Dixie Longate, a character created by actor Kris Andersson, has appeared in popular engagements of the “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” all over the country. The not your grandma’s Tupperware experience is filled with naughtiness and a whole bunch…
Dixie Longate, a character created by actor Kris Andersson, has appeared in popular engagements of the “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” all over the country. The not your grandma’s Tupperware experience is filled with naughtiness and a whole bunch of laughter and fun that mixes an interactive sales-pitch with a genuine Tupperware sale. Dixie’s party is filled with outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, FREE giveaways, audience participation and the most fabulous assortment of Tupperware ever sold on a theater stage. Loaded with the most up-to-date products available for purchase, see for yourself how Ms. Longate became the #1 Tupperware seller in the U.S. & Canada as she educates her guests on the many alternative uses she has discovered for her plastic products! She says that, on a few occasions now, she has shifted more “fine-quality plastic crap” than anyone else in a year, and been invited to the Tupperware sales conference to collect her tiara. When I was No 1 last time I had sold $219,000 of Tupperware in a year. Ain’t that crazy?”
This is an actual, honest-to-goodness, straight-from-the living-room of Middle America, Tupperware party. Catalogs will be handed out, bowls will be demonstrated, and seals will be burped. But Dixie’s personal take on Tupperware is like no other.
As she gets ready to do a benefit show for the Smart Ride it was a pleasure to sit down with Dixie for a small interview.
1) When did you start selling Tupperware?
I started selling Tupperware almost 11 years ago. I had just gotten out of prison and my Parole Officer suggested that I find some job that I would enjoy that didn’t violate the restraining order. Apparently I needed to make some money in order to support my kids, which by the way is a really dumb law. I got out of prison and was ready for freedom. The last thing I needed was a couple of kids hanging around. We should all sort of work on changing that law.
2) Where were you raised?
Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. I left there in my 20’s and went to Los Angeles because of the restraining order, but I do miss home. You know what they say, “You can take the girl out of the trailer, but you can’t have sex twice without moving the camcorder.”
3) I understand that you have taken your Tupperware Parties on the road.
True story… After doing parties in people’s living rooms for years, a friend of mine told me that I should do them onstage. In 2004, I went east and was part of the New York International Fringe Festival. People liked the show so much, we ended up moving it off-Broadway a few years later and that launched an International Tour. I have been doing my show all over these fruited plains of America as well as Scotland, London, Australia, and even Canada. Did you know that they have food up there in Canada now? It is so progressive
4) Is it true that while on a talk show in London you sold over $700 to the crew?
Yep, I was on a talk show just promoting the show and talking about these amazing creative food storage solutions for your home and office and when the camera stopped rolling, a group of crew members came up and started rubbing up all over my Tupperware and flipping through the catalog. As I was packing up all my stuff, they came over and started ordering things from me. I ain’t never had the technical people be so interested. I was so surprised that my mouth flew open like a high school cheerleader
5) How did it feel to be the #1 Tupperware saleswomen?
I got up on stage at the Jubilee, the annual Tupperware Convention and almost had a “come apart.” When they called my name as the Top Seller, I was so tickled and proud. I never had so many people cheering for me and hollering my name (unless you count that one job I had where they tried to shoot quarters into my bra). It was one of the most incredible moments of my life. I had people coming up to me and asking me for advice and getting their picture made with me and genuinely showing me all kinds of love and respect.
6) Are you excited about the Smart Ride benefit?
I have always been one to help others as often as I can. When the SMART Ride folks asked me to support their amazing efforts, I jumped at the chance. It is an incredible feat to do what they are all doing. Riding that long to support their friends and loved ones who live with or have sadly died of AIDS takes one hell of a big heart. I feel like I am doing the easy part. It’s all of these great folks who are going to have to sit on a banana seat for 2 full days and ride their little butts off
7) You were recently in Australia, how was that?
It was amazing! I was part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Some of the funniest people from all over the world were there taking part in it. I couldn’t believe that I actually got to be part of that whole thing. It was like being in America except everyone talked different and smelled unfamiliar. But don’t worry, I showed ’em all a little bit of southern hospitality. I made sure that as the US Ambassador, I left a mark
8) There was rumor that while in Australia you married a Koala bear, is this true?
Oh Lord, no. I got to actually hold one. He was adorable although he smelled like eucalyptus and poop. Sort of did remind me of one of my ex-husbands. Besides, I have been married three times before. The last thing I need is some funny husband with long claws who only eats leaves and sucks on sticks. But I can tell you that there is a whole lot of carrying on that goes on behind the dumpster, so I was plenty taken care of.
10) Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
Sometimes when it is really hot like in the summer here, I don’t wear no panties. It just is so muggy and sticky here. The last thing I want to be doing is cleaning a pair of panties out in the sink that got stuck on my leg when I was trying them on.
11) What’s ahead for Dixie?
If you can believe it, I am about to start up my 5th year on the road with my show, “Dixie’s Tupperware Party.” I’m going to be circling all over the US for another 10 months helping people with their food storage needs. It is a big job, but someone has got to do it. I figure that my job is to bring smiles and really touch people all over the world. And I’m fixing to touch as many people as I can, most especially the cute ones.
Catch a Tupperware fundraiser for the Smart Ride with Dixie Longate this Saturday, July 21st at the Center for Spiritual Living Fort Lauderdale (1550 NE 26th Street) at 8pm. Tickets are $35 and can purchased at the door or in advance at TheSmartRide.org or by calling 866-696-7701.
