the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center. There will be a 50/50 raffle and an extensive Silent Auction, which starts at 7:30pm. The Safari starts at 9pm. I asked Scot Newell who, in addition to hosting, is producing the event, to tell me more about turnabout and this year's events in particular. He said: Producing a show like the Alibi/Monkey Bars' Annual Turnabout is such an interesting – sometimes frustrating – and always hysterical process. Our “Turnabout” – where the staff dresses up in drag and puts on a show to help raise money for local charities, is one of the longest continuously running shows of its type in Wilton Manors. Several years ago, my insane friend and co-worker, Eric Brano, got ahold me and suggested that we should try to give the event more structure. I have a strong theatrical background and worked in production Off –Broadway for years … so I said “Why Not? – Let's come up with something”. That's how the “Miss Alibi Turnabout Pageant” got started. From there, the Turnabout event started to grow bigger every year. The staff really jumped on board and actually started to get rather involved. We've added sets and lighting, a Silent Auction, we've done Red Carpet receptions, VIP tables, and of course major corporate sponsorship – which helps tremendously to make the night special.
Every year we try to come up with something different. A lot of other clubs had started their own “pageants” so we let that idea go. Last year we presented a Reality Talk Show format with “The Really Desperate Drag wives of Wilton Manors”. That was an insane show!!! And so much fun! This year I was at a loss for something original – hence the frustration. I would search social media for what was trending. I looked at popular music and movies for ideas all the while looking for something that we could make into
an original production. Then one night while wide awake at 3am (after work) – it came to me – a “Jungle” theme!! I have to admit –it takes more than one person with insomnia to make this show come together. Once I came up with the idea, I start bouncing ideas off my co-workers and that's when we start with the craziness! Barry Browder is our resident VJ – and my co-host this year – and he always comes up with great music and video clips that help the production come together. Eric Brano has always been the first one on the Turnabout bandwagon and adds so much behind the scenes, as well as keeps us laughing at his crazy outfits. I tell Bryon Richardson some rough ideas and he just produces gorgeous print ads for the event.
Really, the whole staff is involved in one way or another. Obviously, the ones that get made up in drag and stand on that stage and perform are the real stars. Without them, there would be no show. But it's the bartenders – who donate a portion of their tips – to the guys who organize and run the silent auction; the wait staff who dress up; the security staff; and of course the management and the owners who allow us the venue to do this … They all are a part of this production and fundraising event. I just somehow landed in the drivers' seat and get a kick out of watching all come together. And of course handing a local organization(s) a nice big check at the end of the day gives one a sense of pride and accomplishment for the better good.
Georgie's Alibi/Monkey Bar is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday-Saturday. For more information on Georgie's Alibi/Monkey Bar, visit alibiwiltonmanors.com or call (954) 565-2526. Make sure to "like" them on Facebook at facebook.com/alibi.wiltonmanors to find out more about their daily and monthly specials.