JACKIE BEAT: "I really love the 1970's unicorn head mirror (see below) that I found at Goodwill -- Everyone who sees it wants to steal it!"
An alumnus of Santa Monica's spinoff of Chicago's Second City, Jackie Beat is a parody singer, comic actor and playwright. She has appeared in such films as Wigstock, Flawless, Sex & The City and Adam & Steve. Over the last few years Jackie has become the Queen of YouTube, with her music videos being viewed by the multiple millions. She is, quite simply, a superstar-- and WDMS is thrilled to present the following interview with this compelling entertainer.
But how does one define a legend in the making? She outsmarts and out sings Weird Al Yankovic with a voice as sharp as her wit. As an actor she can steal a scene with a serial killer's glance or a jester's gesture. As a playwright she can hold her own with Charles Ludlam or Charles Busch. Just what CAN"T this beautiful bitch do?
In this exclusive interview for WDMS Jackie divulges her personal Vintage Passions for the very first time. She has graciously pulled back the fake tinsel of L.A. to reveal the real tinsel behind.
Like David Mamet or Lenny Bruce, Jackie can weave the vulgar into poetry-- and poetry into big laughs. With an artful ease she can turn double entendres into somersaults peppered with one liners.
She IS NOT a singing Don Rickles in a fabulous frock, though she can cut down a heckler like a seasoned Catskill pro. And she IS NOT just a drag diva lip syching to old records or having others write her material.
No. JACKIE BEAT is perhaps one of the most original musical comedy creations working today. Discover the underground cult phenomenon of our time... the spectacular, JACKIE BEAT.
DANNY ALIAS: When did you first realize you were funny?
JACKIE BEAT: When I was a little kid my mom was depressed. This was long before people spoke of such things and way before they had commercials for anti-depressants on TV every five minutes. I guess I kind of felt like it was my job to make my mom smile -- and if I could make her laugh it was like hitting the jackpot!
DANNY ALIAS: So much of your art seems to be absorbing the media and then throwing it back in everyone’s face in a most hilarious way. Has this always been your comic “voice” or did you evolve into this persona over time?
JACKIE BEAT: I think it's important to kick the pedestal out from beneath icons. And these days, with people like Lady Gaga, someone has to stand up and scream, "The emperor has no clothes!"
DANNY ALIAS: Your send-up of “Whatever Happened to Busty Jane” was comic genius, right down to the smallest sight-gag. What was your motivation to create such an off-beat homage?
JACKIE BEAT: I was trying to think of a show that every gay guy would go see. And then it hit me that "Whatever Happened To Baby Jane" plus gay porn would be something no homosexual could possible pass up!
DANNY ALIAS: What is your most coveted Vintage item?
JACKIE BEAT: I love them all, but honestly, I could live without any or all of them. The items add beauty to my life, but I try not to get too attached to things. Having said that, I really love this faux amber sculpture that I found of an ancient Greek man's head. I lit it from behind and it's just stunning! I also really love the 1970's unicorn head mirror I found at Goodwill -- everyone who sees it wants to steal it!
DANNY ALIAS: How has Vintage affected your life both on and off the stage?
JACKIE BEAT: I love vintage clothing -- male AND female -- and I just generally prefer things with a past. Would you rather eat lunch with a 4 year old kid or some forty-something who has been around the block and has some hilarious, wonderful stories to tell? And they just don;t make things like they used to. It's a question of style and quality. I love doing parodies of old songs, too. First of all, the originals are so well-written that it makes for a much better parody. And second, I love the mix of an old-fashioned classic tune with horrible, filthy lyrics. When worlds collide!
DANNY ALIAS: What’s your favorite Ladies’ accessory?
JACKIE BEAT: I love sunglasses! I have quite the collection of them. I like to walk out in stage wearing sunglasses and apologize that I didn't have time to do my eye makeup. Then I take the glasses off to reveal my world-famous, award-winning eyes!
DANNY ALIAS: You recently wrote on “Jackiebeat.blogspot.com” of your Top 10 Female Movie Fashions of all Time! If you could steal-- (sorry)-- be given just one outfit from one of these classic films, what would it be?
JACKIE BEAT: I really do adore that dress that Celeste Holm wore in "All About Eve!" Like I said in my blog, I imagine it to be this oriental blood orange color. It would be the perfect outfit for me to wear while lounging in my living room!
DANNY ALIAS: Is there any celebrity you’ve met that left you tongue tied? Or that you wanted to tie tongues with?
JACKIE BEAT: Andrea Martin, the comedian best known for SCTV got me all tongue-tied, but she immediately put me at ease. She's a total sweetheart. Sandra Bernhard is the reason I am a performer -- yes, blame HER! -- and although I have worked with her several times and she is always friendly, I always get nervous around her because she is such a fearless genius.
DANNY ALIAS: You are infamous for your cover songs: What type of comments have you received from the artists whose songs you’ve parodied?
JACKIE BEAT: I have gotten many death threats from Lady Gaga and Britney Spears fans. I guess they are humorless morons, go figure. I have heard that Katie Perry really loved "I Kissed A Squirrel!"
DANNY ALIAS: What Jackie Beat projects are in the works?
JACKIE BEAT: I will be performing in Provincetown this Summer!
GO, JACKIE, GO!
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www.WhenDannyMetSally.com
Copyright WDMS 2012
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