Jinkx Monsoon, a two-time RuPaul’s Drag Race champion and Broadway star, took on the role of Maestro in an episode of Doctor Who, where she portrayed a godlike demonic embodiment of music. Monsoon enjoyed playing the over-the-top character and expressed that it was a dream job for her. The character of Maestro was not specifically written for Monsoon, but showrunner Russell T Davies saw potential in her after attending one of her stage shows. Monsoon’s character in Doctor Who, Maestro, is nonbinary and corrects another character on their pronouns during their first scene, reflecting the show’s efforts to embrace and represent the LGBTQIA+ community.
A longtime Doctor Who fan, Monsoon was thrilled to join the show this season as Ncuti Gatwa became the first openly LGBTQIA+ actor to play the Doctor. She believes that this season is embracing the inherent queerness present in Doctor Who, aligning with the show’s big queer fan base. Monsoon appreciates the fresh perspective that Gatwa brings to the role of the Doctor, as well as the invitation for new guest stars like herself to join the cast. She sees the importance of representing diverse identities on screen and believes that it enhances the overall viewing experience for audiences.
Maestro being nonbinary was a deliberate choice in the script, reflecting the character’s godlike status and lack of adherence to human gender norms. Monsoon believes that this sends a strong message to the audience about challenging societal standards and norms. In addition to her role on Doctor Who, Monsoon is currently starring as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors in New York City and will be returning to Chicago next month as Mama Morton in Chicago. While she enjoys playing Audrey, she feels a stronger connection to the character of Mama Morton, whom she sees as the matriarch of her chosen family.
Monsoon expresses her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to be part of Doctor Who, working with showrunner Russell T Davies, and portraying the complex character of Maestro. She values the show’s commitment to representation and authenticity, which she believes enriches the storytelling experience for both performers and audiences. Monsoon sees her role as both a challenge and an opportunity to showcase the power of performance and storytelling in challenging societal norms and celebrating individuality. Her portrayal of Maestro aligns with her passion for character acting and her commitment to embracing unique and diverse perspectives on screen.
In conclusion, Jinkx Monsoon’s role as Maestro on Doctor Who marks a significant career milestone for the talented performer. Embracing the character’s nonbinary identity and challenging gender norms, Monsoon delivers a powerful performance that resonates with audiences. As a fan of Doctor Who, Monsoon is honored to be a part of a season that celebrates queerness and diversity in storytelling. Her commitment to bringing authenticity and depth to her roles shines through in her portrayal of Maestro, reflecting her passion for character acting and representation. Monsoon’s multifaceted career continues to flourish, with upcoming roles in Little Shop of Horrors and Chicago, showcasing her versatility and talent on stage and screen.
