BingePost
World Of Wonder Sets ‘The Vivienne Takes Hollywood’ With ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ Winner
By Team BingePost
March 24, 2020

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne is touring throughout the pond to the U.S. to embark on a journey in her new collection The Vivienne Takes Hollywood.

The collection is ready to debut on April 9 on BBC3 within the UK and can air concurrently within the U.S. solely on WOW Presents Plus.

The Vivienne competed towards 9 different queens to turn out to be the very first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK which made its debut on the BBC final 12 months. The collection, which is an iteration of the U.S. actuality drag queen competitors that airs on VH1, debuted stateside in October.

Along with producing the Emmy-winning RuPaul’s Drag Race, World of Surprise is the corporate behind tasks comparable to Stonewall Outloud, Dancing Queen on Netflix, Huge Freedia: Queen of Bounce on Fuse, Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric on Nationwide Geographic in addition to documentaries and options together with  Mapplethorpe: Take a look at the Footage, Menendez: Blood Brothers, Inside Deep Throat, Carrie Fisher’s Wishful Ingesting, Changing into Chaz and the  Emmy-winning The Final Beekeeper.

The post World Of Wonder Sets ‘The Vivienne Takes Hollywood’ With ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ Winner first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

Metrosource
The History of Drag is Right Here Between the Covers
WRITTEN BY KEVIN PHINNEY
June 21, 2019

Not too long ago, drag entertainers were seen as edgiest outsiders of society, let alone show business. Today, in tandem with society’s increased acceptance of gay culture and RuPaul’s Drag Race’s rise as a gather-round-the-flatscreen weekly ritual, drag has moved squarely into the entertainment mainstream.

So what better time to celebrate and trace the evolution of their art form? Drag: Combing Through the Big Wigs of Show Business (Rizzoli New York; $35) boasts text by funnyman Frank DeCaro and a forward by entertainment legend Bruce Vilanch.

This handsome little tome traces drag’s unprecedented blend of fashion and fun, illusion and extravagance through a dizzying series of milestones. Just a few of these include Bosom Buddies and Tootsie, To Wong Foo… and Hedwig, La Cage aux Folles, and Kinky Boots. It’s quite a journey in not such a long time that took us from scary pariahs like Divine picking up snacks from the sidewalk and Jack McFarland mistaking Cher for an imposter.

Find LGBTQ-Friendly Resources

Among the luminaries included, you’ll also find several recent nominees for the title of Metrosource’s “Legendary NYC Drag Queen We Love,” including the effervescent Hedda Lettuce and Lypsinka. Meanwhile, some of the other boldface dames who’ll grace the pages here include Bianca del Rio, Miss Coco Peru, Varla Jean Merman, and Charles Busch. With commentary, interviews, and pictures chronicling more than 100 years of drag around the globe, this is one lewk book no fan of drag should be without. rizzoliusa.com

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The post New Book: Drag – Combing Through the Big Wigs of Show Business With A Foreward By Bruce Vilanch first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

Judges:
RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Santino Rice

Contestants:
Adore Delano, April Carrión, BenDeLaCreme, Bianca Del Rio, Courtney Act, Darienne Lake, Gia Gunn, Laganja Estranja, Joslyn Fox, Kelly Mantle, Magnolia Crawford, Milk, Trinity K. Bonet, Vivacious

Guest judges/special guests:
Adam Lambert, Alaska Thunderfuck, Bob Mackie, Bruce Vilanch, Chaz Bono, David Burtka, Eve, Georgia Holt, Gillian Jacobs, Heather McDonald, Ian Drew, Jamie Pressly, Jinkx Monsoon, Jujubee, Khloé Kardashian, Lainie Kazan, Latrice Royale, Leah Remini, Lena Headey, Linda Blair, Lucian Piane, Manila Luzon, Mike Ruiz, Neil Patrick Harris, Our Lady J, Paula Abdul, Raja, Raven, Shangela, Sharon Needles, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Trina

Fourteen more drag queens compete in a variety of challenges to become RuPaul’s next drag superstar and bring home a massive prize pool including $100,000.

I was really excited to dive into season six of RuPaul’s Drag Race because it is the season that features two queens I already adored — Courtney Act and Bianca Del Rio. Throughout watching the show, I thought that Bianca was marvellous, but (likely due to editing) Courtney spent most of her time in the background until the group had been thinned.

As the competition progressed, I found myself growing quite fond of the effervescent BenDeLaCreme and the quirky Milk. It was the season of the dairy queens! (I’m not even sorry.) But I found most of the rest of the queens to be obnoxious, grating or forgettable.

No spoilers, but I was thrilled when the winner was announced. I could not have agreed more. That’s all I’m saying, if you want to know then go watch the season. Or Google it. But mostly go watch RuPaul’s Drag Race seasons 2-4, All Stars season 1 then seasons 5-6. I’ll wait.

Once again, my personal favourite challenge throughout season six is Snatch Game. The celebrity impersonations ranged from brilliant to less than average, as they always do, but some of the stand out performances from this season should be required watching for any queens hoping to compete in future.

