Interview: Judging & Hosting's Such a FAB-ulous DRAG for Ross Mathews

Ross Mathews, a most busy multi-tasker (judge on RuPaul's Drag Race, host of 2018 Miss America Pageant; to name just a few) will be inaugurating his weekly DRAGTASTIC BUBBLE BRUNCH this Saturday, September 22, 2018 (his birthday!) at Rockwell Table & Stage.

It's been a very busy week for Ross, first being awarded from GLAAD, their Davidson/Valentino Award; and then attending the Emmys as part of the Emmy-winning (four this year) RuPaul's Drag Race.

Thank you for taking the time for this interview, Ross!

The last time I ran into you, years ago, had to be at some charity event that you were volunteering your celebrity fabulousness to. And this was probably when you were Ross the Intern for Jay Leno, way before you hit the TV waves in all the shows you've been on. How do you find the time between all your current hosting, judging and appearances to start the weekly DRAGTASTIC BUBBLE BRUNCH at Rockwell?

I don't do down time. I'm always thinking about what's next - what I want to create next. I like to think of everything I do as my little contribution to the world. This brunch is the brunch I've always wished I could go to. Now everyone can!

So, Ross, would you tell us what craziness you're planning to wow the Rockwell brunch audiences with?

Well, being a judge in RuPaul's Drag Race, I take Drag very seriously. And this brunch will celebrate what I love so much about Drag - energy, color, fun, humor and artistry. These queens are the best of the best. Add in great music, food, drinks, and audience participation ("Lip Sync For Your Drink"), and trust me - it'll be the best Drag brunch EVER!

How did you come up with the name DRAGTASTIC?

I put zero effort into it. The name just popped into my head. It was a no-brainer.

Do you already have a short list of performers for your first show September 22?

Absolutely! We'll have established, world-famous Drag Race queens like Morgan McMichaels and Manilla Luzon, plus queens on the brink of worldwide fame like Silky Nutmeg Ganache, and many more. Plus, we'll have celeb DJ's, surprise performers and, you never know what celebs will show up in the audience!

So, an advance "Happy Birthday to You, Ross!" I take it, hosting DRAGTASTIC is your way of celebrating your birthday on your birthday?

Yes! I'm turning 39 and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than by giving the gift of drag brunch to Hollywood.

Entertaining IS your life! This isn't just work for you, right?

I have my dream job and my dream life! I just wanna share it with everyone!

At DRAGTASTIC, will you be more like a host as you were for the 2018 Miss America Pageant? Or like a judge as you are on RuPaul's Drag Race?

Both, plus a little off-duty casual Ross thrown in.

Graduating from University of La Verne with a communications degree, did you use your distinctive voice to your advantage in your speech and debate competitions?

Honey, you've gotta use whatever you've got to make your mark!

What would you like to say to all those who made fun of you in your school years, now that you're famous and fabulous?

Come to our drag brunch! Tickets are available online. Well, cheers and hug it out there!

During the Miss America Pageant or RuPaul's Drag Race, are you allowed to interact/converse with the contestants when not on camera?

Nope! Strict rules!

Any rules of DRAGTASTIC that you are enforcing, or, umm, encouraging?

Fun is mandatory.

Can a drag queen off-the-streets join in your festivities?

Everyone is welcome!

Will you have periodic auditions for budding talents?

I'm picking all the queens! I want the best of the best.

What direction or advice will you be giving participants of DRAGTASTIC?

Put on a great show, and make sure everyone leaves happy!

Anything in the near future for Ross Mathews, that you're not already involved in, your fans can look for?

I'm writing my second book right now. Stay tuned!

Thank you again, Ross. I look forward to seeing you live and rocking in your element.

For BRUNCH ticket availability and show schedule, log onto www.rockwell-la.com

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