Block Talk Ep. 242- Pietra Parker

 

The lovely Pietra Parker joins me on the latest episode of Block Talk! 

Learn more about Pietra at pietraparker.com!

Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts and more! 

Spotlight On...Justin McDevitt

Name: Justin McDevitt

 

Hometown: Boston, MA

 

Education: New York University Gallatin School of Individualized Study, B.A. 2013

 

Favorite Credits: The extent of my performance career was being cast in the ensemble of Guys and Dolls twice… so by default those are my favorite credits. (I don’t know if this question really applied to me)

 

Why theater?: I fell in love with Tennessee Williams at a fairly impressionable age and I think that kind of sealed my fate. I tried to write a novel and made it about two hundred pages in… now it’s hidden away somewhere.

 

Tell us about Honey Fitz: Honey Fitz is a two act drama I began writing seven years ago as an assignment for my senior playwriting class at NYU. I never intended for the play to become what it is today. Honey takes place on the closing night at a local pub where its ghostly regulars return one last time to say goodbye. It is my second play and has changed so much since its first public reading at Theater for the New City in 2018. Since then the show has had three additional readings and a workshop production. I like to think of Honey as my second single, so it’s my “Poker Face.”

 

What inspired you to write/direct Honey Fitz?: I needed to write something drastically different from my first play Submission, which was a dark comedy about S/M with all gay characters. I wanted to challenge myself to write blue collar middle aged straight people. In fact originally there weren’t gay characters in Honey Fitz, but of course now there are, and I am even compared to the bitter gay bartender for some reason.

 

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Theater that is dark and twisty and sexual tends to win the day for me. A friend got me tickets to Slave Play in January and I absolutely loved it. Stoppard’s The Real Thing, Marber’s Closer, and David Hare’s Skylight are major influences of mine. And the umbrella play that sort of guides how I do everything is Schnitzler’s La Ronde. I love the structure and intimacy of two character scenes that take place immediately before or after sex.

 

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Donna Murphy. I would write nine million plays for her. Starting today. If she asked.

 

What show have you recommended to your friends?: I love to recommend Vieux Carre by Tennessee Williams because that play sort of functions as an introduction to all his major character types, and it’s a bit of a ghost story. Second to that would be anything by Joe Orton and the Talking Heads series by Alan Bennett (which I credit entirely for my love of writing monologues).

 

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: If I can time travel for a moment I would like to cast Peter Gabriel circa 1987 as myself in a movie I would have to call The Local Bottom.

 

If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Brigadoon. Opening Night. Without question. Although probably Angels in America… I think that’s the more respected answer.

 

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Siesta Key. It’s a terrible reality show on MTV. I watch it with the blinds down. I watch it with the lights off. There is A LOT of shame.

If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: Dead.

 

What’s up next?: I’m trying to write a romantic horror movie for Zoom just to see if I can logistically pull that off. However I could set the script on fire at any moment.

 

For more on Justin, visit www.justinwritesplays.com. And follow him on Twitter @jmcdev128 and on Instagram @justinwritesplays

Block Talk- Episode 167: Quarantine Check In with Pussy Willow

On today's Quarantine Check In, Pussy Willow joins me to chat all things containment cookie, The Sims, and mental health!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 166: Quarantine Check In with Coco Taylor

Today, I got to chat with my good friend Coco Taylor! Our topics include Broadway, Video Games, and Pet Peeves!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 165: Quarantine Check In with Gigi Deetz

In a time of uncertainty, it's always important to check in with the people around you. And that's what I'm going to do everyday until things improve. Joining the Block Talk content is Quarantine Check In, a new feature where I'll chat with a friend, family member, peer, stranger, basically anyone who wants to talk, all they have to do is suggest three topics to discuss!

To kick off the series, I'm joined by NYC Drag Queen, Gigi Deetz!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

Review: Drag in Live Cartoon Form

By Michael Block

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, "The Simpsons" have been a staple in the pop culture lexicon for virtually three decades. The cartoon has become timeless in the sense that there seems to never be a wrong to pay homage through parody. Now at the Laurie Beechman comes The Simsinz, a loving drag send off on "The Simpsons". Whether you’re a loyal fan of the series or simply a lover of drag, there’s something for everyone here.

photo by Michael Block

Previously representing the Beechman through her Amy Winehouse tribute show, Cissy Walken brings a bunch of her pals to the stage to become the iconic yellow-tinted cartoon American family, looks and all. Told through sound clips from the cartoon and music references from pop to Broadway, this edition of the show puts a queer lens on the characters. Is it possible everyone is gay? In Marge’s mind, absolutely. The Simsinz is a wonderfully whimsical, and slightly perverse, spin on the animated classic, littered in pop culture nostalgia. There is a semblance of a plot, though the closer you are to the franchise perhaps the easier it is to find. Marge is on the verge of a breakdown as her husband Homer and three kids, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, aid to the chaos of her life. After a little sniff of bleach, Marge goes on a fantastical adventure as all the characters in the Matt Groening universe appear to be on a journey of self-discovery. There’s a special charm to the show that makes it a special event. The drag is spot on. The theatricality polish can be improved, but hey, it is a cabaret space after all.
The entire ensemble took the iconic characters and brought them to life with the greatest of ease, while still maintaining an essence of their own drag personas. As Marge, Cissy Walken plays the straight man in the scene. Her take on the character, comparatively, is the most grounded. With the show being entirely lip synced, Cissy does surprise the crowd late in the show with a bit of a vocal gag. As Homer, Coco Taylor goes on a fantastical journey through song and dance as Homer tries to discover his true self. Taking on the three kids, Aria Derci, Pussy Willow, and Andy Starling, as Bart, Lisa, and Maggie respectfully, dazzle in their solo moments.  But wait, did you think other characters wouldn’t make cameos? Mrs. Krabapple, Milhouse, and Ralphie all pop by, but it’s Marge’s sisters, Patty and Selma, that steal the show. With a little Side Show to cap it off, Coco Taylor and Aria Derci’s take on the Bouvier twins is one of the highlights of the night. This piece is only as successful as it’s appearance. The costumes by Pierretta Viktori and the wigs by Scott Feigr Curly are major players in Why this show works.
While there is still some tweaking and finessing to do, The Simsinz is a must do at the Beechman. There have been very few shows of this whacky nature to grace this stage.

