There is something about a Broadway night that brings the boy in in droves. When a gal like Sutton Lee Seymour is on stage doing some of the best Broadway classics, you have walked into a night straight off of the Great White Way! As one of the best and brightest drag talents in New York City now, Sutton chatted with me about her start in the New York City drag scene, what seeing "Hamilton" is actually like (and her top secret project incorporating it into her act) and what she thinks are some of the biggest issues facing the drag community currently.
For those that have never seen Sutton Lee Seymour on stage, how would you describe your performance style and "drag" as a whole?
If someone only had two words to describe me they'd probably say: "Theatre Queen". It's true, I love musicals, but I see myself more as a Live Singing Clown in a Gown that loves improv and comedy who takes a "yes and" approach to performing. I love having fun WITH my crowd so there's a lot of audience interaction which normally scares some people but I am a friendly queen! Nobody is laughing at anyone else's expense in a harmful way; but that doesn't mean there's not room for a little friendly fire.
How did Sutton Lee Seymour get her start in the extremely competitive New York City drag scene?
Long story short, a few years ago I was going through a difficult break up with a long term boyfriend. I was depressed, unmotivated, and not in a good head space. My pal, Paige Turner, saw I was having a rough time and asked if I was interested in performing in her Drag Virgin Show, a show for first timers in drag. It sounded like fun, and I needed a little creative outlet, plus I wanted to make some new friends so I agreed to it and had such a ball! It was the most exhilarating rush of an experience the first time I performed in drag in front of a crowd! And I was so well received that Paige asked if I'd like to compete in New World Stages' "SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DRAG?" which I went on to win with the prize being my own weekly cabaret show. I built my confidence and independence (again thanks to drag) and started a brand new, full time career. And here we are.
You are a tried and true Broadway baby! What have been some of your favorite musical numbers to do from Broadway shows? Most importantly-have you seen "Hamilton" yet?
I have seen "Hamilton", thankfully! It's incredible! I just debuted a new comedy lip sync that spoofs a certain song from "Hamilton" that mashes up with a certain comedienne;I don't want to give too much away because I don't want to ruin the surprise! But it's been really fun to perform!
I've also been known to sing "Poor Unfortunate Souls" as various Broadway and Television divas like Liza Minnelli to Bernadette Peters to Joan Rivers.
I also love taking full length musicals like "Wicked" and "Chicago" and perform the whole show in about 5 minutes. Its a stupid good time!
What are some of your career highlights so far?
I think the fact that I can make my entire living as a drag performer makes my whole career a highlight. Maybe that's kind of a fluffy answer and I am very proud of what I've been able to do, but paying my bills and feeding myself because of drag just tickles me pink!
What is left that you want to achieve as Sutton Lee Seymour? Any aspirations to be on "RuPaul's Drag Race" perhaps?
I'd love to travel more as Sutton, which I've been able to do thankfully. Puerto Vallarta was incredible! If I can continue down that path that would be wonderful. However, my ultimate goal is putting together a concert of live singing drag queens at Carnegie Hall! Dreams!
As for "Drag Race," yes if the opportunity ever presented itself I'd absolutely take it. I'd snatch that Golden Ticket and hope to end up as Charlie Bucket and not Veruca Salt (she was a bad egg).
Speaking of "Drag Race" several NYC girls have won the crown. How do you think the show as a whole has been for the drag community?
I see it as a positive thing for sure. Has there been a baby boom of queens because of it? Yes, and I'm one of them. Some people don't like the baby boom but I think everyone should have a chance to try drag at least for fun! Drag is fun! And if they can make a career out of it, then good for them! It's competitive, but hey that's show business, kid!
What does Sutton Lee Seymour do when not on stage?
A typical day for me is: wake up, get coffee, go to the gym, come home and shower, work on new material or prep for upcoming gigs, beat face, go to show, perform show, mingle, de-drag, come home, sleep. Repeat. (I eat sometimes too). Otherwise, on days off, I'll spend time with friends going on various adventures.
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?
We have had a hard summer, haven't we? But frankly, we are one of the few communities who can take our pain and learn from it and grow stronger from it. All of us have wanted nothing but to be loved and accepted, and when Marriage Equality became a reality, it was such a gratifying, satisfying moment in gay history. But if you want to talk about the challenges our community faces, there are still so many:
So many people are using PrEP and Truvada as an excuse to have unprotected sex and fail to see that there are a number of STI's they can still contract.
I also fear that the excessive usage of apps like Grindr and Scruff can become an addiction where people might find they're having a hard time making a genuine connection. Honestly, sometimes Grindr feels like Seamless when your food is delivered but it's a little cold, mushy, and NEVER looks as good as the picture on the menu. But that's just the problem, when you talk to a guy online or an app you are inventing a personality for them. So when you meet face to face and they're not the man you created in your head they're already disappointing you. I'm not saying this is every case though, but it would be nice if people could LOOK UP from their phones, grow some balls, and ask a guy if you can buy him a drink. You're not a weirdo for doing that.
What does "pride" mean to you?
Pride is living your truth freely and without fear, persecution, prejudice, ridicule, and violence. As a kid I listened to Marlo Thomas sing "And you and me are free to be you and me" which I think is a perfect lyric for Pride.
Most importantly-where can people see you perform?!
I'm all over!!!
MONDAYS: Broadway Mondays at Hardware Bar, Show at 10 PM!
WEDNESDAYS: Razzle Dazzle at Pieces Bar with me and Delighted Tobehere, Show at 10 PM!
Every Other Saturday at Albatross Bar, 11 PM Show!
One Friday a Month, Diva at The Stonewall Inn, 11 PM Show!
Upcoming Shows at The Laurie Beechman Theatre in August, October, and November!
Follow Sutton Lee Seymour:
Facebook (Sutton Lee Seymour), Instagram (@suttonleeseymour), Twitter (@TheSuttonLee)
(Photo Credit for Photo 2-Andrew Werner Photography)