Jinkx Monsoon has officially cemented her Broadway star power. The two-time RuPaul’s Drag Race winner closed her eight-week run as Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary! to a sold-out house every night, Playbill confirmed.
By her final week at the Lyceum Theatre, Monsoon helped the production reach its highest gross since playwright and original star Cole Escola departed in June. Average ticket prices soared to $185, signaling that audiences weren’t just showing up for Monsoon, they were clamoring for her.
From Drag Race to Broadway Box Office Gold
Monsoon’s leap from drag icon to consistent Broadway draw has been swift and undeniable. After winning Drag Race twice, she made waves with her acclaimed turn as Matron “Mama” Morton in Chicago, a performance so popular she was invited back for a second stint. She also originated a role in Pirates! before stepping into Escola’s hit dark comedy.
What was once novelty casting has become proof that Monsoon is a bona fide theater force. Audiences know she delivers, and producers know she sells tickets.
Breaking Barriers and Looking Ahead
Beyond box office success, Monsoon continues to reshape what representation looks like on Broadway. As a trans woman and drag queen, her visibility in leading roles signals new possibilities for who gets to take up space on the stage.
While she hasn’t announced her next theater role, Monsoon has hinted at ambitions to expand into film, television, and even a debut on London’s West End.
A Holiday Tradition Returns
Fans won’t have to wait long to see her back onstage. Monsoon is reuniting with longtime creative partner BenDeLaCreme for the eighth annual Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show, which kicks off in November. The duo is crafting an all-new production that teases a Freaky Friday-inspired twist. If past tours are any indication, audiences can expect camp, chaos, and a few heartfelt moments mixed in.
Monsoon may have just taken her final bow as Mary Todd Lincoln, but the standing ovations are far from over. With a sold-out Broadway run behind her and a holiday tour on the horizon, she’s proving she’s not just a Drag Race champion, she’s a theater powerhouse!
