Say Hello to Annie B. Frank
Annie B. Frank is the stage name of Logan Ward, a 23 year old drag queen from Northern VA who performs in Providence, Rhode Island. We asked Annie a few questions ranging from her history in drag, to her inspirations, to her performances. Here's what she said:
When did you start doing drag?
"I actually just had my one year anniversary. My first time performing I wanted to cry and vomit for an entire week before. It was at the Ego Providence's Star Search competition. Rather than lip syncing a number I did a stand up comedy routine (also my first time for that). I ended up winning that night and moving into the finals!"
What inspired you to start doing drag?
"I was jealous of the attention my friend was getting for starting it before me. LOL Just kidding. I was always interested in drag, as soon as I turned 18 we would drive the 45 minutes to go into DC every single Friday to go to Town Danceboutique. They had such an amazing drag show, I was so enamoured with the host, whose name escapes me. She was so funny and commanded the audience's attention. When I moved to Providence the host at Ego was Lili Whiteass. She was also dynamic and funny and continually encouraged me to start drag and then push past my comfort zone. My school had an amature drag show and though I didn't compete in it, Kiki La Roux, my best friend did. She's the one who put me in drag for the first time."
How would you describe the way drag makes you feel?
"Well of course I love the attention. However, I have always felt that comedy was one of the most important part of our lives. It helps us deal with the dark parts and make them lighter. If you can laugh at yourself there is nothing anyone can do or say to hurt you. I had a particularly rough time in middle school and the beginning of high school. The fact that I get to host a show just blows my mind. My favorite feeling in the world is making people laugh."
Who are your inspirations for your drag persona?
"Sylvia Fine from The Nanny. Those dresses, the shoulder pads, the constant snacking, the Jewish guilt... It makes me feel at home. Another weird one would be Jim Carrey. He's just so goofy and carefree, and he makes the best faces. And of course, all of my sisters here in Providence. We have so many newer queens here that we refer to them by generations. There are quite a few of us that started around the same time as me, and we are continually learning and growing from
each other."
Do you have a specific look you like to go for, or does your look vastly vary?
"Sequins. Fur. Anything vintage. Anything cheap. My look tends to vary. I try and switch it up with the styles I wear. I do wear quite a lot of blazers and sequin dresses. I also always have my eyebrows that I glue on. I have a couple favorite that I use often, but I try and cut new ones out every time I perform. I make them out of anything and everything."
What would be your ultimate ambition you would like to achieve through drag?
Ultimately, I would love to be able to make a living doing drag. As much as I love what RuPaul has done with Drag Race and how it has brought drag to the public eye, it seems as though the only way to become well known in the community is to be on the show. I don't ever see myself competing on the show, however I would still love to be able to travel the world and perform.
Do you perform in drag? If so, where?
" "Perform" is probably being generous. Do I stand on stage and wave my arms around a bit? You betcha. I work at the club Ego in Providence, RI. I host the early show on Thursday nights and I gogo "dance" on Saturdays. I also work small events from time to time."
What are some of your favourite songs to perform?
"Anything that will make people laugh. I have a mix that I made of Sarah McLachlan's "Ice Cream" and as it goes into the line, "Your love is better than chocolate"... it mixes in the scene from Spongebob with the old ladies screaming, "What are they selling?!" and then finally into Candy Man by Xtina. I also love performing Who You Are, by Jessie J. It's so emotional that I can
really move my mouth around. Also, Money Money Money, by Abba, cause I grew up with listening to them, and a Jew needs her money."
If you could only have 3 makeup products to do your complete drag look for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
"Black eyeshadow, cause I use it for everything. My Mehron sticks, cause I have to hide this beard. And lash glue for my lashes and my eyebrows."
What is your one favourite fashion piece in your wardrobe?
"My favorite is this dress here (Left.) It was one of the first ones I ever bought and definitely influenced the way my wardrobe would shape. I love it because I got it for $20 at Savers, which is like a salvation army"
Where do you see yourself in 5-years time?
"Well I plan on winning the Publisher Clearing House $10,000 a week for life sweepstakes. So once that happens I will be able to just do drag for the rest of my life."
Is there anything else we should know about Annie B. Frank?
"I love to travel (So book me).
My drink of choice is an extra dirty Vodka Martini
My high score on Flappy Bird is 33
I make a lot of Jew jokes
Besides my eyebrows my other signature look is not shaving my arms
My dream is to bring a cat with me to the club
The best advice I can give new queens is: "Ask and you shall receive" Whether it's for help or for bookings, all you have to do is ask. Every time I'm in a new city I send out messages asking who has room in a show for me. Sometimes you get a no, but they generally explain why."
You can find Annie B. Frank on instagram @annieb.frank.
Or email bookingannieb@gmail.com
I'd like to thank Annie B. Frank for taking part in this interview.
