My friend Holly, whom I’ve known since we both lived up in Anchorage, is going to be performing in tonight’s Pizzazz! Talent Show at Bumbershoot! She’s performing under the name ‘Holly Chernobyl’ — here’s her mini-interview from the Stranger:
Holly Chernobyl / Queen o’ burlesque
When did you first realize that you had Pizzazz!?
I burst from the womb singing “Life is a cabaret” through a mouthful of Quaaludes.
Who do you count as your influences/inspirations?
My mother Judy Garland and my father Mae West. And drag queens.
If you could have one talent besides the one you’re showcasing in Pizzazz!, what would it be?
Talent, schmalent. I have mutant fucking powers. I’m a superhero.
When you get to be rich and famous, what will be your biggest extravagance?
I will buy an island and create “Perfect Holly World,” where the sun shines every day and you get a tiara at the door.
Can art change the world, or just make it prettier?
I can do both, so pooh pooh on art.
J.Lo: Good or evil?
Evil. But God bless that ass.
Go Holly! The Pizzazz show starts at 7pm in the Bagley Wright Theatre — I’ll be there!
Do people have trouble seeing the strong element of burlesque in her acting?
I saw Holly’s performance at Pizzazz.
I must admit, I laughed my ass off, but only after I got over the intial
shock of what I was seeing.
There was an older lady next to me, maybe in her mid-60s. I don’t think
she will ever recover. :-) She looked absolutely mortified.
But I certainly did enjoy the performance.