DENVER — Sequins sparkled in the sun, opera voices soared, and drag queens worked the stage on Sunday, June 7, 2026, for Central City Opera’s "Drag Me to the Opera" celebration at Levitt Pavilion. The grassy fields of the venue were packed for an afternoon of music, comedy, and a Pride Month celebration like no other.

Part of Levitt Pavilion's free summer concert series, the event combined opera, drag performance, musical theater, and audience participation into an unforgettable show. It was designed to introduce new audiences to opera while celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

Families spread blankets across the lawn, children danced near the stage, and spectators filled the amphitheater for the unique production, which paired live opera singers with drag performers lip-syncing, dancing, and serving plenty of attitude.

"This is actually our third season here at Levitt," said Adam Scurto, Central City Opera's managing director of external affairs. "We're just thrilled to be back," he said.

A Central City Opera vocalist performs while drag artist Gila Moonstar brings the number to life during the June 7, 2026, "Drag Me to the Opera" event at Denver's Levitt Pavilion.

Photo by Mindy Leary

He described the event as an exploration of the intersection of drag culture and opera, noting that both art forms feature larger-than-life characters, elaborate costumes, and no shortage of drama.

The afternoon was a little preview of Central City Opera's 2026 season, introducing audiences to this summer's productions: "Master Class," "The Ballad of Baby Doe," and "The Marriage of Figaro."

The show began with a playful storyline about artist Kira Dills-DeSurra, being transformed into a drag queen. She portrays Cherubino in The Marriage of Figaro.

Throughout the performance, Denver drag favorites Anastasia Krystals, Zarah Misdemeanor, Gila Moonstar, and others were tasked with transforming Dills-DeSurra into a full-fledged drag performer, complete with makeup, costume, accessories, and, most importantly, confidence.

Drag queens entertain the crowd between operatic selections during Central City Opera's Pride Month showcase.

Photo by Mindy Leary

"Ladies, we are given the incredible, immense, insurmountable task of transforming our friend here, Kira, into a certified glamazon,” said the emcee. 

Along the way, the audience got a crash course in opera.

"Master Class"

The first featured production was "Master Class," Terrence McNally's acclaimed play inspired by legendary soprano Maria Callas. The work imagines Callas leading a master class for young singers, blending humor, heartbreak, artistic wisdom, and larger-than-life personality.

Hosts compared Callas to today's celebrity culture, joking that she was the original reality television star long before reality television existed. 

The audience was treated to scenes inspired by the production, including a demonstration of what an opera master class looks like, featuring apprentice artist Jeremy Luis Lopez.

"The Ballad of Baby Doe"

The season's second production, "The Ballad of Baby Doe," carries special significance in Central City. The opera premiered at the Central City Opera House in 1956 and celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.

Set during Colorado's silver boom, the opera tells the story of Horace Tabor and Baby Doe Tabor, whose romance, wealth, scandal, and eventual downfall became one of the state's most famous historical dramas. 

During Sunday's performance, audiences heard a preview from tenor Joshua Kaminsky, offering a glimpse into the sweeping emotions that have made this opera a classic in Colorado.

"The Marriage of Figaro"

The final production, Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro," promises plenty of mistaken identities, romance, disguises, and chaos. 

Dills-DeSurra explained that Cherubino is one of opera's famous "pants roles," in which a woman portrays a young man. As if that weren't complicated enough, the character later disguises himself as a woman, creating the kind of gender-bending comedy that fit perfectly with the afternoon's drag theme.

The event never took itself too seriously. Between operatic performances, the drag queens traded jokes, teased one another, and interacted with audience members.

Cheers erupted throughout the afternoon as performers sashayed across the stage, lip-synced to Broadway favorites, and mixed campy humor with genuine musical talent.

Near the end of the show, the audience became part of the act. Volunteers were invited onto the stage for a lip-sync contest, complete with props and costumes. 

"Oh, my goodness. Look at these divas coming up. Can we hear a round of applause for these fabulous human beings?!" cried the emcee.

Over a dozen participants joined in while the crowd sang along to Chappell Roan's "Pink Pony Club" from the lawn. Children, parents, opera fans, drag enthusiasts, and curious first-timers all found themselves sharing the spotlight.

The finale transformed the pavilion into an impromptu dance party. What began as an opera preview ended as a community celebration.

"It's such a fun venue to meet people where they are down the hill, and we hope that folks who enjoy this get a taste of it and come on up for the Summer Festival in a couple of weeks," said Scurto.

As the drag queens say, "Happy Pride Month, everyone!"

Central City Opera's 2026 Festival runs from June 27 through August 2 at the historic opera house in Central City. More information can be found at centralcityopera.org.