LIPP Article

Daphne Rubin-Vega is a Certified Diva

Originally from LIPP Magazine

An Interview by: Ian Crawford

Issue: May 2001

Thanks to Rio for sending me it (And typing it up!)

She's aced in films with Robert Da Niro, graced the pop charts as a solo artist as well as with her former band Pajama Party, and left an indelible mark on Broadway smash hit "Rent". She's currently starring in the Rocky Horror Picture Show with Long Islands own Joan Jett, and is set to perform 3 shows of her original material at Joes pub. 426 Lafayette St. on May 3, 10 and 17.

So what's next?
I had the privilege of asking the DIVA herself...

Ian - OK Girl, the last time I saw you in the flesh, was at a recording studio in Brooklyn. I paid you one hundred dollars to sing back-up on my CD, next thing I knew you were on Broadway and had a Tony nomination. What happened in between?

DRV - A lot of auditions...lots, just making the rounds like a million other artists in the city. Juggling my day job and career, til I caught a break. I worked with a sculptor, who has the tolerance to let me audition and be creative, while keeping food on the table. It was really inspiring to be around her, and the flexibility she allowed me was instrumental in advancing my career. She's like in her 70's and remains a good friend to this day.

Ian - And your recording career prior to Rent?

DRV - Well you know about Pajama Party. We met after that ended. Then I sang back-up on your CD and all the doors opened for me! (laughing) I put out a couple of dance singles that made some noise on the club charts as "Daphne". One was called "When You Love Someone" the other "Change" and they were produced by Danny Teneglia. I wasn't really playing track gigs to promote the singles, I was in Lahoya at that point working on a production of Randy Newman's "Faust" with Michael Gray, who later went on to direct Rent.

Ian - So really Daphne, did you have any idea Rent would become the phenomenon it is today?

DRV - I knew it was a great piece. I couldn't honestly say I knew it would blow up like it did. But, I felt it would bring younger people to Broadway, and help the theater lose its perception of being "stuffy" in the younger generations eyes. It really is a rock opera, and was intended to be just that. There are almost no spoken words in it. I found that to be exciting, and brand new in comparison to what was happening at the time on Broadway.

Ian - and what were the Tony's like, the year you were nominated?

DRV - well, I was told prior to the nominations there was a chance I might be nominated, and that in itself was exciting. When I was actually nominated that was the cherry on the cake for me. I mean, to be included in such an elite group with the likes of Julie Andrews, who ended up winning the Tony. I did write the Thank You speech just in case I did win, but I never expected anything. The best part of it all for me was taking my dad, and being around such legendary performers in the audience.

Ian - Speaking of, who would you say is your biggest influence as an actress?

DRV - I have lots of different influences for different reasons, but I would have to say my mother. She died when I was ten, and I just remember her being this picture perfect angel.

Ian - How do you feel, losing your mother at such a young age, has affected you as a person?

DRV - I have this god-like perception of my mother, and all those wonderful childhood memories. Your mom is like the first person you bond with when you're born. Your first true role model. I've lived my life trying to be like her. Those are pretty big shoes to fill, considering I was too young to really see any faults in her. I never had the opportunity to see my mom as human. To this day my vision of her remains unscathed to me.

Ian - And as a singer/songwriter, who would you say your biggest influence is?

DRV – I'd have to go with Bowie on that one. Bowie and Mick Jagger. I just love the way Bowie has evolved throughout the years, and shamelessly expressed his poetry in a way that different things out of it

Ian - I'm sure you're aware of the fact you have a huge following. what are your feelings toward the gay community?

DRV - I think that anybody who declares who they are to the world is great. its a very courageous and noble thing to do considering the sad prejudices that exist in our world. I have tons of gay friends, and I always have. I love the community back.

Ian – Who's your favorite celebrity, that you've worked with?

DRV - Joan Jett, she's just a trip and she's made Rocky Horror a wonderful experience for me, just a total blast.

Actress, Theater Goddess, and pop diva. Daphne Rubin Vega has managed to
juggle all these hats and still keep her most redeeming quality... her
beautiful heart.

Thank you Daphne... XOXO LIPP

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