Exclusive: Nina West Is Taking a Trip INTO THE WOODS in Columbus

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Andrew Levitt (aka Nina West) will return home and back on stage in Columbus, Ohio, starring as The Witch in INTO THE WOODS, March 7-9, 2025 at Columbus’ historic Palace Theatre, directed by David Bahgat.  This Broadway-inspired production will benefit the Hospice and Palliative Care programs at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the only programs of their kind in central Ohio.

BroadwayWorld writer Christina Mancuso caught up with Andrew for an exclusive interview to discuss this iconic role, Drag Race, activism, coming home, and more.  Later, she also sat down with Director David Bahgat for his thoughts about the production and reuniting with Andrew on stage.

You’ve competed on Drag Race and Drag Race All Stars, written children’s books, toured the country as the iconic Edna Turnblad, and now are set to return to the stage as The Witch in Into the Woods. What has been the biggest challenge?

It's crazy to see all of this that has happened in the last five years since my first time on RuPaul’s Drag Race. The first thing I have to say is that I am just really grateful. I've been doing this for over two decades and I'm just thrilled to still be working and doing what I love. That is the truth. I I think my biggest challenge is just trying to enjoy every moment and opportunity. Somewhere along the way, I got lost in the “making it all happen” narrative that can sometimes be debilitating. I am really working on that and trying to enjoy what is right in here, right now…because it will be over in an instant….it will be just a ‘moment in the woods’!  See what I did there?

After traveling around the world to perform as Nina West, what does it mean to you to come back and perform in Columbus?

Columbus is home, and for me there is nothing like performing for these audiences. They are home. I could ramble on and on about how they have been so supportive and championed me and all of my successes. I could talk about how this audience has given me the chance to grow and learn and become who I am. I am really lucky and grateful that I have had the chance to grow this relationship with my community and continue to be part of the fabric that makes Columbus so fantastic.

I proudly still live in Columbus!

You competed on Rupaul’s Drag Race All Stars to raise money for The Trevor Project. You also have your own foundation aimed at uplifting the central Ohio LGBTQ+ community. Why is activism and charity so important to you?

I think activism and charity are so important to who I am…my greatest desire in this life is that no LIGBTQ+ person feels alone or unseen or that they don’t matter. The world is a tough place and it doesn’t have to be. I hope my work chips away at some of that harshness in the world to make it a softer journey for as many people as possible. Also, I refuse to be treated as less than or that I do not fully possess the worth of others because of who I am. I will fight for myself and my community as long as I have the ability.

Tell me about the first time you ever did drag. Did you ever think it would lead you here? Or has this always been the dream?

I have to be honest – I thought I would do drag once, maybe twice, and just move on to doing something else. This was never the plan. This was never the dream. When I started drag, there was no Drag Race. There was no mold per se to say you could have this big drag dream that would take you around the world. It just wasn’t in my world view. But I kept doing it and finding new and creative ways to express myself with it, that I couldn’t stop. I fell so hard in love with the art. It is so good. It is theatricality, larger-than-life expression that keeps me on my toes and makes me question everything and find grounding in anything. That is a crazy statement, but its true. And I am so glad I have all of this experience in this time right now to use my talents and skills on and offstage. The world needs drag right now. It always has.

What is your biggest dream role?

Wow. There are a lot. There are so many things I want to do on stage and in the theatre. I would love to have chance at King George in Hamilton, Albin in La Cage, Orin in Little Shop, Madame Morrible in Wicked, Ruth in Titanique, Ursula in Little Mermaid, Alex in Buyer and Celler, and I can go on and on and on. I just wanna keep working and creating in this world. 

Any early Into the Woods memories?

This musical is a popular one in our house. My parents love it. I remember catching it on PBS Great Performances and being swept away by Bernadette. It was when I fell in love with Sondheim. I was maybe 8 years old? My mom will still find herself saying”the slotted spoon can catch the potato” and giggle. This show is a big one for us. I am really excited and honored to be part of it.

Mancuso also had a chance to chat with Director David Bahgat on what it's like working with Andrew/Nina again on stage...

This is my second time working with Nina on a production, having previously directed them as Ursula in The Little Mermaid back in 2019.  Nina is such a consummate professional, who brings a creative and collaborative approach to everything they do.  They understand what it means to give a polished performance.  We have really enjoyed talking about the complexities of the character of The Witch, and how the Witch is the one who sees the world for truly how it is.  It's going to be a lot of fun to work together to create this role. 

Into the Woods is a musical that explores the idea of 'happily ever after.' In actuality... life is a journey with many different bumps along the way... and with every journey that we take "into the woods," we come out a little (or a lot) changed.  

Tickets are on sale now, so get yours before they sell out!  One weekend only, March 7-9.  For tickets and sponsorship information, please visit: Nationwide Children's Hospital:: Butterfly Guild of Nationwide Children's Hospital hosts Into the Woods - Giving :: Nationwide Children's Hospital