Lindsey Alley

Performer Profile: Lindsey Alley

Mouseketeer Turned Bawdy Cabaret Singer?

By: Jaime Reyes

While not yet as famous as her former television co-stars Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake or Christina Aguilera, we think this former kid actor is a hell of a lot more fun. Singing, acting, comedy, drinking, storytelling – and that’s just during our morning interview. Anything goes with Lindsey Alley and we wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s getting ready to entertain the crowd at The Pink Party “Rue le Cirque” to kick off Long Beach Pride weekend on May 16th and we can’t wait.

GED:       What can one expect at the upcoming Lindsey Alley performance?

LA:           A mix of songs, storytelling, and fun.  I’m over the moon excited about the upcoming Pink Party. It’s going to be a mouthy good time. We’re going to have a moment of fun – quick and dirty. I know attention spans are short at these events. There’s always something shiny to look at or pink to drink. I can’t wait.

GED:       Speaking of which, cocktails seem to be a central theme in some of your material.

LA:           Perhaps a central theme in my life. You know, life isn’t perfect but there is such a thing as a perfect martini. A little grain alcohol gets me through the day. My cocktail is a part of my hand, like my cell phone. But hey, don’t judge me!  (Laughs.)  I’ll be entertaining at the Betty Ford Clinic soon.

GED:       Who were the inspirational performers when developing your style?

LA:           I do my own version of a Bette Midler-style cabaret show. She is a big inspiration. Who doesn’t love show tunes and dirty jokes?

GED:       You’ve done scripted television and plays but prefer live cabaret.

LA:           It’s a dying art form. I love to tell a story through song. It’s a unique experience and a moment in time when everything’s live.  Pits are stinking – it’s raw and real. It’s my group therapy through music.  Connecting with an audience is better than any martini or orgasm – but don’t tell my husband.

GED:       Why do you think you have so much appeal to the gay audience?

LA:           Well it certainly isn’t my hair or my clothes. They really get on me for that! I think we speak the same language. The gays who come to my performances get the joke and don’t take themselves too seriously. They’re ready to have a good time.  I’m in the right place with my GLBT friends. I can just be the real raw version of me. They appreciate my insecurities and we can laugh about who we are. I clear all of my new show material with them first. It must have their stamp of approval before I take it to Middle America!

GED:       Any career missteps?

LA:           Yeah. Going to college! (Laughs.) But now I actually enjoy touring universities giving real-world advice to performing arts students. I encourage them to write their own stories. Don’t wait around for some producer or writer to come up with a project for you. Create your own destiny. It’s really cool to work with these students to take a monologue or a song – that’s not very good – and make it real. I know we’re not saving babies here, but it’s rewarding.

GED:       What would be the ultimate career high?

LA:           A television show would be great, but that’s really just a launch pad to the ultimate which would be my own show on Broadway. I’d love to tell stories about performing on a gay cruise on one of my ‘Getting Paid Not Laid Tours’ or tales of Britney, Justin and Christina launching into stardom while I went to college and ruined my career.  I’d love to take my act onto a bigger stage. That’s what I fantasize about. Well, among other things…

GED:       So what’s next for you?

LA:           That’s what’s so great about show business. You never know. I can be working solid for six months and then nothing for months. I’ve learned not to get my panties in a twist during the slow periods. Hey, half the battle of surviving in this business is not committing hari-kari during the lows. I’ve learned that there’s always something really good around the corner. And now I want to burst into a show tune!

We hope our readers will come and experience a live Lindsey Alley performance at the 2014 Pink Party in downtown Long Beach on Friday, May 16^th.  To purchase tickets for the Pink Party go to www.centerlb.org/pinkparty. Or visit www.lindseyalley.com to find out about her other upcoming gigs.