February 20, 2019
Courtesy of/Matt Monath
Tickets are available for Jonathan Van Ness's "Road To Beijing" comedy tour. He will perform at Tower Theater in Upper Darby on Feb 28.
Jonathan Van Ness is so much more than just the hair and skin guru – and master of epic one-liners – on Netflix's hit makeover show "Queer Eye." The Fab Five member is also a podcaster, hopeful figure skating prodigy, fashion icon and comedian.
Can you believe?
Van Ness, who was in Japan filming for "Queer Eye" earlier this month, will be at the Tower Theater in Upper Darby on Feb. 28 to kick off his "Road to Beijing" comedy tour.
Ahead of the show, PhillyVoice quickly caught up with him to talk stand-up, Michelle Kwan, Instagram and what he's currently watching on Netflix.
In your words, what can fans expect from your comedy show?
Tons of laughs, ample Olympic history, a dash of cirque du so gay entertainment, and a night of gorgeous comedy!
How would you describe your brand of stand-up comedy?
I’m a storyteller. I’m raw but not in a super dark way. I am organic and fair trade.
Have you had a chance to visit Philadelphia before? Any thoughts on our city’s "delicacy,” the cheesesteak?
This is my first time, but I love a cheesesteak!
To promote your tour, you had the opportunity to meet and skate with Michelle Kwan (Amazing!). What was that experience like?
Really life affirming and fever dream-ish, and still every time I talk to her I’m not all the way sure if it’s real because she’s the most incredible person.
A lot of people love the figure skating videos you share on your Instagram. What has the support from fans been like?
Kind of a relief because I just decided to go rogue and turn my Instagram into a figure skating page, so I was just hoping people wouldn’t hate it.
What’s your proudest accomplishment on the ice so far?
Oh my god, probably my single flip, bitch!
It was recently announced that “Queer Eye” Season 3 will premiere in March. Can you give us any spoilers? What’s something fans should look forward to in these new episodes?
More diversity than ever.
You were recently in Japan filming for an upcoming four-part special for "Queer Eye." How was that experience?
I tried so much food. I had sea urchin. I had all sorts of stuff. Japan was so incredible. I didn’t know what to expect, but the tradition and the culture was so rich. It’s been amazing. But they do have a ways to come in terms of LGBT equality, and I hope our experience moves that wheel forward.
[Note: Japan does not recognize same-sex marriage, and in a society where there is pressure for conformity, many gay people in the country hide their sexuality. LGBT couples filed a lawsuit on Valentine's Day in push for equal marriage rights in Japan, claiming the denial of marriage rights is unconstitutional.]
And we heard the Fab Five were spotted hanging with Harry Styles and singing karaoke. What songs did he sing?
I wasn’t even there!
While we’re all watching “Queer Eye” on Netflix, what shows are you watching?
"Russian Doll."
Any advice for people trying to live their best life?
Care about what you think about yourself the most.
Van Ness will perform at the Tower Theater in Upper Darby on Thursday, Feb. 28. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets ($45) can be purchased here.
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