Pleasure Island’s Kiss Goodbye: Act One

I remember reading all about Pleasure Island when I was planning a trip with friends in 1995. It all sounded so exciting with its various themed clubs but we never made it there and I was sorely disappointed. During various trips that came later, mostly alone, I made an effort to explore Pleasure Island but only got as far as 8 Trax, Rock ‘n Roll Beach Club, Comedy Warehouse, and the infamous Adventurer’s Club. The last two clubs quickly became my favorites as I love improv, singing, and comedy.

I took my cousin Matt to the Adventurer’s Club a few times between 2004 and 2007 and it just wasn’t his cup of tea. Now, it wasn’t the shows but some guests who freaked him out. We did make into a show in the library during a birthday trip and his friend Greg was brought up on-stage to do the Fax Machine Dance. Greg is 6’6″ and at the time was 17 years old. The maid who brought him there turned red and referred to herself as Mrs. Robinson when she realized she’d just picked up a teenager. GOOD TIMES!!

Over time I came to pick out favorites at Comedy Warehouse; Mary and Lisa. I didn’t have faves at the Adventurer’s Club and I think it’s because I never saw all of the shows but I did recognize several actors which gave me a wonderful feeling of comfort.

On Wednesday, September 24th, Barrie and I carried our tripods and cameras around Pleasure Island staying outside of the clubs. Things were spookingly quiet for a nightspot that’s about to close despite letter-writing campaigns and petitions.
The calm before the storm.

No line, no waiting at Mannequins.

On Thursday night, I returned to PI alone in hopes of hitting the dance clubs to see their interiors at the very least but instead I opted to revisit the Adventurer’s Club. My friend told me that Lou Mongello might be there and I figured he may be accompanied by his wife and friends whose company I enjoy. Once inside the Club (pronounced as if it was in Spanish), one could see the crowd downstairs filled the room. Making my way downstairs I poked my head into the Treasure Room and sure enough there was Lou and friends. YES! People I know!

The place was at full capacity on 9/25/08.

Emil carried the Balderdash Cup around and received many a “Congratulation”.

A bit of info that is pointless but all the same quite funny to me. As you’ve seen, the Adventurer’s Club was quite hopping and so when I made my way to the Ladies Room I feared the impending line. Much to my surprise, there was no line. Wow! OK so anyhoo, when I left the loo, I saw one of the maids and she passed right by me. I was so happy to see an actor up close that I let out a “YAY!” Well, back into the room I went and quite luckily found myself just to the side of the small platform where Yvette, the French Canadian maid took to the microphone.

As previously stated, I didn’t have a favorite actor/actress as of yet but after a few sung notes and jokes, all that changed. Too bad I didn’t stay put for her entire performance but I felt like those who visit the Club far more often than myself deserved to have a better view.