PartyLines- photographs by Patrick McMullan

West Side Story is being honored tonight. Do you remember the show? “When I was a little boy, we used to play Jets and Sharks. You always wanted to be a Jet. Looking back, I wish I was a Shark.” —Steve Madden

—Vin-Detta

—Oleta Adams

Sharks or Jets? “I’m not going there. I’m from New York originally, so I don’t want to get myself in trouble. ” —Neil Portnow

—Charisse Rose

—Donnie McClurkin

Richie Sambora’s in rehab. How does that happen? “In that rock-and-roll lifestyle it’s like, ‘Woo! Rock and roll! You’re a rock god! ’ And then it’s like, ‘Okay, now you have a drinking problem. And now you have to grow up.’ ” —Melissa Etheridge

—Jon Bon Jovi (Getty)

—Chita Rivera

You were just in Nanny Diaries. Any bad babysitting experiences? “I was watching a kid one time and he ate a handful of pennies. My mom told me, ‘Don’t worry. It’ll come out the other end. ” —Alicia Keys

—Brian Stokes Mitchell

What advice do you have for young, struggling musicians? “We’re all young struggling artists in the music industry. Even my old ass!” —L.A. Reid