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From Rusicals to musicals!
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Over the years, several RuPaul’s Drag Race queens have demonstrated interest in musical theater. However, it’s been an uphill battle for these performers to actually land roles and get included in major musical productions.
Thankfully, things have been changing in musical productions around the United States, and even on Broadway. There’s never been a better time for Drag Race queens to get cast in major musicals, despite the swarm of anti-drag bills being pushed by conservatives. These talented drag performers are finally being recognized in a major way – and we couldn’t be happier!
Scroll through to check out which RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants have starred in musicals this year!
Jinkx Monsoon – ‘Chicago’
Two-time Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon kicked off a new era of musical theater inclusion for drag performers after playing the role of Matron ‘Mama’ Morton in Chicago. Over the course of her run, Jinkx smashed several records for the long-standing musical on Broadway.
Nina West – ‘Hairspray’
Nina West, the winner of Miss Congeniality on Drag Race season 11, played the legendary role of Edna Turnblad on a touring company production of Hairspray in 2023.
Peppermint – ‘A Transparent Musical’
In 2023, Drag Race season nine star Peppermint made herstory once again by originating the theater version of Davina in A Transparent Musical. This character was originally played by actress Alexandra Billings on the Prime Video series Transparent, but Peppermint brought it to life on the stage.
Olivia Lux – ‘Rent’ & ‘Kinky Boots’
In 2023 alone, Drag Race season 13 star Olivia Lux played the role of Lola in a production of Kinky Boots and also starred as Angel in a production of Rent.
Rosé – ‘Titanique’ & ‘The Wizard of Oz’
Rosé, also a contestant from season 13 of Drag Race, has had a huge year as well. She first starred as Victor Garber in Titanique, and was subsequently cast as Aunt Em and Glinda in an LGBTQ+ production of The Wizard of Oz.
Willam – ‘Titanique’
This year, Drag Race season four superstar Willam also starred as Victor Garber in Titanique.
| 09/13/23
