What is your favorite part of New York City? If you live here, why did you move here or why did you decide to stay? If you just love to visit, why is that? I think almost every single person who loves NYC loves it, at least partly, for the arts. I moved here 10.5 years ago, 100% for the arts. I then fell in love with the grit and the people. My people, artists who make magic happen. These are the people who are being ignored. These people are hard-working and living off their art, now they are not allowed to work at all, and they are given no alternatives. This pandemic has taught us many things about our society, and one of the loudest messages is that “the arts do not matter.” But I ask you this: How will we look back on this pandemic in history? It will be through the photography, the songs, the murals, the books, and who knows what else amazing ideas and creations come from this lockdown. We won’t be all sitting around watching videos of Trump or Cuomo’s daily briefings. We will be looking towards the art. Look back on history. How do we think about the most famous moments? From a painting, a song, or a poem. We need to be supporting the arts more than ever right now! Not only do they mark our history, but they give us the most important gift of all —hope.

Jejune had the pleasure to sit down, chat with, and photograph an amazing hard-working artist in New York City, Marcy Richardson. When the pandemic hit all her venues closed, but like most NYC artists, she is full of passion and grit. She will weather this storm and come back to the stage like a phoenix. Please read further to learn a bit about Marcy’s journey.

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Foreword by Kira Bucca, Editor in Chief of Jejune Magazine.

Where are you based?
I live in Bushwick, a neighborhood in Brooklyn known for its street art, nightlife, and diverse cultural community

You seriously do all the things! You are an opera singer, an aerialist, a pole dancer, and an actress. Can you tell us how you got interested in performing and if you have a favorite?
As a kid, I took piano and ballet lessons, played sports (badly) ran track, I’ve always loved physical activity. My idol growing up was Madonna-despite having bad stage fright early on, I looked up to her and always thought to myself, “I want to do THAT!” I took my first voice lesson at 14 and discovered completely by accident that I was actually a classical soprano with an affinity for opera and baroque music, which honestly I had never listened to before. I fell in love with classical music and performing as I got more confident. I went on to receive a bachelor’s and master's in voice performance from Indiana University in 2004 and began training in pole and aerial arts ten years ago. I am an opera singer first and foremost, that is my first love. But I love that the combination with pole and aerial has carved out a place in NYC nightlife for me. I never intended to perform on the pole or in a Lyra when I first took it up, it was more just for fun and because I am a physical person who loves movement. The combined skill set came about organically as people saw me doing well in pole competitions. Producers started asking me to come on to different shows, incorporating my singing and aerial work, and here we are all this time later!

We got to see you in the epic film Hustlers. Can you tell us a little bit about your experience in this film? How did it feel to be able to use your pole dancing skills for a movie?
I can’t say enough wonderful things about the experience. The costume designer, Mitchell Travers, has been to some of the shows at Company XIV, and turned the director, Lorene Scafaria, on to my work. She wrote in a little cameo for me that included a bit of my opera singing and pole to keep the supporting cast as authentic as possible. Lorene was wonderful to work with, and she treated me like I was just as important as any other star in the room. As someone who had never been on a movie set, I was definitely not prepared for all the waiting and downtime. My adrenaline was at an all-time high because I was so nervous and excited about doing a scene with J-Lo, Lizzo, Cardi, etc-it was a really long time to sustain that kind of nerves in a trailer by myself. If I ever get an opportunity like that again, I would definitely be sure to bring my husband or my dog and some books to keep me from being so anxious. I filmed quite a lot of pole work that didn’t make it into the movie obviously (can’t be making J-Lo look bad lol) but it was certainly a thrill getting to film pole in a big, gorgeous strip club packed with celebrity talent. Cardi and Lizzo were like “I did NOT see that coming!” Which was a thrill! At one point my agent provocateur bodysuit totally came unsnapped at the crotch on the pole, and I flashed my goodies to lord knows how many people! I thought it was hilarious, and the wardrobe team quickly reinforced it. The cast and crew were all so warm, nice, and supportive. They even let me keep some of the designer lingerie I wore in the film, which I’ve since bedazzled and put to use at countless nightlife gigs.

