Actor and writer John Spano moved to New York nearly 45 years ago, right after graduating. During that time, he briefly worked with a young Madonna and rubbed shoulders with the likes of Jackie Onassis and Barbra Streisand. This is his West Side Story.
So what's the New York story? Were you born here or did you just come here?
I grew up in a small town called Ravenna, Ohio, which was the home of Carousel Dinner Theater. I worked at a theater as a local “freeter” and met many New Yorkers who encouraged me to move to New York. I moved to New York right after high school and never looked back. With no job, no apartment, and no close friends in the city, I rented his room at the McBurney YMCA for three months. It was $9 a night. All I had was about $100 in graduation funds.
What was your first job? What are you doing now?
In 1979, I had just moved from Ohio and was familiarizing myself with the neighborhood when I saw a sign in a window asking for help. I went into the store, applied, and the next day I got a job at a fast food and health food store called Amy's on 6th Avenue between 10th and 11th Streets. A co-worker named Madonna briefly worked as a cashier there when it opened, while she took dance classes at Alvin Ailey and sang at downtown clubs such as Danceteria. Then I was a busboy at a discotheque called “Magic” (later Chippendale's), then at the iconic Serendipity, where I became a waiter (Streisand, Cher, Farrah Fawcett, Diana… Ross, Jackie O, etc.) At the same time, I also cleaned the apartment. I did whatever it took to pay my bills and take dance classes. After that, after many waiter and bartending jobs, I retired from professional dancing and worked in the corporate world, where I worked for 25 years. After nearly 45 years in New York, I was finally able to act and write full time.
What is your favorite moment (or moments) in New York so far?
The moment I met my future husband's dog on W. 45th Street. The first dog I met was a Cocker Spaniel named Aretha. She was waiting patiently outside El Rancho (then La Paloma) to pick up the Mexican food her owner had ordered. When her owner came out to pick her up, we struck up a conversation. Tony had just moved to that block and I was living near him on 8th Street at the time. We started meeting by chance and started dating soon after. That was 25 years ago. I still have the piece of paper he wrote his phone number on. There were no cell phones at that time. Tony and I were legally married five years before him and currently live in Manhattan Plaza.
Why do you love Hell's Kitchen?
Diversity of characters. What I call “real New Yorkers” is the community that forms block by block. Living at Manhattan Plaza is a world of fun in itself. Having lived in this neighborhood for nearly 40 years, I even miss the filthy, drug-infested, sex-worker atmosphere of old Hell's Kitchen. Increased traffic and more bikes and scooters actually make the area feel more dangerous than it did then. But maybe that's the dangerous element that somehow keeps me here. The element of risk that existed when I first moved to the city when he was 17 is still present.
What is your superpower or hidden talent?
I have a few… First, I’m Candyman, the dog from 43rd Street. Secondly, I still continue to dance, but very few people from the 1980s, especially men, still take dance classes. Sadly, we lost many of our friends to the AIDS epidemic. But for me, dance is the foundation that connects body, mind and spirit, allowing me to focus and imagine the different worlds I create as a writer and actor. Finally, I have a bullshit detector. I love hearing success stories, but I hate constant bragging and bragging. In my experience, a certain amount of egomania is a sign of insecurity and deception rather than confidence and humility.
What else should we know about you?
I am a grateful survivor. New York was a very difficult journey to continue, but I feel that everything I needed to learn about life happened here. Although it's not the life I imagined when I moved here as a teenager, the life I've been given has been full of great gifts and glorious surprises.
John's Favorite Hell's Kitchen Place
little pie company — 424 W43rd Street (bw 9/10th Ave)
The pastries, pies and cakes are consistently delicious. Unfortunately, they have had to raise prices at a ridiculous rate to survive. But if you're in the mood for banana cream or coconut pie, it's still worth it.
Manhattan Plaza Health Club — 482 W43rd Street (bw 9/10th Ave)
They have the best staff, many of whom have been working there for a very long time, and this reflects positively on its management and ownership. I've made some great friends through the members. In addition to the pool and working out, I'm taking dance classes there with Lillian Colon. I go about 5 or 6 times a week.
Clinton Community Garden — 434 W48th Street (bw 9/10th Ave)
It's an oasis in midtown. Her husband Tony and I have had a plot there for over 15 years. I like feeding the birds, watching the bees, and smelling the flowers…
44&X — 622 10th Avenue (corner of W44th St)
It's always a great place to eat, lively without being too noisy, and always has great staff. Co-owner Scott Hart has put a lot of love into this place.
ailey school — 405 W55th Street (corner of 9th Ave)
It's been a while since I've taken a ballet class there, and I love the studio space, teachers, and energy.
Esposito meat market, Shiokaze Fish Market & International Grocery Store — 9th Avenue (along West 38th Street and West 41st Street)
These three businesses create what I call the 9th Street Shopping Triumvirate. We all have great staff. I go to Esposito's for fresh meat and poultry, then stop at Sea Breeze for a large selection of fish. International Grocery carries a wide variety of spices, dried herbs, olive oil, and grains.
Is there anything else you want to say?
Always enjoy a magazine that spotlights the people and places of Hell's Kitchen.
You can follow Jon on Instagram @jonspanonyc. If you know someone who would make a great West Side Story (or would like to nominate one yourself), please fill out this form at w42st.info/WSSminations.
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