Isaac Mizrahi is living his destiny. Best known as an American fashion icon who reached the pinnacle of the industry, Mizrahi admits that designing was essentially a means to an end. For this bigger than life personality who lives life with aplomb, vigor and passion, his greatest accomplishment thus far is an unexpected answer. It’s not that he has dressed the biggest celebrities and supermodels, wrote a best-selling memoir, produced and directed a critically-acclaimed documentary, hosted his own TV show, appeared as a “Project Runway All-Stars” judge, to name just a few items on a long list of impressive achievements. For Mizrahi, a modern Renaissance man, the greatest accomplishment is his off-Broadway show in 2000. Performing live is very personal for Mizrahi. He feels intense joy and a deep connection with the audience. “I am poised to do this exclusively and I feel like I’m 20 again,” says Mizrahi with confidence and certainty.
Acting and performing have always been at the core of Mizrahi’s passion. Picture a 10 year-old young Mizrahi doing female impersonations and puppet shows in his Brooklyn driveway. In 1971, it was already evident that Mizrahi was born a trailblazer, ready to march to the beat of his own tunes and leave his mark along the way.
To say that Mizrahi’s creativity knows no bounds is an understatement. “My trying new things is in my nature. It’s a natural authentic evolution of who I truly am.” Mizrahi’s cabaret-inspired show is a by-product of that constant need to freely explore and express his creativity.
Audiences at this year’s Festival of the Arts BOCA will have the special opportunity to see the magnetic Mizrahi live on stage on Saturday evening, March 9. He confirms that the performance is not a re-interpretation of the “Great American Songbook” but it’s rather an eclectic compilation reminiscent of Mizrahi’s fascinating, non-linear life journey—a true reflection of the real Mizrahi beyond the fashion industry.
Accompanied by his band of talented jazz musicians, expect to see him perform Billie Eilish, Billy Joel and Madonna, among other surprise numbers. “All the music is painstakingly structured,” explains Mizrahi. “There is also a meaningful conclusion to the show.” In between songs, Mizrahi will share unfiltered social commentaries on a wide range of topics. This show is for all of us who love to laugh and have fun, a heartfelt ode to the man performing on stage.
It’s ironic and hard to believe that Mizrahi calls himself “the laziest person.” However, in essence, he is simply being who he is. All of his past and new endeavors are not a facade. When that’s the case, nothing feels like work.
What a life the multi-hyphenate Mizrahi has lived, and it’s only the beginning. Known to start every other sentence with an endearing “darling,” Mizrahi is determined to make performing his singular focus. After all, “Acting feels like destiny, darling.”
For more information and to see Isaac Mizrahi live on stage at Mizner Park Amphitheater on March 9 at 7:30 p.m., visit Festival of the Arts BOCA.
For more from Olivia Hollaus, click here.
