Painted Faces, Real Power: The Transformative World of Drag and the Strength of Community

There’s something electric about sitting across from a drag queen at the Stonewall Inn.

The disco ball spins above us, casting flecks of light on the bar’s worn brick walls—walls that have held decades of laughter, rebellion, and chosen family. I’m here with Crystal Marie Tyler, a local NYC drag performer who somehow manages to be both larger than life and deeply grounded. Her presence is commanding, sure—but it’s her warmth, the way she speaks about drag like it’s both armor and art, that sticks with me.

As a gay creative in this city, this moment means something. Interviewing someone like Crystal in this place—the Stonewall Inn—isn’t just exciting. It’s emotional. This is where people like us first stood up and said, “No more.” And now, years later, I’m here, phone in hand, talking with someone who’s still carrying that torch—just with a little more rhinestone.

JL: Do you feel as though performing and being in drag has kind of given you a lot of confidence or some kind of personality boost outside of drag?

CMT: Yeah, absolutely. When I started it, like I was in college and I was just getting used to like, ’oh, it's just a fantasy. 
I'm like a kid that wants to pretend and play drag.’ Then at the end of college, I'm like, oh, this is a profitable skill then I can really run with and make a lot of connections and network and make a lot of friends in that way. And as I move forward, it's mostly just about the community, and that's what brings the best in you.”

Drag is magic. But not in the way people always think. Yes, there are wigs and lashes and death drops that make you scream, but it’s more than that. Drag transforms people from the inside out. For many in our community, it’s the first time they’ve been seen—really seen—for who they are. Or maybe even for who they’ve always dreamed of becoming.

Crystal talks about that transformation like it’s sacred. Because it is.

JL: What would you consider the most transformative aspect of drag?

CMT: Anyone that touches it and really experiments with it often comes out of wanting to learn more about themselves.  Sometimes it comes from feeling very isolated. And the most important thing about that is you try it and then you're not alone because it's a whole community of people that also started at that point.

And then there’s the community. That loud, loving, messy, beautiful drag family that shows up night after night. You find your people in this world, sometimes when you least expect it. And they don’t just cheer for you—they see you. They push you, protect you, and love you in ways the outside world often doesn’t know how to.

JL: Where should aspiring artists go to find these communities?

CMT: The spaces that are really just all about the freedom and that you feel the most comfortable in, you will be the most drawn to. And I mean like we're standing right here where I followed my heart and I always wanted to perform here, and now I'm Mx. Fan Favorite. So.

I look around Stonewall and I think about the queens who were here before us—the ones who kicked open the doors so we could even have this conversation. What would they think, seeing us here now? Would they be proud? I hope so. I think about that a lot. How being queer in this city can feel lonely one minute, and then suddenly, you’re at a drag show, surrounded by strangers who feel like home.

By the time our interview wraps, I don’t want to leave. Not because the lights are pretty (they are), or because Crystal’s makeup is hypnotizing (it is), but because in this tiny, historic room, I feel like I’ve reconnected with something I didn’t even realize I needed.

Drag isn’t just performance. It’s protest. It’s therapy. It’s community. It’s survival. And it’s joy.

And for people like Crystal—and people like me—it’s proof that we’re not just here. We belong here.

Written and interviewed by Jai LePrince @jai.leprince

Talent: Crystal Marie Tyler @crystal.tyler.nyc

Photography by Mark Bluemle @barks.mindd 

Production and Direction by Sophia Querrazzi @sophiamq_14 

PA, Movement Direction by Jai LePrince 

Places Everyone: JJ Niemann Gets Real About His Life On Stage.

If you’re anything like the staff at 47Magazine or one of his 1.1 million followers, you will have been lucky enough to spot JJ Niemann on your TikTok For You Page. Creating a diverse slew of consistently quality and entertaining content, Niemann has garnered a loving and passionate fan base, as well as maintaining his “day job” - living out the career of his dreams. In this interview, 47Magazine was able to get down to the nitty gritty with JJ Niemann of what it means to be a social media influencer while also being a full-time actor. Niemann, the newest cast member of Hamilton, got open and honest with us about past projects, grief, rejection, and even plans for the big screen. 

47Magazine: How do you feel that being a social media influencer has affected your path as an actor? Has it hindered or supported your journey? 

