July 9, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

DANIEL FRANZESE

Local boy Daniel Franzese returns to Fort Lauderdale to headline the Fort Lauderdale Pride Comedy Festival, but what does he miss that’s gone from South Florida?

When did you live in South Florida? From age 7 to 23. I lived in Sunrise until I was 17, and then I went to the Florida School of the Arts in Palatka. I went to New York when I was 20, and I booked two shows at the Broward Stage Door Theatre, and “boom,” I was back in Florida. What high school did you go to? Piper High, in Sunrise. When’s the last time that you’ve visited South Florida? I try to come back at least once every month or so. What do you miss about South Florida? Besides my niece, the beaches. We have beaches in L.A., but the water is freezing all the time. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone, and why? There was a short-lived gay bar called The Pier. It was so chic. You got in free if you pulled your boat up to the dock. Every weekend there we incredible acts there like Cyndi Lauper and Amber. It was awesome.

Where did you hang out in South Florida, and why? Everywhere I hung out is gone. The Edge, Sea Monster, The Saint, Coliseum, The Copa… Where do you live now? In downtown Los Angeles. Did you ever meet Derek Dzvirko, the character that you played in Bully? Not in real-life, but we talked online. Which cast or crew have you stayed in contact with from Bully? Kelli Garner and Leo Fitzpatrick. What did you think about the musical version of Mean Girls? I loved it. It was great to see and hear more about Damian’s life—so surreal. Where do you think that Eddie from Looking is in life right now? He’s still married to Augustin. He’s still at the center. Eddie was someone who found his home in Looking.

You went to the season finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Who’s your favorite queen from season 10. I was really hoping that Eureka would’ve won, but all the top four were so fierce. Who’s your favorite RuPaul queen of all-time, and why? My all-time favorite queen is Raven. She’s the whole package. What’s your favorite role? I loved playing Eddie. I got to say whatever I wanted to. What’s your dream role? I wanna play a dad. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? Working at Whole Foods. It turns out that I didn’t need to know the sku for organic bananas. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As kind. What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked? It’s weird when fans ask me out when I’m in a relationship. But I’m single now, so slide in those DMs.

What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Eddie Deezen, the guy who played Eugene in Grease. I couldn’t believe he was real. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Art, because I’m shopping for some new pieces. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? I love San Francisco so much. It’s beautiful, the people are so cool and creative, and the food was so good. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That you can have second and even third acts in your friendships. What did you learn from your parents? To shut the fucking light off. What performer do you admire, and why? I have a strong hustle, but when I see people like Todrick Hall, I feel lazy. He works so hard. What’s your best characteristic? That I’m loyal and honest.

*Looking* is an American comedy-drama television series about a group of gay friends living in San Francisco. Own both the complete series and the movie for $29.18.

How do you enjoy spending your time? Watching cartoons stoned. What other celebrity do you have a crush on? I don’t reveal crushes because I don’t wanna get crushed. Who do you admire, and why? Tom Hanks. All these years and all these amazing movies, and zero scandals. And the same lady. I wish that I could be that cool. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? Jesus, because we need Him. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? I would talk to myself right at the beginning of my career. I’d skip a few mistakes. What would your last meal be? I love charcuterie. Death by antipasto. What do you worry about? If I’m getting too old to have kids.

What are you afraid of? War. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? That depends on who gets to play me. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A wolf. Who depends on you, and for what? I’m good at advice. My friends come to me often for it. Who are you closest with? My mama. What would your autobiography be called? It’s Not All Sunglasses and Autographs Kid. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Nineties hip hop and 70s soul. What’s on your bucket list? I wanna explore the Galapagos. What’s your greatest regret in life? Partying when I should’ve studied audition lines. What’s something that you never told anyone else? Why would I tell you? Where can we see you? On my website. I’m currently on my YASS! You’re Amazing tour!

April 22, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

TRIXIE MATTEL

Before her show tonight at Disney’s House of Blues, Trixie Mattel—in an exclusive interview from a secret bath house in Orlando—reveals what’s the best TV show that she’s been on, and it’s not what you think

Fort Lauderdale was the first stop of your Moving Parts tour. Did you have time to do anything fun when you were there? I went to a souvenir shop, and I got a shirt with upside down lettering that says, “If you can read this, put me back on my bar stool.” What’s something that you miss about Milwaukee? Three-dollar Long Island’s and hardcore mid-western accents. Everyone sounds equally nice and over it. Where do you live now? I’m a real-life jaded TV personality, so I live in L.A., near a Whole Foods. My hobbies include spotting pretend service dogs and juicing. If you had to live somewhere else, where would you live, and why? In San Francisco. I’m always looking for new ways to get gayer and surround myself with gays. Separate but equal is fine with me. What was the inspiration for the cover of One Stone? I wanted to serve awkward-recently-divorced-folk-duo performing at a VFW.

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Trixie’s latest album, featuring the single, “Moving Parts.”

