Georgie's Alibi/Monkey Bar Celebrates Two Big Events

Georgie's Alibi/Monkey Bar has come so far in the last couple years since the new owners (Johnny, David, and Rick) have taken over, and we have seen many changes: A remodel, a dance floor, new menu, and new promotions, all of which has taken alibi to the next level. Next week they have two big events back to back.

The first event is the 11th Annual Bartenders, Boxers and Briefs Underwear Auction benefiting Tuesday's Angels. The event takes place on Monday, July 25th starting at 8 pm.

Founded in 1993, Tuesday's Angels Inc. began as a charity to give emergency financial assistance to those with HIV/AIDS. It has evolved into a nonprofit organization that today, countless people in the Fort Lauderdale area look to for assistance. For more information go to TuesdaysAngels.org.

The live auction, which will feature around 20 bartenders, starts at 9 pm and will be hosted by Nikki Adams, Miss Kitty, and Russell of Scandals. They invite everyone to come in and bid on your favorite bartender from various local bars including Corner Pub, Rosies, The Manor, Alibi, Mona's, Boardwalk, Tropics and many more. If you are the high bid you get to remove the underwear you bid on from that bartender right on stage. In addition, they will feature a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction which always includes fabulous stuff.

The organizers wanted me to make sure that everyone realizes that this is a community effort and without the help of the entire community this fundraiser could not happen.

The second event, which takes place on Tuesday, July 26 from 8 - 10:30 pm is the 7th anniversary at Alibi of Celebrity Impersonator Michael Walters, Dame Edna's Broadway Cabaret. The event will feature the theme: "The Seven Year Bitch." Seven years is a milestone so I thought I would sit down with Michael for this Hotspots Interview:

Is Dame Edna the first time you did drag?

I had done drag before. I started doing drag theatrically in a production of La Cage Aux Follies and other shows where I played a variety of comic drag characters.

What was that inspiration to impersonate Dame Edna?

In one of those shows I was in, one of the characters was an off the wall cooking show host ("Martha Stewart on Crack"). Someone tried her as Julia Child and I thought it would be fun to do her as Dame Edna. I went to town on it and the first couple attempts were not my best, but little by little as time went on people started asking me to do Dame Edna at events and parties.

How long have you been impersonating Dame Edna?

I have been impersonating her for 17 years. Seven years ago, when I moved to Fort Lauderdale, I was offered the show at Alibi. I never thought, even in my wildest dreams, that it would last this long, but thankfully we have a strong crowd every Monday. My partner Doug, who I started dating just shortly after I started working at Alibi, is such a big help for me. He is my stage manager and now has his own microphone.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank my friend, the late Cashetta as she was the first to do cabaret at the Alibi. Without her there would not be cabaret at Alibi, and I so appreciate her opening the doors for me!

Have you ever met the original Dame Edna?

Many times, and Barry Humphries is very aware that I do the character. Actually, I performed for him at his birthday a few years back. He has been such a gentleman and so kind to me. Barry once said to me "If I had a voice like yours, I would have never had to put on a dress."

How different is Michael and Dame Edna?

I am not the character, as I am a lot nicer. I am nowhere near as bitchy as Edna, but I am an actor and I stay in character when I am in the role.

What should the audience expect from your seven year anniversary event?

Usually I sing from a track, but I am very excited that Chris Nicholson is coming in to play live piano. I have many things I want to do for the anniversary, but I have learned when I plan things it gets overwhelming, so I let the shows just flow. But, I promise the show will be fabulous, because I am ready to give Fort Lauderdale a show they won't soon forget. In addition, the anniversary will be on the main stage where I will also celebrate my birthday, so you know I will be in rare form! I so enjoy doing the show, and I want to thank the community and the lifelong friends I have made for supporting my show for 7 years.