JJ Niemann: The coolest, most tangible difference is that I now feel supported by an online community of millions of friends. At the stage door, no matter what role I’ve played that night, usually 50% or more of the stage door know me by name or have seen my content, and express that they were excited to see me in the show. It truly means the world to feel that support and to get to meet people IRL after connecting online and sharing common laughs and cries together there. Of course, having a platform comes with having some haters and naysayers here and there, which can feel overwhelming at times. But the pros WAY outweigh the cons, and I choose to focus on the joy that content creation brings me, and the joy I can bring to others.

47: Working in some of Broadway's most famous shows and theatres, some performers have built superstitions or rituals they live by to pull off a good show. Do you have any you’ve learned from past cast members or developed yourself? 

JN: Honestly, I don’t have any wild rituals! I just take properly warming up seriously - doing a vocal routine and physical routine before the show so that everything is in alignment. I do love to steam or nebulize my voice, and I swear by my Ricola for my voice and Tiger Balm for the aches and pains!

47: From Broadway to underground theatre, the arts have been graced with some truly amazing roles. What is your DREAM role (ANY show, ANY gender, etc)? 

JN: A dream role I’ve had since college is Frank Abagnale Jr. in Catch Me if You Can. I love roles like that where it’s truly a triple threat role - singing, acting, and dancing while leading big production numbers. However, if gender bent roles are an option, Anne Boleyn in SIX would be SO fun! I identify with her chaos.

47: Musical Theatre is full of powerhouses and iconic performers, who are your three biggest inspirations?

JN: I’m very inspired by artists that I’ve been fortunate enough to work with, whose kindness and work ethic match their massive talent. Susan Stroman, an icon and legend, ran the Smash rehearsal room as it should be - with kindness and grace. I was fortunate enough to play alongside Roger Bart in Back to the Future many times, and he truly took me under his wing, and I learned so much about comic timing and how to command a stage from him. Getting to witness James Monroe Iglehart tear the roof down every day in Hercules, but also be the sweetest and most supportive cast member, is something that really stuck with me. Those three really stick out to me at the moment.

47: Would you ever consider making the leap from stage to screen? Why or why not? 

JN: I’d absolutely LOVE to! The bulk of my training so far as a performer has been for on-stage performance, and I feel my skill sets lend itself naturally to the stage. I’ve definitely started to take more camera acting classes and have been pursuing some of those auditions. It’s such a different medium, and half of the battle is being in the right place at the right time for on-screen work. The other half is having the right tools in your toolbox to know how to best approach self-taping and auditioning for those jobs, which I’m actively working on.

47: With such a long history in the industry, you must have had your fair share of rejections. How do you react to “no’s”? What’s some advice you have for upcoming actors when it comes to auditioning and callbacks, and moving on from a no? 

JN: One of my favorite quotes from a castmate of mine has been “Rejection is Redirection.” We can be thankful for that. And a “no” isn’t even necessarily always a “NO,” sometimes it’s just a “not yet.” I think about doors that have closed for me in the past, and how thankful I am looking back that those doors closed, because it led me to a different door that was open for me, one that I was ready for, and one that was in more alignment with who I am and what I want. I often think about when I initially auditioned for Hamilton years ago, and I was considered for going on tour with the show. I was devastated that it didn't work out, and I thought that door was closed. I'd missed out on doing Hamilton, one of my dream shows. But… if I had taken that tour, I wouldn’t have been in NYC for my callbacks to book my first Original Broadway Cast, Back to the Future, which was a life-changing experience I needed. Now, two and a half years later, the same role I almost did in the touring production opened up in the Broadway company of Hamilton, and I’m getting to do this dream show on Broadway. It was just a “not yet!"

47: How do you react to a yes? What’s the most exciting “yes” you’ve gotten? 

JN: It depends, honestly! When you get a “yes,” it can be the most THRILLING feeling in the world. It means you got the job and put in the work to land that job. But then, immediately, you wrap your head around the fact that the hard work is just beginning, and the road ahead to do the work will be fulfilling but tough. The best “yes” I can remember was getting that call to be in Back to the Future on Broadway, covering Marty McFly. It meant I was going to be in my first Original Broadway Cast, and it also meant that I was going to get to take the final bow on a Broadway stage when I went on for the role. Even though I truly never doubted that the job was mine (I had a lot of intuitions and just a feeling about it), I had waited 5 weeks after my callbacks to hear back. It was like a wash of emotions when my agent called me right before Christmas in 2022. It was truly the best Christmas present ever!