What do you think about Dollywood? It’s my mecca. I have to go once a year or I lose my dental insurance. Who would your dream duet be with? I would like to play with Sarah Silverman. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? I used to caption telephone calls for the deaf. I am now more impatient with the elderly than ever. Who came up with the line “Book the Bitch” from the “About” section of your website? I never update my website, so you’d have to ask me four years ago. And me four years go didn’t have a phone. Of all your projects, which one do you cherish the most? I love The Trixie and Katya Show. Winning Drag Race was cool, but having our own show was a huge freeze-frame life moment. What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked? People always tell me my journey with depression has inspired them—but I am fully not depressed.

What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Oh, I met Baby Spice, and my asshole sealed up forever. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? I have been following the Robbie Turner-Uber-driver-death-saga online. I will be holding a candlelit vigil this evening for the Uber driver. What’s the best place that you’ve visited so far? I am obsessed with Dallas. Fully obsessed. It’s like the L.A. of Texas. What’s your current state-of-mind? I’m sipping a wine cooler and wondering why Melissa Joan Hart follows me on Twitter. What were you doing before you read these questions? My friend’s dog died, and I was comforting him—wow, the nerve of you even asking! What’s your idea of perfect happiness? I want to tour half the year, and live as a hermit in the woods the other half. I also want to write music for other artists. Specifically, for Miley Cyrus.

What’s your greatest fear? My phone battery at 1%. Living or dead, who’s the greatest political figure in America? Maxine Waters. I once saw her use the word “scumbags” in an interview. What did you learn from your parents? That you can only run from your bills for so long. What performer do you admire, and why? I love June Carter Cash. Her songs are amazing, and so is her sense of humor. Who’s your favorite comic? I have a few. Ellen, Maria Bamford, Dana Gould and Anthony Jeselnik. What’s your best characteristic? I’m a great salesperson. I could sell candy to a kid—from a van. How do you enjoy spending your time? I love playing video games and playing around with my guitar collection. What celebrity do you have a crush on? I’m obsessed with Nev Schulman, Paul Rudd and Jesse Eisenburg. The Jew-chasing life chose me.

Who do you admire, and why? I love Dolly. She has the best songs, the best jokes, and the best wigs. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? Robbie Turner’s Uber driver. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? I would go back in time and warn Robbie Turner’s Uber driver. What would your last meal be? I would cheat on my vegetarianism and have like ten cheeseburgers from McDonalds, complete with happy meal toys! What do you worry about? I worry about falling out of the zeitgeist and having to clean dwarf hamster cages at Petco. They bite when they don’t trust you. What are you afraid of? I do not fuck with gorillas. I won’t even go to Rainforest Cafe. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? I would be spoons, because they’re cheap, practical and timeless.

Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? I’m a disgusting, mangled wolf from hell. Who depends on you, and for what? The children of America count on me for relatable content and apparently depression counseling (laughs). Who are you closest with? I am forever in love with Jinkx and Bob The Drag Queen! What would your autobiography be called? I Know Why The Caged Bird Lip Syncs. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? I love sad music. Jason Isbell! What’s on your bucket list? I need to buy a house in a Palm Springs and wear caftans all day. What’s your greatest regret in life? I wish that I didn’t leave the Spice Girls. What’s something that you never told anyone else? That I go out to gay bars in masks so that I can be invisible. Where can we see you? In a 39 U.S. cities tour all spring and summer!

April 1, 2018April 15, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

SHERRY VINE

From crack whorehouses in Hollywood, to men getting fisted next to her on a movie set while she’s putting on her makeup, international drag star Sherry Vine tries to make the most out of each and every day

Where did you grow up? In Columbia, Maryland. What do you miss about Columbia? Absolutely nothing! Where do you live now? In NYC, in the Hell’s Kitchen area. What’s something that’s unique about New York that would surprise most people? People always say, “There’s too much concrete.” And I say, “Honey, there’s this little thing called Central Park.” Surprise! What New York venue do you miss that’s gone? Many of the ones from the 1990’s: Bar d’O, Jackie 60, Squeezebox and BoyBar. If you had to live somewhere else, where would you live, and why? Barcelona. It’s my favorite city for culture, food, beach, art and men. I’m always content there.

Will you do anything fun while you’re in South Florida? Yes. I’ll go to the mall (laughs). What’s your claim-to-fame? International drag darling, YouTube sensation, and the creator and star of She’s Living for This. How did you come up with your name? There was a building on Vine Street in Hollywood that looked like a crack whorehouse. Appropriate. Other than your own TV series, what’s your favorite TV show or film that you’ve been in, and why? Scream, Teen, Scream. We had so much fun filming it, and 20 years later, it’s still funny. Did you watch the sex scenes being filmed in The Raspberry Reich? No, but someone was getting fisted next to me, at 7:00 a.m., while I was doing my make-up.

