Jackie Beat is a legend of drag. A masterful satirist with a belter’s singing voice and unrivaled makeup skills, she’s been at the top of her game for over 30 years. She took a little time to talk to Provincetown Magazine about her other artistic pursuits, why The Golden Girls and Carrie are iconic classics, and what we can all expect when she arrives this weekend with her show, Boots the House Clown.
Provincetown Magazine: One of the important roles of drag performers is that they speak truth to power. What do you have to say to those in power right now?
Jackie Beat: Oh dear, get ready for a whole lot of F-words! Just kidding. Actually, I’m not. But the “F” words I would share with those in power right now would be the following… first, freedom. What with the ICE raids by masked mystery men, armed soldiers marching through our city’s streets, and our precious rights being systematically taken away, I feel as if freedom is definitely an endangered species right now. Second word would be fascism, because it sure looks like that’s where we’re headed with an unlawful reality show/pro wrestling president who thinks he can do anything and everything he wants. And the third, fourth, and fifth words would be fierce, fabulous, and fearless. Listen, I’m sorry your life is so boring that you feel the need to concern yourself with people like me who are living our authentic lives to the fullest.
PM: If our country were to make a drag Mount Rushmore, you’d be on it for sure. If you could go back in time, before you achieved superstar status, when you were just starting out, what would you say to yourself?
JB: Oh well, my goodness, thank you! Can we call it Mount Shademore? And can you ask the stonecutters to please chisel away my double chin and maybe make my nose a little smaller? All joking aside, I would tell my younger self to trust her gut. I mean, have you seen my gut!? Here’s my point: It’s fine to be inspired by those who came before you, but there are no maps or blueprints for success in show business, especially the tiny little few square feet of show business reserved for drag. Just be yourself and do the kind of show you would want to see. I always joke that if people are blind, at least they can hear my beautiful singing voice and my hilarious jokes. And if they’re deaf, at least they can drink in my gorgeous makeup, hair, and costumes. But if an audience member is lucky enough to be blessed with both their hearing and their sight, then they really hit the jackpot. Or should I say, Jackie-pot!
PM: Lately, your visual art is creating quite a splash. We know you can paint a face beautifully, but have you also always been a visual artist in other mediums, as well?
JB: I have always loved drawing. As a kid, I would draw these really creepy scenes like a spooky alley with a bloody arm hanging out of a garbage can. Once a concerned teacher showed one of these “disturbing” drawings to the school psychologist, who called my mom and dad in for a meeting. Ever the supportive parents who always appreciated their weird little gay son, they just laughed. They knew not to worry. I just loved The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland and The Winchester Mystery House and The Groovy Ghoulies, and anything else Halloween-adjacent. But yes, my new paint-things have proved to be very popular. I found these super cheap, kind of sad, mass-produced pieces of Pride-themed wall art that feature a rainbow and the word “TOGETHER” at the bottom. I remember seeing them and thinking, “What kind of Live Love Laugh bullshit is this?” So, I decided to buy a bunch and bastardize them. So, my new and improved versions say things like, “Let’s Spit Roast A Twink Together,” “Let’s Watch Mommie Dearest Together,” and “Let’s Worship Satan & Do Drag Together.” You know, what being gay is really all about!
PM: You’re in rehearsals for Golden Girlz Live with Sherry Vine, Drew Droege, Sam Pancake, and Mario Diaz for a couple of shows in Los Angeles. Why do you think the show has such endurance that it is as popular today as when it came out, if not more so? And what is it about Bea Arthur that you adore?
JB: Well, first of all, I have to say that I know there are many drag Golden Girls troupes out there, but… we are really good! Seriously. I think it’s because not only are we trained, seasoned actors and comedians, but we’re also really good friends. And yes, Bea Arthur is my spirit animal – although I understand it’s no longer politically correct to use that term so, uh… Bea Arthur is my “ghost beast.” She’s just so smart and dry and funny and bitchy. I think she might be my real mother! And more importantly, she was a champion for the LGBTQ+ community and for animals who was always on the right side of history. I mean, what’s not to love?
PM: Speaking of what you love…your affinity for the movie Carrie is well known. It’s a classic and a masterpiece. What is it about the film that so excites you?
JB: I saw it in the theater when it came out in 1976. What can I say? I’m old! Anyway, it changed my life! I was absolutely obsessed. I think the reason I love it so much is because, ultimately, the moral of the story is “Don’t mess with the freak!”
PM: Lastly, what can folks expect when they go to Red Room to see your new show Boots the House Clown?
JB: A simple, but entertaining, drag cabaret show. And by “simple” I just mean that it’s me, at the microphone, singing funny songs – live, of course—and telling funny stories. Not overly rehearsed, no video, not a lot of bells and whistles. Listen, no one loves a big, fun, over-the-top, Broadway-style drag show where the queen is jumping though flaming hoops while balancing a toy poodle on her nose, [more than me], but sometimes less is more. My shows are more intimate and casual. I have performed on countless gay cruises and they often offer me the huge main theater, but I honestly prefer the smaller cabaret space. It’s like we’re at a house party, we’re all a little drunk hanging out in the kitchen and I’m belting out a few numbers. I’m bringing lots of naughty new material and a few of my crass classics. So please come see me… I mean, it’s the second weekend in September so there are literally no other shows to see!
Jackie Beat presents Boots the House Clown at Red Room, 258 Commercial St., Friday, September 12 through Sunday, September 14 at 7 p.m. Tickets ($41.50/$51.50) are available at the box office and online at redroom.club.
—Steve Desroches
