Last year, Jinkx Monsoon made history by being the first drag queen to play Matron “Mama” Morton in the Broadway company of Chicago.  In a bit of history repeating, Monsoon will return to the role for a limited run – June 27^th through July 12^th.  Not a bad way to celebrate Gay Pride in New York City.

A wise person once said you take the good, you take the bad, you take them both, and then you have the facts of life.  Come to think of it, it wasn’t a wise person.  It was Gloria Loring.  Whatever.  We’ve already told you the good, now we have to report the bad.  The show My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) has been a hit in London, and was slated for a Broadway run.  This solo show was scheduled to open February 27th.  And yet, at this very late date, the producers announced plans to delay the opening until next year.  Something to do with money, I suppose.

Another show has announced intentions of reigning over the Great White Way next year – The Queen of Versailles.  It is based on the documentary of the same name about the life of beauty queen and TV personality Jacqueline “Jackie” Siegel.  The Boston tryout starts on July 16th for a limited five-week run.  This new musical will star Kristin Chenoweth and has been written by Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz, who I’m told wanted Chenoweth.  Tickets go on sale to the general public on February 28th at 10AM at EmersonColonialTheatre.com.

I want to applaud the Ogunquit Playhouse for their commitment to presenting new works.  True, many of these shows have had no life beyond the rocky Maine shore, but I’m still glad I saw them.  This season, they’ll be producing the world premiere of a musical version of My Best Friend’s Wedding.  Now, doesn’t that sound like a hit?  As long as they don’t screw up the book.  Not only is it a perfect vehicle for a stage show, but the songs come from the Burt Bacharach–Hal David catalogue – including “I Say a Little Prayer”, “Walk on By”, and “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again”.  It runs September 26 – October 27.  More details can be found at OgunquitPlayhouse.org.