She’s beautiful, she’s gorgeous, she’s—headed toward her new role on Rent! That’s right—RuPaul’s Drag Race season 9 fan favorite Valentina will be starring in FOX’s live production of Rent on January 27th. The luxurious Latina will be putting on a Santa suit and stepping into the role of Angel, a gender fluid, homeless street performer whose solo number is one of the musical’s most memorable.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, FOX announced the cast today which includes:
Vanessa Hudgens (Grease Live), singer Tinashe, Valentina (RuPaul's Drag Race), Kiersey Clemons (Dope, The Flash feature), Brandon Victor Dixon (Jesus Christ Superstar Live), Jordan Fisher (Grease Live), Brennin Hunt (Walking With Herb) and Grammy winner Mario (Empire).
Rent is a rock musical set in 1980s New York City that follows the lives of a group of friends living in and surrounded by the HIV/AIDS crisis. Each character is a key player in the musical that pushes the story forward.
Valentina will take on a role that has been played by Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Wilson Cruz, and POSE’s MJ Rodriguez. Valentina becomes the first drag queen to be cast in a primetime live musical production.
Valentina is known for her highly energetic Latin numbers:
How will she do in Angel’s stand-out performance of Today 4 U?
