Official Nina West News

Just For Fun: Clover Frye

Just for fun! I love you, Chad!! Thanks, Traut, for sending this! Hysterical!!

A little more promotion...

Thank you, Alexis Stevens, for creating this fabu ad!! Please come out on the 17th and support me!!

A Big Nina Announcement!!!

Watch the video!

Support Beverly Ford This Weekend!

My dear friend, Beverly Ford, has made the decision to compete for a prelim to Miss Gay Ohio America! And guess what, that prelim is weekend! Beverly Ford will be competing this Saturday night for the Miss Gay Capital City America Pageant at Axis nightclub!! Doors are at 6pm with the pageant starting at 7 pm!!

Please come out and support Beverly in her quest to go on to the state level and compete for Miss Gay Ohio America! I hope to see you all there Saturday!

FIRST LOOK: The Virginian

Buy your tables now!! Tell them Nina sent ya!

Pageant Weekend!! Next Weekend! Check It Out

Nina West willbe at both events, hosting the Miss Havana Contest and performing at the Miss Axis Pageant.

Come out and watch all the pomp and circumstance!!

Tonight!! Go Bucks!!

Free brats with all the fixins! $7 Bud Light pitchers! $10 pizzas! $2 domestic draft pints! $3 premium draft pints! Nina West! Maria Garrison! Capital Pride Band! Scarlet & Gay (The OSU GLBT Alumni Association)!

Watch the Buckeyes kick LSU's ass! TONIGHT at U Bar + Food!

FIRST LOOK: Super Drag Saturday! DEE RANGED

Dee Ranged will be Nina and Virginia's special guest on January 5th, 2008!

Tables are available at U Bar + Food and online at www.columbusnightlife.com for only $25 - and each table seats 4 people!

We hope to see you there!!

Happy Holidays From the House of Ford

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE HOUSE OF FORD!

Hello all! It's been a while since I've blogged to you all on Nina's page...so I figured you all were due!

I could ramble on and on about the true meaning of Christmas, what Christmas means to me, and all that family stuff, but I'm not.....I figure..you probably got enough of that from Oprah..... Let's talk about giving. We all say it's not about the gifts, it's not about the money you spend....and yet we bust our butts to outdo one another and spend more than we did last year, and for what? A bunch of stuff that none of us have time to enjoy these days! So why do it?

Now, I have been given many WONDERFUL gifts over the years, cars(wrecked 'em), diamonds(sold 'em for booze), furs(forgot to feed 'em and they died!) but when the day is done, they are just that....things!

The greatest gift I have ever recieved, however, was from my mother. BESIDES giving me life,love and wisdom, she gave me a very special gift a few years ago, a gift that I will always treasure. It was a jar that simply said "memories" on it, and inside it she had filled it with hundreds of memories of things we had done together, things that made me smile,laugh and cry, and over the years I have continued to fill it with those same things! It's a constant reminder that my life is BLESSED with many many things!

I encourage you to do the same this coming year...we spend too much time worrying about the things that are wrong with our lives, and not enough celebrating the good! My goal for the coming year is to be surronded by memories that bring me joy! I wish you the same!

Keep your eyes and ears open...I have some BIG things happening after the first of the year that I would be HONORED for you all to be a part of! Finally, be thankful for those around you! I can honestly say that I have been blessed to have the people I do in my life, the ones that stick by me through the good and bad, and love me NO MATTER WHAT! Nina....Virginia.....you two are truly angels, thank you for always watching out for me, and for always loving me...even when it wasn't easy! Happy Holidays to you all ....and remember....Life is what you make of it....so make it shine!

Kisses,

Bev

Take A Moment - Holiday Thoughts From Miss Ohio USofA At Large and Diva Extraordinare, Alexis Stevens

Take a Moment

by Alexis Stevens

The Holiday Season is upon us once again and our fun little city is all decked out in its Red, Green, Silver, and Blue decorations. There are Menorahs in some window shops, Kwanza decorations in others, no matter what holiday people celebrate we all are getting ready for a new year filled with hope, excitement, and the promise of better days to come.

