Death at the Drag Show brings dark glamour to Hydrate Nightclub
Wed. September 17, 2025 7:40 AM by Ross Forman
vanda larose
photo credit // provided
'The show will naturally have a different feel as we rotate between the wealth of entertainers in the scene,' says Vanda LaRose
Vanda LaRose presents Death at the Drag Show on Thursday, September 18, when drag goes beyond the divas and icons of pop culture and dives into the gothic side of life.
Showtime is 9:30 p.m., at Hydrate Nightclub.
“We will see high production value, deep and twisted feelings and maybe a little fake blood, if we’re lucky,” LaRose said. “This is very exciting because Chicago is home to some incredible drag that is routed in deep tradition of grandeur and opulence of theatrical proportions. This show has the intention to showcase artists that think beyond the already large scope of drag to take it to a dark place that is sure to thrill and dazzle the audience.”
Death at the Drag Show will feature Fallon, Die Divinity, Diwa and Jaharia (Dragula season 6).
“It means the world to me that Hydrate Nightclub is giving the space to alternative entertainers who deserve just as much of a spotlight as our fellow performers,” LaRose said. “The world is such a dark and twisted place right now; sometimes you need to work through all of that with your community on stage. It’s been a big part of my career to work towards bringing a touch of the darker side out into the light on more than just Halloween.
“I am thrilled to be hosting the show. There is a level of responsibility that I feel being the voice that moves the night along and welcomes artists to the stage. What each entertainer is bringing to the show is so special and unique to them that it feels like an honor to get to present them to the audience.”
Vanda LaRose is Chicago’s vampy evil diva, she said. “You can think, undead pageant queen with a taste for the living.”
To that, as the host, “you can expect some sick humor and a cold undead hand guiding you through a night of mystery and intrigue.”
Vanda LaRose is most inspired by the femme fatales from film and television a la Morticia Addams and Vampira. “This is brought into everything from the way I present myself to the costumes I wear. I am lucky enough to be a full-time entertainer and costume designer,” she said.
Fallon is so much more than just an entertainer; she also is an award-winning makeup artist. Diwa is a premiere dancer and entertainer in the nightlife world. And Die Divinity has quickly taken the scene by storm since their recent debut with alluring performances.
“Dragula is an alternative drag competition that came from the brain of the Boulet Brothers. It got its roots in the Los Angeles nightlife scene and grew to be an Emmy-nominated television show. We were very lucky to have Chicago performers compete on the show and represent us there. Having Jaharia here on our cast is very exciting.”
Death at the Drag Show will be a monthly event, returning to Hydrate on Tuesday, October 16.
“The show will naturally have a different feel as we rotate between the wealth of entertainers in the scene.” LaRose said. “To ask our audience to come with an open mind, nerves of steel, and a readiness to scream and have fun, In these times, all we have is each other so get ready to get loud, proud, and freaky.”
Showtime is 9:30 p.m., at Hydrate Nightclub.
“We will see high production value, deep and twisted feelings and maybe a little fake blood, if we’re lucky,” LaRose said. “This is very exciting because Chicago is home to some incredible drag that is routed in deep tradition of grandeur and opulence of theatrical proportions. This show has the intention to showcase artists that think beyond the already large scope of drag to take it to a dark place that is sure to thrill and dazzle the audience.”
Death at the Drag Show will feature Fallon, Die Divinity, Diwa and Jaharia (Dragula season 6).
“It means the world to me that Hydrate Nightclub is giving the space to alternative entertainers who deserve just as much of a spotlight as our fellow performers,” LaRose said. “The world is such a dark and twisted place right now; sometimes you need to work through all of that with your community on stage. It’s been a big part of my career to work towards bringing a touch of the darker side out into the light on more than just Halloween.
“I am thrilled to be hosting the show. There is a level of responsibility that I feel being the voice that moves the night along and welcomes artists to the stage. What each entertainer is bringing to the show is so special and unique to them that it feels like an honor to get to present them to the audience.”
Vanda LaRose is Chicago’s vampy evil diva, she said. “You can think, undead pageant queen with a taste for the living.”
To that, as the host, “you can expect some sick humor and a cold undead hand guiding you through a night of mystery and intrigue.”
Vanda LaRose is most inspired by the femme fatales from film and television a la Morticia Addams and Vampira. “This is brought into everything from the way I present myself to the costumes I wear. I am lucky enough to be a full-time entertainer and costume designer,” she said.
Fallon is so much more than just an entertainer; she also is an award-winning makeup artist. Diwa is a premiere dancer and entertainer in the nightlife world. And Die Divinity has quickly taken the scene by storm since their recent debut with alluring performances.
“Dragula is an alternative drag competition that came from the brain of the Boulet Brothers. It got its roots in the Los Angeles nightlife scene and grew to be an Emmy-nominated television show. We were very lucky to have Chicago performers compete on the show and represent us there. Having Jaharia here on our cast is very exciting.”
Death at the Drag Show will be a monthly event, returning to Hydrate on Tuesday, October 16.
“The show will naturally have a different feel as we rotate between the wealth of entertainers in the scene.” LaRose said. “To ask our audience to come with an open mind, nerves of steel, and a readiness to scream and have fun, In these times, all we have is each other so get ready to get loud, proud, and freaky.”