THEATERSCENE
July 20. 2015
Cherry Grove is on Fire
By Parker Sargent
Photos by Sean P Hargrove
Any show that starts off with cute boys in tear-away pants is going to get some attention, and the line-up for the Cherry Grove is on Fire charity show was packed with talent, celebration and lots of cheeky fun.
Daniel Nardicio organized a fabulous concert at the Ice Palace that brought even more stars to the gorgeous Fire Island night sky, for an event to benefit the Cherry Grove Fire Department.
A few months ago the brave members of the Fire Department fought so hard to save the Grove from the flames that took down the hotel, decimating Holly House and the Kokimo. Placing the importance of funding for the Fire Department at the front of all our minds.
Which made Daniel’s event a wonderful way to support the CGFD and enjoy an evening of entertainment from outstanding Broadway legends, dancing boys with fire hoses, much loved drag queens and an adorable girl with a strange tiny guitar.
Porsche served as our Mistress for the evening, taking us through the banquet of performers whom were each offering their support to Cherry Grove. They all shared their personal fond memories of being in the community and were happy to lend a hand to raise funds for the CGFD to help preserve this slice of heaven.
The old saying “start off with a bang” was never more accurate than when the first singer in your show is Vivian Reed. If you don’t know her, Google her, you will have an evening of eleganza and elation when you see this Goddess strutting in a 70’s gold lame’ tuxedo or dripping in glamour while singing with Omar Sharif.
Being in the audience just a few rows away from this mega force of vocal dramatics as she was belting out “Believe in Yourself” from The Wiz was almost surreal. To think that you can be sitting with a bunch of your closest friends, having drinks and getting a private Broadway caliber performance from the legendary Vivian Reed is something that will never fail to blow my mind.
When you can feel a singer’s voice on your skin, that’s power.
She came out looking timeless and fed the children, who jumped to their feet to return the love Vivian showed in her moving performance.