ZUMANITY Another side of Cirque du Soleil

By Manny Machado

Zumanity by Cirque du Soleil has a new “Mistress of Seduction” and her name is Edie. In a world where drag sometimes falls flat, Edie is a fabulous drag performer of her own making whose long legs pale in comparison to her achievements. I first met Edie onboard a cruise in 2004, not only was she funny, but impressively entertaining with her dance numbers and high kicks; I knew I wasn’t just watching another drag show, but a star just waiting to be discovered. Billed as “the Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil,” Zumanity blends acrobatics with seduction and a healthy dose of adult themed fun. Half cabaret, half burlesque, Zaumanity delivers an adult themed extravaganza of entertainment. Edie and Zumanity are now showing only at New York-New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

M M : Who is Edie the Entertainer?

E D I E : She’s a fun loving 60’s go-go girl who loves to sing, dance and tell stories.

M M : When did she begin her career?

E D I E : She was born in a small restaurant called The Universal Grill in the West Village of New York City. I came in with my friends for a fun evening and unexpectedly was offered to host my own night. Before I knew it Edie was a full-time gig.

M M : What was life like for Edie before Cirque du Soleil?

E D I E : I traveled around the world and performed in every cabaret and at every gay destination, and was a regular performer on the Atlantis all-gay cruise. I also had my Broadway dream come true when the Roundabout Theater cast me in the revival of THREE PENNY OPERA alongside Alan Cumming and Cyndi Lauper at Studio 54.

M M : When did Cirque come into the picture and what has life been like since for Edie?

E D I E : I literally got a phone call out of the blue. I was in performing in Provincetown and the phone rang. The woman on the other end introduced herself and asked me to audition for the role of the Emcee in Zumanity. Thin-king it was a prank from a friend, I said “ SHUT UP! Who is this?” After she assured me it wasn’t a joke, she asked me to fly to Las Vegas for the audition. I did. And the rest is history. I have been here for almost two years now and am having the time of my life!

M M : Where has Cirque taken you?

E D I E : To the moon! I am constantly honored to be a part of something so magical and I’ve learned a lot about the way the circus works. It’s the most physically demanding role I’ve ever had and in the same breath the most rewarding.

M M : Why Cirque? What helped you make the decision to become a Cirque du Soleil performer?

E D I E : I saw a Cirque show in 1991 in Seattle and thought it was the greatest thing I had ever seen. I never in a mi-llion years thought I would ever be a part of one. But this is how insane and exciting my life has been. DREAM, PEOPLE, DREAM!

M M : What was it like training for the show?

E D I E : I am not doing acrobatics and stuff like that so it was fairly easy. I have a lot of dialogue and ad-lib throughout the show. It’s very hard to rehearse the Ad lib sections because you have no idea what you’re going to get from the audience. I feel fortunate because my solo show has a lot of ad-lib so I definitely feel prepared. I’ve learned to just roll with the punches.

M M : Did Edie have to adapt to the show or vice versa?

E D I E : Both! They hired my character which took the show in a totally different direction. I’ve had to learn to be more sensual, sexual, seductive and to just “go there.” It’s not hard when you see this cast. OUCH. They are soooooo sexy and talented. Boy is it fun!

M M : How did you know it was the right move for you and your career?

E D I E : The second they called! Cirque Du Soleil has the most amazing reputation and I am thrilled to be a part of it. There have been so many incarnations in my career from ballet companies to tap companies to Broadway to cabaret shows and now Cirque. INSANE!

M M : What’s next for Edie?

E D I E : I can’t wait to find out! But first, I’ll enjoy this wave.