The 5th Avenue Theatre and Seattle Men's Chorus Congratulate Jinkx Monsoon; HAIRSPRAY Begins 6/20

The 5th Avenue Theatre and Seattle Men's Chorus join together in "con-drag-ulating" Jinkx Monsoon, who has taken the nation by storm - emerging from season five of Ru Paul's Drag Race as America's newest Drag Superstar. Jinkx, the drag queen alter ego of Seattle's own Jerick Hoffer, consistently emerged as a fan favorite throughout the season, and captured the crown last night.

Hoffer is celebrated throughout Seattle not only as an astonishing drag queen, but as a talented stage performer. He returns to The 5th this June as Velma Von Tussle for six performances only in the tenth anniversary concert of Hairspray. He was a critically-acclaimed sensation last summer as Angel in The 5th Avenue's production of RENT and has given astounding performances in Balagan Theatre'sHedwig and the Angry Inch and Spring Awakening.

"We are so thrilled to welcome Jerick Hoffer back to our stage," said The 5th Avenue's Executive Producer and Artistic Director David Armstrong. "One of the reasons Jinkx triumphed this season is because Jerick is an extremely talented and well-rounded performer. He's a singer, he's an actor, he's a dancer, and he understands what it takes to truly embody a character. Seattle could not be prouder of Jinkx Monsoon."

Dennis Coleman, Artistic Director for Seattle Men's Chorus reminds us that, "There is an aesthetic that defines gay culture which includes camp, drag, diva adoration and identification with the underdog. Jinkx Monsoon and Seattle Men's Chorus clearly identify and embrace this aesthetic and Hairspray provides a spectacular musical theatre platform to showcase this artistry. With Jinkx, 200 talented gay men and the full resources of The 5th Avenue Theatre at our disposal, this is going to be an unforgettable event."

In 2002, Hairspray was the first world premiere musical to leave The 5th Avenue Theatre and head for Broadway. It won the Tony Award for Best Musical and launched the Theatre's unprecedented track record for sending new works to New York. Now 10 seasons later, The 5th collaborates with one of the world's largest and most respected choruses, the Seattle Men's Chorus. Together they will bring this special concert presentation of Hairspray, with all its glorious, irreverent, John Waters-inspired wackiness, back to the 5th Avenue stage for six very special performances.

Hairspray will run for 6 Performances Only! June 20-23, 2013, playing 8 PM, Thursday, June 20; 8 PM Friday, June 21; 2 PM and 8 PM, Saturday, June 22; 2 PM and 7:30 PM, Sunday June 23 at The 5th Avenue Theatre (1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101).

Tickets (starting at $23) may be purchased through either organization. The 5th Avenue Theatre: Visit www.5thavenue.org or call the Box Office at (206) 625-1900. Tickets may also be purchased at (888) 5TH-4TIX. Seattle Men's Chorus: Visit www.seattlemenschorus.org or call the Box Office at (206) 388-1400.

Photo Credit: Ji Ji Lee

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