Review: Jinkx Monsoon Shines in Her 44-City International Tour, “Everything at Stake”

Having now won RuPaul's Drag Race twice, Jinkx Monsoon is officially one of the most famous drag queens in the world. But with the launch of her 44-city tour of "Everything at Stake", she's proven herself to be a veritable star. I had the pleasure of seeing the show this weekend, and let me tell you: Jinkx is clearly at the top of her game with no signs of slowing down.

#EverythingAtStake tickets are selling fast! My tour is shaping up and I can’t wait to share it with you all this summer. Tickets at https://t.co/TY0aiU0Y08 ️ ‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/LZCSYcS5yz

— Jinkx Monsoon (@JinkxMonsoon) April 20, 2023

Her NYC stop-off was at the iconic 3,000-seat Kings Theatre in Flatbush and Monsoon packed the theatre to the absolute brim. Part stand-up comedy, part song-and-dance, part pre-recorded sketches, all drag... "Everything at Stake" was a live-band variety show on brand with both the legendary theatre it was housed in, as well as the legendary artist who was gracing the stage.

In the 90-minute(ish) one-act show, Jinkx dishes fond memories of her iconic multi-win run on RuPaul's Drag Race, her hatred of airport bathrooms, the exhausting life of a sex-positive slut, the absolute dumpster fire that is American politics, and her critically acclaimed Broadway debut as Mama Morton in Chicago, just to game a few topics. A classically trained singer, Jinkx performed both covers and originals, including a stunning version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," leading to a large portion of the audience leaping to their feet in a mid-show standing ovation. During these song-and-dance moments of the show, Monsoon was backed up by her 5-piece band, which included Monsoon's real-life (and very sexy) husband, guitarist Michael Abbott. The band was led by pianist Major Scales, who is also the show's Music Director.

You’ll wanna see this. https://t.co/nXDONY9cwm https://t.co/3UVTMNPRAQ

— Major Scales (@TheMajorScales) June 30, 2023

If you've seen Jinkx on Drag Race then you know her Snatch Game performances are some of the most amazing in the show's history. Because of her hysterical impressions, a few "celebrity guests" also made drop-in's along the way.

When it became clear that Monsoon would not only be featuring pre-recorded sketches, I was a little worried. Bits like that never quite translate the way one hopes, or they come across as overly corny and groan-inducing. But with a seasoned expert like Jinkx Monsoon, the timings were flawless and the jokes all landed. The videos featured fellow Drag Race alum BenDeLaCreme and YouTube star Brandon Rogers (of "Move, I'm gay!" and "Mom has no chill" fame).

Throughout the show, the self-described witch would check in with parts of her that have gotten in her way over the years, as represented by literal demons up on screen. She faces off with Anxiety, Depression, Impostor Syndrome, and Alcoholism. She banters with them, she mocks them, and above all else, these days the star controls them. The 35-year-old cabaret icon has been sober from alcohol for three years, though still a big advocate for recreational and medicinal cannabis (as well as Lexapro and years of therapy).

If you're a fan of Jinkx's and if "Everything at Stake" is coming through your part of the country (which it likely is), then make sure you get tickets ASAP. I belly laughed, I got choked up, and above all else, I had a night of amazing Queer theatre by a performer who is making an incredible mark on the world. You'll even hear Jinkx revive one of the first Queer Anthems in history, "The Lavender Song."

Many of the shows have already sold out, though cities like Los Angeles have added second shows because of the high demand. "Everything at Stake" runs through August 14th and you can get tickets here!

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