SPOTLIGHT
Storyteller and monologist, Miss Coco Peru grew up in the Bronx on City Island and got her start as a downtown favorite in the cabaret world of NYC after she wrote, produced, directed and starred in her first show, “Miss Coco Peru in My God- damn Cabaret,” in the early 90s. On screen, Miss Coco Peru is best known for her roles in Jim Fall’s Trick (Sundance 1999) and Richard Day’s comedy Girls Will Be Girls. Other film appearances include To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, and Straight-Jacket. Coco can be heard in the Disney animated feature, The Wild as Mamma Hippo! Coco has appeared on TV in Arrested Development, Twins, Will and Grace, Bravo’s Boy Meets Boy, Sexiest Moments in Film, Welcome to the Parker as well as in an Orbitz commercial that was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award. On MTV’s gay network, LOGO, Coco can be seen in her very own half-hour comedy special taped as part of the Wisecrack series and in the recently released one night stand-up, DRAGTASTIC, which debuted in January.
by jared cox Coco’s live, one-person shows include: Miss Coco Peru in My Goddamn Cabaret, Miss Coco Peru: A Legend in Progress, Miss Coco Peru at
the Westbeth Theatre, Miss Coco Peru’s Liquid Universe, Miss Coco Peru’s Universe, Miss Coco Peru’s Glorious Wounds… She’s Damaged, Miss Coco Peru is Undaunted, and most recently, UGLY COCO. Coco’s shows have been performed to sold-out audiences in theatres, clubs, restaurants, ballrooms and cabarets throughout the United States and abroad. Coco’s live shows have won her numerous nominations and awards including MAC and Bistro Awards, GLAAD nominations, a GLAAD Award and an Ovation Nomination. An avid traveler, Coco has appeared in theatres and clubs across America as well as appearances in London, Sydney and Lisbon. Coco is proud to say that she has performed in such diverse places as a yacht in the Mediterranean, a living room in Pittsburgh and a nudist camp in the mountains of Malibu. She is also available for children’s parties! Coco Peru can be seen in Long Beach on Thursday, September 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Theatre. This special engagement will be benefiting Long Beach LGBT Youth. For more information visit
misscocoperu.com. The Rage Monthly caught up with her to chat about all things Coco.
The Rage Monthly: Your show has been described as a, “hilarious exorcism,” by the L.A. Times, how do you exercise those demons? Miss Coco Peru: Three reps of 15 and cardio, cardio, cardio!
Rage: As a notable entertainer in the LGBT community with numerous awards and recognitions, what are you most proud of? Coco: I love when I get feedback from young gay people who
tell me that my show or appearances on Logo helped them in a positive way to deal with their own identity. Recently, a young guy came up to me in Provincetown after my show and said, “I love your anger. We’re not angry enough and you inspired me.” I was in heaven!
Rage: Any advice on what to do when you get cum in your eye? Coco: Rinse immediately with water! And stay indoors for at least 12 hours. No one wants to see your red, swollen eye, girl.
Rage: Can you help define the line between being an over-the-top painted clown and a successful and legitimate drag comedian?
Coco: I think you can be an over-the-top painted clown and be both successful and legit, however, I would say that what is most important in the entertainment world is to respect the people you are working with and to be kind. I work with a lot of people and I always hear how they have to deal with “divas,” and the added stress and disrespect they feel. Having to behave like a diva is a sign of insecurity. A true professional must rise above that.
Rage: Having the distinct honor of meeting and befriending Bea Arthur, what life experiences can you draw from her personal journey and the one- on-one time you had with her, especially your first sushi night? Coco: Talk about a true pro! Bea was my icon and she was so kind to me. I was obsessed with her as a child and that love of her
Coco Peru Miss Talk with Hot 32 RAGE monthly | SEPTEMBER 2010
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