Editor’s note: this edition of Six Questions is by NLE’s Tommy Batchelor.
The singer-actor originally from Orlando, FL, Joshua “Chachi” Cruz, can’t help but smile when a great song plays in front of a crowd. You can catch him weekly at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, lighting up club stages–or singing joyfully at home. His 
background in various performing arts includes a range of credits, including Wig Out at the Vineyard and Master of None. He is most recently the host of Barbarino’s Big Nite Out!—an OG Variety Show featuring singers, comedians and specialty acts, which plays at Lips Drag Queen Palace monthy. Chachi is also a proud dad and devoted husband who aims to bring humor and heart wherever he goes.
The next edition of Barbarino’s Big Nite Out! is on Tuesday, September 30 at 7:00 PM at Lips Drag Queen Show Palace Restaurant & Bar with musical director Darnell White, Liz Davies, Diva LaMarr, Hannah Jane and Patrick Pevehouse, along with comedian Maureen Langan, magician Magic Brian—and more! Tickets starting at $29, with a $25 food/beverage minimum per person. Click here for more info and to reserve.
NiteLife Exchange (NLE) asks Joshua “Chachi Cruz” (JC) Six Questions:
NLE: As the host of Barbarino’s Big Nite Out! for the past year, what’s been one of the more surprising or unexpected moments you’ve experienced as MC?
JC: One of the things I love most about Big Night Out is that I never fully know what’s going to happen. There are nights when I don’t even meet the performers until the day of the show, especially with self-contained acts. So I’m seeing their performance for the very first time right alongside everyone else. I’ll never forget the absolute command Diva Lamar brought to the stage. Or George Winters, whose musical comedy chops had the audience doubled over, me included.
And here’s the funny thing: some of the most surprising moments from last season weren’t mine at all; they belonged to the performers. I lost count of how many times someone came offstage, glowing, and said, “That was way more fun than I expected.” They walked in with a vision of what their performance would be, but what really caught them off guard was how alive the room felt. Watching them light up, watching that moment of surprise ended up being the best surprise of all.
NLE: Do you feel that frequently hosting this show has had an impact on the overall quality of your work—either on stage or beyond?
JC: I’ve definitely loosened up in front of a crowd since I started hosting BNO. Hosting forces you to sharpen your instincts, because no matter how much you plan, something always goes a little sideways—a mic cuts out, someone forgets their cue, or I blank on what I was supposed to say next. Instead of panicking, I’ve learned to just… talk. Sometimes I make jokes that only three people laugh at—but hey, those three people really feel seen! BNO has also pushed me to wear so many hats: host, actor, singer, producer—even social media influencer. It’s boosted my confidence in ways I didn’t expect, and inspired me to write and perform Mother, a one-man show this past spring
NLE: Being the “glue” that keeps the evening flowing can’t be easy. How do you balance keeping the energy up, supporting the performers, and connecting with the audience
JC: Putting together an audience for a variety show and keeping them engaged is always a balancing act. I’ve learned that positivity and creative energy are infectious; when you bring that spark to the stage, the crowd feels it and mirrors it back. Pair that with humor and a willingness to fall flat on your face once in a while, and you have a recipe for real connection. For me, the best moments come when structure meets spontaneity—when the performers are giving their all, but leaving room for accidents, laughter and the unexpected.
NLE: In your opinion, what makes Barbarino’s Big Nite Out! unique compared to other nightlife and cabaret experiences in New York?
JC: What makes Big Night Out! stand out from other cabaret shows really starts with the setting. Every last Tuesday of the month, we’re at Lips, the iconic drag cabaret bar that’s already bursting with color, glitter and camp. Just walking in, you feel like the night is going to be fun before the first performer even steps on stage. It’s not your typical cabaret vibe. And BNO isnt just about me either ! One month you might see an Edith Piaf ventriloquist, the next a naked magician who somehow leaves you both amazed and blushing. It’s also about you! You can step up onto the Open Mic following 
the show. Big Night Out! is about creating a space where every performer can shine and leave the stage feeling proud of what they’ve made.
NLE: Hosting requires a mix of spontaneity, wit and warmth. How do you prepare yourself before stepping onstage, and how much of what you do is improvised in the moment?
JC: I like to be prepared, but not over-prepared. If I get too locked into a script, I lose the ability to be present. So I go in with a clear structure, but I leave room to play. I’d say half of what I do is planned and half is improvised, and that balance keeps the show fresh and alive.
NLE: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the September 30th show at Lips—and what should audiences expect from you as their host this time around?
JC: What I’m most excited about returning to Big Night Out! this season is jumping back into my community and bringing a few new tricks with me. After a summer in Europe, soaking up cabaret shows and little moments of inspiration everywhere I went, I’m brimming with ideas for production numbers and musical pieces. And I can’t wait for everyone to see the new and polished Chachi who’s back, sharper, wilder, and ready to play. Our shows at the end of the month are going to feel like a real celebration, festive, fun—and full of surprises.
