Welcome to “Seven Minutes in Heaven” GO Magazine’s brand new interview series that profiles a different queer lady each day, by asking her seven custom (sometimes random) questions. Get to know the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of the groundbreaking, fierce forces-of-nature in the queer community.
When it comes to performing Katrina Cunningham does it all—singing, dancing, acting, burlesque, Cirque de Soleil. This femme is pushing the boundaries in all the best the ways. Cunningham leaves it all on stage and has been raved about by the New York Times saying “…the sultry-voiced Katrina Cunningham brings an exquisite, indie-siren quality.”
In our “Seven Minutes in Heaven” with Cunningham she described herself as the female Leonardo Dicaprio—she couldn’t be more right with her charisma and incredible energy on stage having all the ladies swoon after her. With her Broadway Debut in 2016 playing Lila in Cirque Du Soleil’s Paramour (which she cowrote—nbd), the future is definitely shining brightly for Cunningham who also has a brand new record coming your way soon. Be prepared to be smitten by the time you’re done reading this interview.
GO Magazine: In your words. Who are you and what do you do?
Katrina Cunningham: My name is Katrina Cunningham and I am an Oregon grown Actor, Dancer, Recording Artist, and all-around good guy. I recently concluded 2 Broadway shows in the year of my debut playing Emilie in Les Liaisons Dangereues, and Lila in Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour. This summer, I’m spending most of my time trying to find the socks my cat hid from me, taking portraits of beautiful people for my series #GAZE, and creating my debut album as KAT CUNNING.
GO: Where do you go for inspiration when you’re feeling discouraged or depleted?
KC: When I really need it, I go all the way back home to smell fresh Oregon air and casually get hit in the face by the mist of a waterfall. When I can’t make it all the way there, any dose of good, generous art will do. I love to have a cry. Napoli, Brooklyn did it for me yesterday.
GO: Who are your biggest queer lady role models?
KC: Acting? Cherry Jones. I got to meet her soon after fawning over her in another publication and told her I loved her work in Transparent. I just wanted to kiss her right on the face and absorb all her magic. She is such a stellar actress and an even better person from what I can tell. As a musician, I’m seriously inspired by Anna Calvi, who was introduced to me by another muse, my lady, and collaborator, Mickey Vershbow.
GO: Describe yourself in three words.
KC: The female Leonardo Dicaprio.
GO: What advice would you give your younger self?
KC: UR SO HOT! Eat a sandwich, it’s ok. No, you don’t want to be a nun. You can build your own Rom-Com. Make a loud and joyful noise. Tell somebody the bad stuff. It’s not your bad stuff. Icy Hot is not meant for your nipples, this will be a bad idea. Your hair looks bad that color, and this is not a swimmable river. Everyone but you knows you’re gay…
GO: Do you ever get nervous before shows, and if so what do you do to quell the anxiety?
KC: I make cow noises and weird shapes with my tongue to trick myself into breathing. I always get nervous if I care.
GO: Where can people find you?
KC: Fall, you’ll find me performing in a brilliant blend of Circus, Opera and Burlesque with Company XIV, making a guest appearance in Refinery 29’s, 29 Rooms, and on Spotify or live rocking my original tunes with my freak-flag-a-flying. (Also, Insta is nice @katcunning DM me, I love your selfies.) Website: www.katcunning.com.
What Do You Think?