World of Wonder, Gatekeeper team for doc on LA’s Best In Drag Show

Drag show documentary The Little Pageant That Could

Drag Race producer World of Wonder (WOW) and Gatekeeper Productions have partnered on a feature documentary chronicling the history of the Best In Drag Show, an LA-based event which raises money for people living with HIV/AIDS.

The Little Pageant That Could, which just wrapped production, is executive produced by WOW’s Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, and directed by John Carlos Frey. David Neuendorff, James Cude and Frey are producers on the project.

It features footage from the pageant’s 33-year history, including host and judge appearances by actors such as Chris Pratt, Jennifer Coolidge, John C Reilly, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Martin Sheen, Charlie Sheen, Vanessa Williams and Anna Faris.

Best In Drag Show started in 1990 as a spoof of Miss America and has expanded to become among LA’s longest running drag benefit events, raising over US$6m since its inception.

“When John Carlos approached us about this film, we were so moved by this inspiring story about the power of drag,” said Bailey and Barbato.

“People with AIDS were abandoned by society, politicians and even their own families. But a group of friends stepped in and started this little pageant that could. At a time when legislation is being passed to restrict the art form, this film bears witness to the power of drag to make a meaningful – and desperately needed – contribution to society.”