Additional reporting by Stephen Tortora-Lee

Mini Fridge was a qualified success this year, with seven shows and seven ways to beat the heat, be dazzled by a variety of entertainers and cross your fingers in the hopes that some of these great shows will be returning bigger, better and badder.  Hopefully you read the Elevenses so you had your pre-show snack  … and even more hopefully you caught some of the ‘fridge.  But if you didn’t, here’s what was in that tiny box (besides beer of course!) —

Bare.  Stripped down and honest, in your face and not making any excuses, Bare. was a riviting collaboration between paired teams of burlesque performers and seriously stimulating storytellers.  The idea was to deliver stories which were uncomfortable for everyone –  audience and performer alike.  But sometimes what gets revealed in the uncomfortable moments is actually more familiar than we’d like to admit, and Bare. offered the unique opportunity to experience something difficult in the universally safe environment of theatre.

It was the juxtaposition of unveiling while weaving – taking away while creating – salty and sweet: the best use of your senses. The result was unconventional and groundbreaking.  Issues included having sex for the first time, initial attraction to girls and one memorable performance which was the reenactment having a hymen broken. This was sensuality and strangeness … all living up to the straightforward title and leaving nothing hiding undercover.

The intention is for Bare. to go on from here; three more performances are in the works: September, November and capping off with a final show in December. For those interested in a REALLY different set of circumstances, the September show will feature a switch up: the burlesque performers will write the stories and the writers will strip down.

Curated and hosted by Peter Aguero this special Mini Fridge volume starred Adam Wade, Sarah Jenness, Diana Spechler, Magdalena Fox, Francine, Amelia Bareparts, and Mary Cyn as The Kraken.

Written by Alexis Roblan and Rachel Kerry, Bible Burlesque is what happens when your FRIGID show, Daughters of Lot, needs to raise money to get to the Edinburgh Fringe.  Whereas Daughters of Lot was the story of the two bible gals told through the eyes of feminist burlesque performers, Bible Burlesque goes behind the scenes to tap into the funnier side of what goes into creating a show  - especially one with a premise that tries to marry Bible with Burlesque.

“The events depicted in this show are real … at least the parts about fundraising” states the program … and so, without pulling any punches, begins the meta telling of this journey.  Equal parts storytelling and burlesque (with maybe a little more storytelling) Roblan and Kerry are portrayed by Marelena Kalm and Victoria Longwell who re-enact the process of how one (or in this case, two) exactly go about creating a unique burlesque show built on biblical themes.    Everything from a Noah’s Arc theme to “What if God F*cked one of us?” crossed thier minds and crossed the stage with often hilarious results.

The good news is that as of the time of the show they raised enough money for Daughters of Lot to get to Edinburgh … just not enough money for any of them to eat during their overseas stay.  Let’s hope when they’re abroad they meet a dude who can work a miracle or two around some loaves and fishes.  Hey, it worked once, right?

Bye Bye Bombay was full of the sights, sounds and personalities of India, all channeled through Gauri – a young woman who makes the trip to follow in her mother’s footsteps.  Cara Yeates – who wrote and performed – channeled many different characters convincingly and used screen projections and a driving soundrack to bring the world of Bombay – and Bollywood – alive.

Most impressive among talents such as puppetry, mimicry and storytelling was the way Yeates  performed a showstopping dance as she lip-synched to a dazzling Bollywood production number, bringing the lavish world of Bollywood to UNDER St. Marks.  Yeates also notably embodied an arguing couple who fought with each other in one of the many languages spoken in India.  When Ms. Yeates says she lived in India for a year, there’s no doubt about it.

By turns both forceful and delicate, Bye Bye Bombay was a true delight.   As a New Yorker I thrilled to the fact that, through this one-woman-show, I was given confirmation that a place exists which appears to be crazier, more crowded, and more chaotic than New York.  However, what India also appears to have is a plethora of spirituality and a means to find your center if only you can break away from the hypnotic Bollywood beat … something else which Ms. Yeates was able to capture and manifest beautifully.  Bye Bye Bombay may be bye bye for now, but I’m hoping we have another chance to meet again soon.

