The Kinsey Sicks, “America’s favorite dragapella beautyshop quartet,” have been tearing up the United States, as well as Mexico and Canada, with their acclaimed performance of “I Wanna Be A Republican.” This uniquely original show features many musical numbers about and satirically “for” the Republican Party in all of its vexing and beauteous forms.
The girls harmonize brilliantly as they touch on issues such as the war in Iraq, big business and the frightening concept of republican housewives hiding behind their household chores in an attempt to ignore the atrocities happening all around them everyday.
The Kinsey Sicks were formed in 1993 after attending a Bette Midler concert. Each of them dressed up as the Andrews Sisters, expecting there to be many others in drag. Lo and behold, the only other drag queen there was Bette herself!
The group was approached that night and asked to perform at an upcoming show. After some long, hard thought they decided to give it a whirl, as they all have musical backgrounds. That evening they began harmonizing together, and the Kinsey Sicks sprung into existence.
The group’s first performance garnered much attention on a street corner in San Francisco’s Castro district. Since then, the Kinsey Sicks have performed for audiences in Seattle, Denver, South Beach and Aspen. At the end of September, Nashville will be a part of that list.
While their first film, and perhaps their most popular performance, is called “I Wanna Be A Republican,” the group has performed many different shows at San Francisco’s New Conservatory Theater Center including “The Balled Sopranos,” “Motel Sicks: A Dragapella Summer Vacation,” Everything But The Kitsch ‘n’Synch" and “GreatesTits.”
Their latest show is called “Condoleezzapalooza!” If you get the chance to see them live, please don't miss it. These ladies will have you rolling in the aisles!
The Kinsey Sicks recently took time while on the road to speak to O&AN in an exclusive interview.
How did the Kinsey Sicks come to be?
Rachel/Ben: Usually the question is how the f@#% did the Kinsey Sicks come to be, or why in the hell did the Kinseys come to be. Thanks for being so polite. At any rate, it’s a mystery, to be pondered by future experts in bad taste.
Trixie: Our origins are shrouded in mystery, but like many successful girl groups before us (Diana Ross and the Supremes, Beyonce and Destiny’s Child, Zac Efron and the cast of “High School Musical”) the burden of incredible beauty is reserved for but one member, me, and the rest of my haggard, desperate sisters enjoy their lives free of any adoration.
Where have you traveled with the show, and what types of responses have you gotten from different audiences?
Rachel/Ben: We’ve traveled to 35 states, many foreign countries, and no one has slept with me yet. That’s why I keep trying. Maybe Nashville will be different.
Trixie: Every single night of my performances throughout the Americas and Europe, my audiences have been enthralled by my famous beauty, and I have made myself available to countless marriage proposals. And though I mourn the mysterious passing of each husband, partner, and/or corporation, it has been, and always will be, my duty to commit to any fan with a sizable bank account and valid social security number.
Who wrote the show, or was it a collaborative effort?
Rachel/Ben: No one is willing to accept the blame. The lyrics were written by Ben Schatz, whom I’m told is extremely attractive. The music and script are everybody’s fault.
Jeff: Both. The endlessly creative Benjamin Schatz is responsible for the lyrics. The musical arrangements are handled by Irwin Keller, Chris Dilley, and myself. The script is indeed a collaborative effort.
Does the show change each time you perform it?
Rachel/Ben: Amazingly, it keeps getting worse.
Trixie: Of course it does. Much like changing the reasons for starting the war in Iraq.
What are your plans for the future of the show?
Rachel/Ben: To keep finding new victims. Much like the tobacco industry.
Trixie: As long as there are eligible bachelors with fat wallets and bad hearts, my future is guaranteed.
Will the Kinsey Sicks write and perform another show? If so, when? And has there been a Kinsey Sicks show prior to this one?
Rachel/Ben: There have been many (regrettably) unforgettable Kinsey shows over the 13-and-a-half years of our existence. Undoubtedly there will be more. The authorities are working with mental health professionals to stop this compulsion, to no avail.
Trixie: Yes. In fact, Condoleezzapalooza! is our new touring show and Nashville will see it September 30.
Anything else you would like to add?
Rachel/Ben: In my personal experience, George W. Bush is a better lover than he is a president, and believe me, he’s lousy in bed. Laura, however, rocks. Oh, and people who check out www.kinseysicks.com will never experience sadness, financial problems, or bad hair again.
Trixie: As an equal opportunity monogamist, I do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, nation of origin, or article of incorporation. However, as an expression of my endless generosity to my Kinsey sisters, do check out these less glamorous girls on our website. There are so many fun things to see and do: fun histories to read; CD's, a DVD and t-shirts to purchase. And, of course, photos to look through. Do marvel at the before and after shots of my various racial reassignment surgeries, but please forgive the tragic and unflattering photos of Winnie, Rachel, and Trampolina.
If this interview didn't satisfy your needs, be sure to check out their website at www.kinseysicks.com.
