As RuPaul says, “You betta werq”… the world. On February 7, Jones Hall will roll out the hot pink carpet for the Werq the World tour featuring some of the most memorable and fiercest queens in RuPaul’s Drag Race herstory. The North American leg of the tour, which already slayed in Europe, is hosted by Michelle Visage and stars Kim Chi, Detox, Latrice Royale, Peppermint, Valentina, season seven winner Violet Chachki, and season 2 and 3 standout Shangela Laquifa Wadley.
Wadley notes that this tour is unlike anything fans of the reality competition show have ever seen. Werq the World will feature elaborate numbers with dancers, visual components and more high energy than just a usual lip sync performance.
“We’ve assembled just those from the show who love to perform,” says Wadley. “We don’t just want to entertain, we want you to feel something. We want you to say, ‘Yes ma’am, I got my money’s worth. She done did that.’”
The Houston show, originally scheduled for last October, was rescheduled following the devastation to the Theater District from Hurricane Harvey. Wadley says she and the girls are happy to finally come to the Bayou City and give Houstonians the show they deserve. In addition, the queens plan to make a donation to the Montrose Center’s LGBTQ Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, with the show’s producer, Voss Events, matching the donation.
A Texas native and self-described “Dairy Queen and Whataburger girl,” Wadley is happy to return to her home state and to Houston.
“In Houston, you find nothing but good people,” remarks Wadley. “There is a friendliness and charm that is really unmatched.”
For those who cannot make it to the Werq the World tour, Wadley can be seen on season 3 of RuPaul’s Drace Race: All Stars beginning this Thursday, January 25 on VH1. While Wadley is sworn to secrecy on the new season, she was able to reassure this new season will feature what fans have come to love about the show so much.
“There will be glitz, glamour, surprises and tons of drama,” promises Wadley. “I’m coming back as the same ‘ole Shangie you knew… but with better makeup.”