Adele and Kylie are no match for this towering triple threat…
She’s big, bold, and kind of beautiful…a comedian, actress, and self-proclaimed chanteuse. It’s Varla Jean Merman, the distaff alter-ego of muscleman Jeffrey Roberson. Sturdy like Stallone and more feminine than Bea Arthur, Varla Jean has been a favorite of the LGBTQ comedy circuit for decades. Now she’s heading to Westgate Las Vegas for three nights only.
If you’re unfamiliar with Ms. Merman, then turn on TUBI and watch GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS right now. Go ahead….we’ll wait. The outrageous 2003 comedy is packed with meme-worthy moments and endlessly quotable lines. A twisted drag-fabulous take on The Golden Girls and All About Eve, GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS is one of the funniest and most criminally-overlooked laugh-fests of all time. Here’s the trailer:
Few transformations are as dramatic as this one. Through a combination of make-up, wigs, costumes, and wholly original character creation, Roberson goes from “rugged ex-military stud” to the secret offspring of Ethel Merman and Ernest Borgnine. And even though Varla Jean can whip up a “Bizzy Gal” dinner entree with aplomb, she’s more likely to bust your gut through intense laughter.
This writer first encountered Ms. Merman about twenty years ago at a packed Fort Lauderdale nightclub. The performance was filled with songs, anecdotes, and the star’s signature move – yodeling while filling her mouth with canned spray cheese. It’s as wacky as it sounds…the kind of thing that would prompt Simon Cowell to hit the buzzer as an audience cheered.
A former opera student and avid CrossFit competitor, Jeffrey refers to himself as “an actor/writer and former morbidly obese lazy person. I compete because I’m making up for lost time.” As Varla Jean, he’s been crossing the nation with her latest show entitled “Stand By Your Drag”. Written by Roberson, Ricky Graham, and Jacques LaMarre, it’s directed by Michael Schiralli (Varla Jean and the Mushroomheads).
After three performances at Oasis in San Francisco, Varla Jean Merman is headed to Westgate Comedy Cabaret. Show dates are October 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Tickets start at $24.99 and can be ordered here. Showtime is 8 pm and is for adults only.