A striking combination of futuristic noir, multimedia and music ranging from lounge to complex ambient initium/finis  is a gripping story that pulls you through many layers of a world that represents – as the title implies – the beginning and the end, melding past with future.

Metropolis fans will find an echo of that world here.  Ellery Royston embodies two clones who are experiencing two sides of a story which involves murder, intrigue and a journey toward self discovery in an alien future.

initium/finis was mezmerizing, with deep themes  that were well executed with a stunning multimedia component which alone was worth the price of admission.   It depicted an overlay of lush city scenes as well as short movies.  These shorts captured Royston’s stunning range —  for while she’s expressive on stage she’s even moreso in the filmed sequences.
Possibly most compelling were scenes executed in shadow play where much of the “real” action happened at times – the intrigue of this heightened version of the characters offered an extra note of theatricality and dimension.

Back after a successful FRIGID run, initium/finis shows that there seems to be no end in the near future for this deeply affecting story.

As usual Killy Mockstar Dwyer and her talented band delivered an inside-out performance  – crowds who know and love KTB should know better than to expect run of the mill when it comes to this bunch!  Kill the Band: Mock Bottom  started off with a dark theatre – extremely so – as we’re all trapped in the darkness with Killy who gropes about and tries to figure out where she is.

Of course it’s a relief when she comes to find she was simply lost in a closet after a night of drunken debauchery right after recording Kill The Band’s new album, Mock Bottom.

Killy then launches into a strong opening performance which got the crowd pumping.  What followed was 60 minutes of pure energy and frenetic joy delivered in typical Kill The Band style as Killy and her loyal (and seriously talented) musicians- Joe Yoga, Mike Milazzo, Blair Frowner and The Human Drum Machie- delivered one song after another that was both funny, thoughtful and catchy.

No simple concert, though, the songs were couched in the centeral theme of Killy at her shrink’s office with each of her band members representing one or more of the stages of grief.   A monologue of the creative process would then seque into a Mock Bottom song.

And if you found yourself loving these catchy songs (which include favorites Ben Kingsley, Girl Balls, Clone U, See Something Say Something and Famous Baby) an album was included with the price of admission.

If you weren’t able make the show that doesn’t mean you have to be empty handed with no Kill The Band songs to sing – never that.

• To order the hard copy CD (with 12 page art/lyrics/liner notes booklet!)  visit www.KILLYTHEKID.com.
• To buy the album on ITunes click here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mock-bottom/id530564603.
• To buy on Amazon http://amzn.com/B0086JZTHQ

Legendary: A Man-tasia was first described to me as a drag show without the drag, but Legendary: A Man-tasia wound up being much, much more.  Sure, there was superb lip-synching with so much sass, attitude and choreography that at times it was impossible to sit still in your seat.  But the story was expertly woven through the showstopping numbers – finely crafted to tug at your heartstrings.  Not simply a backed-into plot to accomodate the songs, this story of two men: Larry (Michael Awusie) and his love Stev (Mark O’Connell) trying to define their relationship as they try to define themselves was heartwarming, bittersweet, loving, sexy, and a triumph.  But oh, let’s talk about those lip-synch numbers!

Larry’s rendition of Sheree Whitfield’s – “Who Gon Check Me Boo?” was absolutely inspired (and I can’t stop YouTubing it.  Not for the original, but in memory of  Michael’s version). The show was filled with moments of pure, joyful production numbers like this. To watch O’Connell and Christopher Burris as Bishop Eddie Long (who has a naughty, nasty hold over Larry) duke it out in a battle with musical fireworks worthy of those spewed forth by Harry Potter and Voldermort as they channeled superdivas Whitney Houston & Aretha Franklin for “It Isn’t, It Wasn’t, It Ain’t Never Gonna Be” to underline the point that “he aint never, ever, never never, never gonna be your man” gave me goosebumps.  In fact,  it made me wanna go out and steal someone’s man just so I could re-enact this scene on my own.  I mean … seriously boo.

