JINKX MONSOON’S JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND TALENT
Interview // Phil Gomez
Photos // Danica Robinson
Produced // Danica Robinson + Witch House PR
Styling // Dot
Styling assistant // Rachel Waxenberg
Hair // Davey Matthew
Makeup // Mollie Gloss
Cover Art // Pearl Zhang
Jinkx Monsoon, the reigning monarch of drag, has seamlessly transitioned from ruling the Drag Race kingdom to conquering Broadway, and now, she’s poised to captivate audiences in the iconic British sci-fi series, Doctor Who. As she prepares to don the mantle of Maestro, a menacing new villain, Jinkx graciously shares insights into her multifaceted career and the thrilling journey ahead.
Doctor Who is such an iconic series, and you’re stepping into it as Maestro. Did you have a fan moment when you found out you got the role, and how are you planning to put your own twist on this classic villain?
Jinkx: “I definitely had a fan moment–not only as a fan of Doctor Who, but as a fan of Russell T Davies. His writing and what he’s created in the world of television is remarkable and it was terribly exciting to join one of his more fantastical endeavors. With great writing, the character kinda forms itself when you really show up for the work. There’s tons of things I’d love to play in a villain— but I didn’t need to reach far for Maestro— it was all, already there for them in the text.”
From Broadway to battling the Doctor, your range as an artist is impressive. What dark corners did you have to explore to bring Maestro to life, and did anything about the role surprise you?
Jinkx: “What I like about Maestro is that while they are extremely powerful and eternal–they also still have an ego, a mission, and human-like qualities and traits. That is so much more fun to play with than just “evil” with capital E. What surprised me most about playing this character was probably my moments of butchness.”
Doctor Who is a global phenomenon. How does it feel to join the Whovian universe, and do you have any secret sci-fi obsessions that influenced your portrayal of Maestro?
Jinkx: “I’m a fan of sci-fi, fantasy, horror— I like entertainment that is grand and spectacular. My whole life, I’ve admired actors who can create huge, captivating characters— who still have nuance, layers, and depth. The trick is connecting your big portrayal to something true.”
Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors” is a juicy role filled with heart and humor. How do you balance the darkness and the light in playing such an iconic character, and what’s been the most fun part of this particular stage journey?
Jinkx: “I guess you could say, I balance the light and the dark by knowing that the sad parts of my character are important for the story. Audrey goes through this pain night after night so that we can learn from it- so that we can identify toxicity in our own lives. She is also meant to be that light in the darkness— so you can’t get so lost in the sad, that you forget that she is brimming with life and a source of joy for the other characters as well as the audience.”
You’ve shattered Broadway records as Matron “Mama” Morton in Chicago. How do you approach roles with such history, and what’s been your most memorable moment on the Great White Way so far?
Jinkx: “I guess I approach roles, bring into them whatever attracted me to them in the first place. Lots of times, that is related to how I first saw them— but not always.”
Your path to Doctor Who started with your cabaret show “Together Again, Again” catching Russell T Davies’ eye. What was it about that performance that made him think, “Yes, she’s Maestro,” and how do you see cabaret influencing your work in TV and film?
Jinkx: “Cabaret, film, TV, musical theater—it’s all storytelling. I spent years working primarily in cabaret and through performing with those intimate audiences- learning how to tell a story as concisely but as entertainingly as possible… learning the effect a simple change in facial expression can have… it was like I had a play to put into practice EVERYTHING I had learned from watching Lucille Ball in… anything she was in.”
Winning RuPaul’s Drag Race not once but twice is legendary. How has your journey from drag queen to stage and screen star reshaped your definition of success, and what’s been the most unexpected perk of your drag fame?
Jinkx: “If you’re looking for a trick to success as an artist, you’ll make yourself crazy. Sure there are tricks, but the tricks that work leave you feeling hollow. The real thing is to do what you’re passionate about— really put in the work to effectively bring your passion to the world— do it because you believe in what you’re doing, not because you think you’ll get rich and famous.”
Your identity as transfeminine is a powerful aspect of your artistry. How do you see your representation impacting audiences, especially in roles like Maestro, and what strides do you hope the industry will make for LGBTQ+ visibility?
Jinkx: “I think representation in our media and entertainment is so important, because it’s how we (those of us who are motivated and inspired by the art and entertainment we consume) see what’s possible for ourselves.”
“Together Again, Again” is coming back for a residency in Seattle. What new twists can fans expect from this encore, and what keeps drawing you back to the stage with Major Scales?
Jinkx: “Seattle audiences can definitely expect it to be fine-tuned to their sensibilities. The beauty of creating and performing your own work, is it can shift to the region is camping out it! Major and I started our artist’s journey together in Seattle over a decade ago, and every time we get to bring something there, it’s a warm homecoming.”
You’ve conquered Drag Race, Broadway, and now Doctor Who. What’s the secret to your meteoric rise, and what advice do you have for those dreaming of following in your footsteps?
Jinkx: “Do it because you love it and you can’t picture life without it— not because you wanna be famous. For me, “fame” is just a necessary evil to be invited into more incredible productions—because where I’ve been recently is where I wanna be! So do it because you love it, because you believe in it, and because you believe in what you’re doing it for. That, and don’t become an alcoholic.”
Jinkx Monsoon’s ascent from drag royalty to global entertainment phenomenon is a testament to talent, tenacity, and staying true to oneself. As she embarks on her latest adventure in the Whovian universe, audiences worldwide eagerly anticipate the electrifying performance she’s sure to deliver as Maestro.
