www.ExpressGayNews.com • February 3, 2003 Q1

CYMK Q_COVERstory Not just another ‘Day’ Ute Lemper’s New CD Showcases Her Song-Writing Talents By Gregg Shapiro improvised over the song, which was great. I I sang it onstage and people loved it. As an actress, you performed in the Entertainment Editor definitely want to sing songs from the The same with Brel (“Ne me quitte pas” and musical Chicago on stage. I was The first thing you will hear when you theatrical repertoire—there’s still a lot out “Amsterdam”). I was singing it for a while, wondering if you had seen the movie play But One Day… (Decca), the new album there that I didn’t record yet that I am singing but had never recorded it. People were asking version, and if so, what you thought of it. by international chanteuse Ute Lemper, is in the concerts. I want to collaborate with me, “Where are the recordings of these I didn’t see the movie version, but I the song “I Surrender.” What makes this contemporary writers as well. It’s all brewing, songs?” So I was due to finally record these hope to see it. I’m sure it’s fantastic because song distinctive is that it is one of a handful but it’s too early to talk about anything now. songs. the medium of film, through editing and of songs written by the singer. After years I want to keep all the dimensions open. Are there other musical genres, such spicy cinematography, can make the of interpreting the work of other I’m glad that you brought that up, as country or electroclash, which you would greatest thing out of something that is not composers, from Kurt Weill to Tom Waits because with the combination of the style consider exploring on CD? intended to be a movie, because it was a to Elvis Costello, Lemper generously and the arrangements of the songs, But One [Regarding] country, I come from a very stage show. It’s a little weird because I shares some of her English-language Day… serves as a bridge between the more different cultural background. It’s not what I played it for a year in and a year compositions. Especially notable are traditional material that people are familiar would be able to do. I don’t have the on Broadway, and after two years, I “Lena,” a song about a friend of Lemper’s with you performing and the experimental mentality for that. Jazz, beautiful standards definitely was overdosed. I probably will who is the child of Holocaust survivors, approach you took on Punishing Kiss. Do or new songs. I also love Brazilian music so see it on an airplane. and “Little Face,” about Lemper’s children. you feel like you are caught between the two much. At the moment, I am studying very Perhaps on an airplane bound for The album also includes Lemper’s dazzling worlds? interesting stuff for a show called Nomad Chicago. interpretations of songs by Astor Piazzolla, I don’t feel caught at all. That’s that I am doing in in May,.I’m Yes (laughs). Jacques Brel and, of course, Kurt Weill. something which wouldn’t co-exist with my studying songs out of the Gregg Shapiro: One of the most life. [Laughs] I’m a free person, and I love oppression and the exile. Deep, notable things about your new CD But One following my instincts and impulses and beautiful songs about survival in Day is that you wrote five of the songs. being creative. I don’t like being anywhere Russian, Hungarian, Yiddish and What does it mean to you to be able to where I have to follow too many rules. I find Arabic. It’s a multicultural record your own original work on one of it very inspiring. project that will bring this your albums? The traditional world always has a touch world of nomads and cultural Ute Lemper: It was a wonderful thing. of nostalgia to it, and I never wanted to see it identity together. I had written words and lyrics for a long that way. For me, whether I sang a Jacques time, and I had already done the two Brel or a Kurt Weill, I sang it as if it would be French albums with my own lyrics. There a contemporary song, with the spirit and were fragments of poetry all over the place anarchy and anger and the desperation of a in my house, collected and gathered mostly contemporary person. Only in a very specific on journeys