Q&A: Victor/Victoria Star Talks Sexuality

In Stages St. Louis’ production of the gender bending musical Victor/Victoria, Janna Cardia stars as Victoria Grant, a 1930s entertainer who impersonates a man who impersonates a woman.

The show opens Friday at the  and runs through Oct. 9.

Cardia has toured nationally and internationally as the Queen in Cinderella and has performed at Pennsylvania’s Fulton Opera House as the Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd, Nancy in Oliver, Rizzo in Grease and the Witch in Into the Woods.

Kirkwood Patch caught up with the busy actress to talk sexual transformation, being true to oneself and Doublemint Gum.

Patch: How is the changing from woman to man to woman accomplished?

Cardia: It's done mainly through costuming. I wear this tremendous headgear. They made a cast of my head and built my Victor wig. I have really long hair. The costumes are unbelievable. I have 12 to 15 costume changes—the most I've ever had. The details in the costumes are incredible.

Patch: What do you do as an actress to make the transitions?

Cardia: My goal when my character's out in real life trying to play a man is to butch it up. I have a lot to draw on in New York. I observe people. It takes some effort. I have to man up. It's a great challenge.

Patch: What's the love story in the show?

Cardia: There's one character named King who tries to kiss me thinking I'm a man. He falls in love with a man even though he's normally attracted to women. When he finds out I'm a woman, he says he was in love with me anyway. He fell in love with the person, which is a great message we're trying to portray in this story.

Patch: How do you expect the audience to react to your character?

Cardia: I want the audience to see them kissing and think it's two men, and then go, 'Wait a minute,' and then realize I'm actually a woman.

Patch: Victor/Victoria is a big show. Is it coming together?

Cardia: We have a loving, supportive group of people on our side. It doesn't always happen. The musical director, Lisa Campbell—she's keeping it all on track. We go to each director for notes. Everyone has their hand in it and puts their stamp on it.

Patch: Your twin, Julie Cardia also is an actress and has performed in Stages St. Louis' productions. Did you ever work together?

Cardia: My sister and I went to school together and have worked professionally for 15 years, and many times together. We also created our own show, Room for Two.

Patch: I have to ask: Ever do any Doublemint commercials?

Cardia: We almost got a Doublemint commercial. They gave us a case of gum. We had gum for months. We did do a Publix (supermarket) commercial as twins.

Patch: What's the overall message of Victor/Victoria?

Cardia: To sum it all up, be true to yourself. Once you are, the world opens up to you. If you can't know who you are, you can't fully live free. Own yourself.

Tickets for "Victor/Victoria" cost $15-$55. Call 314-821-2407 or visit Stages St. Louis ticket page.