Katya Zamolodchikova (or just Katya) is best known as a contestant on the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars, where she was 1st runner up. She is also appearing in the World of Wonder web series UNHhhh and the Viceland series The Trixie & Katya Show alongside co-host Trixie Mattel.
Katya is now touring with “Help Me, I’m Dying,” which is being produced by Five Senses Reeling, which is a Seattle-based event production & marketing company specializing in LGBTQ & Allied artists.
Established just a few years ago with a one-night-only Bianca Del Rio kick-off, Five Senses Reeling works with some of the most iconic queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race, alumni from the Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, musicians, comedians, and more. From one-night-only events to North American tours, Five Senses Reeling continues to expand into new markets and with amazing new LGBTQ and Allied talent. Some of the incredible artists they work with currently are: RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Bianca Del Rio, Trinity The Tuck, Trixie Mattel, Aquaria, Bob the Drag Queen, Sasha Velour, Alaska Thunderfuck, Willam, Jinkx Monsoon, Derrick Barry, Adore Delano, Coco Montrese, Delta Work, Morgan McMichaels, Miss Vanjie, Alexis Mateo, Gia Gunn and Alexis Michelle. As well as drag legends: Lady Bunny, Heklina, Jackie Beat, Sherry Vine, Peaches Christ, Sister Roma, Chi Chi La Rue, Ada Vox, Vicky Vox and Musicians Betty Who, Steve Grand, Jaimie Wilson, Thelma Houston, Thea Austin, David Hernandez, and Tony Moran, as well as Comedians Fortune Feimster, Jessica Kirson, and Matt Bragg. For more information go to: Fivesensesreeling.com.
“Help Me, I’m Dying” is a multi-media, multi-character, multi-faceted live stage show. A fusion of stand-up comedy, story-telling, video, and live dancerly-ish action and music that talks about what it means to be a woman, from the perspective of a person that dresses up like one.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Katya to catch up on what’s been going on with her over the last few years.
Now that you have been off Drag Race for a few years, what is your favorite memory of your season?
Honestly, it was meeting all the P.A.’s behind the scenes. They are really little elves in Santa’s workshop.
And of All-Stars?
The Product Challenge, when I came up with the Body Spray that contained anti-psychotic sedatives in it. It was so much fun to come up with that marketing campaign and actually act it out.
How is it to work with Trixie Mattel?
It’s pretty amazing as she is funny, reliable, and super hard working; all of the things I am not!
What else have you been up to since All-Stars 2?
I started a solo tour and went around the world (Australia, Asia, UK, etc.) and right now (about a month ago when I interviewed her) I am taking a break before I do the rest of the US and Canada.
Describe yourself in three words?
Sweaty, fun and flexible.
Is there something about you we would be surprised to know?
That I still have overdue library books from High School!
How did you come up with your Russian Persona?
It came about when I was taking Russian language lessons in college. I became obsessed with Russian culture and my teachers who dressed like a hooker.
What should our readers expect from “Help Me, I’m Dying”?
A multimedia extravaganza where fans of Drag Race will get familiar and unfamiliar content. Cameos from Drag Race Girls, as well as thrills, chills and excessive perspiration!
What does the future hold for Katya?
Hopefully a decent retirement plan?
Katya brings her “Help Me, I’m Dying” tour to Miami to the Olympia Theater on Saturday, August 3, at 8pm. Tickets start at $25, but there are also VIP Meet and Greet options. For more information, or to purchase tickets go to: KatyaLive.com.
