The Lion King We Bring You a Fascinating Inside Look at Official Photography Studio the Highest Grossing Broadway Show of All Time

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BREAKING NEWS: Rafa Carvajal As Wire was going to press we heard the news Publisher/Editor in Chief that President Obama supports same-sex marriage - quite a contrast to voters in North Caro- Associate Publisher lina passing Amendment One to their constitu- tion. Jesse Spencer

In last week’s column I shared with you that Editor Wire Magazine and Wire Media Group will James Cubby have a new Internet home at www.wiremag. com, a new lifestyle website for the LGBT com- Associate Editor munity coming this summer. As part of Wire’s Antwyone Ingram continued growth in print, online, and social media, it is also necessary to continue adding Design & Production Director people to our organization who can help us Jose Gonzalez build the team that will help craft and implement many new initiatives in 2012. I am happy to Columnists announce that Antwyone Ingram is joining the Alfredo Barrios Wire Magazine team as Associate Editor. Ant- Alyn Darnay wyone will be working very closely with me to Dane Steele Green help us grow Wire Magazine, create and host Ken Hunt new events, and launch and run our new web- Dr. Gregg A Pizzi site at www.wiremag.com. He will also be instrumental in leading the continued expan- Michael Sasser sion of Wire through additional social media platforms. Kevin Wynn

This week I want to encourage you to celebrate a very happy Mother’s Day on Sunday. We dedicate both our Shopping Bag and Dining columns to our moms. In this week’s Writers Shopping Bag we showcase some very nice gift ideas that mom is sure to love; while in Neil Andrew Frias Dining I highlight some delicious places to take mom out for a well deserved, scrumptious brunch or dinner accompanied by some wonderful libations that will make mom very Staff Photographer happy. Henry Perez

In this week’s cover story about The Lion King we bring you a fascinating inside look at Official Photography Studio the highest grossing Broadway show of all time. David Schrader, Managing Director of Image1stmiami.com Disney Theatrical Productions, talks to Wire about this amazing Broadway production that won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and shares some insights that you have Photographers never heard about before. The Lion King is a must-see timeless and universal story about Javi Giovanni finding the courage to take your place in society brought to you by the magic of Disney. Frank Leon Luis Santiago Before closing, I want to comment on the sad and disappointing news I heard over the Dale Stine newswire as I wrote to you this week. Today, North Carolina voters decided to openly discriminate against their fellow gay citizens by passing Amendment One to their constitu- Local Advertising tion, limiting legal unions to marriage only between a man and a woman and banning [email protected] civil unions and domestic partnerships. It’s a sad day in the nation of Lincoln when fellow citizens once again choose to trample over other people’s civil rights. National Advertising Rep. We must always remember that our nation’s Declaration of Independence states: “We Rivendell Media | 212-242-6863 hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Editorial Submissions pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, [email protected] deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to Contact Information abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and Tel: 305.520.WIRE | Fax: 786.272.0123 organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety Email: [email protected] and Happiness.” 1541 Brickell Avenue, #2004, Miami, FL 33129

Publisher & Editor in Chief Cover Photo: Jelani Remy as “Simba” [email protected] The Lion King National Tour. Disney. Photo by Joan Marcus. (soon to be [email protected])

www.egrifta.com You’VE woRkED To ConTRoL YouR HIV. now, TImE To woRk on YouR HIV-RELATED EXCESS BELLY FAT. FILE NAME 0053_01_WIRE_spd_ In two separate clinical trials of HIV-infected people with lipodystrophy, each lasting 6 months, EGRIFTA® (tesamorelin for injection) reduced APRIL12_M3.indd HIV-related excess belly fat by an average of 18% in the first trial, and 14% in the second trial. This reduction in excess belly fat resulted in an DATE approximate 1-inch reduction in waist size. Individual results may vary. On average, patients on EGRIFTA® did not lose weight. 03.28.12 Like HIV, HIV-related excess belly fat is a chronic condition. In clinical studies: CLIENT ® EMD Serono • People who used EGRIFTA continuously for 1 year maintained their results over this time period • People who stopped taking EGRIFTA® after 6 months had their HIV-related excess belly fat come back PART # EGRIFTA® is believed to work with your own body to produce natural growth hormone to reduce your excess belly fat. DESCRIPTION Print Ad WIRE Indication: APRIL 12 - SPREAD EGRIFTA® is a daily injectable prescription medicine to reduce the excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. specs supplied by phone by pub’s production dept Limitations of use: SPECS • The impact and safety of EGRIFTA® on cardiovascular health has not been studied • EGRIFTA® is not indicated for weight-loss management No Bleed • It’s not known whether taking EGRIFTA® helps improve compliance with antiretroviral medications Trim/Image Area: • EGRIFTA® is not recommended to be used in children 19” x 9.708” T:9.708 in S:8.708 in gutter*: .5” Important Risk Information • Increase in glucose (blood sugar) intolerance and diabetes *gutter prints but no type Do not use EGRIFTA® if you: • Injection-site reactions, such as redness, itching, pain, irritation, bleeding, rash, • Have pituitary gland tumor, pituitary gland surgery, or other problems related to your and swelling. Change (rotate) your injection site to help lower your risk for pituitary gland injection-site reactions COLOR INFO • Have active cancer (either newly diagnosed or recurrent) or are receiving treatment The most common side effects of EGRIFTA® include: for cancer CMYK • joint pain • numbness and pricking • Are allergic to tesamorelin or any of the ingredients in EGRIFTA ® , including mannitol or • pain in legs and arms • nausea sterile water • swelling in your legs • vomiting • Are pregnant or become pregnant • muscle soreness • rash MECH. BUILT TO Before using EGRIFTA , ® tell your healthcare provider if you: • tingling • itching 100% • Have or have had cancer EGRIFTA® will NOT cure HIV or lower your chance of passing HIV to others. PRINTED AT • Have diabetes 100% • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the • Have kidney or liver problems FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. • Have any other medical condition ® • Take prescription or non-prescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements Please see Consumer Brief Summary of EGRIFTA on following page. EGRIFTA® may cause serious side effects, including: Ask your healthcare provider if EGRIFTA ®, the first and only • Serious allergic reaction. Stop using EGRIFTA® and get emergency help right away if you FDA-approved medicine for HIV-related excess belly fat, may be have any of the following symptoms: rash over your body, hives, swelling of your face or right for you. For more information, visit www.egrifta.com or call throat, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, feeling of faintness the AXIS Center at 1-877-714-AXIS (2947). or fainting • Swelling (fluid retention). EGRIFTA® can cause swelling in some parts of your body. Call your healthcare provider if you have an increase in joint pain, or pain or numbness in your hands or wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome) Actual patient living with HIV since 2000 120127-102148 2/12

4 | wire magazine | issue #19, 2012 | www.wireweekly.com | facebook | twitter T:19 in S:18 in www.egrifta.com You’VE woRkED To ConTRoL YouR HIV. now, TImE To woRk on YouR HIV-RELATED EXCESS BELLY FAT. FILE NAME 0053_01_WIRE_spd_ In two separate clinical trials of HIV-infected people with lipodystrophy, each lasting 6 months, EGRIFTA® (tesamorelin for injection) reduced APRIL12_M3.indd HIV-related excess belly fat by an average of 18% in the first trial, and 14% in the second trial. This reduction in excess belly fat resulted in an DATE approximate 1-inch reduction in waist size. Individual results may vary. On average, patients on EGRIFTA® did not lose weight. 03.28.12 Like HIV, HIV-related excess belly fat is a chronic condition. In clinical studies: CLIENT ® EMD Serono • People who used EGRIFTA continuously for 1 year maintained their results over this time period • People who stopped taking EGRIFTA® after 6 months had their HIV-related excess belly fat come back PART # EGRIFTA® is believed to work with your own body to produce natural growth hormone to reduce your excess belly fat. DESCRIPTION Print Ad WIRE Indication: APRIL 12 - SPREAD EGRIFTA® is a daily injectable prescription medicine to reduce the excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. specs supplied by phone by pub’s production dept Limitations of use: SPECS • The impact and safety of EGRIFTA® on cardiovascular health has not been studied • EGRIFTA® is not indicated for weight-loss management No Bleed • It’s not known whether taking EGRIFTA® helps improve compliance with antiretroviral medications Trim/Image Area: • EGRIFTA® is not recommended to be used in children 19” x 9.708” T:9.708 in S:8.708 in gutter*: .5” Important Risk Information • Increase in glucose (blood sugar) intolerance and diabetes *gutter prints but no type Do not use EGRIFTA® if you: • Injection-site reactions, such as redness, itching, pain, irritation, bleeding, rash, • Have pituitary gland tumor, pituitary gland surgery, or other problems related to your and swelling. Change (rotate) your injection site to help lower your risk for pituitary gland injection-site reactions COLOR INFO • Have active cancer (either newly diagnosed or recurrent) or are receiving treatment The most common side effects of EGRIFTA® include: for cancer CMYK • joint pain • numbness and pricking • Are allergic to tesamorelin or any of the ingredients in EGRIFTA ® , including mannitol or • pain in legs and arms • nausea sterile water • swelling in your legs • vomiting • Are pregnant or become pregnant • muscle soreness • rash MECH. BUILT TO Before using EGRIFTA , ® tell your healthcare provider if you: • tingling • itching 100% • Have or have had cancer EGRIFTA® will NOT cure HIV or lower your chance of passing HIV to others. PRINTED AT • Have diabetes 100% • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the • Have kidney or liver problems FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. • Have any other medical condition ® • Take prescription or non-prescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements Please see Consumer Brief Summary of EGRIFTA on following page. EGRIFTA® may cause serious side effects, including: Ask your healthcare provider if EGRIFTA ®, the first and only • Serious allergic reaction. Stop using EGRIFTA® and get emergency help right away if you FDA-approved medicine for HIV-related excess belly fat, may be have any of the following symptoms: rash over your body, hives, swelling of your face or right for you. For more information, visit www.egrifta.com or call throat, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, feeling of faintness the AXIS Center at 1-877-714-AXIS (2947). or fainting • Swelling (fluid retention). EGRIFTA® can cause swelling in some parts of your body. Call your healthcare provider if you have an increase in joint pain, or pain or numbness in your hands or wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome) Actual patient living with HIV since 2000 120127-102148 2/12

Consumer Brief Summary for EGRIFTA® (tesamorelin for injection) EGRIFTA® (eh-GRIF-tuh) • Swelling (fluid retention).EGRIFTA ® can cause swelling in some parts of your body. Call your healthcare (tesamorelin for injection) for subcutaneous use provider if you have an increase in joint pain, or pain or numbness in your hands or wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome) Read the Patient Information that comes with EGRIFTA® before you start to take it and each time you get a FILE NAME refill. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider • Increase in glucose (blood sugar) intolerance and diabetes. Your healthcare provider will measure your 0053_EGR_01_WIRE_PI_ about your medical condition or your treatment. blood sugar periodically APRIL12_M What is EGRIFTA®? • Injection-site reactions. Change (rotate) your injection site to help lower your risk for injection-site DATE • EGRIFTA® is an injectable prescription medicine to reduce the excess in abdominal fat in HIV-infected reactions. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice if you have the following symptoms around the 03.28.12 patients with lipodystrophy. EGRIFTA® contains a growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) area of the injection site: CLIENT • The impact and safety of EGRIFTA® on cardiovascular health has not been studied – redness – bleeding EMD Serono • EGRIFTA ® is not indicated for weight-loss management – itching – rash • I t is not known whether taking EGRIFTA® helps improve compliance with antiretroviral medications – swelling PART # – pain • It is not known if EGRIFTA® is safe and effective in children. EGRIFTA® is not recommended to be used – irritation 120120-161843 in children The most common side effects of EGRIFTA® include: DESCRIPTION ® – joint pain – nausea Print Ad WIRE Who should not use EGRIFTA ? Do not use EGRIFTA® if you: – pain in legs and arms – vomiting APRIL12 - SINGLE • have pituitary gland tumor, pituitary gland surgery, or other problems related to your pituitary gland – swelling in your legs – rash Pg • have active cancer (either newly diagnosed or recurrent) or are receiving treatment for cancer – muscle soreness – itching • are allergic to tesamorelin or any of the ingredients in EGRIFTA®. See the end of this leaflet for a complete – tingling, numbness, and pricking SPECS list of ingredients in EGRIFTA® Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are • are pregnant or become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop using EGRIFTA® and talk with your not all the possible side effects of EGRIFTA®. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. healthcare provider. See “What should I tell my healthcare provider before using EGRIFTA®?” Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects, contact EMD Serono What should I tell my healthcare provider before using EGRIFTA®? toll-free at 1-800-283-8088, ext. 5563. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Non-Bleed Before using EGRIFTA ®, tell your healthcare provider if you: Keep EGRIFTA® and all medicines out of the reach of children. • have or have had cancer Trim/Image: 9.5” x 9.708” ®: • General information about the safe and effective use of EGRIFTA

have diabetes T:9.708 in Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do S:8.708 in • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if EGRIFTA® passes into your breast milk. The not use EGRIFTA® for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that HIV-infected mothers not breastfeed to avoid the risk of passing HIV infection to your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best Do not give EGRIFTA® to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. Do COLOR INFO way to feed your baby if you are taking EGRIFTA® not share your EGRIFTA® syringe with another person, even if the needle is changed. Do not share your • have kidney or liver problems EGRIFTA® needles with another person. CMYK • have any other medical condition This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the most important information about EGRIFTA®. If you would like Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. EGRIFTA® may affect the way other medicines work, and other information about EGRIFTA® that is written for healthcare professionals. medicines may affect how EGRIFTA® works. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list with you to show your ®, MECH. BUILT TO healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. For more information about EGRIFTA go to www.EGRIFTA.com or contact the AXIS Center toll-free at 100% 1-877-714-2947. How should I use EGRIFTA®? What are the ingredients in EGRIFTA®? PRINTED AT • Read the detailed “Instructions for Use” that comes with EGRIFTA® before you start using EGRIFTA®. Active ingredient: tesamorelin Your healthcare provider will show you how to inject EGRIFTA® 100% Inactive ingredients: mannitol and Sterile Water for Injection • Use EGRIFTA® exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider • Inject EGRIFTA® under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach area (abdomen) • Change (rotate) the injection site on your stomach area (abdomen) with each dose. Do not inject EGRIFTA® into scar tissue, bruises, or your navel • Do not share needles or syringes with other people. Sharing of needles can result in the transmission of infectious diseases, such as HIV What are the possible side effects of EGRIFTA®? EGRIFTA® may cause serious side effects including: • Serious allergic reaction. Some people taking EGRIFTA® may have an allergic reaction. Stop using EGRIFTA® and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: – a rash over your body – hives – swelling of your face or throat – shortness of breath or trouble breathing © 2012 EMD Serono, Inc. 120120-161843 2/12 All rights reserved. – fast heartbeat EGRIFTA® is a registered trademark of Theratechnologies Inc. – feeling of faintness or fainting Distributed by EMD Serono, Inc., Rockland, MA 02370

DELIGHTING TUA MAMMA FOR MOTHER’S DAY

y now I hope you have recouped from your Cinco de Mayo celebrations and all the tequila you may have drank. It is time to start making reservations to take care of mom for her very special day. Here are four great places to take mom out for a well deserved, scrumptious brunch or dinner accompanied by some wonderful libations that will make her very happy. Cinco de Mayo Festi-

You can surprise mom by taking her to The Dutch in the W val on Lincoln Road South Beach (2201 Collins Avenue, 305.938.3111), where she will be treated to a complimentary glass of champagne and Española Way or a mimosa at breakfast, lunch or dinner. This trendy, mod- photos by Henry Perez, Wire Magazine ern American restaurant will offer mom its regular a la carte menu, plus some off-menu dinner specials that include a delectable olive oil poached halibut with zucchini pesto, roasted Swank Farms heirloom zucchini and sweet tomato Live Mariachi Bands, DJs, mucho Tequila, Piñatas petals. and sizzling Mexican food. Mexico invades Es- pañola way and Lincoln Road for a true Cinco de If mom would prefer a brunch with a view, take her to the new and improved Rusty Mayo celebration in South Beach! Gays, straights, Pelican (3201 Rickenbacker Cswy, Key Biscayne). Mom will enjoy live food stations locals, and tourists united as one to take part in the including paella, ceviche, carvery with prime rib, roasted leg of lamb and pork loin, festivities that crowded the streets all night long. breakfast classics and more, with unlimited mimosas and Bloody Marys and a live jazz quartet. 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $75 per person, $34 for children from 4 to 11, and no charge for 3 and under. Reservations are required at 305.361.3818.

If mom prefers to be spoiled with something a little fancier, Edge, Steak & Bar at the Four Seasons Miami Hotel (1435 Brickell Avenue) will celebrate Mother’s Day by serv- ing a flavorful buffet-style brunch with all the classic trappings, plus interactive fare with creatively designed food stations such as Viva la Mexico with Chilaquiles and Tacos, Cuban Food Truck with roast suckling pig, house-made pickles, Cuban bread and glazed spring ham, Edge carving with slow roasted lamb, prime rib and red snapper, Peruvian Seafood, omelet stations, and more. Brunch will also include champagne, mimosas, mojitos, Bloody Marys, and rosé poured tableside throughout the meal.11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. $99 per person, $45 for children ages 5 to 12. Reservations are recommended at 305.381.3190.

If tua mamma prefers Italian, Mama Cea of Café Prima Pasta (414 71st Street, Miami Beach) will be the hostess with the mostess with a special Mother’s Day menu accompanied with free flowing champagne and roses for mom. New dinner specials will include Shrimp Risotto ($28), succulent rock shrimp served over a bed of saffron risotto; Lobster Linguini ($38.95), tender Florida lobster served over made-to-order linguini; Ravioli Porcini ($24), perfectly puffed pasta pockets stuffed with delicate porcini mushrooms in a truffle sauce; and Tuna Tartare ($18), finely chopped, sushi-grade tuna served with perfectly ripened avocado and topped with fresh lemon and zesty herbs and spices. 4 to 6 p.m. Early bird families can enjoy 50 percent off regular menu items, plus a chef’s early bird Sea- food Linguini special for $18.95. TO VIEW ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM THIS & OTHER EVENTS VISIT: WWW.WIREWEEKLY.COM

Herradura® Tequila. Never compromise.tm enjoy with uncompromised responsibility.

By James Cubby and Rafa Carvajal Images Credit: The Lion King National Tour. Disney. Photos by Joan Marcus

n 1994 Disney released the animated film The Lion King, later becoming the highest grossing 2D animated film of all time in the United States. The Lion King, with a star studded cast of voice-talent that included the likes of Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Nathan Lane, Cheech Marin, and Whoopi Goldberg, went on to win two Academy Awards for music and the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. With grosses exceeding $783 million worldwide in the first year of release, is there any wonder that Disney execs sought out other venues for the “cash cow” known as The Lion King.

Featuring a heartfelt tale inspired by Bible stories and Shakespeare’s play Hamlet and a book of memo- rable songs – written by composer Elton John and lyricist Tim Rice, one would think The Lion King an ideal choice for a move to Broadway. There was one hitch, however, the characters were animals. Disney, used to featuring animals in their productions, saw no problems with mounting a show where the main characters were animals living in the jungle. Broadway had seen other animal-themed shows. Cats, the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical that opened on Broadway in 1982, ran for eighteen years.

Syndee Winters as “Nala” and Jelani Remy as “Simba”

J. Anthony Crane as “Scar” and Dionne Randolph as “Mufasa”

Disney took a gamble and won. The musical opened on Broadway on November 13, 1997 and is still running today. The Lion King is now the highest grossing Broadway show of all time and is Broadway’s seventh longest-running show in history. The Broadway version of The Lion King won six Tony Awards including Best Musical. With such a success on Broadway the show has toured the world “The story is timeless and with productions running in cities like Tokyo, London (still running), Toronto, Los universal - about finding the Angeles, Hamburg, Seoul, Paris, Taipei, Madrid, and Singapore. courage to take your place The Lion King is one of Disney’s biggest money making projects, both the film and Broadway versions. Produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Group, the in society.” stageplay and musical production arm of The Walt Disney Company. The compa- - David Schrader, Managing Director of Disney Theatrical Productions ny first gained its reputation for creating Broadway hits with the acclaimed Beauty and the Beast and most recently with Newsies. Disney’s role in producing The Lion King is almost as interesting as the story of the musical itself. Wire Magazine did a little snooping and found a willing spokesperson in David Schrader, Managing Director of Disney Theatrical Group.

What is your role at Disney and in what capacity do you work with ? The Lion King Syndee Winters as “Nala” and My role is Managing Director for Disney Theatrical Group. We produce musicals Jelani Remy as “Simba” and plays for Broadway, National Tours, and major cities around the world. I oversee the business and financial side of the group.

How was the Broadway production of The Lion King conceived? Thomas Schumacher, the President of our group, tapped director Julie Taymor to take up the challenge of bringing the very popular animated feature film to the stage. Julie’s imagination was fueled by her unique experience as a brilliant storyteller working with masks and puppetry techniques from a range of cultures - and her vision provided a way to tell the story that Broadway audiences had never seen.

We understand that it was not easy to convince Michael Eisner, Disney’s CEO, that The Lion King would be a hit in Broadway. How was that accomplished? Really it was more the other way around. Michael encouraged a group of artists to try adapting Beauty and the Beast for the stage, and it became Disney’s first Broadway hit. He wondered if The Lion King could also work on Broadway...the film score by Elton John and Tim Rice was a solid foundation with a number of popular songs. It was Julie’s vision as director that catalyzed the team to take the risk.

How were the costumes conceived and designed so that the animated characters could come alive on stage? Julie had done work with masks, and her breakthrough idea for this production was that the actors would wear masks on their heads, leaving their faces visible to the audience - so there is a dual event during the show - we see both the character mask AND the actor’s face at the same time. She designed and carved the masks herself. She also knew that the audiences’ imaginations would be even further engaged if the characters were represented in different ways throughout the show, so for example, we see Simba as a masked actor (actually twice since we see him as a cub and a young adult), an articulated puppet, and as a shadow puppet.

What are the most significant differences/variations between the theatrical production and the animated film? The now familiar storyline of Simba’s journey from cub to king is all there, but to expand from the film to the stage, there are many more songs. Among these are songs by the incredible South African composer and singer Lebo M - and performed in the show by South African actors who bring the most amazing joy and authenticity to their performances. One plays the role of Rafiki, the wise sha- man guide and advisor to Simba - it was Julie’s idea to have the role on stage be played by a strong female, rather than the male Baboon character in the film.

How crucial was Julie Taymor in the creation of the characters’ costumes, the production of the show and its success on Broadway? Julie’s vision and leadership was essential from the theatrical production’s inception. In addition to her roles as director and designer, she is a very compelling spokes- as “ person explaining the concepts in the show’s production and communicating how the show goes beyond what the Scar audience expects.

” What do you attribute to the show’s longevity? The story is timeless and universal - about finding the courage to take your place in society. The familiar songs have become part of our culture, so they serve as a bridge in a way. On stage, the production transports you with a unique sound and visual experience. We have “Mufasa”

as never compromised on the artistic integrity of the show - the experience is virtually the same as when the show originally premiered.

Why do you think audiences relate to the show so much? There are many strong characters and the show is about relationships between them, in their family and commu- nity. You root for Simba as hero on his journey. Some of Dionne Randolph the strongest moments in the relationship between Simba and his father, Mufasa the king, are told without words. It just gets in you. The show makes us wonder about our place in the world, about how things exist in a delicate balance.

What was the biggest problem with mounting a show like The Lion King? You mean apart from having lions, elephants, giraffes, gazelles, hyenas, birds, (and a mouse) on stage? The scale of the show is significant - among the biggest, most complex productions ever mounted on Broadway - so originally getting everything to run smoothly was daunt- ing. There is as much activity going on behind the scenes as on the stage.

Jelani Remy as “Simba” Is the current show that’s on tour the same as the original production that opened on Broad- way in 1997? Yes. Some reengineering of the set elements was done so that, for example, Pride Rock can travel on tour and be loaded into and out of theatres efficiently. The logis- tics are pretty mind-boggling. There are more than 130 people directly involved in the touring production including our cast of 49 actors, plus we hire another 26 crew and musicians locally. The production elements travel on tour from city to city in 18 tractor-trailers.

What’s the most difficult part of producing a show like The Lion King? I would say maintaining the high standards that earned the show such critical acclaim and popularity. And it has the Disney name on it, so audiences expect quality. We have an outstanding team of theatre professionals who maintain the show around the world - the casting, performances, choreography, orchestra, costumes, masks, puppets, lighting and more. Syndee Winters as “Nala” and “The Lionesses” in “Shadowland.”

How many languages has The Lion King been translated into for production? Seven (plus there are six African languages in the show). The Lion King Spanish, French, German, Dutch, Japanese, Korean and Mandarin. We are working on the Portuguese translation now for the production that will open in Sao Paulo in Is Syndee Winter’s Dream Come True March 2013. By James Cubby How many different countries has the show visited? he Lion King opens with the gathering of the animals in the song “Circle of Life.” Productions have played or toured to 89 cities in 15 The sun rises and Rafiki the mandrill calls the animals to Pride Rock and the theatre countries on five continents - to a total worldwide audi- fills with a cast of incredibly costumed animals. A lion cub named Simba, the future ence of more than 64 million people. Lion King, is born and the journey begins. Simba’s best friend is a lioness named Nala, who brings Simba back to the Pride Lands so he can take his place as king and she his What’s the most interesting thing you can tell us queen. The actress playing Nala in this production of The Lion King is Syndee Winter, a about The Lion King that we might not know? beautiful singer who was raised in Miami. Wire Magazine took the opportunity to chat The elephant costume in “Circle of Life” is 13 feet long, with this former Miamian about her background, singing, and The Lion King. 11 feet tall and nine feet wide. So, you were raised in Miami? Yes, I went to Palmetto Sr. High. Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers about The Lion Will this be your first time performing at the Arsht Center? King? Yes. When I lived here I was a commercial dancer and performed in music videos. From We are thrilled that the efforts of the team at the Arsht Miami I moved to New York City. Center and Broadway Across America have finally led to The Lion King performing at your amazing world-class What sort of training led to your being cast as Nala in The Lion King? theatre here in Miami! I’m a graduate of Five Towns College in New York. I was a New York Knicks City Dancer and I’ve performed with artists such as Rihanna, and Jordin Sparks. I’m also the in-house anthem singer for Madison Square Garden.

For those not familiar with The Lion King, give us a brief description of the story. The Lion King It’s about Simba, the prince, a free spirited kid and his journey. comes to the Arsht Center from May 15 – June 10 What’s the highlight of the show? The opening song, “Circle of Life.” There are so many things going on. What’s the most interesting thing that happens backstage that we may not know about? The most interesting thing is how we adjust to each new theatre and how we adapt. Backstage is a different world and we enjoy personal moments backstage. People have Jelani Remy as “Simba” and the ensemble said that my relationship with the actor who plays Simba is reflected onstage. in “He Lives in You” What do you attribute to the show’s longevity? This is a show that is the first of its kind. The Lion King is a show that is hard to duplicate. I met Julie Taymor. She shared her vision and it’s an amazing product. She put so many languages in the show. What do you think audiences remember most about the show? The greatest thing is that most people know the story and the songs. We hope we add a familiar twist to the story. It’s a special world that is created on stage and we hope to share that with the audience.

Do you think The Lion King is a message show or is it just entertainment? I think all entertainment should carry a message. I like to affect people and The Lion King definitely has a message. It’s all about the Circle of Life. Things are always evolv- ing and you can’t deny your destiny.

What’s the most incredible part of The Lion King? There are so many things. The puppetry is great. The costume designs are incredible. The Lion King in itself is just incredible. What has been the highlight of your career? Definitely The Lion King. It’s been my best and greatest experience. I can’t imagine what’s next. I’ve wanted to be in this show since I was ten.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with Wire Magazine readers? Check out my website: www.syndewinters.com. I’m a singer and have several videos on YouTube. I would love it if people went to my site and followed me on Twitter.

IMPERFECT FAMILY MAY 10 -16

CONCERTS Arsht Center’s Theater Up Close series THE Miami Symphony Orchestra closes continues with Death and Harry Houdi- another season with a tribute to Bach, ni, a play with magic about the life of Beethoven and Brahms on May 11 at Harry Houdini, at the Arsht Center thru PERFECT the Arsht Center. May 20. Mana, the Mexican Latin pop/Rock en Actors’ Playhouse presents Becky’s FAMILY Español band, makes a stop on their New Car, a comedy about the perils Drama y Luz tour at the American Air- of middle age, at the Miracle Theatre lines Arena on May 11. thru June 3. Directed by: Anne Renton Exposé, Lisa Lisa, Tiffany & Nelson Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, a com- team up for a concert at Magic City edy about a Baptist minister’s widow Casino on May 12. who hires a gay ex-chorus boy to teach Cast: her to dance, continues at Miami Beach Kathleen Turner Buika, performing a fusion between fla- Stage Door thru May 20. Emily Deschanel menco, rumba, jazz and soul, brings Jason Ritter his classic jazz stylings to the Fillmore DANCE Richard Chamberlain Miami Beach on May 12 at 8 p.m. Miami Dance Festival continues through- Elizabeth Peña out May with performances at venues Sharon Lawrence The alternative rock band Wilco comes throughout Miami-Dade County. Visit to Fillmore Miami Beach on May 15 at www.momentumdance.com for sched- 8 p.m. ule.

nne Renton’s filmThe Perfect Family has been described as a “heartfelt dysfunc- Chris Cornell, singer with Soundgarden The McIntyre Institute presents Called 2 tional family comedy.” and Audioslave, performs a solo acous- Dance and The Forgive and Live Today tic set at Fillmore Miami Beach on May Campaign at the Gusman Center on Heartfelt? Hardly. Although Perfect Family makes stops at alcoholism, miscarriage, 16. May 12 at 7 p.m. adultery and abortion on what its makers undoubtedly called its “journey,” the film’s bland, stiflingly literal screenplay doesn’t portray human emotions or evoke them. Dys- Melissa Etheridge, well known as an Sean Dorsey Dance presents The Secret functional? OK, you’ve got to give them that: Perfect Family doesn’t work on any level. iconic gay and lesbian activist as well History of Love, as part of the Out in the as a rock musician/songwriter, comes Tropics Festival, at the Colony Theatre It does center on a family, the Cleary clan of Chester, New Jersey, headed by its matri- to Hard Rock Live on May 16 at 8 p.m. on May 12. arch, Eileen (Kathleen Turner). Her husband Frank (Michael McGrady) is a recovering alcoholic; her son Frank Jr. (Jason Ritter, son of Three’s Company’s John) is leaving Karen Peterson & Dancers presents Live his wife; her daughter Shannon (Emily Deschanel of TV’s Bones) is a lesbian who’s Music Meets Live Dance, a collabora- marrying her partner and having a baby. tions of the CrossTown String Quartet and the Karen Peterson Dance troupe, Comedy? Well, it could have been. Eileen’s life centers on her Catholic faith; when at New World School of the Arts on Monsignor Murphy (TV’s Richard Chamberlain, in a pointless bit of stunt casting) tells May 12 & 13. For more info, visit her that she’s been nominated as Catholic Woman of the Year, one senses farce in the www.karenpetersondancers.org. air. After all, the Catholic Woman of the Year is expected to be a paragon of virtue, an exemplar of the Faith, and by those standards Eileen’s family is – well, let’s just OPERA say awkward. Florida Grand Opera presents Charles Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette at the Bro- There are jokes – a city-limits sign describes Chester as “An Enjoyable Town.” Agnes THEATRE ward Center May 10-12. www.fgo.org Dunn, played with delectable mealy-mouthed malice by Sharon Lawrence, is Eileen’s Hamlet Prince of Cuba/Hamlet de only competition for Catholic Woman of the Year, and Eileen and Agnes have been EVENTS Cuba, a Cuban version of Hamlet, locked in relentless rivalry since girlhood. How will Eileen airbrush her family for the Out in the Tropics, a GLBT Performing plays at the South Miami-Dade Cultural diocese and foil the untold billions of underhanded schemes that Agnes is no doubt Arts Festival, returns with a roster of art- Arts Center from May 11-13. devising? For a brief moment Perfect Family is shaping up as a Le Cage aux Folles ists and arts events including The Secret without the drag, a Serial Mom without the homicides. History of Love and Caligula through Disney’s long running Broadway hit, June 17 at various locations throughout The Lion King, comes to the Arsht Cen- But all too soon Perfect Family shows its true colors: boring beige and dreary gray. Miami. For schedule, visit www.fund- ter from May 15 – June 10. These people have issues and they talk about them, endlessly, in featureless therapy- arte.us. speak. “Show me, don’t tell me” is a screenwriter’s cliché: The makers of Perfect Fam- ily need to learn it. The Clearys and those in their vicinity yammer for an hour and ten minutes or so and there’s a happy but utterly unsatisfying ending before, thank Visit www.wiredonthearts.com Submissions for Wired on the Arts goodness, the credits roll and we can all breathe again. to view the contact information for should be sent to: all our Wired on the Arts venues. [email protected] And get back to our lives and our own imperfect families.

BIGGER Saturdays Adam ‘MCA’ Yauch Cinco de Mayo Party (Beastie Boys) @ SCORE (August 5, 1964 – May 4, 2012) photos by Henry Perez, Wire Magazine

Score’s BIGGER Saturdays party took over Cinco ver three decades ago a new music culture rose up from the streets of New York de Mayo as DJ Abel hit the decks for Hilton Wol- City that changed the industry forever. Spoken words layered over hard beats man’s birthday last weekend! The hottest men gave birth to a new genre called Rap, eventually adopting the term Hip-Hop. and extreme beats filled Saturday’s largest gay Standing at the front lines of the movement were legendary acts like The Sugarhill dance party on the Beach. Gang, Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa. What started out as an African- American dominated revolution quickly crossed racial barriers, opening the doors for non-African groups like The Beastie Boys to have their shot on the M-I-C.

The Beastie Boys started out as a hardcore punk band in 1979 formed by John Berry, Kate Schellenbach, Michael ‘Mike D’ Diamond and Adam ‘MCA/Nathaniel Hörn- blowér’ Yauch. By 1984 they’d pitched Punk, replaced some members and switched their style to rap. A year later they found themselves touring with Madonna and a year after that they released their debut album, Licensed To Ill, on Def Jam Records. It was the first rap album to hit #1 on Billboard, selling over 40 million copies worldwide and making The Beastie Boys the biggest selling rap group of the ‘80s. With the success of the album, they began touring with some the biggest names in Hip-hop like Run DMC and LL Cool J.

Besides performing with The Beastie Boys, Adam kept himself busy with several other projects. He directed most of the group’s music videos and founded Oscilloscope Laboratories, an independent film production and distribution company based in New York City. He directed the 2006 Beastie Boys concert film, Awesome; I Fuckin’ Shot That! and the 2008 basketball documentary, Gunnin’ For That#1 Spot. As a practic- ing Buddhist, Yauch was also heavily involved in the Tibetan independence movement. In 1994 he created the Milarepa Fund; a non-profit devoted to Tibetan independence and organized the Tibetan Freedom Concert in San Francisco two years later. Eight albums and one Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction later, the multi-Grammy-winning trio consisting of MCA, Mike D and Ad-Rock are still keeping hip-hop alive with their hardcore rhymes. Sadly though, MCA’s mic went silent last week when he lost his three-year battle with cancer.

During his long music career, MCA inspired many of the hip-hop and pop artists of today. Joel Madden of Good Charlotte once said of the Beastie Boys: “We wanted to dress like them, talk like them, and we wanted to make music like them.” After hearing the news of Adam’s death Eminem said “Adam Yauch brought a lot of positivity into the world and I think it’s obvious to anyone how big of an influence The Beastie Boys were on me and so many others.” Adam Yauch not only had a lot of talent to share, but a lot of love for humanity. Although he labeled himself a “Beast” his actions proved he was nothing short of an angel. Rest in peace MCA. TO VIEW ADDITIONAL PHOTOS If you’re a recording artist, musician or producer and would like your work featured FROM THIS & OTHER EVENTS VISIT: on TOP TRAX, hit me up at [email protected] WWW.WIREWEEKLY.COM

8 IS ENOUGH

eople make many common mistakes at the gym that halt progress. Here are eight tips for improving your workout.

1. Do strength training before cardio workout. When you do the opposite, your MY MYKONOS body won’t have the right kind of energy left for resistance training when you’re BY DANE STEELE GREEN done with cardio. t may have an area of only 40 miles, but few gay getaways loom as large as the 2. If you only do cardio, do it first thing in the morning when your body hasn’t Greek island of Mykonos. stored carbs to use for energy. Do cardio when you wake up and you’ll burn fat before breakfast. And for eight days (and seven nights), from August 20 to August 27, Mykonos is front and center: Steele Luxury Travel has partnered with the premier villa provider 3. Know proper techniques. Each exercise has strict rules and structure. And it’s on the island to create the Mykonos Island Villa Escape, an exclusive Steele Luxury not true that the more weight you lift, the more muscles you’ll develop. In fact, you Travel Experience for a select few across one of the most celebrated landscapes on may be using the wrong muscles for the wrong job. Understand the rules of your Earth. Zeus, King of Olympus, fought for his rule here against the Titans, the sun god workout and you’ll reach your goals faster without damaging your body in the Apollo, so well-regarded the isle he named it after his grandson Mykonos, and mere long-term. mortals set up shop here since at least the 11th century BC. It’s time to find out what all the fuss is about. 4. To build muscle, do high reps with a challenging weight. To build big, impres- sive muscles, focus on achieving high numbers of reps at a weight that’s going to Under a golden Mediterranean sun and washed by serene ocean breezes, you find push you and focus on increasing your endurance. out fast. With its titanium-white houses, wine-dark waves, and elegant windmills, Mykonos, for all its well-known tourist luster, still remains true to its proud Greek 5. Don’t work out the same muscles two days in a row. After strength training, give roots. As they’ve always done, tavernas serve local wine and are filled with nightlife your muscles at least 48 hours to recover before exercising those muscles again. that goes well into the wee hours—Greeks are notorious party people—and the four Recovery is just as important as the workout itself. Mykonos Town museums highlight the island’s ancient past. Greek history is insepa- rable from the Greek present, and archeological sites dating back to Achilles and 6. Different forms of cardio achieve different goals. If cardio is your warm-up Agamemnon dot the isle. For true Greek buffs, cast your eyes to the west and the before strength training, do at least eight to 10 minutes. If you do cardio simply to islet of Delos, legendary birthplace of Apollo, whose exploits with his male admirers keep fit, you’ll want to challenge your heart. Don’t go at a steady pace; instead, have yet to be topped. play around with the incline and speed on your treadmill. This way your heart will be put through its paces. No pun intended. 7. Diet makes your workout more effective. If you’re serious about your workout, For Steele travelers, it all starts in Mykonos Town, “Chora Mykonou” to the natives, be serious about your diet as well. Don’t justify a doughnut with a mile on the and your very own villa, which is made up of three traditional Mykonian homes of- treadmill. fering unmatched Hellenic hospitality, complete with a personal chef preparing daily breakfast, daily maid service, a 24-hour concierge at your service, and a genuine 8. The workout doesn’t end when you meet your goal. Even when you’ve achieved houseboy at your beck and-. Round-trip airport transfers to Mykonos are included your weight-loss or muscle-building goals, you’re not done working out. This is in your package, as are a luxury yacht party cruise around the island, two catered where the actual work begins – maintenance. And through it all, stay disciplined, sit-down dinners, one in your villa, the other at Mykonos’s famed Belvedere Hotel. focused and committed to exercise as a lifestyle. Steele Travelers will also receive a pass to the week’s gay parties and events produced by XLSIOR! Ken Hunt is an AFI-certified trainer and fitness expert who owns New York and Mi- ami’s Steel Gym. Steel Gym has been named the No. 1 gym in New York two years For more information or to make a reservation on the Mykonos Island Villa Escape in a row by the American Fitness Institute. In Miami, Steel Gym is located at 5556 2012, visit www.SteeleTravel.com/mykonos or call 646-688-2274. NE 4th Ct. 305.751.7591. www.SteelGym.com

19 | wire magazine | issue #19, 2012 | www.wireweekly.com | facebook | twitter THIS WEEK THURSDAY, MAY 10 shows by the hot-n-heavy Latrice Royale and her gaggle of guest entertainers! Get ready ANGLERS: Tonight don’t miss LOCO 4 Locals for the biggest show on South Beach at 6 p.m. Thursdays at the Anglers. Enjoy 2-4-1 Well Drinks and $15 Beer Bucket specials. Sit back SCORE:: Tonight Tonight the the Penny Penny Back Back Boyz Boyz host host with a live DJ and enjoy 20% off the menu oneone ofof thethe hottesthottest partiesparties inin SouthSouth Beach,Beach, FilthyFilthy tonight from 5 – 8 p.m. 660 Washington Ave. Gorgeous FridaysFridays celebratingcelebrating Go-GoGo-Go FantasyFantasy Night withwith polepole dancers,dancers, aerialist,aerialist, models,models, EROS LOUNGE: Presenting Latin Fuego LittleLittle BIGBIG MenMen andand AbsolutAbsolut DrinkDrink SpecialsSpecials allall Thursday nights! Get ready for an outrageous night!night! DJDJ WillyWilly GG willwill bebe spinningspinning thethe fiercestfiercest night hosted by Teresita La Caliente with beats whilewhile Score’sScore’s hottesthottest Go-GoGo-Go boysboys workwork shows starting at 11 p.m. Free parking and thethe speakerspeaker boxes.boxes. DoorsDoors openopen atat 1010 p.m.p.m. $6 Cuba Libres all night long. 8201 Biscayne Blvd. TWIST: Enjoy a fabulous night at TWIST. Get in for the free Happy Hour BBQ at 6 p.m. MOVA: Stop by for happy hour from 3 Tonight get in the house for some delicious to 9 p.m., followed by Vanity Girl. Vanity beats by DJ Scott Mann and a crowd that’s Girl Thursdays gives you gorgeous girls, sure to please. Enjoy seven different bars, stiff great music by DJ Zehno, $4 Miller Lites, drinks, beautiful dancers, and, of course, the $6 Finlandia cocktails, and a free Miller Lite only place where there’s “Never a cover... Cinco de Mayo Party when you buy the shot of the week. 1625 Always a groove.” Michigan Ave. @ PALACE SATURDAY, MAY 12 PALACE: Palace hosts Stiletto Nights with photos by Henry Perez, Wire Magazine fierce drag shows by host Missy Meiyakie DISCOTEKKA: Downtown’s only gay dance and special diva cast members. Show starts at party delivers one hell of a shindig every Cinco de Mayo meant partying and what better 6 p.m. Enjoy weekly drink specials all night. Saturday night. This Saturday will be no 1200 Ocean Drive. exception with GROWL! Get a chance to way to celebrate than with a special day of drag win 2 weekend Bear Pool Party Passes dur- shows, great food, and stiff cocktails? Palace QUEEN LOUNGE: Edison Farrow hosts ing Gay Days as DJ George Figares hits the hosted Drag Gone Wild Saturday evening with RETRO RIOT tonight at Queen Lounge! Don’t decks. Don’t miss the underwear contest at 1 Tiffany Fantasia and her gaggle of performers hesitate to get glammed up and throw on your a.m. Hosted by Vegas & Athena Dion. $150 mixing up all sorts of Cinco de Mayo trouble. most fabulous attire for this retro bash with DJ VIP special. Sky and Absolut Vodka. 950 NE 2nd Ave. Troy Landon spinning the best tracks mixing up the decades with music from the ‘70s , EROS LOUNGE: Head over to Eros Lounge ‘80s, & ‘90s. Come celebrate Rob Davidson’s for a great happy hour from 3 – 9 p.m. today birthday. The party starts at 10 p.m. 841 and then get in on tonight’s Dancing With the Washington Ave. Goddess party featuring music by DJ Valencia at 10 p.m. SCORE: Enjoy cocktails out on the patio and watch the famous Lincoln Road traffic pass MOVA: Stop by for happy hour from 3 to 9 by. Later in the evening Score hosts Pop Fever p.m., followed by FLASH Saturdays with the Thursday night party with fab beats by DJ hottest music videos and visual entertainment Daisy D & AJ Reddy paired with an incred- by VJ Chris Racine till 3 a.m. with $9 Grey ible crowd of delicious partygoers. Take Goose cocktails all night. advantage of $6 Long Islands all night. 727 Lincoln Road. PALACE: Enjoy a special day of drag shows, great food, and stiff cocktails, as The Palace TWIST: Don’t miss out on a fabulous night at Bar hosts Drag Gone Wild with Tiffany TWIST with seven different bars, DJ Sushiman, Fantasia and her gaggle of performers! Heels stiff drinks, and beautiful dancers. And if hit the pavement at 6 p.m. sharp! you’re looking for some hot papis, DJ Adora will be hosting Sabroso in Bar 5! Don’t miss SCORE: Don’t miss Score’s BIGGER Saturdays the 2-4-1 Special on everything till 2 a.m. party tonight - DIRTY BEATS that make you “Never a cover... Always a groove.” 1057 wanna dance featuring DJ Eddie Elias from Washington Ave. NYC and opening set by DJ AJ Reddy! Expect the hottest men and most outrageous sounds FRIDAY, MAY 11 at Saturday’s largest gay dance party on the Beach. Enjoy $8 Herradura margaritas all JOHNNY’S MIAMI: Get in tonight for Towel night. Hosted by Alex Prieto. Night Fridays! Snag your taste of locker room fun tonight with 30 dancers in nothing but tow- TWIST: Happy Hour 2-4-1 with Tommy and els. Steamy live shows all night, and private the locals from 1 to 9 p.m. on everything. VIP rooms available. Hosted by Josie Love. 46 Come tonight for MUSCLE BOY Saturdays NE 14 Street. and enjoy a full house of hot men and some incredible beats by DJ Mika. “Never a MOVA: Edison Farrow presents HYPE Fridays cover...Always a groove.” at MOVA. Tonight join the outrageous diva, Pussila, with DJ Bryan Zero for a night full SUNDAY, MAY 13 of HYPE. Enjoy $7 Finlandia and $8 Stoli Wish Your Mom a Happy Mother’s Day vodka cocktails all night long. Snag a bottle of TO VIEW ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Finlandia for $100 to party in style. ANGLERS: If you are looking to nurse that FROM THIS & OTHER EVENTS VISIT: hangover with some unlimited mimosas and WWW.WIREWEEKLY.COM PALACE: Tonight is Drag Madness with fierce Bloody Marys, look no further than 660 at

