Don’t let this Brooklyn drag performer’s name fool you… the Alex the Meh experience is anything but “meh!” [Cover photo: Anthony Leo]
Thotyssey: Hi Alex, thanks for chatting tonight! How is the summer treating you so far?
Alex the Meh: Hello! It’s been way too hot for my liking, but the vibes have been nothing but amazing!
Apropos of nothing, have you been killing spotted lanternflies at all, lol?
Isn’t that the job of an American citizen!? And they always come out of nowhere, too!
Monsters!
So other than that, I was curious how much time you generally devote to drag in an average week–even when you’re not performing–as far as wardrobe, mixes, etc?
I try to always think of new ideas every day! Really, anything can be an inspiration if you look in the right places. I’m always thinking, how am I gonna top myself next week? And I’m a terrible top!
Lol! How might you describe the type of drag you do, to the uninitiated?
Well, you heard of Alexander the Great. Just think of me as the stupid slutty sister that’s always ready to turn for a dime! Expect the unexpected!
Ah, so that’s the name origin… love it!
Can you tell us a bit about where you’re from, and what were some early creative interests of yours that may have ultimately put you on this path?
I’m a born and raised central New Yorker; I came from a small town called Interlaken! I’m a huge theatre fan, even since I was a kid. I did all the plays and musicals (never got the lead role, always the comic relief) and when I moved to Albany for college for said musical theatre, I found out that drag existed! And it was an easy transition from theatre to drag, because there’s a lot of aspects that are similar. So I enjoyed that! Also there’s more freedom with drag than with theatre.
What were the circumstances that brought you out on the town as The Meh, and how did you become a performer in NYC? Do you officially live here now?
Well originally, I started drag when I was 19. And when starting, I asked my partner for a name (because you need a good drag name) and my original drag name for about a year was Marsha Mellow! Which is an amazing name, but later I found out it didn’t really fit my drag. I eventually dropped out of college due to my mental health, and many bad situations. And usually you go back to your family and your hometown, but I don’t talk to my family. So the only place to go was to the city where my partner of five years lives! So I started making a home here in Brooklyn. I’ve been in Brooklyn for about three years, stomping around and making lots of noise.
There is now a small but visible number of trans men doing femme drag in NYC. Do you feel that sense of community with those performers?
Oh yes, definitely. And there honestly should be more! There’s so few of us, so that sense of community is very strong in that sense.
Definitely room for more! Have you had a favorite performance or stage moment so far?
It probably had to be during my second round of [the Brooklyn drag competition] BitchFest; it was the finale and the theme was Theatre. So I decided to write a monologue about myself, and have a puppet dressed like me in drag talk through it like puppet therapy. Then after the monologue, I would do Barbra Streisand’s rendition of “I Don’t Care Much” from Cabaret! It was a very emotional and vulnerable number.
We will get to see you at Stonewall on Saturday, August 19th when Lala Wiggy’s massive “Killer Queen” lineup takes the stage!
Oh yes, indeed! It’s honestly, I think, going to be show-stopping! It’s a big show with many talented bitches. I’m just happy to be a part of the lineup!
Anything else coming up or in the works for you?
Nothing for right now show-wise, but I’m developing a Muppet themed “Drag Power Hour.” So stay tuned for that!
Intriguing! So I guess I must leave it with: who is your favorite Muppet?
Kermit the Frog, of course! Nothing can beat that “Rainbow Connection!”
Someday we’ll find it! Thanks, Alex!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Alex the Meh’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
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