As I rush through the stores trying to purchase items ½ off, bargain deals, and buy 1 get 1 free I try to take a moment and think why am I going through all this?? Why do we kill ourselves getting up at 3am for Christmas Sales at every department store in town? Why do we fight with the crowds, the weather, just to save a few bucks? Is it because we desperately need those items? Is it for the glory of the fight when an old lady has the item you want and you trip her to capture the last Wii??

No we do these things for our friends, our family, our lovers, and our co-workers. We do these things because we want to see their faces light up with the wonder and excitement of a child. To share that moment with someone you love is so precious because you know right then and there nothing else matters. The Holidays, despite what some may think, are still about your family. Whatever that family may be, friends, a lover, grandparents, your immediate family, a group of drag queens you love and hate at the same time!! HAHA

Im so blessed in my life to have so many wonderful versions of Family, from my immediate family whom has supported me all my life and loves both Steven & Alexis. To my friends who despite all my flaws and difficult times are still there for me whenever I truly need them to cheer me up, wake me up, or give me a good kick in the ass when needed. Or my GLBT community which grows stronger and closer each year because were all struggling for equality and acceptance. Of course I cant forget My Girls, the ones who I work with, learn from, grow with, and have the best time. The Queens of this city are by far the most interesting, unique, funny, creative, and talented people Ive met, and having worked in NYC I can tell you thats special. We are so lucky to have so many wonderful girls right in our own backyard and Im so thankful to call them my friends.

So during this holiday season take a moment from the hustle and bustle to stop and remember why were shopping so much, going into debt, and dealing with old women driving 40 in the fast lane with their blinkers on. Because our families, our friends, our love for these people are the greatest gifts that never grow old, never get tired, and will truly never die.

All my love to you and your families this Holiday Season and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

~Alexis Stevens

New Year's With Nina!

Make your plans to spend the New Year with Nina!!

Need A Stocking Stuffer? Buy a Nina West CD!

With the holidays only getting closer and time running out to get those last minute gifts, why not make it easier on yourself? Come this Thursday to Union Bar + Food for the Annual Long Island Christmas Show and purchase one or both of Nina's EP's, "High & Broad" or "Ho HO HO!"

"High & Broad" is Nina's critically acclaimed first collection, featuring such hits as 'Queen of Cowtown' and 'Dumber'. "Ho Ho Ho!" is Nina's holiday EP with such favorites as 'Little Bathhouse Boy,' 'Walmart Wonderland,' and 'Britney's Christmas Wish'.

Both cd's will sell f or $5 on Thursday night at Union!

The Annual Long Island Christmas Show will feature Nina and her holiday friends, Hellin Bedd, Samantha Rollins, and your current reigning Miss Ohio USofA At Large, Alexis Stevens.

Bring a canned food item for donation to Project Open Hand as well and get a special surprise from Nina!

THIS WEEKEND!! Miss Peppermint Stick WORLD 08

The holidays are here and what a better way to continue celebrating them than with a fabulous Christmas show this weekend!!

Join Nina West & Virginia West as they host the 125th Annual Miss Peppermint World Pageant! To be held at Axis this weekend, Miss Peppermint will feature the competitive Christmas talents of Maria Garrison, Hellin Bedd, Fancy Punasti, Pretty Punasti, Natasha West, Leena De La Valentine, Candy Panties, Mary Margaret O'Malley, and June Bugg. Doors for this fabu event will open at 7 pm with the show beginning at 8 pm!

Cheer on your favorite girl from your favorite part of the world as she competes to be the only bitch left holding a candy cane!

Nina! An Evening With You Dinner Menu!

FIRST LOOK: Miss Peppermint Stick World 2008!

Tables are on sale now!! Buy them online at http://www.columbusnightlife.com or at U Bar + Food!

Nina! An Evening With U Dinner Reservations Now Available

For the first time, U Bar + Food will be hosting a show unlike any other. Nina West will be performing a cabaret dinner show the night of November 21, and she wants you there!

For this special evening, Nina will do some of her new hits, like "Queen of Cowtown" and "Chasing Carbs" as well as some very new material, just for the holiday season! She will also be imparting some holiday knowledge as well as sharing some stories behind her recent sold out one-woman show, NINA! Attention Whore.

Call 614.421.2233 today to make your reservations for this unique evening of fun, laughs, and surprises. The show will begin promptly at 8 pm!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nina West is the mind behind such brilliant large-scale productions that include NINA! The Musical, NINA! The Rock Opera, A Million Little Ninas, NINA! The Confections Tour, NINA! The Uber Musical, TWO, and most recently, Nina! Attention Whore.