and tours. I sat down at the show would I treat it in a nostalgic piano and hit the chords that I wanted to performance way. Otherwise—go for it, hit and created the universe I wanted to straight from the heart and straight into create to sing this poetry into. today’s time. I didn’t put myself into a Suddenly I had a lot of songs. I went historical corner because of that. with a friend into a studio in downtown I don’t know what the identity of today’s Manhattan, and we made demos. The music really is. There are these great demos were fantastic because they were dinosaurs that have survived over 25 so immediately recorded after I’d create a years—Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Randy song. I’d say, ‘Let’s go, I have a new one.’ Newman, Billy Joel, Santana—but maybe not I played the piano, and he played the drums Joni Mitchell. Maybe she didn’t survive. and the bass. Then we got some great People like that, who can still bring everything musicians to play on it and also to replay to today’s world. There is still an audience my horrible piano playing. [Laughs] We for people who have a necessity and a hunger had almost 20 songs. What you hear on for music that is coming from a real the record is based on the 16-track analog personality with history and experience. recording made in the studio in downtown It’s interesting that you should bring Manhattan. up Joni Mitchell, because I don’t think people We dumped everything into Pro- appreciate the history and experience that Tools and made choices, such as creating she brings to the table in her work. transparencies and tweaking. Sometimes Yes! And how much she inspired other the drums sound like programming, but people at the same time. Really high-class they aren’t. Everything is played by music. If you compare what she wrote to musicians. We just experimented with some other female artists of today or on the different filters and other sounds. charts or who sell a lot of records, it’s full of Once we made a lot of space, we put a highly, wonderfully complicated, multi- string quartet on or a small orchestra. layered performances and arrangements. She Suddenly we had these pieces that are is a genius! between contemporary songs with a Since we’re talking about other musical groove-y vibe-y element and string styles, you perform two songs by Astor arrangements inspired by Satie and Piazzolla, “Buenos Aires” and “Oblivion.” Debussy, and this intimacy that sounds What is most appealing to you about jazzy. We had what we wanted to have— performing his compositions? to bring life to music that was inspired by I was singing them for a while onstage. I a century of composers from the classical never dared to touch the tango world of Astor and non-classical world and bring it into Piazzolla because my Spanish is not the today’s time. We were very surprised that Buenos Aires/Argentina tango-specific it worked. dialect necessary to master it and sing it in Do you prefer to keep your Spanish. I kind of gave up on it for a few songwriting process solitary, or are there years, then I sat down one day and said, songwriters with whom you would like to ‘This is it.’ collaborate? I was with an Argentine friend who said, Both. I would say that I will keep ‘You must sing this.’ The next day, I was writing because it is so much fun. I sitting in my apartment and I adapted the certainly want to keep collaborating. These songs into English in a way that they hadn’t “I don’t know what the identity of today’s music experiences that I had with Philip Glass, been adapted before. I said, ‘This is going to Michael Nyman and other writers. Laurie work.’ really is. There are these great dinosaurs that have Anderson (violin on the song “Lena”) is It’s very poetic and colorful and deeply survived over 25 years—Bruce Springsteen, Sting, on the album, and it’s wonderful to have passionate. It has a lot to do with the French Randy Newman, Billy Joel, Santana—but maybe her. She just jumped into the room and said, chanson and the German tradition, and it has “Let me play something,” and then she very powerful words. not Joni Mitchell. Maybe she didn’t survive.”