There was a good assortment of girls in season six and there is enough shade being thrown around to be entertaining, but only one queen’s shade really gets to be grating and stupid by the end of her run.

I love RuPaul’s Drag Race and season six has been one of my favourites so far. If you enjoy competition shows where the focus is artistic and don’t mind (or, like me, find entertaining) a smidge of clever cattiness, then I highly recommend bingeing all of RuPaul’s Drag Race in order before diving into its sixth season.

RuPaul’s Drag Race, Season 6
DVD

The post RuPaul’s Drag Race: Season Six 2018 – Guest Judges: Adam Lambert, Alaska Thunderfuck, Bob Mackie, Bruce Vilanch, Chaz Bono first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

President/Founder of The Hollywood Museum, Donelle Dadigan, along with Council Member Mitch O’Farrell and Board President Esteban Montemayor of Christopher Street West, kicked off Pride weekend with the annual “Real to Reel” exhibit that shines the spotlight on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ) community in television and film through the decades. This year’s event also feature a special recognition with The Future of Hollywood Award presented to actress Stephanie Beatriz and the Legacy Award to TONY Award winning actress, Julie Newmar.

“I was thrilled to attend The Hollywood Museum for the opening of the REAL TO REEL exhibit the other evening, to kick off Gay Pride here in L.A,” said Geri Jewell of Deadwood fame. “It was wonderful coming together with friends and colleagues in support of another part of the spectrum of diversity.”

Reminiscent of Mae West, Ms Julie Newmar was carried on stage in the arms of two bodybuilders, stating “This what happens when you’re a legacy. You don’t have to walk anywhere. You are carried.”

“Thank you all for this lovely tribute,” she added. “It’s so wonderful to receive it in this building, the old Max Factor salon, where for so many years so many of the greats found their external beauty and also discovered their internal beauty. Donelle Dadigan (Founder/President of the Hollywood Museum, formerly The Max Factor Studios) has given the world a priceless time capsule for generations to enjoy for years to come. Im particularly thrilled to get this recognition right now in the midst of the Me Too and Times Up moment of our history,” remarked Ms Newmar.

“I always had my own way of dealing with those situations. First of all, I was taller than most of the men. So right away, I had an advantage. And one of my early roles, on Broadway and on film, was a gal called Stupefyin Jones in LI’l ABNER. Men saw her and they turned to stone. And this was before Viagra. I think some of them thought I actually had that power. And perhaps I did. Im also delighted to receive this acknowledgment in conjunction with all the LGBT pride activities here at the Museum and around the country this month. Of course, there has always been a strong LGBT presence in my life … even BEFORE Catwoman. But to be reminded of it at this critical time, and to know that it is indeed part of my legacy, and that my legacy is not only an artistic one, but one of feminine strength, power and, lets never forget, fun thats a very, very good thing and it fills me with overwhelming gratitude.”

Honoree, Ms Stephanie Beatriz, commented on similarities of her Brooklyn Nine-Nine character, Rosa Diaz’s sexual identity struggles and her own experiences since she came out to family and friends about her own life. “Just like Rosa, I found support from my friends and colleagues, but less so from my family and the Latin community.”

The Hollywood Museum’s REAL to REEL: Portrayals and Perceptions of LGBTQs in Hollywood exhibition opened to the public on Friday, June 8th, to coincide with the annual Christopher Street West Pride activities. Spanning 100 years, the 2018 exhibit is a salute to the LGBTQ community’s contributions to the entertainment industry. Now, in its fifth successful year, the REAL to REEL: Portrayals and Perceptions of LGBTQ in Hollywood exhibit, is offered in partnership with Los Angeles City Council member Mitch O’Farrell (CD-13) and LA Pride, as an educational, entertaining and informative retrospective of LGBTQ images in film, TV, new digital platforms featuring costumes, props, photos, and iconic imagery all telling the story of the milestones and influence that LGBTQ characters and plot lines have had in Hollywood from early stereotypes in silent films to modern-day representations. Additionally, REAL to REEL celebrates LGBTQ Icons by paying homage to those individuals who support the LGBTQ community.

“We are both honored and humbled by the response to last nights program for the 5th annual REAL to REEL exhibit opening. The outpouring of love and positiveness was shared by both the entertainment and LGBTQ communities. The words of inspiration from actress Stephanie Beatriz, the Future of Hollywood Award recipient, blessed all that were in attendance and the overwhelming applause and response to comments from our Legacy Award honoree, TONY Award winning actress Julie Newmar, was worthy of her iconic stature. We are grateful to Council member Mitch O’Farrell and LAPD Assistant Chief Beatrice Girmala, LA City Controller Ron Galperin and Board President Esteban Montemayor of Christopher Street West for their trust in us. Without their integrity and support, all this effort would mean nothing.”- Donelle Dadigan (President/Founder of The Hollywood Museum)

