2019 - Hasta La Vista, Baby!
Hi All!
I could have sworn, I just watched the ball drop and it said 2019, and here we are slamming into another year..2020! No complaints here, as 2019 delivered! Wouldn't be right without reliving and thanking everyone who made this year EPIC!
50 Shades of Gay has been taking off since it's debut in NYC 2015. In January we stopped to perform in Augusta, Georgia! I brought with me, Tym Moss, Jeza Belle, and MargOH! Channig and after the first show SOLD OUT, another one was added and SOLD OUT as well. It didn't stop there, as 50 Shades made stops outside of GA, like NYC, SOLD OUT show at Bally's in Atlantic City in the summer, 4 nights SOLD OUT in Rochester NY for the 3rd year at the Rochester Fringe Festival. I also brought 50 Shades of Gay Halloween Party back to Bally's and 50 Shades Holiday Extravaganza to the Triad Theater to a packed house. 50 Shades shows no signs of slowing down.
In the meantime, I wrote, produced and starred in my first Campy Musical called, "Lube: A Gay-sical" a parody of Grease. I was lucky to have fantastic co-stars in the show like Tym Moss, Sam Oz Stone, Isaac Ryckeghem and Dana Michelle Savage. The show received rave reviews and would love to bring it back in 2020.
Grateful to be a part of Iconic Michael Musto's article "The 22 Funniest Queer Jokes From LGBTQ Comics" in New Now Next! http://www.newnownext.com/lgbtq-comedians-jokes-queer/02/2019/
Many thanks to Nathan James, Rob Lester and Jed Ryan for reviewing both of my shows this year!
Thanks to Nick Lion for all the wonderful jewelry/wardrobe that I wear on stage every single time! You have class up the wazoooo! XO
To Joe Mannetti for including me in 3 of his incredible benefits this year, April/August and November, Nathan James for asking to be a part of the benefit for My Brother's House in New Hope, PA. and Mark DeAlwis' Meals on Heels fundraiser NYC. I was thrilled to be a part of each of these events.
Had a WILD TIME for PRIDE 50 taking part in Tym Moss' WORLD PRIDE EXPLOSION at the Producers Club and had a BLAST in Jeza Belle's HEE WHORE at the Duplex, playing her country cousin!
To all the entertainers that were a part of my productions, Tym, Margoh, Jeza, Sam, Isaac, Dana, Coby Koehl, Viki Villainess, Ari Kiki, Shay D'Pines, Angel Elektra, Vivian Darling. So happy you all took time out of your hectic schedules to perform in my shows. To Matt Bridgestone, who luckily thought outside the box back in 2015 and gave 50 Shades of Gay a shot in A.C. and this year was phenomenal!
To the theaters that opened their doors to my productions, Capri Lounge, West Side Comedy Club, Triad Theater, Bally's, Writers and Books and Laurie Beechman Theater, I am grateful to you and your incredible team that make everyone feel comfortable.
Happy to have fabulous sponsors this year, E. Martin Davidoff, Attorney at Law; uberlube and Mark Delawis' Hair Salon. Thank you ALL for your support!
To everyone behind the scenes, Tyrone who creates the posters/photos/postcards, Shannon, everyone on lights/sound who have patience with me all year long.
But most important, I thank YOU for being there again for me this year in a HUGE way. By supporting me buying tix to the shows, purchasing my book online, or just laughing with me on social media every single day. I would not be able to do what I love if it wasn't for all of you...NEAR and FAR!
Lots planned for 2020! Already signed a contract for a 'special project' January/February, working on new Christmas show for end of year. Well, there is more, so follow me on my website for more details throughout the year.
Have a wonderful New Year!
Peace and Love
Ike
