How did you find out about the Gaiety?

[ValleyDwellerNorth]

I know that some time ago people were sharing their Gaiety stories, specifically, how they learned about the Gaiety. Share your tale here. Was it a friend, an ad, an escort or by chance that you found out about the G and discovered all there was to discover?

 

For me, it all began with Madonna's "Sex Book". One day I delicately slipped into a Walden's Book Store in Suburbia USA and quickly purchased this pseudo-porn. When I hurried home and unwrapped this poorly bound book I came upon the Gaiety Pages. Soon after I hopped on a Metro-North train and the rest is history.

 

Here are the G pages from the "Sex Book" that currently adorn the Apollo Lounge.

 

So, in the words of Madonna, "express yourself".

 

V

 

http://img1.uaih.net/896/MadonnaGaiety01.jpg

http://img1.uaih.net/846/MadonnaGaiety02.jpg

http://img1.uaih.net/478/MadonnaGaiety03.jpg

http://img1.uaih.net/825/MadonnaGaiety04.jpg

http://img1.uaih.net/641/MadonnaGaiety05.jpg

[ValleyDwellerNorth]

http://www.picrack.com/001/other/MadonnaGaiety06.jpg

http://www.picrack.com/001/other/MadonnaGaiety07.jpg

http://www.picrack.com/001/other/MadonnaGaiety08.jpg

http://www.picrack.com/001/other/MadonnaGaiety09.jpg

http://www.picrack.com/001/other/MadonnaGaiety10.jpg

[HotdadENYC]

Or, more to the point, also in the words of Madonna:

 

Like a virgin, touched for the VERY first time......

 

 

hd NYC

[noviceny]

I had heard clubs like the Gaiety existed but never paid them any mind,

 

As I progressed in my curiosity and coming out, I can upon this site and all became clear.

 

It was still very difficult to go to this place for thr first time

[noviceny]

the first time I actually went to the Gaiety was with Carlos. He made me go and I was glad I did.

[HotdadENYC]

I'll go with you novice, any time you want.

 

Seriously.

 

And I'll hold your hand in lieu of anything else.

 

 

THIS IS A SERIOUS OFFER. I would love to have someone else, in NYC, to go to Gaiety with me. Although I'm not the shy and retiring type, I feel a little self-conscious about going to bars and clubs all by myself.

 

Let me know !

 

hd NYC

[+ glutes]

I found out about the "G" through a rentboy in SF. He said "I'm getting myself in-shape so I can audition to perform at The Gaiety. It is the pinnacle for hustlers". That perked my interest, and provoked research...

[Minneapolis]

I first came discovered the Gaiety while on a high school trip in the late 80's. Does anyone remember the big billboard that was over near the Howard Johnson's back then? I wanted so much to check it out, but alas it was a school trip and we had to see the Statue of Liberty. I've since hook up with a couple of escorts who worked at the Gaiety at that time and their stories blow my mind!!! I wished I had experienced the Gaiety at that time--with all the activities it had back then. I love reading stories of the G during the heyday while it had services on site.

[Cooper]

My first recollection of learning about the The Gaiety Theatre was from the weekly newspaper "Village Voice", it ran a Gaiety ad. I remember cutting out those $1 off the admission price coupons.

 

In the early 90's I went with an escort who had danced at the Gaiety. He filled me in on what went on in the infamous upstairs theatre. He encouraged me to go and see a show, and the rest is history.

 

VDN, there's something about those b/w pictures that makes it so erotic.

[JT Brooklyn]

This thread definitely brings back memories.First time I went to the "G" A friend was celebrating his B'day. Someone told him about the "G" So I deceided we should go, as my present to him.. We went to the "Late Sat Nite Show",being told that was when the most guys would be Performing..We had a great time, the Place was Mobbed..We enjoyed the Show alot. Of course at that time there was still alot of Backroom Bars, Anvil,(Downstairs)The Stud,The Barn (3 flrs,MY Fav) So guys walking around with there Dicks out, no big deal! Except ALL the "Gaiety" guys were HOT! lol We watched Show, and left!! "At that time" we knew nothing about the OTHER goings on! :+ :+ :+

[KY_TOP]

I would have never had known the place existed if not for the Hooboy site. Actually visiting NYC wasn't even on my radar scene until I kept reading about the Gaiety here. Then for my first trip to NYC I reserved a room at the Marriott Marquis across the street for easy access. Now I try to get to NYC and the G at least once a year. In fact already reserved a room at the Marriott Marquis for Memorial Day weekend for my annual pilgrimage, which I planned a little early this year. Many of you take your weekly trips to the G for granted. For me it is always a special stop at the top of my visit to the Big Apple. For me NYC would not be the same without it.