Q2 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • February 3, 2003

CYMK Q_UPCOMINGevents Mirth, Mayhem and Merriment Florida Renaissance Festival Lets You Escape 21st-Century Worries By Mary Damiano Ren Fest Theme Weekends Arts & Entertainment Editor Lords and ladies in the mood for a little Feb. 8-9 trip back through time will have their chance World’s Faire—Celebrations from around the globe for some medieval merriment all month at the Feb. 15-16 Florida Renaissance Festival, which will run Love at First Knight—Renaissance romance every Saturday and Sunday through March Feb. 22-23 2 at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach. Smitten with Britain—A salute to the British Isles Ren Fest—as the festival is March 1-2 affectionately known—is both an Revel Without a Pause—A fool’s weekend entertainment and educational experience that allows 21st-century people to see what life was like in the 16th century. This year, Ren Fest celebrates its 11th anniversary, and, according to Bobby Rodriguez, Ren Fest founder and executive producer, it’s bigger and better than ever. “I thought last year, our 10th anniversary, was exciting, but this year is much more,” Rodriguez says. “We try to raise the bar every year, and we’ve really made a quantum leap.” The Florida Renaissance Festival began 12 years ago as a two-day event called the Medieval Faire. The next year, Rodriguez gave the event its current moniker and expanded it from two days to three weekends. “It took on a life of its own,” Rodriguez says. While Ren Fest lovers can experience all their favorites—jousting tournaments, human chess games, theater in the mud, Washer Well Wenches—there are now themed weekends and performers who will Ren Fest’s popularity has risen steadily give Ren Fest a more international feel. over the decade since its inception, making “Most Renaissance festivals around the it one of the events that South Floridians Rock Me Amadeus! country are recreations of an English look forward to each year. According to The Florida Philharmonic Fetes the Sounds of Mozart Renaissance village, and we’re trying to make Rodriguez, Renaissance festivals began By Andy Zeffer has traveled the world performing numerous this more international,” Rodriguez says. about 35 years ago, and there are now over Features Editor recitals at the most prestigious venues, such “We’re bringing in a lot of performers who 100 across the country. Music lovers take note. The Florida as The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., are Spanish and German and Italian.” “America has always had a fascination Philharmonic Orchestra performs a program the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los One of the most striking things about with the medieval and Renaissance eras— titled An Evening of Mozart. The Angeles and Lincoln Center. He has Ren Fest is that from the moment visitors the age of Robin Hood, the age of chivalry, retrospective of the historical musical appeared with the best orchestras in the walk through the gates, every effort is made the minstrels, mayhem and merriment,” he prodigy continues the Philharmonic’s 2002- music world as well. to maintain the illusion of having just stepped says. “Hollywood has proven that and has 2003 Season of Classics. Returning to the An Evening of Mozart will be presented back in time. Costumed workers greet fed the want for that era.” podium is Acting Music Director Joseph at five venues: Sunday, Feb. 2 at The Kravis festival-goers with accents and speak in the Rodriguez believes that with the current Silverstein, who leads the orchestra in three Center for the Performing Arts, West Palm manner of the 16th century. It’s important to state of the economy and the world, the of Mozart’s masterworks. Also appearing is Beach; Monday Feb. 3 at Coral Springs Rodriguez