Today we’d like to introduce you to Roxy Rendezvous.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Roxy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m from Austin but have lived in Dallas for ten years. I graduated from the University of North Texas with a BA in Technical Theatre. Costumes and makeup have always been my passion, musical theater/drag is my outlet.
Ms. Rendezvous was born on the stages of Glitterbomb in the days of Mable Peabody’s Chainsaw Repair in Denton. Working in cosmetics with MAC and honing my skills on the Rose Room Stage Thursday nights for the Rising Star Competition helped me to get a ‘signature mug’ down and play with my stage image. I get that I look like Bette Midler the most. I go for a very Kevyn Aucoin Classic 1950’s Makeup style look, WITH GLITTER. It felt natural to do broadway tunes for my numbers because I knew all the words and my naturally campy self got to be on show.
I quickly found an outlet where I was praised for my campy self without having to do a ‘Top 40s’ type of number, at Mustache Envy. I performed with Mustache several times before I ever hosted and loved the Queer family I had made! I continued to flourish as a person and performer and knew I had found my ‘home’.
The first time I Hosted Mustache was incredibly nerve-racking and I literally remember sitting down with a guest at the show to just talk to because I had no clue what to say. And honestly, that’s my gig to this day. I love the audience and getting them so hype the rest of the Bar or venue disappears. Hosting is a beautiful thing because you help to set the energy for the whole show and in-turn the audience keeps fueling you by taking care of your performers the minute you walk off stage. Everyone comments on the way I announce because I sound like a WWE Emcee when I bring people on stage. It’s one of those things you’ll have to hear in person.
I’ve only been co-producing for three years. And I fell into the position. The Year I was given a contract in 2015 was a milestone that helped me to realize I can make money at something I’m naturally good at. I was at every meeting and practically lived at my producers’ house. Being part of the creation process was a beautiful high. I loved helping to direct shows and use all my theater talents to make Mustache everything it wasn’t already. Honestly, consistently showing up and having my input heard and used is how I just fell into the position.
We just had our last quarterly meeting and I’m so excited for next year’s themes and ideas! It’s going to be a beautiful focus on Drag kings! We want to bolster new talent and give all the praise to those who want to explore male and queer drag.
Ahhhh I don’t know what else to put but also know that’s a lot of info!! Please feel free to reach out to dive into anything else!?
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My biggest struggle was not fitting an unsaid ‘cookie-cutter’ appearance of Drag when I was performing at the Rose Room. Most queens in the DFW area, even before Ru Paul’s Drag race, all looked the same and did the same type of numbers. Everyone wanted to be ‘fish’ or be seen as a certain type of ‘pageant’ queen. That just wasn’t me, or my drag.
Finding shows such as Mustache Envy and Tuesday Tease has opened my eyes up to the fact that Drag is ever-evolving. I didn’t know it at the time I was just evolving past the drag around me. Queer spaces like Sue Ellens allow for more exploration and support and it’s where my art got to flourish. Finding that ‘home’ was my struggle.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
My business is Roxy Rendezvous just as much as Mustache Envy. It’s the whole chicken-egg dilemma.
Ms. Rendezvous is known for her use of chartreuse and Bette middler-esque appearance. Camp is her game from song choice to lip-sync. She will never be a kick-flip-split queen, but she’ll make you laugh at yourself. Tequila shots and mid-show photoshoots on the main stage. I think I’m most proud of my growth in artistry. That includes makeup, wigs, costumes, designing a show, etc.
I think what sets me apart is my Jack-of-All-Trades approach to my art. Whether it’s just my inner Capricorn control-freak-nature or my honest truth to do it all, I have always done best while running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My future plans are unlimited! I’m beginning to host more shows “out of home base”, not with Mustache Envy. I’ve worked with Courtney Crave and Kimber Fox in Deep Ellum at The Nines and will be hosting more in the Ft. Worth area. I’ve even had the opportunity to host a show out in Sasche Texas with Victoria Viking.
I want to continue my reach in hosting for different audiences! I want to expand the acceptance of queer art and expression. Roxy Rendezvous and Mustache envy are my outlets for genderqueer expression. Maybe do a musical in drag eventually? I want to dedicate more time to Burlesque and the art of striptease to improve Roxy’s performance.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mustacheenvy.com
- Instagram: @MustacheEnvyDallas
- Facebook: @MustacheEnvyDallas
Image Credit:
@chermusico
@brandylynnphotography
@marcuslopezphoto
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
