Grand Dame and illusionist Shannel AKA Bryan Watkins fell into the of world drag by chance when she entered and won a Halloween contest at age 15. The stars aligned that day and one of Southern California's legendary performers was in the audience. "He asked me to join him in his show. I explained my age, we got approval from my parents and he picked me up for the gig and dropped me back home when we were done,” says Shannel.
Over the next decade, Shannel honed her craft working as a makeup artist for Chanel and hosting/performing shows along the Vegas strip. She's a pro at character illusions and loves transforming intro Barbra Streisand – her favorite entertainer of all time. "Her facial characteristics and imperfections are what make her perfect. She always wears such minimal makeup so to transform the illusion from me as a man, to a woman and make it work to be on stage and under lighting is a challenge,” states Shannel.
Shannel performing as Barbara Streisand
Shannel made her debut in 2009 via RuPaul's Drag Race Season 1 with hopes of becoming America's Next Drag Superstar but, unfortunately, Rebecca Glasscock sent her packing six episodes in. The following year, she served as a professor on RuPaul's Drag U, a show dedicated to helping women gain self-confidence through drag queen style transformations. She remains grateful to both the show and Ru: "Ru's brand with Drag Race and Drag U and anything he attaches his name to has really had an amazing impact on our community in general," she adds.
Catch Shannel every Saturday and Sunday for Drag Brunch at Senor Frog's or on the main stage of Piranha Nightclub Thursdays and Fridays.
Shannel’s favorite look
We chatted up the queen of Las Vegas to find her favorite after-hours spots in Sin City.
Peppermill Fireside Lounge
The Strip, $$
Shannel: Located on the north side of the strip, this 24-hour restaurant is seriously one of my favorite restaurants. It exudes vintage Las Vegas and the portions are huge. I took my best friend here for the first time years ago on vacation, now that she lives here with me she takes all of our friends there.
Bootlegger Italian Bistro
Southeast, $$
Shannel: With my performing schedule, I tend to eat at a different time than everyone else so a lot of my options are 24 hours. This is an Italian restaurant that is just so delicious. The ambiance is so lovely with a deep red velvet. Just a chill, relaxing place.
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
Eastside, $$
Shannel: It is a little bit more random than what you would expect, but I am obsessed with Benihana, and it is the best Benihana. But I'm not writing about Benihana …. I LOVE walking through Westgate Casino. It is like stepping back in time to Las Vegas in the 1970s or 80s. This particular casino is where Elvis had his residency and I think that is just bitchin. You still get that vibe when you walk through.
Piranha Nightclub
Eastside, $$
Shannel: Now I'm a little biased because I work here, but this really is the best gay nightlife in the whole city. For those who don't know, it is owned by the same owner of Gipsy Nightclub. What I love about this place is the amazing detail and thought put into each room. You're getting top-notch on texture, fabric, and all the decorations that really take you to another place when you step in through the doors.
Mandalay Bay
The Strip, $$$
Shannel: My all time, top favorite show on the strip is Michael Jackson "One" Cirque Du Soleil Show. I probably go once a month. Love the music, love the performances, love the theater and the hotel. There is nothing more that needs to be said Michael Jackson + Cirque Du Soleil sounds pretty convincing to me.
Shannel: My all time, top favorite show on the strip is Michael Jackson "One" Cirque Du Soleil Show. I probably go once a month. Love the music, love the performances, love the theater and the hotel. There is nothing more that needs to be said Michael Jackson + Cirque Du Soleil sounds pretty convincing to me.
RX Boiler Room
The Strip, $$$
Shannel: If you arrive early for your Michael Jackson "One" Cirque Du Soleil show and want a little cocktail, the RX Boiler Room in The Shoppes at Mandalay Bay is perfect. It's not too far into the little mall area (just right up the escalator) and it is a very swanky steampunk feel and has delicious libations to satisfy your thirst before heading into the showroom.
HEXX kitchen + bar
The Strip, $$
Shannel: When I moved back to Las Vegas, I had a show at the Paris Hotel in the Chateau Nightclub. Below and right along the edge of the strip is the HEXX Restaurant. The food is good, but the view is amazing. You have front row patio seating to the Bellagio Fountains. Get there on a slower evening and it really is one of the most relaxing meals you'll experience in Las Vegas.
The Blind Pig
The Strip, $$
Shannel: This is a little bar off of Dean Martin Drive right at the bottom of the Panorama Towers with great food and great drinks. If you want a chill bar with not so loud music and no asses to elbows filled with people to begin your night, this is certainly a place to check out.
Peppermill Fireside Lounge courtesy of @springtheme
Bootlegger Italian Bistro courtesy of @freetips4vegas
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino courtesy of @karajoymusic
Piranha Nightclub courtesy of @theofficialshannel
Mandalay Bay courtesy of @grob007
RX Boiler Room courtesy of @rxboilerroom
HEXX kitchen + bar courtesy of @hexxlasvegas
The Blind Pig courtesy of @theblindpiglv
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LA-born, Georgia-bred and one-half of a set of identical twins, Casha spends her days writing and exploring. She’s a classic film enthusiast, runner, dog walker and collector of quotes and tattoos. Follow her adventures @cashad.
Header Image courtesy of Shannel
