Renaissance-woman entertainer Peaches Christ topped our personal dream list of SFist interviewees since before we started the site, but (and we're not kidding about this) we've always been too starstruck and intimidated to actually approach her. That's right, we'll march boldly up to Gavin and say all sorts of stupid s**T, but PC left us shaking in our flip flops. Hey, at least we have our priorities straight!

But when we got a release on This Year's Midnight Mass Film Series (which runs at midnights every Friday and Saturday from tonight until mid-August, see the complete schedule here), we knew we had to sack up and take one for the SFist team. But we were shocked and thrilled to discover that Ms. Christ was the most professional and sparkling interview we'd ever done -- no cold Madonna, she was instead a warm Dolly Parton of an interviewee. Do you know how high that gets us, when someone we've always admired is actually nice? Pretty damn high.

Something else that's always gotten us high is PC's aforementioned series of Midnight Masses, which kicks off tonight with an unbelievable lineup of Night of the Living Dead (on Friday) or Carrie (on Saturday), with the great Elvira, Mistress of the Dark in person both nights. Buy tickets now, because we promise they'll be sold out when your slack ass shows up at 11:59.

We hear that you recently took Midnight Mass on the road, to Seattle, NY, Brussels, even Berkeley? Were those crowds receptive to the Peaches Christ message? How did it go?

Audiences respond just a little bit differently everywhere we go, but I’d say that my message of Christ was universally well received. Of course I was super nervous about how people would respond, especially New Yorkers, but they were great. It took them a little bit longer to loosen up but by the time I sent lap-dancers into the audience they were having a blast.

Seattle was so much fun last spring that we went back in the fall. They’re definitely the most like San Franciscans, enthusiastic and smart. I think I’m going back again later this year, hopefully with Tura Satana.

The Brussels Mass happened because an arts organization there brought me over for a screening of my short film retrospective. That was my European debut and it was amazing. They treated me like a real star. But at the end of the day, the best audiences in the world are right here. There’s nothing like doing a show at the Bridge Theatre for San Franciscans and anytime I leave to do a show elsewhere I’m reminded of this. That sounds sort of ass-kissy, but really, it’s true.

We were happy to hear that Grindhouse, one of the shorts from your short film collection (which you can buy next week) is being developed into a locally shot feature. Any updates on that project?

One big update is that I have to change the title because Quentin Tarantino’s new film is called Grindhouse! It sucks because I made the short a few years ago and am really attached to the title, but I’m somewhat flattered because Tarantino really only steals from cinema greats. Right now, I’m working on a final draft of the screenplay and have been talking with a potential producer. He’s a fan of my stuff and an established Hollywood filmmaker. He seems genuinely interested in helping us realize our first feature film and understands it has to be made in San Francisco with my people. It’s a gore comedy that’s distinctly set in the Bay Area.

Any favorite films in the upcoming Midnight Mass season?

Hmm, I really do love all the films we’re screening but my top three favorites are Carrie, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, and Polyester. I really want to squeeze Deathrace 2000 and Mommie Dearest onto that list, but if I can only choose three favorites... Hell, I want to squeeze Night of the Living Dead onto that list too!

Any special guests you're especially excited about?

Well, I’m excited about each of the guest stars and their appearances. Robyn Lively has been a total sweetheart and is super enthusiastic and fun. Mary Woronov remains an elusive enigma to me and I’m absolutely fascinated by her, borderline obsessed. The Beyond the Valley of the Dolls Reunion is going to be insane and truly unprecedented. BUT! The person I’m the most emotionally invested in, the person I’ve worshipped since I was a child, the one who’s visit has been giving me anxiety dreams and stomach butterflies is Cassandra Peterson aka Elvira. This truly is a dream come true. She’s been such a fantastic inspiration and idol. I still can’t even believe it’s going to happen. I hope she likes me!

Name: Peaches Christ

Introduce yourself in one sentence: Hello, my name is Peaches Christ and I want you to remember... Peaches loves you.

Age and occupation: 32 year-old filmmaker, part-time Cult Leader.

Home town: Annapolis, MD

How long have you lived in the Bay Area and where (city, neighborhood,etc.) and WHY? I’ve lived in San Francisco for over ten years now because it’s beautiful, creative, and probably the only U.S. City a queen named after Jesus could rise from the underground to become part of the respected fabric of the city.

Favorite place to spend time online: I spend hours daily staring at my own website

Favorite local business: Right now, I’m really in love with the guys over at Clubcard Printing on Market Street in the Castro. Fantastic work, great prices, and fantastic service. I’m also super fond of Amoeba on Haight.

What I'm currently reading: Tura Satana’s unpublished autobiography / manuscript.

Best deal in San Francisco: Besides Midnight Mass? Trannyshack. It features a different talent-packed show every week for only $7.

Favorite mode of transportation: I’m obsessed with walking. I even took a “fitness walking” course in college with Martiny. Seriously.

Best band or musician to come out of the Bay Area: Robbie D. (aka Jer Ber Jones)

Favorite Bay Area stereotype, and whether or not you buy into it: That we live in a bubble, a fantasy world. Yes, I buy into it, encourage it, work for it.

BEST local hangout: Sweet Inspirations on Market. Not because I’m gay. Because I’m fat.

You've never lived in SF until: You’ve worn a wig.

Favorite Bay Area politician of past or present: Matt Gonzalez

Now that Mayor Gavin Newsom is single, who are you going to set him up with? Putanesca

You can tell someone is a local here IF: They carry a jacket or sweatshirt on a warm day.

SF would be soooo much better if only: We effectively dealt with the homeless situation.

Best burrito: Taqueria El Castillito on Church

Best restaurant: Suriya Thai on Valencia

Best movie scene filmed in or about SF: I’m partial to the finale of Whatever Happened to Peaches Christ? shot on Baker Beach, in full drag, hot day, without a permit.

Favorite artist to come out of the Bay Area: Jim Winters

Favorite author to come out of the Bay Area: Armistead Maupin

Place you always tell visitors to check out: Alcatraz. It’s super underrated by locals.

Favorite bridge in the area: The Bridge Theatre

You have two hours and $15 bucks to kill in SF, what are you going to do? Walk aimlessly, get food someplace delicious.

I have found/sold/bought the following on craigslist: Almost every bizarre, last-minute Midnight Mass prop including all the mattresses I’ve ever humped for Sing-Along Truth or Dare.

I want all the SFists out there to know: We’re blessed.

Tell us a San Francisco story: After Martiny and I dislocated her arm during a Mother/Daughter mud-wrestling match held before a sold-out Mommie Dearest crowd, she was rushed to the hospital. I had to finish the pre-show before heading there to meet her. I was terrified that we’d be treated like crap and perhaps even ignored. Even for queens in SF, we do not look normal...

Martiny and I were covered in “mud”, torn up drag, and we stank. Mar had been at the hospital for at least twenty minutes by the time I arrived. When I walked into the emergency room, a couple of male nurses rushed up to me and said “Ms. Christ, we’re taking good care of Martiny. She’s going to be fine.” I couldn’t believe it. As I sat in the lobby, nurses and doctors came down to hear me tell stories and sign autographs. They fixed Martiny up and kissed us goodbye. Only in San Francisco.

Question you'd ask if you were doing this interview: What’s next?