Beauty pageant title-holder and all-around entertainer extraordinaire Miss Richfield 1981 (the alter ego of Minnesota journalist Russ King) is coming back to town with her all new show “Play With My Poodle,” where she scours the free world looking for a suitable mate — all the while dazzling the audience with videos, songs and her ribald sense of humor.
Hailing from a trailer park in Richfield, Minn., the world-traveling Miss Richfield 1981 holds Philadelphia as a special city, as Visit Philadelphia is a sponsor of her national tour and selected her to star as a spokesperson in its commercials running on Bravo and Logo. Miss Richfield has also made appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Cake Boss” and “The Today Show, ” and is frequently on the road selling out theaters and nightclubs in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta, South Florida, Provincetown and Minneapolis.
Miss Richfield graciously answered a few of our questions about her quest for a soulmate and her undying love for Philadelphia.
PGN: The title of your show is “Play with my Poodle.” Is that referring to an actual poodle or is that a euphemism for something else? MR1981: I don’t think I have a euphemism, or I may have just misplaced it, but I guarantee that my poodle is trimmed, vaccinated, licensed and ready for action in Philly!
PGN: When you come out with a new show, do you include songs from previous shows or do you perform an all-new set of songs? MR1981: All new! It’s so exciting to have all new songs, new videos and new outfits! I find it impossible to recycle my shows due to changing themes, current styles and persistent underarm stains. It’s why I demand to annually visit Philadelphia!
PGN: How does a beauty queen from the Midwest land a gig as a spokesperson for Visit Philly? MR1981: I’m perfect for the job! A spokeswoman needs to see Philly with fresh eyes, be excited about all the aspects of your wonderful city and speak loudly! Besides, I think all the other gals wanted cash.
PGN: What, if any, misconceptions about Philadelphia did you have before you visited? MR1981: I thought it was in New Jersey.
PGN: We hear you are searching for “Mr. Right.” What qualities does a potential suitor have to possess in order to woo someone of your beauty-queen caliber? MR1981: I am very particular when it comes to gentlemen callers. I demand to have a man open the door for me, pay for dinner and not use too much toilet paper, as I use at least half a roll to wrap my bouffant each night for bed.
PGN: Until Mr. Right comes along, is there a “Mr. Right Now”? MR1981: Probably, but I get the feeling he’s always out of town.
PGN: What do you like to do for an ideal date or night on the town? MR1981: Just because I’m pretty doesn’t mean I’m difficult. I simply ask that a man pick me up at my trailer and have his own bus pass, or at least correct change. Then dinner would be at a buffet, since I eat like a bird — an ostrich! I’m always starving! After a few trips to the dessert cart and a cup of Sanka, I want a man to get me home safely, and walk me up the cinderblocks to the door of my trailer. A perfect evening!
PGN: Will you be wearing white at your wedding? MR1981: Of course! And it’ll have to be machine-washable, fire-resistant and made in the Philippines, where the children provide durable, quality stitching at 25 cents an hour.
PGN: If you could share the stage with any performer, living or dead, who would it be? MR1981: Vonda Kay Van Dyke, Miss America 1965. She is the only contestant in the history of the pageant to win both the titles of “Miss Congeniality” and “Miss America.” And she did it all with one lung. Try and top that!
PGN: Now that you have conquered the stage and television, can we hope to see a movie in your future? MR1981: Only if the movie industry allows me to uphold the high standards I currently produce live on stage — so that means I refuse to change my name, memorize lines or wear make up!
PGN: With all of your traveling, do you ever get homesick for Minnesota? MR1981: I love to travel — and Philly is truly a favorite town — but I occasionally require a dose of home life in Richfield. Usually that is quickly cured with a stroll down the frozen-meat aisle at any local grocery store.
PGN: Has being a high-profile and an easily recognized entertainer affected your private life? MR1981: You may find this surprising, but I actually have to introduce myself to a lot of people. In fact, I’ve taken to wearing my crown and sash most of the time, which gets me recognized and often affords me a place in the 10-item express line with 12 things in my basket.
PGN: Does your search for Mr. Right mean that you are thinking about settling down and retreating from life, as traveling entertainer? Maybe raising some little Richfields? MR1981:No, there won’t be any tiny Richfields running around! My life as a beauty professional demands my full-time attention. Besides, I get light-headed at the sight of a soiled diaper and I don’t care for children — they’re often sticky and I have such nice things! XO and one for Jesus!
Miss Richfield 1981 performs March 20-22 at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St. For more information, call 215-923-0210 or visit http://missrichfield.wordpress.com/.