to create and maintain the feeling Florida Renaissance Festival is more highly acclaimed pianist Awadagin Pratt. Center for the Arts; Monday and Tuesday, Feb. of authenticity, and help those attending to important than ever. Pieces performed will be Mozart’s Symphony 4 and 5 at Broward Center for the Performing enjoy a complete escape from reality. “It all “People need a break from reality, and No. 18 in F Major, Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Arts/Amaturo Theater; Thursday Feb. 6 at the boils down to attention to detail, and we get this is definitely a break from reality,” Major and Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, 550. Lincoln Theater, Beach; and Monday, more detail-oriented every year,” Rodriguez Rodriguez says. “Unlike other festivals, we Silverstein’s rich career has spanned five Feb. 10 at Spanish Rivers Church, Boca Raton. says. “It’s a lot of work, because it doesn’t take you back. You can leave all your worries decades, and he has conducted orchestras All concerts begin at 8pm. Tickets are $20- take a lot to break the facade that we’re from the 21st century behind. That’s one of all over the world. This coming March, he $92 and can be purchased at 1.800.226.1812. creating.” the biggest pluses that make this a success.” will celebrate his 70th birthday, and a The sprawling festival includes a The Florida Renaissance Festival runs special birthday tribute has been recreation of a renaissance village, arts and every Saturday and Sunday through March scheduled for that month by The crafts, street performers, minstrels, jugglers, 2 at Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Chamber Music Society of Lincoln kissing wenches, magicians, falconers, Rd., (between Hillsboro Boulevard and SW center at Alice Tully Hall, where musicians and lots of other treats. There is 10 Street) in Deerfield Beach. Admission is Silverstein has been an artist member lots of food, and with 50 scheduled $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 5- since 1993. A birthday tribute Utah entertainment acts each day, visitors will 12. Children under 5 are admitted free. For Symphony in Salt Lake City is also never want for merriment. more information, visit ren-fest.com. scheduled in March. Silverstein has most recently devoted this past summer to teaching and coaching chamber music at the Verbier Festival Win Winter Party Tickets and Academy in . He has By Mary Damiano tickets to this fabulous event. received two Grammys for his Arts & Entertainment Editor If you’re not already a newsletter recordings. The Express and Winter Party have subscriber, you can register at The philharmonic has described teamed up for a very special offer. expressgaynews.com. Awagdin Pratt as “one of tomorrow’s Subscribers to The Express e-mail Winter Party begins with some first-ever superstars with his musical insight newsletter will be eligible to win two tickets Broward events, including T-dances and a and intensely involving to one of the Winter Party premiere events, film night at Cinema Paradiso. The action then performances.” Like Silverstein, Pratt Winter Party Fiesta. moves to Miami, for 10 days of parties, dances The March 9 event takes place on the and cultural events. beach at 14th Street in South Beach. Over Proceeds from Winter Party events 5,000 people are expected to attend and party benefit the Gay and Lesbian Foundation of the day away in the sand and surf to the hot South Florida, whose mission is to advance spinning sounds of Roland Belmares and education and awareness of GLBT issues Tracy Young. and to support the gay community. Though tickets for the event are $75 in For more information about Winter Party advance and $80 at the door, one lucky events and to buy tickets, visit Express newsletter subscriber will win two winterparty.com.

