Legendary S.F. drag queen returns to the Castro Theatre with 'Showgirls' and Gina Gershon

Peaches Christ marks her return to the Castro Theatre with 'Showgirls,' joined by film star Gina Gershon for a special 30th anniversary event.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:55pm by Ben Kaplan

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After more than two decades of presenting films at the Castro Theatre, San Francisco drag legend Peaches Christ is plotting her return to the venue when it reopens next month with another signature screening of the 1995 camp classic 'Showgirls,' joined by the film's star Gina Gershon for a special 30th anniversary event.

Why it matters

Peaches Christ's 'Showgirls' screenings at the Castro Theatre have become legendary, helping the film achieve cult status and cementing Peaches Christ's legacy as a pioneering drag performer and exhibitor. The return of these screenings, along with the Castro Theatre's reopening under new management, signals an exciting new chapter for San Francisco's iconic movie palace.

The details

Peaches Christ plans to present 'Showgirls' on April 2 with Gina Gershon, the film's star, in honor of its 30th anniversary. Peaches Christ first started screening 'Showgirls' at her 'Midnight Mass' movie series in 1998 at the former Bridge Theatre, and continued the tradition at the Castro Theatre for nearly 20 years. The screenings featured Peaches Christ 'bursting out of a volcano' and offered 'free lap dances with every large popcorn' as part of the experience.

  • Peaches Christ first started screening 'Showgirls' at her 'Midnight Mass' movie series in 1998.
  • Peaches Christ continued the 'Showgirls' screenings at the Castro Theatre for nearly 20 years.
  • The upcoming 'Showgirls' 30th anniversary event is scheduled for April 2, 2026.

The players

Peaches Christ

A legendary San Francisco drag performer and exhibitor who has been presenting 'Showgirls' screenings at the Castro Theatre for nearly two decades, helping the film achieve cult status.

Gina Gershon

The star of the 1995 film 'Showgirls,' who will join Peaches Christ for the 30th anniversary event at the Castro Theatre.

Another Planet Entertainment

The new management company that is overseeing the reopening of the Castro Theatre as an entertainment venue.

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What they’re saying

“I can't think of a better way than to celebrate Showgirls 30th anniversary than at the the fabulous Castro Theatre. Joy! Mischief! Art!! May this new chapter of Castro life sustain us!”

— Gina Gershon (San Francisco Chronicle)

“It was important to me that my first event back be a cinema event 'with Peaches Christ.'”

— Peaches Christ, Drag performer (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Peaches Christ plans to present filmmaker John Waters with the Frameline Award from the LGBTQ film festival at the Castro Theatre on March 17, ahead of Frameline's 50th anniversary festival in June.

The takeaway

Peaches Christ's return to the Castro Theatre with her legendary 'Showgirls' screenings, along with the venue's reopening under new management, signals an exciting new chapter for San Francisco's iconic movie palace and the city's vibrant drag and film communities.