I had the fabulous honor of speaking with the enchanting, hilariously funny and iconic Lady Bunny, one of the most sought-after entertainers in the world of drag today. Beginning her career in Atlanta, Lady Bunny lip-synched her way to celebrity status with her unique sense of comedy.
I recently enjoyed watching her emcee the most magnificent satirical and hilarious event, Bianca Del Rio’s birthday roast. Lady Bunny is also a DJ, a promoter and the founder of Wigstock, which is about to be epically resurrected after a 10-year hiatus.
On August 16,Wigstock sets sail on Sea Tea cruise for four hours of dancing and live entertainment. Along with Lady Bunny as emcee, host and performer, sailors will be treated to performances by Sweetie, Linda Simpson, Sugga Pie Koko, Flotilla DeBarge, and DJ Johnny Dynell, just to mention a few.
I have been dying to interview you for years.
I’ve been dying for years.
I simply adored you at Bianca’s roast.
Oh, thank you. That was nuts, right?
So nuts.
It was long.
It was the evilest thing ever.
She will not be on the cruise. She is in Dallas shooting her movie, “The Texas Chainsaw Mascara.”
So let’s hear all about Wigstock.
Well, Wigstock was a drag festival in New York City for 20 years, from 1985 on, and it got so big it was attracting 30,000 people and was the subject of a movie. Then it rained for three years in a row. We had been really lucky with the weather up until then, but after it rained three years in a row we decided that we would have to find a way to get around the rain factor. So we took 10 years off, and now we are ready to start doing the events again. People seem very enthusiastic about the cruise, and hopefully it will sell out. If it sells out, we can do a bigger boat with a better stage. That would be a steppingstone to doing the event next summer. You know, they do Wigstock in Tel Aviv; they do it in Melbourne, Australia; and they do it in Scandinavia. I just performed at the Austin International Drag Festival this year.
What is your favorite part of this event?
Of course I love the entertainment, but the thrill is also encouraged by the contest. And there is a $250 prize. You will see bodybuilders in wigs and dogs in wigs. What it does for the show is it gives the performances a really hyped audience. When you get dressed up for a special occasion that people love, then you have more fun. There are so few large gay clubs in the city. There used to be four or five big gay clubs. Now there is XL. That would be the biggest gay club in New York. There are four or five Disney shows on Broadway. That’s great if you’re five years old. New York City is still a party destination. Everyone complains about the music, the clubs, and how it’s only top 40 being played. Johnny Dynell is the DJ [at Wigstock]. He isn’t only the best in New York, but everywhere. And he is that guy, that DJ at all the parties all these years. He knows what songs get people to run to the dance floor, and I love to dance. You would never dream of going to him and asking for Rihanna. You would go to him and ask, “What is this record that you were playing? I don’t know it, but I love it.” This show will be an hour and a half long. Linda Simpson is also doing a slideshow at the beginning of the cruise called “The Drag Explosion,” which is her photographs over the years, which range from pre-fame RuPaul to many of the queens now.
I think if people are going to put on a wig then they might as well put the makeup and the heels.
Personally I agree, but you know, everybody needs to express themselves in their own way. I will say, don’t wear spiked heels in case the boat gets too rough. Wear a wedge heel, or dare I say flats. Wear something more sensible. I have spent 100 hours on the pier, but this may be among the first time I’ve ever actually gone on a boat.
I love it! How can people get tickets?
They can either get them old school in person, at The Village Apothecary in the West Village, or online at gaypartycruise.com.
How much are the tickets?
The tickets are $40 in advance, $50 the day of, and it includes a free buffet. They better hurry, because I’m always hungry.
And you will going to host the show correct?
I’m going to host, emcee and perform.
Who are some of the other queens appearing with you?
Linda Simpson, Sweetie, Flloyd, Sister Dimension, Princess Diandra, David Ilku, Sugga Pie Koko, Flotilla DeBarge…
By the way, how long have you been doing drag?
I would say since about 1982.
What inspired you to begin doing drag?
I was living in Atlanta. I was RuPaul’s roommate. I guess Ru was my drag mother. I wanted to get into clubs for free and drink for free, and I think I accomplished that goal. My liver might not agree.
How does it feel to be the funniest drag queen on the face of the Earth at this moment?
Oh, God! I am excited, I am excited. You know, drag was put that on the map with “Drag Race.” It’s really more about the performances. We are ready to reconnect with people who enjoyed it back in the day. We are happy to welcome anybody who cares to come and join us. It’s like a hipper version of Gay Pride for 20 years, so now we are ready to lip sync for your lifeboat. But no Titanic numbers. No “my heart will go on…”