You were a full time working performer in New York City before COVID hit. Can you tell us a little bit about what you did and what it was like?
Anyone who knows me will tell you I’m one of the hardest working women in the business-I’m usually performing non-stop, and I love every second of it. Company XIV is my home and normally my full-time job (I often describe it to people as the “Moulin Rouge of New York, but more homo erotic and with more classically trained talent”)

I have performed with the company since 2015, and I usually have a few acts in each show that feature my pole, aerial, and singing work. I perform anywhere from five to seven shows a week there, depending on the time of year. It’s a job I went to almost every day that paid benefits, just like anyone working in an office. On top of that, on Fridays, I used to do a show at Company XIV and then head to the Mckittrick Hotel in Chelsea to perform in the Bartschland Follies, produced and hosted by nightlife icon Susanne Bartsch. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, I was often doing aerial work or doing a show called the “Operatic Tease” at Duane Park, a high-end burlesque supper club on the lower east side, a venue I’ve performed in for almost seven years now. On top of THAT, on rare off weeks, I was booked to be an ensemble and soloist with the American Classical Orchestra, which does many concerts at Lincoln Center. Then there were the extra nightlife events at Capitale, like the Great Gatsby party by Astarte Creative, church gigs, and weddings when I could squeeze them in, and out of town gigs. I only had a day off if I said no to something for the most part. I loved it!

What was it like for you to suddenly have everything shut down? Has this gone longer than you thought it would?
Oh. My. God. There are just no words.

I have built my entire life around maintaining a hectic performance schedule —I very purposely do not have children, I moved practically next door to the theater to limit the wear and tear of late-night commuting on my body and mind, all my downtime is spent resting or training at the gym, training hoop or pole, or working on music, so that I am in tip-top form and have the energy to be generous emotionally and physically to my audience. I don’t have much of social life because I build that in at work with my colleagues and audiences, where I’ve gotten to know many people personally over the years. My friends, my family, my livelihood, my purpose—IS theater and nightlife. To have my entire life disappear overnight has been the biggest and most devastating loss I have ever known.

I never in a million years thought we would need to shut down, as a theater seating less than 200 people, much less for this long. We set our costumes and set pieces after our last show at Company XIV on Saturday, March 14, as if we were going to do the show the next day. We officially shut down the next morning. The theater looked like Pompei, everyone’s makeup station and costumes set just so.

I am sort of glad I didn’t know how long we would be shut down. I don’t think I could have handled it. Every couple of months I would get an email from Company XIV about postponing with a new date in mind, or an email from Duane park asking about our availability. I always opened each email with my heart stopped, praying it wouldn’t say “we had to close our doors for good” and each email gave me a little hope, even if it was false. I think I needed a little hope to handle this, even if it was just one month at a time.

How do you feel NYC has handled the pandemic?
I think NYC handled the pandemic better than anyone in the country. We made sacrifices as nobody else did. We shut down harder than everybody else. We wore masks when no one else did to show we love and respect our neighbors. There are a lot of us here, and we have pulled together to do the right thing. We were New York tough, and I am proud of New Yorkers and everything we did.

How do you feel NYC has supported its artists?
The local government hasn’t done much of anything. Do you know who HAS supported NYC artists? PEOPLE. Local New Yorkers who have been coming to my performances for years have come out of the woodwork and shown me love and generosity as I have never seen. The people supporting artists right now are die-hard arts and nightlife patrons who want us to survive. They donate, they tip for online shows and content, they buy our merchandise if we have it, they come to watch us perform outside in the cold, and tip generously. It is some grassroots shit, and it is coming from individuals.

Even though you are not a huge fan of the shutdown, you have been very vocal about being anti-Trump, even putting out “pole dancers against Trump” hats. Can you give us your thoughts on how Trump has handled the pandemic?
My problem with the shut down is this:

Now that things have started to open, (well, before they shut down again but I digress) who is making the rules and why? You’re going to tell me theater and nightlife are not essential, ok. But people are going to church. Just like theater, a church has music, costumes, a script, an audience, a crew running sound, and lights. Why can you have that, but not sit in a theater or a concert hall in a mask? Why can I sit shoulder to shoulder with people on the subway or on a plane for hours on end, but we can’t open a theater or nightlife venue outdoors, or indoors with regulations in place?

While I have clearly been a fan of Governor Cuomo and how he has led us through this pandemic for many reasons, he really turned me off at one point and hasn’t really won me back. There was a press conference where a reporter asked him about Broadway, and he practically laughed out loud and said “Broadway?! People need to get back to work before they can go to the theater!”

I could have slapped him right in the face, and not in the hot, sexy way. Excuse me? Do you know how many THOUSANDS of people theaters and performance venues employ in New York? That IS our work. This IS how we support our families and put food on the table it is not a hobby! Not just the performers but everyone behind the scenes, from sound engineers to wardrobe staff to stage management and box office and on and on. Who do you think brings the tourists here? We do. What helps drive the success of bars and restaurants around us? Music venues and theater. I found the comment to be so flippant, so dismissive, and so out of touch. He owes the performing arts community an apology.

How about a nail salon? Is that reallllly essential? We brought back dog racing, horse racing, and football. What is it about theater specifically that people say “oh no, we couldn’t possibly figure it out! and theater will have to change forever!”

