A Story of O’s
Fringe Cabaret Lounge (10330 – 84 avenue) August 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24
More information: tonyajonemiller.com/a-story-of-os
An interview with Tonya Jone Miller
Tonya Jone Miller in A Story of O’s. Photo credit: Jon Gottshall
Describe your show in five words.
Shocking, hilarious, profane, sexy, touching.
Okay, now that we’re intrigued… what’s the longer description?
I’ve been doing professional phone sex for over a decade, and during that time I’ve spoken with a staggering variety of men whose fantasies ranged from sweetly tame to utterly bizarre. A Story of O’s is a cross-section of those phone sex calls, and since I don’t follow a script on the telephone, the actual call portions of the show are mostly improvised. Every performance is slightly different, and sometimes when I have enough time, I even do a call based on suggestions from the audience. At the beginning of the show, I think most people believe they know what to expect. By the time it’s over, they’re questioning their assumptions and misconceptions about more than just phone sex.
You say your friends were fascinated by stories about your phone sex calls – why do you think that is? Is it the result of a sexualized society, or is it something more?
My friends were surprised by the kinds of things guys pay me to talk about. I know most people’s minds go directly to the obvious extremes and ultimate taboos, and yes, I have plenty of those callers. But I also have guys who want me to tell them “I love you” or don’t want any sex at all, just conversation. What does it say about society when men who crave love and human connection are essentially as marginalized as men with rape or incest or pedophile fantasies?
I’m sure audiences have had a wide range of reactions to The Story of Os. What part of the show seems to surprise audiences the most?
There’s more to phone sex than just talking dirty. It can also be part social service and part therapy. Audience thus far haven’t been expecting the more heart-warming, human elements of my show, and that’s intentional. Yes, it’s sexy and hot and nasty and perverse. It’s also sweet and sad and touching. I didn’t want people to be able to dismiss my callers as “other” – I wanted them to identify with them even if it makes the audience uncomfortable. When I was writing the show, I was very mindful of respecting my callers, not making fun of them. I’d hope that any of my clients could see the show and would feel like I was celebrating them rather than making them the butt of the joke.
Anything else you want audiences to know about the show?
Obviously due to the content, this show is 18+ only. TRIGGER WARNING: Just don’t. Don’t come see a show about phone sex if you are easily triggered by…anything. Seriously. I mean it. Any given performance of A Story of O’s may or may not include references to: incest, sexual abuse, non-consent, ageplay/pedophilia, bestiality, scat, and/or sexual violence. You have been warned.
The 33rd Edmonton International Fringe is August 14 – 24. I’ll be previewing shows up until the Fringe starts. Want your show to appear on After the House Lights? Email [email protected].