Ladies� Night

In Outs April issue, we took you on the town with Ana Ortiz and Becki Newton. Here, read the expanded version of the story. We brought a little centerpiece with us, says Ana Ortiz digging into her suspiciously small purse and pulling out a suspiciously large Golden Globe statue and plopping it down on the table. The Globe is for Best Comedy Series, won by Ugly Betty just four days prior, and Ortizwho plays Bettys fabulous oh-no-she-diint sisteris kicking back with costar Becki Newton (Bettys deliciously devilish assistant, Amanda) and Betty creator, Silvio Horta, at West Hollywoods sleek East/West Lounge (8852 Santa Monica Boulevard). We figured we have another week until this is tacky, says Silvio, referring to carting around the shiny statue. Nestled in a corner of the bar, at just after 8 p.m. on a Friday night, Horta and Ortiz (who looks remarkably different without the press-on nails) sip on sweet lychee nut martinis while Newton enjoys a pinot grigio. I just dont know any other drinks, she deadpans. As plates of crab cakes and chicken skewers are brought to our banquette (these ladies do, in fact, eat, and still have svelte physiques), its hard not to notice the tables of boys playing it cool while sneaking glances at the actresses. The group is still giddy over the shows win at the Globesand the surrealism of that night. Rene Zellweger was in the bathroom, and I was like, You pee? cracks Newton. Despite their characters general loathing of each other, these two seem like they have been friends for years. Amanda and Hilda, if they got together and did a few shots, theyd discover they have more in common than they think, notes Newton. Theyre both sluts, points out Ortiz. Theyre both sluts, agrees Newton. They love their push-up bras, adds Ortiz. And theyre good wingmen for each other, says Newton. Although I think if there was a fight, Amanda would totally hide behind Hilda. At that moment, Kelly Clarksons Since U Been Gone comes over the sound system and the group instantly bursts into song. Were all musical theater people, notes Ortiz, as if that werent obvious. Heading out of East/West just after 10 p.m., some guys call to Horta. Hes like the mayor of Boystown, quips Newton while Horta chats. After a quick stop in front of Mrs. Fields (where we force Ortiz to relive her characters I could be the Latina Mrs. Fields! moment) we arrive at legendary WeHo nightspot The Abbey (692 N. Robertson Boulevard). In one of the clubs private cabanas, Newton, whos married, kicks off her heels, and we watch the parade of boys in tight clothing walk by. I love this, starts Ortiz, whos engaged. Hot guys we can totally molest and they dont give a shit! Adds Newton, Our fianc and husband were like, Have fun! Stay out all night! Sipping on champagne moments later, Ortiz wonders, Is the term fag hag offensive? Because Im really excited about being a fag hag. Its a badge of honor, states Newton, also enjoying some champers. But Ortiz isnt convinced and a debate of possible names ensuesHomo promo? Ball dolls?none are universally embraced. Well take it up on Monday in the writers room, promises Horta. With the music thumping, the girls want to do a lap and see the place in action. So, leaving the Golden Globe hidden beneath a pillow, we do a lap. Now, several hours (and several drinks) into their nights, the boys are a little bolder with their approaches as we pass. Oh, my God. Youre on Ugly Betty! coos a boy, fawning over Newton for a moment before noticing Ortiz. And youre on Ugly Betty! He looks like he might pass out from excitement. The music has the ladies ready to dance, so just after 11 p.m., we walk over to Factory (652 N. La Peer) for their weekly bash PopStarz. Madonnas Holiday blares over the speakers as we enter the club. I love Madonna! says Becki with glee, and before we even hit the dance floor, she and Ortiz are getting into the groove. The girls enjoy more champagne as boys begin to gather aroundclearly any sense of decorum is now out the window and lads are flocking to the girls to tell them how much they love the show. Cocktails in hand, we hit the packed dance floor. As Christina Aguileras Drrty plays, Becki and Ana compare moves, bumping and grinding in delight, while soaking up the attention of the guys who join in occasionally to shake their groove thangs. The Golden Globe sits on the stage next to where were dancing. Whats that? asks one particularly drunk lad. Its my earring, says Ortiz flatly.