Dec 22
Bob the Drag Queen Set for Broadway Debut as Harold Zidler in 'Moulin Rouge! The Musical'
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Drag artist, comedian, actor, and author Bob the Drag Queen, known for winning season eight of RuPaul's Drag Race as "America’s Next Drag Superstar," is scheduled to step into the role of Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway. His debut runs for a limited eight-week period from January 27, 2026, through March 22, 2026, at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in New York City.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical, inspired by Baz Luhrmann's 2001 film, has been a staple on Broadway since its premiere in 2019, earning 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical. The production features a jukebox score blending pop hits from artists like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Rihanna, reimagined in a lavish Parisian cabaret setting at the turn of the 20th century. Harold Zidler, originally portrayed by Jim Broadbent in the film, is the boisterous proprietor of the Moulin Rouge nightclub, serving as a paternal figure to the performers and a key driver of the show's spectacle.
Bob the Drag Queen, born Christopher Caldwell, first gained prominence on RuPaul's Drag Race in 2016, where his sharp wit and bold persona earned him the crown. Since then, he has expanded into television hosting We're Here on HBO, stand-up comedy specials, and authorship with "Harriet Tubman: Live In Concert." In announcing the casting, Bob the Drag Queen shared a personal reflection: “Being on Broadway has always been a dream of mine. I moved to NYC almost 17 years ago to pursue it. Some roads take a while...”
As Bob the Drag Queen prepares, fans anticipate how his energy will electrify the iconic "Elephant" set and can-can dance numbers.