47: I’m sure it’s hard to choose, having done numerous productions over the years, but what has been your favorite part of being able to work on Broadway?

JN: My favorite part of working on Broadway and in this industry is the community. Genuinely, I have met the greatest people and forged the most special friendships through showbiz. I like to joke to people that I got into theatre for “social reasons” in the first place, but it really is true - the best part about these experiences is the people you get to share them with.

47: Having a strong support system is important when doing full show weeks, pushing your body and mind to bring out an amazing performance isn't always easy. Who has been your biggest supporter?

JN: My biggest supporter and hugest fan my entire life was my father. He sadly passed in March, pretty unexpectedly, and it has been the most challenging chapter of my life I’ve ever faced, not having him to go to or call for life advice, career tips, or even the smallest things. However, I know in my heart of hearts he has the best seat in the house every night at my theatre and is cheering me on. I’m honored to be his son and to continue his legacy in this world.

47: To pursue a career in the arts is one of both triumph and uncertainty, for those who choose to do so, they are pushed by their “love for the game.” When was the first moment you realized this is what you wanted to do? 

JN: I had a director in high school when I did a summer production who told me and my parents that if I wanted to pursue this as a career, he thought I genuinely had what it takes if I pursued it and studied it in college. I always knew I loved theatre more than anything else, but I never really considered that I could make it, or even realized there were programs out there to hone my skills. Having that director believe in me gave me the kick I needed to audition for college programs and pursue training in theatre!

47: What’s one piece of advice you’ve kept with you along your acting journey that you always look back on? 

JN: In terms of keeping my head on straight, the best advice has been simple: what’s meant for you won’t pass you by. If it’s for you, it’s FOR you. That has helped me remember to stay in my own lane and path, and not look too much to my left or my right, getting distracted by what others are doing or achieving. Another simple bit of advice that has stuck with me is to “be the kind of person that I would want to be around and work with.” It’s a small world, so it’s always good to operate and act in a workplace or rehearsal room as the kind of person YOU would want to hire and be around every day.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity

Keep up with JJ on his socials: 

@jjniemann

Or on stage: https://hamiltonmusical.com/new-york/

Written by Lucy Anderson and Jazzi Almestica for 47 Magazine. 

Creative direction — Lucy Anderson (@lugzyjane), Toni Desiree (@tonidesireethomas)

Production — Emma Oviedo (@emmaovi_), Jazzi Almestica (@shes.so.dope)

Photography — Mark Bluemle (@barks.mindd)

Styling — Shelby Leeming (@shelbyleeming)

Makeup — Emma Oviedo (@emmaovi_)

Hair/asst. — Natasha Teiman (@natasha_teiman)

Clothing from Electrix Vintage @electrixvintage

Meet Elise: Theatrical Darling and All-Around Entertainer

Young adulthood is a time of uncertainty. Most of us are still trying to figure out what it is we are passionate about and what we want to do for the rest of our lives. If we’re lucky, we find this out when we are young, and when we’re older we keep the spark alive. For Taylor Elise Jackson–or simply Elise–this passion was performing. A glance at her resume shows that she is a hard-working, versatile entertainer who embraces all kinds of performance, ranging from film and T.V. to musical projects. From her first live dance recital at 5 years old to her most recent concert for her latest single “Go Shawty,” Elise has never lost her love of performing. Armed with a soulful, acrobatic voice and a charismatic stage presence, it’s clear that Elise was destined to perform. A countdown on her website shows the number of days until she performs at Harlem’s Apollo Theater–hopefully the first of many performances at the iconic theater. 

I recently had the privilege of asking her a few questions about her earliest musical memory, pre-show rituals, and, of course, her favorite musical.

J.D. Valdepenas: What is your earliest musical memory? 

