It's pretty much a no-brainer combination; theatre, gays and drinks. Isn't that just another night out for some of us?
Surprisingly, only in the past decade have local theatre companies established ongoing LGBT-specific after-parties. It's fun and a great way for companies to fill the house on a weeknight (when such events are held).
For patrons, it's a great way to mingle with a common topic -that evening's entertainment- to discuss. While enjoying nibbly things and a cocktail, you can eavesdrop on chat between armchair critics and perhaps offer you're your own opinion. Nothing gets some of us going like talking about the arts over drinks.
At Berkeley Repertory's recent Night/OUT post-show event, gay fans cautiously flocked around the diminutive Rita Moreno, star of her own acclaimed autobiographical show, Life Without Make-up. The iconic actress offered quips and thank-yous as other enjoyed food and drinks.
"I love theatre, and if there's family attending, I'm more interested," said Carnelius Quinn of Oakland. "It's a more fun experience," he added, as the DJ began to play grooves at a reasonable level.
One of Berkeley Rep's first events was for Tony Kushner's hugely successful Homebody/Kabul, said Terence Keane, Director of Public Relations, adding that each of the post-show parties attracts more than 100 people. "We believe that it helps us reach more people, as we hold the parties early in the run, fill the house, have a fun evening, and that helps build positive word of mouth."
Berkeley Rep also hosts tasting of food by local culinary artisans before most weekend shows. And even when there aren't parties, Keane mentioned that the concession stand's custom cocktails and desserts are available at each performance. www.berkeleyrep.org
American Conservatory Theatre celebrated its tenth anniversary of hosting LGBT events with the recent production of Armistead Maupin's Tales Of The City, said Evren Odcikin, ACT's Public Relations Manager
"The shows that have LGBT themes (Tales Of The City, Marcus; or The Secret Of Sweet) or artists of interest (Olympia Dukakis for Vigil) end up being very lively, exciting parties," said Odcikin, adding that such events "are a great way for the theater lovers in the community to make contact with the artists involved in each production and with each other."
At the recent parties for the productions of Clybourne Park and No Exit, Out with A.C.T. parties were some of the most well-attended of the past few years, said Odcikin, adding, "We had to kick people out at the end of the night!" www.act-sf.org
And what would the ballet be without gay fans? Square-dancing.
Well, not exactly. But we've long been supporters of the terpsichorean arts. Kyra Jablonsky, Associate Director of Public Relations for the San Francisco Ballet, said that the next Nite Out event for their season will be held on January 27, 2012, which is also opening night.
"Nite Out has been happening since 2004 with attendance around 150 guests," said Jablonsky. The parties are held in the lounge area of the War Memorial Opera House. Many of the company's dancers stop by to greet fans.
Of course, such parties aren't exactly exclusive. Anyone attending the ballet or theatre that night can attend, depending on separate ticket prices and admission. www.sfballet.org
Such was the case in August at "LGBT Night" at The Rrazz Room, when the all-male Australian revue Thunder From Down Under performed amid clouds of smoke and blasting Bon Jovi music.
"I came for the boys," said Michael Gamboa as he sipped his cocktail. His friend, Ren Moaz, said he had seen Thunder From Down Under in Las Vegas. "But we were the only guys in the audience. So, this is more enjoyable."
As the bachelorette party nearby began a round of hoots and high-pitched hollers, Gamboa smiled. "No amount of women are going to stop me from seeing sexy nearly naked men!"
While the dancers remained coy for all audience members, most of which were women, it was fun to see the muscular hunks perform a cautiously flirtatious lap dance onstage with both men and women. www.therrazzroom.com
Indeed, more often such events, no matter the locale, are simply a fun way of letting people have a good time after a show with a gay-welcoming but mixed environment. And isn't that more fun, mixing it up?
"We love it that we frequently get anecdotes from straight theatergoers who happen upon the parties and then spread the word to all their gay friends," said A.C.T.'s Odcikin. "They've been some of our most vocal promoters."