Nina has performed with Julie Brown, Lady Bunny, Hedda Lettuce, Cashetta, Edie, Maya Douglas, Raven, Cezanne, and Michelle Dupree, among others. She has been honored to perform for John Waters and First Lady of Ohio, Mrs. Strickland. Nina has also worked hand-in-hand with many national touring companies, both performing with and for these casts, including casts from WICKED, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, Light In the Piazza, The Lion King, Hairspray, Aida, among many others.

Her style has been called camp, comedy, performance art, and political pop among other things. Whatever you choose to all it, know that you have never seen anything like Nina West.

First Look: Nina! An Evening With U

Long Island Christmas Show Needs You!

Nina West is teaming up with Project Open Hand for the December Long Island Show - the annual Union Christmas show. And you can help!!

For the holiday season, Nina is asking you, your friends, and your loved ones to come out for one fantastic holiday show, and when you come to the show, bring one of these items that are in desperate need by POH and the Columbus Community.

Below, you will find a list of items. Get with your friends, co-workers, family, and bring one or all of these items to the show!! This is your challenge from Nina, Columbus' crazy cross-dressin' version of Oprah.

Long Island Christmas Show - Wish List

All items will be donated to Project Open Hand

Canned Foods Fruits, Vegetables, Sauces, i.e. spaghetti, Soups/beans, Cooking Oil, Canned Meats - Tuna/Chicken, Boost/Ensure.

Dry Goods Cake Mixes, Muffin Mixes, Potatoes, Cereals, Oatmeal, Soups, Pasta, Baking Items, Rice.

Snacks-Miscellaneaous Crackers, Cookies, Chips, Snack Cakes, Juice Drinks.

Hygiene Products & Vitamins Oral Vitamin Supplements, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Floss, Mouthwash, Shaving Cream, Razors for Men/Women, Deodorant, Shampoo/Conditioner/Lotion, Bars of Soap, Sanitary Napkins/Tampons.

Cleaning Supplies Laundry Soap, Dish Soap, Multi-purpose Cleaner, Sanitizer, Sponges, Can Openers.

Paper Products Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Facial Tissues, Baby Wipes.

-

Bring your item(s)to U Bar + Food on December 20th and enjoy a fabu show.

Thanksgiving Eve - Nina & U

For one special night, Nina West will be performing a small one-woman show at U Bar + Food on Wednesday, November 21st at 8 pm. This special performance will have a fun holiday twist and some of Nina's favorite numbers of the past.

This dinner show at U Bar + Food is free. Following the show, Rob Engel will spin the party at U afterwards, entitled Bliss.

Stay tuned to SDQ for more information regarding reservations and table seating.

Havana Halloween Show Returns - With A Body Count!

Nina West is proud to announce the return of the annual Havana Halloween show, Nightmare on High Street! Scary is not the word to describe this show - try frightening!

Nina West will perform with guests Anisa Love, Natasha West, Alexis Stevens, and June Bugg. It will be a blood-curdling time!

Bring your friends and add them to the list of people who will be terrified by Nina West's Nightmare on High Street!

First Look: Razzle Dazzle - A Benefit for Camp Sunrise

Nina! Attention Whore Review

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the next legend in Columbus OH.....Miss Nina West!!! I saw her show(NINA! ATTENTION WHORE!) this weekend, and for those of you that missed it, I am truely sorry! You might have missed out on what might be one of the greatest evenings in drag history! Nina has ALWAYS been known for her bigger than life shows, but she has taken it one step further, she has invited us where no one has been welcome before.....into her heart.

Nina has ALWAYS been very true to who she is...(even if she IS a West).... But unlike the Fords, The Fontaines and the Kennedys, Nina is the most honest performer I have ever met. Not only does she give you spectacular numbers, dazzling choreography and wonderful video work.....she gives you more......herself.Take away all the glitter, sequins, hair and dancing and most of us don't have much left, but that's where Nina just begins!! She welcomes all of us into her heart with open arms(Which as a gay man is not an easy thing to do!) and says " Yeah, this is me" Like it or not, you have to commend her for her bravery and honesty. Those of us that REALLY know Nina(P.S. Stop fooling yourself......most of you don't) know that that is not an easy thing for her to do.

