by tim parks –
TV audiences first became familiar with Nina West (AKA Andrew Levitt) during Season 11 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, where she placed sixth and won Miss Congeniality. And there was an obvious reason behind that accolade, as the comedy queen from Columbus, Ohio not only exemplified charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent, but a heart that didn’t need to grow three times bigger during her time in the workroom or on the mainstage.
Quite simply put, she weren’t no Grinch, okurrr!
So it really shouldn’t come as any sort of surprise that West’s favorite time of year is the Holiday Season, with all its trappings of presents needing wrapping to reside underneath the reportedly five Christmas trees in her home. In fact, West loves the most wonderful time of the year so much that she has every intention of making 2019 The West Christmas Ever.
Conveniently, this also happens to be the name of the five song EP of original Christmas tunes that she has just released, including her first country-themed single and video for “Jingle Juice.” Plus, there are three interludes that feature Jim Cummings, the voice of Winnie-The-Pooh, telling the story of a certain yuletide-loving elf named – wait, wait, don’t tell me – Nina West!
In conjunction with her album, West is also taking her A Drag Queen Christmas: Naughty Tour on the road, which will be making a sleigh-driven whistle stop at The Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday, December 12.
The Rage Monthly conversed with the very busy West via e-mail, as she is in the middle of her aforementioned Nationwide Tour. She gave us the lowdown on all-things holiday-related, and naturally, what her time on Drag Race meant to her.
How did you decide to do a Christmas album and was it difficult crafting original songs?
I’ve always loved Christmas. The album was a no-brainer because of how much I love the season. Because of the Christmas musical canon, it was initially a little hard to create my own and meld it with this classic style. Once we started, we had more than enough material. It’s so distinctly Nina AND Christmas.
What is your favorite thing about the Holiday Season?
My favorite thing about the Holiday season is that the world becomes nicer and more accommodating. I love the decorum and the tradition that surrounds it. I love the memories, the stories and all these special holidays [that] surrounds this time of year.
If they were to make a Hallmark Christmas Movie about you – what would it be called and, aside from yourself, who would you like to play you?
Jingle Those Bells and Josh Gad [who voiced Olaf the Snowman in Frozen and Frozen 2] would play me.
What did your time on RuPaul’s Drag Race teach you?
My time on RuPaul taught me more about myself; more than I was willing to acknowledge being a 41-year-old male. I already felt established, but I learned so much more about myself and what makes me tick. I also learned you’re never too old to keep reaching for the stars and dream big. Anything can happen if you let it.
What is your Christmas wish?
Going into the season, my wish is that people will register to vote and become involved in the next election process. Also, I hope we can learn to speak to one another and build a better next generation.
What can people expect when they come and see you on tour?
A Drag Queen Christmas: Naughty Tour is fun with the magic of the season; chock-full of some of your favorite queens from the Drag Race franchise. It’s a wonderful evening out and all ages welcome, but it is adult content. Come prepared to laugh.
To keep up with all things Nina, and to purchase tickets, visit www.ninawest.com For tickets and more information on A Drag Queen Christmas Tour, go to www.dragfans.com/