So this Monday started off well enough. Had some laughtastic times at The Groundlings (see review), had plans to spend the entire evening with the light of my life, David, and the night was still young. So David and I ventured out into the wilderness of WeHo in search of libations and entertainment. What we found was paradise.
When I stepped into Eleven Restaurant (8811 Santa Monica Blvd.), I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Now, before you go flogging me for my hyperbolic statements, understand something. I'm fairly certain that when I die, gorgeous go-go boys in white speedos and feathery angel wings will probably whisk me off to a White Party in the clouds where Broadway showstoppers will be playing for eternity. That's just me.
So when I walk into a joint and am surrounded by images of Audrey Landers singing about the benefits of T&A, I understandably questioned whether or not I was still breathing. When I sat down at a table just as the table next to me gets up and starts doing the choreography from the final scene of First Wives Club, I knew this was just too good to be true. And the night just got better and better. A singalong to "Skid Row" from Little Shop of Horrors, double-fisting kobe sliders and midori shots (aka Wicked shots) while watching Jennifer Hudson tell me she's not going...oh, and then some chick got up on a balcony stage in 4 inch rhinestoned heels and belted her boobs off. I think her name was Shoshana something-or-other.
I owe this magical land of wonderment to the hardworking efforts of St. Ryan O'Connor and St. Scott Nevins (mastermind behind Musical Mondays at NY's Splash Bar), who promise a new Broadway headliner at 11 O'Clock Spot every week. And I don't doubt it, based on the impressive guest list who showed up to witness the Spot's launch. Oh let's see, who else was there? The Upright Cabaret boys, Chris Isaacson & Shane Scheel, who are hosting concert events all weekend long at Mark's Restaurant. (I think that Shoshana girl is doing a concert with them in June too.) How about Tony-winner John Lloyd Young (Jersey Boys); vocalist favorites Billy Porter and Julie Garnye; Academy-Award winning screenwriters Bill Condon & Dustin Lance Black; and comedian Jack Plotnick (Reno 911). Those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.
For those west coast skeptics out there who can't find any musical theater in LA, I have good news for you. I found it! (Un)shockingly enough, its in WeHo. Monday night. 8811 Santa Monica. Get there before 9pm and there's no cover. And when you get there, come find me. Maybe I'll buy you a drink...
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