20 | wire magazine | issue #19, 2012 | www.wireweekly.com | facebook | twitter SHOPPING BAG the Anglers. Enjoy great food and delicious TWIST: Happy Hour 2-4-1 drinks ‘till 9 p.m. libations in one of the most beautiful bou- Then it’s Arrasando hosted by Marco Perez MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE tique resorts Miami Beach has to offer. 660 & Nicholas Torres with beats by house diva Washington Ave. Justice Divine. Join Nathan in the Frolic Lounge for signature mix of Pop and Top CHALK LOUNGE: Get out of the house with 20 & DJ Bryan Zero’s fab beats on the main A YOUTHFUL REFRESH Edison Farrow at SMASH Sundays. Hop on a dance floor. Ping-Pong table, shoot some billiards, or chill Moms, among many other family and friends, expect brutal out as DJ Smeejay works the turntables. The TUESDAY, MAY 15 honesty from their gay friends and family. Along with giving party kicks off at 8 p.m. with no cover and our most honest opinion, we are expected to give the best gifts, vodka drink specials all night. JOHNNY’S MIAMI: Downtown’s only gay especially on Mother’s Day. Don’t let your mom down this year. strip club features the hottest, most diverse if she is looking like she needs some R&R, be honest and treat MOVA: MOVA hosts the most scandalous men in Miami. Tonight it’s all about the hot her to a Mother’s Day she’ll appreciate. Miami Beach Plastic party in South Beach, Out-n-Ugly Sundays hip-hop beats at B2M Service Station as DJs with DJ Latrice. Beginning at 9 p.m. with drag TPromix and Surreal turnout some of your fav Surgery and Sean Donaldson Hair salon have partnered up shows 11 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. Enjoy $4 Miller beats. Hosted by Sushiman & CocoDorm. to offer refreshing Mother’s Day experiences. Give mom a red Lites, $5 Herradura Shots, and $6 Finlandia. carpet blow-dry with a manicure and pedicure in the salon for No cover. MOVA: It’s a SINsational Tuesday night at only $65. Don’t stop there, Dr. Tachmes at Miami Beach Plastic Surgery has a pack- MOVA’s weekly Service Industry Night. Enjoy age that will rejuvenate mom and have her looking her best with an area of Botox PALACE: South Beach’s most legendary drag $50 bottles of Finlandia Vodka, $100 bottles and one syringe of Juvederm in the Med-Spa for $475. brunch will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 of Grey Goose, and $7 premium well drinks p.m. with two seatings: one at 11:30 a.m. while DJ AJ Reddy works the turntables. and another at 2 p.m. Enjoy over-the-top performances by Noel Leon paired with a PALACE: Stop in for Palace’s 2-4-1 Absolut delectable menu. Afterwards, check out the flavored cocktails till 4 p.m. Better than ever UNE PLUME BY CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN sexiest Sunday T-Dance in SoBe with local before on Ocean Drive and 12th Street, try DJs working the turntables. When the T-Dance it for lunch or a late afternoon snack, or just If your mom is like ours, she probably doesn’t go out ends, the BAR CRAWL begins, take the party hang out at the bar with the locals. No matter of her way to buy nice shoes for herself. Or maybe she to MOVA to finish off the Sunday fun. what you’re in the mood for, Palace is sure does, but who cares, these drop dead beautiful nude to have it! SCORE: Stop by and test your vocals with wedges by Christian Louboutin need to be in her ward- Karaoke tonight! Doors open at 9 p.m. Still SCORE: It’s Planeta Macho tonight, the hot- robe this summer. These sky-high wedges have a thick happening upstairs, HIP SUNDAYS with Club test Latin Party in Miami Beach, featuring platform that will keep her sturdy on her feet as she Boi in association with Score celebrates Rye Latin beats by award winner DJ George tackles both day and night. Get mom something she is Rye’s new single “Boom Boom” offering a Ferrero. Watch amazing shows by Miami’s sure to brag about, but hurry Louboutins sell out fast. Give her an excuse to wear fabulous night of the best beats by DJs Gavin best female impersonators. Check out the them for the first time and take her to her favorite restaurant where she can show off T & Diaz from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. dancers on the 2nd level hosted by Teresita her favorite Mother’s Day gift. Available at Christian Louboutin boutique in Design La Caliente. Don’t miss this party - it’s South District, online, and Nordstrom Aventura for $625. TWIST: Get in for 2-4-1 happy hour from 1 to Florida’s Best Latin Party! 9 p.m. & the free BBQ at 6 p.m. Afterwards, see one of the most scandalous shows you’ll TWIST: 2-4-1 Happy Hour from 1 to 9 ever witness with Pussila’s amateur strip con- p.m. on everything. Tonight TWIST presents test. Upstairs DJ Paulie will be working it out Keeping It Real Fun With Daisy D. Get ready JIMMY CHOO EAU DE TOILETTE on the main dance floor. At TWIST: “Never a for ridiculous beats and $5 Jumbo Blue Long cover...Always a groove.” Island Iced Teas all night long. “Never a cover… Always a groove.” Make sure mom is in with the latest and smells the most MONDAY, MAY 14 fabulous this Mother’s Day. Inspired by today’s most dy- WEDNESDAY, MAY 16 namic women, Jimmy Choo’s new Eau de Toilette is ver- KILL YOUR IDOL: Dustin Reffca presents satile, fresh and original. It’s a luminous scent that puts a GLITTER BOX MONDAYS - South Beach’s hot- MOVA: Stop by for MOVA’s weekly College new twist on original the Jimmy Choo Parfum. Jimmy Choo test Monday night party with manic beats by Night Wednesdays, hosted by the Penny describes the fragrance as a new transformation of notes DJ Smeejay & DJ FR8-0 performing live. Don’t Back Boyz. DJ Daisy D will be working the with crystalline rose with orchid accents, sparkling fresh miss out on $1 PBR Beer, $2 Jello Shots, & $3 turntables, while you enjoy $5 Finlandia Jack Shots all night long! 222 Espanola Way. cocktails or grab five Miller Lites for only $15 ginger and pear on a vibrant woody base. Perfect for Mother’s Day the fragrance all night long. comes in a beautifully crafted iridescent bottle. Distinctly feminine, the bottle has MOVA: Get ready to be a star at MOVA’s a jewel-like, vintage feel. To make the moment even more magical get the bottle weekly SHOUT karaoke party with VJ AJ PALACE: Tonight Palace presents Elite Nights. engraved to show her how much you really love her. Purchase your mom’s for $85 Reddy. Test your vocals and enjoy half priced Sit back and enjoy live music and hilarious (3.3 oz.) at department stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and online. drinks all night long and $5 glasses of wine. comedy presented by the one and only Noel Leon. Sip on complimentary drinks from 8 to PALACEPALACE:: RuPaul’sRuPaul’s DragDrag RaceRace maymay bebe over,over, 9 p.m. and get through hump day with a night butbut get get ready ready for for Palace Palace Drag Drag Race Race taking tak- to remember, show starts at 8 p.m. overing overMondays Mondays at Palace at Palace hosted hosted by the byauda the- “I HEART MOM” SUGAR COOKIES ciousaudacious Miss Miss Meyakie Meyakie LePaige! LePaige! Stop Stop in for in SCORE: Come and spend a pleasant evening Palace’sfor Palace’s $4 Absolut $4 Absolut flavored flavored cocktails cocktailsall night on one of Score’s outdoor couches as they all night while enjoying the show, and don’t host Martini Madness Night. A half-price Okay so maybe you can’t afford the Louboutins and while enjoying the show, and don’t forget to your mom might get offended if you give her Botox. enjoyforget a to snack enjoy from a snack Palace’s from Palace’sdelicious delicious menu. Happy Hour runs till 9 p.m. menu. She may not be into some of the other gift ideas, but TWIST: Sean Brady hosts the Sean Brady wait, don’t forget that it’s the thought that really counts. SCORE: Swing by for one of the best happy Show. Karaoke and tons of entertainment all Remember how excited you got when you were a little hours in Miami Beach where all drinks are night long. After getting your jam on, head kid baking cookies? Why not remind mom of the play- 1/2 price, followed by Video Freak where over to the main dance floor to get fresh with ful childhood memories and bake her cookies? This happy Mother’s Day surprise you can request your favorite music videos TP Lords and DJ Felix. 2-4-1 Happy Hour from would go a long way in her heart, not to mention how delicious they are to eat. Pop and enjoy $5 vodka cocktails, $7 martinis 1 to 9 p.m. on everything. “Never a cover... and $3 beers. No cover. Always a groove.” the pre-made Pillsbury sugar cookies in the oven and make time for more memories.

