Spotlight On...Trevor Ashley

Name: Trevor Ashley

Hometown: Sydney, Australia

Education: High School at Sydney Technical High

Select Credits: Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, Thenardier in Les Mis, Miss Understanding in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, - world premiere cast.

Why theater?: I've loved it since I saw Cats when I was 5. It's all I ever dreamed of doing, so I'm glad I make a living doing it all over the world.

Tell us about Liza’s Back (Is Broken): It's a fantasy that I wrote, where Liza Minnelli recounts the roles that she should have played. Basically it's a great chance to belt out a whole bunch of Musical Theater anthems, but give them the Minnelli twist.

What is it like being a part of Liza’s Back (Is Broken)?: I love it. I've done this show across the globe and wherever I go it always gets huge laughs and a great reaction!

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I love all kinds... musical theatre is obviously my passion, but I love drama, dance, opera. I am always inspired seeing people onstage as I know how hard it can be, but when you get to see something really special: like Bette Midler last year in Hello, Dolly! – well, that's when you know you're in the room with greatness.

What’s your favorite showtune?: Fuck, I love so many, but at the moment, “Some People.”

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Bette Midler or Patti LuPone. Or Nathan Lane. Too many!!

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: It would be called: “TrAshley! The Musical.” I would hope that Jonathan Groff would play me. He's obviously much thinner and better looking, but so am I in my head.

If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: I would love to see the original cast of Chicago – and maybe also one of the performances where Liza took over for a few weeks. It's one of my favourites, and I would love to have seen Gwen Verdon and Chita. It must have been something!

What show have you recommended to your friends?: Come From Away. I make everyone coming to New York see it. It was my favourite of that season.

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Wine. I love wine. But I've stopped drinking for 6 months. Trying to prove to myself I can do it!!

What’s up next?: I go straight home to do a concert at the Sydney Opera House. I'm very lucky!

Trevor Ashley’s Liza’s Back (Is Broken) makes its American debut at Sony Hall on Monday, February 4. For more on Trevor, visit trevorashley.com.au

Block Talk- Episode #90: Brenda Dharling

She's the dancing diva of NYC! After years of snatching all the crowns, she's sharing all on this incredible episode of Block Talk. It's Brenda Dharling!

To listen to the episode, visit iTunes, SoundCloud, or Sticher! And don't forget to leave a 5 star review while you're there!

Drag365: #7- Vivien Gabor

Name: Vivien Gabor

Where can we find you out and about?: Vivien is often found lurking around her friend’s shows. Nothing stable as of yet.

Why Drag?: I have no clue what I would do if I didn’t do drag. I used to play sports for years. I played the cello and piano and I sang in choirs and did shows at school. But when I discovered drag it was all over.

What made you start drag?: I saw the Sissy That Walk music video, took one look at Darienne Lake and said, “if she can do it, so can I.” And I just haven’t stopped since. Big girls forever.

Who are you drag inspirations?: Darienne Lake, obviously. But also I take huge inspiration from the legends such as Coco Peru and a few OG local girls from around the nation. I also have to credit incredible performers like Vanessa Williams, Ginger Rogers, and Carol Burnett with a lot of my personal etiquette training.

Your favorite part of drag is _____?: I don’t know if I have a favorite part. The thing that attracted me to drag was that I am able to be in complete control of every part of the performance. I make my own outfits. I style my own wigs. I make my own mixes and paint my own face. The only thing I can’t do is dance, so I just make sure to take off my clothes to distract from my stagnant feet.

What is your number one makeup secret?: Use as many colors as you can. Blending doesn’t happen with only two colors.

The three must haves of drag are _____?: Corsets, heels, and total, unabashed stubbornness.

Who are some of your favorite drag artists, designers, stylists, producers, etc. to collaborate with?: I mean, I would be remiss if I didn’t name drop my best friends, Melissa Fint (in Seattle) and Gina Tonic (in New York). Those two have given me so much laughter and support. I owe them everything. When I lived in Seattle I relished every chance I had to work at Julia’s on Broadway. Those queens and their producer are the absolute best and I miss them daily.

What has been the most rewarding moment in your drag career?: The most rewarding was the most grueling part of my drag career so far - myself and Gina Tonic road tripped across the country this past Summer. Once in a lifetime experience. Cause I’m never doing it again, but it was so worth it. I met so many amazing people and saw how vast and beautiful this continent is.

If you were to do one character on Snatch Game, who would it be and why?: Kirstie Alley. There’s so much material to work with. And I can do a killer Minnesota accent.

