The following is the transcript of an interview given to
Miami Go magazine. Jennifer Follia
is an actress, dancer, choreographer and celebrity impersonator
based in Hollywood, Florida.
Do you use a stage name? Explain.
JF: Yes, I do. I use J. Follia because when I first started performing, I was in a female impersonation show for several years (La Cage Aux Folles) as a woman impersonating a man impersonating a woman. It seemed to work so I stayed with it. [Review]
When did you decide to become a performer?
JF: At the age of 5, I remember it well!
How long have you been playing Madonna onstage?
JF: Since I was 15.
Why did you choose Madonna?
JF: Aside from the fact that she is a complete DIVA, because I could.
Is Madonna your only performing impersonation?
JF: Not even close! I feel like Sybil sometimes. I can do over 100 characters (male and female).
Do you only do one version of Madonna or a variety (looks, eras, etc.)?
JF: I can do any of her looks and performances from 1980 until now.
What is the most difficult part of morphing into Madonna?
JF: After 2 x hours of makeup and hair, I'd say going from a B-cup to a C-cup in minutes.
Have you ever dressed as Madonna off stage? Have you ever been mistaken for her?
JF: Absolutely! After performances sometimes I take my dancers out to clubs and restaurants. We get free dinners, champagne, asked for autographs, it's a blast!
To what extent do you try to duplicate Madonna when performing? Is the choreography duplicated or original?
JF: Down to the last rhinestone! The choreography is mostly duplicated from her live performances or videos. When I choreograph it myself, I stay as close to her style as possible.
Now let's learn a little more about Jennifer. Where
were you born?
JF: Cincinnati, Ohio
How long have you lived in this area--where do you live?
JF: I've been in Florida most of my life, I live in Hollywood, Florida now.
What are your goals as a performer?
JF: I would like as many people as possible to know who I am and what I'm capable of.
Describe your background (training, performances, awards, starring roles).
JF: I've had leading roles in short films (festival circuit),
10 years as a club event producer/choreographer, 13 years as a
theater makeup artist and costume designer, I've traveled around
the world doing impersonations and production.
How far do you expect to take the "Madonna" show?
JF: As far as I can!
How do describe yoursel--dancer, dancer/singer, dancer/singer/actress/diva?
JF: A chameleon.
Where do you hope to be in a year?
JF: Out of Debt!
Describe your dream job (as a performer).
JF: I would love to recreate and perform one of Madonna's
full scale concerts complete with bitching backstage.
Do you work to live or live to work?
JF: Good Question.
Are you happy with your reflection (we're talking mirror
image here)?
JF: Yes, I like the fact that I can look like almost anyone
and still have my own look and identity.
Are you a material girl, boy toy, or dragon lady?
JF: Depends on the time of the month.
Has Madonna been an inspiration to you?
JF: How could she not be? She showed the world that you
can do anything and she just simply "Showed the world".
Have you learned anything from Madonna's mistakes? What
do you feel is her biggest mistake?
JF: Yes. Never bleach your hair more than once a month.
(I learned the hard way).
Sometimes established stars lend a helping hand to those
just making the climb. If you had the opportunity to ask Madonna
to assist you in your career, what kind of help would you ask
for?
JF: I think it would depend on how she viewed me as a talent
Describe your talent.
JF: Definitely unique.
What has been your most notable job as a performer?
JF: I recently performed as Madonna at Level nightclub
in South Beach, It was probably one of my best shows. 5,000 people
can't be wrong.
Why did you choose the life of a performer?
JF: I think it chose me.
Is performing a need, a passion, or a lifestyle for you?
JF: All three. I have the needto live a passionate lifestyle.
What angers you about the business?
JF: Shadiness, lying , and non-air conditioned dressing
rooms.
How has South Florida treated you as a
performer?
JF: Considering the amount of work available...not bad.
Where do you plan on going from here?
JF: Aside from working on my career as an actress and illusionist,
I am currently producing a celebrity benefit to help save the
Indonesian orangutan from extinction.
When you become a success, where do you plan to live?
JF: When I'm a success? I would think anywhere I want.
What do people remember about you?
JF: My versatility.
How do you wish to be remembered?
JF: As someone who made their mark in this world through
talent, hard work, and sheer will.
Jennifer, thanks so much for participating in this interview. Sorry for all the Madonna questions but that's the theme of the issue and you were chosen because of your incredible Madonna impersonation. I promise to include plenty of information about Jennifer, the interview is really about you, Madonna just happens to be your vehicle at the moment.
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