Le Fag Interviews Drag Sensation Chloe Sevigny, a.k.a. Drew Droege

She's been our YouTube Tranny of the Week twice already, and it is with great pleasure that we bring you this EXCLUSIVE interview with Chloe Sevigny -- the performance moniker adopted by L.A.-based comedian Drew Droege.  Castro Street Fair organizer Juan Garcia assisted with the interview, as Chloe will be coming to M.C. the Red Rock Stage at next weekend's Castro Street Fair -- which San Franciscans know as the less dirty, more drag-y follow-up to this weekend's Folsom Street Fair. Chloe talks to us about how she started doing Chloe, how her brilliant videos come together, and her involvement in another YouTube sensation: Planet Unicorn.

When did it first come to your atten-shon that you should mock Chloe Sevigny in drag? Is it a mockery?
Years ago, I was trying on a wig for something else, and it came to my attention that I look a lot like her.  I've always loved her unique style and indie-alt perspective.  It's not a mockery as much as a comedic celebration.  Is that a thing?

What would you call your type of spoken word or prose?
I don't really know -- what about oral word ballad? Does that sound pretentious enough?  Perfect.

Was there a particular clip or appearance that first inspired the tribute/parody?
I was actually inspired by these awful post-9/11 ads, desperately trying to get people to come to New York - my first sketch was a monologue in which Chloe was trying to attract Americans to the city but referencing the most underground, bizarre places, like Batcave and Twilo.  

Describe the process by which these YouTube videos get made -- for instance, the recent one about barbequoi. Who directs and edits them?
The brilliant Jim Hansen directs, shoots, and edits them - we have a great time working together.  Every few months, I come over to his house, we spitball ideas/lines/references, go shopping, eat, shoot some videos, and just try to make each other laugh.  Jim really contributes a LOT of gems.  And so much of the "writing" comes from the batshit "real" worlds of fashion, music, cuisine, and entertainment.  

Have you done Chloe live on stage before?
Before the videos started, I'd done about 135 stage appearances as Chloe, mostly in LA, anywhere from The Groundlings Theatre to the basement of an unfortunate Ramada in a show called "Pussy Tag: You're It".

You've also impersonated Meryl Streep (in 'Cry in the Dark' for the show 'Streep Tease') -- what do you see as similarities between Meryl and Chloe?
Well, in "Streep Tease", we all played characters from her movies - so I played Lindy Chamberlain, not Meryl Streep.  And "Chloe" is more of an original character based on Chloe Sevigny.  So, I guess they're both my creations of how I see both of them.  Is this making sense?  Do I sound stoned?  Is it infinitely interesting to hear an actor talk about his process?  Great, I'll continue.  Acting is... (Drew falls asleep)  Seriously, I think Meryl is every actor's model - as she should be.  And Chloe is an anti-model, which makes her interesting to me, as well.  

What was the first bit of drag you ever did? Do you like drag?
I love drag, but I always think of the character first - rather than "am I playing a man or a woman".  I'm interested in that person's point of view - "Chloe" loves discovering and sharing and name-dropping.  Oh yeah, and I throw on a wig and some make-up.  I love playing women, because they usually have a wider range of emotions -and sure, it's really fun to wear those crazy clothes.  But I don't think of myself as a real drag queen, out of respect for real drag queens.  They spend time on their shit - I show up with a trash bag full of wigs, 5 minutes before I have to go on.  My first memory of doing drag was with my father in Lincolnton, NC - we were both contestants in a beauty pageant - we both lost.  Favorite memory EVER.

How did you get involved with Planet Unicorn?
Mike Rose and I met years ago at the Groundlings - we always got each other and have been close friends for a long time -- he came to me with the idea, and along with Tyler Spiers, we just sat in a studio one night and made each other laugh.  We had no clue it would be a hit.  It was originally for Channel 101, an online web channel that predates youtube -- check it out -- it's amazing -- the creators of "Community", "Sarah Silverman Program" and the Lonely Island ("SNL" digital shorts) guys all started there.  I love "Planet Unicorn" -- it's so sweet and silly, and I think, also subversive in its simplicity.  I like words that start with "S".

How would you summarize the comedy scene in L.A.?
To me, the LA comedy scene is the best in the country - honestly.  You have a town full of people who make money doing movies, sitcoms, commercials, whatever, who feel a need to express themselves by making weird, bonkers, kookoo shit that would never sell in movies, sitcoms, commercials.  That's where Channel 101, The Groundlings, Pussy Tag all started.  When I'm lucky, I get asked to be in stuff like that.  Plus, this town is so ripe for parody - you just have to write down what's going on, and it's hilarious.

Your fashion references are very precise, brilliant and a little obscure. Are you a fashion fan yourself?
I love fashion, mainly because fashion has no sense of humor about fashion.  That's hysterical to me.  The belief that certain pieces are "important" and "astute" and "sensible" - we've assigned all these human qualities to a pair of pants?  YES!  And yet, I love watching it all happen.

Do you know any of the icons your mention?
I've met some of them post-videos.  I've hung out with Casey Spooner a few times, who's a complete sweetheart.  And Kelly Osbourne has been a guest on my podcast, "Glitter in the Garbage", which she rocked.   I try not to reference people that I already know - because I always think it would be weird.   Except for toast - I know toast.

Talk about the Groundlings? What does that group do differently then other improv groups?
The Groundlings are primarily character-based -- they have lots of SNL alums (Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, Phil Hartman), Pee Wee Herman, Elvira, and people like Lisa Kudrow and Jennifer Coolidge -- I would call all of these people great comedic actors, more than comedians.  I also work a lot with Upright Citizens Brigade, which I love -- they are more focused on the comedic idea, the game of the scene, so it's an excellent place for writers.  I think it's important to cross-train and work with several groups - it's better to be your own brand.  But both of these theatres/schools REALLY influenced me.

We love your new shots by Austin Young? Are you a fan? Any fun stories about Austin or his scene?
Oh Austin -- he's a genius.  And so easy to work with. He makes such beautiful, loud art and he's a beautiful, quiet artist.  He really likes his job and makes the whole process super fun.  When I went over to his house, Fade-Dra was there, just playing around, trying on lips.  Yep.  

Any new characters that you are developing?
I'm always looking for new people to play - I try new characters weekly on my podcast and in comedy shows in LA - I mean, how long can I keep going with "Good Evening America"?  

Any fun San Francisco stories?
I've only been to SF a few times, and every time I step off the BART, I'm taken aback by the city's beauty.  I love the architecture and the food, and the fact that everyone lives on top of each other.  It's very leveling.  One time I was kidnapped on Mission St.

Who do you think is funny?  What makes you laugh?
Any of the comedians I listed above are all favorites of mine -- John Waters and Carol Burnett are my idols, and the reasons why I do what I do.  My dad was really funny.  I think anyone who's willing to be a huge loser is funny -- I love characters who have no idea that they are ridiculous, created by people who are fully aware of how ridiculous they are.  

Do you work with the Hi-fashion kids? What music and bands do you like?
I LOVE the Hi-Fashion kids!  They are the tits.  I love Sam Sparro, who's flippin brilliant.  I like a wide range of music - mainly dirty 70s B-side disco - anything loud, fast, and trashy.

How has Facebook and YouTube affected your art?
Completely.  I would have no exposure if it weren't for the internet  - I've done Chloe on stage for years, but I always thought it was a niche thing - I'm constantly blown away by how many people find me online and like what I do.  Thanks, guys!