Lea DeLaria
You know her as the irreverent and irresistible Carrie ‘Big Boo’ Black on Netflix’s runaway hit “Orange Is the New Black.” Or maybe, if you’re of the theatrical persuasion, you heard say of her house-downing MC skills at the Obie Awards. Or maybe, if you’re a be-bop fan, you consumed her sumptuous sounds on albums Play It Cool or Double Standards. This is Lea DeLaria: a talent who sees no point to the pigeon hole and stands as a beacon in a business that too often “plays it safe.” Right now, you can see DeLaria in MCC’s comedy Collective Rage: A Play In 5 Betties; In Essence, A Queer And Occasionally Hazardous Exploration; Do You Remember When You Were In Middle School And You Read About Shackleton And How He Explored The Antarctic? Imagine The Antarctic As A Pussy And It’s Sort Of Like That by Jen Silverman. Prepare to be challenged, interrogated, and – if you believe theater should be a place for the hard questions– thoroughly entertained. For a moment, though, we can relax, because this week, we have Lea DeLaria On the Couch.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
My confidence.
What was your proudest moment?
Being the first openly gay comic to appear on American Television
What is your favorite drink?
Champagne or Really good Tequila.
What is your favorite food?
Pussy.
What is your favorite condiment?
English Mustard or Wasabi.
What is your current obsession?
Pussy.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Have you met me? I don’t give up vices.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
Having a feature role written for me in a Broadway Musical.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Pussy.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Chasing pussy.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Young Pussy.
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
To love myself and speak my truth.
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Remember those buttons, “Question Authority?“ That’s not strong enough for me. My button would read , “Fuck Authority.“
What in the world most thrills you?
Pussy.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
The use of the word “pussy” to mean something negative.
What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
Shakespeare in the park 1997. It had poured rain for hours and as a result we had to hold the curtain for “On The Town. “ Finally the storm stopped and because it was a huge choreographed dance musical they needed to make sure that the stage was completely dry. They squeegeed it. I made my entrance from under the stage in a hydraulic lift, a lift which came up through a trap door. So when they squeegeed the entire stage dry all of the rainwater, dirt and leaves were contained in the trap door compartment over my head. I made my entrance looking like I had just gotten caught in a garbage tornado
What is your favorite place in the world?
Paris.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Pussy.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Both. I’m a lesbian.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Having Trump’s election and administration voided.
What is your personal motto?
NOW IS THE TIME.