The Parliament House
Closes after over 45 years!
On Wednesday, October 28 when the Parliament House posted on social media it would be closing its doors after more than 45 years, a feeling of sadness came over me knowing that we were losing an iconic, worldwide known, location. Immediately, I decided I wanted to go to the Last Dance on Sunday, November 1, but we are in a pandemic and money is tight, so I didn’t think I would be able to get there. Then my friend Howard Andrew came to the rescue, as he had a 2 bedroom suite in the Gardens at P House for the weekend, and invited Oscar and I to the second bedroom on Sunday night….thank you Howard! I can’t put into words how special it felt to be there with a few thousand of my gay brothers and sisters (and allies) and celebrate the memories, and all the good times that took place at 410 Orange Blossom Trail! A lot of you saw the final number of the Footlight Players on Social media, but to be there to experience it was magical. Rather than trying to come up with the words to honor P House, I decided to let some of the stars of P-House talk to me!
Quotes for pics
Don Grananstein and Marla – We are optimistic about the future. The P-House will be back; this is not the ending, just the beginning.
Darcel Stevens – I’m humbled and honored the responsibility of maintaining Parliament House’s historic legacy of outstanding entertainment was granted to me. A responsibility I did not take lightly or frivolously, instead it was my goal to keep the standards of entertainment set by Mr. David Scott and Miss P. high; a step above presenting drag as theater. Thank you for trusting me with this enormous task, it was a privilege and honor. The World Famous Parliament House; yesterday, today, and the forever.
Anthony – P-House is a major part of my life. It’s more than a building, it’s the people.
Chrissy Guy – Tis was a safe space for all and I spent half my life working here. It made me the man I am.
Addison Taylor – For someone who never felt like they belonged, the Parliament House showed me unconditional love and acceptance.
Shantell D’Marco – Whatever you see now, the P House molded.
Jazell Barbie Royale – This place changed my life, and I don’t know what my future would have been without P-House. I owe a huge part of my success to P House. Every girl in this industry wants to be a Footlight Player, and I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity.
Melony Von Kruz – Being invited to join the cast of the P House was a privilege; one I still don’t feel like I deserve. It has truly changed the tapestry of my career path and I will forever be grateful for the skills, memories, and moments that I have learned, and shared with so many others at this historic establishment.
DJ Scott Robert – Parliament House is a magical Home and friend! I look forward to meeting my friends and family at PH soon again. These moments have made me a better person and DJ! I will never take any of this time for granted. Until we DANCE again…I will dream of what was and what will be!
