A longtime theatrical queen who’s become a staple of Stonewall programming, Miss Robusta Capp is shooting back to the stage this Spooky Season.
Thotyssey: Hello, Robusta! We’re in crazy times now as a nation, but how are you doing otherwise this September?
Other than the obvious *gestures wildly,* I’m fabulous. I’ve got two shows I’m incredibly proud of happening soon.
Excellent! I was wondering if you could first explain Robusta to the unacquainted. You’re less of a “six to eight number weekly bar show queen” than you are a specialized cabaret performer, right?
Exactly right. Robusta in her current incarnation was unleashed in 2009 circa Drag Race Season 1, but I had been in (and out) of drag since I was 17. My husband and I own a theater company called Bizarre Noir Theatre Productions that’s been going strong since 2008. I felt comfortable as a performer telling dick jokes and singing showtunes to a captive audience — so much so, I kept going with her.
Now, Robusta has a whole personality and lore all her own as well as an ongoing cabaret series “Miss Robusta’s / Miss Robusta Presents” that my husband and I curate with a different Broadway or pop related theme each time we mount it. We have the same group of wonderfully talented folks that love working with us again and again, and we keep putting them on. I had an on-again, off-again gig at Uncle Charlie’s East with Will Clark called “P*rno Bingo” in 2013, where I got to really craft some crowd work skills and sing some of my favorite songs.
Now, my husband and I have ventured into co-writing original plays based on things we love like A Christmas Carol, The Bells of St. Trinians and Dynasty / Soapdish. As well as all that, I’m a trained opera singer with the trauma of music conservatory under my belt.
Where are you from originally, and were you always into performing, art, etc?
I’m the a born and bred New Yorker! I’ve literally lived in Washington Heights and Inwood for most of my life (other than a three-year stint in Salem, MA that I don’t count). I was a choirboy at all of my schools (literally elementary through college), and graduated from LaGuardia High School and SUNY Purchase by White Plains. I’ve always wanted to sing. It’s in the genes; my grandfather was a singer, too.
When you got into drag, how did your name inspiration come to you?
I’m a coffee lover and came of age in the 90’s. Robusta is a type of coffee that I thought sounded funny. There was a colloquialism from the 90’s for “pew pew’ing” someone: bust a cap in their ass. I threw it into my mind blender and came up with Robusta Capp. It was going to be Robusta Nutt, but that would’ve been a little too on the nose, n’est pas? By the way, I can’t believe I just wrote out “pew pew’ing.” I had names like “Alotta Sausages” too, because I’m an old man and love a dad joke / pun, but Robusta Capp stuck.
There’s an Alotta McGriddles in town, you two should do a show together!
I’ve met Alotta! She’s sexy as hell!
Looking back on your career, do you have a favorite moment either onstage or otherwise?
My most recent favorite moment was being named an Artist-In-Residence at Stonewall. It’s the birthplace of our entire movement, and there’s a deep sense of duty and pride that comes with that. I’ve had other reactions with audience members who say that they were moved to tears by a particular song I’ve sung. I’ve had audience members say they laughed so hard they peed themselves a little. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet entertainers like Jackie Beat, Nadya Ginsburg, Sherry Vine, and Hedda Lettuce, who were huge influences on me and were gracious with their time and their energy when they didn’t have to be. I’m very lucky.
Incredible! How about a weirdest or most insane moment?
The chasers! I used to be a skinny queen, and without fail after a performance, some straight dude would get entirely too handsy or make far too many innuendos about how I look like “a real girl.” Gross! Give me a gay man every time. They know how to wash their ass! Now, since they’re usually only getting a picture on social media, it’s gone from real life to my DMs. Flattered, but no thank you.
You’re gonna be performing at Rockbar for host Dijoun Thompson’s “Throwback Party” on Thursday!
Mutha has given me free rein! I’m probably going to switch it up between going back and forth getting to know my audience and singing some of my favorite R&B songs from the 80s and 90s. I may even throw in a little opera. Let’s see how the voice is doing that day. I think Dijoun may do a number of her own; I’m excited for that one too. Again, let’s see how she’s feeling.
Then it’s your cabaret show “Reel to Real: From Film to Footlights,” October 18th and 22nd at Stonewall!
“Reel to Real” is songs from musicals that began their lives as movies first, i.e. Carrie, The Spitfire Grill, Eating Raoul, etc. I’m performing and emceeing, and introducing my favorite folks to sing other songs from musicals that began as movies. We try to have at least one special effect in each show, and we have a hair-raising one planned for this one as well.
Is there anything else coming up for you?
I’m currently writing another play to premiere at Stonewall next Spring, which is promising to be fairly ambitious. This will be entirely mine, and based off a show from the UK that I absolutely love. Also, I plan to continue working with Rockbar and Mutha Dijoun again and again. I adore him.
Excellent! Okay lastly: what’s the most essential item in your drag bag?
Perfume! Always wash your pads and your tights obviously, but drench them in perfume before (and during) the show. Scent is so important, and leaves a lasting impression. You don’t want to be that queen that smells like sweaty balls and cat pee. Full fantasy!
Delicious! Thanks, Robusta!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Miss Robusta Capp’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram,
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