Queer comic extraordinaire will be splitting your sides all summer: Poppy J. Snacks! [Cover photo: Kat Soriano]
Thotyssey: Hi Poppy, thanks for chatting today! You were recently part of the “Kweendom” lineup of standup comics at Pete’s Candy Store in Brooklyn… how did that go?
Poppy J. Snacks: Thank you for reaching out! I actually had to call out because I lost my voice… but I’ve performed for “Kweendom” a couple times including Flame Con, and I always have a blast!
Comics must have to be very careful with the health of their voices, much like singers! Have you ever done a really long solo set?
I’ve headlined a couple of times in my career. I headlined at my home comedy club the Villain Theater when I was in Miami recently.
Is Miami your native hometown?
Si! Still have my 786 number.
Growing up, were you aware from early on that you were funny and could make others laugh?
Not really. I was obnoxious growing up… and kinda shy. It wasn’t until I won Key West Bear 2018 that I wanted to work on my stage presence. So I took on improv, and I ended up loving it. Eventually I practiced standup, and even experimented with Bearlesque. Then I realized I loved entertaining people, and making them forget about what’s going on in this world.
What’s your standup act usually like? Do you bring a lot of prepared jokes and material, or do you prefer to do largely spontaneous crowd work stuff?
It’s a mix of prepared jokes with crowd work. The crowds vibes are important.
Do you like using social media as a tool to get your material out there, or do you worry about overexposing material that you use in your sets?
I maybe have one or two reels with my material out, but I’d rather people experience it first hand live.
That makes sense! Standup comedy in general seems to be having a renaissance lately.
I think the difference now is that the racial / misogynistic, etc. content is not accepted anymore… and that’s great. We still have a ways to go, but comedy should be about telling your story and making it funny. But we should always make fun of straight people!
Lol! What’s it like being a queer comic who often produces, hosts or is a part of queer comic lineups? Do queer audiences just have a better sense of humor than the straights, lol?
It depends! There is material that I save for gay audiences because they would understand it more. But straight audiences are cool too cause they’re “easier” to entertain, lol.
Let’s talk about some gigs coming up care your Bear Back Presents brand, where Da Queers (and their friends) can see you! This Thursday you are presenting a double feature at Club Lambda in Brooklyn: “Bear Back Burlesque” at 8pm, and “Maul” at 11:30pm!
“Bear Back Burlesque” has been a project years in the making! I started Bearlesque in Miami before I moved here, and I was pretty much the only one doing it. Then I moved to New York, and have met amazing people that had the same dreams… so I said, why not! Club Lambda BK have been nothing but supportive, and we’ve thrown some great shows. “Bear Back Burlesque” features different performers from the bear community featuring stripping, drag, live vocals, and more!
Once the burlesque show the after party begins! “Maul” is a great bear party in the Club Lambda basement that features sickening beats from my bb DJ Tokenblackfriend, and we have the largest dark room in Brooklyn!
You also have a recurring event at Rockbar.
“Bear Back Bingo” is an evening of classic bingo games with Bearlesque numbers in between. Final game has $100 grand prize! It’s every second and fourth Sunday at Rockbar 5 to 8pm.
What else is coming up for you?
“Bear Back Burlesque” is having a big Pride Showcase on Wednesday, June 26 at Club Lambda BK! Follow me for more details!
Last question: who’s your favorite comic?
My favorite comic is probably the United States because lately we have been a joke. #freepalestine
Thanks, Poppy!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Poppy J. Snacks’ upcoming appearances, and follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Also follow Bear Back Presents on Instagram.
Thotyssey 