The Grove Gang
By the Grove Gang
Bruce-Michael Musings…
Didn’t we have a terrific Invasion of the Pines on Independence Day? To strains of “I’m your Venus, I’m your fire,” beautiful Homecoming Queen Coco Love, in a “nude” body stocking, with strategically placed jewels and scallop shell, rose like Botticelli’s Venus to be borne onto the Pines dock on a litter shouldered by handsome dancer Brandon, Roger Cortez, Invasion virgin Dan Daly, Bobby Ferri, and Joey, in their white briefs and black leather accoutrements. Accompanying Coco was an entourage some two dozen strong and including the tireless and invaluable Margo, and Charity, China, Cobra, Lois and Meryl, Donna Piranha, Urban Sprawl, Titania, Lola, Joann, Joan, Bobbie and Doreen, Linda, and Mr. Fire Island Leather 2006 Master Tom. Among those welcoming Invasion founder Panzi, in purple, and the rest of us to the Pines were Robin Byrd and, bridging our neighboring communities, Porsche.
On the previous evening, at the Community House, under the auspices of the Arts Project of Cherry Grove, veteran singer Rose Levine, on stage in the Grove for 52 years, offered her show “Broadway Rose” as a benefit for the Theater Restoration Fund and the Damminix Program to combat Lyme ticks. Pianist Dan Lanning, who introduced la Levine with an original song—“She’s known as Broadway Rose”—served as Musical Director; Richard Bell was artistic Director; George McGarvey prepared a festive cabaret setting for the diva to perform in; and Matt Baney was on tech.
Rose sounded relaxed and in good voice as she paid tribute to Lucille Ball (“Hey, Look Me Over”), Helen Gallagher (“Too Many Rings around Rosie”), and Angela Lansbury (“It’s Today) in her opening medley. To recall Fanny Brice, she donned an apron (“Cooking Breakfast for the One I Love”), then braids and a feather (“I’m an Indian”—”a Yiddische squaw”).
Ethel Merman lived again in Rose’s blockbuster nine-song medley of the Merm’s hits, including “I Got Rhythm,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “Everything’s Coming up Roses,” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” Rose merits no end of credit for keeping this marvelous music alive.
She aptly marked the eve of the Fourth of July Invasion with proud renditions of gay anthem “I Am What I Am” and Kate Smith favorite “God Bless America.” Hear Rose at the Ice Palace in “A Night with Roze and her Boyz” on July 23 at 9 p.m. Admission is $10 plus a one-drink minimum.
Shortly after Rose’s show ended, the season’s first of Charity’s biweekly shows at Cherry’s began with Dan Daly’s improvised song, sung from the keyboard, about Charity’s guest stars from the Grove Hotel, “It’s Gusty [Winds], Ariel [Sinclair], and Ginger Moore,” with a verse saluting the hostess, affectionately I’m sure, as “the biggest slut in the trailer park.” “A Tisket, A Tasket,” “Fever” and “Hard-Hearted Hannah” were among red-hot mama Charity’s numbers. Guest Rae Lindsay worked her magic, conjuring lion tamers and other circus performers in Grace Slick song “Dreams” and Desiray, from Key West, sizzled in “Bring On the Men.”
A propos of working magic, Mistress Sharon wishes to inform both Grove and Pines that she is hanging out her shingle anew. Her motto? Have massage table will travel. Legit callers only should ring her up at (917) 767-8426 for an appointment.
Linda Looks at…
What can you say about the invasion except WOW! While I was still home on Invasion morning I heard Panzi over his megaphone walking up and down the boards telling everyone to wake up because it’s invasion day. For the most part, everyone’s outfits were wonderful. There were a few people who were dressed (or not dressed) quite scantily who did not have the body that people wanted to see. Standing on the Grove dock watching all the lovelies boarding the ferry was great. There was Norma Desmond, Deal or No Deal models complete with their attaché cases, a framed, suitable for hanging Mona Lisa, and of course our Homecoming Queen, Coco Love. There was a scheduled ferry that came in just before the invaders boarded. There I was, minding my own business when Amelia decided she had to interview the hordes of disembarking day-trippers. She asked them if they knew what was happening. One person said it was some kind of parade, another said she thought they were going to the Pines, and a third said, I have no idea.
Did you get to Bella’s first show of the season? It was terrific, as usual. She had as guests Miss Fire Island, Ginger Moore, Angela Mercy, Coco Love, Demi-Tasse, and Peter B., who did a medley with Bella that was just great, and Kevin, who did a number with Angela Mercy. The next Bella show will be on August 6, so if you missed this one, make sure you get to the next one
Another show that always tops itself is Stand Up Cherry Grove. You never know who the comedians are in this town until you see them on stage. For this show Panzi was the MC, and of course she outdid herself with jokes. There was Tim and David, Sal Piro, Ruth and Susan, Amelia, and Philomena, who was celebrating her birthday. Happy Birthday Philomena!
Twenty-four years ago the circus came to Cherry Grove in the form of an APCG show Circus, Circus, directed by Randy Riggs. You can visit or revisit that experience, and many others, at the Archives Show on Saturday August 12 from noon to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., as well as on Sunday August 13 from noon to 3:00 p.m. Archivist Harold Seeley will be presenting many things never before seen, so mark these dates down on your calendars and don’t miss it.
Sooz Sez…
Do I usually start with a paragraph about the weather? It was hot and mostly sunny last weekend and that is when I always appreciate being on the island and not home running my AC 24/7… however… Saturday morning we receive official notification to not drink the water… I am not writing about the situation. I only want to say thank you to all those who supplied us with bottled water and bags of ice…
There was a gathering of friends at Alison Brackman and Francine Sardone to pay respects on the recent death of Alison’s mother, Julie Brackman… quite the assortment of cakes and cookies… Francine and Alison have taken in the orphan Maltese and now have three dogs… Alison calls them “My Three Sons”… thankfully they are all getting along…
Did I see you at Phil’s birthday get-together? Everyone was there… Phil(omena) Stoehr celebrated the 10th Anniversary of his 40th birthday and both he and his husband Michael Abdis were fabulous hosts… Michael must have been cooking for an entire week… there was a sumptuous repast including delicious homemade chopped liver…
We took notice of the many small motorized carts in front of their home… it seems to me that in the near future we might need off-walk parking as this method of ambulatory assistance appears to be an ever-expanding necessity for our Grovites of a certain age and older… I am thinking it may not be too far away in my future… either that or knee replacement surgery… or both…
Remember… the Doctor’s Fund Benefit this Saturday night, 7/15 at the air-conditioned Community House… two shows… 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. This show has certainly been one of the highlights of many a past season… tickets on sale at the kiosk from Noon – 2p.m. on Sat. and again one half hour before each performance… these shows are usually SRO…
A reminder that the APCG Art Show and Sale will be in the air-conditioned CH next weekend… APCG Members only reception from Noon – 2 p.m. on Saturday 7/22 immediately followed by hours for the General Public from 2 – 5 p.m. and 7 – 10 p.m., as well as Sunday 7/23 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Mardi Gras Casino will take place under the auspices of the APCG in the CH on Saturday 7/29 from 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. and again Sunday 6 p.m. – Midnight, and have I mentioned the CH is air-conditioned… it is often an incentive… |
