Jinkx Monsoon.Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty
Jinkx Monsoonis coming back to the boards!
Afterher record-breaking run in the Broadway production ofChicago, the two-timeRuPaul’s Drag Racechamp and trans-femme actor is stepping into another major musical — this time, playing Audrey in the hit Off-Broadway revival ofLittle Shop of Horrors.
PEOPLE can announce the news exclusively. Monsoon will begin her limited run in the show beginning April 2.
It’s a historic move that comes with particular importance for Monsoon, according to the reality star. The Alan Menken and Howard Ashman musical, which first starredEllen Greeneas Audrey in its original 1982 production, had a significant impact on Monsoon at a young age.
“Little Shop of Horrorswas my favorite movie musical as a kid but Audrey is a role I considered out of the realm of possibility for me,” Monsoon tells PEOPLE. “To get to play her in this incredible production is terribly exciting. As a drag queen who grew up watching the iconic Ellen Greene performance, I’m thrilled and honored to get to bring Audrey to life in a whole new way that also pays homage to her memorable origins.”
Jinkx Monsoon.Jamie McCarthy/Getty
Opposite Monsoon will beHigh School MusicalstarCorbin Bleuas Seymour. He previously starred in the production opposite Wu. James Carpinello (Rock of Ages,Gotham) will play Dr. Orin Scrivello, D.D.S.
“We’re so excited to welcome Jinkx to theLittle Shopfamily as Audrey, and James making his return to the New York stage as Orin!” says producer Robert Ahrens. “We can’t wait to see what they create together through these iconic roles, opposite our returning Seymour, Corbin Bleu, who has been a treasured member of this company — both onstage, and behind the scenes.”
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Little Shop of Horrorsis based on the 1960 movie of the same name. Both tell the story of a down-on-his luck florist named Seymour who helps turn his boss’ plant shop around when he discovers a rare (and voracious) plant. He names the mysterious greenery Audrey II, after his co-worker and longtime crush, Audrey.
Ashman — who died in March 1991 at the age of 40 from his HIV/AIDS positive diagnosis — adapted the film for the stage, penning the show’s book. The musical originally premiered in New York City in 1982, before it transferred to Off-Broadway’s Orpheum Theatre, where it ran for five years.
A Broadway production finally came in 2003, starring Kerry Butler and Hunter Foster. It closed nearly a year later, after 40 previews and 372 performances.
The ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ movie.Image Courtesy of VIFF
Wood andDarren Crisswill play their final performances as Audrey and Seymour, respectively, on Sunday, March 31, .
Monsoon, meanwhile, will return toChicagoafter taking on Audrey. Earlier this month, it was announced she’ll assume the role of Matron “Mama” Morton again on June 27, for 20 performances through July 12 at the Ambassador Theatre.
Tickets forLittle Shop of Horrorsare available now atlittleshopnyc.com.
source: people.com
