NYC drag’s new Final Girl is now producing her own shows; it’s always sunny (and sexy/scary) in Maliboo!
Thotyssey: Hi Maliboo, thanks for chatting today! How is March treating you so far?
Maliboo: I am having a great start to my month. The weather is getting better, and I am definitely feeling more inspired with the upcoming change in seasons. I have another production at C’mon Everybody [coming up] that I am quite excited for.
How long have you been a drag performer in New York now?
I moved to NYC in June of 2022, and started drag in October of the same year.
Where were you from originally, and what ultimately inspired you to become Maliboo?
I was born and raised in San Diego, CA. I’ve wanted to do drag for quite some time, and knew I wanted my persona to be based on the Final Girl horror movie trope. I’ve loved horror films–particularly slashers–all my life, and really resonated with them growing up. The idea of survival and overcoming evil forces is something that a lot of queer people can identify with, and these themes have definitely helped me overcome adversity that I’ve gone through as a person. Maliboo is how I can channel such concepts, and how I’m able to incorporate heroines from media that have inspired me.
Do you have a favorite horror movie or franchise? And is there a Greatest Final Girl?
It’s so hard to pick a favorite–but I find the Scream franchise to be the most consistent, therefore my favorite. There are many Final Girls that I love, and it’s not easy picking one to be the greatest. They all mean a lot to me, because they all represent similar attributes within their respective films. However, Sidney from Scream is probably the greatest because she served as a turning point for the trope. She didn’t really follow certain rules that guaranteed you survival in previous films. She overcame so much with the death of her mother, and throughout the franchise in its entirety. I resonate with her grit, tenacity and her ability to repeatedly come out alive.
I would consider Buffy to be a final girl in her own right, and she has heavily inspired my aesthetic and point of view as a drag artist.
You largely perform in Brooklyn now. What’s it like to be part of that nightlife community?
I think it’s all come full circle because I’ve had a huge admiration for nightlife in NYC growing up. Brooklyn drag is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. There is such a range for artistry and storytelling; it’s impossible to not feel utterly and completely inspired. I’ve made great friends, and have found a drag family who really believes in me–which means the world to me.
I just want to say that I am always beyond grateful to be part of the Brooklyn nightlife community in any capacity, because drag means everything to me. I feel like a brand new person since I’ve started, and the scene has absolutely changed my life for the better.
As a fairly young queen, it’s quite impressive that you’re already producing your own shows!
Thank you for saying that! Producing has been a lot of fun, but is also very demanding. I think as a visionary and artist, it was an important goal for me to start producing. I have a heart for the people I’ve come across since starting to do drag, and I wanted to begin carving out more space for them. I feel like I’ve never really shied away from going after things that I’ve wanted, and producing is no different. I produce my shows with my good friend and sister, Talia Fortune. We utilize our respective capabilities, and we are such a dynamic team together. Last summer we made a commitment to one another to produce a Scooby-Doo show for Halloween, which we called “ZOINKS!” I’m still so grateful to the performers who believed in the vision and helped bring it to life.
You and Talia are producing a big show coming up at C’mon Everybody on Wednesday, March 13th: “Rosalia vs. Arca!”
“Rosalía vs. Arca” is a tribute party featuring drag shows and music throughout the night from both artists. We chose these artists because there’s a lot of overlap in their music, as they both have an experimental sound in Spanish pop. Talia and I both love these artists, and wanted to do a show with their music because we get inspired by them for our drag. Their music is also not necessarily something we see performed a lot, because it can be challenging. I think it’s important to challenge yourself artistically, especially in such a storytelling-heavy art form like drag.
And on March 21st, you’ll be part of what will no doubt be one of this month’s biggest nights: “Night of 1000 Christinas” at 3 Dollar Bill!
You are absolutely right that it will be one of the biggest nightlife events of the month. Nicky O and Jo Disco both put so much love and effort into making these nights everything; I’ve had a blast in each one that I’ve done thus far. Christina was one of my first exposures to pop music as a young child, and I loved her discography growing up. When I was very little, my dad bought me Christina Aguilera: Genie Gets Her Wish on VHS, which I watched all the time. I was completely captivated by the “Genie in a Bottle” music video. I love many different pop girls, but am definitely more of a stan of girls who serve choreo and / or vocals.
What else is coming up for you?
I’m currently working on my next production, which will be happening in April.
We’ll keep our eyes and ears open! Okay, lastly: what is your favorite miracle makeup product in your drag bag?
Makeup is my favorite part when it comes to my drag. I love the whole process of getting ready and feeling the fantasy while watching everything come together. There are several products that I use frequently, but my favorite is my Pat McGrath Mothership VIII: Divine Rose II palette. There are many beautiful shades that I often use on my lids, and some double as a very fierce highlighter.
Gorge! Thanks, Maliboo!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Maliboo’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
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