theatre
JUST DO GOOD WORK AND LET YOUR WORK SPEAK FOR ITSELF.”
SOMETIMES, IT’S BEST TO
Eye for Jai
RODRIGUEZ COMES TO MARTINIS by thom senzee
If you want to keep up with Jai Rodriguez, 36, you better have some good
and needless to say, stylish running shoes. The prolific and multitalented entertainer, who, in addition to an impressive and storied cable-television and Broadway-stage career—can you say Queer Eye for the Straight Guy? How about RENT?—has branched out to Netflix, where he has a new role on the hit series, Grace and Frankie, working opposite Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston.
The Rage Monthly put a few questions to the Emmy Award-winning former
host of Queer Eye in advance of his next San Diego appearance, shortly after he wrapped a well-received performance at West Hollywood’s Revolver.
How, if at all, is the Jai Rodriguez we knew and loved during the Queer Eye days different (better?)? Well, if you believe we get better with age, as I do, then I’m certainly “better.” I’ve grown up a lot. I was such a boy on the show. I was 23. At 36, I’m a full-grown man and right around the age of the other guys when we shot QE. I know what I want now and I’m not afraid to take it. What can goers to the Martinis Above Fourth Table + Stage show expect? The cabaret I’ll be performing at Martinis, will be me and a piano, with Top
40 and musical theatre songs in between stories about my life. Everyone who’s seen my show this past year has been surprised. People who may know me from TV forget I had a huge Broadway background. I begin the show saying, I will be totally honest during the show. Funny, shocking, surprising real truths about a guy you think you know. Anything they shouldn’t expect? Makeovers. There will be no fashion or household tips at my show (laughs).
How is TV different from Broadway? Well that depends on the type of TV; sitcoms mirror Broadway the most. When I starred in Malibu Country on ABC with Reba McEntire that was the
closest I’ve felt to being back on Broadway. Live audience gives you so much. That’s why I love doing my cabaret act. How is Broadway different than an intimate-venue performance? It can feel the same [depending on the show], but most cabaret artists use story
points and not always a script. There is a freedom and honesty in cabaret. Not everyone can say they’ve won an Emmy. What other accolades you’ve received, make you blush? Yeah, the Emmy is pretty big. Especially since I won it at 25-years-old. I try
not to put too much energy into recognition for my work, because sometimes you give an Emmy award-winning performance and you don’t get acknowl- edged. Sometimes, it’s best to just do good work and let your work speak for itself. But oddly, I did just win “Best Male Personality” here in West Hollywood in Lady Gaga’s and Rhea Litre’s top awards. So, that was cool. What’s 2016 going to look like a) for you b) for America and c) for the LGBT community? I’m starting 2016 starring in an action film called Hospice. America is in
such a volatile state with everything that’s going on politically. I don’t have any predictions but I’m super anxious for the presidential race to be over already. Hopefully in 2016, we will continue seeing more visibility with trans people in the media and large steps toward equality for them. Anything you would like to add? I’m super active online and try my best to stay connected with everyone daily.
Can’t wait to see y’all at the show! The best way to stay connected with me is via social media: Instagram: Officialjairodriguez; Twitter: @jairodriguez;
facebook.com/jairodriguezfanpage; Snapchat: jairodriguez
Tales of an Aging Twink will be at Martinis Above Fourth Table + Stage on Thursday, January 21, with tickets ranging from $20 to $25 for reserved seating, with doors opening at 6 p.m. For tickets and more information, call 619.400.4500 or go to
martinisabovefourth.com.
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RAGE monthly | JANUARY 2016
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