Brace yourself, Seattle! This March, drag superstar and comedy powerhouse Sapphira Cristál will bring her sensational new stand-up tour, One Slue over the Cuckoo’s Nest, to the Emerald City. A fan favorite from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 16, Sapphira is ready to deliver a night of outrageous humor, heartfelt moments, and dazzling drag you won’t soon forget.
Known for her incisive wit, magnetic presence, and operatic voice, Sapphira Cristál is a true original. Her latest show dives headfirst into the absurdities of modern life — from travel mishaps and weight fluctuations to the worldwide K-pop craze. With her signature slue-footed charm and impeccable comedic timing, Sapphira transforms chaos into comedy and invites audiences to laugh at the madness we all share.
“One Slue over the Cuckoo’s Nest is what happens when you’re locked in a room with high comedy, low patience, and impeccable wigs for drag therapy with me. And I’m both the doctor and a patient,” she said teasingly.
Sapphira’s journey is as impressive as her performances. She’s graced legendary venues like Lincoln Center, performed alongside Madonna on the Celebration Tour, and wowed audiences worldwide with her theatrical productions. Now, she’s channeling that star quality into stand-up, bringing a fresh perspective — and plenty of glamour — to the comedy circuit.
FG: How does your drag persona influence your comedy style?
SC: My drag persona is all about being BIG — big hair, big lashes, big looks, and a big ol’ booty! And, of course, a big mouth to share everything I’ve seen and exactly what I think about it. I’m a little off the wall, so my perspective tends to be delightfully skewed. That larger-than-life energy naturally spills into my comedy. Whether I’m serving a look or serving a punchline, it’s all about going bold, being unapologetically me, and making sure everyone is having a good time.
FG: You’ve performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, including Lincoln Center and Madonna’s tour. How does performing in comedy clubs compare?
SC: Out of all the stages I’ve performed on — whether it’s Lincoln Center or Madonna’s tour — comedy clubs are by far the most terrifying. Usually, I’m performing other people’s work, whether it’s singing opera, lip-syncing, or dancing. But with stand-up comedy, it’s just me — raw and unfiltered — sharing what I think is funny and hoping the audience agrees. It’s vulnerable, nerve-racking, and completely thrilling. I love making people laugh at things they might not normally find funny — it’s such a unique challenge. And as scary as it is, it’s also the most fun I’ve ever had on stage.
FG: Drag and comedy both require a lot of vulnerability. How do you balance being open and staying true to yourself while making people laugh?
SC: I have a self-love practice that I take with me everywhere I go — it’s become a bit of a signature for me. I raise my arms in the air, wave my hands, wrap my arms around myself, take a deep breath, and say, “I truly love and accept myself.” I repeat it a few times, and it grounds me. It’s a reminder that I’m loved, I’m enough just as I am today, and I’m fully present in the moment.
Being present is, in my opinion, one of the most important habits to maintain in stand-up. It allows you to be both vulnerable and funny while connecting with the audience in a real way. It also gives you the freedom to make spur-of-the-moment observations that complement your prepared material. When you’re present, the audience feels safe in your care, and that’s when the magic happens.
FG: You’ve been a mentor and teacher in the drag and performance world. How do you hope your comedy inspires your audience?
SC: I hope my comedy inspires my audience to laugh more — even at the things we usually see as sad or heavy. When you can laugh at something, it takes away some of its power. It feels a little less scary, a little less overwhelming. And in that moment of laughter, you’re not just finding relief — you’re also empowering yourself to face it and maybe even do something about it.
FG: What’s one thing you hope audiences take away from One Slue over the Cuckoo’s Nest?
SC: If there’s one thing I hope audiences take away from One Slue over the Cuckoo’s Nest, it’s that life is funny. No matter how wild, chaotic, or unexpected it gets, there’s always humor to be found if you’re willing to look for it.
FG: Looking back at your time on RuPaul’s Drag Race, what was the most surprising lesson you learned?
SC: The biggest lesson I learned on RuPaul’s Drag Race is that you can be the best and still lose — and that’s okay! Losing a competition doesn’t define you or make you a loser in life. What matters is how hard you’re willing to work to chase your dreams.
I’m living proof of that. Since Drag Race, I’ve headlined five national and international tours, I’ve shared the stage with Madonna three times, and now I’m embarking on my first solo comedy tour. None of that would’ve been possible if I had ever entertained the thought of giving up on myself. When I want something, I go after it with everything I’ve got. Because at the end of the day, a girl who fights for what she wants is always a winner, baby!
Sapphira Cristál’s One Slue Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is more than just stand-up — it’s a celebration of resilience, authenticity, and joy. With her razor-sharp humor and larger-than-life charisma, she delivers an experience that is as inspiring as it is hilarious.Whether you’re a devoted fan or new to her world, this is a night of comedy and drag excellence you won’t want to miss.
Tickets for the March 29 show at the Emerald City Comedy Club are now on sale at https://www.sapphiracristal.com/tour.
Frank Gaimari is an author and film reviewer in Seattle, where he lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. You can learn more about his work at www.FrankGaimari.com.
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