Q&A: Toronto’s own Miss Conception
The many characters of Miss Conception Photo: ©Miss Conception
Kevin Levesque aka: Miss Conception
Drag shows used to be part of gay culture that Dale and I just didn’t “get.” So we were pleasantly surprised when we recently cruised with Miss Conception . This talented Toronto drag queen blew us (get your mind out of the gutter) away with her talent.
On our most recent gay-group cruise with Aquafest , Miss Conception was the MC for the nightly events aboard the Norwegian Jewel . After her first performance, she won our hearts with her unique comedy, dancing and singing. We were thoroughly impressed (which is saying something, since opera snob Dale rarely appreciates less rarefied forms of entertainment!)
We sat down with Miss Conception to chat about cruising, cocktails, entertainment, food and other vitally important gay topics.
MeetMeOnBoard: We understand that in addition to the Aquafest Halloween cruise, you also entertained for Brand g Vacations on an Alaska cruise. So you’re not a cruise virgin! When the heels and wig are still in the closet, what do you most enjoy about cruising?
Miss Conception: When I’m not in drag on a cruise ship I tend to enjoy walking the ship and seeing all the different rooms cruise ships have to offer. Being a theatre girl I really enjoy seeing all the shows I can.
MMOB: What is your favorite port so far and why?
MC: My fave port so far is Cozumel. Why you ask? ‘Cause I love me some Mexican men..LOL! I know Playa del Carmen well, [and] love that you can get to Playa very fast from Cozumel.
MMOB: Tell us about entertaining for a gay group cruise audience.
MC: I enjoy performing for all groups, but there’s something about performing for a gay audience that lifts m e a little more. They’re there to have a good evening and you have to make sure to put on a fun-filled show with comedy and toe tapping music to keep them entertained. Remember most of them have GAY D.D., the gay form of attention deficit disorder, so wear something with sequins and you’ll get their attention.
MMOB: What are the challenges and rewards of doing shows on a cruise ship? Was there room in the closet for your gowns? And my dear, how did you manage in that small bathroom?
MC: Well, first off no room for a big girl like me in those bathrooms and my knees shouldn’t hi t the wall while sitting on the toilet…LOL! I actually had enough room to hang all my gowns and costumes believe it or not, but no room for any boy clothes hanging up.
The reward of doing shows on cruise ships is you’ll never know who is going to be in the audience to possibly hire you for further employment.
MMOB: Does Miss Conception miss the buffet?
MC: I always miss a buffet cause I’m a fat girl…LOL. But I hardly eat that much on cruise ships ’cause I’m always getting ready or working. On board I’m more of a room service girl.
MMOB: Are you willing to divulge your final bar tab?
MC: LOL I actually buy the inclusive drink package so I’m not sure how much my bar tabs would have been without it!!! I love my cocktails, baby…
MMOB: When did you start doing drag and why?
MC:
I started doing drag May 15th, 2000 and it was a dare. I’ve always loved performing. I’ve been on stage with youth groups and went to a theatre school, but when I went to the gay village and saw these queens performing, my friend Ben said, “Why don’t you do that… you know all the words?” So I gave it a go. 15 years later I’ve written four live singing shows and have enjoyed meeting wonderful people from all over. I love being on stage so much and continue to always shine and try and stand out.
MMOB: Tells us about Gay Toronto, or as they say there “Trono.”
MC: Love my TRONO. Gay life in Toronto is similar to life in Chicago and NYC. Lots of fun clubs from fetish to martini to queens! The community is lovely and always helping raise funds for charity.
MMOB: Tell us about upcoming travel and performances.
MC: I’m launching my new show in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Jan. 15th to April 2, 2015. It’s Called “The Wonderful World of Miss Conception.” The show is drawn from all the fairy tale characters with a twist of comedy, dancing and live singing. [Check out www.missconception.ca for more info.]
MMOB: It was great fun to get to know you in and out of drag. We hope to see you again soon, and we’ll watch for you here in Phoenix sometime!
MC: Thank you so much for this opportunity and hope to continue entertaining on gay cruises all over the world oxoxoxoxo
