Jinkx Monsoon can smell success
Jinkx Monsoon has become a Broadway star after her breakout on RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2013. In 2025, she took centre stage in two major productions: Pirates! and Oh, Mary!, earning acclaim for her versatility. Her journey from reality TV to leading lady marks a rare transition in entertainment.
Monsoon’s rise to Broadway began with Oh, Mary!, which premiered at the Lyceum Theatre on July 11, 2024. Directed by Pinkleton—a 2025 Tony Award winner—the show cast her as a demented Mary Todd Lincoln. The role allowed her to blend sharp comedy with raw vulnerability, particularly in scenes where her character reflects on fleeting happiness and self-sabotage.
Her performance stood out for its emotional depth, even as the production retained its broad appeal. By 2025, Monsoon had cemented her place as a Broadway headliner, balancing *Oh, Mary!* with a second show, *Pirates!*. Looking ahead, she will revisit another iconic role in 2026. Monsoon is set to revive her *Drag Race* Snatch Game character, Judy Garland, in *End of the Rainbow* at London’s West End. The move continues her shift from drag performer to established stage actress.
Monsoon’s success on Broadway confirms her range beyond drag and reality television. With a Tony-winning director behind Oh, Mary! and a West End debut approaching, her career now spans comedy, drama, and musical theatre. The transition from RuPaul’s Drag Race to leading roles reflects a rare crossover in modern performance.
