When it comes to reviving a 145-year-old comic opera, who better than to call on hang out superstar Monsoon Jinkx to liven things up?

On Wednesday, November 13, Roundabout Theater Company announced its new musical Pirates! A musical in Penzance, with Monsoon alongside Broadway veterans Ramin Karimloo and David Hyde Pierce. Billed as a “lovingly reimagined and adapted production” of Gilbert & Sullivan’s 1879 work. The Pirates of Penzance, the new show will feature “jazz-infused New Orleans-style” music and celebrate “the genius of Gilbert & Sullivan while taking joyful liberties,” according to a statement from director Scott Ellis.

Monsoon will play the role of Ruth, the “good-of-all-trades” pirate from the original series and comic relief throughout the production. In a statement to BillboardMonsoon shared that she was excited to join the cast. “If there was ever an unexpected role for me, she has EVERYTHING I could want in a character, not to mention the chance to play her from a completely new perspective,” she said.
“The chance to revitalize the classics is something special that makes me honored to be asked to do it.”

This will not be the first time Monsoon has taken on a prestigious role on the Great White Way. In 2023, she made her Broadway debut as Matron “Mama” Morton in Chicago. During its initial run, Monsoon broke several box office records for the series, including own unique raw performance record. Monsoon then returned to the role in June after being the first transgender woman to portray the role of Audrey in the off-Broadway production of Little shop of horrors.

Meanwhile, Monsoon’s 2025 is currently packed with Broadway-adjacent concerts: in January, double Drag racing the winner is expected to play the role of Reno Sweeney in the Pasadena Playhouse’s Anything goes: in concertbefore making his Carnegie Hall debut during his Valentine’s Day concert, Jinkx Monsoon: Live at Carnegie Hall.

Pirates! A musical in Penzance will begin previews April 4 and officially open April 24 at the Todd Haimes Theater. Tickets are available at the Roundabout Theater Company. website.