Andrew Levitt (aka Nina West) Dons '60s Platforms as Edna in 'Hairspray

Andrew Levitt made a splash as his drag persona Nina West on Season 11 of "RuPaul's Drag Race." Now he is making one starring as Edna Turnblad in a tour of "Hairspray." EDGE spoke to Levitt about the role.

Andrew Levitt made a splash as his drag persona Nina West on Season 11 of "RuPaul's Drag Race" where he won the title of Miss Congeniality and established his national drag brand. He placed sixth in the competition, but won Miss Congeniality. After elimination, Nina received support from celebrities, including Rihanna and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In an Instagram story post in May, 2019, she wrote: "No spoilers, but to the queen that went home this week, just know how important you are to the bigger picture, and I'm so proud of you and your fundamental kindness and goodness. I'm really looking forward to watching you grow. You're amazing, and I'm sad, but I'm excited for you."

Currently the 44-year-old can be found once more in drag, but this time using his real name in playing Edna Turnblad as part of the current national tour of "Hairspray," which comes to the Boston's Citizen's Bank Opera House Oct. 18-30. (For Boston tix, click here; for more info about the national tour, click here.)

She has some big platforms to fill – the role was originated by Harvey Fierstein when this musical adaptation of John Waters 1988 film arrived on Broadway in 2002 and was later onstage by Bruce Vilanch, Michael McKean, British actor Michael Ball, and in the 2007 film, John Travolta. But perhaps the biggest heels to fill are those of Divine, who originated the role in Waters' cult classic. 

EDGE spoke to Levitt recently, with the subject of John Waters at the start. 

EDGE: First words that come to mind when I say John Waters? 

Andrew Levitt: Brilliant! 

EDGE: What was your first exposure to "Hairspray?"

Andrew Levitt: My sister brought home the movie and I remember watching it with her. After that she bought the cassette tape, so we could listen to the songs. I just loved all the songs. I was 10 years old at the time, and I didn't have an understanding that Divine was a man. My first crush was on Michael St. Gerard, who played Link Larkin. I thought he was so cute. I didn't understand what the attraction was, but I remember thinking, he's really good. I couldn't stop thinking about him. 

EDGE: Edna has been played by some notable actors, Divine, Harvey Fierstein, Bruce Vilanch, Michael McKean, and John Travolta, how are you feeling about stepping into her shoes? 

Andrew Levitt: It's super overwhelming. Specifically, Divine and Harvey Fierstein; they are the most iconic for me. I did feel an immense amount of pressure to deliver, but to also bring my own interpretation to Edna. I felt a heavy responsibility of wanting to do well and to stay true to the script, but also to figure out who she is and brings her to life. I am trying to celebrate everything that Divine and Harvey did for the role and then bring my own interpretation to it. I think I'm doing that, and I think I have found some success in it. My job is to tell the story truthfully as an actor and make the audience believe that I am Tracy's mom and Wilbur's wife, while being rooted in the truth to who I am as a person and an actor. 

EDGE: Since you're a pro at doing make-up, will you be doing your own for Edna?

Andrew Levitt: Yes! That's part of the journey. One of the things that I bring to the show from my experience with Nina West is my ability to do my own makeup. I am storytelling through my makeup. In the beginning, I don't think the audience is not going to really notice it, but by the end of the show they will. I start off with a very brown neutral palette, and as the show goes on, I'm constantly building my makeup so that by the end of the show Edna is fully realized and fully out of her platoons. We then get to see this beautiful butterfly, who is ready to go out into the world and be herself. 

EDGE: What is the moment that defines the show for you?

Andrew Levitt: My favorite moment in the show is in Act II when Motormouth Mable is talking about the realities of how dangerous the work that they're doing is and then starts singing "I Know Where I've Been." I think that's the most relevant, powerful, and important moment of the show. This moment talks about how wanting change is and that it takes work. It's not an easy task, but it's worth it. You must know where you come from to know where you're going. It's a very important lesson in the fight for equity and equality specifically for our communities of color and the LGBTQ communities.

EDGE: The "Hairspray" soundtrack is so much fun. Do any of the songs get stuck in your head?

Andrew Levitt: The music is so good. I love this score, the book, and the music. My favorite to perform is "Welcome to the Sixties." There is nothing like it. I've never experienced anything like it in my professional career. I love the whole scene where Mr. Pinky comes in and Edna goes into the shop, and she gets to come out with this amazing makeover moment. Musically, it's just so good and timeless. I can't choose! I love them all especially, "Good Morning, Baltimore," and "The Nicest Kids in Town."

EDGE: If there was one message you wanted the audience to leave with what would it be? 

Andrew Levitt: I want the audience to understand that while we are here, I want them to take this incredible joyous celebration and go out into the world and do exactly what Tracy, Seaweed, and Motormouth Mabel do in the show – go be an agent of change. Take the message of this show back to your community and be the wave that makes change. I believe that art can really impact life and has the power to do so. 

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