Maybe, I should have titled this piece differently. He's not dead, but he is hard to find! John Andrew Quale has been singing and performing on stage since he was a young child. In 2001, he joined the synth-pop band Endora as the lead singer and songwriter. Even if you try to look up this band, you will find quite a few, including a death metal unit also utilizing the name of a beloved Bewitched character.
I didn't take notice of this incredibly talented and eclectic performer until he appeared on the fifth season of America's Got Talent under the moniker of Prince Poppycock, a character he developed in 2006. There has never been an act like his before or since on the variety talent show! Describing himself as a "roguish operatic dandy," Poppycock utilized elaborate costumes and stage design to enhance his powdered wig and pasty makeup. He didn't play it safe with his audition, as he tackled an edited version of the complex baritone Figaro aria, "Largo al factotum." Although he was ill, he continued the operatic theme in Las Vegas with "La donna é mobile" from Rigoletto. Of course, all performances are stripped down due to time constraints. "Vesti la giubba" from Pagliacci was his choice for week four. His seemingly effortless vocal prowess would have carried him through any competition. However, his theatrical knack for performance elevated him into another stratosphere.
During Round One of the Semi-Finals, Poppycock switched directions by performing Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." A patriotic medley was his choice for the Top Ten show, which included him reciting a quote from the U.S. Declaration of Independence with images of Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, Harvey Milk and Rosa Parks being displayed behind him. There was even an image of himself on a three dollar bill. Wanting to show off a more serious side, Poppycock returned the following week with a performance of "Nessun dorma" from Turandot, which prompted Piers Morgan to hit his buzzer, an unusual occurrence during this stage of the competition. A buzzer is the one thing this artist didn't deserve, even if it was meaningless at this point. Morgan's reasoning is that Poppycock's performance wasn't as fun as the previous ones. Nonetheless, he did realize a dream when he performed with Donna Summer at the Finale. He also returned as a guest the following season to perform on the show.
Quale is a supporter of the "Trevor Project," which is a non-profit organization that helps with suicide prevention within the LGBTQ community. Trying to keep up with the career of Prince Poppycock, I find that a lot of his shows take place around the Los Angeles area. In December of 2020, he released "Chugga Jugga Glugga," a song with Selene Luna that has a dance / new wave feel with his own twist. Luna is a comic who is also an advocate for disability rights. She is known for "The Cho Show," as well as the voice of Tia Rosita in "Coco." For the longest time, I have been hoping for him to perform in my area. I am ready to purchase my tickets when he does!
