In the Spotlight

It had been awhile since I’d been to Churchill’s Monday night, so I was a bit surprised/thrilled when I saw the brand-new stage, awnings and artwork in the patio. This is where Theatre de Underground — a sort of open-air open mike night with thespian flair — takes place each week.

There is a banner over the stage announcing the weekly affair, which somehow makes the event official. It used to be just a makeshift stage with a large spotlight aimed directly at the eyes of the performer, which makes it easy for those with a bad case of stage fright to avoid the eyes of audience members. Now it’s a mainstay.

Good thing, too, because Theatre de Underground welcomes anyone to come share their talents. There is, of course, one rule, as hostess Kristen will explain to you.

Anyone can participate, but to do so, at least 10 people have to sign up to perform. Other than that, it’s pretty much up to the participants to set the pace for the night, which sometimes goes as late as 3 a.m.

Like any other pub, Churchill’s has its regulars and that’s how I met Nicholas the Storyteller, an elderly man who seems to have jumped out of the pages of a J.R.R. Tolkien novel. Perpetually dressed in a long green cloak and carrying a staff, long-bearded Nick tells mystical fables.
Performers have 10 minutes on stage to do as they wish. The most popular format, though, is poetry — in different incarnations like rap or slam poetry. Some people read directly from their journals; others recite straight from memory. You might even get lucky and spot a few out-of-towners working up their courage and dropping some impressive rhymes about war, gas prices, the president, etc.

Local musicians like Fitzroy and Adonis Cross, who also performs poetry and stand-up comedy at times, have given impromptu performances. Not every set has to be acoustic either. Just remember to bring your own amp/cables/extra strings.

Theatre de Underground has always had a good vibe. It’s neither too hippie or too pretentious; it’s a group of talented people sharing their works with other talented people.

Theatre de Underground starts promptly at 10 p.m. Churchill’s Pub is located at 5501 NE Second Ave., Miami. Admission is $4. Call 305-757-1807 or visit ww.churchillspub.com for more information.

—      Calendar Girl

calendargirl@miamisunpost.com