Novak's Bar and Grill

Halloween weekend was quite an exciting time for the Play It Again Rocky staff this year.  We drove like a bat out of hell to get to St. Louis for our first stop of the weekend, Novak’s Bar and Grill.  This show was a little different from what we’re used to.  It was in a bar.  I know it kind of conjures up some yucky images but it wasn’t bad at all.

It wasn’t really the fact that a bar was doing the show that brought us out; I’m not going to lie.  Really it just happened to be on the way to the other shows we were planning to see over the weekend.  So we thought, “Hey why not?” 

We made it to the show with relative ease; however, we were running just a little bit late.  I figured they’d be on drag time and the show wouldn’t be starting for another 20 minutes.  I was wrong.  This place really seemed to have their shit together.  For starters they had valet parking.  So for 5 bucks you got curb service.  Secondly the bar was well-lit, clean, and friendly.  And C. they had a great patio outside for nice weather-which it really was, considering it was the end of October in the mid-west. 

Now you might be wondering what a show put on in a gay bar in St. Louis, Missouri is like.  To be honest, other than the minimal-well minimal everything really, it was much like a show you’d see anywhere else.  Though, maybe a little less finished.  The set was non-existent.  They had a doorway and a raised stage area.  I think they used one fitted sheet, a couple of chairs, and some tap lights.  The costumes kind of looked like they all just took a field trip to Pricilla’s (or Cirilla’s or whatever the hell that place is called these days) and picked out something they liked.  Although I’m sure a couple of the actors may have already owned the costumes they were wearing.  The band was great.  They played well and they were totally into the performance.  The singing was ok.  The acting was ok.  Frank had a habit of paraphrasing, but it all worked out.  The crowd LOVED every minute of it.  If I had the chance I think I would see it again. 

I have been pretty spoiled by small but elaborate shows.  A couple of years ago I think this show might have disappointed me, but I have seen such an odd range of shows at this point I have really grown to appreciate the effort that is put into the show as much as the show itself.  Their heart was in the right place and it showed.  It was definitely well worth the modest ticket price.   

*Unfortunately Play It Again Rocky didn't get any photos from this show.*