What town did you perform in that was most unique, and why? Bisbee, Arizona. It’s the strangest mix of people: gays, lesbians, trans, bikers, and copper miners. But they all get along, and it works. What’s your dream gig or role? My own variety show, like She’s Living for This. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? Folding sweaters at Benetton. How would you like to be remembered? “Sherry made me laugh when I needed it.” Will you ever retire? I hope not! What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked? “Why?” (laughs). Literally, that’s what was asked. A guy came up to me and just said, “why?”

ADVERSTISEMENT

Featuring Sherry Vine, Canadian sexploitation filmmaker Bruce LaBruce goes to Germany to write and direct the satire, *The Raspberry Reich*, inspired by real-life ’70s radical group the Baader-Meinhof gang.

What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Carol Burnett and Madonna. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Press-on fingernails. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? Budapest. It’s a stunning city. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? How to peel away the layers of bullshit and the things that don’t matter, and how to focus on what does. Let go, girl! What did you learn from your parents? Unconditional love and empathy, and how to laugh. If a politician that you didn’t like was drowning, would you save him or her? Yes.

What’s your favorite drink? Jack Daniels and ginger beer. What’s your most treasured possession? I’m not materialistic, but I treasure my photo albums. Do you believe in ghosts? Yes. Either living or dead, who would you love to have lunch with? Carol Burnett. What performer do you admire, and why? Jackie Beat. She’s lightning fast. What’s your best characteristic? That I genuinely care. How do you enjoy spending your time? Watching the same Marvel movies over and over. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Joe Manganiello.

If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? Douglas Sanders, who passed away too young. He was my best friend and co-conspirator in theater. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? To Studio 54, in the 1970’s, so that I could dance and party! What would your last meal be? Popeyes fried chicken and a milk shake. What do you worry about? The next gig (laughs)! What are you afraid of? Spiders. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? An electric guitar. It’s so sexual. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? Both, depending on my mood. Who depends on you? I don’t think that anyone depends on me, actually.

Who are you closest with? I’m very close to my parents. I’m also close with Josh, Erik, Bruce and Jackie. Oh, and Joey Arias. What would your autobiography be called? Little Votive Nights. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? I play the guitar. It always lifts me up. What’s on your bucket list? I don’t have one. I try to do what I wanna do as it comes up. What’s your greatest regret in life? Je ne regrette rien. What’s something that you never told anyone else? I’ll never tell. Where can we see you? You can see me this Friday and Saturday at The Pub. I’m also all over the world with lots of exciting shows. Check out my website for my schedule!

March 13, 2018August 5, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

AMANDA LEPORE

Not many can claim that they have a watch, a doll and a rubber duck made of them, on top of being a LGBT icon. But beneath the glitz and the glamour, and beyond the whimsical tips about hair bleaching and other ephemeral precepts, what’s the one thing that Amanda Lepore regrets in life?

Where do you live now? In New York. If you had to live somewhere else, where would it be, and why? In Paris, because it’s so pretty and it’s the “City of Love.” What New York venue do you miss that’s gone? The Diamond Horseshoe. It was such a gorgeous venue—very glamorous, with an old Hollywood vibe. What’s your claim-to-fame? Working with David LaChapelle, and being his muse. What’s your favorite LaChapelle photograph? Addicted to Diamonds.

Doll Part, by Amanda Lepore. A must-have collector’s item for readers eager for a glimpse into the unique world of a fearless chanteuse. A thoroughly enjoyable hybrid of flashy pictorial, artsy production, and outspoken autobiography.

What’s your ultimate goal in show business? I would love to have my own show. Something beautiful and elaborate, like Zumanity in Las Vegas. How would you like to be remembered? For making people happy. Will you ever retire? No, not anytime soon. Since you’re known for makeup, did you ever read Joan Crawford’s book, My Way of Life? I never read it. I do love the movie Mommie Dearest, though! What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked? Nothing weird. My fans are amazing and super respectful—I’m a fan of my fans!

What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Traci Lords. It was such a treat to work with her recently, since I admire her so much. I think she’s so smart, especially with how she turned a scandal around and formed her own company to keep the rights to her work. And then she went on to do real movies, TV and became a singer. As you can see, I’m a “fan-girl” to follow her career like this (laughs). What the last thing that you looked at online? Shopping. I’m always shopping and looking for unique items to make my own costumes and accessories.

What the best place that you’ve visited, and why? Ibiza. It’s a continuous party there. It’s like an extended, twenty-hour version of one of my shows (laughs). What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? Not to overlap bleach. What did you learn from your parents? When I was picked on as a kid, my mother would tell me to hold my head high with pride, and to always be myself. Other than Marilyn Monroe, what actress do you admire? Jayne Mansfield. She’s a cartoon version of Marilyn Monroe. What performer do you admire, and why? David Bowie, because he was ahead of his time, gender-fluid, gorgeous, had great style, and he made great music, too.

What’s your best characteristic? My petite hour-glass figure, and my lips. How do you enjoy spending your time? Working on looks for my shows, and working on new costumes and accessories. What celebrity do you have a crush on? David Bowie. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? David Bowie, for all the reasons that I previously mentioned! Where would you go in a time machine? I like to stay in the present. What would your last meal be? One cornflake. What do you worry about? I’m too busy. I don’t have time to worry.

