Rusical



A Rusical (portmanteau of "RuPaul" and "musical") is a musical theatre challenge recurring across the Drag Race television franchise. Rusical productions began in 2014 during the sixth season of the American series, and have subsequently become "a highly anticipated staple" of the reality competition, allowing contestants to showcase their talents.

RuPaul's Drag Race
Season nine's Rusical (Kardashians: The Musical) was inspired by the musical Hamilton. The American series has also seen Rusicals about Cher, Donald Trump, and Madonna. Seasons fourteen and fifteen had parodies of the films Moulin Rouge! and Footloose respectively. Season sixteen's Rusical was a parody of the musical The Sound of Music and its film adaptation.

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars
The Rusical in season 2 of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars depicted historical women. Alaska Thunderfuck, Alyssa Edwards, Detox, and Ginger Minj portrayed a Britney Spears-inspired Eve, Annie Oakley, Marie Antoinette, and Catherine the Great, respectively. Katya and Phi Phi O'Hara portrayed Princess Diana and Helen of Troy, respectively. On season 3 ("Divas Lip Sync Live"), Aja performed as Amy Winehouse, BeBe Zahara Benet as Diana Ross, BenDeLaCreme as Julie Andrews, Chi Chi DeVayne as Patti LaBelle, Kennedy Davenport as Janet Jackson, Milk as Celine Dion, Shangela as Mariah Carey, Trixie Mattel as Dolly Parton, and Thorgy Thor as Stevie Nicks. Season six's Rusical (episode "Halftime Headliners") was based on Super Bowl's halftime show performances. Season eight's Rusical was based on the life of Joan Crawford. Season nine's Rusical was inspired by the film Rosemary's Baby.

RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race
The Rusical on season 1 of RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race was about Dolly Parton and her 1980 comedy film 9 to 5.

Canada's Drag Race
The clown-themed Rusical of season 2 was inspired by the 1938 film Under the Big Top. On season 4, the Rusical was about the life of host Brooke Lynn Hytes.

Drag Race España
The second season of Drag Race España had a Rusical based on the musical La llamada. The third season had a Rusical inspired by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz setting the story during the La Movida Madrileña countercultural movement.

Drag Race Holland
The Rusical for the second season of Drag Race Holland was based on the story of Cinderella.

Drag Race Italia
The second season of Drag Race Italia had a Rusical dedicated to Lady Gaga.

Drag Race México
The first season of Drag Race México had a Rusical based on Acapulco Shore, the Mexican spin-off series of Jersey Shore.

Drag Race Philippines
The second season of Drag Race Philippines had a Rusical inspired by the film The Little Mermaid.

RuPaul's Drag Race UK
The Rusicals in the second and fourth seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race UK were inspired by the musicals Cats and Mary Poppins, respectively. The Rusical in the fifth season was a pantomime.