Thinking Inside The Box
By John Vorwald
BLACKBOOK: The Lower East Side has sort of an underdog legacy. Now, it’s mostly guys in untucked, striped shirts. Where does The Box fit into all that?
SIMON HAMMERSTEIN: Well, historically the L.E.S. was famous for its dime museums, concert saloons, and vaudeville palaces. So, if anything, we are harkening back to its roots. I imagine the jokes and themes are a lot less racist than they were originally, but hopefully we make up for it with sexual ambiguity and titilation.
BB: Has The Box lived up to your original vision for the space, or has it taken on a life of its own?
SH: More so. It’s amazing to have a fantasy realized, and I don’t think our imaginations ever did the reality justice.
BB:What would your great great grandfather [Oscar Hammerstein] have thought about the acts?
SH: Probably think I’m a pussy. He was hiring murderers and anybody else he could get for pure shock value. In those days, there wasn’t Page Six.
BB: Do you feel the need to keep the show evolving or can you savor your success a bit?
SH: The show is constantly changing so there’s been no time to rest on our laurels. Also the whole fun of it is having a new opening night every Wednesday.
BB: Any tips for people who want to get in on a busy night?
SH: Dress in drag.
All listings are featured in the 2008 BlackBook Guide to New York!
Photo by Sarah Smith
