Andrew Levitt aka Nina West

Watch: Andrew Levitt aka Nina West Hits the Road in 'Hairspray'

Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 1 MIN.

Most of us know Andrew Levitt as drag queen Nina West, who's been named "the most googled drag queen in the world" with more than 7.8 billion unique searches. But that's just the beginning as Levitt gives West a rest for a few months and prepares to traverse the country in a highly-anticipated revival of the Tony Award-winning musical, "Hairspray."

Levitt joined EDGE editor Matthew Wexler for an intimate conversation about his drag career and what led to the defining moment when Broadway icon Jerry Mitchell called to offer him the role. Originally slated to begin pre-pandemic, the tour is finally scheduled to hit the road, kicking off in Yakima, Washington, and playing cities across the country.

Levitt also discusses his early exposure to the arts, love for musical theater, drag mother Virginia West, and the importance of his philanthropic work with The Nina West Foundation, which has raised more than $4 million for charitable causes. Levitt proves that kindness is queen!

Craving more drag interviews? Don't miss our recent conversations with Tina Burner, who has put together her own musical theater tribute performance, "Maybe This Time," or Mrs. Kasha Davis, who candidly speaks about her sobriety in our six-part series, "Living Sober."


by Matthew Wexler

Matthew Wexler is EDGE's Senior Editor, Features & Branded Content. More of his writing can be found at www.wexlerwrites.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @wexlerwrites.

This story is part of our special report: "On the EDGE". Want to read more? Here's the full list.

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