Jan 21
In 'Life Be Lifin',' Monét X Change Explains How She Found Her Voice Through 'Jerking Off' (And Other Things)
Steve Duffy READ TIME: 7 MIN.
Would it be a surprise to learn that "RuPaul's Drag Race" star Monét X Change recently finished a gig singing in a Donizetti with the Colorado Opera? Not if you're a fan of this multi-disciplined performer who can move from opera to R&B, (a new album, "Grey Rainbow, Volume 1," set for release); and to reality show hosting duties ("The Pit Stop," the official after show of Drag Race season 17.)
Add to this that Monét X Change is heading to a theater near you with her "Life Be Lifin''" tour. The show kicked off late last year at New York City's iconic Joe's Pub and is the midst of visiting East Coast cities, Boston, Portland, ME, and Washington DC, before concluding on January 28 in Toronto.
Watch the trailer to 'Life Be Lifin','
For the "Drag Race" record, Monét X Change appeared on the franchise three times: Season 10 (2018) where she placed sixth and won the coveted Miss Congeniality title. On Season 4 of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars," she was crowned the winner along with Trinity the Tuck; and on the all-winners season of "All Stars" where she was runner-up to Jinkx Monsoon.
Her solo show, "Life Be Lifin','" premiered under the direction of BenDeLaCreme at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2023. "If you were expecting a traditional drag show from X Change's new solo hour, you might be disappointed," warned Playbill in their rave review. "She's dug way deeper than just entertainment for 'Life Be Lifein'," crafting a work more on par with the likes of Fringe alum Mike Birbiglia and Alex Edelman."
Playbill continued: "It's X Change at the most vulnerable, intimate, and personal yet. Her trademark wit is there, too–this evening is jam-packed with belly laughs.. . Thankfully, she also lets us hear her sing... As anyone who saw her incredible talent show performance in 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 7' can attest, X Change isn't just someone who can sing. She comes with world-class vocals on everything from an operatic aria to a falsetto belt that shoots into the rafters."
EDGE spoke to Monét X Change about her very busy career.
EDGE: How excited are you to start your "Life Be Lifin'" tour?
Monét X Change: I am beyond excited. This show was a lot of hard work, a lot of writing, and many tears. I'm happy to get this out. I think I've been doing this show since the Edinburgh Fringe Festival last year. To be able to perform it at one of the top festivals is mind-blowing. I've also got to perform at Joe's Pub in New York to some really great reviews, and Playbill loved it. I'm so happy to bring it to some US cities.
EDGE: Talk about name-dropping; it debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which is the world's largest performance arts festival. What was it like being on that stage?
Monét X Change: Oh my God. I was at McEwan Hall, one of the big halls there, and to see all these people shuffling in to come here me tell my stories about jerking off with a guy in a basement, it's wild. It was really thrilling. The festival was just so interesting. All these different artists, all these different shows. I was able to see a handful of shows, but I couldn't see everyone I wanted because my show was every night for 15 days. I saw some good stuff there. It was just a vibe to be in Edinburgh. Although Edinburgh, girl, in August was 40 degrees. I was like, "What is this?" Still nice to be there.
