We’re Gaga for Sherry!
We’re Gaga for Sherry!
Her “Bad Romance” parody may have made her a YouTube celeb, but Sherry Vine’s always been a legend to us
By Jeff Chatterton
New Yorkers have known drag diva Sherry Vine for years, but it was only recently that the entire world got a taste of her hysterical and crude song parodies courtesy of her take on Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance." In a month, the video had over two million views on YouTube, and fans can't get enough of her scatological take on the hit. She definitely puts the "gag" in Gaga! Getting her start in the downtown scene, Sherry has performed all over the city and appeared in several film and theater roles. More than just a drag queen, Sherry is a talented comedic performer, actor and singer. I sat down with her to talk about drag, YouTube and, of course, poop.
AntiTwink: How did you get started in drag, and how long have you been doing it?
Sherry Vine: I first did drag as part of a thesis project when I was an MFA student at USC. Soon after, I met Jackie Beat and started performing with her all over LA. I then moved to NYC and decided to embrace Sherry. What began as a joke turned into a career—and at times is still a joke!
When did the song parodies start and did you always sing live instead of lip-syncing?
I always sang live. I totally appreciate lip-syncing, but when I did my first show in LA I really wanted to sing this torch song, “Black Coffee,” but never felt comfortable singing it as a man. Drag gave me an opportunity to perform material I wouldn't have done otherwise. Jackie was singing live and doing parodies and when we started performing together we would do parodies and comedy skits. When I came to NYC and started at The Pyramid and Star Search—with Mona Foot hostessing—I was doing parodies. I knew I wasn't a great singer, but could sell a song. Comedy is my strongest area, so that's how the parodies started.
How is "Sherry" different from your offstage self? Or is there a difference?
I think there's a difference. Sherry is very flirty and talkative and commanding. Keith is a bit more reserved and happy to be a voyeur. I do missing acting out of drag, but it has been so long! I love performing and being out, but when I have a night off I'm totally happy reading, seeing a movie, shooting up with Miss Guy and Formika…
You were described by Michael Musto as "the Elizabeth Taylor of downtown theatre." What does that mean exactly?
I love that quote! I was performing a lot at Jackie 60 and in my theatre company, Theatre Couture, doing so many different characters. I'm not sure what he meant exactly, but I like to think it was a compliment! Either about being a grand dame of stage or just old, not sure.
You were in NYC for years then moved to Berlin for a few. Is there anything you miss about living in Berlin?
Yes, there are many things I miss about Berlin. I loved living there. It's a different way of life. A bit slower. People sit down to drink their coffee! You can get on a train and be in Poland or Prague in a few hours. But in reality, I need the fast-paced craziness of NYC. When I left I thought I would never come back, and once I came back I was so happy!
What’s your most popular or most requested song?
“Corn,” to the tune of “Torn.”
“Corn” was the first song I saw you perform when I moved to NYC! Nothing beats a song about poop. Speaking of, your latest parody of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" has had over two million hits on YouTube. What has the experience of being a "viral video" been like?
Believe me, I am more shocked and surprised than anyone! I can't make money, and spent quite a bit to make it. The only reason I do the videos is to make people laugh and it's a great creative outlet. So the fact that people laugh and it did so well is truly exciting and the most that I could ask for. It fucking made my holiday! Thanks Perez!
Have you heard if Lady Gaga has seen it?
I know she saw it because Perez told me he sent it to her the first day it came out. I don't know how she responded, but since no one on her team pulled it she must be ok with it.
I saw you perform another Gaga song recently, "Papa, You're a Nazi" to the tune of “Paparazzi.” I choked on my drink it was so funny. Will you be doing other spoof videos anytime soon?
That one was actually an idea given to me from Epiphany and Logan! Then I wrote it, but chickened out. I was terrified to do it, but then said, "Fuck it!" I want to do more videos, but I’m waiting for the right one.
Aside from performing, acting and singing, you also DJ! What's your favorite part of being a DJ, and what kind of music do you spin?
Honestly, I love DJing once a week, but couldn't do it more often. It's so hard to just stand there and focus for four to six hours. I'll be at the bar chatting it up and the music will stop! But it's also the only time I can just hear music that I love. That's why Big Sexy Land at Eastern Bloc is so fun. I can play Britney, but throw in some Ramones. So that makes it fun!
If people like the YouTube video, they'll love seeing you live. Your rendition of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" with Epiphany might be one of the funniest cabaret performances I have ever seen on stage. Where can people who want to see you live find you?
I love doing that song with her. It's become our signature. I do my all-live comedy show every Sunday at Barracuda. The Blonde Leading The Blonde with Epiphany is looking for a new home and we will start that night up again soon. I travel a lot so check my website for details and to download silly parodies.
Three words that describe Sherry Vine?
Drunk, Whore, Sassy.
What can we expect in 2010?
I have so many big plans for 2010. Doing a Sonny and Cher type variety show at Joe's Pub with Greg Scarnici in February. Traveling a lot. Hope to do a show with Theatre Couture, writing original songs with various people and want to see more movies with Formika and Miss Guy. We're like the Three Musketeers and try to have lunch and see a movie a few times a month. That's my charity work!
For more Sherry Vine, log on to sherryvine.com.
