Recently emerging as one of New York’s most delightful and talented live singing queens, this performer is about to premiere a very special, very different showcase in November. Thotyssey is happy to play catch up with Castrata! [Cover photo: Anthony Cunanan]
Thotyssey: Hello Castrata! Happy Spooky Season… do you have all your scary looks planned out yet?
Castrata: Oh girl, it’s giving recession this year. I’m serving Ghost of Halloween Past and pulling out my old looks from previous years!
Brilliant! I’m just cutting holes in sheets. Well, since we last spoke here long ago you’ve been busy with gigs upon gigs… how does it feel to be one of those Many Shows a Week Queens?
It’s crazy to think just a year and a half ago, we were all clamoring for work… and now I’m averaging four shows a week! It’s wonderful and wild all at the same time. But I’m doing what I love to do, and am so grateful to have these opportunities!
These days, folks can see you every Tuesday at Pieces with Kiki Ball-Change for “Two Stupid Queens.” On Saturdays you’re part of Hush’s “H2HOE,” and Sundays is “Mamacitas” at Playhouse.
Yup! I love my weekly shows and everyone I work with so much.
Your drag mom Lagoona Bloo is one of your co-hos for each of those latter two shows. She’s coming back this weekend after living her Musical Theater Queen life–she was out in LA starring in DRAG: The Musical with that show’s creator Alaska and an all-star cast this whole last month!
Lagoona is just the one; although we’ve only known each other for a few years, I feel like I’ve known her a lifetime. She has worked so hard and pushed herself beyond her limits, and it is finally paying off—without the help from any very popular drag shows! She’s opening for Alaska on tour for the next two months, which is so cool! I’m gonna miss her very much, but it is time for her to fly the coop and shine bright.
Like Mama Bloo, you are also known for being a ferocious live singer in your shows. Do you have a favorite number to sing these days?
I was literally just talking about this to a friend the other day! My new favorite to do is “Plastic Off the Sofa!” Renaissance is on repeat in this house.
Love that! So something really exciting is coming our way… your solo cabaret debut! MUSE premieres at the Laurie Beechman Theatre on Thursday, November 10th, which will feature a live band!
So this has been something I have dreamed of doing for many, many years, and I finally have the ability to self-produce and do the show the way I want to… which is very important to me. So after saving all of my corporate Pride coins, I decided it was time!
All of the music in the show is derived from my—you guessed it— MUSES! They are the singers that have inspired my voice, dreams, and experiences. We have a little something for everyone: Mariah Carey, Sara Bareilles, Celine Dion, Joni Mitchell, and so many more!
What a diverse group of inspirations! What can the world learn about Castrata from seeing this show?
I love this question! Before I moved to New York, I realized many things about myself and the world around me in regards to the relationships we have, the connections we make, and our place in the universe. Each song in the show is a landmark moment in my life where I learned these valuable lessons. So I would like to impart that on my audience, and hopefully—in a humble way—be their MUSE, and inspire them to experience life to their full potential.
Gorgeous! Sounds like a Cannot Miss Event, I can’t wait!
Is there anything else the children should be on the lookout for from Castrata? Maybe we’ll hear some sort of original music someday, for instance!
It’s definitely on the horizon… that’s the next level up. I have a note on my phone that is a list of song ideas, and it’s growing!
Yay! Okay, lastly, my seasonal closer: have you ever had a ghostly or supernatural encounter?
When I was a kid, I swore I had ESP… but I think I just played too many video games. But recently, my cat was fixated on a corner in the ceiling where there was nothing. She was obsessed for an entire day and night. She was, like, anxious and scared of it… it was giving Ghost. And I tried to speak to it, but nothing happened!
These damn cats are always bringing ghosts into the house! Thanks, Castrata!
Previously: On Point with Castrata (11.21.2019)
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Castrata’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
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