Cap this all off with a stupendous Jennifer Holiday channeled by Kimberlee Walker who had me shaking and, well – could you want more? Oh … wait … a fantastic story. All this lucious lip-synching is draped over the terrific bones of a strong story of one man who is trying to shake off the past (Bishop Eddie Long – who is actually there in spirit, but what a spirit it is) and embrace his present: Stev, a tall drink of water who loves him like Islands In The Stream (aww! Sweet!) but can’t quite come out of the closet far enough to shout it from the mountains. Well, not yet.

And, I did mention Jennifer Holiday, right? This was A Man-tasia in the truest sense of the word -and while I actually don’t KNOW what the truest sense of the word ‘Man-tasia” actually is I will say it’s a  fantasy, told from the heart, set to a driving soundtrack of amazing songs (and a little Babs in there too of course). This was no show – this was an experience. I want it back again, ASAP. Weekly if possible – with surprise guests! Pleeeez???

 

Xmas in July?  You bet your buttons!  Or, in the case of Lord Gregory & Mademoiselle Godin’s miniXMAS Spectacular - you bet your bouton!

This french brother and sister act have it all.  Charm, style, talent … and what friends they have!  Greg Levin and Michelle Leona Godin don the outfits of a bygone french era and the personalities of french twins to create a salon in which their charming circle could congregate to celebrate  miniXMAS for our enjoyment.

One after another their talented friends came to the stage to kick up their heels with the crowd.  So many! Joe Yoga was there and you know what a fan I am of his!  Leslie Goshko did the most inspired version of Frosty The Snowman I ever heard … If Frosty was actually that guy whom Alanis Morrisette wrote about in You Oughta Know.  (WHY did no one ever do that mashup before?  No matter … Leslie did – and it’s brilliant).  AND imagining FROSTY is a lot better than imagining that guy from Full House putting it to Alanis, non?

Michael Birch reminded everyone that We Need A Little Christmas … and also reminded us that the whipping sound in Sleigh Ride (1:07 in this beloved Boston Pop version) is actually … you know ... a horse being whipped.  Still, it didn’t keep us from merrily participating whip and all.  After-all, miniXMAS is all about tradition!  Then Beezy Douglas weighed in with an anti-christmas song because it is JULY after all.

But there were skits too!  Lord Gregory himself wound up playing the Santa who got caught in a sting set up for a pedophile … though he digs himself deeper and deeper (But Becky wrote me a letter!  I brought this bag of toys!  Children write their fantasies to me!!!)  Later after Chromatic Stampede sang about wanting nothing more for christmas than consumer debt forgiveness Peter DeGiglio flipped the script on Twas The Night Before Christmas and pulled out an aresenal of voices from his bag of tricks as he told a Mook miniXMAS story — in verse.  C’est Manifique

With a Krampus making an appearance via shadow puppet master Ceili Clemens the whole evening was pretty much complete.

Like any good miniXMAS there were a few other little surprises under the tree, but the real present was the great feeling of joy and good will toward men and … oh forget it.  It’s JULY.

Thanks Lord Gregory and Mademoiselle Godin for sharing your love of miniXMAS – and your love of each other  … and sharing your friends with us!  See you next miniXMAS!  Whenever that may be!

And that’s it for Mini Fridge this year.  Good job everyone.  See you next year, starting with Elevenses.

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• Grab A Snack From The Mini-Fridge
• It’s Time For Mini-Fridge Elevenses With Kill The Band – Mock Bottom Mockumental CD Release Experience!
• Last Looks At The Happiest Medium In 3-D – Pull Your Glasses Out
• It’s Time For Mini-Fridge Elevenses With Bible Burlesque!
• Daughters Of Lot – A Lot Going On (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

So, what is a crapshoot, exactly?  Basically it’s something risky — something that depends more on luck than on skill … something that has an unpredictable outcome.  But the secret to the success of Rising Sun Production’s monthly show Crapshoot! is that while a lot of it is wildly unpredictable, it’s sitting on the shoulders of talented folks who have a solid improv foundation and are pretty much ready to handle whatever gets thrown at them.  More luck than skill?  I’d say there’s skill aplenty here, and it comes zooming at you at 90mph in this variety show.  The result is a boisterous, crazy, sometimes chaotic but always hilarious night of pure enjoyment that offers up nothing but silliness, fun and entertainment.

