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A hush fell over a luxe Austin hotel as a select group of friends, industry figures and fans gathered for a private send-off before the SXSW world premiere of the dark comedy thriller Drag. The hosts, two Hollywood veterans, kept the mood intimate and upbeat while the crowd savored food, drinks and a surprise music set that pushed the night into reverie.
Secret soirée at The Driskill: how the night began
The invite-only event took place at The Driskill, an ornate hotel in downtown Austin. Organizers kept details tight, but attendees trickled in under a relaxed, low-key vibe. An open bar and plenty of seating made it easy for guests to mingle between quick photo ops and private conversations.
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Who showed up
- Danny DeVito arrived early, greeted fans and posed for pictures before settling in with a glass of wine.
- John Stamos made a later entrance with his wife, Caitlin McHugh, chatting with friends and taking selfies.
- Cast members and collaborators circulated, including actress Lizzy Caplan and several of the film’s creative team.
Food, drink and friendly chatter
The spread was casual and crowd-pleasing. Servers kept plates moving while guests swapped lines about the film and the festival schedule.
- Open bar with wine, beer and spirits.
- Comfort foods: sliders, giant pretzels and garlic breadsticks.
- Snack staples: french fries and a large veggie tray with hummus.
The atmosphere balanced Hollywood polish with neighborhood warmth. Many guests lingered by the couches and bar, making the night feel more like a home gathering than a red carpet warm-up.
Unexpected live set steals the evening
Midway through the gathering, the music turned from background to showstopper. In a move that surprised most in attendance, a small band formed and launched into an energetic set.
John Stamos stepped up on guitar and later took the drums, joining forces with Fall Out Boy frontman Patrick Stump and two filmmakers, Raviv Ullman and Greg Yagolnitzer. Together they ran through songs by the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, whose quirky tracks feature in Drag.
Memorable moments from the performance
- Stamos traded guitars and drums during the set, drawing cheers from the crowd.
- Patrick Stump added rock punch to the unexpected lineup.
- Directors and producers jumped onstage for a loose, celebratory jam.
The surprise set created one of the night’s most photographed moments and gave guests an upbeat sendoff before the premiere.
Star interactions and snapshots
Throughout the evening, celebrities made time for fans. DeVito was photographed chatting and taking selfies while preferring to relax on a couch for much of the event. Stamos worked the room, posing with friends and pausing for quick exchanges with admirers.
There was casual camaraderie on display. Conversations ranged from the film’s themes to festival plans, and the mood stayed playful and supportive.
From private party to public premiere
After the festivities wound down, the cast and crew moved across town to the State Theatre for Drag’s world premiere at SXSW. The transition from intimate party to public screening felt seamless, as attendees traded conversational energy for red carpet poses.
Drag centers on two sisters who choose the wrong house to rob, only to find themselves trapped when a back injury strands one of them upstairs. The film blends pain, dark humor and tense escape sequences as the pair scramble to avoid an unwelcome return by the homeowner.
Production notes and creative team presence
Danny DeVito was not only a visible host but also a producer on the project, working alongside family and collaborators. The party drew several members of the film’s troupe, who used the night to celebrate the completion of their work and to rally interest ahead of screenings.
- Producers and cast mingled with local press and festival goers.
- Directors and musicians joined forces for the surprise performance.
- The event doubled as a networking hub before the premiere screening.
