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‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Star Valentina To Make Broadway Debut In ‘The Rocky Horror Show’
Drag performer Valentina, best known for RuPaul's Drag Race and Fox's Rent: Live, is set to make her Broadway debut in the revival of The Rocky Horror Show, taking over the role of Columbia. She begins performances on Tuesday 21 July, stepping into a production directed by Sam Pinkleton that stars Luke Evans as Frank-N-Furter. Valentina described the milestone as significant, saying she is honoured to be the first Trans Mexican American featured in a principal Broadway cast.
Valentina replaces Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, who departed the role on 21 June. The revival began previews in March, opened officially in April at Studio 54, and received nine Tony Award nominations this year without winning any. Despite missing out on awards, the show has performed strongly at the box office, with recent figures showing attendance at 93% of capacity, and its principal cast also includes Rachel Dratch, Andrew Durand, Harvey Guillén, Stephanie Hsu, Josh Rivera and Sherie Rene Scott.
In short
- Valentina joins Broadway's Rocky Horror Show as Columbia from 21 July
- She replaces Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, who left in June
- Revival earned nine Tony nods and plays to 93% capacity
Explained simply
Valentina is a drag performer who became known through RuPaul's Drag Race, a television competition where drag artists compete in various challenges. She has also appeared in other major television productions such as a live staging of the musical Rent. Her career has made her a prominent figure in the drag entertainment world.
The Rocky Horror Show is a cult classic musical that has entertained audiences for decades with its theatrical, irreverent style and loyal fan base. Broadway refers to New York City's premier theatre district and represents the highest level of professional theatre in the United States. A new production of The Rocky Horror Show is currently running on Broadway with a principal cast that includes Valentina.
Valentina's role in this production is significant because she is the first openly trans Mexican American performer to have a principal role in a Broadway production. This represents an important milestone for representation and diversity in mainstream theatre.