The format for Crapshoot! is simple – and they stick to it. Part improv (well, more than part) part talk show, part audience participation, part balls-to-the-wall hilarity … these folks will do anything to give the audience a good time and I left with my sides hurting from laughter.  Just be warned if you answer their sweet-faced “Do you want to play a game?” with “Yes” then your name is going into the pool of volunteers who will be called up to the stage.  While it’s all in good fun, if you don’t want to play, make sure you don’t submit your name card.  If you do wanna play however … be ready for anything.

Each show is different but I can assume the basic premise will be the same. On my night host Mia Y. Anderson had the audience in the palm of her hand as she immediately warmed us up with material that was both prepared ahead of time as well as tossed off on the spot. As a full-fledged bisexual she had full license to flirt with any and all who caught her eye, and she did so with a naughty wink that never went too far.

There was just enough variety – served up in short segments – to keep the movement going: a talk-show format, some interviews with “Nurse Betty” where questions were taken from the audience, a game show (cue giant puffy dice) that was so hilarious I couldn’t catch my breath. The audience is encouraged to liquor up beforehand (and during!) so the looser the crowd the better the show.

Intersperesed between all the games, fake commercial breaks, and white fly girl dancing, there is some out-of-the box improv done on the spot to real life postcards and love letters – supplied by the audience.  (“BRING YOUR POSTCARDS, HIGH SCHOOL LOVE LETTERS, DIARY ENTRIES AND BREAK UP STORIES AND SEE YOUR MEMORIES ACTED OUT LIVE ON STAGE FOR THE AMUSEMENT OF OTHERS!” Click here to submit. All names will remain confidential.) Bad handwriting often proved to be the speed-bump which brought this otherwise funny bit to a halt.   I’d suggest perhaps vetting the cards before hand – not for content but for legibility.  Still, on my night the audience gamely rooted the cast on and was duely happy with the results.  It’s all in good fun, folks.

Coming in at just around an hour this later show is the perfect way to start an evening of hi-jinx of your own … see the show, get in a few laughs and then hit the great bars in the area. While almost all of your experience may vary, chances are this capable cast will do right by you.  You’ll have a blast.  And that, my friends, may be a crapshoot, but it’s also a pretty safe bet.

The cast I enjoyed on Thursday June 21st for Crapshoot! was:

