Kings Korner
Trey C. Legendari
What was your first experience with the art of male impersonation?
My first experience with drag was about 2 years ago. I saw a show at Cash Inn, I believe it was a Sisterzz Twisted show. I loved seeing how women were impersonating men but you would have no idea by looking at them that they were women. After that I would catch drag shows whenever I had a chance.
Following that first experience what made you want to become a male impersonator?
After seeing that show I wanted to give it a shot but had no idea where to start or who to talk too. It seemed after wanting to get into the art I couldn't find a king show to save my life. (Laughs Out Loud) I finally met a king who is now retired and he helped me get start. My first performance ever was at Mister Karambas 2012. I placed third and bombed but after that I wanted to do everything possible to get better.
How did you get your name Trey C. Legendari?
When I started drag I had a completely different last name. I eventually
branched out on my own and decided to change my name. I struggled with coming
up with a name and one night while watching my favorite, How I met your mother,
my fiancée suggested Legendary but to change the spelling of it. That's how
Legendari came into existence. The C. in my name comes from being a part of the
Charming family. After being on my own for a little bit I realized that to grow
into a better performer that I would need to have a mentor or "drag
dad". I spent weeks looking at profiles of kings to see who would match
more closely to my style and finally decided to speak with Freddy Prinze
Charming. I talked to him for about a week before asking him if he would mentor
me. He said that he would love to help me. So the C. in my name is a tribute to
an amazing mentor and friend.
What is your style of drag?
I've heard people say that my style is smooth, classy...Justin Timberlake style. I think my style is just fun. Something people in the audience can relate too.
Who are some of your drag idols?
My idols are Freddy Prinze Charming, Brandon Packer, Gunner Gatlyn, Jensen C. Dean, Eddie C. Broadway, Johhny Rush and Mickey Gallant. These kings blow my mind every time I see them perform and remind me of why I do this. They are also amazing friends and push me to always be the best possible.
What advice would you give someone who is interested in becoming a male impersonator?
The biggest piece of advice that I can give a new king is to have an open mind. Remember that you don't grow as an entertainer when all you listen to is the positive and not the constructive criticism. And don't be afraid to ask for help! (Laughs Out Loud) I still ask for help. From makeup tips all the way down to what size stone to use on a costume. Something I think new kings don't realize is that even the more experienced kings like Gunner, Freddy and Brandon still ask for advice and help from us new kings. It's not a bad thing; it just makes people want to book you when they know your open to criticism and tips.
What has been your most accomplished moment as a male impersonator? What has been your most embarrassing?
My most accomplished moment as a MI (Male Impersonator) was winning Mister Rainbow Cactus. My fiancé and I were in the middle of a custody battle to get our son back while preparing for the pageant and when we won the custody battle that made me want to win the pageant that much more.
My most embarrassing moment (Laughs Out Loud) was my first time performing at BS West my tape popped and I'm pretty sure I flashed the whole crowed. I ended up holding my boob for the rest of the song. I tried to play it off as the song was touching, but no people knew I popped (Laughs Out Loud)
How long does it take you to go through full transformation from show to stage?
To transform from Tommie to Trey it takes about 2 hours minimum. 2 hours if I'm not doing open shirt but about 3-4 hours if I'm doing an open shirt since it requires more prep and make up time.
What’s one thing people may not know about you as a person?
I'm a huge computer nerd. I work in the IT department at work and I LOVE anything to do with electronics, technology and computers.
What’s the difference between your female persona and your male persona?
There's really not a huge difference between the two personas. I think one of the differences between the two is when I'm in Trey mode I'm more comfortable talking to people. As Tommie I'm usually pretty quiet until I get to know someone.
Does Trey Legendari come from a Drag family?
I do come from a drag family. My drag dad is Freddy Prinze Charming and my brothers are Eddie C. Broadway, Jensen C. Dean and Johnny Rush. Gunner Gatlyn and Brandon Packer are my uncles.
You won the title of Mister Rainbow Cactus? What made you want to compete for Mister Phoenix Gay Pride?
Yes, I did win the title of Mister Rainbow Cactus 2013. Coming from a family where your dad and brother hold the Mister Phoenix Gay Pride title made me want to run. Seeing the amazing work the Freddy and Jensen have done with Phoenix Pride it made me feel that by working with Phoenix Pride it would help me do more for my community and to do that I would need to run for the title of Mister Phoenix Gay Pride.
Are there plans for any other pageants or contest that you would compete in?
As of right now I am only focusing on Phoenix Gay Pride. I would like to run for one of the Mister USof A titles and maybe Master Male Illusionist but for now no. Just the Phoenix Gay Pride.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years I see myself living in New York with my fiancé, son and hopefully another child working for either NYPD or with computers.
Any final last words that you would like to share with the readers of ArizonaDrag.com?
I would just like to say thank you to everyone in Phoenix who comes to our shows and support us. Without you all we wouldn't be able to do this.
The biggest thank you though goes to my beautiful fiancé Lauren and son Logan. You continue to support me even when there is glitter, paint, glue, stones, sequins, fabric, ribbon string etc. etc. all over the house you support me. Without the support of you two I wouldn't be able to do this.
