Mantasia 2: The Met Gala of Drag King Costume Design Returns

The Somerville Theatre
Somerville, Massachusetts
September 12, 2026

Presented by award-winning Boston drag king Rusty Hammer, The second annual installment of Mantasia: Celebrating Masculine Glamour in the World of Drag comes to the Somerville Theatre main stage for one night only on September 12.

Showcasing the breadth and depth of what it means to explore masculinity through drag performance and costume, a cast of drag kings from across the country have been tasked with bringing their newest, most elaborate, and innovative costume designs and accompanying acts. From Las Vegas showboys, to creatures of fantasy realms, to monsters of your deepest nightmares, Mantasia 2: Return to Mantasia combines music, fashion, dance, comedy, and stagecraft to continue its reputation as a drag-king revue the likes of which have never been assembled on one stage elsewhere in the world.

Drag and gendered performance is most often associated with drag queens exaggerating feminine aesthetics. While masculinity is often considered a neutral canvas, and femininity a performance to be commented on, what does it mean to be both masculine and glamorous? Whether you are a long time fan of drag kings, or being introduced to the art form for the first time, Mantasia 2 will showcase what drag can be in a new and fascinating light.

Celebrating the innovations and achievements of an often overlooked performance genre, Mantasia 2 is considered to be the Met Gala of masculine drag. Featuring a best-dressed audience member contest with a $100 cash prize, as well as the design and performance talents of King Molasses, Cyrus K. Stratton, Throb Zombie, Benjamin Banjee, Hal Apenyo, Mr. Elle Aye, Rusty Hammer Sherman, Darren Tashine, Dulce De Leather, The Bicount Boops, Slick O’Connell, Stabitha Christie, and Hawkeye Fierce.

Show contains adult situations and is for audiences 18+.