Take for example her Montage that included "Nobody Knows Me" , "A Little Respect" and "Taking the Long Way" ....Most people saw a performer giving a 10 minute performance of a lifetime....Those of us that know better saw a performer giving herself over, NO HOLD BARRED...and for that I say BRAVO NINA! You are an inspriration to all of us...not as performers...but as people!

Few people can move my mother to tears(Anyone can make Erma cry! LOL) and few people can move us all to become one, in one single night, to REALLY feel like a family....so for that I say THANK YOU! Thank you, thank you thank you! You really are the one that makes us ALL feel like (as Pat Benatar says) WE BELONG!!

And for that (No name needed) I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!

Beverly

The Attention Whore on YouTube!

Watch for more edits and videos from Attention Whore, coming soon! But check out these show favorites!

THANK YOU!!!

This has been such an amazing and wonderful few weeks. I have truly been blessed with the opportunity to be able to perform and entertain for so many of you and it is something that I will truly cherish forever.

Nina! Attention Whore was something that I have thought about doing for a couple years and to now have it be a thing of the past is unbelievable, remarkable, and awesome. It truly has been a dream of mine to be able to step on that stage alone and entertain, and because of all the support and love in this community, I was able to do that.

I realized after Virginia and I worked on our two woman show "TWO" that the dream of working on a one woman show was a reality. With some sweat and gumption, ATTENTION WHORE became a reality.

There was so much love behind me that allowed me to get to this point. I really shouldbe thanking everyone who ever supported me but that list is longer that God, so I want to take a quick moment out to thank those who particularly helped me getthis show on its feet.

Patricia Taylor - I love you and owe you so much. Thank you for your undying love, friendship and support. I have no one in my life as important as you.

Ray Brown & Rajesh Lahoti - I am constantly amazed at how much you trust me and give me everything you possibly can so I can succeed.

The Cast of ATTENTION WHORE -

Virginia - Where do I begin? I am lucky to have you in my life, lucky to have you in my court. Thank you for being my friend and brother. I love you so much.

Hellin - Girl, as I write this, you are on your way to Miss Gay America. I am thinking of you. Thank you for all the hard work and dedication.

Maria Garrison - D*I*V*A and I love you. Thank you for joining me on this. I know it will not be our last.

Natasha West - My lil' sister. I am so proud of you and all you have done in the last year. You are an amazing talent and I am so excited for you. Thank you for all of the hard work and dedication.

Mark Bryan - I love you more than you know. Amazing talent, amazing choreography. Amazing friend. Thank you for seeing me through the ups and downs, and ins and outs.

Katy Malys - I have never met someone with a heart as big as yours. I love you and cherish everything we share together. Not only a fantastic talent, but an incredible person. I love you.

Holly Bright - Your last name says it all - you gave so much light to this process and so much fun and love. I am so lucky to have you involved in these shows! It only took 6 years for you and me to do it together. THANK GOD it happened when it did. I love you.

Jason Hunter - I adore you. A new energy. Always keeping it real. Always there with a shoulder or ear. A new friendship has blossomed. I am so lucky.

To the sponsors:

Outlook Weekly

Call Management Resources

Dekyper

The Hot Wetness

The Ford Family

Kover Dental Group

Salon Hotel Lily

I love you all so very much for believing in me and trusting me to do it. THANK YOU for your continued love and support.

Special thanks to Zach Burgess for the painting and David Arocho for bidding on the painting and donating $800 to Columbus AIDS Task Force!

Also, major thanks to Columbus Stompers and Previn Wyatt for joining me in this production and making it even more outstanding.

Thank you to Beverly Ford for the continued love, friendship, support, and belief in me and my dreams. you are one of the few who never doubted me. I will never forget that.

