Varla Jean Merman

Varla Jean Merman, the legendary alter-ego of Jeffery Roberson, has captivated global audiences for decades as the self-proclaimed illegitimate daughter of Ethel Merman and Ernest Borgnine. A powerhouse of musical comedy, Varla seamlessly blends operatic prowess with razor-sharp wit and high-camp storytelling. From her iconic Off-Broadway debut to her record-breaking, long-standing summer residencies in Provincetown, she has cemented her status as a titan of the drag and comedy circuits. Her prolific career spans across stage and screen, including a starring role in the cult classic film Girls Will Be Girls and memorable appearances on Project Runway, Ugly Betty, and All My Children. Renowned for her elaborate, pun-filled costumes and side-splitting parodies, Varla’s performances are a masterclass in theatrical absurdity.