For Aidsand they have raised tons of money for this wonderful cause over the years…. The show also features a host of guest celebrity judges (past attendees include Vanessa Williams, Melanie Griffith, Rita Wilson, Holland Taylor, Camryn Manheim, and even Charlie Sheen) plus Kathy Griffin opens the show. I have worked on the show for several years and it is a wonderful and moving experience, not to mention a laugh riot. Tickets are on sale now. Head to the Best in Drag website herefor all the information. You can also find info on Twitter and Facebook, and check out their great promotional video below edited by my friend (and my Dirty Talk film editor) David Neuendorff.
If you thought the Miss America, Miss USA or Miss Universe were the ultimate beauty pageant, you thought wrong. Or more likely, you’ve never experienced the audacious awesomeness of the annual Best in Drag show every October to benefit Aid for AIDS.The beauty and talent competition not only raises funds for a good cause, but is a ridiculously fun and outrageous eventing pitting drag queens against each other in a classic pageant battle. Plus, Emmy winner Kathy Griffin opens the show and is one of the celebrity judges. Also participating on the judging panel this year are Emmy nominee Harry Hamlin (L.A. Law), Lisa Rinna (Melrose Place), Emmy nominee Dot Marie Jones (Glee), Rita Wilson (Larry Crowne), Emmy winner Wayne Brady (The Wayne Brady Show), Tony Award winner for Spamalot and Grey’s Anatomy star Sara Ramirez, Emmy nominee Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives) and my costar from our guest appearance on Hot in Cleveland, Oscar nominee Melanie Griffith (Working Girl). That’s quite a lineup and I guarantee you will have an amazing time helping out this worthy cause.
Here’s some more information on the show…
Founded 2003, Best In Drag Show® (Orig. 1989-2000, Battle For The Tiara®; 2001-2002, Quest For The Crown®) …Get on the 2011 mailing list: BIDS@aidforaids.net…. About www.BestInDragShow.org
Sunday Oct. 9th. at 7pm~ Outrageous annual beauty pageant spoof supports CA non-profit Aid For AIDS. Show Name® to Aid For AIDS. www.aidforaids.net.
Company Overview An annual fundraising event in Los Angeles, California, produced by a remarkable group of volunteers, benefiting the California-based non-profit, Aid For AIDS (AFA), executive producer. See more at http://www.aidforaids.net.
Mission Keep the “FUN” in “fundraising” and see how much money can be raised to help those impoverished and struggling with HIV/AIDS without spending a lot to do it.
Products Legendary, celebrity-supported annual drag show supporting highly-regarded CA non-profit Aid For AIDS that mimics a beauty pageant from swimsuit and evening gown segments to a “talent” section and a heart-felt Q & A. A roster of notable celebrities vote on the contestants to award the title, Miss Best In Show.
Website http://www.AidForAIDS.net/events.html
And check out this reel of some of the highlights of shows over the past few years.