Amanda Lepore’s latest EP. Released February 16, 2018. Get it for only $3.96.

If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? A violin, because of its hourglass figure. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A sheep, duh! I’m soft, curly and blonde. If you wrote a sequel to Doll Parts, what would it be called? Doll Parts II. What’s your greatest regret in life? Not being born genetically a female. It would have saved a lot of time and a lot of money! What’s something that you never told anyone else? That I’ve had plastic surgery (laughs)! Where can we see you? At Deryck Todd’s STRUT! at Acme on 3/13/2018, at Suzanne Bartsch’s Bareback Follies at The McKittrick Hotel on 3/16/2018, and at the Twisted Circus Tour UK from March 30 to April 7.

February 5, 2018March 31, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

STEPHEN MICHAEL SHEARER

From acting in the TV series Dallas, to interviewing silent screen stars, Stephen Michael Shearer’s career encapsulates a prodigous myriad of Hollywood genres. But who would he like to have sitting on his lap in heaven?

Where did you grow up? I was born in Bloomington, Illinois. For my first eight years, we lived on a small five-acre farm in Farmer City, Illinois. We lived in St. Louis for three years, and then when I was 11, we moved to Rogers, Arkansas. What do you miss about it there? I miss the bucolic, small-town life. As complicated as we thought the world was then, it was quite easy and safe by today’s standards. Where do you live now? I’ve lived in Woodbury, Minnesota, since 2008. What do you like most about living there? I like the political bubble, the religious freedom, and the educational climate. And when the weather’s beautiful here, it’s beautiful. But when it’s bad, it’s bad. If you had to live somewhere else, where would it be, and why? In New York, because that’s where I spent half of my adult life. What’s your claim-to-fame? In my younger years, I was an actor on the stage, in movies, and on national and local television. I was also a live-ramp and photographer’s model. But I suppose my one true claim-to-fame would be my three best-selling film biographies. What’s the best TV show that you performed in, and why? Of course the TV series Dallas—I was in it from 1981 to 1982—simply because that’s what most people seem to want to hear about.

What TV actor was your favorite to work with, and why? Patrick Duffy, because he’s a very kind and generous man. What’s the best film that you performed in? All my film work, what there is of it, has been my favorite. What film actor was your favorite to work with? I must say I enjoyed lengthy and multiple interviews with Paul Newman, Robert Stack, Gary Conway, Dirk Benedict and Anthony Franciosa. What’s your favorite contemporary film? One of the best films that I’ve seen in a very long time was Dunkirk. Brilliant. What’s your favorite TV series? Peyton Place, without question. What’s your favorite black and white film? I never get tired of viewing Brief Encounter, but that’s truly a terribly unfair question for a film historian. Who’s your favorite film actress? Patricia Neal, of course. What are your favorite plays, and why? I love The Women because of its snappy wit, The Phantom of the Opera for its timeless romance and music, and The Lion in Winter for its brilliant script. What’s your favorite theater in New York, and why? The Lunt-Fontanne, because of the many plays I saw there. I just love that theater. Either living or dead, what Hollywood figure would you love to have lunch with, and why? Lillian Roth, because I never got all the answers from her that I wanted.

Other than your own, what’s your favorite biography, and why? I’ll Cry Tomorrow, simply because it was the cornerstone of what type of literature I began reading at the age of ten. How would you like to be remembered? As a decent and fair man, and as a complicated and talented man. Will you ever retire? Nope. What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked? “Are you Jewish?” What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Dorothy Malone. What’s your current state-of-mind? I worry about the current worldliness and sense-of-entitlement of the youth. And at the risk of sounding pious, there also seems to be no reliability on faith or the power and grace of God. What were you doing before we spoke? Answering more questions. What’s your idea of perfect happiness? The same as I envision what heaven will be like. All my cats—both past and present—are on my lap, I’m in a big cushy chair, and I’m surrounded by my books and the greatest music of all time. What’s your greatest fear? To be misunderstood… and forgotten. Living or dead, who’s the greatest political figure in America, and why? I believe one of the greatest political figures was John F. Kennedy. He was a true statesman and a brilliant politician with an intelligent, articulate mind.

What’s the last thing that you looked at online? My website. What’s the best places that you’ve visited? Martha’s Vineyard, London and Athens. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That at some point you can start saying “no.” What did you learn from your parents? To do as they said, but not always as they did. What performer do you admire? Meryl Streep, personally, but not always professionally. What’s your best characteristic? That I’m honest. How do you enjoy spending your time? Reading, studying film and television, and researching at marvelous archives and libraries. What celebrity do you have a crush on? I don’t have any. Who do you admire, and why? I admire true Christian people who walk the walk and do not just talk the talk. Humanitarians, who follow the words of Jesus Christ for the betterment of all mankind, but not the pious, religious moral-majority who favor the elite and wealthy. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? I miss my parents from time-to-time.

