Ginger Minj Lands Dream Role As Edna Turnblad In ‘Hairspray’ Musical

Drag superstar Ginger Minj is stepping into one of musical theater’s most iconic roles. The RuPaul’s Drag Race champion will make her Broadway Sacramento debut as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, with performances running August 21-30 at the UC Davis Health Pavilion.

Produced by Broadway At Music Circus, the limited engagement will mark Ginger Minj’s first time taking on the beloved role, following in the footsteps of performers including Divine, Harvey Fierstein and other stars who have brought Tracy Turnblad’s hilarious and heartwarming mother to life.

Tickets for the production are available here. Ginger Minj Calls Edna Turnblad Role A “Dream Come True”

For Ginger Minj, playing Edna Turnblad is a full-circle theatrical moment.

“To finally play Edna Turnblad is truly a dream come true,” Ginger Minj said. “She is one of musical theater’s most beloved characters because she reminds us that love, family, and believing in one another can change the world.”

The performer added that Hairspray feels especially meaningful during a time when audiences are looking for connection and celebration.

“At a moment when people need joy more than ever, I can’t think of a better story to tell,” she said. “I’m deeply honored to stand on the shoulders of Divine, John Waters, Harvey Fierstein, and all of the extraordinary artists who created this enduring celebration of acceptance, laughter, and the courage to be unapologetically yourself.”

Based on the 1988 John Waters film, Hairspray follows 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad as she dreams of dancing her way onto Baltimore’s most popular television show in the 1960s. Along the way, she challenges beauty standards, fights for integration and proves that one person’s voice can inspire change.

The Tony Award-winning musical features fan-favorite songs including “Welcome to the ‘60s,” “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” A Drag Icon Takes On A Musical Theater Favorite

Ginger Minj has built a career that blends comedy, music and live performance. After becoming a fan favorite on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 7 and later winning RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars Season 10, she has continued expanding her creative reach across stage and screen.

Her acting credits include the Netflix film Dumplin’ alongside Jennifer Aniston and Dove Cameron, as well as the Emmy-nominated Disney+ film Hocus Pocus 2. She also released her memoir and cookbook, Southern Fried Sass, in 2023.

Earlier this year, Ginger showcased her powerhouse vocals with a new rendition of “Defying Gravity” from Wicked, further highlighting her connection to musical theater.

Beyond her solo work, Ginger Minj continues to collaborate with fellow drag performers. She currently stars alongside Jujubee in the Adam Shankman-directed action comedy STOP! THAT! TRAIN! and will bring their live show “Licked: For Gay” to Provincetown this summer.

This fall, Ginger will join Jujubee, Sapphira Cristal and Landon Cider for the “Hokus Pokus Live!” tour across North America. She is also set to release The Broad’s Way EP, featuring a collection of Broadway classics, later this year. Broadway Sacramento’s Hairspray Cast

Alongside Ginger Minj as Edna Turnblad, the Broadway At Music Circus production features:

• Kaitlyn Louise Smith as Tracy Turnblad
• Jamie Torcellini
• Altamiece Carolyn Cooper
• Michael Starr
• Hannah Sedlacek
• Will Savarese
• Kathryn Brunner
• Jamonté D. Bruten
• Madeleine Doherty
• Dave Pierini
• Olivia Elease Hardy
• Sara Gettelfinger

Broadway Sacramento has been producing musical theater in Northern California for decades. The nonprofit organization presents Broadway At Music Circus and Broadway On Tour productions, entertaining more than 250,000 patrons annually.

With Ginger Minj bringing her signature humor and theatrical energy to Edna Turnblad, Hairspray is set to deliver a celebration of acceptance, individuality and the joy of being exactly who you are.

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