www.ExpressGayNews.com • February 3, 2003 Q3

CYMK Q_THEATERreviews

Ken Clement and Heath Kelts in Sherlock’s Last Case runs through Feb. 9 at the Actor’s Playhouse

Mystery and Music Take Center Stage Laughs and Lags Mark Local Theater By Mary Damiano Gillespie). The couple have two weeks Arts & Entertainment Editor together, take vows and everything, but Kim Romeo & Bernadette is left behind when the Americans pull out. Take West Side Story, mix in some She waits three years, during which time she Shakespearean verse and add a strong dash bears Chris’s son, only to make a heart- of Damon Runyon and you have Romeo & wrenching decision when she discovers Bernadette, a new musical that made its Chris is married. world premiere at the Coconut Grove While the love story is the heart and Playhouse. soul of Miss Saigon, the star of the show is The time is 1960. A guy has just taken the Engineer, the bar owner who brings the his date to a production of Romeo and Juliet, couple together. Whether he’s feigning the but she’s so upset by the tragedy, there’s no delights of re-education or kowtowing to a way he’s going to score. In an effort to keep demanding boss, he is the ultimate survivor, the date going, he gives her a what- a con artist who is as sleazy as he is lovable. happened-next account of Romeo. It’s clear that Jon Jon Briones is having the As his story unfolds, Romeo wakes up time of his life playing the role. in Verona 500 years later looking for Juliet, This streamlined staging of Miss Saigon but spotting Bernadette Penza, the daughter remains a crowd-pleaser. of a Brooklyn crime boss. He follows her back to New York, intent on winning her heart, but Sherlock’s Last Case he ends up becoming the adopted son of the You don’t have to be a Sherlock Holmes Del Canto family, the Penza’s sworn enemy. aficionado to enjoy Sherlock’s Last Case, To make matters worse, Bernadette is now in its last week at The Actor’s Playhouse engaged to Tito, a big lug who’s more in Coral Gables, but it probably helps. interested in his standing with her father than Charles Marowitz’s play takes the in Bernadette. Romeo recognizes his been- Sherlock Holmes character and legend and there-done-that situation, but this time he’s asks, “What if?” The result is a dialogue- determined to make it work without anyone heavy, overlong play—a cozy little mystery getting killed. that most audience members will figure out This is a delightful production, clever long before the end. and original with some nice catchy tunes that The play has one good twist in the first several audience members were still singing act that is so good and so unexpected, it after the show. There’s real chemistry and simply makes you expect the other plot twists comedy between Romeo and Bernadette, to come. played by Adam Monley and Natalie Hill, as The cast is excellent. Heath Kelts is the he speaks in verse and she with the very picture of Sherlock Holmes, an arrogant, vocabulary of a wise guy. egotistical, opium-smoking genius who never The musical really soars whenever lets a moment pass without reminding you Romeo is onstage, because the culture clash of how brilliant he is. The star of the show is charming. really is Ken Clement, who puts a nice spin The pacing is brisk. The actors do a fine on Watson, and does a good job of playing a job, and most have operatic voices that lend man twice his age. Claire Tyler, who plays themselves to the Italian-style songs and Liza, is racking up so many incredible situations. The songs themselves are a mix performances locally that one wonders if she of original pieces and updates of traditional is capable of anything less than perfection. Neapolitan songs. The sets are clever and Bob Rogerson is appropriately bumbling as changes are natural and unobtrusive. The Inspector Lestrade, and Lisa Morgan has real standout cast member is John Paul some nice moments as Holmes’s Almon, whose characters include a fussy housekeeper. florist, an Irish priest, a demanding dance The set, by Gene Seyffer, is all cigars teacher named Viola and a bridal shop owner and brandy, full of rich colors, weapons named Roz. mounted on the walls—definitely a boy’s club. And the set is cleverly framed in the Miss Saigon open pages of a book, a nice device that adds Okay, so the helicopter doesn’t actually to the fun. The costumes, by Mary Lynne land during the fall of Saigon in this version Izzo, hit the Victorian nail on the head. of the Broadway mega-musical Miss Saigon, If the play were shorter, or perhaps but the effect that takes its place is very well offered some action instead of all the lengthy done. dialogues, Sherlock’s Last Case would be a That is the best way to sum up this tour delight. of Miss Saigon. If you saw it on the Great Sherlock’s Last Case runs through Feb. White Way, it may not be the way you 9 at the Actor’s Playhouse, 280 Miracle Mile remembered it, but it’s still a terrific show. in Coral Gables. Showtimes are Wednesday The story is a classic: In the last days of through Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at the Vietnam war, a bar girl, Kim (Jennifer 2pm. Tickets are $32-$35. For more Hubilla), falls for a Yankee soldier, Chris (Alan information, call 305.444.9293. Q4 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • February 3, 2003

