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JOEY TARANTO (Angel)
Hey Joey! Firstly, I hope your feeling better. I heard you got injured in the show. Can you tell us what happened?
Thanks! I am feeling fantastic! Here's how it happened: During the finale, I stepped off the runway and my left heel became wedged on the edge of it. Then i lost my balance and fell and fractured my third and fourth metatarsals. There's nothing crazier than the sound of 1500 people gasping all at the same time. How do you feel about returning to the show? Are you more nervous or excited? Oh man, I am chomping at the bit! It's such an exciting time for our show and it's hard to not be able to fully experience that with the rest of my Kinky Boots family. I'm a little nervous about getting back in the boots, but just a little. Were you always interested in performing as a child? Did you do any amateur productions growing up? What roles did you play? I am the son of a minister and I grew up in a very strict Christian home. My parents did not want me involved in this business in any way. I did grow up singing in choir and our church would perform religious musicals and plays so I had an outlet that way. But you better believe that I watched "Funny Girl", "Meet me in St. Louis", and "West Side Story" over and over again. I use to lock myself in the bathroom and sing "I'm the Greatest Star" at the top of my lungs. Can you tell us a little about your angel? Did you draw inspiration from any other drag queens, celebrities or family members? Had you any prior experience with drag? My Angel's name is Terri Dactyl. I was given that name by Kyle Post because of my ridiculously long arms. Terri is from the bayous of Louisiana and didn't want to be white trash anymore so she decided to hop on over to London to learn a thing or two about class. She's picked up a terrible, fake accent. No matter how Posh her surroundings, however, she still enjoys a six pack of Coors Light. With a straw, of course. For my characters look, I drew inspiration from Rita Hayworth, Julia Roberts, and Cate Blanchett. When I'm the referee singing "In this Corner," I'm fully channeling Tina Turner. I didn't really have any prior experience doing drag. I did do it for Halloween one year, but it was a mess. I thought I'd ask, are you a fan of "RuPaul's Drag Race"? If so, have you learned anything about drag by watching it? Do you have any favorite queens? I absolutely LOVE "RuPaul's Drag Race!!!" I've learned some really good make up tricks by watching those queens beat their faces. I'm obsessed with Willam. I think she's gorgeous and really smart (even though she likes to play dumb). She has a web series on YouTube called "Willam's Beatdown." It's a must see. I also adore Jinx Monsoon. I enjoy the fact that she can't help but be herself. Can you tell us a about your experience working on Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark? I had a great time at Spider-Man! Those folks were and still are like family to me. I visit the Foxwoods often I joined the cast right after they closed to revamp for 2.0 so I didn't experience a lot of the drama. It was also my first time ever doing swing work and let me tell you: That shit is hard! Compartmentalizing 4 or 5 separate tracks and keeping them fresh is no easy task. What was been your favorite moment you've witnessed in a theatre? It can be a particular performance, a dance break, a set piece..anything! I would say seeing "Rent" for the first time. Actually, Kyle Post was on for Steve and sang "Will I?" He filled that theater with his voice and I sat in complete amazement. It was like a punch in the gut and I remember thinking, "This is what I have to do." I also thought, "It would be awesome to work with that kid someday." Now we're on our second show together!! 6 quick questions: Favorite musical? Into the Woods Favorite movie? The Never Ending Story Favorite T.V show? Roseanne Favorite performer (Broadway or otherwise)? Gavin Creel Favorite food? Gumbo Dream role? The Phantom of the Opera You also played 'Drew' in Rock Of Ages? What was that experience like? It was my first broadway show and I was incredibly green. I learned a lot about myself and navigating your way through this business. I really enjoyed performing in the show and singing that music. I use to really dig 80's rock. Now I cringe when ever I hear that opening piano hook in "Don't Stop Believing." LOL What has been the highlight of a) your time with Kinky Boots and b) your career so far? The highlight of Kinky Boot so far was when we I stood backstage at the Tony's with my Kinky Family and heard BERNADETTE PETERS announce that we won for Best Musical! Highlight of my career so far? I feel like I've been very blessed with a lot of fulfilling moments in my journey. I will say meeting Patti Lupone was my musical theater wet dream. I'm still wet from that one, actually. I feel Kinky Boots appeals to so many people as it encourages people to be who they are and be proud. Would you agree? Do you think the show can shape the way someone thinks about things such as the world of drag, bullying etc? I absolutely agree! I think our message is clear from beginning to end: Be who you are. Love who you are. Love others for who they are. It's so liberating! Life is too short to walk around preoccupied with what other people think or say about you. Different is good. Change is good. And you know what? You change the world when you change your mind!!! Thank you so much for your time, Joey! I really appreciate it. How would you sell Kinky Boots The Musical to someone who knew nothing about the show? I would say Kinky Boots is a story about healing, finding your truth, and acceptance. Lessons we all need reminding of from time to time. Anything you'd like to add? Just thanks! This was fun |