By Denny Patterson

For the last couple months, OutClique has been featuring the fabulous entertainers of Stilettos, a good old fashion drag show taking place every Monday at The Pub on the Drive in Wilton Manors. This time, the spotlight is on Mercury Rising-Cox. 

Performing alongside Leila Cox, Candy Cox, Verandah Lanai, and Sharde’ L Ross to bring a show that’s unpredictable, but full of classic entertainment and lip syncs, Stilettos has become a one-of-a-kind staple. The show has a loyal following, but newcomers are always welcome. 

Rising-Cox took some time to chat with us about her career as a drag entertainer and what makes Stilettos so special.

Denny Patterson: Can you begin by telling us a little bit more about yourself and what Mercury-Rising Cox is all about?

Mercury Rising-Cox: Mercury Rising-Cox is all about community and what kind of stance I can take in it, in a way that is inspiring to not only my younger self, but everyone around me. I always strive to be my most authentic version both in public and online because I realized that the influence that we have doesn’t stop just on stage. The world always looks to entertainers for that laugh, moment of hope, and humanity, if you will.

DP: And when did you join Stilettos?

MRC: I came back into Stilettos, I want to say May of last year as a cast member. I had moved away in 2015 from South Florida and when I came back in 2020, Stilettos welcomed me in as a guest entertainer, then as a cast member when a cast spot became available. 

DP: Why did you initially want to be involved with this production?

MCR: I have been a Cox sister since its inception 13 years ago. When I saw the impact that the Stilettos cast had, not only at The Pub, but around town, the respect level was already there. I knew it was a good fit for myself and for the cast.

DP: For those who have never attended Stilettos, what can they expect?

MRC: No two people are the same, no two shows are the same, and no two entertainers are the same. We pride ourselves on having a variety of entertainers, and like myself, I enjoy early 2000s/late 90s dance music that were very popular at the clubs. It’s the kind of music I came out to back then, so it really resonates with me.

DP: Because nothing is really ever the same, would you say that’s how Stilettos is different from other neighborhood drag shows?

MRC: Yes, I would say that definitely sets us apart. You’re going to have something for everyone in one show. It’s not going to be all of the same genre of music or the same type of music. If you’re into show tunes, somebody may do a show tune medley, while somebody else may do a country music song. It’ll appeal to everyone across the spectrum.

DP: Personally, what do you enjoy the most about doing Stilettos and working with the other girls?

MRC: The thing that I love about Stilettos is that it gives me an opportunity to impact at least one person’s life. If I can make them feel joy for a moment, or even connect to a moment that they may have forgotten about in the past through my artistry, I’ve been successful in that one day. Then working with the other entertainers, it is our camaraderie on the stage and off the stage. We’re able to call each other, connect, laugh, and do duets if we want to. It’s always a very positive experience.

DP: Do you have a go-to song or performance?

MRC: Kind of (laughs). Lately, I’ve been living for the song “Show Me Love” by Robin S. I think that song has a very good subtle meaning. I connect to it and the audience connects to it. 

DP: What kind of impact would you say this production has made on you, as well as your drag career?

MRC: Me as a person, it has allowed me to explore different versions of myself without being limited. I could try a song that I’ve been thinking about or adjust my look, and everybody is very supportive or encouraging. Then as a drag entertainer, it also helps me to not get stuck in one way of doing things. I’m always continuing to look at how I can evolve my character and how I can be more appealing to the entire audience, instead of just one small subset. 

DP: Can you tell us how you discovered your passion for drag? How did you fall into this crazy world?

MRC: It started 13 years ago kind of as a fundraising dare. I was doing it for softball, and they were like, we need a representative for our team. I was like, well, I’ve never done it, but whatever. I’ll do it. I look back at those pictures and I felt so good. Knowing what I know now, I didn’t look good, but it helped me build that confidence. It was a way for me to explore femininity in a safe way. In society, men are pigeonholed into being a certain way or looking a certain way, and I wanted to explore other versions of myself, and this was a great way for me to do that.

DP: How does Mercury Rising-Cox stand out from the several other South Florida drag entertainers?

MRC: I would say that I stand with them. Not to be politically correct or anything, but I don’t think I stand out. I stand more with all the other entertainers, but I guess the thing that sets me apart is that the person you see on stage, the person you see as Mercury Rising-Cox, is also the person off stage. I am the entertainer, and the entertainer is me.

DP: What are some future goals you hope Stilettos achieves?

MRC: I would hope that Stilettos would continue to grow as a show bringing in not only up-and-coming entertainers, but people from out of town as well. Like I said, we showcase all different versions of drag and entertainment value.

DP: What about future goals for yourself?

MRC: For myself, I would say my future goal is to make it on a national level. I hope to be recognized as that entertainer from Wilton Manors who started at the Stilettos show to bring more awareness and attention to our venue, city, and state in a positive manner. 

DP: Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything you would like to mention or plug?

MRC: The community extends more than just the Stilettos show and stage. One of the other ways that I give back is through the Imperial Sun Court of All Florida. I was the reigning Miss Gay Florida of the Imperial Sun Court of All Florida for 2021. I recently just stepped aside for my next person in succession, but I’m still very involved with fundraising from the court to the community.