Host Mia Y. Anderson
MC/Pianist/Closing Act: Michael Burns
Fly White Girls: Samantha DeSimone, Amanda Berry, Haley Selmon
Cowboy Deuce: Ryan Dursek
Nurse Betty: Sarah Norris
Jackie Walker: Haley Selmon
Wish you Were Here (Postcards Players): Mike Burns, Sarah Norris, Ryan Dursek, Amanda Berry
Post-Apocalyptic Mailman: Carl Fengler
Game Squad: Amanda Berry, Sarah Norris, Carl Fengler

~~~

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 The Mini-Fridge Elevenses*

11 Questions, 11 Answers … ZERO calories, and 100% YUMMY!

 *Elevenses is a snack that is similar to afternoon tea, but eaten in the morning and might consist of some cake or biscuits with a cup of coffee or tea. The name refers to the time of day that it is taken: around 11 am. 

Lord Gregory & Mademoiselle Godin’s

miniXMAS Spectacular!

Written by: Gregory Levine

Xmas. What an awful word, non?! And everything so shabby nowadays. Well, perhaps you’ve been going to the wrong parties… Aristocratic siblings Lord Gregory and Mademoiselle Godin — whose twisted bond of love and jealousy has only grown stronger since the terrible day their zygote split in the womb — cordially invite you to the unseasonable soiree of the year: a splendid Xmas gala showcasing the stars of the 2012 miniFRIDGE, and featuring the marvelous musicians, comedians and performance artist of the Horse Trade family. You will be sadly gauche if you are not in attendance!

Show Times:

• Friday June 29 @ 10pm

Answers by: Producers & Hosts
Gregory Levine and M. Leona Godin
 

 1. Your tag line is featured above, so we know the PR version of what this play is about. But when you talk to your family and friends, how do you explain the show to them?
Gregory & Godin: We’re hosting a showcase cabaret as delusional decadent siblings of centuries gone by.

2. Here’s a scenario: After the show some audience members go have a drink. What’s the part of the show you hope they’re discussing?
Godin: The seamless and hilarious interludes as the glue binding dynamic and well-curated acts.
Gregory:  How handsome and beautiful we were.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
Gregory & Godin:  As hosts, we have developed characters that entertain thanks to the time we’ve taken to have an implicit and sometimes explicit back story.

4. What’s the one thing someone said about the show so far that made you the most proud?
Gregory & Godin: “Wow, Gregory Levine and M. Leona Godin working together?! That’s brilliant and bound to be gothic!”

5. Let’s fantasize for a moment. Let’s take the “off-off” off. Imagine this show is on Broadway. What would that change about the production itself?
Gregory & Godin:  Bigger wigs!

6. Taking that one step further – after paying everyone what they’re worth of course, what is the most lavish, luxurious, frivolous thing you would spend money on if there was no constraints? (Think of the helicopter in Miss Saigon).
Godin: Absurdly big wigs!
Gregory: And genuine opium in the pipes! Not that we advocate its use. And stay in school, kids.

7. Is there a scene, a moment, anything that gets a completely different reaction depending on the audience that night?
Gregory & Godin:  Well, there is just a hint of inappropriate sibling affection that sometimes takes audiences seconds to appreciate and others deny the innuendos until they burst out laughing helplessly or throw bibles.

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
Gregory & Godin: Let them eat cake!

9. Is the world of this play sustainable outside a theatre? In other words … do you think people live the way the characters do? Would you want a world where they do?
Gregory & Godin: Yes, we try hard to promote the Eurotrash decadence of centuries past in our day to day lives with much success!

10. You scan the audience and you see a face that stops you dead in your tracks – who is it? And why are you shocked?
Gregory & Godin: Richard Harris. He’s not only alive, and laughing at our show — he’s left some booze for the other audience members!

11. Time for Elevenses! Go to the mini-fridge of your fantasy hotel. What’s your dream 11:00am snack?
Gregory & Godin:  Champagne, fois gras and little cakes!

Thanks, Lord Gregory and Mademoiselle Godin, for having your Elevenses with us here at THM!  We can’t wait to see Lord Gregory & Mademoiselle Godin’s miniXMAS Spectacular!!

If you’d like to catch Lord Gregory & Mademoiselle Godin’s miniXMAS Spectacular! at The Mini-Fridge Festival find out more by clicking this link.

~~~

HORSE TRADE THEATER GROUP IN ASSOCIATION WITH FRIGID NEW YORK PRESENT THE 2012 MINI-FRIDGE

JUNE 28 – JULY 4 @ UNDER ST. MARKS The mini-festival will play at UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1st Avenue and Avenue A) June 28-July 4. Tickets ($15/$12 students & seniors) are available online  or by calling 212-868-4444. 

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• It’s Time For Mini-Fridge Elevenses With Kill The Band – Mock Bottom Mockumental CD Release Experience!
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• It’s Time For Mini-Fridge Elevenses With Bible Burlesque!
• Grab A Snack From The Mini-Fridge
• Outskirts of Eden: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Monologues! Comedy! Improv! Ukulele music!

Friday, Sept. 2nd, 7-9pm

–> Bowery Poetry Club <–

Hosted by award-winning playwright Monica Bauer (Outstanding New Script, MITF 2008; nominee writing for Best Solo Show, Planet Connections 2010; finalist, Heideman Award).

Performers include:

• playwright Monica Bauer performing the Breast Pride Movement from the Diet Monologues
• John Fico performing a monologue from his critically acclaimed performance in Made for Each Other
• Duncan Pflaster, master of the Broadway Ukulele
• and others!

–> Open Mic sign up at 7 pm <–

Admission $8 (includes one free raffle ticket for a $100 Amazon.com Gift Certificate that will be raffled off that evening!)