It will? Because I was just at the gym and there was practically NOTHING different about it. No barriers between machines, Most machines are not six feet apart, no one following you around with disinfectant. Just masks, sanitizer, and some lockers blocked off. What about theater is so complicated and forbidden, that low impact arts businesses were removed from the phased reopening indefinitely when literally every other type of business can operate in some way? We have been left behind in all this, and I’m over here like, hello?!!! Are you just going to move on and completely ignore us? I mean take restaurants, they are barely surviving but were thrown a bone with street and sidewalk access, makeshift shacks, etc. That same courtesy has not been extended to any small theater or nightlife venues, to my knowledge. I’m not above performing on a sidewalk and serving drinks in a costume, clearly. Sign me up.

As for Trump, my hands would fall off if I attempted to type the ways in which he is a vile and disgusting person and a failure as a president. But I’ll keep it specific to the lock down-there needed to be a national shut down and national mask mandate. New York alone can’t do it for the rest of the country if EVERYONE can’t do it together. We have fallen on a sword and made sacrifices only to have people in other states not do their part? That’s a fool’s errand for New York if no one else follows along! And you know who is partly to blame? Trump. For not mandating masks. Not mandating a shut down for ALL-a a shut down is hard, but we could have had this under control in much less time had we all followed the same rules-but we didn’t, and still aren’t. He had the power to mandate that and didn’t and won’t. On top of that, he has refused to lead by example and wear a mask himself this entire time! And the rallies with no masks? And then he GOT COVID and acted so nonchalant about it? I can’t. I’m just sad he didn’t die of Covid himself, honestly. Maybe people would listen if that mother fucker got put on a vent.

COVID has been devastating for many people, but it feels like one of the most frustrating things about it is how it has shown how little America values the arts. Can you please give us your thoughts on this?
I mean, here in New York, I see the arts supporters, I feel valued. As for the rest of the country, where Sunday football is as cultured as people get? That’s why I live here and not there. No thanks. I would not live in the US if I couldn’t live in NYC. There are some very bright spots outside of it, places I’ve done gigs with wonderful arts communities, but much of this country disappoints me.

Like all New Yorkers, you are full of grit and have still been performing whenever and however you can during the pandemic. Can you tell us a little bit about this new experience?
It started with the “Zoom shows” which were sort of fun at first but then left me very depressed. I tricked out my place with studio lighting, had my pole permanently installed in the living room. At one point I did a zoom show out in the Hamptons with Susanne Bartsch for photographer Stephen Klein, and Madonna and entourage showed up in person! I’m setting up my pole and he’s like “where’s Madonna going to sit?” I think I officially entered the twilight zone at that point.

The virtual shows became less successful as the pandemic wore on and people got screen fatigue. Each show or “party” ended with me sitting in the dark watching people leave the “meeting,” one by one, and then I’d be there all alone in my living room in a costume and full beat, crying. (and usually a little drunk)

Company XIV filmed a beautiful virtual Nutcracker series, which was lovely to be a part of. But it was bittersweet to be able to go “home” to the theater… only to say goodbye to everyone a few hours later.

When Duane Park contacted me to say they had acquired outdoor space and wanted to provide Incidental entertainment outside with dinner seatings, it could not have come at a better time. I have resorted to once a month fully produced shows in my backyard with great success, but having a place to go every week, where I can do my job even a little, and be around artists, even if the wind chill is extreme, even if my hoop is rigged on a fire escape above the sidewalk, has saved my mental health. Having a place to go and be around artists has been a game-changer for me. As I mentioned, I also have access to outdoor space. I share it with my neighbors and have done three shows so far with their blessing. I have sound, lighting, backdrop, small cast, crew, and unlimited custom cocktails. It is not cheap, but this is where I sleep at night I am able to pay my staff and performers corporate rate and allow maximum distance, usually 12 feet between tables. Much more than outdoor dining. Masks are worn to walk through the building and use restrooms, and everyone is very respectful of the rules. My husband has been so helpful as well, running sound, and setting me up with rigging outdoors with a pulley system below the balcony above us, where I have a floating pole, aerial hoop, and silks. The neighbor two floors up enthusiastically sprinkle glitter on me during aerial acts, to pay homage to what my guests used to see at Company XIV. I feel like I am providing arts patrons something valuable and substantial that brings them a lot of joy and keeps them safe while providing needed aid to a cast and crew who are unemployed. Everyone who has performed or attended as a guest in my yard has left beaming, and told me it was some of the best few hours they’ve had this year, which makes me so proud. I am proud to lead by example and show people that we can keep the arts alive and be safe.

