Dude Looks Like a Lady

Jeffery Roberson is also known as Varla Jean Merman. In his unforgettable persona as the inimitable Varla Jean, Jeffery continues the age-old tradition of performing in drag.  Although Jeffery performs locally and nationally as several other characters, a bit of Varla Jean's irrepressible sparkle seems to shine through all of his performances. Jeff describes how he got started in theater and explains how he manages to keep all his characters' female accoutrements in the right places during his animated performances. Jeffery will return to New Orleans in September to perform in “The Divine Sister.” If you like to laugh, search YouTube for Varla Jean Merman as the Dark Lady and you will get a good idea of her – I mean, his – talent and humor. Listen to the interview here!