Related Posts:

• BALLS! – Come See What Goes On In The Minds Of Men
• Last Looks At The Happiest Medium In 3-D – Pull Your Glasses Out
• Made For Each Other – ‘Til Death (Or Something Like It) Do Us Part (Planet Connections 2010)
• CLENCHED: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Becoming Butch (Fringe Festival 2012)

Okay, so – yeah . . . maybe Alter Ego is actually not usually appropriate for children.  But you can be there, thinking of them!  Because this Sunday – December 19th Alter Ego is having a very special Toys for Tots benefit performance party  – at Fontana’s which is exactly the place you wanna be thinking of wee Tots as you knock back your fifth tequila of the night and watch exotic belly dancing, alternative underground comedy, twisted freak folk music, avant garde antics, sultry modern dance, break-dancing straight from the streets, bawdy burlesque and Santa Elvis!

Entrance is free HOWEVER you MUST bring an *unwrapped* gift for a child. Cash donations are also accepted but not as fun.

Doors open at 7:30pm. Show starts downstairs at 8pm. Holiday fun party is upstairs in the main bar directly after the show until the wee wee hours!

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• Following The Path Of Yoga
• It’s A Double Header Of Our Favorites – BALLS! And KILL THE BAND!
• 2nd Season Mini Fridge – Tasty, Filling And Leaving Audience Wanting More! (Jun 28, 2012 – Jul 04, 2012 )
• It’s Time For Mini-Fridge Elevenses With Kill The Band – Mock Bottom Mockumental CD Release Experience!
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Happiest Party

Come on, you know you’ve been waiting for it!  Ever since that save-the-date you’ve been waiting for this link so that you could RSVP for the fizziest, blingy-est party of the season that will be glossy, glitzy, and glittery, filled with confection of every kind!

Sweet party people in their addictive party clothes sending out their seductive champagne party vibe.  There will be so much talent, so much lusciousness, so much excitement in this one room on this one night that you’re almost intoxicated already just reading about it.

Click here to purchase your tickets for THE HAPPIEST MEDIUM (In 3-D) First Year Anniversary Party hosted by Fringe Darling FRANCA VERCELLONI.

We’ll see you there!

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• Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women In The Arts – Spotlight On Franca Vercelloni
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• Classically Trained, Practically Broke – Beautifully Done (Fringe Festival 2010)

1001 Nights

Sometimes you just need a break from all the Fringe going on all around you.  Alternately, maybe you’re just looking for some good guacamole and chips with a side of laughs.  Or you just want to hang out with your friends at the bar downing some beers with the cozy feeling of a room full of happy people laughing their butts off in the next room at something you can’t quite hear.  Whatever you’re into, I suggest you find the answer at The Creek and The Cave – a surprising find (for me, at least) in the shadow of the Pulaski Bridge in Long Island City, Queens.

“Every month at The Creek host Eugene Ashton-Gonzalez brings together the wittiest writers, comedians, and actors from around New York to tell shocking, hilarious, and intimate tales of their lives at 1001 Nights.” While I can’t vouch for EVERY MONTH I can say that I went last month and was immediately won over – by the friendly set up of this bi-level bar/restaurant/lounge . . . by the casual atmosphere, and the feeling that the place was hip and cool (but not *too* hip or cool) and by the overall feeling that I would be welcomed back whenever I decided to come again – even though I’m far from a neighborhood gal.   But the true gem of the evening was the show I’d come to see.

First of all – the price is right.  It’s free.  And that’s no cover, no 2 drink minimum . . . as far as I could tell you could wander in off the street, pull up a chair, enjoy the show, and leave again.  But Don’t DO THAT! 1) It’s not very nice and 2) Laughing makes you thirsty.  And trust me, if last month’s show was any indication, you’ll be laughing a lot so you’ll need a drink.  Second of all, the four stories I heard were chock full of personality, history, embarrassing moments, and humor.  Each storyteller was so good all I wanted was more, more, more.

The good news is, if you’ve never hear of The Creek and The Cave you can let 1001 Nights act as your initiation.  You’ll want to go back for more nights of comedy.  Luckily, there are many other themed evening to choose from, you just have to look at the calendar.