Block Talk- Episode 136: DragCon NYC 2019 Special

Another DragCon NYC is in the books! I was lucky to get to roam the DragCon floor again and have some incredible interviews with the stars of Drag Race, Dragula, Camp Wannakiki and right here in NYC!

You'll hear interviews with

- Honey Davenport (Drag Race Season 11) and The Vixen (Drag Race Season 10)

- Yuhua Hamasaki (Drag Race Season 10)

- Cynthia Lee Fontaine (Drag Race Season 8 and 9)

- Kennedy Davenport (Drag Race Season 7 and All Stars 3)

- Dusty Ray Bottoms (Drag Race Season 10)

- Iconic Team

- Kahanna Montrese (Drag Race Season 11)

- Akeria C. Davenport (Drag Race Season 11)

- Maddelynn Hatter (Dragula Season 3)

- Coco Taylor

- T. Rex (The Tea podcast)

- Darrienne Lake (Drag Race Season 6)

- Alexis Michelle (Drag Race Season 9)

- Chiffon Dior and Strawberry Fields (Werrrk.com)

- Monique Heart (Drag Race Season 10 and All Stars 4)

- Ongina (Drag Race Season 1)

- Abhora (Dragula Season 2)

- Disasterina (Dragula Season 2)

- St. Lucia and Violencia ExclamationPoint (Dragula Season 3)

- Jaidynn Diore Fierce (Drag Race Season 7)

- Sugarbaker Twins (Camp Wannakiki)

- Mrs. Kasha Davis (Drag Race Season 7)

- Tammie Brown (Drag Race Season 1 and All Stars 1)

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher! 

Block Talk- Episode 135: Dragula Dracap Episode 3

It's time to recap another episode of Dragula season 3! Seraphim is back to rock and roll all night and tattoo everyday!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 133: Make Mike Watch Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

It's time to Make Mike Watch another Harry Potter film and this time it's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! I'm joined by Aria Derci, Nicole Onoscopi, and Pussy Willow to talk about all things HP2!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Stitcher! And leave a 5 star review while you're there!

Block Talk- Episode 132: Dragula Season 3 DragCap Episode 1

Dragula is back with a brand new season and we're here to break it all down for you! Taking flight with me to discuss all things episode 1 is my favorite super villain, Seraphim!

To listen to the podcast, visit Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher! And leave a 5 star review while you're there!

Block Talk- Episode 131: Make Mike Watch Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

It's happened! I finally watched Harry Potter! Well, the first one! In this series of Make Mike Watch, I'll be sitting down with some incredible panels to watch the entire Harry Potter series! And this one is a doozy! I'm joined by Aria Derci, Heidi Haux, and Haireola Grande to discuss the start of the series!

To listen to the podcast, visit Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 128: Dragula Season 3 Preview

I've got some real monsters to help me break down the brand new season of the Boulet Brother's Dragula! Seraphim and Zalika Parsons join me as my new cohosts for season 3!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 126: Emi Grate

Oh this is a fun one! It's my exclusive chat with Emi Grate!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 125: Make Mike Watch Meet the Robinsons

It's time to make me watch another movie! This time, Jacklynn Hyde and Seraphim made me watch a modern Disney marvel, Meet the Robinsons!

To listen to the podcast, visit Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 124: Kari Kerning

Oh this one was GREAT! I'm so excited to share the story of the one and only, Kari Kerning!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 123: Pride Edition- Coming Out Stories

It's my honor and pleasure to share a very special edition of Block Talk. I've asked eight amazing nightlife personalities to share their coming out stories in honor of Stonewall 50. I hope you enjoy this episode and please, if something impacted you in this episode, please reach out to us. Thank you to Aria Derci (@ariadercibaby), Emi Grate (@emigrate_drag), Haireola Grande (@haireolagrande), Heidi Haux (@heidithehaux), Kiki Ball-Change (@kikiballchange), Lindsey Kay (@lindseykaynyc), Patsy InDecline (@miss_patsy69) and Pussy Willow (@willowthatpuss).

To listen to the episode, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 120: Michael Block

Oh my lord how the tides have turned! The interviewer becomes the interviewee! But it's gonna take two to fill these shows! Nicole Onoscopi and Seraphim take the mic to interview Mike!

To listen to the episode, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 115: Audrey Phoenix

She rose from the ashes to become Iconic and now she's here to talk about it! It's my interview with Audrey Phoenix!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe from Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 113: Boyish Charm

There's no one quite as charming as the fabulous Boyish Charm!

To listen to the episode, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher!

Block Talk- Episode 111: Make Mike Watch Singin' in the Rain

How have I never seen Singin' in the Rain? Listen to the latest Block Talk Episode were Nancy Nogood made me watch the classic movie musical!

To listen to the podcast, download and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Stitcher!