Thank you to Patrick Howell for the amazing costumes, Vee Love for the sickening hair, Jason Bockis for collaborating with me on the wonderful video work, and Matt Erhard for helping me record those lovely vocals! ;)

Thanks yous to - Steve Shaffer, Chris Hayes, Robert Trautman, Michael Daniels, Malcolm Riggle, Kover, Sally Sue, Jim Matyas, Jason PIrucki, Alan Saunders, Scott Nusbaum, Rich Penix, Robert Younkman, The Axis Staff, Pretty Punasti, Stonewall Columbus, Seth Martin, Tony the Bod, Phyllis, Corey Clarr, Justin Martin, Stephen Chaplinski, David Yarosz, Brandy, Alexander Chang, Varla Jean Merman, Jackie Beat, Ross the Intern, Carly Jibson, Chris Comeau, Sam Schisler, Mikey Andrews, Jenn and Jaime...and EVERYONE who came to the show!! I thank everyone of you for supporting this show and me. I am humbled and honored.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. This is the best feeling in the world and I cannot even begin to thank all of you who made this possible.

Art Piece At Nina! Show Raises $800 for CATF

NINA! Attention Whore has now come and gone, but in true form, Nina worked with friend and local artist Zach Burgess who created an original piece entitled, "Queen of Cowtown" that was up for auction at the end of the performance on October 14, 2007.

The bidding was fierce and fast and when everything was said and done, Mr David Arocho, long time friend and supporter of Ms West, walked with the piece of artwork, donating $800 to the Columbus AIDS Task Force.

An incredible experience with an incredible end!

Thank you,Columbus!!!

Calling All ATTENTION WHORES!

Nina West wants you to submit your very own home-made "paparazzi shots"! Grab a digital camera, take it out for a night on the town, and send those pictures to Nina West!

The best shots will be featured in a special performance piece in Nina's upcoming one-woman show, ATTENTION WHORE!

So, grab your camera and start snappin' shots! Send all pictures to nina@superdragqueen.com!

And while you are at it, call 614.265.SHOW and leave Nina a hot voicemail!

;)

NINA! Attention Whore - October 6, 13, 14 @ Axis Night Club, Columbus, OHIO!!

Ross the Intern

I love, love, love Ross! Always funny! Always fabulous!

Please do me a favor and visit his blog!!

http://blog.nbc.com/ross_blog/

The El Nina Effect

EXCLUSIVE: SDQ interview with salon receptionist, Lee

SDQ: Dish! Dish! Dish! What was Nina's mood when she came into your salon?? What was she saying? What was her demeanor. We all wanna know!

Lee: Well, she came in and just was very determined to get her hair cut. She kept muttering under her breath and her eye was twitching a little bit, but all in all, she seemed pretty normal. Down home and really friendly actually. I was kinda surprised.

SDQ: What made you surprised?

L: I just thought she would be more, I don't know...crazy? I mean, you see all these things written about her. It makes you wonder.

SDQ: Did she give any indication of what she was going to be doing while in Columbus over the next few weeks?

L: Well, she actually let it slip out that she lives here...well part time at least. She was saying that between films, tv appearances, theatre projects in New York, and the occasional Mop N Glo commercial, she has a permanent residence here. Who knew?

SDQ: Do you know where she lives?

L: No but I know it has to be close...she is walking everywhere. She just loves this city...she was professing her love for "Cowtown" as she called it...

SDQ: Ahhh. Cowtown.

L: Yea, and she is quite the actress. When she was sitting in her chair, she kept reenacting that scene from Steel Magnolias. She insisted I do the Sally Field part to her Julia Roberts. I am not sure how many times I said "Drink your juice, Shelby..." but she was getting a kick out of it.

What? 'Drink your juice, Shelby?' Has she lost it?

one thing is for sure...El Nina has taken effect here in Columbus, Ohio!

Nina Mess?

Nina Mess is a current favorite of the staffers at SDQ - Check out Nina sportin' some FUG...but the stylist is hot!

She Has Lost It!

Thank you to SDQ reader MB for the pictures.

Salon Receptionist To Speak!!!

SDQ is currently on the phone with the salon receptionist who was working when Nina West walked in yesterday to shave her head! Details coming soon!

And while we are at it, we think it time to name Nina...give her her own paparazzi poke if you will...

Submit your suggestions to the message board, and the favorite takes the prize!

Nina's New Look???

Nina leaving Salon Hotel Lily, in the Short North Arts District, Columbus, Ohio.

She was said to have been in good spirits, but other photos show her to be more distraught.

