Megan Thee Stallion is back in the spotlight
Megan Thee Stallion returned to Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Thursday evening at New York’s Al Hirschfeld Theatre, one day after missing a performance and two days after leaving mid-show because she fell ill. Broadway, as ever, remained committed to the drama on stage and off it.
Her rep said Wednesday morning that the rapper had been rushed to a hospital on Tuesday night after showing “concerning symptoms.” Doctors later identified the cause as extreme exhaustion, dehydration, vasoconstriction and low metabolic levels. According to the statement, Megan had already been treated, discharged and was resting.
Megan gave her own explanation on Instagram, where she told fans the episode had scared her and forced her to finally slow down.
“Last night was a real wake-up call for me. I’ve been pushing myself past my limits lately, running on empty, and my body finally said enough. It honestly scared me. I thought I was gonna faint on stage, I really tried to push through my performance but I just couldn’t. Hotties I wanna be real with y’all because you mean everything to me and I hate letting yall down,” she wrote.
She added that she needed “one day to rest, reset, and take care of myself the way I should have been,” and said she would be back on stage Thursday “stronger, clearer, and ready to give you percent the way you deserve.”
A Broadway milestone, with a sold-out house
She made good on that promise. On Thursday night, Megan performed as Zidler, marking her first Broadway appearance and the first time a woman has played the role in the long-running jukebox musical.
The show has already drawn plenty of celebrity attention during her run, with guests including Queen Latifah and Tiffany Haddish among those in attendance. Megan has also performed her songs “Savage” and “Body” during the production.
When The Hollywood Reporter checked ticket availability through ATG Tickets, the show was sold out for her return performance. E! News also shared video earlier in the day showing Megan arriving at the theatre in a black SUV, wearing a pink sweatsuit and furry boots, which is apparently what counts as an understated Broadway entrance now. A rep for the show confirmed her return.
The role has a long list of past stars
Zidler has previously been played by Boy George, Wayne Brady, Tituss Burgess and, most recently, Bob the Drag Queen. The role was originally created by Danny Burstein, who later won a Tony Award for the performance.
Ahead of joining the production, Megan said in a statement, “I’ve always believed in pushing myself creatively, and theater is definitely a new opportunity that I’m excited to embrace.”
