Photo: Bobby Miller
by Steve Desroches
It’s been five years since Scott Townsend received a cancer diagnosis. There have been ups and downs, multiple surgeries, good news and bad news, but through it all Townsend, perhaps better known by his drag persona Thirsty Burlington, remains steadfast in fighting, maintaining a good attitude, and committed to performing when his health allows. In conversation, Townsend speaks freely about how he’s doing and the challenges of going through long-term chemotherapy, which he will have to do indefinitely. He goes into detail about it all. But once it shifts to an on-the-record interview, his answer to how he’s doing changes.
“I feel fine,” says Townsend with a laugh. “It reminds me of an interview I saw with Michael Jackson once. He was about to go on tour and he was filming a bit for a TV show, one of those entertainment shows, and he was asked if he liked touring, and he said how much he hates going on tour. He went on and on. His management told him he couldn’t say that and to keep everything upbeat. So, he was asked the question again and he answered, ‘I love it!’ Everyone just burst out laughing. The same with me. I love it!”
Townsend’s putting on a brave and painted face this coming Wednesday for Night of 1000 Thirstys, an annual birthday celebration for Townsend as well as a benefit, as all ticket proceeds and performer tips go directly to Townsend to help him, as he has been unable to work while undergoing treatment. Now in its fourth year, the Night of 1000 Thirstys features a cavalcade of performers who all in some fashion pay homage to Thirsty. Audience members have come each year dressed as Thirsty, too. Each year, Townsend makes an appearance as well, and this year will be no exception. A gown is being custom made and Townsend has been bedazzling a crown just for the occasion.
In his 30-plus years as a drag queen Townsend has presented a lot of looks, both as Thirsty or as Thirsty doing a celebrity impersonation or some other character. It begs the question; if he wasn’t Thirsty, which Thirsty would he come as?
“Oh, I don’t know,” says Townsend. “Cher is always my go-to, but my Judy Garland is so much fun. I might go as Judy. Falling up the stairs, falling down the stairs. But with the new movie out I might go as Michael Jackson. A lot of people dress up like Tiki Bronstein. That’s always fun.”
Cher. Judy Garland, Tiki Bronstein, the character Townsend created to host bingo at the Atlantic House in the winter—all are beloved figures in the canon of Thirsty Burlington. But none eclipse the love Provincetown has for Burlington, and of course Townsend. Throughout his career and time in Provincetown Townsend has never said no to performing in benefit shows and charity fundraisers or giving support to new and up-and-coming performers. Night of 1000 Thirstys is testament to how highly he’s regarded. And the feeling is mutual as Townsend gets a bit emotional when speaking about the Provincetown community and its commitment to caring for its own. Whenever he travels to Boston for appointments or Plymouth for chemotherapy, often driven by friends and volunteers, he always tells the nurses that if you’re going to get sick, do it in Provincetown. He wouldn’t receive this level of support and care anywhere else, he says. There’s no place like Provincetown.
Townsend has no shows scheduled for this summer. It wouldn’t be fair to a venue and the audience if he had to keep canceling shows, he says. And it’s all or nothing, says Townsend. Yes, he could scale it back, but for him if he can’t do a full Thirty Burlington experience, he’s not going to do it. There might be a pop-up show if his energy rebounds. But he will be back, of that he’s certain, even in times when he’s feeling down. He’s a performer. Always has been. And the show must go on. Keeping upbeat and a positive attitude are as important for him as are the treatments and medical care he’s been receiving. Heard a new joke or have a recommendation for a really funny show or movie you’ve seen recently? Share it with Townsend, as he needs laughs.
“Laughing is keeping me going,” says Townsend. “I block lots of people who are just miserable online, that do nothing but complain about their lives. You can’t do that to yourself. And don’t do that to other people. You’ve got to convince yourself that everything is going to be alright. And it usually is.”
Night of 1000 Thirstys is on Wednesday, May 20 at 9 p.m. at the Post Office Cabaret, 303 Commercial St. Tickets are $25 and available at the box office and online at postofficecafe.net. For more information call 508.487.0006.
