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Tempe, AZ – The Tempe Improv was the epicenter of vibrant entertainment this past Sunday as the sold-out Wicked Sing-Along Drag Brunch, hosted by the vivacious Espressa Grande, delivered a premium theatre-geek experience where urban witches and wizards crooned along to songs from the runaway musical-turned-cinema phenomenon.

A fusion of musical theatre appreciation and dynamic drag artistry, Grande (not Ariana) and her fabulous trio sauntered and split their way through a two-hour set that also included well-worn hits and deep cuts from the original Broadway production and The Wiz.

From the moment doors opened, a palpable energy filled the venue. Patrons, many adorned in shades of green and glittering ensembles, eagerly anticipated the performance while enjoying brunch offerings from a collectible themed menu and specialty house cocktails like the shimmering “Ruby Slippers”.

The anticipation peaked with the entrance of Espressa Grande, the event’s charismatic host. Possessing a commanding stage presence and a bravado that resonated throughout the Improv, Grande immediately established a lively and engaging rapport with the audience. Her sharp wit and seamless transitions between acts kept the energy levels consistently high.

The brunch featured a lineup of talented drag performers who delivered lip-sync performances and showcased elaborate costuming that paid homage to a menagerie of Oz tunes interspersed with pop favorites. Eddie Broadway kicked-off the performance, delivering a sultry homage to Dr. Dillamond, transitioning to the apt “Throat Goat” by Kim Petras.

From there, Ms. Stella Prince took a turn as Elphaba, passionately delivering a performance of “I’m Not That Girl” before switching it up to fan favorite “Defying Gravity” with a defiant drop of her cape.

Not to be left behind in the wake of the Oz film that has yet to feature her—Rosie C. Savage captivated as dreamy farm girl Dorothy with her The Wiz rendition of “Over the Rainbow.”

The audience eagerly participated in the “sing-along” aspect of the event, passionately belting out iconic tunes such as “What Is This feeling?” and “Popular,” transforming the Improv into a collective chorus of Wicked enthusiasts. These featured numbers were just a taste of the lineup; each queen brought multiple looks and performances, blending Wicked deep cuts with clever, thematically on-point pop hits that kept the crowd engaged and surprised.

Beyond the captivating performances, the event fostered a sense of community and unbridled fun. Espressa Grande’s interactive segments encouraged audience participation, eliciting laughter and creating memorable moments.

The combination of high-caliber drag artistry, audience engagement, and the shared love for Wicked and all things Oz culminated in an afternoon of exuberant entertainment.

The Wicked Sing-Along Drag Brunch, spearheaded by Espressa Grande, proves to be a unique and highly engaging event within the local entertainment scene. Its successful blend of drag performance and interactive sing-along elements offers a refreshing and energetic brunch experience that resonates with a diverse audience.

For those seeking a departure from the conventional brunch outing, this event at the Tempe Improv and Improv family locations presents a compelling option for an afternoon of spirited entertainment. Flip Phone Events maintains a regular rotation at Improv family locations around the Valley—with themes changing every event, guaranteeing fresh concepts and dazzling performances.

But if you missed the magic this time, don’t worry—due to overwhelming demand, the Wicked drag brunch returns to the Tempe Improv on June 8. After all, some themes are just too pop-u-lar to bring down.

Photo Galleries

Photographer: Katherine Amy Vega

Spotlight Collections:

(These include additional photos that are not in the main collection below.)

Pre-Show Vibes & Crowd Moments (2 pages)
Espressa Grande | Eddie Broadway | 
Stella Prince | Rosie C. Savage

Main Collection

“Wicked” Sing-Along Drag Brunch – Tempe Improv 4-27-25

Photography © Katherine Amy Vega, Kataklizmic Design
All Rights Reserved.