How can drag change the world?: I prove that fat is also sexy. That loud is also proud. That anger can be righteous and that love is more than a feeling.

What is the biggest tip you can give a queen starting out today?: Don’t. But seriously. Don’t. But if you have to, do it because it’s the only thing you can do to be happy. And then do it to the best of your ability and never sell yourself short.

Social Media: @viviengabornyc on everything including Venmo and Cash App!

Drag365: #6- Ducky Sheaboi

Name: Ducky Sheaboi

Where can we find you out and about?: Current gigs taking place at Icon in Astoria and Flower Power Coffee House in Glendale.

Why Drag?: Why NOT drag? Drag can have every element of entertainment within a 3 minute number! It’s a fun way to network. However, the community aspect is the best reason to do drag.

What made you start drag?: I have gone to queer bars and clubs since I was 18. The biggest highlights of a night are when the shows start. Seeing a queen command a room was a feeling that really empowered me to be proud of being part of such a vibrant community. I wanted to become a reason people come to queer spaces rather than just being a spectator.

Who are you drag inspirations?: I definitely draw inspiration from my Southern roots. Southern women have perfected big hair meets going to the function, honey. They incorporate a lot of color into their wardrobe that I really enjoy. However, the biggest impact on my looks is how I listen to music and consider what type of lady Ducky could adapt elements of to best portray the look.

Your favorite part of drag is _____?: The community! From the patrons, bar managers, to the other amazing queens out there it’s impossible not to find the social aspect intoxicating.

What is your number one makeup secret?: Prayer. I can’t afford plastic surgery to shave down this jawline, so prayer is going to have to work for now.

The three must haves of drag are _____?: Clean wigs and wardrobe, a vodka tonic, and good vibes.

Who are some of your favorite drag artists, designers, stylists, producers, etc. to collaborate with?: The ICONIC family has been essential in further developing Ducky as a personality and performer. Heidi Haux, who hosts and mentors throughout the competition, has been such an inspiration on how to constantly take drag to the next level. She’s so stunning but keeps it real - can’t get any better than that.

What has been the most rewarding moment in your drag career?: Honestly, spitting butter into a crowd during ICONIC Season 1. I have never felt more alive!

If you were to do one character on Snatch Game, who would it be and why?: I was Paula Deen during ICONIC Season 1 and I would honestly stay true to her. I am working on a new Paula number, so we’ll see how it goes.

How can drag change the world?: I wish I had a grand answer for this, but I’m going to answer with a more simple approach. I feel like drag can change the world by offering people of all types an escape from the “normal” through entertainment. We should allow ourselves more fantasy in our lives and I think drag is such a beautiful escape into fantasy.

What is the biggest tip you can give a queen starting out today?: Queen, don’t get caught up in catching guest spots. Put your business mind to work and create your own space while still getting those guest spots and features. But more importantly, don’t be a mean queen because there’s always someone meaner and more successful that’s going to let you know what’s up - just have fun and work hard!

Social Media: Instagram @ducky_sheaboi

For more of Ducky, visit @titndrag355!

Drag365: #5- Audrey Phoenix

Name: Audrey Phoenix

Where can we find you out and about?: The Gutter (it’s a night spot). 10 points to anyone who gets that reference.

Why Drag?: I’ve always wanted to sing, dance and act and I unfortunately can’t do any of those things! Somehow drag allows me to pretend I can.

What made you start drag?: It was totally unplanned. Sutton Lee Seymour was having a debutant show at Albatross and I just decided “why not?” and entered. I didn’t expect that many people to be interested or care, but they did and here I am.

Who are you drag inspirations?: As far as actual drag queens: Shangela, Kizha Carr, Brita Filter, Jasmine Rice LaBeija and of course my drag mother Diana Dzhaketov. As far as overall performers: Judy Garland, Kritin Wiig and strangely enough Conan O’Brien.

Your favorite part of drag is _____?:  The sisterhood. I’ve met so many incredible queens this past year who I honestly consider dear friends now. I love these bitches.

What is your number one makeup secret?: If I had any I’d be MUCH prettier!

The three must haves of drag are _____?: Talent, humor, and an ability to know your words in a lip sync. 

Who are some of your favorite drag artists, designers, stylists, producers, etc. to collaborate with?: JAX is pretty gold in all regards. I also love sharing the stage with my sis Pussy Willow.

What has been the most rewarding moment in your drag career?: Anytime I feel like an audience is really loving what I’m doing on stage. There’s nothing like hearing people laugh with you (or at you, I’ll take both).

