Viva Drag Brunch Vegas to debut Aug. 9

Brunch Just Got a Makeover at Alebrijes by Chef Paco

Written and photography by Debbie Hall

Viva Drag Brunch Vegas, Las Vegas’s boldest new brunch experience, will debut at Alebrijes by Chef Paco Aug. 9.

Produced by Jesus Nanci Productions, this all‑new drag brunch will bring high‑energy entertainment and a chef‑curated brunch buffet with bottomless mimosas to Downtown’s Fremont Street. The new show will feature fierce drag performances by Las Vegas’s most dazzling queens, rotated throughout the show.

·         Elliott with 2 Ts – RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 13 alum, classically trained dancer bringing high‑energy grace and fire to the stage.

·         Barb – Campy, quick‑witted queen with over 10 years of experience and the ultimate “favorite neighbor” energy.

·         RoShay – High‑kicking, hair‑twirling diva blending bold looks, fierce moves, and unstoppable energy.

·         Akasha L’Statt – The sultry Sin City Enchantress serving slick‑back ponytails, dazzling tricks, and bottomless brunch glam.

·         Lucky Locaine – Pocket‑rocket performer mixing Y2K glam, chaos, and charm with unshakable confidence.

·         Gracie Spina - After snatching a dancer position in a headlining show on The Strip, she decided to take her high kicks, hair whips, and talent to Las Vegas in 2023.

·         Jenna Obman - Performing for over a decade, she loves changing up styles and a costume with fringe to shake on stage.

·         Ryan Trotman – A jazzy funkadelic firecracker born in California and raised right here in the fabulous Las Vegas!

·         Matthew Cooke - Having only moved to Las Vegas a year ago, Matthew is known for having quick wit and legs that just won’t quit.

·         Warren VanOver - Straight but never straight‑laced, Warren brings the heat and a whole lotta sass to the Vegas drag stage.

·         Talia Rose - She has been dancing most of her life and has seven years of professional work under her belt.

Jesus Nanci (Jesus Nanci Productions), founder, producer, and choreographer of Viva Drag Brunch Vegas, moved to Las Vegas in 2006. 

“I was planning on obtaining a major in architecture and broadcast journalism. On my first day of college, I switched majors to dance. My mom wasn't too happy about that, but she is now happy for me. I have obtained my Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Dance, and Choreography from the University of Las Vegas, Nevada,” said Jesus.

“We were trained in ballet, modern, and jazz, and we do have a beautiful artist-in-residence program at the university. I got to experience a lot of different styles and trainings from different people from all around the world through the artist-in-residence program, including the Red Dance Chair, Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater with Bernard Gaddis and Nevada Repertory Dance Theater,” Nanci explained. He would then perform in Frank Marino Divas Las Vegas, Absinthe, and MJ Live, as well as Golden Rainbow shows, touring the world with Dublin Worldwide Productions, Rock Around the Clock, and Christmas on Ice in Canada. His goals included choreographing and producing shows, as well as starting his own dance company.

Jesus considers drag as an art in itself, the ability to transform. There are magical steps that occur when a person's identity transforms into a whole different character. The analogy he uses is that of a painter becoming a masterpiece, starting with a canvas, grabbing the brush, and creating beauty and majesty. It's a form of art, and everybody's welcome to enjoy the show and be entertained.

“I definitely believe creating a new space to feel safe, welcomed, and loved was very important for our community. We needed to give a safe place and a place of love for everybody to be welcome here, no matter who you are or identify with as a person.”

Alebrijes Mexican Restaurant in Neonopolis was selected due to its great space and excellent food by owner and operator Chef Paco. For more info, visit alebrijesbychefpaco.com, follow on Facebook and Instagram.

“I believe downtown is the heart of Las Vegas, and old classic Las Vegas is still alive there,” said Jesus. “Our slogan, ‘Brunch Just Got a Makeover,’ reflects a whole aesthetic and background that we aim to bring to life. We’re mixing classical show elements with a fresher approach, creating an immersive and interactive experience. Everything is choreographed to ensure that everyone feels like they’re part of the show and can engage with the audience and dancers.”

Viva Drag Brunch Vegas will debut at Viva Drag Brunch Vegas, Neonopolis, 450 E. Fremont St., on the third floor with two brunches at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. starting Aug. 9. There is an underground parking garage with the entrance off 4^th Street. For more info, visit vivadragbrunchvegas.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram.