Hometown: A very, very small town in rural north Georgia.
Education: Suitably enough, a drama degree.
Select Credits: Dandy Darkly’s Gory Hole!, Dandy Darkly’s Kiss Beneath the Camel Toe!, Dandy Darkly’s Easter Blister!, Dandy Darkly’s Pussy Panic!
Why theater?: The lofty echelons of “theater” have long been an aspiration. I began my humble storytelling career telling tasteless tales in areas notorious for public gay sex. True story. To one day arrive on a Broadway stage in Times Square, an area notorious for public gay sex, would be a fitting dream come true.
Who do you play in Dandy Darkly’s Pussy Panic!?: I play the pussy. Obviously.
Tell us about Dandy Darkly’s Pussy Panic: Pussy Panic! is a compilation of four fabulous-frightful fables peppered with pop-culture tidbits. My style of storytelling is evocative and richly macabre, yet also pointedly satirical and quite funny. To date I’ve been compared to such luminaries as Rip Taylor, Vincent Price, Pam Ayres, Paul Lynde, Liberace, Charles Nelson Reilly, Tim Gunn, Freddy Krueger, John Waters and many others! I’m truly honored.
What inspired you to write Pussy Panic!?: In 2013, I was wrapping up my critically acclaimed debut at the Edinburgh Fringe (Dandy Darkly’s Gory Hole!) when a young woman approached me. Naturally, I assumed she wanted an autograph, but it turned out she had a bone to pick with me. Me?! She accused me of misogyny and “celebrating the murder of women.” Honestly. I assured her that I celebrate the death of everyone in my shows, but she was undeterred. She continued her assault, unaware she’d just seen a satirical, horror performance. I fled. However the young woman’s words remained with me. I was part incredulous, but also part convinced – as I have known some blatantly misogynist gay men in my time. I chose to both confront her assumptions of my work while also taking my community to task for our ugly not-so-secret secret. Thus Pussy Panic! was born.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I’m inspired by a theatrical performance when I’m transported from this world of distraction in which we live -- work that demands attention but also rewards an audience’s hour of time. Theater is a symbiotic codependence between performer and audience. I take this interaction very seriously as both an actor and audience.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: I’m far too self-obsessed to consider ever uttering another playwright's meager words on stage – that said I will do anything for money. Really. Anything. Hire me.
What’s your favorite showtune?: I thoroughly enjoyed Fun Home. Well done.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I’m an outsider artist. I’ve never been ambitious enough to “work with someone.” However at this stage of my emerging career I’d settle for an agent or manager. Email me at dandydarklypress@gmail.com!
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: A movie about myself would likely be a porn-snuff film. I’d play myself and call it “Dandy Darkly’s Little Death!”
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Self promotion! Follow me on Twitter @dandydarkly, Facebook at Facebook.com/dandydarkly and dandydarkly.com. Cheers!
What’s up next?: Dandy Darkly’s Little Death! I jest. Up next is Dandy Darkly’s Trigger Warning! Its themes will explore hypersensitivity and gun violence. I’m thrilled to be confirmed back at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2015 for my third consecutive year.