Court papers were filed today by her ex-husband and former back up dancer for sole custody of their 18 month old daughter, NaNa Shibooboo. Nina has been in hiding as of late, but has decided to step out in Columbus...what will she pull next?????

SDQ calls her a big, fat attention whore!

Nina Shaves Head?!?!?!

In a downward spiral of trying to get attention anyway she can, Nina West was seen slinking into trendy hair spot Salon Hotel Lily, and her lovely locks were shaved off!

Sitting in plain view of paparazzi, Nina had no problem chatting it up with salon owner David, and sharing a few laughs...

Here is the first shot of NIna, leaving the salon with her new 'do.

Love or hate it?

The Attention Whore Effect Hits Columbus

Nina West has taken a liking to her new Columbus digs, where she has set up shop to premiere her new show "ATTENTION WHORE". In fact, she was spotted today in the Short North by one loyal reader, walking throughout. We at SDQ are going through emails now....and there are pics to share!

LaWanda Jackson, Nina West, Virginia West - ONE NIGHT!

This Saturday!!

Nina! Attention Whore

This Weekend!

Nina West will join her friends, The Columbus Gay & Lesbian Softball Association, tomorrow night at Axis for a truly one-of-a-kind fundraiser, entitled PUMP PARTY! This benefit will assist in raising money for one of Columbus' best pride events, Bat-N-Rouge.

Helping in these efforts will be Virginia West, The Columbus Stompers, and Miss Bat-N-Rouge 07!

Don't forget to wear your heels! EVERY person who wears heels at the door saves on the price of admission!

So, don't forget: PUMP PARTY 2007 -Axis Night Club - 8 pm!!

Does It Get Any Better Than This?

The Nina West DISH & DIRT Hotline Is Waiting for Your Call!

Labor Day weekend is here, and it is time for you to call your loved ones on this special holiday!

LIKE NINA WEST!

Break out your phone now and call Nina's DISH & DIRT Hotline, a phone service attached to Nina's upcoming one-woman show, NINA! ATTENTION WHORE.

614.265.SHOW

614.265.7469

Call Nina! Leave her a message! Be in her October show! YES, BE IN HER OCTOBER SHOW!

She is waiting to hear from you!

The Mary Ann Brandt's Back to School Special at Wall Street Nightclub is Three Shows, One Weekend! September 8 at 9p, September 9 at 6p and 9p. Doors open one hour prior to the show. $10 at the door.

NW: Tell me all about your summer. What the hell have you been up to?
MAB: Well, Nina, same old same old - every summer I pick a letter out of a hat to determine my summer travel destinations. This year was the "M" year - Milan, Mallorca, Monte Carlo. Then I swung through Millersburg on the way home to pick up a couple of pies and a round of baby Swiss for the football season & Then it was back poolside to do a little show preparation for our upcoming Back to School Special.

NW: The Back to School series of shows have always been some of my favorites!
MAB: Why thank you, we took a little break from that theme for a couple of years, but now it's back. I've always been a sucker for nostalgia and memories, and I keep going back to this theme because there's so much material.

NW: Tell me what this new show is about!
MAB: Well, it's that typical MAB recipe - kind of a satirical look at the things and the people we saw during our years in academia. Stories, my there are lots of stories behind those characters and events. Didn't you ever wonder about whatever happened to that homely girl who went to vocational school? Or the deep dark secrets of the school nurse? Or maybe the pristine sorority girl isn't so pristine after all&we try to take those characters, those dirty little secrets and bring them to life in a light and comedic way.

I think one of the things you and I have in common is choosing some of our material is the "message" it gives. I love doing "funny" with a deeper underlying meaning, you know, trying something that gives the number a tad bit of depth - not brain surgery, but something to engage and even challenge the audience. I always have to keep in mind that it can be a martini-soaked audience that's not up for a challenge - so nothing too awfully serious.

Something a little different about this show is that we're doing one weekend. Three shows, but we're not carrying over to the next weekend. We're doing one Saturday show at 9 p.m. and then an early show (6 p.m.) and a later one at 9 p.m. Sunday will be an action-packed day, but these old work horses have never been short on stamina!

