Dedicating her life to the friendly citizens and responsible merchants of her hometown of Richfield, Minnesota, “where butter is a spice and gravy is a beverage”, Miss Richfield 1981 has become one of America’s national treasures. This Midwestern maven has won over theater audiences around the country with an interactive format that combines homespun warmth and edgy improv, leaving audiences in hysterics. Her live performances have received critical acclaim with The New York Post declaring Miss Richfield 1981 “the must-see act in Provincetown.” and Twincities.com noting: “In these divided times, Miss R is tonic—and gin—for the soul.” In addition to selling out venues each year in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, Philadelphia, Atlanta, South Florida, and Minneapolis, Miss R continues to fill the Pilgrim House in Provincetown, Mass, nightly each summer, and tours with Atlantis Events cruise ships and resorts.
Miss Richfield’s national appeal includes riotous appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”, “Today” on NBC, “Cake Boss” on TLC, and “Watch What Happens Live” on Bravo. Currently, she is part of the cast of “Talk Show The Game Show” on TruTV, and a television spokesperson for travel company Orbitz. Additionally, she serves as a national brand ambassador for the City of Palm Springs.
I hadn’t chatted with Miss Richfield 1981 since before Covid, so it was a pleasure to chat with her just 2 weeks before her show, Cancel Cultured Pearls at the Sunshine Cathedral on Saturday, March 11, for this exclusive Hotspots interview.
What did you do or accomplish over the pandemic?
I am so glad you asked me that because I am really thrilled with how busy I kept myself. I got online 9 days after the lockdown, and I did Bingo Bonanza twice a week along with pajama nights and trivia nights. Then some company’s hired me, so I stayed busier during the pandemic, and it really kept my skills up. It was a big gift for me to do that, as well as a necessity.
How excited were you get back out to live performances?
Really excited, and again we were very blessed as in the summer of 2020 they allowed us to do outdoor shows. They could only be 50 people max (including the staff) but at least I could do 30 shows that summer (half the normal numbers).
In November I was able to perform in the Dominican Republic with Atlantis Events, but all the places I performed were being very careful.
Are the audiences any different post pandemic?
I think they are different. The first crowds that came out once we were allowed to do inside performances were bananas. It was the pent-up energy; it created a wave of excitement and fun. Now I think the crowds are back to normal.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Beautiful, current, and loud!
What do you do for fun?
Well, I love to travel for business, but wherever I am my business is always fun. I could take a vacation or take time off, but I just don’t. My job is really the number one thing I do for fun!
If I am not travelling or doing my shows then I am at home in my trailer in Richfield Minnesota, I make smores over the stove and sit with my cats watching re-runs of Murder She Wrote.
Do you have a significant other?
No, saving my eligibility for my next beauty pageant which could be right around the corner, so I have to keep my virginity intact.
You travel all over the world, do you have a favorite city or venue?
Yes, Sunshine Cathedral is amazing and on top of the list for places to perform. I also love P Town where I spend my entire summer. After that would be Palm Springs.
What does the future hold for Miss Richfield 1981?
I think it holds continued work and travel and always looking for more places to perform. Its an exciting future because I haven’t stopped looking for new places. Not winding down or retiring any time soon! I will continue to bring current topics to the needy masses.
What should our readers expect from your show Cancel Cultured Pearls at The Sunshine Cathedral Center for the Performing Arts?
I would say they should expect a full comprehensive understanding of this cancel culture movement through the eyes of a beauty professional who has been cancelled once or 5 times. And yes, there is life after cancellation, I am proof. The show is really fun as I tell 3 stories where I have been cancelled. This is the second to last time I am performing this show, and I am going to miss it.
For more information on Miss Richfield 1981, go to: MissRichfield.com.
To Purchase Tickets for Cancel Cultured Pearls at the Sunshine Cathedral on Saturday, March 11, go to Sunshinecathedral.org.