BEACH VOTERS NEED TO BE THE ONES TO CLEAN HOUSE

BY MICHAEL W. SASSER ince the scandals in Miami Beach City Hall began to unfold over the past several weeks, one sentiment has dominated con- versation when speaking to Miami Beach voters: The Mayor/Commission needs to clean house and root out corruption in city government. To which my response has been a puz- zled huh? Pussila’s Birthday at HYPE Fridays “The only way Beach @ MOVA residents can really im- photos by Henry Perez, Wire Magazine pact on city corruption There’s always a lot of HYPE on Fridays. One of the best parties, HYPE Fridays, takes over MOVA is to constantly refresh every week. Hosted by Edison Farrow, last Fri- the commission with day proved to have some extra HYPE as guests gathered to celebrate the birthday of notorious new blood.” South Beach personality Pussila!

It isn’t that Miami Beach City Hall doesn’t need and require a good cleaning out. On the contrary, those in the know are aware that it has for a long time. What’s perplexing is that otherwise reasonable people seem to think that the elected officials are somehow qualified to do an honest job at wiping out corruption. Sheer lunacy. Corruption in mu- nicipal government doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Whether they are actively involved in planning and executing it or whether or not they are blissfully ignorant of it, corruption happens in government because of elected officials. Therefore it’s absurd to expect any real corruption-busting from those elected to office.

It’s about creating an environment, a culture. City hall culture is set at the very top and permeates all the way down to the lowest public employee (who, to be fair, might be at the bottom of the public service ladder, but they still make more money than private sector equivalents of course). If a tone is set that there will be no tolerance of monkey business, of politicking, of favoritism, of outright corruption, then it tends not to happen. Rare though that situation might be.

On the other hand you have what we have in Miami Beach. No, I don’t have any reason to believe that this commission has been any more corrupt than its predecessors. In fact I think it’s notably less corrupt than some commissions in the 1990s. But favoritism and outright corruption have been part of the fabric of Miami Beach city government since well before Alex Daoud made bad boy behavior look frankly pretty inoffensive. Seats at the commission dais might have changed, senior management might have changed, but that culture persists. And it is going to until the public – not elected officials – really decide to step up and clean house. Expecting politicians to fight corruption is both naïve and lazy. In my experience, when elected officials seek to combat corruption, what they really do is to target others to take the attention off of their own misbehavior or that of city employees more likely to do their own bidding.

The only way Beach residents can really impact on city corruption is to constantly refresh the commission with new blood, as opposed to the same old tired cast of characters and same old empty suits being boosted to power by the same old tired special interests (public employee unions, development interests and ethnic manipulators being the most insidious). But the public doesn’t do that nearly enough. Instead – and this is what I have heard from almost all of those complaining to me about the need to clean up city hall – too many people align themselves with one or more members of the commission and then cite the others as being the problem. They’re all the problem. Too much time in power invariably corrupts even those rare politicians who aren’t already soulless by their first election. So if you really care about ending corruption at city hall, step off the TO VIEW ADDITIONAL PHOTOS plantation and recognize that all of the political class is to blame and all of it must be FROM THIS & OTHER EVENTS VISIT: refreshed frequently. It’s the only way. WWW.WIREWEEKLY.COM