Christine O’Leary with Key West’s own Postal Wendy performed last night at LaTeDa. Betsy Langan and Deb Taylor opened with a hilarious first act – a musical skit about the way a straight couple has sex (one night a week, guess which position) with Shaftesque muzak in the background. I was pretty sure the guy was a woman (nothing gets by me) but the exaggerated nether regions were the true giveaway.
Here in Key West, Pridefest is much more than a parade or show – it is a ongoing way of life celebrated periodically by an explosion of events by our very organized gay community.
Our own Postal Wendy Carlisle opened with a diatribe about being a lesbian in the military. Her timing was great and she has ingredient X – the charisma that can either make or break a performer.
And the mysteries of makeup application. . .
Great stuff and I am really happy for her because I saw her very first performance at the Art Bar a little more than a year ago. And now she’s opening for Christine O’Leary. Wow!
As a straight woman what I love about the lesbians is that they wear whatever the hell they want and often say what I think – although I have been known to speak out of turn from time to time. I also like the open sexuality and physical displays probably because I am pretty restrained. Am I jealous? Okay – maybe just a little . . .
Christine O’Leary absolutely ruled the stage. She entered singing then immediately challenged the audience. Her natural rapport and repartee with the audience won everyone over right away.
She paced, she whined, she challenged and confronted but in an odd way she was sweet. . .
Until she spotted some locals in the front row. One in particular . . .
Front row tickets are expensive in more ways than one. But these guys were all good sports. They were still there at the end of the show, no worse for the wear and tear.
This is why I don’t sit in the front row. Really – it’s not just because I’m cheap. BTW those are smiles of relief that its over. They don’t fool me one bit. Hey Pug (far left) if I see you around I’ll buy you a drink. Promise . . .
We had good looking locals.
Good looking visitors.
Captain Karen of Venus Charters donated a four person cruise and made $400 for Womankind.
Brave boys, Greg, Les and Alan risked a front row table.
Susan Kent of the Key West Business Guild and her mysterious twin showed up.
I sat next to this enthusiastic couple.
The audience had a blast – the house was full to bursting.
And I was lucky. I spent $20 and won the $200 gift certificate for a stay at Pearl’s Guesthouse
And a warm hug from Christine!