If you were to do one character on Snatch Game, who would it be and why?: The challenge with Snatch Game is making the character funny. I do a pretty good Eartha Kitt impression, but I haven’t figured out how to make her funny yet. She’s too eloquent and regal!

How can drag change the world?: As long as it can continue to inspire creativity, bring joy and be fun.

What is the biggest tip you can give a queen starting out today?: Be kind and leave your ego at the door. There’s no reason to be mean to your sisters.

Social Media: @audreyphoenixrises on Instagram

To see more of Audrey, follow @titndrag365!

Drag365: #4- Coco Taylor

Name: Coco Taylor

Where can we find you out and about?: I’m at Rockbar every Tuesday at 9pm hosting my show Cuckoo for Coco.

Why Drag?: Because TheaterWorks USA stopped calling.

What made you start drag?: The first bite was the penultimate Fire Island Drag Party. Then New York Comic Con and a handful of local competitions where unwitting audience members paid me cash to act a fool.

Who are you drag inspirations?: The comedy queens of yesteryear: Coco Peru, Varla Jean Merman, Evie Harris and Dina Martina to name a few.

Your favorite part of drag is _____?: When a joke or mix lands with an audience and they scream.

What is your number one makeup secret?: Alcone Stop The Sweat. You don’t know how many eyebrows I lost to perspiration before finding that.

The three must haves of drag are _____?: Mine are all non-physical: wit, intelligence and empathy.

Who are some of your favorite drag artists, designers, stylists, producers, etc. to collaborate with?: I love Perspective Beats for hair. DJ JClef is my rock during my shows. Nicole Onoscopi is always ready to dive clown-feet in first.

What has been the most rewarding moment in your drag career?: Hosting the Miss Rockbar contest and seeing the diversity (and multitude) of queens competing was a huge accomplishment.

If you were to do one character on Snatch Game, who would it be and why?: Katharine Hepburn. Easy to make her funny and I’ve already done her once.

How can drag change the world?: Opening people’s eyes to new experiences and new ideas.

What is the biggest tip you can give a queen starting out today?: Be patient and be selective. You’ll be tempted to always buy another dress, buy another palette, kill yourself to be out every night. Growing yourself and your aesthetic is important.

Social Media: @CocoTaylorNYC. Coco Taylor because of my name, NYC because I often forget where I live.

To see more of Coco, follow @titndrag365!

Drag365: #3- Pussy Willow

Name: Pussy Willow

Where can we find you out and about?: I am at Albatross monthly on Wednesdays for The Pussy Party.

Why Drag?: Because it’s an industry that is ever changing and evolving, which is super exciting.

What made you start drag?: I started drag to change people’s views on female drag and the stigmas beneath it.

Who are you drag inspirations?: Alaska as far as Drag Race girls, but most of my inspiration comes from local queens like Sutton Lee Seymour, Cacophony Daniels, Paige Turner, & Marti Gould Cummings. Just to name a few.

Your favorite part of drag is _____?: Performing for new people and making new connections.

What is your number one makeup secret?: I always contour my neck.

The three must haves of drag are _____?: Wigs, heels, contour.

Who are some of your favorite drag artists, designers, stylists, producers, etc. to collaborate with?: I have yet to find a drag queen that I dislike performing with. As far as stylists go Shelby Late does some incredible hair and Nails for Queens NYC makes killer sets.

What has been the most rewarding moment in your drag career?: When I placed third in Ultimate Drag Pageant, the entire room started chanting my name and the validation/ love was so overwhelming.

If you were to do one character on Snatch Game, who would it be and why?: On UDP I did Dolly Parton for Snatch Game and I wouldn’t hesitate to do her again. However, my original first choice was Katherine Hepburn, because of her quick wit and “I give no fucks” attitude.

How can drag change the world?: Drag is so monumental for the LGBTQAI+ community because the more it is normalized the closer we get to being less ostracized from those who have no knowledge of queer culture. Because it is ever changing and growing, drag is an expression of who you are no matter your gender, race, sexuality, etc. Drag is for everyone.

What is the biggest tip you can give a queen starting out today?: Connect. Connect with your audience, connect with other queens, connect to yourself.

Social Media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, & Venmo all @willowthatpuss.

Follow @titndrag365 to see more of Pussy Willow!

Block Talk: Episode 88- RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 4 Episode 3 Recap

It's a DC invasion as Venus Valhalla and Brady Watson join me to go through everything that happened in the Snatch Game of Love episode of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 4!

