The Sparkling Arrival of Bob the Drag Queen: A Broadway Debut Years in the Making
“My adrenaline was surging,” Bob the Drag Queen recalls of her January 27th opening night in Broadway’s Moulin Rouge! The Musical. “I was fueled by sheer excitement and quite a bit of Red Bull.”
While Bob is an icon of the stage and a master of extravagant fashion, donning the flamboyant mantle of Harold Zidler marked a pivotal milestone: her official Broadway debut. This moment arrived more than fifteen years after she first touched down in New York City, back when she was just another hopeful actor navigating the grueling audition circuit.
“My career has been a series of eclectic adventures—from reality television and literature to music, stand-up, and now the Great White Way,” says Bob, the celebrated winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8 and the charismatic emcee of Madonna’s massive Celebration Tour. “I am incredibly grateful for the fans who have followed me through every transformation.”
In a candid conversation, Bob reflects on the “non-audition” that landed her the role, her unconventional journey to the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, and which legendary characters she hopes to tackle next.
Behind the Curtain: A Conversation with Bob the Drag Queen
You are a seasoned performer, but did the theatrical nature of this production bring a different kind of nervous energy?
Not particularly. I’ve been acting for a long time and have performed in numerous plays over the years. My last significant stage role was in Angels in America nearly a decade ago. For me, the feeling is usually closer to intense excitement than traditional nerves.
Do you have any specific rituals to center yourself before the curtain rises?
Nothing overly mystical. I usually pass the time by listening to video essays or podcasts while applying my makeup and catching up with the backstage crew. I do my vocal exercises, of course, but I don’t have any ‘earthy’ rituals.
Stepping into a musical requires a rigorous eight-show-a-week schedule. How does your experience as a recording artist translate to the demands of live theater?
I genuinely enjoy singing. While I’ve performed live professionally many times, the sheer frequency of this schedule is a new challenge. It’s certainly a stretch beyond my usual routine, but that’s exactly what makes it so invigorating.
How much preparation time did you actually get with the full ensemble before your first night?
Surprisingly little. Much of the process is solitary. We had a ‘put-in’ rehearsal, which is essentially a full run-through, but it’s done without the full orchestra or costumes, and there’s no audience. It’s a bit of a leap of faith when the real show begins.
You’ve been vocal about your Broadway aspirations for years. How did the role of Zidler finally come your way?
The production reached out and invited me to a ‘work session.’ They insisted it wasn’t an audition, but let’s be honest—I was auditioning! I flew into New York, worked through several scenes with the team, and was offered the part shortly thereafter.
Did you have a deep-seated connection to the original Baz Luhrmann film before joining the cast?
Actually, no. I only saw the movie for the first time about a month ago. I was actually much more familiar with the stage adaptation, having seen it twice before I ever sat down to watch the film. I came into this with the stage version as my primary reference point.
How did you approach the character? Did you look to previous Zidlers for inspiration, or start from scratch?
I aimed for a clean slate. My interpretation is quite distinct from the actors who preceded me, like Wayne Brady or Robert Petkoff. I’m also technically the youngest actor to ever play Zidler—though at nearly 40, I’m only the ‘youngest’ by a small margin.
Your role as the emcee on Madonna’s Celebration Tour was widely praised. Did that experience inform how you command the audience at the Moulin Rouge?
I’ve been honing my skills as a host in New York City for 17 years. Whether it’s Stand Out for Netflix or various global drag tours, I’ve always been an emcee at heart. The Madonna tour was an application of everything I’ve learned over nearly two decades, and I’m bringing that same veteran energy to Broadway.
You were a standout on The Traitors. What are your thoughts on the current landscape of reality competition shows?
I think Alan Cumming is delivering an incredible performance this season. I’m currently hosting the official Traitors podcast, which has been a blast. My only gripe? We need more drag representation! If we can have two Olympic figure skaters in one season, we can certainly handle two drag queens.
What does life look like for you when you aren’t on stage? Are you prioritizing vocal rest?
I probably should rest more, but I’m a workaholic. I’m still recording my podcasts—Sibling Rivalry with Monét X Change, the Traitors podcast, and my solo show, Only Child. I see performers like Jessica Vosk out in the world and then hitting the high notes in Hell’s Kitchen, and that inspires me to keep moving.
Looking ahead, are there other Broadway roles you’re manifesting?
I have a long list. I’d love to play King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar, Miss Hannigan in Annie, or even a role in Oh, Mary!. I have a profound love for the theater; I could talk about it for hours.
Finally, after this run concludes, where can fans see you next?
Once my time at the Al Hirschfeld ends, I’ll be returning to my roots with a comedy tour. Theater was my first love, but stand-up comedy was the first love that loved me back. It took 17 years for the theater world to embrace me, but I’ve always known this day would come. I just had to be patient.
