OKC’s The Boom: A place for everyone
The legendary Oklahoma City Strip has always been the go-to location for gay night life in the OKC metro area. The cornerstone of the Strip, in some people’s opinion, is the hybrid dinner theatre/night club that sits perched on a hill near the corner of 39th and Penn known as The Boom.
Owned by John Gibbons and Kitty Bob Aimes, The Boom has played a key role in keeping the legitimacy of the Strip intact. Gibbons and Aimes had a vision when they drew up the plans for the Boom one night (on a napkin, might I add). They wanted to bring back the concept of the dinner theatre while evolving the gay night club scene altogether.
This vision not only came true, but it completely changed the game and earned the Boom a spot on OUT Magazine’s Top 200 Gay Bars in the World.
On the front half of the Boom, you find the more traditional bar aspect. Barrel Back bar stools line a U- shaped bar top manned by skilled staff trained in the art of making craft cocktails and mixed drinks. The regulars belly up to the bar Tuesday through Friday for Cocktail Hour, which features half-priced appetizers and $1.25 domestic beers from 4-8 p.m.
The dinner theatre aspect of the Boom is nothing to sneeze at. The set is elaborate and the shows are masterfully directed. The actors amaze and astonish audience members and critics alike. Shows that have been featured so far this year have been: The King of Queen, Forever Plaid, Arsenic and Old Lace, and many more.
Do you love worshiping your lord and savior but hate all your pretentious church friends that won’t say hi to you in the liquor store? What is the solution? Sunday Gospel Brunch hosted by Aimes and Norma Jean Goldenstein. This show is featured with pitchers of mimosas and an amazingly hearty brunch prepared by Executive Chef Curtis Staggs and a hearty dosage of delightfully offensive humor, as well.
If you’re visiting from Oklahoma City’s notoriously conservative neighboring town, Edmond, you get a two-minute warning upon entering. You want nice? Go to real church!
There is never a dull moment at the Boom. On any given night you’re bound to find yourself having the time of your life with friends and strangers alike. Tuesday night karaoke with Shantel Mandalay is an epic experience in and of itself. There’s no better time to show off your vocal range than after you’ve had a few drinks served up by your favorite bartender.
Not the singing type? Test your knowledge on Wednesday nights with Stephanie DeBarge while scarfing down some amazing $1 tacos. Did I mention all proceeds go to Oklahoma City Pride? Now that’s generous!
Thursday night is when the real party begins. Trashy Thursday is an insanely wild show hosted by Maria Isabel that features amateur drag queens and kings from the metro area performing for a large crowd. If you show up, you could very well be selected for the lip-synch battle, so bring your A-game!
Friday and Saturday nights feature top talent from around the metro. Ginger Lamar, Kitty Bob Aimes, Rene Hilton and Maria Isabel lead a standout group of queens that are featured in a rotating list of themed drag shows completely free of cover.
The Boom is a place where anybody can party – it doesn’t matter if you are a lesbian, gay, straight, bi or transgender. Everybody is here for the same reason, to have a drink, to be themselves and to escape the daily grind.
The Gayly – September 11, 2016 @ 12:15 p.m.