Where would you go in a time machine, and why? I would love to be in Hollywood under contract with Paramount in 1929. To me, that was the most exciting time. What would your last meal be? Just lemonade. What do you worry about? Very little. I worry about illness to me and my loved ones. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? A cello, because it’s sensual. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? I’m a lamb. Who depends on you? My two cats, Maxwell and Madeleine. Who are you closest with? Myself. What would your autobiography be called? There are actually three—Little Boy Blue (1951-1969), Storming Heaven (1970-1982), and All My Sin Remembered. The last one will be published posthumously. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Motown, baby. And, of course, Dusty Springfield. What’s on your bucket list? To win an Academy Award, and to write dozens more film biographies. What’s your greatest regret in life? I have no regrets. What’s something that you never told anyone else? That I’m really a terribly shy man. Where can we see you? I’m all over YouTube, you can see me in Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story, on American Masters on May 18^th, and I’ll have another book out by 2020.

January 11, 2018April 1, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

KATE DAVIS

Multi-instrumentalist, singer and recording artist Kate Davis discusses the guilt of enjoying BBQ, before heading to her show with Angela Lansbury this Friday in West Palm Beach

Where did you grow up? In West Linn, Oregon. What do you miss about it there? Burgerville, and the nice weather from July through September. Where do you live now? In New York City. If you have to live somewhere else, where would it be? Somewhere that’s warm! What’s one of your favorite New York venues, and why? The Rockwood Music Hall. It’s a great space, it has a great sound, and it always has a handful of new musicians to check out. What’s your claim-to-fame? That I once met Paul McCartney. Who’s your favorite female vocalist? Joni Mitchell. Who’s your favorite male vocalist? Jeff Buckley. Who’s your favorite jazz composer? Leonard Bernstein. What musician do you think is under-rated? Ringo Starr. What’s one of your most cherished collaboration experiences? That I get to work with incredible dancers and musicians through Damian Woetzel pretty often.

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What’s your dream gig? Any gig where I sing my own songs and people listen. What do you do to let your hair down? I remove my hair-tie. If you could only do one, would you rather be a recording artist or a live performer? A recording artist.
What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked? “Can I have your shoes?” What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Ben Folds. What’s your favorite musical? West Side Story. What’s your favorite movie? The Elephant Man. What drives you crazy? Public fingernail-clipping. How would you feel if your pet was the master in heaven, and you were the pet? I think I’d feel fine (I had three different cats as a kid). Would you give a kidney to a relative or close friend? Yes. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? A Google-image-search for Gregory Peck. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? The Oregon coast, because it’s a spectacular gift of nature. What did you learn from your parents? Perseverance.

What performer do you admire, and why? Bjork, because she’s prolific, unique, and does what she wants! What’s your best characteristic? That I don’t think about what I say before I say it. How do you enjoy spending your time? Listening to music, cooking, and watching first-rate crime TV. What celebrity do you have a crush on? I haven’t had a celebrity crush since Jeremy Sumpter played “Peter Pan” in 2003. Who do you admire, and why? My grandfather, because he was the first person to teach me not to care what other people think. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? I don’t know… That’s the hardest question. Where would you go in a time machine? I would like to go back in time and be a fly-on-the-wall for the making of the Magical Mystery Tour.

What would your last meal be? If I truly didn’t have to suffer the consequences, it would be BBQ. What do you worry about? Just the usual existential anxiety. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A lute. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? I’m a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Who depends on you, and for what? My family, and for the obvious reasons. Who are you closest with? My boyfriend, because he’s my best friend, and he loves all the same weird stuff! What would your autobiography be called? Kert Dervis. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Bad Brains. What’s on your bucket list? To live in a beach house. What’s your greatest regret in life? I have no regrets. What’s something that you never told anyone else? I’m not sure. That I blab…? Where can we see you? I play regularly in New York City at the Rockwood Music Hall, or at my website.

You can see Kate Davis this Friday at the Kravitz Center in West Palm Beach in a “Night of Stars”: A Broadway Celebration!.

January 7, 2018April 1, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

BEVERLEY BASS

**You won’t believe what Captain Beverley Bass—the real-life pilot who was immortalized in the hit musical Come From Away—is afraid of**

Where did you grow up? In Fort Myers, Florida. Where do you live now? In, Argyle, Texas, which is just north of Fort Worth, Texas. What do you like about it there? The friendly people and the geographic location. What’s your claim-to-fame? In 1986, I became the first female captain for American Airlines, and now I’m a subject in a Broadway musical. Will you ever retire? Only when I can no longer fly jets. How would you like to be remembered? As a mentor who always tried to help young aviators pursue their dream. How often are you recognized in the audience of Come From Away? Actually, fairly often. I think it’s my white hair (laughs). How many times have you seen the show? Over 90 times. They’re going to have a party for me when I hit 100! What 9/11 story has moved you the most? I believe it may have been taking a pilot to Come From Away in D.C. His father was First Officer Thomas McGuinness, who was one of the pilots on the plane that hit the North Tower [of the World Trade Center]. It was the most emotional evening ever at the show.

