Latrice Royale is no newcomer to the spotlight. After three legendary runs on RuPaul’s Drag Race and wisdom in the American small town in the latest season of We are hereThe drag superstar brings her talent to the stage.
Royale takes on the iconic role of Audrey II – also known as the Plant – in a star-studded production of Little Shop of Horrors at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit, Maine. Starring Broadway actors Etai Benson as Seymour, Talia Suskauer as Audrey and Adam Heller as Mr. Mushnik, all directed by director Hunter Foster, Royale puts her own stamp (in her own words) on the classic musical.
INTO caught up with Royale ahead of the show’s premiere to preview her performance and talk about everything Small shopfrom why a drag diva is the perfect choice to play a murderous plant to how Maine speaks her love language.
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Hey, Latrice! It’s so exciting to see you putting your own spin on this classic role. Are you a fan of Small shop for a long time?
Oh, since it came out in the 80s! Totally, huge fan.
Are you a fan of musicals in general?
That’s me! And luckily I married a theater freak. My husband is a nerd. He starts where I’m weak and picks up all the information and history of the theater.
Is he excited that you are doing this?
For me it’s a dream, but I think he’s living a fantasy too. Do you know what I mean?
Of course. You have already acted in theatre, including in the play Death Drop in the West End, but do you have experience with musicals?
This is really my first full musical. I’m excited because it pushes me and challenges me. As an artist and as a person, I always welcome challenges. I always welcome anything that takes me out of my comfort zone and to the next level. So let’s go!
Etai Benson and Latrice Royale in Little Shop of Horrors at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Photo by Nile Scott Studios.
What do you particularly like about the role of Audrey II?
This is my dream role. You know, I’ve been singing and backing tracks on Audrey II since the beginning? I always felt like this could be a great role for me if I ever got the chance, baby. And now here we are!
Do you think that being a drag artist is also suitable for this role?
That’s true, because Audrey II is a bit of an asshole. I can bring what I do to that role and have that mix of wildness and savagery – I think everyone will take note of that and want to be us.
Oh yeah, I could see a trend of drag artists like Audrey IIs in the future. Would you say the drag side of things came out in your little Freudian slip today? when you replaced the word “punk” with “bitch” in your performance of “Feed Me (Git it!)”?
I have a little to a lot in the character!
There’s nothing wrong with that! Personally, I think you should make the change permanent. And are you happy to be in Maine?
I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about Ogunquit because they say it’s like a beautiful oasis – I’m going to love the beaches, the weather and the people and I might never want to leave. Seafood is my favorite: it’s my love language, so I’m going to get my life with some lobster!
And for fans who you may know from Drag racing or We are hereDo you think this role will bring out a new side of you?
You’re going to see a side of Latrice that’s never been seen before. I’m going to take this character, this role, to a new level. I always put my stink into everything I do and that’s why it’s going to be nothing but wildness. Trust. ♦
“Little Shop of Horrors” is now running through September 21 at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Tickets are available here.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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