Last Night A Showtune Changed My Life

    Well it is no secret that I'm a big ole show queen! If it has anything to do with the theatre or musical theatre I'm there.   When I lived in Columbus, OH, I would got to Showtunes Sunday at Union Station, now called U.  I would meet my friends and we drink some drinks, eat some food, and spend way to many hours watching clips of all things musical.  It was a great way to end the weekend and often led to very hungover Monday! 

  *Note to my Ohio followers.   Check out U in the short north for Showtunes Sunday!  It's been a while since I've been, but I think they still have it.

   When I moved to NYC, I was happy to discover a night like that at Splash Bar on 17th and 6th.   Every Monday starting at 7:00pm the super sweet VJ John Bantay, who is no stranger to the Broadway stage himself, creates an amazing night of fun for the show queens and newbies alike. 

   I am often teased because I rarely miss a Monday.  Chances are if you need to find me between the hours of 7 and 11pm on Mon. I'm there.  But what people don't realize is that for me, its not just about the great videos, happy hour, and all that jazz.  It's the community, the energy, and the chance to reconnect. 

   I live less than one block away from my friend of almost 7 years and I rarely get to hang out. Sure we text, maybe chat phone call, but its tough meeting up, I have friends that I met in Ohio that now live in the city and I see them even less. The different schedules and the hustle and the bustle just makes it impossible!  The one thing we all know is that on Musical Monday nights at Splash we will get a chance to see each other, catch up, enjoy some tunes, sit, bitch, argue, sometimes cry, and of course laugh.  It's our chance to reconnect in this "City of Strangers."

  VJ John  B also does something else for me. He helps me forget the bad day or previous week I may have had, forget about new medical bills I have to pay, the student loan that's gonna make my paycheck disappear, etc... And if only for a moment, live in a musical life of where people express their joys and sorrows in song, dance, and acting.  It's kinda like Church of the Sacred Showtunes.  It seems that whatever I may be going through, something will get shown that will "preach" to me.  I've seen it happen! One moment everyone is laughing and carrying on ,then a clip will get shown, and the table will go silent.  We just watch, take it in, maybe shed a single tear, give a nod, and continue on.   

  Now if you decide to come on out, I suggest you follow my strategy.  Send a text to see who's going and who gets off of work first.   Whoever does, hustles to the bar to make sure that we get a table.  Because you know Q does not stand up! I prefer to sit and pose! Then, if you're the first one there you have the "wait of shame", where you have to sit by yourself and fight off bitchy queens, oldie dirties, and annoying twinks that want to take the chairs from the table, block your view, or attempt to pick you up. It's even worse if you have to pee.  If you leave, your spot is gone! After the wait is over, the others usually start arriving and the fun begins, Regine, the resident bar mistress who has been taking care of for way too many years, comes by takes the drink orders and the rest is history.  What follows is a lot of singing,  a few arguments over who sang it better, a couple of Patti versus Bernadette, dancing, friend making, maybe some making out,  and, for some, DRINKING!  Even if you've never seen a show in your life, I'm pretty sure you will find some way to have a good time.

    Now, I'm not saying screw live theatre and don't go and actually see a show.  Nothing can replace the real thing.  Think of this as a quick fix till you get a chance to. I'm also not saying  "go all ye Christians and put down your bibles." I'm just saying go out and see a show and pick up a cast recording. You might be surprised.  Besides, doesn't all art come from the divine?

Showtune of the day: "Another Hundred People" from Company

watch it here!

  Ok kids1   I'm finished for the day1 As usual, I thank everyone that is following and subscribing.  Don't forget to spread the word and share with your friends.  I'm very excited for what I have in store for the blog and you all so hang in there.

Till next time!

-Q