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What’s your favorite musical? Well, that’s not a fair question. No doubt—Come From Away! What’s your second favorite musical? The Lion King. What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked? “What’s it like to be a girl pilot?” And to that I say, “Hmmm, I don’t know. I’ve never been a boy pilot” (laughs). What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? I’m not usually star-struck, so probably no one. What’s your current state-of-mind? I’m quite happy. I just learned that we’re going to the opening of Come From Away in Winnipeg! What were you doing before we spoke? I was drinking coffee at my favorite donut shop. What’s your idea of perfect happiness? Warm weather and walking the streets of New York before seeing Come From Away. What are your greatest fear? I’m terrified of snakes, and heights!

What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Well, Facebook, of course. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? Gander would no doubt be at the very top of my list. I love revisiting the beautiful souls of that region. What did you learn from your parents? That no dream is too big. What performer do you admire? Well of course that would be Jenn Colella, who plays me in Come From Away. What’s your best characteristic? Being insanely organized. How do you enjoy spending your time? Traveling and eating out. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Paul Newman and Robert Redford. I’m an old woman. Who do you admire? The first female military pilots. That was a huge break for women, and I’m jealous that I didn’t get that chance.

If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? My father. He would be so thrilled to see Come From Away on Broadway. Where would you go in a time machine? Back to a kinder, gentler time before 24/7 news and the internet. What would your last meal be? A rack of lamb topped off with a pan of brownies. What do you worry about? My son, who’s learning-disabled and struggles through life. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A harp. I think that they make the most beautiful music. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? Absolutely a wolf. I’ve never been a follower, like a sheep. Who depends on you, and for what? My family does. And they depend on me for everything, because I’m a task-master, and I always get things done.

Who are you closest with? My best friend, Laurie. We met when we were 18-months-old. What would your autobiography be called? She Did it Her Way. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Oldies from the 60s and 70s, but I’m not upset often. What’s on your bucket list? To go to Fogo Island in Newfoundland and to Iceland at Christmas. What’s your greatest regret in life? That I retired too early from American Airlines. What’s something that you never told anyone else? I’m pretty open, so I’m not sure what that would be. Where can we see you? Just Google my name with American Airlines or Come From Away, and you’ll see more than you need!

January 2, 2018April 1, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

CHARLES BUSCH

Tony Award nominee, Drama Desk Lifetime Achievement honoree and two-time MAC Award winner, Charles Busch, discusses his legendary career—including a chance encounter with Greta Garbo—before returning to the stage in South Florida and Chicago

Where did you grow up? In New York City. If you had to live somewhere other than New York, where would it be? I recently went out to dinner with a great group of people after a show in Birmingham, Alabama. We had such a fun, campy time, and I realized that it doesn’t really matter where you live if you have a group of dear friends. I think I may be learning to be less of a New York snob. What’s your claim-to-fame? To be considered truly famous, everyone’s mother needs to have heard of you. But I feel that my forty years of work as an actor, playwright and performer has endeared me to several generations of wonderful people. How would you like to be remembered? That I added a little color to an increasingly grey world. Will you ever retire? As long as I have energy and a decent memory, I’ll be out there slingin’ the one-liners and tossin’ the hips. I also still get great pleasure out of writing. I hope that enthusiasm never wanes. Who’s your favorite female performer from the 1930s and 1940s? Judy Garland. I continually learn about honesty and style from studying her performances. Who’s your favorite male performer from the 1930s and 1940s? James Cagney. He was a dynamic actor and performer. He also reminds me a lot of my father.

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Who’s your favorite female contemporary performer? Miley Cyrus. I’m glad that she’s grown out of her youthful rebellious phase, and I think that she has the talent and charisma to be truly great. Who’s your favorite male contemporary performer? I find Bruno Mars very interesting. What’s your favorite contemporary film? I’ve seen The Disaster Artist twice this week, and I love it. What playwright do you admire? Charles Ludlam and Tennessee Williams. I worship them both. Specifically, when I was 17-years-old, I saw Ludlam onstage in Eunuch of the Forbidden City, and I saw at that moment that anything was possible in the theater. What story needs to be told that hasn’t been told yet? How the lesbian community—particularly, in San Francisco—rallied and took care of gay men during the height of the AIDS crisis in the eighties. What’s your dream role? Peter Pan. Did you ever run into Greta Garbo in New York? Twice, as a teenager, I saw her striding up the street. One time I followed her into an empty store, and just being in her presence made me so light-headed that I finally had to run out. When she was in New York, It was like having a mythical unicorn in our midst… What politician don’t you like? They’re too many to list.

