By Valerie Milano
Photos THT/Ana Maria Gill
Cathedral City, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/28/25 – Last night, the Coachella Valley Repertory Theater sparkled with sequins and sentiment as World of Wonder hosted the Palm Springs premiere of The Little Pageant That Could, celebrating its streaming debut with a glamorous screening and a heartfelt community gathering. The event paid tribute to the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, the power of drag, and the legacy of one of Los Angeles’ most meaningful grassroots fundraisers—the Best in Drag Show.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker and journalist John Carlos Frey, The Little Pageant That Could captivated the audience with its emotional storytelling and cultural relevance. The documentary chronicles the rise of the Best in Drag Show from a modest 1990 fundraiser into a multi-million-dollar movement that not only brought joy but also tangible support to those living with HIV/AIDS. Frey’s remarks following the screening were met with a standing ovation, as he acknowledged both the heroes featured in the film and those in the audience who had lived through the height of the AIDS crisis.
MC Lotta Slots was our hostess. Adding a touch of camp and charisma, drag superstar Salina EsTitties delivered a crowd-pleasing performance that lit up the stage and reaffirmed the art of drag. Known from RuPaul’s Drag Race, Salina’s powerful presence brought cheers and tears, perfectly complementing the night’s emotional undercurrent.
Beyond the film and performance, the evening served as a fundraiser for the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, with proceeds supporting vital services for local queer residents. In a region with a large LGBTQ+ population, the event emphasized the continued need for connection, resources, and celebration of queer culture in all its forms.
The event also reaffirmed World of Wonder’s reputation as a cultural powerhouse. From RuPaul’s Drag Race to landmark documentaries, WOW continues to uplift LGBTQ+ stories with nuance and flair. Their production of The Little Pageant That Could is yet another example of their commitment to amplifying queer voices and preserving LGBTQ+ history.
The Palm Springs premiere of The Little Pageant That Could was more than a film screening—it was a full-circle moment of remembrance, celebration, and activism. With laughter, tears, and a room full of fierce love, the event reminded everyone that drag isn’t just entertainment—it’s resistance, resilience, and real-life magic.
Event Highlights:
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Film: The Little Pageant That Could, directed by John Carlos Frey
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Performance: Salina EsTitties brought the house down
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Cause: Proceeds benefitted the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert
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Location: Coachella Valley Repertory Theater, Cathedral City, CA
Now streaming – The Little Pageant That Could on WOW Presents Plus.
