‘Memoirs of a Drag Queen’ to Premiere Off-Broadway This Spring

New York, NY – March 18, 2026 – A new one-person musical, Memoirs of a Drag Queen, written and composed by Bernard J. Taylor, will make its New York debut next month at the Sargent Theatre at the American Theatre of Actors. Previews begin Wednesday, April 29, with opening night set for Friday, May 1, for a four-week engagement.

A Journey of Self-Discovery Through Music and Drag

Structured as a confessional memoir, Memoirs of a Drag Queen traces a performer’s journey from a shy childhood to self-possession and creative freedom, utilizing music and drag as tools for both armor and self-expression. The production, staged in the intimate 65-seat Sargent Theatre, aims to create a personal and immersive experience for the audience, resembling a conversation rather than a traditional musical performance.

From San Antonio to New York and London

Bernard J. Taylor, the show’s writer and composer, has received more than 14 ATAC Awards (San Antonio’s equivalent of the Tony Awards) for his stage works. He previously presented his one-man play, Tennessee Williams: Portrait of a Gay Icon, at the Sargent Theatre, where it garnered critical acclaim before transferring to London. Broadway World provides further information on Taylor’s work.

Inspiration and Challenging Assumptions

Taylor shared that he was inspired to create Memoirs after watching RuPaul’s Drag Race and listening to the life stories of its performers. He combined these observations with his own experiences overcoming shyness to identify his voice. The show, according to Taylor, reflects this journey—not just as a drag queen, but as a human being.

Memoirs of a Drag Queen aims to challenge assumptions about drag culture, presenting it as a complex and inclusive art form that transcends labels and stereotypes.

Meet Amory Legato

The production stars Nicolas Moncayo, performing under his drag persona, Amory Legato.