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Untucked & Then Some: A Visit Backstage at the RuPaul's Drag Race Reunion

A memento from RuPaul's Drag Race Season 3, anyone?

Monday night's RuPaul's Drag Race Reunion went off pretty mildly, don't you think? Yes, there was a bit of drama and squabbles were rehashed (Heathers vs. Boogers! Mimi picked up India! Delta and Phoenix dissing Stacy!) but for the most part, it was just cute to catch up with all the girls. watch them interact with Ru and Michelle Visage, and to see who'd win this year's “Miss Congeniality” prize.

But a few weeks back, I got to hang on the set while they were shooting the Reunion special, and the queens were friendly, relaxed (mostly) and welcoming. After doing a season's worth of affectionate but mocking video recaps (“Drag Ya Later with Jon & John”), I wasn't sure if the girls would be happy to see me. But, Honey... They’re showbiz pros.

When I walked in to the soundstage dressing room area at about 10:30am, I found Yara Sofia, Delta Work, Carmen Carrera and Stacy Layne Matthews in partial face makeup (their makeup was "cooking") glued to a monitor, watching one of the final Drag Race episodes they'd hadn't seen.

From left; Yara, Delta, Carmen and Stacy catch up on Drag Race backstage, just before hitting the set for the Reunion special.

They greeted me, saying “hello” a bit teasingly, but they were busy watching themselves, to see how they come off in yet another episode, so I was the least of their concerns. Besides, I've interviewed all the girls, and have met some more than others, so after a sweet greeting or two, they turned back to the show. And then to the business of getting ready.

Later on the set: Santino's silhouette, looking out on to the reunion shoot.

Delta and Venus, right before Venus headed to the stage. Delta was still "cooking."

The queens were in various states of drag prep. As I arrived, the first girls needed on set wtih Ru (they appeared on the Reunion in order of their eliminations) had finished getting ready, and within a minute or two Venus D-Lite (in full Madonna Blonde Ambition tour drag), Phoenix, Mimi Imfurst, India Ferrah and Mariah all headed down to soundstage.

One of the show's staffers helps brush out Stacy's major wig/ponytail action.

That left me hanging around as the next batch of queens -- Delta Work, Stacy Layne Matthews, Carmen Carrera and Yara Sofia were kiki-ing, talking, laughing, finishing makeup and wigs, and just generally getting camera-ready. Shangela would arrive soon after by herself (she had another engagement for part of the morning?) soon after, in pretty much full face and hair, toting her drag along with her. Alexis Mateo, Manila Luzon and Raja would all arrive together a bit later, and they were to be kept separate from all the other girls. For whatever reason--maybe to just maintain a sense of suspense and heightened drama--they were only allowed to see all the other girls for the first time when they arrive on-camera on the set.

Carmen accessorizes.

As Carmen, Delta, Stacy, Yara and Shangela were dressing, audio from the set was being piped into the dressing room areas, so they could hear what was being said about them onstage. We heard RuPaul's exclamations which punctuated each queen’s arrival on set: "Eleganza!" "Work!" "Sickening!" "Gagging!!!" Ru's enthusiasm was as contagiously manic as it was spot-on, funny and sharp.

We could also hear the queens already on-set rehashing the drama and fights of the season, calling out each other, stirring the pot. "It's Tokyo Rose," joked Delta (referencing the World War II radio propaganda broadcast in the Pacific by the Japanese to unnerve the Allied troops located there). Delta's clearly one of the smartest gals in the room (and I'd wager any room); she understands the dynamics and psychology of the show. And in person, she doesn’t come off as bitter at all; just observant and unafraid to call things as she sees them.

Shangela is savvy, too. Yara Sofia is quirky, quick, funny and fun. Carmen is a shameless flirt, but innocently so. And I didn't spend as much time with Stacy; she was getting ready in a room with Shangela and just wasn't running around kiki-ing quite as much. But she was lovely, and I was living for her long-ponytailed look for the day.

Yara's crazy/taped nails.

The production staff gives the gals direction on how they enter the set, the order in which they'll enter, how to hit their marks.

What's clear about watching these girls interact, is that they're sort of like a family. They fight and bicker amongst themselves, and there may have been rivalries and dramas between them, and some are surely closer to each other than others. But they all have a shared experience and as Delta smartly noted on the reunion show, they're very much a "sorority and a fraternity." They're the only ones who've been through this strange competition experience together and that forms a bond.

This is a totally unauthorized video (via LipSynchForYourLife.tumblr.com), but it's a great mashup of the season. BAM!

