TV personality and world-class entertainer Miss Richfield 1981 is returning to the area with what is sure to be an outrageously entertaining new show March 14-16 at Society Hill Playhouse.
“Sweet & Sour Richfield — Made In China!” finds Miss Richfield 1981, the creation and alter ego of former journalist and Minnesota native Russ King, “outsourcing” her comedic skills to the Far East for her latest batch of colorful videos, twisted sing-alongs and show-stopping audience interactions.
When she isn’t delighting audiences, Miss Richfield is parceling out nuggets of wisdom via her weekly YouTube advice show “Q & You” on the Gwist network (youtube.com/gwist).
PGN talked to Miss Richfield 1981 to give the city fair warning of the internationally sensitive new material she will unleash when her high heels touch down.
PGN: What is it about China that has inspired your new show? MR1981: I was looking for someplace interesting and out of the way, and I was told that China is at least a two-and-a-half-week ride on the Greyhound.
PGN: Have your adventures at sea ever taken you to China? If so, what would you say is the biggest difference culturally between China and your home country of Minnesota? MR1981: As far as I know, I’ve never been to China, although I’ve been told it’s similar to Vietnam, where I did a few USO tours in the late ’60s.
PGN: Will there be any Chinese music, fashions or product placement in your new show? MR1981: Of course! I always make my programs as authentic as possible. I wish I could reuse my cactus outfit from last year’s Mexican-themed show because it was so stunning and I look exceptional in green. But alas, I had to invest in Chinese clothing, which I’m finding is made by children, who can really do detail work with their tiny, nimble fingers.
PGN: What is your favorite Chinese food? MR1981: Sushi — very well done!
PGN: Are you at all afraid that your show might offend China, causing them to retaliate by collecting on the debt the U.S. owes them, thereby triggering World War III? And if so, would you contribute to the war effort by performing in USO shows for our troops? MR1981: Been there, done that (see question two). And I think the Chinese will be grateful when they see that I’m relocating to China. It actually could be that the Chinese end up owing the U.S. money once they recalculate my worth — considering the shoes and outfits alone.
PGN: Being such a fashion icon, do you think superstars like Lady Gaga, Honey Boo Boo and Taylor Swift owe you some form of tribute? MR1981: As you know, imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and I think Boo Boo has my style down best. I want to share it all. I love to hear people copy my style. Just think how much better the world would look with big shoes and hair teased to Jesus.
PGN: Have you ever considered taking on a protégé to carry on your legacy into the future, or at least carry your luggage on and off the boats and airplanes you often travel on? MR1981: I’ll consider anyone who’s willing to work for drink tickets.
PGN: Will you be filming any segments of your advice show “Q & You” while you are in Philadelphia? MR1981: I’ll see if anyone has a question while I’m there. I think of folks in Philly as pretty self-sufficient and not needy and desperate like the folks in L.A., but who knows? Maybe someone from out of town will pop up with a concern. Let’s hope!
PGN: What is the most bizarre piece of advice you have either been asked for or have given? MR1981: A woman once wrote to me asking advice about her plain, untalented, single daughter, who showed no interest in men. So I suggested that she buy the girl a pair of slacks and change her name to “Wally.”
PGN: If your fans encounter you while in public, how will they know it is you and not some imposter? MR1981: Ask to see the musical saw! A lot of gals probably carry one, but I’m the only one who can play it. PGN: Are there any performers out there you would pay to go see? MR1981: Sadly, I’m not drawn to see anyone’s show, since my beloved friends Kate Smith and Bea Arthur passed away. I just feel like I’m the only natural baritone left in the ladies’ section!
Miss Richfield 1981 performs her new show March 14-16 at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St. For more information or tickets, call 215-923-0210 or visit missrichfield.wordpress.com/.