Keeping it fresh with Ms. Dixie Longate at Wharton

Dixie Longate is the drag persona of playwright and actor Kris Andersson, who has written and performs “Dixie’s Tupperware Party,” one of the longest touring off-Broadway shows in American theater history. We spoke with Ms. Longate (in character) in advance of her visit to East Lansing’s Wharton Center.

So, why Tupperware?

Dixie Longate: Everything stays fresher in Tupperware. I want to make sure whatever you’re putting in your mouth is fresh. I’m so grateful to be able to travel around and see this big, beautiful country and help people with their food storage needs.

How did you get into Tupperware? 

Well, I started selling Tupperware about 22 years ago — part of the conditions of my parole. See, you need a job in order to get your kids back. I wish they’d change that law. You know, you get out of prison and you’re so excited to do fun things. And all of a sudden, you’ve got your kids. I’m like, “How am I supposed to go to people’s homes?” You know, because of the restraining orders.

It was your parole officer who arranged it?

Yes. She is an angel sent from Baby Jesus above. After that, I ended up selling so much Tupperware I ended up becoming the top selling Tupperware lady in all of the United States and Canada. People started saying, “You should really do this as a show. You’re making so many people happy.” And that launched the tour. I’m starting on my 16th year!

After 16 years, do the jokes stay fresh?

They do — Thank God for Tupperware! It’s a new show every night. I bring people up on stage. And, if people came before, it’s real nice because they’re gonna see a different show.

What’s the deal with the restraining orders?

Everybody’s got a past. I’ve had a couple times that I’ve been in prison. Things happen. I’ve never been charged with anything serious. Sometimes when you happen to walk out of somebody’s bedroom carrying their husband — just because you’re holding the axe it doesn’t mean you’ve used it!

So, you were accused of killing your husband?

No, not mine! Oh God, I already know what it’s like to have sex with my ex-husband. Things happen, but everything’s fine now. I’m on the up and up, straight and narrow; I’ve done my path of good service. Ever since I discovered quality food storage!

It sounds like you were just a woman in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

Absolutely. (Snort-laughs) Oh, you’re so sweet.

How do you hope people will come away from your show feeling?

Well, first off, it’s a Tupperware PARTY! It’s a lot of laughs, a lot of fun, a lot of shenanigans. People leave feeling a little more empowered. I feel like everybody has a hidden talent they mute down.  When you find that place in yourself, it’s going to inspire other people. As long as you’re seeing it first, then you can move forward in the world a little more sparkly.

Do folks discover that by being brought up on stage?

Yes, but also from the storytelling. I let people know to look for that little piece inside themselves that they never thought they should take a chance on. I tell the story of Brownie Wise. Tupperware was started by Earl Tupper in the late 1940s. He sold it on store shelves, but no one bought it because nobody knew what it was. Plastic was brand new.

But there was one part of the country where it was selling really well. Earl figured out it was all because of one woman: Brownie Wise. She was doing direct sales in people’s homes. Brownie said that until you share it with people, people aren’t gonna know what it is. He hired her and made her vice president. I always find that inspiring.

Can people really buy Tupperware at the show?

What kind of a person would I be if I showed you the Great Fantastic Plastic Wrap and prevented you from buying it?! People get a catalog and an order form and, if they want, they can buy Tupperware.

Can kids come to the show?

Sixteen and over. I might drop a word or two, and there’s a couple of innuendos. And listen: Kids don’t need food storage! Have yourself a fun night without ‘em. Leave ‘em at the front door of the trailer with a Hungry Man.

Do you have any heirloom Tupperwares?

Oh, yes. The thing I love about plastic is it’s built to last forever. If your grandma had a Tupperware, she still has it. People give me pieces that were their grandma’s. I’ve had people internationally send me pictures of Tupperware. I say “(Gasp!)That’s not part of the American collection!”

Do you have a “white whale” Tupperware, one you’ve never been able to get your hands on?

Two! One is a comb. I remember my Mama had one when I was very young. It’s just a plastic comb with the word Tupperware on the side. I would love to find one of them to add to my collection.

And then, I have two pieces of this hostess gift set from the 1960s, and I’m looking for the third. It comes with a trash can, an umbrella holder and a bathmat — all made from plastic that is this tarnished gold color with swirls on it.  If I were able to come across that bathmat one day — oh, I’d be in seventh heaven!

So, is your hidden gift the Tupperware sales, the comedy or helping people find their own gifts?

I started selling Tupperware, and I did so well with it. But what I ended up finding out is it was about how I made people feel special when they were at the party. I want people to see what’s great about themselves.

So, everybody has something to learn about themselves at the Tupperware Party?

Absolutely. I believe we’re never done learning and growing. I think everybody needs to be celebrated.