Through out the day, as they broke for lunch, removing layers of drag for some downtime, they all helped each other. Former onscreen rivals were helping each other lace up corsets and put on heels and manage dress trains. Makeup was shared, hair spray was borrowed, one queen combed out another's wig. Sisters were doing it for themselves--and each other.

Miss Work is ready.

Once the first ten girls were on set, Alexis, Manila and Raja arrived, in almost full-face, toting their gowns and gear with them. Manila and Raja stayed busy in their dressing room longer away from me, while Alexis floated more about the space near me, laughing and socializing and commenting on the audio feed from the set as the other queens hashed out their take on the season with Ru.

"Oh, honey did you hear that?" Alexis would joke. "Girl, please... I"m going to tell it like it is, Honey..." Alexis also commented on Delta's eloquence and manner of speaking. "Do you hear those big words? Please!"

Chomp.

At lunch, Alexis, Manila and Raja left for their meal in a private space (they were still being sequestered), and all the other queens returned to the dressing room area to nosh communally on some chicken, rice, beans, spinach and salad. It was cordial and casual and chatty. Again, like a big family meal. Mariah (gorgeous!) and Yara Sofia were the most chatty and friendly with me, and I loved it. India and Delta were fun and relaxed. Mimi was looking great, possibly like she's lost some weight and her makeup was radiant—more assured and glam than I'd seen before.

Basically, I was just a very happy fly on the wall for most of the day. After all the queens (including Alexis, Manila and Raja) were on set, I headed downstairs and watched offstage as the on-camera kiki continued. I sat and chatted a bit with judge Michelle Visage, who really is the nicest and coolest woman you could hope to meet. And she really likes these queens. She may seem critical on camera, but she’s their biggest fan.

Two old friends, kiki-ing for the masses.

But the biggest thrill of the day came when, during a break shooting, I passed RuPaul backstage. He was chatting with Michelle Visage, but as I passed, he stopped me and said "Hello! I'm glad you're here. I love your ‘Drag Ya Later’ recaps. They're funny!"

Oh. My. Goddess. I was a little stunned. I didn't know if Ru ever watched our recaps, but I'd never heard anything. And I didn't expect that. "Oh, well, we're just idiots, babbling on..." I demured. "Yes," laughed Ru. "You guys are great." OK. My work in life is done. Mainly, I'm just happy to see that Ru has a sense of humor about himself and the show. That seems obvious watching the show from week to week, but still... It's nice to have it confirmed.

Anyway... Back to the queens! Just enjoy this fun, fab, flamingly festive collection of photos snapped behind-the-scenes at the RuPaul's Drag Race Reunited shoot. I hope you love them as much as I do.

Yara's so dang tall in her platforms and towering wigs, she's gotta stoop to get through the door.

Ms. Stacy Layne Bryant Matthew Lattisaw Q is ready for her close up, Hunty.

Shangela gets escorted down to the stage.

Raja gets ready.

And then it's time for lunch... Mariah and Yara Sofia hit the buffet in the kitchen. These two in person are sweet, sassy and FUNNY AS HELL.

Chowtime. And yes, the girls use straws so as not to smear the lipstick, thanks very much.

India retouches her mug and shows off her nails before heading back to the set.

And everywhere you look there are suitcases, gowns, wigs and makeup.

Manila's dress patiently waits.

"Come on girls, do you believe in love?" Venus finesses her blonde ambition.

Yes, gurl... PAINT THAT MUG!!!

Oooh, it's like "Hairspray 2" up in here!

Face, face, face...

Mimi goes "glamazon."

Ooooh, suck it in and ZIP IT UP!

Down on the set, producer Chris McKim and judge Billy B.

Santino and Billy B get ready to announce the winner of "Miss Congeniality."

Fierce, much? Mariah, Yara "Miss Congeniality" Sofia, Shangela & Alexis Mateo

Mimi Imfurst heads backstage toward the end of the shoot.

Three times a lady...

Phoenix, and a little Carmen sneaking up from behind.

For reals!!!???? Photographer & "Champion" video director Mathu Anderson serving "homeless realness?" with Santino, Ru and Billy B.

And then lucky me, photographed with the fantastic Michelle Visage. It really was a legendary day.

Does all of this meaning nothing to you?? Then, please go watch Monday's reunion of RuPaul's Drag Race and get caught up!

Oh, and get ready... Because RuPaul's Drag U is coming this summer, premiering Monday, June 20th on Logo. Meet the professors!!!

And yes, then get ready to join the cast of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 4! Want to audition???

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