“Drag Brunch” at Senor Frog’s Is A Bold, Giddy Blast

Sammasseur Wakes Up To Breakfast Burritos, Mimosas…and Drag Queens?

These days, the opportunities to say “Only in Vegas” are getting harder to come by. The lions have left MGM Grand.  The volcano at Mirage rarely erupts these days. Bowling with “glamazons” at Drink and Drag Lounge has faded into memory. But there’s a new activity in Las Vegas that you most likely can’t do at home. It’s Senor Frog’s Saturday Drag Brunch at Treasure Island.

When I first heard about Treasure Island’s Drag Brunch, I didn’t think much of it. This writer has covered many weekly mixed-crowd events that quickly “petered” out (no pun intended). But during my Saturday mornings at home in Oregon, I noticed plenty of Vegas friends tagging themselves and checking in at the Brunch on the official Facebook page. Could this be the one that actually catches on? Chances are pretty high, as the concept has already been the rage at Senor Frogs’ locations in Miami, New York City, and Fire Island Pines.

Then I started getting a Groupon offer that was very tempting. Buffet, unlimited mimosas and a show for $45.00? I’m already a fan of Senor Frogs‘ menu and wacky atmosphere. Throw in some seasoned performers and RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants (like Yara Sofia, Derrick Barry, Kahanna Montrese  and Nebraska Thunderf*ck) dishing out racy comedy and hit songs on three separate stages…and this makes for one heck of a deal.

There’s also a VIP option with two-hour premium open bar and preferred seating for another $14. Prices are higher at the official site, which lists a show-only option for $20. I was told by an insider that the Groupon deal will be extended indefinitely, so that’s the way to go.

As luck would have it, I was just about to purchase my Groupon when I got an official invitation to review the brunch this past Saturday. Despite a whirlwind schedule, I accepted and arrived early enough to take some photos…and get an early jump on the mimosas best seats.

The venue, on the second floor of Senor Frog’s, overlooks the Strip (and lagoon for the former Sirens of T.I. show, another lost attraction) and has a dedicated bar and DJ booth. Most tables are large and “family style”, so you may make a new friend or two before the show begins.

If you’ve never attended a female-impersonation show before, this is the perfect opportunity to lose your drag virginity. Drag entertainment has been around for centuries, going as far back as ancient Rome. Even Frank Marino’s DIVAS Las Vegas has been running on the Strip (in one form or another) for 30 years.

If you’re feeling a little insecure, the basic admission package includes 2-for-1 cocktails (along with unlimited mimosas), served by beefy masculine bartenders. That should help to loosen your inhibitions and prepare you for the wild ride ahead.

The Vegas version of Drag Brunch is emceed by Shangela LaQuifa Wadley, who also hosts 53X, the sexy co-ed revue at Paris Hotel (read our review here). And while I found Shangela to be a little too polished and polite at 53X, that was far from the case this past Saturday. “She” is far more entertaining when freed from a written script and the confines of a staged production.

The jokes flew fast and furious, as did the wigs, lips and elaborate costumes. A cast of four performers covered three stages with outrageous dance numbers, wonderful spontaneity and laughs galore.

Be aware that drag shows are extremely interactive. You may find yourself as part of a comical moment, dance number or group toast. Almost anything can happen here, but that’s why you come to Vegas, right? (BTW, it’s traditional at drag shows to wave some tip money at the performers, so you might want to have a couple of singles ready)

If you want to return home with your own “Waking Up In Vegas” story, this is the one that you want to tell. Senor Frog’s Drag Brunch is a smash hit. Bring your appetite, a camera…and a sense of adventure. But leave your stuffy, uptight friends behind.

Senor Frog’s Drag Brunch is held every Saturday at Treasure Island Hotel Casino. Seating times are 11:30am and 2pm. Ages 21 and over. Use this Groupon offer to save $15 or more per admission.

sammasseur

A fitness buff and Vegas fan. Sam enjoys shows, bargains, and cheap healthy eats.