But I suggest you start with Friday the 20th so that you can get back to Fringing your way around the city for the rest of the weekend.

~~~

Phone: 718-706-8783718-706-8783

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If the name Mae West means nothing to you, then you should come up and see me some time . . . and I’ll fill you in. My knowledge of this woman – her life, her career, her philosophy – is so encyclopedic that a friend once suggested I teach a college course on her.

It’s been thirty years since her death but I can remember the details as if it were yesterday.  True, I was just a child, but the effect she’d had on my short life at that point was already indelible and I morned her death on Nov 22, 1980 with as much grief as the rest of the world morned John Lennon just a few weeks later.

But like so many iconic celebrities, Mae West continues to live on and on . . . as evidenced by the  stronghold her image still has on pop culture.  In fact, there’s going to be a Mae West Birthday Bash happening this upcoming weekend, hosted by The Gaudy Girls! I got a chance to chat about Mae, Sophie Tucker, the joys of celebrating strong women, and the importance of keeping the torch going  when I caught up with Maggie Worsdale who embodies Sophie Tucker (“The Last of the Red Hot Mamas!”)  and Anne Marie Finnie who channels Mae West. Together, they are The Gaudy Girls.

Tell me a little bit about The Gaudy Girls – How did you both come up with the idea of bringing the fabulous Mae West and Sophie Tucker to new audiences?

Anne Marie Finnie as Mae West and Maggie Worsdale as The Last of the Red Hot Mamas - Sophie Tucker

Maggie Worsdale: Anne Marie Finnie portrayed Mae West in a show in NJ.  I was in that production.  6 months later I portrayed Sophie Tucker at that same theater and she came to see the show.  We decided to put both gals on the same bill.  The show has been going strong for the past 6 years.  We’ve played Atlantic City, Yonkers Raceway, The Poconos and the Catskills.  We also produced an album 3 years ago which is loaded with many of our show tunes. We have 2 distinct shows – Vaudeville and Las Vegas Style.  Currently, this is the only show with which we are touring.

What do you think today’s gals could learn from Mae and Sophie?

Maggie: The greatest lesson they taught was that you must believe in yourself no matter what anyone else is saying about you.  You will fail but you must keep going.  In the end, those perceived failures were truly your greatest achievements. THESE TWO GALS SEIZED EVERY OPPORTUNITY THAT CAME THEIR WAY!

You ladies make a career of adopting the personae of very strong, very independent woman who, without a doubt, were ahead of their time.  How has stepping into their lives affected how you live your own life?

Maggie: What a great question!  We transform onstage.  Anne Marie Finnie more than I.  I’m a big mouth on and off the stage.  Anne Marie is much more demure.  It’s just too much fun to put on all the glitz, gloves, diamonds, hats, sequin boas and knock ’em out with a hot rendition of A GOOD MAN IS HARD TO FIND.  We’ve been at this thing – THE GAUDY GIRLS – for about 6 years and the show is well seasoned.  To know that an audience is going to be entertained beyond their expectation as we are standing behind the curtain before our entrance is a thrill!

Anne, when you channel Mae, do you embody her from a particular movie, or period of time?

Anne Marie Finnie: No particular movie or time period.  I even add a bit of my personality to the fold which makes the show more pliable.  Mae West’s one-liners, songs, naughty innuendos, and the fussin’ the male element of the audience drives them all wild.

You’re hosting Mae West’s Birthday Bash at The Actor’s Temple Theatre on Saturday August 14th which (by my count) would have been Mae West’s 118th Birthday.  What can people expect if they buy a ticket to this fantastic shindig?

Classic Tucker/West songs such as FRANKIE AND JOHNNY, THERE’LL BE SOME CHANGES, THAT’S ALL BROTHER, BLUES IN THE NIGHT, SOME OF THESE DAYS and more.  Mae will treat the audience to a reprise of her Academy Award appearance in 1958 with Rock Hudson – it’s legendary!  There will be a shimmy contest, best dressed award, and gorgeous raffle gifts.

Goodness Had Nothing To Do With It . . .

