Almost like the lost child of Lypsinka and Steven Sondheim, Judy Darling is one of the premier performers in New York City. With a razor sharp lip sync and wit to match, Darling continues to pack rooms with her mix of camp and Broadway classics. Darling sat down with me to chat about the current New York scene, what it takes to be Judy Darling, and why the power of saying what you want is so extremely powerful.
For those that have never seen Judy Darling on stage, how would you describe your performance style and "drag" as a whole?
Manic.
I'm kidding! A little... haha! Judy Darling is a Witch on the Rise, she's a cross between an MGM starlet and an Andy Warhol's factory girl. She's sassy, she's your best friend, & terrifyingly optimistic. I've been called a lipsync slayer, but more than anything I love it when people say they are shocked I'm so nice. I like being a kind kinda gal.
You are known to perform some of the most creative and interesting tunes. How do you choose your material? Any favorites that really stand out?
A lot of time goes into creating a number - what you might hear a Queen call a "mix". It's like composing or writing, you have to be in the right mood & headspace. Of course, nothing can inspire more than a dead line.
I give much credit to the trailblazer himself John Epperson aka Lypsinka. He - the character he's created, she's one of my strongest influences - her shows! Genius! I remember watching clips of her online in high school just amazed. Then fast forward to the first night I won StarSearch at Barracuda with Tina Burner & the DJ, Scott Jones, said: you remind me of Lypsinka, look her up. He wrote it on a note & I went home & was reunited with this brilliant performer. Her name had never dawned on me until that moment with Scott! Haha; very full circle.
I spend hours searching for the right clip & audio - sound quality is also important. You want there to be a strong narrative or one voice all the way through. I also want to keep an audience, so I play to the space - I don't try to do a show I'd do at Barracuda at the Ritz - it just won't work. Any good performer knows to play to the space they are in. When making a mix I also ask myself: what make me squeal with glee? Chances are if you think something is funny or invoking the feeling you're wishing to convey, you're in good shape.
How did Judy Darling get her start in the extremely competitive New York City drag scene?
My first time performing in drag was at a place called XES Lounge for Chelsea Piers and Nomi Sas' show. Chelsea is one of my drag moms. But I also give a lot of credit to Pixie Aventura, who was was the first person to give me a job. She took a chance on me without ever having seen me perform. I was surrounded by people who showed me that drag could be fun and always pushed me. Then I started doing competitions. As difficult as they are, they are a great way to put yourself out there in the drag world. Nothing teaches you more than being in front of an audience.
It's so hard to stand out in New York City and in drag; how have you carved out your own niche?
To quote Stephen Sondheim, you gotta get a gimmick. You have to play to your strengths. I believe I have my own unique perspective of the world. I use my drag as a political platform and for social commentary. There is a lot to learn from this art form. I continue to evolve, grow, and improve. I've learned that if you are honest and doing what you do well, you will find your people.
What are some of your career highlights so far?
A year and a half ago, I saw Fleetwood Mac perform at Madison Square Garden. It was my first concert ever, and I remember I said to my friends that I would love to perform at MSG one day. They laughed thinking I was joking and being an asshole, but I was kinda being serious. That fall, Miz Cracker and I hosted the Madonna VIP Party at Madison Square Garden. The power of saying what you want.
I'm proud to be part of the charity efforts of Posters for Pulse headed by the amazing, David Ayllon and Bob The Drag Queen's CharityForThePeople.
I'm most proud of touching people's lives, especially people who do not feel as free as I do to express their individuality or sexuality. If I am able to inspire them to follow suit, that really excites me and continues to be one of my favorite highlights.
What is left that you want to achieve as Judy Darling? Any aspirations to be on "RuPaul's Drag Race" perhaps?
I don't think there will ever be a time where I am not reaching for something, my phone, a glass of water, an Oscar. "Drag Race" is a brass ring, and I'm sure there is going to be other rings to swing to if and when I'm on. Yes, it would be a great platform and it does amazing things for people. But I'm also a writer and a director, so I can't help but want to show other aspects of myself. A very "wise woman" once said: "Drag is just a doorway I walked through," that is what I'm doing now.
Speaking of "Drag Race"several NYC girls have won. How do you think the show as a whole has been for the drag community?
It is making artists who are only regionally and sometimes nationally known into names that people all over the world know. "Drag Race" has changed drag not only in New York but everywhere. People like me, and people like Bob, weren't even drag queens before "Drag Race". The show has inspired so many people to want to do this art form. You can sneeze wrong on the right gay boy and it will turn them into a drag queen here in New York.
What does Coleman do when Judy is not on stage?
Coleman works for Judy. I wake up midday and then don't stop moving and creating all day. There are so many hats you have to wear as drag queen. You are party promoter, costume designer, sound engineer. The list goes on. Drag is beyond a full time job and you don't really know that until you become a drag queen and you see everything that goes into every day life. Do you have an new right arm I could have?; mine is about to fall off!
The gay community has had a very trying summer. What do you think are the biggest issues facing our community and what do you see as your part in helping to address them?
I don't see major problems specifically within the gay community. However, society as whole has many problems. But LGBTQ people have historically been the people who have helped and enlightened society, so I am optimistic. I think it is going to take everyone getting involved and understanding that civil rights are human rights and that black lives matter. The biggest thing we can do is ensure that a maniac isn't elected president.
What does "pride" mean to you?
It is a deeper love. Pride is self worth married with the people who helped pave the way and fight for you to live freely. It is knowing who you are, who came before you, knowing what they had to do to get us where we are now, and picking up the baton and carrying it forward.
Most importantly'-where can people see you perform?!
First and foremost, making sure you are following me on Instagram @thejudydarling, Twitter @darlingcoleman, and Facebook at thejudydarling. You can see me at Barracuda Lounge for Knockout Tuesday with Miz Cracker at 11pm, at the Ritz for Turnt Wednesday with Maddelynn Hatter and Holly Box-Springs party at 11pm shows at 12:30 and 2am, and come watch RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars on Thursdays at 8pm at Barracuda- with my show directly following with Heidi Haux.
Photo Credit 1-Courtesy of David Ayllon
Photo Credit 2-Courtesy of Preston Buford