TRANSVOCALIZERS — Hedda Lettuce

I first heard about Hedda Lettuce last year when this column featured a review of the Abba covers CD Abbalicious. Hedda was one of nine queens featured on this very rare album, which first came out in 2004.
Hedda has become a force in drag in the New York area, has traveled extensively as well, and has taken her craft beyond live performances with numerous TV appearances for networks such as Comedy Central, MTV, and HBO. Shows include Project Runway, Sex And The City, 20/20 with Barbara Walters, MTV Music Awards, The Dave Chapelle Show, and Oprah. Her film credits include The Look, Too Wong Foo, and she’s starred in the play Sleeping With Straight Men along with Mink Stole.

As a comedian, she’s best known for her ever changing stand-up routines in The Hedda Lettuce Show, The Dixie Chicks With Dicks, and her annual holiday show, Lettuce Rejoice. Her live show has played such well established cabaret venues as Caroline’s on Broadway, FEZ, and she also hosts a classic movie night at the Clearview Chelsea. Hedda has been named Drag Queen of the Year six times by HX magazine.

Hedda has several videos on her web site that parody well known tunes by Lady Gaga and includes a clip from Project Runway. Her site also features some unique gift ideas.

Earlier this summer I contacted Hedda about doing this interview. At the time, she responded enthusiastically to the request. When I didn’t hear back for a while, I re-contacted her. Her response was: “Hello, Pam — I had a bit of a mishap in the form of a car accident and I am behind on everything. Can you please re-send me the questions? My apologies.”

Hedda with Chris Noth

Having had a fender bender or two in my time, I know how greatly that can change one’s reality for a while. But Hedda Lettuce need never apologize — she promptly returned the interview featured here — and by the way, she’s fine. Truly a classy, professional act all the way around.

So, for your dining and dancing pleasure, Transvocalizers is pleased to feature Miss Hedda Lettuce this month.

TGForum: There wasn’t much by way of basic background information on your site, so if you don’t mind, you are a native New Yorker?

Hedda Lettuce: Yes, I am.

TGF: Do you have any formal musical or theatrical training?

HL: I am self taught in terms of theatrical training. Learned a lot just by working in bars, comedy clubs, and various theatrical venues as I went along. I did not attend school for acting. I went to F.I.T. to study illustration.

TGF: I read that your real name is Steven Polito, and that you first debuted Hedda in 1991 on a local cable TV show in Manhattan called The Brenda and Glennda Show. This leads to a two part question: What did you do before this?…and what was your inspiration for Hedda?

HL: I was an art fag before Hedda came about. I am not sure what the inspiration for Hedda was. All I knew was that I wanted to perform and have my voice heard. Besides, dressing up can be so much fun.

TGF: What are your musical/theatrical influences?

HL: I am always baffled by this question. I find inspiration in everyday life. I am a pop culture creature and being a comic, anything I read in the news that catches my eye inspires me. Of course there are various iconic women who have definitely shaped my character plus some other comedic inspirations as well. I will just throw some names at you-Carol Burnette, Joan Crawford, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Cher, Stevie Nicks, Erasure, Boy George, Taylor Swift, the TV shows The Nanny, Family Guy, South Park, Desperate Housewives, Lypsinka and Pamela Anderson to name a few.

TGF: What criteria do you use in selecting music and written material for Hedda?

HL: I am a comic so anything ridiculous that catches my eye, I will try to write about. Musically, I write many original numbers and some parody songs as well. I am inspired musically by Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Justin Timerlake, Keely Smith and Peggy Lee.

TGF: Why the color green? Other than the fact that lettuce is a light, washed out green…is this your favorite color?

HL: Green is the color of life and growth. It is also the color of cash and I do like the greenbacks. It also suits my character. Besides, it is an obvious choice in terms of branding the character. When I am in a room filled with other drag queens, I stand out from the crowd.

TGF: Having watched a couple of the videos, and having heard the Abbalicious CD, but not having seen you live, I’d like to know how much live music and live vocals you use in your show?

HL: My entire show is live, no lip syncing.

TGF: Talk a bit about the country trio and your holiday show.

HL: I am no longer part of the country trio. As for the holiday show, Lettuce Rejoice, it has been going on in some form for the past 15 or so years. It is a tradition for many people. This year, it will be at The Metropolitan Room once again.

TGF: Your film and TV work is extensive. One thing I found interesting was reading that on the set of Project Runway, there was contention between you and the designer you were selected to work with. Was this the real thing or contrived by the producers?

HL: It was the real thing. My designer, Suede, was just not listening to me. As the client, he did not take into account any of my suggestions and frankly, I thought the end result was poor. I believe in expressing myself and I did. Suede was not very happy, but it did make for good TV.

