Broadway’s about to get a whole lot more fabulous. In a groundbreaking casting announcement that’s got theater kids and drag aficionados buzzing, Bob the Drag Queen is stepping into the dazzling world of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” — and honey, this isn’t just another casting update.
Starting January 27, the Al Hirschfeld Theatre will welcome Bob (known offstage as Christopher Caldwell) for an eight-week limited engagement as Harold Zidler, the larger-than-life impresario who runs Paris’s most notorious nightclub. The role — a delicious blend of showmanship and desperation — seems tailor-made for Bob’s particular brand of theatrical magic.
“Being on Broadway has always been a dream of mine,” Bob shared, with the kind of raw honesty that’s become their trademark. “I moved to NYC almost 17 years ago to pursue it. Some roads take a while.” There’s something beautifully poetic about that journey — from dreaming teenager to RuPaul’s Drag Race champion to Broadway debut.
The Great White Way has seen its share of boundary-pushing Zidlers. Wayne Brady brought his five-time Emmy-winning charm to the role. Boy George infused it with punk-rock glamour. Tituss Burgess served up his signature sass. Now Bob’s about to add their name to that illustrious roster, and theater fans are practically vibrating with anticipation.
Since snatching the crown on Season 8 of Drag Race back in 2016, Bob hasn’t exactly been sitting around waiting for Broadway to call. They’ve been busy hosting HBO’s Emmy-nominated “We’re Here,” dropping the New York Times bestseller “Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert,” and most recently, commanding stages as the emcee for Madonna’s Celebration Tour. Talk about range.
“Moulin Rouge!” itself feels like the perfect vehicle for Bob’s Broadway debut. The show — which casually collected 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical — transforms Baz Luhrmann’s beloved 2001 film into something even more spectacular. Its innovative score spans over 160 years of music, mashing up classical compositions with pop hits from Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and just about everyone who’s ever topped the Billboard charts.
At its glittering heart, though, “Moulin Rouge!” remains anchored by “Lady Marmalade” — that sultry slice of R&B heaven that’s evolved from Labelle’s 1974 original to the Grammy-winning 2001 powerhouse featuring Pink, Christina Aguilera, Mya, Lil’ Kim, and Missy Elliott. The song’s journey mirrors the show’s own ability to reinvent itself while keeping its soul intact.
As we look ahead to 2025’s theatrical landscape, Bob’s Broadway debut feels like more than just another casting announcement. It’s a meaningful step forward in Broadway’s ongoing evolution — proof that talent, perseverance, and authenticity eventually find their spotlight. The Moulin Rouge’s famous windmill keeps turning, and this time, it’s ushering in a fresh wave of fabulous.