I recently told you that Jinkx Monsoon would reprise her history-making portrayal of Matron “Mama” Morton in the Broadway production of Chicago this June.  But she’s got another high-profile gig coming up before that.  Starting on April 2^nd, she’ll be playing Audrey in the off-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors.  While certainly a plum assignment, this one is not completely unprecedented.  Back in 2019, the then-billed Mj Rodriguez played the role of Audrey at the Pasadena Playhouse.  OK, perhaps that was even more eventful – a trans woman of color.  But good for you, Jinkx.

The Elton John musical version of The Devil Wears Prada has undergone many rewrites since its lackluster debut in Chicago back in 2022.  For the oft-delayed London premiere this fall, producers have enlisted the aid of a real diva – Vanessa Williams.  It’s perhaps a bit on-the-nose.  After all, Wilhelmina Slater on Ugly Betty was basically a rip-off of Miranda Priestly in Prada.  But at least we know Vanessa can play the role.  More than a few critics have noted that in Chicago, the role of Andy was played by a black woman.  This led to many reviews focusing on Miranda being mean to a black underling – thus injecting a racial undertone.  Now that we have a Miranda of color, what will that dynamic be like?  Or will Andy now be Caucasian?  And what would that mean?  Frankly, it’s all too exhausting.

Another person headed to the British stage is Todrick Hall.  He’ll be starring in a new musical based on the tepidly received Cher flick, Burlesque.  He’ll be playing the role of Sean – which was played onscreen by Stanley Tucci.  Both Steve Antin (director and writer of the film) and Christina Aguilera (film co-star) are producers of this new incarnation, which will have its world premiere at the Manchester Opera House in June.  We’re also told that the show will feature several songs by Todrick, Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren, and others.