The Eight-Year Audition (Ep 427 - Into the Woods/Alexis Michelle)

My guest this week spent eight years auditioning for Drag Race before he was accepted and his life completely changed. Alexis Michelle, aka Alex Michaels, was a theater performer when he discovered a love of drag, and gradually figured out how to turn his hobby into his career. Now Alexis known for two much-talked about appearances on Drag Race, for appearing on the show Dragnificent, for multiple off-Broadway roles, an album, and an upcoming live tour. But Alex (and Alexis) are only just getting started — ever since seeing his first Sondheim show at the age of five, he’s never stopped dreaming of Broadway. And he’s never been closer to making that dream a reality.

We’ll have that conversation in a minute.

But first — a quick reminder that I have a new book out! It’s about the behind-the-scenes history of queer characters on sitcoms, and the role that comedy played in queer liberation. It’s called Hi Honey, I’m Homo! and it’s available now wherever books are sold. I can even sign and personalize your copy before shipping it to you — just go to gaysitcoms.com and look for the instructions for ordering a signed copy.

Also don’t forget to swing by my YouTube channel for videos about film and TV history. That’s at YouTube.com/mattbaume — I’ve got one coming this Sunday, August 6, about the-behind-the-scenes making of All in the Family. Also, join me every Sunday for livestreams over on Twitch at twitch.tv/mattbaume where I share the amazing bits of film & TV history that I come across in my research.

Big thanks to everyone who makes all my work possible on Patreon — visit patreon.com/mattbaume to support Sewers of Paris and get patron-exclusive benefits.