To listen to the episode, visit iTunes, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

And don't forget to become a patron today at patreon.com/theaterinthenow

Drag365: #2- Novaczar

Name: Novaczar

Where can we find you out and about?: I perform in Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn! Icon for open stages in Astoria, Marci Park in Williamsburg, Offside Tavern on 14th street in Manhattan to name a few!

Why Drag?: Drag allows me to get more in touch with my creative side and live out my leading lady fantasies I was always told I’ve never be able to live out growing up.

What made you start drag?: Seeing Sasha Velour compete on RuPaul’s Dragrace Season 9

Who are you drag inspirations?: Sasha Velour and Vander Von Odd

Your favorite part of drag is _____?: Being able to be my own director, producer, choreographer, costume designer

What is your number one makeup secret?: I don’t set my entire face with powder

The three must haves of drag are _____?:  Charisma, Uniqueness, nerve and TALENT! HA! That’s four.

Who are some of your favorite drag artists, designers, stylists, producers, etc. to collaborate with?: Madelynn Hatter when it comes to hair, my good friend Ryan Ward when it comes to costumes, my roommate Mikey Dallas too, Jonathan Vasquez when it comes to photography, Gilda Wabbitt when it comes to one of my favorite queens to work with and same with DJ JCLEF

What has been the most rewarding moment in your drag career?: Being embraced, respected and supported by the entire NYC nightlife community

If you were to do one character on Snatch Game, who would it be and why?: Probably something out there like “Old Gregg” because no one would expect it AND his one liners are HILARIOUS!

How can drag change the world?: Drag can change the world because it’s an artform that can bring together almost any artform if you use you creative mind set enough

What is the biggest tip you can give a queen starting out today?: Have a vision and no matter what anyone says, keep that vision and drive alive and well. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do something

Social Media: Instagram/Facebook/Venmo: @novaczar Cashapp: @novaczarqueen

Follow @titndrag365 to see more of Novaczar!

Drag365: #1- Boyish Charm

Name: Boyish Charm

Where can we find you out and about?: Since I’m still so new to drag I’m mostly working the competition scene in NYC. Most often you can find me at Drag Wars at Pieces on Mondays. Starting Jan 10th you can find me competing in Ultimate Drag Pageant at The West End every Thursday. You can also occasionally find me hosting my own show in Westchester at Vintage Bar. I perform wherever someone will let me on stage I’ll quite literally perform for anyone anywhere.

Why Drag?: I chose drag because I have a background in theatre and I realized drag was the perfect way for me to encompass all aspects of performing into one. I can sing, dance, act, do comedy, work on fashions, do makeup, etc. I also chose drag because as someone who cares for the LGBTQ+ community so much, I always looked to drag queens as the backbone to our community. Drag brings us all together and allows us an escape to have fun and accept ourselves. It means the world to me that I can have a platform through drag to represent our community

What made you start drag?: In high school I found Drag Race and knew immediately that drag was what I was meant to do. Then I went to my first gay club and saw a drag queen live for the first time and started drag about a week after.

Who are you drag inspirations?: Coco Peru, Sharon Needles, Bob The Drag Queen, Shequida, Sherry Vine, Aquaria, Monet X Change

Your favorite part of drag is _____?: Making people happy

What is your number one makeup secret?: I secretly have no idea what I’m doing, Does that count?

The three must haves of drag are _____?: Personality, Kindness, Stage presence

Who are some of your favorite drag artists, designers, stylists, producers, etc. to collaborate with?: My amazing sisters Fool’isha, Roque, Ana Valbanana, Virginia Thicc, Vix, Ratchet Marseilles, etc. the list can go on forever

What has been the most rewarding moment in your drag career?: I put together and hosted a charity show during pride weekend to benefit homeless LGBTQ+ youth and we were able to raise two thousand dollars!

If you were to do one character on Snatch Game, who would it be and why?: Ethel Merman because not only is her personality so big and funny, but I could quote all of the musicals she was in

How can drag change the world?: Drag can change the world because drag has the power to bring people from all walks of life together to have fun and show them that we’re all not so different from one another. It shows people that life isn't that serious, we can all have fun together as one.

What is the biggest tip you can give a queen starting out today?: Don’t worry about what you think you need to be or what anyone tells you that you should be, be yourself and do what makes YOU happy. Drag is meant to be fun. If you’re not having fun the audience won’t have fun.

Social Media: @boyishcharmnyc on Instagram, Twitter, and Venmo (if I’m lucky)

Follow @titndrag365 to see more of Boyish Charm!