With it being pretty cold these days, how are you surviving performing outdoors? What are your thoughts about performing over the winter months?
Honestly, when it comes to a 3 or 4-minute routine, I’m not bothered by the cold. I have cute furry accessories, but it’s the adrenaline, movement, and bizarre circumstances that keep me warm. I never thought I would say I’d be comfortable performing in temps this cold, but I’m not bothered and I appreciate the opportunity. I feel like the luckiest woman on earth every time I’m spinning in that hoop, watching the cabs go by, seeing the moon, the lights of the city, the people smiling below me eating a three-course meal in parkas and marathon blankets, the band playing their hearts out on the sidewalk. I try to memorize the feeling every time with the knowledge that the moment is special and that we are making history.

If you could wave a magic wand and be able to take over how NYC is handling the arts right now, what would you do?
While of course, we have just locked down more with the elimination of indoor dining, I hope that when things open up more, that the performing arts are included in the phased reopening to give us a fighting chance like everyone else. This whole time I have felt like a broken record-give us a chance to operate safely or help us survive if we can’t work! It’s that simple! We need to be able to operate safely with enough capacity to pay the bills, or have our wages and rent at the venues covered. It is that simple. I do not know the ins-and-outs of the “Save Our Stages” Act but I do hope it addresses some of what I’m talking about.

Speaking of NYC, people are worried that NYC is dead and that there is a mass exodus happening. What are your thoughts on this?
NYC is expensive because people pay a premium to have access to the arts, restaurants, theater, and nightlife. It’s no wonder there has been an exodus. Why pay rent this high and get none of the perks if we can’t have any of that right now? And if you are an unemployed art or hospitality worker, how can you pay the rent with no job? I’m only surviving because of my insane hustle, the generosity of arts supporters, and because I am part of a two-income household. I do believe those of us that are ride or die New Yorkers who have been able to stay, will hold down the fort here, and that New York will bounce back quickly. People are dining out in the streets, they’re coming to my back yard, they want to support the arts, they want to support local businesses. It’s going to happen.

We have video proof that you can sing and perform while wearing a mask! Talk about impressive! Do you feel a big difference with the mask on? Do you think it is possible for talent to go back to performing just with masks on?
I definitely think it’s possible, yes! It’s no problem for me to sing in a mask. I am not bothered by it at all, and would happily perform in a mask as long as required. Sure it affects my breath and resonance slightly, it muffles my sound a little, but it’s no big deal. It helps to have a bracket in the mask to make some space but isn’t necessary. I run in a mask, too! I can’t help but wonder, “what’s your excuse“ any time I hear someone complain about wearing a mask to church or to exercise or run an errand when I’m out here doing acrobatics and singing opera in a mask outside in the cold.

Speaking of masks, you have made some fun ones over the past few months. Do you have a favorite?
My original, fully stoned masks (Like my “Fuck Trump” and “red lips” and “Black Lives Matter”) masks are beautiful statement pieces for running errands, but they are not good for talking or breathing. I since have been wearing a design with sequins and Rhinestone embellishment by me that is not only glamorous, but lightweight and breathable-they have been my recent go-to for singing, performing, and selling.

How would you like the average person to support artists during the pandemic?
There are so many ways. Donate to their Venmo. Tip for their live shows and content. Buy their merch. Share their online endeavors. Is there a local theater, like Company XIV, that you love? Make a tax-deductible donation. Look at the local arts organizations around you and donate. Buy gift cards, if they have them.

How are you staying positive and sane during a shelter in place?
I have strived to create a routine for myself-this is all bad enough, but it would be even worse to lose my skill set, so I try to get on the pole or in the air a few times a week-i know it is a major luxury to have a pole in my living room and rigging outside in my yard, so for that, I am beyond grateful. I strive to maintain an online presence and create entertaining content for my friends and followers. I have a mask business now, so I spend a lot of time bedazzling masks. I go running a few times a week and try to eat clean. I have made a lot of random home improvements. I practice piano or guitar if I’m motivated to do so. I get a fair amount of requests to make videos for birthdays and anniversaries, so I make sure I stay on top of that. Thankfully I am a very self-motivated person and have no trouble finding productive ways to occupy my time. I don’t watch any kind of TV or Netflix unless it’s late at night with my husband.

What is your motto in life?
Be generous and giving. There are so many ways to be generous-I strive to be generous on stage, to be gracious to my audience, generous with my time and energy towards my colleagues. Being generous is not always about money. It is about being present and always giving it your all.

To learn more about Marcy Richardson, please follow her via the below platforms:
Instagram: OperaGaga
Her merch: www.thesingingaerialist.com
Personal website: www.marcyrichardson.com

Photography by Kira Bucca.
Opinions in this feature are that of the interviewee, and not necessarily that of Jejune’s.

COVER - Marcy Richardson, The Show Must Go On