If Mae was around today – do you think she’d enjoy the party you’re throwing for her?

We think she made this whole party happen. She’ll love it!  She’ll be there.

And finally, leave us with your favorite Mae West one-liner . . .

Is that a pistol in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?  (classic!)

__________________

While I didn’t get to speak with her directly, LindaAnn Loschiavo is the woman who has put on this MAE WEST BIRTHDAY GALA for the last handful of years.  She has maintained a Mae West Blog for 7 years. LindaAnn also wrote a fantastic play called COURTING MAE WEST.

See below for all party details!

* * *

Empress of Sex Offers Free Admission For VIRGINS in August

Mae West and Sophie Tucker Sizzle at the Annual Mae West Birthday Tribute New York, NY:  The general public will pay $15 each to enjoy the Annual Mae West Birthday Tribute — — but virgins (who are over 21 years of age) will be admitted free — — when the Empress of Sex and the Last of the Red Hot Mamas entertain on Saturday, August 14^th, 2010. The organizers will have a mind reader at the door to determine who is naughty and who is “snow white.”  Mae West once said, “I was snow white — — but I drifted.” In honor of Mae’s upcoming birthday, both the pure and the (ahem) experienced are welcome to enjoy the music made famous by Mae West, the Empress of Sex, and Sophie Tucker, the Last of The Red Hot Mamas.

Join us for a shimmy-long night of good songs, swell jokes, jaw-dropping raffle prizes, and more. And the live entertainment will ignite you and delight you on Saturday August 14, 2010 when two broads head back to Broadway — — Sophie Tucker along with Mae West.

Continuing her custom of commemorating the birthday of Mae West, playwright LindaAnn Loschiavo has a most exciting late-night treat in store this year: The Gaudy Girls, two talented beauties who perform the best-loved songs made famous by Sophie Tucker and Mae West.

As part of their repertoire, the ladies will spotlight a tribute to the New York-based composers and lyricists who created those popular numbers such as “Blues in the Night,” “Some of these days,” “Everybody Shimmies Now,” “Beautiful Baby,” “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” and more. It’s one night only so plan to come up and see Mae — — and Sophie.

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I Like You, Maude

You quite possibly missed the show in August, and chances are you didn’t get a chance to see the one in September.  But now you’ve got no excuse.

I Like You, Maude is back again, this Sunday, October 25th and it promises to be as much fun as the first two.

Come out for a night of hilarious tales and plenty of drinking – this month’s theme is “Lost” and performers include:

Comedian/Writer
KUMAIL NANJIANI

(Michael and Michael Have Issues, Jimmy Kimmel Live)

Comedian/Writer/Actress
JESSI KLEIN

(Michael and Michael Have Issues, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, VH1 Best Week Ever)

Comedian/Writer
MARC MARON

(Comedy Central’s Short Attention Span Theater, WTF with Marc Maron podcast)

Comedian/Actor
TREVOR WILLIAMS

(UCB, College Humor, Channel 101 NY)

Musical Guest: Comedic Musical Duo
STUCKEY & MURRAY

(E! The Chelsea Handler Show, VH1 Webjunk)

–

I Like You, Maude
Sunday, October 25, 2009
7:00pm – 10:00pm
Bar 4 (Park Slope) 444 7th avenue – Brooklyn

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Unitard (photo credit: Tom Ackerman)

Coming to the rescue in this time of turmoil, like cash for your clunkers or extra-pure heroin, the Unitards (Mike Albo, Nora Burns and David Ilku) will bail you out of your dreary little lives with an evening of humor, wit, song and sarcasm. Following their sold-out evening at Joes Pub, Unitard returns with a brand-new twisted take on life in urbania. Spanning the gamut from Vampires to Burlesque, Hudson to Hindus, and Dungeons to DUMBO, their newest show promises to be brilliant, bawdy and hilarious, of course.
“Go see this!, a satirical triumph with no time to apologize for it’s hipness” – The Boston Globe

Showtimes:
Thursday November 5th at 9:30pm
Thursday November 12th at 9:30pm
Tuesday Novenber 24th at 8pm

Laurie Beechman Theater
WESTBANK CAFE
407 West 42nd Street @ 9th Ave.

Reservations: 212 695-6909
TICKETS: $20

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