The Hollywood Museum’s presentation places the exhibit in the historical context of Hollywood, which is home to a large LGBTQ entertainment industry population. The exhibit revisits monumental LGBTQ moments in history with Rev. Troy Perry, including the Black Cat riots (1967), and the infamous sign that once hung at the entrance of West Hollywood’s Barney’s Beanery. Exhibit highlights include costumes from Transparent, How to Get Away with Murder, Brokeback Mountain, Superstore, The Walking Dead, Empire, Trans America, Sordid Lives, Cruising, Orange is the New Black, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Ray Donovan, Mad Men, Arrested Development, Cabaret, K-11, After Forever, Orphan Black, Roseanne, Will & Grace, To Wong Fu Julie Newmar, etc. Additional exhibit items include famous costumes from Hollywood’s leading designers; Mr. Blackwell, Bob Mackie, Ret Turner, Nolan Miller, Zac Posen, Rudolf Nureyev and Edith Head to Project Runway with Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum, as well as Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful, Scandal, Two in a Half Men, True Blood, The Good Wife, much more. This year’s exhibit also includes, LGBTQ Icons including Judy Garland, Betty Davis, Joan Crawford, Elizabeth Taylor, Cher, Rock Hudson, Liza Minnelli, James Dean, Bette Midler, Ramon Navarro, Rudolf Valentino, Charles Laughton, Sam Harris, Bruce Vilanch, Sherman Hemsley, Geri Jewell, Jerry Herman, Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner and many more.

Recording artist Roslyn Kind exclaimed, “What a GREAT Evening at The Hollywood Museum and the perfect way to kick off PRIDE month 2018, by celebrating all the wonderful contributions of the LGBTQ community to Hollywood’s rich history in the Arts and Culture with the “Real To Reel” Exhibit. Donelle Dadigan does a fantastic job.”

The museum houses more than 10,000 Authentic Show Business Treasures spotlighting more than 100 years of Hollywood history – from the Silents to Talkies, to Hollywood’s Golden Era, Film Noir, Television and its Pioneer Years, through the rebellious 60s, special effects 70s, evolving 80s, involved 90s, technological 2000s, and beyond to current day heartthrobs! The Hollywood Museum’s exhibits showcase the best in film, network and cable television, and new digital platforms featuring iconic and fan favorites! Named one of the top tourist attractions by LA Weekly, voted one of the Top 10 Museums in LA by the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, and annually receives the Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor. Located in the heart of Hollywood, at the corner of Hollywood Blvd and Highland Ave – The Hollywood Museum in the historic Max Factor Building is the “Official Museum of Hollywood” and offers visitors the most extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the world featuring the glamour of Hollywood legends and stars – past, present and in the making…. See one-of-a-kind costumes, props, photographs, scripts, stars’ car collections, personal artifacts, posters, and memorabilia from favorite stars, films and TV shows. The Hollywood Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

The post The Stars Come Out in Support of LGBTQ Community and to Honor Stephanie Beatriz and Julie Newmar first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

Judges:
RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Santino Rice

Contestants:
Alaska, Alyssa Edwards, Coco Montrese, Detox, Honey Mahogany, Ivy Winters, Jade Jolie, Jinkx Monsoon, Lineysha Sparx, Monica Beverly Hillz, Penny Tration, Roxxxy Andrews, Serena ChaCha, Vivienne Pinay

Guest judges/special guests:
Latrice Royale, Sharon Needles, Willam Belli, Camille Grammer, Mike Ruiz, Kristen Johnston, Juliette Lewis, Coco Austin, Paulina Porizkova, Chaz Bono, Travis Wall, Julie Brown, Downtown Julie Brown, La Toya Jackson, Anita Pointer, Ruth Pointer, Leslie Jordan, Jeffrey Moran, Nadya Ginsburg, Deven Green, Bruce Vilanch, Aubrey O’Day, Joan Van Ark, Jamie-Lunn Sigler, Maria Conchita Alonso, Wilmer Valderrama, Clinton Kelly, George Kotsiopoulos, Marg Helgenberger, Bob Mackie, Gloria Allred, Candis Cayne, Paula Abdul, Tamar Braxton, The Lady Bunny

Running time:
43-64 minutes per episode

Number of episodes:
14

Fourteen more drag queens compete in a variety of challenges to become RuPaul’s next drag superstar and bring home a massive prize pool including $100,000.

Season five of RuPaul’s Drag Race is, as can be expected, filled with fun challenges, beautiful drag queens, and so much shade.

The fifth season is also, at this stage, one of the most tumultuous seasons in terms of casting, which was quite distracting from the art itself. There has always been conflict and likely always will be when you put strong personalities in competition with each other. However, this season cast two former friends and now enemies together. I know … Manufactured drama on reality television — who would have guessed?! But in this particular case the drama between our two queens was distracting and quickly became tiresome.

One of my favourite things about RuPaul’s Drag Race, aside from the gorgeous costumes, fierce make up and wicked one-liners, is the appearances from special guests including past contestants. This season has plenty of both and definitely makes it worthwhile to ensure you watch the seasons in order.

I highly recommend RuPaul’s Drag Race for anyone who loves competition shows based around art, fashion and performance. The cast in season five is incredibly polarising, but that only makes the viewer invest themselves further in the outcome.

The post Bruce Vilanch To Guest On Rupaul’s Drag Race In Season 5 first appeared on We Got Bruce!.