Mrs. P: I never imagined myself doing this. My ex boyfriend use to be a drag queen and I never once watched his show because I didn't support it. I started drag 11/09 as a joke and made a music video (Nathan Britney 3) on Youtube. once that got a little bit of attention I decided to do ONE show. One show turned into what I currently do today.
PhillyDragopolis: Why do you call yourself the "anti" drag queen?
Mrs. P: When I first started to perform it was hard for me to admit that I possibly could be a drag queen. I made every effort not to look like the stereotypical drag queen. I didn't tuck, wore awful makeup, no boobs, I wore sneakers. When I am on stage it is about the entertainment not about looking glamorous or appealing to the audience. Mrs. P's character can go on stage without any makeup and still get the same reaction as the next drag queen. I choose numbers that make a point and will make the audience think. Many people think Mrs. P is a joke but in fact, I consider myself very picky when it comes to choosing music and interpreting them in a way that will make people leave that night thinking.
PhillyDragopolis: So then what do you look for in the music you choose to perform?
Mrs P: Music I can twist and destroy. My passion is pop music and when I listen to music I love to think of my own music video to it. So when I perform to a song I am actually acting out the music video that I interpret.
PhillyDragopolis: Tell me who or what inspires you.
Mrs. P: Sherry Vine. I love her humor and her music video parodies. She doesn't take herself too serious and I LOVE that. I had the opportunity to speak with her and she also got me a gig up in NYC when I performed there last summer. She also watch a few of my videos and said I bring something different and she loved my videos.
Sherry Vine
Mrs. PPhillyDragopolis: Who are your style Icons?
Mrs. P: From Lady gaga to Selena Gomez's Kmart brand. I am a very well rounded individual.
PhillyDragopolis: So take me back to your first performance. Where did you perform for the first time? I can imagine it was nerve racking.
Mrs. P: My first real show was at Stallions in Harrisburg. My nerves were so bad. I use to do 10 minute numbers with a dresser. I remember I had to do yoga before the show to calm me down. I remember I advertised my very first show as (Queen of Screams). I asked my fans who I call my winkies to wear pink wigs and crazy clothing. When I showed up and saw numerous people dressed that way.... my nerves slowly went away.
PhillyDragopolis: Now a lot of your numbers are very unconventional...Do you ever get scared of what the audience's reaction is going to be?
Mrs. P: I tell many of my friends the number I am thinking of doing before I actually perform it I have many friends with different personalities, views and I test it out to see how they would react to it. I also take into consideration many friend's requests and suggestions.
PhillyDragopolis: What one number do you think you are best known for?
Mrs. P: I would have to say the SHIT number. I definitely have many numbers that people can remember but the SHIT number seems to be the one people will always remember.
PhillyDrapopolis: Why do you think it is so popular with your fans?
Mrs. P: Because it's complete filth. People can barely watch it when I do it. The more eyes I see that are being covered the more drive I get when I am performing.
PhillyDragopolis: Is there any subject matter that is off limits to you?
Mrs. P: Absolutely NOT. I have touched abortions, suicide, complete raunch, bathroom privacy numbers. I get a kick out of shocking people and I always have. When people ask me to remove a picture on facebook because they are offended, or the confusion I receive from the audience after a number.... it makes my day.
PhillyDragopolis: You mentioned earlier your YouTube channel...What's it's purpose?
Mrs. P: ENTERTAINMENT! The music videos that I create, direct and edit are all example of my work. Some of them I have performed live on stage but when I come up with music video parodies it's my way of creating an online drag show. My skits are all examples of my creativity. The skits are just so random only an acid addict could love.
PhillyDragopolis: So Isis and you have a new webshow about to premier. Tell me a little about the show and why you think this is the new frontier for drag.
Mrs. P: I can't even begin to describe how excited I am for the web show. Isis and I's plan for this show is to bring fun, entertainment, comedy, education and awareness to the LGBTQ community and even straight community. We want to go to Philadelphia's HOTTEST spots and see what separates their business from others. We are hoping that the show gets picked up and we can go to other places and make Philadelphia our main spot. It's always FUNNY in Philadelphia (Out and About w/ Mrs. P & The Goddess Isis) gives me an opportunity to be much more creative with my editing/directing.. plus, it was getting boring always being the ONLY one in most of my videos. It's fun to work with someone else and work with new ideas. Isis and I both promise this show will eventually be a hit. Were even working on doing a promo # for OUTFEST this year
PhillyDragopolis: Wow it sounds like you have a lot going on right now! What's next for Mrs. P?
Mrs. P: I would definitely love to continue to perform/entertain. My passion is editing, filming and creating sketch comedy. I chose lip syncing as a way to promote my YouTube channel. My dream would be to have my own television sitcom/reality show.
PhillyDragopolis: Interesting. What keeps you going? I know that drag isn't always a very lucrative career.
Mrs. P: My fans and just being able to be creative, coming up with new ideas, and seeing the reactions of the audience when I perform.
PhillyDragopolis: One last question...What one thing would you like the audience to take away from a Mrs. P performance?
Mrs. P: Absolutely Nothing. I do things I feel are going to cause a reaction. Whether it's negative or positive. I do things I feel are right for Mrs. P. I know when I do a # that is NOT Mrs. P people don't like it. It was very challenging for me to be raunch-free for the Dragapalooza shows I was involved with and a few of my friends/fans said they wish they could see more Mrs. P in it, but I look at it as acting... I must be flexible.
Well there it is! My sit down with the Queen of the Gutters!! A dynamic performer who started performing as a joke and turned into an amazing career in drag. It seems she has a lot of aspirations for the future and let's hope she achieves them!
This is hopefully just the first in a series of interviews with popular performers in the city. Who will be next? Maybe the winner of next months poll!!
Love it!
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