Jinkx Monsoon to Play Mama in CHICAGO this January — Page 3

I don't suppose there is any chance of an extension? (not sure how the revival typically works with these kind of casting decisions).

binau said: "I don't suppose there is any chance of an extension? (not sure how the revival typically works with these kind of casting decisions)."

I mean, anything can happen. If she’s raking in the bucks, they’ll want her to come back at some point if not extend. (I think the same about Pamela Anderson).

I think the bigger factor would be more her touring schedule with BenDeLaCreme and other Ru-events

I plan to see the show in the coming weeks based on my availability. Looks like Charlotte is staying and Emma won't be Roxie. Regardless, it's nice to see some fresh faces in this show. Also, James is amazing in anything he does. Also gives 110%.

Does anyone know if Jinkx is signing at the stage door?

I was there covering press for their opening night and also last night. The show is in GREAT shape. Just watching Charlotte is a MASTERCLASS. Whoever dreamt up this casting needs a raise. Lana, James = perfection. And JINKX. The audience went berserk and rightfully so. She is WONDERFUL. Coming from the drag and improv world works high in her favor. Unlike many celebrities, she understands character choices (just not playing herself) and layers. I can only imagine who great she will be by the end of her run.


Also, while she is singing stuff, on the first night she stopped and made a quick speech telling people that she can't chat long with them. Many people were telling her where they can from, personal stories, and Jinkx was trying to navigate the large crowd. Last night she said she would sign and photos, but programs, etc had to be opened ahead of time.

Updated On: 1/19/23 at 12:32 AM

I was at the show tonight. Here are some brief thoughts. (This is her third show in the run, but it is after a day off...though I know she did a bunch of press yesterday/before the show today)

One, the Playbill cover is still not Jinkx specific; I do believe they are getting one if Playbill's site is to be believed. There was a cute insert though, as mentioned earlier in this thread. Her branded Chicago march was there however, and I bought it all. The Magnet, the windowcard and the tee. Shes my fav Ru girl; I had to!

I hadn't seen Chicago in likely a decade, my first and only visit was when Michelle Williams (of Destiny's Child) was in as Roxie and I recall very much not liking her and that tampering my enjoyment of the show.

Going in with older, but fresh eyes, the show is obviously great, the score is iconic, and frankly, the show is in pretty good shape. Now Jinkx...

She looks stunning. She hits the comedy beats like the pro show is. One minor line flub during her first scene, but no others that I noticed. And she can sing very well, except, and this saddened me, the 2 big belt money notes in her numbers. She was almost whisper-belting to finally find her voice, (think sore throat trying to sing) kind of riding up the scale from "where did my voice go for that one second to, ahh there it is", and it was a tad disheartening. One bad note in one song, fine, but two bad notes in two songs, your only two songs; The Money Notes...It doesn't seem like that happened on her Opening night. Had she hit those couple notes it would've been a perfect evening, even with Charlotte D'Amboise out. I know I'm nitpicking.

Was it jitters? Is she unprepared for the 8 show a week task? Was it just an off night? Hopefully experiences unlike mine prove to be the norm. That being said I had a fantastic time, and do think she is worth seeing. The staff at the Ambassador was also top notch and helped me with a seating issue that I am eternally grateful was solved in minutes and to my satisfaction.

I did not stage door due to the rain, but do plan to pop by one evening later in the run when its nicer out.

Jinkx on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBV6hD44hbs

I find it interesting that the producers are making Jinkx share a dressing room with 2 other actors during her run. I would have assumed that she’d get her own.

Unless they rent a hotel room down the street, there’s no private dressing room to offer. Can’t negotiate for something that doesn’t physically exist.

Do they usually sell limited cast-related merch? I would have loved for a magnet or shirt from some of the previous stunt castings…so happy for Jinkx though. She really has put in the hard work in her career and I love seeing her get praise and success.

Does anyone have a discount code that isn't BWAY week? Thanks!

Balcony2 said: "I believe we're witnessing something legendary."



I mean, legendary? Probably not. Saw it a few days ago. It was entertaining.

LuPone in Gypsy is Legendary.

Peters in Follies is legendary.

JHol in Dreamgirls, legendary.

This was smart stunt casting in a relatively small role. Jinkx doesn't carry the show. Charlo does.

That's the truly legendary performance you're seeing in Chicago at the moment.

Saw Jinkx tonight and my God, she was fabulous. The voice, the acting, the stage presence, it’s all just…correct. I truly truly hope this leads to more roles in the future.