One of “RuPaul’s Drag Race’s” most stage friendly comedy theater queens and a true LGBTQ activist, Columbus, OH’s Nina West (Season 11 in 2019, All Stars Season 9 in 2024) is on the holiday road this season… with a NYC stop this month!
Thotyssey: Nina, hello! I wanted to first off ask about your recent show at 54 Below in NYC: Nina West is the Very Queen! How did you enjoy that experience?
Nina West: 54 Below is one of the most iconic performance spaces in the city. It’s Broadway’s Living Room! And I cannot believe I had the opportunity to make my solo New York City cabaret debut there. The team there is second to none, and they just make it such a special night out. And Patti LuPone gives the curtain speech! I mean, it is a video, but it is Queen Patti!
Was it exciting to watch back your Drag Race All-Stars season a few months ago? Was everything depicted more or less how you remembered it, or was there some editing curveballs that surprised you?
It was so much fun to go back and do All Stars 9! I had such a great time being in the workroom with so many friends, all playing for charity. And yes, it all played out on TV pretty much how I remember it… I won eight stars, right? And was Top 2?
What’s been your favorite thing about Drag Race stardom so far?
I think my favorite thing about having this Drag Race platform is that it has opened me up to so many opportunities. I have toured the world because of the show. I have met some of my heroes and creatives inspirations because of Ru and the fam at World of Wonder. It has changed my life in ways I can’t even put to words, and I am very grateful.
Besides being a fabulous queen, you are also an incredible LGBTQ activist. Does that sort of thing become more challenging and scary in these uncertain times we find ourselves in?
I think that these are really trying times… and yes, it is scary. But we can’t stop. We have to keep showing up for ourselves and one another.
As we are approaching the holiday season: what’s your ideal Christmas situation look like, as far as how you normally like to celebrate or spend time during the holiday?
When I am not on the road with [show producers] Murray and Peter, I love to spend my time during the holidays with my family and chosen family. I can’t get enough of seeing all of the holiday specials. And if there is a live concert situation–move over! I love a holiday pops concert from our symphony in Columbus, or The Nutcracker, or A Christmas Carol… anything I can see live to put me in the spirit of the season. I also love to have some nights in and bake and put on some Christmas classics.
What’s your favorite Christmas carol?
“(Christmas) Baby, Please Come Home” by Darlene Love is the ultimate Christmas song for me.
This season, you will be hosting Murray and Peter’s 10th anniversary Christmas revue “A Drag Queen Christmas” alongside a fabulous cast of RuSisters! On November 21st we can see you at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn alongside Sapphira Cristal, Roxxxy Andrews, Crystal Methyd and Brooke Lynn Hytes. What can folks expect from this tour, and how fun will it be to travel and perform with all these Gworls?
This tour really has the best talent! I am so excited to host this 10th anniversary celebration with some of the best on the roster. I think that audiences can expect to be fully gooped, gagged, and swagged as their halls get decked and their bells get jingled! This is a not-miss event!
What else is coming up for you that the kids need to know about?
Watch out for Tina Romero’s Queens of the Dead, a brand new movie that stars Jaquel Spivey, Katy O’Brian, Dominique Jackson, Cheyenne Jackson, Margaret Cho, Brigette Lundy-Paine, and so many more (AND MEEE!!!) as well as a book from Harper Collins, some new music, touring, and more!
And finally: what’s the best Christmas present you ever got?
When I was a kid, I got a Teddy Ruxpin. It was magic.
Thanks, Nina!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Nina West’s upcoming area appearances, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkTree.
Thotyssey 