Joey Arias, a stalwart presence in New York City's downtown performance scene for over three decades, has earned the reputation of being a true NYC icon. He spent many years living and working alongside the illustrious musician Klaus Nomi, who tragically passed away in 1983. However, Arias has long since emerged from Nomi's shadow to forge his own path as a renowned performance artist, cabaret singer, and drag artist.
Arias has distinguished himself with his sharp wit, sleek style, and extraordinary voice, which is reminiscent of the legendary Billie Holiday yet uniquely his own. His impressive vocal range has allowed him to perform at prestigious venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall and the Freedom Theatre in London.
Arias's talents have also been recognized by Cirque du Soleil, who tapped him to originate the role of the emcee in their Las Vegas spectacular Zumanity. He remained in this role for an impressive six years before returning to New York, where he co-created and starred in the critically acclaimed and commercially successful show Arias With a Twist alongside master puppeteer Basil Twist.
The show's prolonged success, extending for a total of eight months, is a testament to Arias's captivating stage presence and his ability to connect with audiences. In addition to his work in live performances, Arias has also made appearances in a variety of films, including Mondo New York, Big Top Pee Wee, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, Wigstock - The Movie, Flawless, and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, among others.
