RuPaul's Drag U introduces us to Douglas Hodge Look-a-Like

Separated at Birth? Paya Larenta... meet Douglas Hodge
Broadway's "La Cage Aux Folles".

So, let's first make it clear that I love just about any makeover show... but add RuPaul and the queens from RuPaul's Drag Race to the mix and you've sold me for years.  RuPaul's Drag U is a hit... based solely on the entertaining premiere last night on LogoTV.

The show is pretty hilarious but also gives three women the opportunity to find their inner diva and use the power of their lost femininity to express themselves fully in their male-dominated world.

The three women were clearly in need of some serious dragulation (thanks for coining the new term Ru).   Each had a troubled life, feared what it was to be a woman (for their own very personal reasons) and had come to Drag U to see if there was any salvation for their lost womanhood.

With Professors Raven, Ongina and Jujubee on hand each woman was transformed into a dazzling diva of drag complete with rhinestones, glitter and hair.

In the end Celine Dijon won and her husband and children rushed the stage to hug their newly fabulous wife and mother.

But my win would have been Miss Paya Larenta who went from MAJOR tom boy to Broadway star in less than 60 minutes of television.  But watching her performance I couldn't help but think that I'd seen her somewhere before.  But where?!

THEN IT HIT ME!  She is the discount derivative of Douglas Hodge's Albin from La Cage Aux Folles!  (See image above.)  Seriously!?  You go Paya Larenta!

Jealous of Their Boogie

Surely you stayed tuned this season, transfixed on the drama (faux or fabulous) of RuPaul's Drag Race. This season found a new crop of queens clawing their way to the top in a desperate attempt to be crowned America's Next Drag Superstar.

At the risk of "throwing shade" (thank you Ru, for the introduction to a term I had missed somewhere along the rainbow road), I was less then thrilled with the outcome.  RuPaul's rubrik for judging the ladies was charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent (you can figure out the acronym on your own).  Based on that alone, and had I been judging, Pandora Boxx would have won the title.

Pandora Boxx

Pandora was easily the most charismatic (hell... spoiler alert... she won Miss Congeniality).  She had personality bigger than her wigs and real character (not cold or antagonistic unless provoked).  She was, hands down, the most unique (did anyone else have her sharp, singular wit?).  When told she had a lack of style (if you say so Santino) she boldly held on to her sense of flash and whimsy and that takes nerve. And ultimately she was the most talented.  Who else could serve up comedy while taking the verbal beatings she did?  (And did I mention she wore a racetrack-themed dress to the reunion?  COME ON!)

As for the winner (click here to watch the finale), all I can say is "meh".  The attitude (at least as perceived through the literal lens of the producers') was too much and I just couldn't jump on the tuck-truck.

For a behind-the-scenes look at the reunion episode check out Rich Juzwiak's post (thanks to Mark for the link).

Ok, no need to drag out this diatribe.  Enjoy the video of RuPaul's new single, "Jealous of My Boogie" featuring the top three.

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