This story originally appeared on Out.
Hieeeeeee!
As one of the most recognizable and notable queens to ever grace the main stage of RuPaul's Drag Race, Alaska Thunderf**k has achieved a new career milestone by playing Mary Todd in the hit Broadway touring production of Oh, Mary!
Since its debut on Broadway in July 2024, many iconic performers have stepped into the leading lady's shoes such as Jinkx Monsoon, Jane Krakowski, Maya Rudolph, John Cameron Mitchell, and currently Bowen Yang. While these A-list stars are slaying the stage in New York City, Alaska is bringing the show to a city near you by earning critical acclaim for her portrayal.
"It feels so good and so right! I'm so honored. I never thought that I would get to be in this show or play this role. I thought it was a very distant dream. It was a very long process and I was losing my mind every single day. I didn't let myself actually believe it was happening until we were in the rehearsal room. It's the best role and best play ever," Alaska tells Out.
Oh, Mary! won over audiences right off the bat and the show's creator, Cole Escola, made history as the first nonbinary winner to take home the Best Actor trophy at the Tony Awards. Fans are transported by Mary Todd's antics as she lives her life as a drunk cabaret star married to a deeply closeted president.
"It feels really natural! I'm sure everyone who's played Mary feels the same way. It's very bombastic and very over the top, but it's also very real. To me, it's not a comedy. It's real life! Her struggle is very real to me. That's where the humor, heart, and soul of the play comes from. I see a lot of myself in her."
Although Alaska has already reached mainstream appeal by winning season two of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars and hosting her successful podcast Race Chaser with Willam, Oh, Mary! feels like a real dream come true nearly two decades into her career.
"When I was a kid, I used to make believe that I would grow up and be a girl who sang songs in front of rooms full of people. I guess that has come true! I am that and I do that. I'm glad I survived and lived through some of my idiotic decisions in my younger life. At 41, I'm still alive and still able to do drag! I've been doing drag for 20 years at this point. It's for all of you!"
Oh, Mary! is on tour now and fans can get tickets here.
