This Princess of Paradise is ready for her Diamonds: Jersey drag newbie Milani! [Cover photo: Clavel]
Thotyssey: Milani, hello! How is Early Spooky Season treating you so far?
Milani: To be completely honest, this fall has been super busy for me. I’ve been focusing more on getting my name out there as a performer.
You’re doing a great job so far! How might you describe the drag you do today?
I would say my drag is like the ultimate popstar experience. I’m inspired by well-known designers, and I always try to push femininity to the max.
Slay! It seems like New Jersey drag has suddenly become quite a crowded community, not unlike New York drag. Is that a challenge for you to navigate?
It hard for me to answer that question because I started in 2023; I’m still kinda new to the scene. I think the challenge comes from me putting on a good show every time I go out… everyone here in New Jersey is super friendly.
Where are you from originally, and were you always into things like performing, fashion, etc.?
Well, I was born in Boston and then moved to New Jersey (Plainfield) where I stay now. I’ve always been into performing, even as a little kid I loved to sing dance and act. Drag was an outlet for me to put all that into one thing. The fashion part was always there because I grew up with fashion dolls, and now I’m still playing dress up.
What was your drag debut like?
I went on Google and searched up drag competitions near me, and Monday night’s “Drag Wars” in Asbury Park showed up and I messaged the host Cee’Mour Cox one day and asked if I could come — they said yes. I was wearing high boots that I crystallized and a bra with a tutu and no wig; I was wearing my own hair. I lost that night, but I kept coming back because I felt like I was a part of a community.
You’ve performed quite a few times at Paradise, home of “Drag Wars,” since! Is that one of the best drag venues in the tri-state, in your opinion?
I love Paradise so much; it opened so many doors for me as a performer. Paradise has it all from a loving community to baby drag queens to famous drag queens that go on shows. Unfortunately, I don’t have much to compare it to because I haven’t been to the other drag venues in Jersey. All of the connections that I have now have came from Paradise.
You do have something new coming up. But first on Wednesday, you’ll be joining E. Licksher, Crystal Envy and a large cast at Paradise for a drag tribute to Legally Blonde! How amazing will this be?
Yes, we’ve been working so hard on this show for the past couple weeks and I’m excited for everyone to finally see it. Whenever E. Lickher puts on an off-off-off-Broadway show at Paradise, it’s always a good time. And the crowd is always super interactive. I believe the bartenders make special drinks to go with the theme of the show ….it’s gonna be so cute.
Excellent! And on Saturday you’ll be venturing out of Paradise for a day to nearby House of Independents, where you’ll be part of Flip Phone’s Sabrina / Chappell brunch! Which of those two popstars is more your diva?
I would say Sabrina Carpenter; I love the whole cute Polly Pocket aesthetic.
Then Wednesday, October 1st you’ll be back at Paradise for another E. Licksher led show… this one paying tribute to Little Shop of Horrors.
Ah yes, that will be my second time around helping E. Licksher bring back Little Shop of Horrors. It felt good rehearsing something we’ve already done, so I’m sure the second time is going to be even better.
And then this is exciting: staring October 8th, you will be competing in Drag Race alum Crystal Envy’s eight week “Diamond Race” pageant at Paradise!
As soon as I saw that Crystal was hosting her own competition, I immediately sent the application. It was a no-brainer because as much as I hate competing, I know it’s kind of the only way to get my name out there. I can’t wait to see what comes out of this crazy ride. I’ve always been inspired by Crystal Envy — from the very first time I saw them perform to literally seeing them in rehearsal.
What do you want to do next?
I have no idea what’s in store, but I’m super excited to make my way to the Big Apple one day.
We’re looking forward to that! Okay, lastly… what’s the most essential item in your drag bag?
Ugh, I have to have a fan so I don’t melt.
Thanks, Milani!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Milani’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
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