INTERVIEW
Hi, ladies. Thanks for finding time to chat with us today! OMG, Canada’s Drag Race’s fifth season, which you’re the host of, will be premiering Nov 22–the same week as your New York Christmas show! What are your general thoughts on the cast this season?
Brooke Lynn Hytes: It’s such an amazing and diverse cast. I can’t say much, but you are in for a WILD ride. Lots of drama, mama!
Q: Do you feel that Canadian drag has really elevated since the show premiered or has it always been this great and it’s just getting the platform it deserves now?
BLH: Both! I feel it’s always been great, but I’ve def seen a push since the show premiered.
Q: Nina, was it exciting to watch your Drag Race All-Stars season a few months ago? Was everything depicted more or less how you remembered it or were there some editing curveballs that surprised you?
Nina West: 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 two?
Q: Sounds about right! I also wanted to ask about your recent shows at 54 Below in NYC: Nina West is the Very Queen! How did you enjoy that experience?
NW: 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!
Q: Brooke, do you have a favorite NYC queen?
BLH: Shequida!
Q: What’s been your favorite thing about Drag Race stardom so far?
BLH: Being able to make a decent living doing what I love.
NW: 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 creative 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.
Q: Besides being a fabulous queen, Nina, 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?
NW: 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.
Q: As we are approaching the holiday season: what’s your ideal Christmas situation look like?
NW: When I am not on the road with 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.
BLH: I’ve been on tour the last few Christmases, so probably getting to spend it with my family. Real family or tour family!
Q: What’s your favorite Christmas song?
NW: “Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love is the ultimate Christmas song for me.
BLH: I hate Christmas music, but probably “O Holy Night”. The Celine version, of course!
Q: This season, you two will be touring for Murray & Peter’s 10th anniversary Christmas revue, “A Drag Queen Christmas!” You’ll be hosting, Nina…and Brooke, you’ll be part of the fabulous cast of RuGirls! On November 21st, we can see you two at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn alongside Sapphira Cristal, Roxxxy Andrews and Crystal Methyd! What can folks expect from this tour and how fun will it be to travel and perform with all these stars?
NW: 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!
BLH: They can expect glamor, glitz and laughs! It is so much fun getting to tour with the queens, because usually we are all by ourselves.
Q: What else is coming up for you two?
BLH: Season 5 of Canada’s Drag Race is out November 22!
NW: 2025 is going to be a great year. 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-Payne, and so many more (AND MEEE!!!), as well as a book from Harper Collins, some new music, touring, and more.
Q: And finally: What’s the best Christmas present you ever got?
BLH: A Motorola flip phone!
NW: When I was a kid, I got a Teddy Ruxpin. It was magic.
