Former ‘Zumanity’ emcee launching ‘Faaabulous’ drag brunch show

When you shout “Sing it, Sister!” to this cast, they actually sing.

“Faaabulous — The Ultimate Drag Bunch Show” opens April 4 at the Rio. Headed up by Edie, former mistress of ceremonies in “Zumanity” at New York-New York, the show is unique in that the cast sings live.

“Powerhouse vocals with four-part harmonies,” creator and Edie character inhabitant Christopher Kenney says. “I cannot wait to share their talents with Las Vegas.”

Edie leads a cast of bubbly drag pros including Sunshine, Kitty Del Mar and Martina Brookshire. The new brunch and performance takes up The Venue, just off the casino floor at Masquerade Village.

Kenney’s Edie character was a fierce force in “Zumanity’s” heyday at NY-NY. The show stood apart as Cirque du Soleil’s adult vehicle, leading the company in walkouts but snaring the 18-and-over crowd.

The “Zu” crew partied until dawn on its opening night, ceasing only when the pandemic took down all Cirque shows. “Zumanity” was closed permanently, in favor of the more cost-efficient, New York-flavored production “Mad Apple.”

But Edie lives on, piloting a show that boasts theatrical polish, “fearless” camp, comedy, parodies and a wide swath of music stylings. Broadway, diva tributes, solo efforts and ensemble performances all in the mix.

The show is from Kenney and his partner Jamie Morris’s BevNap Productions. The Las Vegas company has developed such projects as “Golden Mean Girls,” running through the weekend at Majestic Repertory Theatre. Kenney directed the show and Morris is cast as Blanche in that production. Morris is also a cast member of “Puppetry of the Penis,” in its 11th year at the Erotic Heritage Museum.

The BevNap title is from Morris’ penchant for jotting notes on beverage napkins at night, pulling them from his pockets in the morning. The practice is a proven winner, predating dictation or notes into a cellphone. And we say, cheers to that.

John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.