What’s your favorite drink? Jack Daniels with ginger ale. Or, a chocolate milkshake. What’s your most treasured possession? An original seven-foot nineteenth century poster of the great actress Sarah Bernhardt, by the artist Mucha. I had the small $4.95 print of it in my bedroom as a kid, and now I have the real deal. Still, if there was a fire, I wouldn’t risk my life trying to save it. Do you believe in ghosts? I would like to. There are so many people I would love to see again. Either living or dead, who would you like to have lunch with? The late film director, George Cukor. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? A video of a dog befriending a baby deer. I’m a real sucker for cute animal videos. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? Locarno, Switzerland. I was showing a movie of mine at a film festival, and I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the city. And I was also surrounded by a gorgeous group of gay men who found me fascinating. Heaven. What did you learn from your parents? My mother died when I was seven, so I don’t remember her well. My father introduced me to the magic of the theater. And for that, I’ll always be grateful. What’s your best characteristic? That I can throw myself into someone else’s fantasy of who they would like to be.

How do you enjoy spending your time? I’m so lucky that my work is also my great passion. I just love sitting at the computer working on a script; particularly, the editing and fine tuning. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Harry Styles and Mark Ruffalo. I have very eclectic tastes. Who do you admire? All of the people who are out in the cold demonstrating and resisting. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? My Aunt Lillian, who raised me and saved me when I was at a terrible crossroads. I’d want her to know that things worked out and that all of her hard work and devotion paid off. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? To see Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall in 1961. What would your last meal be? The ridiculously obscenely expensive caviar that I’ve only read about, and a huge steamed lobster. What do you worry about? Losing my mind. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A small and very stylish old spinet piano, like the one in the movie Casablanca. It’s a bit old-fashioned, but you can play any tune on it.

Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A wolf. I hate to say it, but a career of any success does leave some blood on the floor. Who depends on you, and for what? My sister, who’s currently living with me. She had some recent health issues, and for the first time, I’m learning to anticipate someone else’s needs. Who are you closest with? My sister, my nephew and a very intense circle of four, maybe five, friends. I’m very fortunate. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Upbeat stuff, like The Andrews Sisters, The Supremes and Burt Bacharach. What’s on your bucket list? I want to make another movie! What’s your greatest regret in life? I deeply regret a few selfish and insensitive blunders that I’ve made. But I’d like to think that I’ve learned something from them. What’s something that you never told anyone else? That I live for the anecdote and to entertain. In doing so, I’ve probably told every outrageous and intimate episode of my life to either an individual or an audience. Where can we see you? I’ll be at Palm Beach Dramaworks on January 12 in West Palm Beach, and at Pride Films and Plays on January 21 and 22 in Chicago.

December 25, 2017April 1, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

FIONA O’BRIEN

Through the pain of a recent loss, rising comedian Fiona O’Brien keeps her sense of humor intact as she reveals her likes and dislikes, including how quality control at Cadbury would be her ideal job

Where did you grow up? In Sutton, Dublin, in Ireland. Where do you live now? In Toronto, Canada. How long have you lived there? For five years. What do you like about it? Tim Hortons. If you could live anywhere, where would it be? At my mom’s house. What’s your claim-to-fame? Being a shit-cool mother fucka. What comics follow you on Twitter? Among others, Rosie O’Donnell and Lisa Lampanelli. Who’s your favorite female comic? Joan Rivers. Who’s your favorite male comic? Tommy Tiernan. What makes a good stand-up comic? Confidence, and faith in yourself.

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What performer are you inspired by? Joan Rivers, Whoopi Goldberg and Robin Williams. What’s your favorite film? Jaws. What’s your favorite comedy film? This Is Spinal Tap. What’s your dream job? Quality control at Cadbury. Will you ever retire? No. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Lego. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? Egypt, because I love the Egyptian history. What’s the last thing that you watched on TV? The Sound of Music. What’s the craziest thing that you ever did? Gate-crashing a wedding with my friend. What’s your favorite book? Watermelon by Marian Keyes.

What’s the best concert you ever went to? Tina Turner. What did you learn from your parents? That you can’t stop tomorrow from coming. What’s your best characteristic? My sense of humor. How do you enjoy spending your time? Playing around on my phone. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Keanu Reeves, but only if he was a mute. Who do you admire, and why? My mom and dad, for loving us unconditionally. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? My dad. He died this year, and he was my favorite person. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? Back to the day before my wedding. The “why” is obvious.

What would your last meal be? Ice cream. What do you worry about? Money. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? My daughter said a trumpet. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A wolf. Who depends on you? My favorite child does, and also the other two. Who are you closest with? My sister, Orla. What would your autobiography be called? Are You Feckin’ Serious? What music do you listen to when you’re upset? The Pointer Sisters. What’s on your bucket list? To write a book. What’s your greatest regret in life? Not visiting Ireland as often as I could of. Can you tell me something that you never told anyone else? Yes. Where can we see you? At www.fionaobrien.ca, on my Facebook Web Series, on YouTube, on Twitter, or at a comedy club!

