Andrew Levitt is Edna Turnblad and Kaitlyn Louise Smith is Tracy Turnblad in Casa Mañana’s production of Hairspray. (Photo by Chip Tompkins)

RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com

With Hairspray opening in previews, by the time you read this, Andrew Levitt has likely already gotten into his Fort Worth groove. He has set his plan of action, and he’s ready to discover North Texas — again.

Levitt is no stranger to DFW, having made appearances or tour stops here as his more famous alter ego, Nina West. But for this show, it’s Levitt the actor audiences will get to see.
“To be in John [Waters]’s world is magical, and to bring my own take on something so canon is a joy and privilege,” Levitt said by phone. “I’m really excited to do this again.”

Levitt will star as Edna Turnblad in Casa Mañana’s Hairspray which previews Friday, Feb. 27 and opens Saturday, Feb. 28 through March 8.

But first, Levitt wants to set the record straight — er, um — let’s say, clarify the record.

He’s billed as Andrew Levitt (aka Nina West), but audiences shouldn’t expect the drag queen in Edna drag.

“I don’t get jealous if it’s about Nina. I want them to sell tickets. She is certainly the catalyst to all these opportunities,” he said. Anything I get to do these days is because of her.”

And playing Edna Turnblad is a unique situation for the actor. The character is the mother of the show’s protagonist, Tracy, and it is a role that, historically, has been played by a male actor.

Andrew Levitt, aka Nina West

But Levitt wants to make one thing clear: “This does call for a delineation with Edna. She’s not a drag queen or a caricature, and of course, we need the audience to believe that,” Levitt said.

So basically, it’s not Levitt as Nina backstage putting on Edna?

“Right! But all the skills that Nina has taught me, as well as my theater skills, are bringing this person to life,” he said.

Levitt is more than familiar with Edna, having played her in a touring production of Hairspray for two years. For the next few weeks though, he gets to settle into the character and into North Texas. And Levitt is delighted to know that he’ll have time to explore the area without the pressures of heading off to the next city right away.

“I feel like I’ll get to curate my own experience a little more. I love the area, and I always enjoy my time with incredible food and people,” he said. “I love Hunky’s; I love Tex-Mex.”

And he’s discovered he has a knack for finding the hidden gems in a new city.

“I go to a locally-owned bookstore and really just talk to the booksellers about where to go for coffee or drinks or restaurants. The recommendations have always been incredible because they just seem to have the best insight,” he said.

The Columbus, Ohio, native revealed that he is celebrating 26 years of doing drag. And, he says, his drag journey has taken him way further than he ever planned.

Of course, he credits his time on RuPaul’s Drag Race, where he was named Miss Congeniality, for helping him level up his game.

“None of this would be possible. I never thought I’d have the opportunity to have this Hairspray legacy. And the other things I’ve gotten to do have stemmed from [Drag Race], so I always want to honor that, because I’m so proud of it,” he said.

And to bring a show that’s a combination of camp and compassion aligns with Levitt’s own journey of drag and theater.

“Everything isn’t great right now, and it can be defeating and deflating. The world is really messed up right now,” he said. “Even though my own outlook is challenged, I’m so fortunate to be in this show that is wrapped in joy.

“People need an escape and theater can be transformative,” Levitt added. “And to do that regionally with a cast that’s mostly local is a whole different experience, and I’m really lucky.”

For tickets visit CasaManana.org

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