Dr Fudgie’s Interview with Murray Hill, trailblazing comedian, drag king, host, actor, writer, and producer.

Known as "the hardest working middle-aged man in show business" you may know him from countless club performances in NYC, or as the emcee of a Dita Von Teese burlesque show, as Fred Rococo from "Somebody Somewhere" or as the host of King of Drag, season one. Now is your chance to see Murray Hill in his first SF solo show: "Showbiz the Tour" at Bimbo's. 

If you took Henny Youngman, Buddy Hackett,  Morey Amsterdam and added a touch ot Totie Fields -- you've got  Murray, who idolized and modeled his act after many beloved Borscht Belt comics. 

Always dapper, cute and clean-cut, steeped in the style of old-school Mid-Century charm, whether wearing a tux or custom retro-style plaid suit, complete with pinky rings, mega gay panache, zingy one-liners, and loads of schtick -- our lovable, legendary, campy, witty, talented entertainer and drag king extraordinaire, Murray Hill is bringing it big time on this whirlwind tour.

We had a chance to chat about what's in store in his upcoming show.

Fudgie: When was the last time you were in SF? It seems like ages.

Murray: It's been way too long! I was last here with LeTigre and Dita Von Teese, both at The Fillmore—maybe ten years ago! I'm really excited to play the home court. I've loved SF for a long time!

FF: How is the tour going, and what do you have in store for us at Bimbo's? 

MH: I've waited the entire tour to get to the PNW. This will be my debut solo show in SF! I've only come through town as a host. Bimbo's will be getting the full experience with my band and me! It's old-school showbiz, music, rimshots, comedy, and who knows what else.

No two shows are ever the same.

In every city, a local drag king opens the show. You know, I live and breathe representation, so I wanted to feature my brothers. I'm in my fifties, and I remember how I felt when I got to open a show. Everyone, including our pal Mo B. Dick recommended Mudd. Can't wait for my audience to meet him!

FF: Now, tell us about your memoir, "Showbiz! My Life as a Middle-Aged Man" I hear it's intense, personal, funny, and riveting.

MH: My book, which took three years to write, is the origin story of how I became Murray Hill. I go way back. I've had ups and downs, over and over again, and then again, but I made it through. It's about survival, finding your chosen family, and SHOWBIZ.

FF: If your book were made into a film, who would you want to portray you -- as young Murray and as an older Murray?

MH: I think Danny DeVito or Lea Delaria would play me. I'm finally my character's age, so I'll play the senior Murray!

FF: What's next for you? Any chance of getting your own variety show on network or streaming TV?

MH: After I take a few weeks off to recover from the book and tour (showbiz!) I'll be launching a video podcast that will be my own late night talk show vibe!

FF: That sounds fantastic. We need more shows produced by Kings for Kings.
How do you feel about the evolution of Kinging? I know those of us who started in the 90s never imagined an entire career could actually be possible doing drag.

MH: I'm just so goddamn happy there are Kings all over the world performing. We still have a long way to go to raise the visibility of our community, but it fills my heart with joy that the Kings are out there kinging. Back in the 90s, there wasn't as much diversity and versions of masculinity...I love that the kids are really pushing the envelope.

FF: Anything else you'd like to add?

MH: The show on Sunday is going to be a huge party celebrating the midterm election results, and HOPE! The vibe will be extra cranked up. It's been a long two years, so we will laugh and let it all out!!  We are ending the show by taking back "YMCA." Everyone is invited!!!

Sunday, November 8,  BIMBOS, SF, CA  @bimbos365club

with special guest: Mudd the Two Spirit.

The Baloney Sandwiches (led by LA trumpet player Jordan Katz) 

Copies of Murray's book "Showbiz! My Life as a Middle-Aged Man will be for sale
and autographed at the meet and greet. 

Doors at 6:00, show at 7pm

Tickets