December 3, 2017April 1, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

TOM FITZPATRICK

Horror star and connoisseur of vintage cinema, Tom Fitzpatrick, reveals what he’s superstitious about, where he’d go in a time machine, and what beckoned him to Hollywood

Where did you grow up? I grew up on a dairy farm near Rexville, New York, in a tiny hamlet in Southwestern New York State. Where you live now? In West Hollywood, California. Why did you move there? I always wanted to live there. Specifically, I wanted to live in the “Hollywood” that I saw in the movie magazine photos—which doesn’t exist anymore, if it ever did. But West Hollywood is the same; it’s only better! Tell me something about Los Angeles that most people don’t know. Hmm… Captive Native Americans were sold as slaves in a slave market that existed on the streets of downtown Los Angeles, as late as the 1850s. Are you proud to be an American yet? What’s your claim–to–fame? I guess that I played The Bride in Black in Episodes II and III of the Insidious horror franchise, and I played Kevin Hart’s long-suffering English butler on the BET series Real Husbands of Hollywood. How would you like to be remembered? As a fabulous actor who never got his due during his lifetime. Will you ever retire? Nah, I’ll never retire. I’m just getting started. What are your favorite silent movies? Sunrise, Intolerance, A Fool There Was, and The General. What are your favorite early talkies? The Beast of the City, Dracula, and She Done Him Wrong. What’s your favorite contemporary movie? Tangerine. Who are your favorite performers from silent films? Buster Keaton, Clara Bow, Mary Pickford and Theda Bara. Who’s your favorite performer from talkies? Mae West.

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Who’s your favorite contemporary performer, and why? Meryl Streep and Laurie Metcalf, because them broads can act! What makes a good silent movie? Good pace, superb photography, subtle acting and a good story. What makes a good talkie? All of the other things I just said, plus good, fast-paced dialogue in that dear, old-fashioned Broadway style. It needs to be snappy. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? I searched for “massive cocks” on Reddit, okay? Nosy bitch. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? Paris. Why…?! Jesus Christ, it’s fucking Paris! It’s the best city in the world, hands down. What’s your favorite band? I have no “favorite” band. I literally know nothing of contemporary music, and my ignorance doesn’t bother me at all. Who would play you in a movie? Glenda Jackson…? No, I don’t know. Stupid question, dear. What are you superstitious about? Oh, God. Never, EVER, quote anything from Shakespeare’s Scottish play in my presence. That’s my greatest fear. Never, EVER, whistle in the dressing room. Never cross paths backstage with anyone going up or down the stairs. Never wear a blue costume without some silver on it to offset the blue. Never peek out at the audience from behind the curtain before the show. And, of course, say “break a leg” to a performer, but never say “good luck.” I knock-on-wood all the while backstage before a show, and I pray as well. Do you believe in aliens? Aliens…? Nah. We’re alone on this rock in the universe, kids. Sorry.

What’s your guilty pleasure? I have no guilty pleasure. Anything I want to do, I go ahead and do it. Fuck it. Life is too short. I had 17 years of a Catholic childhood, and that gave me more than enough guilt for two fucking lifetimes. How do you most enjoy spending your time? Going to excellent films at The Arclight Theatre in Hollywood, or sitting quietly, reading great books by P. G. Wodehouse or Agatha Christie. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Keanu Reeves. Who do you admire? Keanu Reeves. The guy is classy and cool. He’s the product of a good mom, I bet. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? My beloved best friend that I ever had in my life, the late Iranian-American avant-garde theatre director, Reza Abdoh. He and I worked together for ten years and made ten shows together. He died of AIDS in 1995, and I still miss him and think of him every day. Best guy on earth, ever, by me. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? I’d go to Hollywood, California, at about 1912 or 1913. I’d break into silents at the very beginning. I’d get in on the ground floor. A new art form was being created, you know? The last art form, probably. What else can be done…? What would your last meal be? I dunno. A hunk of salmon, some veggies and rice, a glass of good red wine, a great cuppa coffee, and a slice of good chocolate cake for dessert.

What do you worry about? Money. But I don’t need much. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? The oboe. I like the soothing sound, and it sounds very close to the human voice. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A wolf, baby. Make no mistake about it. I might be a small, sneaky wolf, but a wolf nevertheless. Who depends on you? Nobody depends on me. Thank God. Who are you closest with? Four “kids” from the company of actors my friend Reza created to do his works, two old friends from a long-running show that I did in Boston in the early 1970s, and a newbie from Facebook—the fine young film director, Anoushirvan Masoudi. What would your autobiography be called? Either I Always Wanted to Be Here, or Thank God That’s Over. Do you ever put music on when you’re upset? No. No music. What’s on your bucket list? To get a regular or recurring role on some damned TV show that takes off and runs for 10 years, and to make beaucoup flicks for really good, artistic directors. What’s your greatest regret in life? I turned down a few gigs that might have led to more interesting work. Tell me something that you’ve never told anyone else. I’ve already told you enough. No mas, papi. Sorry. No hitherto unpublished secrets will be divulged here. Where can we see you? In the upcoming film Regarding the Case of Joan of Arc and in an episode in the upcoming web series Driven.