This extraordinary drag talent and genuine opera diva (who originated the first drag queen role in the genre) is getting a surge of New York nightlife stardom: Creatine Price! [Cover photo: @buffaloportraits & @amandalynnbottoms]
Thotyssey: Creatine, hello! Happy August 1st! How did July treat you?
Creatine Price: July was so fun! I had a huge event happen in my life where I went on TV for the first time as a guest artist in Paris; it will air in October, so keep your eyes peeled.
OMG, that’s amazing! Who knew that drag in Paris would be so topical this summer!?
Yes, truly Paris is having a moment!
Are you surprised about people’s weird reaction to the alleged “Drag Last Supper” moment in the Olympics opening show?
I’m never surprised these days (unfortunately) by the crazy religious people online finding something wrong with everything that doesn’t fit their narrow worldview. Nicky Doll and the crew from the ceremony were incredible and deserved to be there!
Is there anything else you can tell us about your own Paris project, or is it still a “wait and see” situation?
It is mostly wait and see. I can say I was definitely looking fabulous and singing super well, for having so little sleep! But yes, it is a show that will air on M6 in October.
Here’s as good a time as any to segue into your origin story: where are you from, and were you always surrounded by opera and music growing up?
I’m from Buffalo, NY! I grew up in a family of four as the only gay one–even in my extended family. I always knew I wanted to be a performer, and started singing professionally in a boy’s choir at eight years old. I felt like I had grown out of it, though. By high school, I wanted to join Cirque du Soleil. But then I saw my first opera, Bizet’s Carmen, and realized that this is exactly what I should be doing. I started listening to my dad’s old records of Pavarotti and Mario Lanza, started voice lessons again, and applied to go to school for voice. I went to undergrad at SUNY Fredonia, and then grad school at Boston University; I did programs in Germany and Denmark after that.
Opera is an extremely taxing and disciplined singing style; one must be incredibly dedicated to the craft to master it.
It is extremely taxing; it is not for the faint of heart. I don’t recommend anyone do it unless you know one hundred percent that you have the money and the high notes to accomplish it. It’s made for and by rich white people–and while singers like myself have changed the landscape of the industry, it remains one of the most difficult jobs ever. Luck is 90% of what is needed.
What is your ethnic background, if you don’t mind me asking?
My dad is Black and Choctaw indigenous American; my mom is white.
Leontyne Price was a legendary Black opera singer who changed the face of the genre, and she’s no doubt your name inspiration! Trivia: for a minute, another local opera queen, Jasmine Rice LaBeija, was going by the name Leontyne Rice!
Yes, I remember this!
Have you worked with Jasmine?
I have met Jasmine before, but have not yet worked with her. I would absolutely love to, though! She is an inspiration.
How did your own drag journey begin?
I started drag in 2018–sort of out of curiosity–but didn’t take it seriously until I made my principal artist debut at New York City opera . It was a world premiere of a new opera called Stonewall, where I played the first role in a modern opera ever written for a drag queen.
That’s amazing! I guess that opera is like Broadway in the sense that the female roles are the juiciest… and of course, opera costuming is it’s own art form!
Yes, that is so true! That’s what I try to emulate in my drag–the heroines of opera and their drag queen-like glory!
Do you lip sync at all?
I do, sometimes! I like to pretty much only sing live, though. My numbers are usually arias that turn into a parallel lip sync.
You’ve been doing lots of solo shows at Red Eye these past few months (the next one appears to be scheduled for September 5th).
Yes, I have a monthly show at Red Eye all thanks to [venue co-owner] Sam Benedict! We met a long time ago, but connected again in the winter last year and came up with the concept of the show together. I produce and direct it all myself. It’s an expanded version of the show I was doing at HiLot last year.
On Thursday you’re bringing the show to Red Eye’s sister venue, The Ice Palace on Fire Island! How exciting is that!?
Extremely exciting! I’ve actually never been there, so I’m excited to see the island and do the show. Again, I have Sam to thank for this!
Have a great show! Let’s end with: what is your favorite item in your drag bag, cosmetics or otherwise?
It’s my Makeup For Ever HD palette–literally the best for everything.
Thanks, Creatine!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Creatine Price’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram and YouTube.
Thotyssey 