Ménage a Trois, a trio of women who forged a friendship working as part of the singing waitstaff at a popular eatery in the Times Square area, and who have since then gone on to perform at Iridium, The Laurie Beechman Theater and more recently to sold out audiences at The Green Room 42, will be singing the National Anthem at the annual Gay Pride Parade on Sunday, June 24, as it kicks off at noon. The three—Lacey Angerosa, Nyseli Vega and Bianca Madison—are proud feminists with strong ties to the LGBTQ community. Here’s a rundown on what singing the National Anthem means to them:
1. How important is it to start off the parade with the National Anthem?
Lacey: The Star Spangled Banner was written during a time of extreme turmoil in our country. To me, this anthem represents finding hope when there seems to be none, and having pride despite thinking all may be lost. What better time to sing it than at the NYC Pride March?
Nyseli: As a proud child of immigrant parents, as a woman, as an ally of the LGBTQ community, I feel it is my duty to represent what America should be-inclusive, hardworking and supportive, and there’s no better way to pay homage to the America that I know and love, than to sing the anthem with my fellow brothers and sisters of all walks of life.
Bianca: We all believe that our country needs to be a place of inclusion, equality and love for all. We will sing the anthem with hope that all people will live their lives this way. We will sing in support of our LGBTQ brothers and sisters, any marginalized group, woman and anyone who feels they have no voice in this world today.
2. What does it mean for you three to have been chosen?
Lacey: It is an absolute honor to be chosen. I, personally, have never gotten the chance to attend the Pride March and I’m so excited. What a way to experience it for the first time!
Nyseli: It means the world. I love my LGBTQ family! The three of us have always striven to sing empowering and uplifting songs and have each been fighting our own fights with equality—so this opportunity is just taking it to the next level!
Bianca: It‘ s such an honor to be chosen to sing this song on behalf of the LGBTQ community.
3. How were you chosen for this honor?
Lacey,Nyseli, Bianca: We were e-mailed by NYC Pride March’s Talent Manager. Simple as that! Thanks to whoever recommended us, we are honored!
4. What will you bring to your arrangement of the anthem?
Lacey: We’ve created something really unique and original for our rendition of the anthem. Ménage à Trois is known for our tight three part harmonies, and there is no shortage of them here… but other than that? You’ll just have to come and see!
Nyseli: Sass. Three-part harmony and some screlting all before noon!
Bianca: We have always tried to make our arrangements different and impressive. We hope we achieve that!
5. Has your experience in cabaret informed how you’ll present the anthem?
Lacey: We’ve been singing together for years now. I feel like we all know each other’s voices so well, and it makes the arranging process that much easier to do. If anything, I think the trust and bond we’ve formed in our relationship together over time really shows through in our singing. We are strong, confident, and proud.
Nyceli: Eh… this is certainly a different type of performance but I think the three of us are confident in our abilities and will rock out the only way we know how!!
Bianca: It’s so different but we will definitely apply the same passion and fiery sass to the anthem!
6. How does your selection tie into womens’ empowerment themes and issues?
Lacey: We are all such advocates for women’s rights and women’ empowerment that anything we do together tends to become somewhat of a statement. In terms of the march: we are just so thrilled to be here for a celebration of love, hope, confidence and pride. We can’t wait to be a part of it!
Nyseli: Having three women—on birth control,singing the anthem for Pride—it’s a wake up call to those who do not support the LGBTQ community, those who do not support immigrants, those who do not support women’s health rights. We are here. We are loud. We aren’t going anywhere.
Bianca: The three of us are huge supporters of woman’s rights, We have always crafted our shows in empowering woman and this is no different.
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