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Plasma Shines Center Stage: Drag Race Star Announces Debut Live Album
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The vibrant intersection of drag and musical theater is about to reach new heights as Plasma—beloved for her scene-stealing run on Season 16 of RuPaul’s Drag Race—prepares to launch her debut live album, Is Miss Thing On? (Live from Joe’s Pub), on November 7, 2025 . Known for her dazzling vocals, theatrical panache, and heartfelt storytelling, Plasma is poised to deliver a project that bridges the worlds of queer nightlife and Broadway tradition.
The album’s highly anticipated lead single, “That’s Life”—a duet with Tony and Grammy-winning Broadway luminary J. Harrison Ghee—will be released on October 10, 2025, along with a music video . The collaboration promises to be a show-stopping showcase of queer excellence, theatricality, and vocal power.
Plasma’s decision to release a live debut album is a bold and rare move within both the drag and theater communities. Is Miss Thing On? was recorded before a rapt audience at Joe’s Pub in New York City on July 28, 2025, with the Benjamin Young Band providing lush musical backing . The album, co-produced by Plasma, Jackie Huba, Alex Grippo, and Benjamin Young, features a dynamic setlist blending musical theater standards, jazz classics, and original songs, including the cheeky, self-reflective “80 or Above,” which explores themes of love and resilience .
In a statement, Plasma expressed her deep connection to live performance: “I wanted to do this recording live for the same reasons that I love live theatre: I get one shot to do a great job in front of a live audience, and I can’t look back. I’ve always been a live performer at heart, so this album is a love letter to my truest self—the unafraid, spontaneous, and irrepressible Plasma you and I BOTH love to see” .
Plasma, born and raised in Mount Pleasant, Texas, and now based in New York City, first captured national attention on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16, where her Broadway-inspired performances and quick wit set her apart . Her viral “Funny Girl” tribute and memorable musical performances have helped redefine what it means to be a drag star in the 21st century .
Following her Drag Race journey, Plasma’s cabaret show “All That Plazz” toured to critical acclaim, cementing her reputation as a leading voice in the new wave of queer, Broadway-infused drag . Her move to create a full-length, live album is a natural evolution for an artist whose career has always thrived on the electricity of live performance.
The album’s lead single, “That’s Life,” pairs Plasma with J. Harrison Ghee, a trailblazer as one of the few openly nonbinary performers to win both a Tony and a Grammy Award . Ghee’s Broadway credits include starring turns in “Some Like It Hot” and “Kinky Boots,” and their collaboration with Plasma is being lauded as a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream entertainment .
The single’s release, along with its accompanying music video, is expected to spotlight the importance of visibility, resilience, and joy within the LGBTQ+ community. As drag and queer artists face increased scrutiny and legislative challenges globally, collaborations like Plasma and Ghee’s serve as affirming reminders of the transformative power of queer artistry .
Is Miss Thing On? is more than a musical showcase; it is a celebration of queer community, history, and self-expression. Between show-stopping numbers and candid banter, Plasma threads personal reflections with tributes to LGBTQ+ icons like Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, and Julie Andrews—artists whose own legacies have shaped generations of queer performers .
In a time when LGBTQ+ spaces and performers are under renewed pressure, Plasma’s album stands as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and sheer joy of queer performance. “This album is a love letter to my truest self, the unafraid, spontaneous Plasma you and I both love to see,” she said, echoing a message of authenticity and courage to fans worldwide .
Plasma’s rise from regional theater kid to Drag Race sensation to international cabaret star reflects a broader movement within queer culture—one that places value on tradition, innovation, and intergenerational connection. Her artistry bridges the gap between mainstream and underground, inviting new audiences into the rich world of drag performance while honoring its deep roots in LGBTQ+ history .
As she continues to tour globally, Plasma’s message is unwavering: Broadway may be her inspiration, but the queer stage is her home. Is Miss Thing On? promises to deliver not only musical thrills but also a sense of community and belonging, affirming the vital role of drag artists and queer performers in shaping the cultural landscape .
With the release of “That’s Life” on October 10 and the full album Is Miss Thing On? set for November 7, Plasma stands at the forefront of a new era for drag and LGBTQ+ artistry. Her willingness to take risks, celebrate her roots, and uplift fellow queer performers signals a bright future for inclusive, transformative entertainment .
In a world where representation matters more than ever, Plasma’s album is both a personal triumph and a cultural milestone—one that invites every listener, queer and allied alike, to step into the spotlight and celebrate the magic of living out loud.