Memoirs of a Drag Queen

About

Structured as a confessional memoir, Memoirs of a Drag Queen traces a performer’s journey from a shy, misunderstood childhood to self-possession and creative freedom, using music and drag as both armor and self-expression. Staged simply in the Sargent Theatre’s 65-seat space, the production places audiences in close proximity to the performer, creating an experience that feels more like a personal conversation than a traditional musical. The show is written and composed by Bernard J. Taylor, whose stage works have received more 14 ATAC Awards (San Antonio’s equivalent of the Tony Awards). Taylor previously presented his one-man play Tennessee Williams: Portrait of a Gay Icon at the Sargent Theatre, where it received strong critical response before transferring to London. “I was inspired to create Memoirs after binge-watching RuPaul’s Drag Race and listening closely to the life stories of the performers,” says Taylor. “I combined that with my own experiences growing up painfully shy and learning, over time, how to stand up for myself. The show reflects that journey — not just as a drag queen, but as a human being.” One of the musical’s defining songs, “What Daddy Wants,” explores the tension between self-expression and parental expectation — a theme echoed frequently by performers on RuPaul’s Drag Race. A preview of the song, performed by Amory Legato, can be heard (along with the main song. “Extraordinary Girl”) on YouTube