Pop sensation Chappell Roan surprised fans and performers alike over the weekend with a stealthy appearance at the Off-Broadway hit DRAG: The Musical — and she did it in full disguise.
The 27-year-old Grammy winner, known for her theatrical flair and bold style, arrived at New World Stages in New York City on Sunday, April 6, hidden beneath a hooded cloak that completely concealed her iconic red hair.
“She was totally incognito,” an eyewitness told PEOPLE. “It was like something out of The Traitors — no one recognized her when she walked in.”
Once inside, Roan joined the audience to watch the show, a glittering spectacle starring top drag artists including RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars winner Alaska Thunderf—, Jan Sport, Jujubee, Lagoona Bloo, and Luxx Noir London.
But the cloak came off after the curtain fell. Backstage, Roan warmly greeted the cast and crew, taking time to chat with performers, share her admiration, and even quote lines from the show.
“There was so much love in the room,” the source added. “Chappell couldn’t have been kinder. She praised the cast and even remembered specific moments from the performance. Everyone felt her support.”
Photos captured Roan mingling backstage, including posing with longtime friend Nick Laughlin, who stars as the bearded queen “Puss Puss DuBois,” and co-lead Nick Adams, who flexed for the camera as his character “Alexis Gillmore.” Also in attendance was Roan’s guitarist and collaborator, Kyle Goold.
DRAG: The Musical opened October 21, 2024, and is set to conclude its run on April 27 after 215 performances and 24 previews. The show features a vibrant cast including Lisa Helmi Johanson, Eddie Korbich, Remi Tuckman, Yair Keydar, Adam Pascal, and Tamkia Lawrence, with an ensemble full of Broadway and drag talent.
Directed and choreographed by Spencer Liff (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, So You Think You Can Dance), the musical tells the story of two rival drag clubs led by estranged queens locked in a fierce but fabulous feud. Along their journey of drama and sequins, they discover themes of fashion, family, and forgiveness.
Alaska, who stars in the show, also co-wrote the musical’s book and songs alongside chart-topping producers Tomas Costanza and Ashley Gordon. Theater legend Liza Minnelli joined the project as a producer and provides a pre-show announcement.
“This wasn’t on my bingo card when I started drag,” Alaska told PEOPLE previously. “I studied theater in college, but I always loved the weirder, wackier musicals. I never expected it would turn into something this big and beautiful.”
Roan’s visit wasn’t just casual fanfare — it was also a show of solidarity. A long-time champion of drag, she has included local drag queens as openers on her tour, especially during a time when drag bans and anti-LGBTQ+ laws are rising across the U.S.
“It’s a great way to engage the local queer community,” she told PEOPLE in a 2023 interview. “I always tell the audience to tip the queens — it redistributes funds in the community and gives them a platform. For some queens, it’s their first time performing in front of such a big crowd.”
Roan’s debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, which includes hits like “HOT TO GO!,” drew heavy inspiration from drag culture. She described the album as “daydreams in drag,” a vibrant tribute to the art form that helped shape her creative voice.
With her surprise appearance, Roan not only thrilled the cast and audience of DRAG: The Musical but also reminded everyone of her deep love for theatrical performance and the LGBTQ+ community.
DRAG: The Musical continues at New World Stages in NYC through April 27.
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