Drag yourself to Diner 24 for din-din with a diva.
By Brandon Voss
She sings! She dances! She eats? Julliard-trained operatic glamour-gal Shequida, hostess of Barracuda’s Thursday-night Star Search, cordially invites you to Dine With a Diva every Monday night at Diner 24. ’Quida drank me under the table recently at the Chelsea eatery while discussing her latest local residency.
HX: What can we expect from your new show here at Diner 24?
Shequida: It will be very “hyper-octave,” which means I will use all five of my octaves to sing different types of songs, all in a very chill-out style with my sharp tongue aimed at the hot boys — gay and straight — in the audience.
Why Diner 24?
I love the space! They approached me awhile back, but at that time I was advised by the legal team for Jessye Normous that I was not allowed to perform while she was in town or else I would be sued or eaten.
You’re used to performing in front of boys who are drinking and flirting, but are you prepared for singing in front of a late dinner crowd?
Actually, I have done it many times before. I performed Sundays at Lucky Cheng’s for three years. I was also in Berlin for five months, six nights a week, as the host and headliner for the biggest dinner theater show in Europe — which sat 400 people!
Impressive! How do you handle hecklers or misbehavin’ audience members?
One queen coming down from a meth high can ruin the feel of a room. It takes a really strong performer to turn it around. It’s always best just to let them know who is in charge — and then give them another bump.
Sounds wise. Well, I love this place — everything’s delicious! Any favorite dishes?
Once a week I wash down some of their famous chicken dumplings with their amazing watermelon martinis. I know, I know, it sounds like a racist meal, but it’s not. Everyone loves it — just ask Flotilla, Kevin Aviance, Milan, Britney Houston, Peppermint...
I wasn’t sure if you actually ate — your figure is flawless!
Oh, thank you. I had my innards removed surgically in Mexico and then filled with Grey Goose. This way they stay pickled so that I never gain a pound or grow older.
Your Barracuda crony Candis Cayne also does a bit of “dinner theater” at the Viceroy and the Blue Whale. Aren’t you afraid she’ll cut you for trying to steal her thunder?
Who is that? [Laughs] No, of course I know Carol Channing! She is a great performer and I could never steal her thunder. And I take offense at that. Why do you think I would steal? Because I’m black? That’s racist!
I withdraw the question! But how will you control yourself from running out of the restaurant to terrorize traffic on Eighth Avenue à la Miss Cayne?
No need to worry, Chelsea. It is not legal to drink alcohol on the streets, and I plan to have a few drinks before, after and during the show. Come join me inside where it’s cool and legal!
If Diner 24 is ever short-staffed and you notice patrons in need of service while you’re performing — like extra ketchup or another martini — will you help pick up the waiters’ slack?
Oh, my God, yes. I am there to help! I would just pull out my $1,000 phone and call the bar to let them know that someone needed something. I am for the peeps.
That reminds me, I hear you recently had a fabulous little weekend escape at Six Flags Great Adventure. Was Jersey ready for Shequida?
Yes, me, Sherry Vine, Candis Cayne, Shasta Cola and all of the boys from Barracuda all went. It was a hoot! The sun was shining and all was good until some woman asked me to get out of her son. Bitch!
HX, August 2005.