When RuPaul’s Drag Race premiered on the Logo network in 2009, no one could have predicted the type of cultural phenomenon it would become, thrusting gay culture into the mainstream, breathing new life into the world of drag and bringing the show’s namesake out of 1990s-era oblivion.
Only two years later, local nightclub promoter Rey Lopez would capitalize on the show’s success before its creators began their own national tours promoting RPDR performers. What began as a single club performance by RPDR season three alum Manila Luzon has developed into multiple shows throughout the year and two full-blown extravaganzas: the Rey Lopez Birthday Bash (an over-the-top celebration uniting a dozen RPDR contestants at the Aztec Theatre on July 22) and Out in the Park (which takes over Six Flags Fiesta Texas on September 23 with performances by 25 drag queens on five stages). Following: a crash course in the cavalcade of drag stars the nightlife innovator is bringing to San Antonio this summer.