Taylor Elise Jackson: My earliest musical memory takes me back to my middle school debut at the Alberta School of Performing Arts. I played Carmen, the lead role in Fame Jr., and it was such a special moment. I was dressed in a fire-red leotard, had my big afro and leg warmers. During my solo song, the lyrics were: “(Fame!) I’m gonna live forever, baby, remember my name.” I remember looking into the audience, I no longer felt like I was just playing a character. It was as though I was verbalizing my dreams to the crowd. I felt so powerful and connected to the moment. 

J.D. Valdepenas: How did you know that you wanted to be a musician? Was there ever a defining moment when you realized that this was something you knew you had to pursue? 

Taylor Elise Jackson: I’ve never had a single defining moment where I had to decide to become a musician. Performing has always been in my spirit, and I’m grateful that God has blessed me with opportunities and a supportive family to pursue it. Honestly, I wouldn’t even call myself just a musician — I like to say I’m an overall entertainer. Whether it’s acting, singing, or strutting on stage, I feel completely free to be as big and bold as I can. That freedom is something I can’t find anywhere else, and to live without it, or to not allow myself to chase my wildest dreams, would feel like living a half-lived life. 

J.D. Valdepenas: How did you feel the first time you ever performed live? 

Taylor Elise Jackson: The first time I ever performed live was at the Bama Theatre when I was about 5 years old, during a dance recital. I remember wearing a sparkly baseball outfit for our "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" number. The lights were so bright that I couldn’t see anyone in the audience, which made me feel a bit disoriented. Honestly, I was more irritated by how itchy the costume was and upset because I couldn’t spot my mom in the crowd! 

J.D. Valdepenas: What are some of your pre-show rituals? 

Taylor Elise Jackson: This might sound a bit crazy, but after I do my stretches and prayers, I like to find a quiet corner or any peaceful spot to sit alone. I take a few deep breaths, shortening them until I feel a little lightheaded. As I sway, I release all thoughts and judgments, clearing my mind completely. This way, when I run onstage, I can allow whatever wants to come out to flow freely, with no distractions, and fully express myself in the moment.  

J.D. Valdepenas: What is the best part of your job? 

Taylor Elise Jackson: The best part of my job is the exploration. I take all my pain, fears, and triumphs, and I get to reinvent and rediscover myself with every new idea and creative opportunity. It’s like alchemy. But nothing will ever beat the feeling of the audience responding to that. It's as if the air leaves and time slows down — and it becomes just me and the audience on a journey together. There’s no destination, just a shared moment in time that we’ll both carry with us. 

J.D. Valdepenas: Who is your biggest inspiration? What about their life or career inspires you in your path? 

Taylor Elise Jackson: My biggest inspiration is Michael Jackson. I don’t think the word "legend" even comes close to capturing the magnitude of his impact on the music industry. He was a true visionary, surrounded by a team of visionaries, and you could see that in every detail of his work. And of course, I LIVE FOR the theatrics, darling! My goal in life is to create art and moments that break through imagined limitations and live long after I’m gone, and Michael did that. 

J.D. Valdepenas: What is your favorite musical? 

Taylor Elise Jackson: This might sound a bit lame, but Hamilton is my favorite musical. I remember back in 2016, my dad tried to get me into it, but I thought it was so lame because who wants to watch a 3-hour show about history? But then it found me again a few years later, and it became my soundtrack freshman year of high school. And yes, I went to one of those performing arts high schools, haha! 

Hamilton on Disney Plus became a comfort show for me. The summer before college, whenever I felt lost, I’d turn it on, and somehow it always made me feel better. Hamilton was a visionary — whether you think it was "good or bad" is another conversation, but he fought for his vision and made history doing so.

Check out and follow Taylor Elise Jackson’s social media pages for more of her work! 

Interviewed by J.D. Valdepenas

Directed by K Pereira @Kaleb.pereira922

Photography by Mark Bluemle @barks.mindd

Styled by Jaiden Blank @thejaidenalexis

Pulled from: DOORS NYC @doors.nyc & Electrix Vintage @electrixvintage

Designs from: Metamorphoza @metamorphozafashion , Tania Orellana @taniaorellanaoficial , Mymokondo @my_mokondo

PA: Kedma Moise @Kedma_music

Featuring: Taylor Elise' Jackson @1amelise

Talent: DJ Placente @djplacente

Talent: Luis Betancourt @luis.Betancourt55