Chattanooga Pulse, July 19, 2006 Mama Spell is a Hattiesburg, Mississippi artist who now lives and works in Pittsburgh. While teaching at the Andy Warhol and Carnegie Art museums several years ago, she debuted a one-woman cabaret show. It is part lounge act, rock ‘n roll, performance art, and standup routine. She sings and plays an electric organ, has been known to tap dance, and often appears with a stuffed sock monkey and “press agent pony.” Think Andy Kaufman plus Liz Taylor and Ethel Merman, and you’ve got Mama Spell, says her Web site. With her Laura Bush looks and velvet delivery, Mama has become a cult star on the gay club circuit in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Uncanny Inspirado will be her first stop on a Southeastern tour which includes gigs in Nashville, Winston-Salem and Hattiesburg. Interviewing Mama Spell is like playing straight woman to a pop art Gracie Allen: What are your plans for the Uncanny Inspirado show? My plan this year is to make Mama a household name. I want to start with the children. I run into a lot of them in the grocery store. They shout ‘Mama, Mama!’ asking for an autograph, and when I turn to give it to them, they run away screaming. What kind of show will you be performing? I’ll be performing comedy and tragedy. Why the name, “Mama”? It has that star quality, like “Elvis” and “Cher.” A friend of mine was up from south Mississippi at Pitt [University of Pittsburgh]. I was his only friend with a car, and I became Mama’s taxi. He started introducing me as his Mama from Mississippi. How did you get started with the cabaret show? I didn’t try it until I got to Pittsburgh where I didn’t have any family to embarrass. My parents are still in Hattiesburg. Can you characterize your show? I tend to appeal to everyone. I have good hair. I get my hair done and wear a pretty dress. One thing that I’ve done on and off in past years is give audiences the opportunity to ask Mama questions. I hand out pieces of paper that they can write them on. They can turn it in anonymously, if they choose. I will give an answer. An answer? I will give an answer. Sounds like fun. If it’s not fun, then why do it? Unless you’re a doctor. Doctors shouldn’t have a sense of humor. I don’t want a dentist with a sense of humor, can you imagine what my teeth would look like? Uncanny Inspirado Friday, July 21 |