[ValleyDwellerNorth]

>Or, more to the point, also in the words of Madonna:

>

>Like a virgin, touched for the VERY first time......

 

I think that lyric applies to NO ONE in this forum!

[ValleyDwellerNorth]

>It was still very difficult to go to this place for thr first

>time

 

I hear ya Novice ... my first visit only lasted about 15 minutes as I went alone, was scared and then when I saw the ERECTION I left! Mind you, I was not as smutty then as I am now so I was shocked and scared though the SEX Book did warn me.

 

Each return visit lasted longer and longer.

[ValleyDwellerNorth]

>I first came discovered the Gaiety while on a high school

>trip in the late 80's.

 

NOT ONE TRIP I took in high school ever led to such a discovery!!

 

>that was over near the Howard Johnson's back then? I wanted

>so much to check it out, but alas it was a school trip and we

>had to see the Statue of Liberty.

 

Well, you didn't see naked men but you did see one of the longest running drag shows ever! That queen has been holding that torch for years!

 

>couple of escorts who worked at the Gaiety at that time and

>their stories blow my mind!!! I wished I had experienced the

>Gaiety at that time--with all the activities it had back then.

> I love reading stories of the G during the heyday while it

>had services on site.

 

From what I heard, those days were wild indeed.

[ValleyDwellerNorth]

>My first recollection of learning about the The Gaiety

>Theatre was from the weekly newspaper "Village Voice", it ran

>a Gaiety ad. I remember cutting out those $1 off the admission

>price coupons.

 

COUPONS!?! Obviously there are no more discounts .... just price hikes during holidays! But Cooper, as I recall, you and several other audience members did get a "admit one free" pass when a particular show really sucked?

 

>VDN, there's something about those b/w pictures that makes it

>so erotic.

 

I agree.

[ValleyDwellerNorth]

>scene until I kept reading about the Gaiety here. Then for my

>first trip to NYC I reserved a room at the Marriott Marquis

>across the street for easy access.

 

Staying at the Marriott really does make it easy indeed! Unlike the Super 8, The Marriott will call up to your room after hours if someone is coming to visit you. To confirm the "visitor" will be asked your room # and full name. But if your visitor goes up with you after hours then all is fine .. you just have to show your room key. Again, this is all after hours (post midnight I think).

 

My visitor was VERY obvious in his appearance in why he was visiting me so I am sure I was the talk of the security counter (slut in room 218 has a "gentleman" caller).

 

>the G at least once a year. In fact already reserved a room at

>the Marriott Marquis for Memorial Day weekend for my annual

>pilgrimage,

 

HAVE A GRAND TIME and that weekend is always fun.

[Guest JohnPela]

I think I knew about the Gaiety for a couple of years before I finally went there. I had been coming to NYC at least 1-2 times a years since my first trip in 1976.

 

My first visit was the night after Christmas of 1997 after seeing a Broadway show. I was nervous and my eyes bugged out as I came in the theatre and a gorgeous guy was on stage, nude and erect during his second number. I stayed until closing (also was cruising a younger guy there that was obviously his first time too- I could tell by the dazed, amazed look on his face).

 

From then on every trip to NYC, I would visit the Gaiety after seeing the nightly Broadway shows.

 

My first private with a Gaiety dancer was not until September 2002. Though during earlier Gaiety visits I had talked to dancers but never really completed the conversation in the lounge to do a private.

[ted]

I was told about the Gaiety by a former dancer who was my first escort experience a long time ago now. He had been dancing at the Gaeity until earlier that year, '97, and during the chit chat told me about the place. I didn't go right away, but then saw another guy who appeared there and gave me more details. I went very soon after that. I usually make it there every NYC trip.

