By now, everyone with at least a score of “1” on the Kinsey Scale should know that Jinkx Monsoon has a groundbreaking role on Broadway.
As Mama Morton in Chicago they command the attention of everyone in the theater. Even though she’s not the official star, her picture’s the one on the Playbill and she gets way more applause than Roxy or Velma (but they’re tremendous, as well). The entire cast shines as a matter of fact.
We had the privilege of seeing Jinkx last weekend (and booking our tickets early so they were pretty affordable). But now that producers have announced an extension of Jinkx’s run through March 26, we implore anyone reading this to cash in air miles, hotel points or whatever it takes to get to New York City in the next couple of weeks to see our beloved Jinkxie.
As soon as they hit the stage, it gave us chills and tears to see a drag queen celebrated with uproarious applause on one of the world’s biggest stages. And the hype is legit. They’re incredible.
(Note that Jinkx will not appear in the role on March 13 or 14.)
Best of all, you can still snag tickets for as little as $75 and great seats for around $233.
You can also catch Ms. Monsoon in Dallas on Friday, July 28.
And if you’re lucky enough to make a last-minute trip to NYC work out, we have a few recommendations for other activities while you’re there.
It’s hard to have a bad meal in Manhattan, but we had dinner at one absolute standout this past trip.
First up, TAGMO. We discovered this restaurant by pure luck, watching Beat Bobby Flay on a Southwest Airlines flight. Chef Surbhi Sahni beat ol’ Mr. Flay and after ordering nearly everything on her menu, we can see why. The modern Indian cuisine is stellar. An added bonus we didn’t know until we sat down: It’s a restaurant run by a queer woman of color. Something we didn’t learn on the Food Network show! Try the Gushtaba for sure (it’s the dish that won her the TV show victory) and as many of the veggie dishes you can fit on the table.
Another experience we’ve never had in NYC, was a Sunday night drag show at The Stonewall Inn. We’ve been to the iconic bar a gazillion times, but never for drag and it was a nice juxtaposition to see young queens just starting out while in town to see one of the most accomplished queens in recent history.
Finally, if you’re looking for a fun place to stay in the heart of Chelsea, check out the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel. We had low expectations for a chain, but it wowed us from the moment we entered. It feels like an independent boutique hotel, offers spectacular views of the Empire State Building and greater Manhattan from several rooms and the rooftop deck, plus the rooms are cute, too. We had Marriott Bonvoy points burning a hole in our pocket, so it made sense and we’d definitely return.
So here’s to last-minute trips and being a champion of the arts and drag at a time when they both need our support more than ever.
Viva New York! And Viva Jinkx Monsoon!
Top Jinkx Monsoon photo by Jeremy Daniel
