by Rhonda Hansome
This Friday
and Saturday, Oct. 19th and 20th I’ll be MC at the
Brokerage Comedy Club in Bellmore, NY.
It’s my first time back on stage in Long Island since my return to
comedy in 2009. These days, every
time I’m accepted or rejected by a booker or a club where I formerly featured
or headlined, it’s an all too interesting experience of ego and memory.
In the 80’s
I cut my comedy teeth in Long Island in venues like Brokerage and my L.I.
“home” club Governor’s , where Jackie “The Jokeman” Martling gave me my first
paying gig and newbie, Rosie O’Donnell frequently complimented my act. I actually became known as an honorary
L. I. comic. Eventually with every
gig my name was mentioned in the local paper and my picture graced every
marquee. Comedy was king and I
felt like an empress. The true
jewel in my crown of L.I. comedy memories remains my regular gigs hosting male
strip shows at numerous night clubs.
Escapes was
my favorite male strip review.
Because I was just learning to drive in those pre-GPS days, I’d always
give myself plenty of time to get lost and still arrive on time. At least that’s what I told myself
every night I was early to Escapes.
The fact that I got to hang out in the dressing room with a bevy of
gorgeous men in various states of glorious undress was a great inducement to
get there early. That and the one “Long
Island Iced Tea” I’d order upon my early arrival and sip through an evening of
hosting hundreds of dollar bill
waving women, all squealing approval of the male-strippers. Halcyon days… well they were actually
nights, hot halcyon nights.
But Dear
Reader* that was then and this is now.
You won’t see my name on the website or my picture on the marquee. I’m a bit too embarrassed to mention my
two night’s pay for 3 shows – just imagine I have no
change after buying pizza and pantyhose. I’m not complaining, I’m just saying… See me on the
comeback trail, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19th and 20th at Brokerage Comedy Club on Merrick
Road, Bellmore, NY. The first
person to say, “Rhonda Hansome is one funny Negro”** gets a Long Island Iced Tea
on me!
*All three
of you should come to see me live!
**A quote
from my mother…
Haha. Loved your post. Saw it on our SMPP Facebook group. Keep up the comeback, Rhonda!!!
I enjoyed reading this very much. I know all about no change after pizza and pantyhose. LI Iced Tea made right is my drink when I'm not drinking wine. The more I read you, the more I feel at home with you. Have great shows.