About a week ago, a friend of ours asked us to spill the beans on all the NERDY little secrets that happen behind-the-scenes.
Who’s the bigger Diva, Spectra or Idalia? Well, there’s an obvious answer to that question (Idalia… duh!), but there were other questions we kept receiving from attendees. Like, “Are Spectra and Idalia really dating?”, “Do you both rehearse before each show?” and “What was the inspiration for The Nerdy Cabaret?”
So, we figured we’d write a post in third person omniscient (hehe, that one was for all you literary nerds out there), not really answering any of the questions we were asked — we’re snarky like that, but have fun role-playing with each other. (Hey, get your mind out of the gutter). We had such a blast bickering over which questions to ask — and deleting each other’s responses — that we now highly recommend ghost interviewing as a nerdy procrastination (and cheap PR) activity.
So here you have it. The result of Spectra and Idalia’s playtime. Enjoy!
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What’s your favorite part about hosting Nerdy?
IDALIA: As a kid, I was a painfully shy, awkward, bookish, teacher’s pet. The NERDY CABARET rebirths me as the sexy, smartass, too-fly-to-give-a-dammn superhero I often wished I could magically morph into whenever I was teased.
SPECTRA: Umm, if I had to choose just one thing? I guess it would be co-hosting with Idalia. [Idalia: Awwww! ] Stop it! You’re making me sound cheesy. [Idalia laughing]. Well that and the ladies that come up to me after the show is over and tell me they think I’m cute :) [Idalia, not laughing]
The NERDY CABARET is turning three months old and seems to be getting very popular! What do you think makes this show so special?
IDALIA: At Nerdy, you can be all of whatever version of YOU that you want to be, whether you’re the naughty librarian girl who likes turquoise peek-a-boo lace popping out of a cotton button down, or the sexy secretary who dances like no one’s watching (no, really…). Wear a feather in your hair, rock your favorite neon plaid knee socks. No matter what version of yourself you bring, it’s welcome at Nerdy. It takes a whole lot for anyone to feel out of place.
SPECTRA: I second that. I’d add that the friendly open vibe goes beyond the intentional (or even unintentional) fashion faux pas. So many different kinds of people attend NERDY. I mean, the age range is anywhere from 18 to over 50 (no lie). We both work very hard to make sure the performer lineup is diverse by age, gender, race, sexual orientation etc. I think NERDY has won people’s hearts, in part, because it’s a perpetual celebration of the underdog.
This month’s theme is DIVA. What can attendees expect from the show?
IDALIA: NERDY is the kind of space where anything (and I mean anything) goes . Even as the hostess, I can honestly say I never know what’s really going to happen until shit goes down. [Idalia Aside: Can I swear in this interview? Spectra: Don't be funny.] Guaranteed… the DIVA edition is going to be much more outrageous than the first two. But upping the ante seems to be the trend so far anyway. Between the leather, random banana eating contests and the impromptu shoe licking, it’s been quite an experience. I expect Diva will bring a similar level of ridiculousness.
SPECTRA: I’m really excited about the Whip My Hair contest! I need to start practicing. Oooh, and about the photo booth! I want a crazy outfit, and I obviously also need to start practicing my pouty face and poses ahead of time so I can be camera ready! Oooh and I so have to get runway makeup done. I need to remember to make an appointment at MAC. I’ll need two assistants to attend to me each second I’m on stage, for dramatic emphasis. Maybe I’ll strap a stuffed animal to my head and demand ectrolyte water every 5 minutes, and–
So! Speaking of MC-ing NERDY, Idalia, how is it like for you co-hosting with Spectra?
IDALIA: Our interactions are completely unplanned which makes it a lot of fun. I think Spectra represents the shy, fun-loving, sexually inappropriate nerd that’s the spirit behind NERDY CABARET. In this way, she’s a court jester of sorts that Idalia finds endearing, annoying, and sexy all at once. Idalia is the sassy, bookish, sexy know-it-all, and slightly bossy, femme nerd fatale. So you have this classic “I like you, but don’t want you (or the audience) to know I like you” power play happening between them — all of which come out in how they joke, talk and flirt with each other on stage.
SPECTRA: So… which is it? Do you or do you not like me?
IDALIA: You’re being such a wuss right now…
The End
Note: Neither Idalia or Spectra were silly enough to interview themselves for this post. But don’t take our word for it.
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Catch IDALIA and SPECTRA co-hosting The NERDY CABARET on Wednesday August 31st at the Middle East Upstairs.
Tickets can be purchased at HERE for $8 in advance.
Remember, doors open at 7PM, the show begins promptly at 8PM, and there WILL be a “Whip My Hair” contest after intermission.
Get those locks, wigs, fros, and neck-breaking moves ready! The winner will take home a fun prize.
Got any more questions for the NERDY hosts? Feel free to leave a comment and maybe they’ll indulge ;)
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