Once upon a time in college, I was lucky enough to have one of the funniest people alive as my roommate. Although our college roomie years are behind us (“Wait, there are TWO Kims in here?”), she is still the most hilarious woman residing in New York City.

Cue, Kim Morgan Dean. Ladypants is an award-winning actress and just completed a season with Greenbrier Valley Theater in Lewisburg, WV. She played a crazy range of roles there - from Juliet to a Winter Wonderette. She also has a delightfully funny Twitter account, which she told me she will force herself to update more now that I’ve called her out on the interwebz.

Kim reveals to us her ultimate musical party guests… make sure you shine your shoes, kids, these picks are classy.

The lovely KMD.

Vagrant Isle: Kim, you have an unlimited budget and a warehouse-sized time machine (should you need it). Who do you invite to play at your birthday party?

Kim Morgan Dean: OK. I’m cheating a little bit because I’m picking three artists - which is TECHNICALLY less than a band, so maybe I’m not cheating. Also, you said the time machine was warehouse-sized and that means three people can fit SUPER easily. And why wouldn’t I want to get more bang for my buck with regards to this time travel situation?

1. Judy Garland (duh.)
2. Frank Sinatra
3. Dean Martin

Well lookie here. Quick, into the time machine!

VI: Mega classy! So why them?

KMD: Why them? WHY FUCKING NOT THEM? But really: they seem like crazy drinkers/partiers, yet are still super classy. And the older I get, the more I feel like my birthday celebrations should be a black tie affair. But still boozy.

I imagine this combination of three would provide the ultimate in booze/pill-fueled audience banter, endless duet/trio combinations and obviously killer vocals. And my general crowds of friends would appreciate them. (Because most of my friends are gay? Possibly.) And they are HILARIOUS together. Have you ever seen clips from the old Judy Garland show or the Rat Pack? I have a weird love for performers who bring out the silly in each other - especially when they seem so serious most of the time.

VI: Spot on! And where are you hosting?

KMD: In the movie in my mind, this event takes place in a ballroom. Maybe the Hammerstein. Some place where I can have tables, HUGE open bars and a classy stage. And where we can all move around in fancy black tie clothing. Like a cross between that and a Vegas lounge. Does that place exist? (If it doesn’t, I’m opening one. I’ll have ALL the monies!)

Hammerstein Ballroom - there’s space!

VI: And what sort of things do you associate with this style?

KMD: OK. Obviously I associate them with things like martinis and tuxedos, but I also think of vinyl records (probably because that’s the way I first heard them), cigarettes, high heels and red lipstick. I have NO idea why that is. Maybe it’s because I consider them “classy” and when I was younger, that somehow meant high heels and lipstick. (Which, in retrospect, I should have associated with slutty?) 

Some Birthday Kim-spiration:

To Wear:

I love this Pauline Trigere dress from daisyandstella’s Esty store! It’s so lady like and classic. (Don’t forget gloves and lipstick!)

Pretty!

Now you have to accessorize! This faux leather stingray clutch from ASOS may not hold your cell, but it’ll hold your lipstick and residual swagger. I also love all of the cute shoes on Modcloth especially these:

These will match your date’s bowtie…

Speaking of dates… BOYS. You gotta shop Pink. Ladies, you’re welcome.

To Party There:

I love Fishs Eddy’s selection of stemware. Especially their Champagne Bowl Glass, which would make me feel extra bubbly while trying to ask Dean Martin for his phone number.

Fancy!

Just in case you end up hosting, Our Best Bites (one of my favorite recipe places on the internet) has a great section on appetizers. Their recipe for Grown Up Dipping Sauce is pretty nummy.

Photo courtesy of Our Best Bites.

Are you looking for vinyl to play at your party? Well, if you’re in the NYC area, my advice to you is to head over to J&R Music World. I’ve picked up countless old records there (and at a super bargain) - bonus: you can shop in their online store, although the variety of finds might not be as great.

Shaboom!

So boys and girls, go forth and get your classy on. Thanks to the lovely KMD for participating! I’m looking forward to your birthday - I’ll work on the time machine.

x