Jon Stojan
Image credit: APLA Health
Under the glittering lights of Los Angeles, multi-platform media company World of Wonder rolled out the (pink) carpet for an unforgettable celebration of drag, legacy, and community on May 21st. Held at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the special benefit screening of The Little Pageant That Could was a joyful tribute to the decades-long cultural institution that is The Best in Drag Show, and a powerful fundraiser supporting those living with HIV/AIDS through APLA Health’s Alliance for Housing and Healing.
Hosted in partnership between World of Wonder, APLA Health and a star-studded host committee that read like a who’s who of queer pop culture: World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, Tim Bagley, Dan Bucatinsky, Tom Campbell, Sasha Colby, Margaret Cho, Salina Estitties, Daniel Franzese, Judy Greer, Cheyenne Jackson, Dot-Marie Jones, Kathy Kinney, Carson Kressley, Ross Matthews, Ts Madison, Symone, Jamal Sims, Michelle Visage, Lisa Ann Walters and Vanessa Williams, the special screening event took place just a week ahead of the documentary’s global streaming debut on WOW Presents Plus on May 29th.
At the center of the evening was The Little Pageant That Could, a vibrant and heartfelt documentary chronicling the rise and evolution of The Best in Drag Show. Directed by journalist and filmmaker John Carlos Frey (who also served as the original stage show director), the film dives into over three decades of jaw-dropping performances, heartwarming backstage chaos, and the life-changing impact of one of LA’s most beloved annual events. The screening was emceed by drag superstar Salina Estitties, who brought raucous charm and energy to the proceedings while rallying attendees to open their wallets (and their hearts) for the cause.
The Little Pageant That Could delivers both camp and consequence. It’s packed with archival footage from the show’s 33-year history, along with surprise cameos from stars like Chris Pratt, Jennifer Coolidge, John C. Reilly, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Martin and Charlie Sheen, and even legendary designer Bob Mackie. The film deftly balances outrageous performances with emotional storytelling, shedding light on the power of community-led action in the face of an ongoing health crisis.
All proceeds from the evening went directly to APLA Health’s Alliance for Housing and Healing, which has long benefited from the drag show’s fundraising legacy. Since its grassroots beginnings in a West Hollywood apartment in the early 1990s, The Best in Drag Show has raised over $6 million, supporting crucial services like permanent subsidized housing, emergency financial relief, and medical support for those living with HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles. The May 21 benefit continued this tradition, incorporating donation opportunities, on-stage tipping (yes, bring your singles), and premium raffle packages.
“We are thrilled for the global premiere of the critically acclaimed documentary “The Little Pageant That Could” on WOW Presents Plus.” said World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato. “The film documents the history of The Best in Drag Show and reminds us of the power of drag not only to entertain but to mobilize, and to make a difference.”
The addition of The Little Pageant That Could to WOW Presents Plus serves as a showcase of how the streaming platform has rapidly become a haven for alternative storytelling through their acquisition library. The platform, already home to the entire global Drag Race franchise and critically acclaimed World of Wonder-produced documentaries ex. The Eyes of Tammy Faye and Party Monster, and a wide array of original programming, has been building an impressive library of acquired tiles in recent years including their first scripted series (I Hate People, People Hate Me), the cult-favorite Elvira Collection, and duo documentary and comedy specials from viral creators Darcy and Jer. With The Little Pageant That Could, the streamer strengthens its reputation for curating content that uplifts the “outsider” voice and puts the spotlight on stories that matter.
Beyond the documentary and the star power, the May 21 screening reminded everyone what drag has always been about: resilience, humor, protest, and chosen family. Whether you were a seasoned fan of The Best in Drag Show or a first-time viewer, the message rang clear: when art meets purpose, the results can be life-changing and with The Little Pageant That Could’s official WOW Presents Plus debut on May 29, the film is poised to inspire audiences worldwide.
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The Little Pageant That Could streams globally on WOW Presents Plus beginning May 29.
Learn more about APLA Health’s Alliance for Housing and Healing at aplahealth.org.
Explore the full WOW Presents Plus library at wowpresentsplus.com.