[baltimore observer]

My first visit was circa June 1997. I had travelled with a friend to spent 4 days in NYC; he suggested visiting the Gaiety. I ended up doing a "private" with the infamous Kirk/Voltaire; as I recall, Kirk's private wasn't all bad.

[Guest Fisher]

I first became aware of the Gaiety as a teenager, while in high school back in the late 1970s, I would go with my sister and her friends from our home in the burbs down to NYC to see Broadway matinees. We would go on Wednesdays during school breaks/vacations. I remember waiting on line for discount tickets on the center island between 46th and 47th Street. On the top of the large billboard at 46th and B’way (above Ho Jo's) was a smaller series of posters advertising for the Gaiety it featured a shirtless man in a top hat and baton. I didn’t know what the Gaiety was at time. I thought possibly it was some “nudie” play similar to Oh Calcutta! But seeing those pictures always got me hot.

 

Afew years later (around 1981) when I was in college (closeted, shy, and unsure of myself), I was reading The Village Voice and saw an ad for the Gaiety and thought "hmmm male strip club!!!" After several months of debating, I gained enough courage to explore. I went down to the city – walked past the entrance at least ten times – finally went in – sat down (it was in between shows) – I was 20 … an elderly man of about 70 sat down next to me and put his hands down my pants – I screamed, stood up and ran out of the Gaiety.

 

After living away from NYC of nearly ten years, I moved back in 1995. Older and wiser I decided to try the Gaiety again. In the Spring of 1995 I walked up those steps for the second time in my life. The admission price back then was $10, but $2 off coupons could be found in The Village Voice. Among the dancers at my first show were Brett Derubbo, Tory Daniels, and Rocky. There was no back room by 1995; however, you still touch the dancers when you tipped them (their calves & thighs, but not their dick). My first private show was with Travis from Toronto ($150) – he was studying to be a fireman and would come to the G with his friend Lance. I liked Travis alot…saw him five times in 1995. After ten years and numerous privates, I’m glad I decided to go up those stairs that second time. :7

 

- Fisher

[Guest zipperzone]

Just Curious

 

Just Curious.....

 

Is Denise the original owner or did she buy it as an established business?

 

If she is not the original owner, does anyone know who was and a bit of the history of the place?

 

And, did the "clean-up" of the on-site activities start with Mayor Rudy or was some other spoilsport responsible for that?

[Guest Fisher]

RE: Just Curious

 

I don't remember who was in the ticket booth when I

first went to the Gaiety in 1981. I do remember be told

to move on after I paid my admission (I was waiting for my

ticket stub).

 

Denise has been in the ticket booth since I regularly started

going to the Gaiety in 1995.

 

- Fisher

[jaynnj]

Its sems like it was only yeasterday that I heard

of the Gaiety but its been a few years now. I first heard of the gaiety when I was promoteing a male review in NJ, At the time I was working with a dancer named Sebastin and he invited me me to watch him

dance at the G needless to say I was shocked at what I saw but I was hooked at the site of those boys at the G.

[Funseeker 22]

RE: Just Curious

 

Interesting Thread. Takes me down Memory Lane.

My 1st Gaiety visit was in the early to mid 80`s. I extended many a NYC business trip to include a weekend layover (cheaper airfare you know, to the expense acct people)

I sat a little further back so as not to be a part of those "old people" sitting stageside (no offense since I sat on the front row on my last visit). In those days no security checking audience and shortly after I arrived someone was rubbing my thigh etc etc. There were many people standing against the walls and it seemed like much touching was going on during the dancers shows.

Never went backstage but that tinsel curtain remains intact.

That was one wild weekend since I was staying at the Sheraton on 7th Ave and also discovered the Adonis and David Theatre`s plus another on 55th. Found much hot free stuff to bring back to the hotel.

Now I`m paying for it ??- well sometimes. :-)

[Knabegeil]

RE: Just Curious

 

I,too, remember that provocative sign in the 80s. Can't remember when my first visit was, but probably in the 90s. Sometimes I also regret not having been a part of the backroom action (and other missed opportunites elsewhere). But, given the times, this natural caution is probably why I'm still alive.