NW: Do you have the same cast?
MAB: Yes, ma'am and let me tell you, the girls have really come up with some wonderful material for this one, I'm so excited to see the final product. We have Andrea Benahoe, Betty Cracker, Showeena DoMore, DeMonica Hunter, Dusti Hymen, Joe, Mary B, Beulah Park, Tula Tubesucker and Flaggots Ohio. We have some fun group numbers, a nice Flaggots feature and some surprises here and there. We've definitely calculated this one to ease everyone out of summer and into the autumn. Transitions, ya know?

NW: If you were a school subject, what subject would you be and why? And, are you smarter than a 5th grader?
MAB: Well, Home Economics of course. If I were the teacher, I'd put Sandra Lee to shame. See, I can make a lattice pie crust to match the table cloth on my tablescape and my plaid jumper.

And with regard to the fifth grader, they're pretty smart these days, but I don't know one with 1400 board scores.

NW: What is one thing your fans may not know about you?
MAB: Oh boy, I think I'll approach that one from a show biz angle & I think people may not know that I have to work really hard to get something even remotely decent on stage. I'm not a natural at all, never have been. To put it in Back to School terms, I have a learning disability when it comes to drag.

Other performers I've worked with have that raw talent and they can see a vision quickly, while I seem to put in a lot of hours re-working things or second guessing myself. And then, once I've made a commitment to the material, it takes me weeks to develop and learn it. I'm not a quick study.

Another thing is I don't like rehearsals - unless it's more of a party and less of a rehearsal. My idea of a rehearsal is a boom box and a 12 pack in my living room visualizing my individual numbers. And then for group numbers, we do a lot of prep in the living room with the boom box and the 24 pack, so when it's time to get together, it's all written and staged and the girls and Flaggots can pick it up quickly. Lazy, lazy, lazy.

NW: Is Paula home schooled?
MAB: Well Paula, the 4-year old Guatemalan orphan girl that is visiting from one of my orphanages, is enrolled at one of the most prestigious day care facilities in Franklin County. She goes year around, leaves at 6 a.m. for the hour-long commute to Genoa Township, stays through Latchkey, then it's another hour commute back home, chicken nuggets or a hot dog at 7 p.m. and in bed by 8. I hardly even see the little darling! But I think we'll all be seeing a little of Paula on September 8 and 9.

NW: If two school busses depart the same sad little corner in Hillard, and are en route to a class field trip to COSI, but one bus has a two minute head start, will Dusty Hymen finally score with the captain of the football team?
MAB: Now, what's this Hilliards place you're talking about? Oh yes, that little town across the river & Well, I would bet my trust fund that Dusti would have scored the football captain at the bus stop before even getting on the bus!

NW: How would Nina fair in MABSY's class of socially responsible girls?
MAB: I think you're at the top of the class. You have the lineage and bone structure to attend Thanksgiving dinner at the Brandt household any time. Now, what country club do you belong to, dear?

NW: It's a private club whose French name is too complicated to pronounce for most people, so us in the 'tennis and tinis' crowd just refer to it as the Y for short. I bet I can get you in. We play doubles on Tuesday. Speaking of doing things together, when are Nina and MABSY teaming up to do a show together??
MAB: That would be a good one. We've done a couple of things together through the years and it's always been a blast. Before my trust fund comes due and I give up this show biz all together, we'll plan a winner! But remember, I don't like rehearsals&

NW: Do you have a favorite candidate for class president yet? Clinton? Obama? Kucinich? Brandt?
MAB: Well, there's been a lot of opportunity to hear what each has to say so very early in the campaign. Not to be shallow, but I'm just not ready to sit down and intently gather information on everyone yet. I'd hate to not give Kucinich a fair shake when I've not devoted the time to hear what he has to say. But I've been mesmerized by Obama and Clinton in the early going, but it's just too early for me to make a call. Brandt for president? No way. But I would love to be first lady.

NW: With the Buckeyes soon coming back to school, what's are some tips you can give the freshman class to have a great college experience?
MAB: I think an advantage of being a Buckeye is that you're on an urban campus, and while campus life is fun and will be plenty different than your little home town, there's a whole world difference just blocks away. I would challenge new Buckeyes, at one point or another during their college experience, to grab a cab and come down to see you and the girls perform or if you're here early for school, come to Wall Street September 8 & 9 for Mary Ann Brandt's Back to School Special. It's a fun and safe environment and is probably a bit more colorful and interesting than movie night at Drake Union.