From creating his world-renowned clothing brand to helming and narrating his annual production of the children’s classic Peter and the Wolf at The Guggenheim Museum, and making his Broadway debut in Chicago, fashion designer, performer, host, writer, filmmaker, director, and producer Isaac Mizrahi has far exceeded his Warholian “fifteen minutes of fame” across multiple artistic disciplines for nearly 40 years, with no end in sight.
His extensive credits on the stage and screen include co-creating the 1995 award-winning documentary film Unzipped, following the making of his Fall 1994 collection, hosting the seven-year run of his TV talk show The Isaac Mizrahi Show, serving as a judge for the entire seven seasons of Project Runway All Stars, interviewing a roster of celebrity guests on his podcast Hello Isaac, launched in 2023, and available on all streaming platforms, working as a consulting producer on the Hulu sitcom Mid-Century Modern, which premiered this spring, and directing productions of A Little Night Music and The Magic Flute for the Opera Theatre of St. Louis. He has also written three books, including his 2019 bestselling memoir I.M., and can be seen in the upcoming film Marty Supreme, starring Timothée Chalamet and Gwyneth Paltrow, set to be released on December 25.
Along with all that, Mizrahi has been a regular presence on the cabaret scene, with past appearances at NYC’s Joe’s Pub, the West Bank Cafe, and City Winery, and an annual residency at Café Carlyle. This month, the famed multi-hyphenate will make his four-night return to 54 Below, with his six-piece jazz band, in Isaac Mizrahi Survives Democracy, featuring music ranging from Billie Eilish to Cole Porter and between-song banter about such timely topics as politics, social media, and his insider’s look at show biz.
Isaac kindly made time in his ever-busy schedule to answer our quick questions about the upcoming show, his background, and some of his personal favorites.
- What is it about 54 Below?
Isaac: I adore working at 54 Below cause it feels like the place, both onstage and off, that caters to my beloved Broadway people. It’s a place I see my peers and they see me. It’s about as insider-Broadway as you can get.
- What three emotions do you feel when you step onto the stage?
Terror. Exhilaration. A kind of peace that can only be found ONSTAGE.
- What’s the most fabulous thing about performing live?
The most fabulous thing about performing live is the communication with the audience. The audience makes a show happen. They’re the ones who give it shape. And it’s always thrilling no matter what, to feel their reaction, which propels my performance.
- What’s the most memorable reaction you’ve ever gotten from an audience member?
There was one moment when someone stood up – she was very drunk – and shouted, “I hate this show!” And walked out. It was hilarious and heartening, in that she got roundly booed! Also I love when people tell me I made them cry in a song. I get laughs a lot but I love mostly getting emotional responses.
- Which song in the show do you most look forward to performing?
Right now it’s a song I love from Victor/Victoria called “Crazy World.” I love our cover of it. I think I love it mostly cause of the title.
- Which came first for you – sketching, singing, or storytelling?
Before ANYTHING there was female impersonation. I was doing Streisand and Liza at age eight and maybe even earlier!
- What’s your first creative memory?
My first creative memory is attracting a crowd in my driveway in Brooklyn. I did an entire set of impersonations starting with Streisand and ending with Dionne Warwick – maybe my best!
- Who’s been the biggest inspiration in your life and career?
I think my biggest inspiration is LIZA. I often refer to myself as Liza with a penis (not with a Z).
- What three things do you always have in your dressing room?
Very good room freshener – backstage usually smells really bad. Eyebrow pencil – my eyebrows are practically gone! Spanx – for obvious reasons!
- What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Surprising, honest, chic.
- Is there one genre of music that’s your favorite?
I am a jazz musician. Everything we do has a jazz slant.
- Do you have a style or era of fashion that you find the most appealing and inspiring?
I always love late Art Deco most in terms of clothes and furniture/architecture.
- Do you have a go-to comfort food or beverage?
ICE CREAM. Mint chocolate chip to be exact.
- If you had a pet wolf, what would you name him?
My pet wolf is called DAN (as in Daniel Petrov, who plays the wolf in my annual production of Peter and the Wolf at the Guggenheim at Christmas).
- What’s the best thing about being famous?
The best thing about being famous is the ability to book tables at restaurants.
Thanks, Isaac, for sharing a fabulous 15 minutes of your fame with us and letting our readers get to know you a little better beyond the stage!
Isaac Mizrahi Survives Democracy plays August 6-9, 2025, at 7 pm (doors open at 5:30), at 54 Below, 254 West 54th Street, cellar, NYC. For tickets (priced at $84-161, including fees), go online.
