On February 23, favorite Cherry Grove entertainers reunited to perform at the Stonewall Inn, on Christopher Street, in a benefit for the Arts Project of Cherry Grove (APCG). All performers donated their services and all artists’ tips went to APCG. Gusty Winds was the hostess with the mostes’, Todd Alessandro coordinated the show, and DJ Chuck McTague was responsible for music and sound.
Gusty opened the proceedings as a fierce Ursula the Sea Witch, taking pity on those “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” with Schwa de Vivre putting in a cameo appearance as Ariel, the Little Mermaid. Later, as Julia Sugarbaker, Gusty delivered a riotous “Designing Women” monologue about the legendary “night the lights went out in Georgia.”
Ken Woodhouse, in his way-too-cool Sonny Shores persona, sang—and hoofed—a “Spamalot” number advising that “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway (if you don’t have any Jews)” and remembered Desi Arnaz as Ricky Ricardo with the “I Love Lucy” character’s signature song “Babalu.”
Schwa sang a couple of earthy song parodies: “I only want to wreck his balls” and “I am a drag queen and I’ll make you beg for more.” Whore D’Oeuvre gave us “(a little touch of) Star Quality,” in the number from “Evita,” with dance break by Yamaneika.
A colorful Donna Piranha insisted “I’m Holding out for a Hero” and informed us about “The Best Thing about Being a Woman.” Kenny Holcomb emoted and sang “If I Could Just Hold You Again” and “This Song Is for You.” Logan Hardcore contributed a couple of numbers, complete with a split and high kicks.
This writer and bass-baritone sang “This Nearly Was Mine,” from “South Pacific,” and Adam Carman, often known as Renée Flaming, sang “When You’re Good to Mama,” from “Chicago.”
For a grand finale, Gusty, Donna, and Logan proudly led the company in “(’Cause) I’m a Woman (W-O-M-A-N).”