Hey Doll-Babies!
It seems like absolute ages since I've written, but the truth is, I'm losing my mind. Las Vegas is swimming with variety talent and frankly, I'm choking on it! Celebrity impersonators of every stripe, tired cover acts, cheesy production shows are assaulting artistic integrity everywhere you turn. And since this is what defines the Las Vegas performer, what the hell am I doing here? We're the square pegs, honey-pies, in this round hole of unoriginality... and it's getting to me!
Tonight there was a couple from California at the show. After our second song, Diet Doctor, the woman called out, "You write your own songs, don't you?" When I told her we did, she said, "We really appreciate that!"
Angels, I positively wanted to jump off the stage, fall to my knees and kiss her feet! You have no idea how artistically stifled I feel playing in this town. I guess you could say Las Vegas venues are the MacDonald's of gigs. There are a few good, original clubs here, but mostly its tacky rooms featuring pretentious variety talent... now there's an oxymoron!
I like the club I work at, but it's really a culture shock for me. Where are the hot, hard-body bartenders with glowing Ultra-Brite smiles and charming personality? Why do all the men come in with women instead of other men? And if not the gay circuit, what about the original circuit in Boston where my career began? Where are the black walls, overflowing urinals and exposed wires? Where are all the other songwriters and original musicians? How the hell did I get so far away from home?
Oh sweet-ones, but is it not clear? I am definitely losing my mind in this facacta town.
As for our show, it's been a tough launch. Not only are we faced with promoting the show, but the club as well. It has no draw of its own, so each night is a gamble as to whether we'll get a decent sized house. We're thinking of switching to Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights since a lot of venues are dark on those nights (thereby reducing the competition), or bailing all-together. I am torn between working to make it here in a town I don't really like, or heading back to where the water is warm -- 23 states east of the Mississippi. It's a tough call, but I plan on making a decision over the weekend.
So anyway, babies, I would love to know your opinion. Of course, prior to coming to Las Vegas, many of you already gave me your opinions -- too cheesy, keep away! But oh woe! I didn't listen. So where does a musical comedy cabaret show that came up from the original rock circuit to the gay circuit and finally to the Las Vegas variety circuit go next? If you have any ideas or just want to comfort me in my time of trauma and self-pity, send email to: thepumps@hotmail.com
Stay Fabulous, my little sweetheats!
2 comments:
Those Elvis impersonators really creep me out. I would like to visit Vegas though.
Don't fear, it sometimes takes an act 6-12 months to catch on, especially in a place like Vegas. Keep handing out discount flyers to the throngs that come to see the Fremont Street Experience because they might need something more to do.
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