TGF: What’s your opinion of the current state of drag entertainment?

HL: It’s vibrant and vital. Finally, we are getting the attention we deserve.

TGF: What advice would you give to anyone wanting to do what you do for a living?

HL: Make sure you have a well rounded life. Doing drag can play with your head sometimes and it is important to have some other interests that provide you with some balance. Otherwise you could go insane!

TGF: How political are you? Are you involved in any GLBT politics?

HL: Drag in and of itself is a political statement. My career started out in activism. I was a vital part of Act Up and Queer Nation in the early ’90s. I used to get into drag and perform on the streets of NYC with a bucket to raise cash for these organizations. It was a simpler time.

TGF: Any future plans or projects for Hedda you can share at this time? Any recorded projects or DVDs coming up soon?

HL: I am filming a LOGO comedy special of my stand-up material on August 31st in NYC called Dragtastic. It will air in the fall. Also, I am part of a new reality show that will be on the Sundance Channel which starts filming in October as well.

TGF: Did you ever think you’d manage to get Hedda the amount of exposure she’s gotten over the years?

HL: No, I never dreamed this would happen. I am still a bit baffled by it all.

TGF: In closing, anything else you’d like to say?

HL: Just follow your bliss and when the bliss ends, know when to stop and move onto something else that inspires you. And of course…don’t drink and drag.

You’ll have to check out her web site for more Hedda fun. Besides all the usual features, Hedda’s blog entries are insightful-everything from commenting on the current controversy surrounding the proposed Mosque near the 9/11 site to some truly outrageously funny stuff. A very well done site. Also, she’s on Facebook and MySpace.

ALSO THIS MONTH

Coco Peru, who was featured here in January of this year, sent her gig schedule:
August 11-18, PTOWN, Mass at The Art House
August 20, 21 Saugatuck, MI at The Dunes
August 25 Rehoboth, DE at Blue Moon
August 26 Orlando, FL at Pulse Nightclub
August 28, 29 Ogunquit, Maine at Mainestreet

She also adds: “At the beginning of September, I am off to Stockholm, Sweden to perform in a comedy festival. If any of you plan on being in Sweden, let me know and I’ll send you the details. Hey, you never know.” Other futher dates include September 23rd in Long Beach, CA at The Scottish Rite Theatre.

Check out Coco’s own  web site.

Macy Gray The Sellout

A few months back, I was sent a CD single of remixes from Macy Gray’s upcoming album, The Sellout. The particular CD featured the first single, Beauty In The World, along with six remixes of the song.

Well, now the album’s out. Being not overly familiar with Ms. Gray, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, given the fact I’d only heard the dance remixes. I have to say that The Sellout is an excellent album that more than features Gray’s lower register, husky (dare I say…sensual) voice in more than just a dance genre.

The title track is the kind of thing you’d expect hear in a small, smoke filled jazz club in New Orleans. She sounds like one of those old jazz singers who grew up on gospel. The gospel feel continues with the chorus to the aforementioned single, Beauty In The World.

One of the standout tracks is Kissed It, which features members of Velvet Revolver. Basically, it’s good-time rock and roll, simple progression and a simple beat, but she sounds great with real musicians from a real band. Very powerful.

Other guests on The Sellout include Romika on Still Hurts, a contemporary R&B ballad; and Bobby Brown on another R&B flavored track called Real Love. Her duet with Brown is actually one of the standouts on the project.

One tune that I found interesting was Stalker, which is extremely reminiscent of what Prince USED to sound like. By the way, this would make a great drag queen number.

The Sellout is an excellent project that Macy Gray should be proud of. Her ability to cross genre’s shows her true depth as an artist. Plus…that voice can be absolute inducement for the need of a cold shower.

Lady Gaga The Remix

I recently received the Lady Gaga The Remix CD. This raises the question: Why? It’s not like she needs the publicity at this point. Also, all the songs on The Remix come from the double CD project The Fame Monster.

Now, with the exception of Speechless from disc one of that project, and Brown Eyes from disc two, everything on The Fame Monster can pretty much be regarded as danceable. There are some mid-tempo cuts such as Summerboy, but that’s even kinda, sorta danceable.

One interesting note on The Remix is the appearance of Marilyn Manson on Lovegame. His contribution amounts to no more than some dark, gutteral musings towards the end of the cut.

I suppose if you’re a club DJ, this is the type of CD you can start, leave the building for dinner, and then manage to return before you’re missed. Don’t get me totally wrong — I actually like some of Lady Gaga’s music. And I love her fashion creativity. I’m currently in a band that does a rock cover of Poker Face, which is real fun to play. I just personally feel that issuing an entire CD of Lady Gaga dance remixes is a textbook example of redundancy.

Category: Music