Liza Minnelli Returns to Her Theater Roots to Produce DRAG: The Musical Off-Broadway: 'It's So Brilliant'

The four-time Tony Award winner called the production "a work of art"

Liza Minnelli
Liza Minnelli portrait. Photo:

Courtesy of Liza Minnelli

Liza Minnelli is returning to the New York theater scene — and all that drag!

The showbiz legend, 78, has joined the production team of DRAG: The Musical, which began previews at the New World Stages theater on Monday, Sept. 30 and will officially open on Oct. 21.

"Kids! DRAG: The Musical is a work of art," Minnelli said in a statement. "It’s so brilliant that I had to join as a producer! Join me at every performance. Yes, EVERY PERFORMANCE!"

The move marks a return to Minnelli's roots: The EGOT-winning performer has four Tony Awards, including two for best leading actress in a musical (for Flora the Red Menace in 1965, then The Act in 1978).

But producing DRAG is also an exciting new venture, as its Minnelli's first time producing a full-length musical. She joins producing partners Tomas Costanza, Scott Prisand and Matt Weaver (Prisand and Weaver are both known for Rock of Ages), alongside Tristan Schukraft, owner of LA's iconic gay bar, The Abbey.

"Liza is the ultimate entertainer, and having her join us feels like winning the EGOT lottery all over again," Prisand said in a statement.

In a statement, Weaver added: "Her enthusiasm for this project is contagious, and we couldn't be more thrilled to have her bring that legendary sparkle to DRAG."

DRAG: The Musical was written by RuPaul's Drag Race star Alaska Thunderf---, Ashley Gordon and Tomas Costanza and originally opened in Los Angeles in 2022.

Alaska will return to star in the Off-Broadway run, alongside a cast including Broadway alum and Fire Island actor Nick Adams, New Kids on the Block singer Joey McIntyre, Bre Jackson, Eddie Korbich, J. Elaine Marcos, Jan Sport, Jujubee, Lagonna Blu, Luxx Noir London, Nick Laughlin, Remi Tuckman and Yair Keydar.

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