CYMK Q_THEATERawards Nominations Announced for Curtain Up Awards Feb. 24 Ceremony Honors Local Theater By Mary Damiano Rocky Horror Show received two Arts & Entertainment Editor nominations, for its ensemble cast and a best The Actor’s Playhouse in Coral Gables supporting actor nod for the theater’s artistic and the Caldwell Theatre in Boca Raton are director, Rich Simone, who played the the top contenders for awards in the sixth hunchbacked, time-warping servant, Riff annual Curtain Up Awards, which honor the Raff. best plays, musicals and performances in The Sol Theatre was also recognized for South Florida theater. their fringe rendition of As You Like, which Actor’s Playhouse received 12 set Shakespeare’s play in 1920s . nominations while the Caldwell received nine. The play’s ensemble cast received a The awards will be handed out Monday, Feb. nomination as well as Jim Gibbons, who 24, in an entertainment-filled ceremony at the earned a best supporting actor nomination. Stage Door’s 26th Street Theatre in Wilton The Public Theatre’s production of Fifth of Manors. July was nominated for Best Scenic Design. While the most nominations went to the The Curtain Up Awards were founded big splashy musical The Sound of Music, by Fred Diekmann, the theater columnist for shows with gay themes were not overlooked. the Hotspots! Magazine The Hollywood Playhouse’s comedy Entertainment is still being lined up for Ruthless garnered six nominations, including the Curtain Up ceremony. Tickets are a best actor nod to Wayne LeGette, who available in advance and at the door for a played his entire role in drag. The Shores minimum donation of $10. All proceeds from Performing Arts Theatre’s production of The the awards go to various local charities. Nominees for the 2003 Curtain Up Awards: Ensemble Actor in a Musical Shakespeare Abridged, Mosaic Theatre Wayne LeGette, Ruthless As You Like It, Sol Theatre Avi Hoffman, Songs of Paradise The Rocky Horror Show, Shores Theatre Trystin Linto, Crazy For You Antigone, Public Theatre Michael Scott, Sound of Music Best Play Actress in a Musical Out of Season, Caldwell Theatre Jennifer Hughes, Sound of Music A Shayna Maidel, Mosaic Theatre Stacy Schwartz, Ruthless A Lesson Before Dying, GableStage Margot Moreland, Zombie Prom Tom Walker, New Theatre Connie Sa Loutos, Sweet Charity Director—Play Supporting Actor in a Musical Michael Hall, Out of Season Jason Fields, Song of Paradise Richard J. Simon, A Shayna Maidel Barry Tarallo, Spitfire Grill Joe Adler, A Lesson Before Dying Gary Maracheck, Sound of Music David Mann, Tom Walker Rich Simone, The Rocky Horror Show Actor in a Play Supporting Actress in a Musical Bill Yule, Open Season Mary Grace Gordon, Sound of Music John Archie, A Lesson Before Dying Anna De Moranville, Company John Felix, Nixon’s Nixon Wen Zhang, The King & I Peter Haig, Nixon’s Nixon Maribeth Graham, Ruthless Actress in a Play Musical Direction Claire Tyler, Comic Potential David Cohen, Company Lisa Bonsavage, A Master Class Christopher McGaven, Spitfire Grill Angie Rodash, Out of Season David Nagy, Sound of Music Anney Giobbe, Proof Eric Alsford, A Master Class Supporting Actor in a Play Choreography Clarence Thomas, A Lesson Before Dying Barbara Flaten, Sound of Music Bob Rogerson, Comic Potential Chrissi Ardito, Company and Crazy For You Jim Gibbons, As You Like It Reggie Whitehead, Zombie Prom Ken Clement, Tom Walker Robert Craig Dawson, Sweet Charity Supporting Actress in a Play Scenic Design Sharon Kremen, A Shayna Maidel Tim Bennett, Out of Season Lisa Morgan, Tom Walker Michael Anania, Spitfire Grill Patti Gardner, The Guys David Sherman, Titanic Marta Velasco, Hortensia & Museum of Dreams Chuck Gillette, Fifth of July Best Musical Lighting Design Crazy For You, Stage Door Travis Neff, Tom Wallace Ruthless, Hollywood Playhouse Jim Fulton, Spitfire Grill Sound of Music, Actors’ Playhouse Ginny Adams, Sound of Music Spitfire Grill, Florida Stage Thomas Salzman, A Master Class Director—Musical Costume Design Dan Kelley, Crazy For You Suzette Pare, Spitfire Grill Michael Larson, Ruthless Catherine Zuber, Sound of Music David Arisco, Sound of Music EstelleVrancovich, Ruthless Bill Castcelino, Spitfire Grill Suzette Pare, Bach at Leipzig

www.ExpressGayNews.com • February 3, 2003 Q5

CYMK Heard It Through the Gayvine Queers, Quotes and Quips of Interest

Ellen Hits the Road In addition to joining the talk show circuit, Ellen DeGeneres will be hitting the road in a 35-city tour beginning in May. The May 1 and 2 shows in New York City will kick off the “Here and Now” tour and will be filmed for an upcoming special on HBO. Ellen is scheduled to perform Wednesday, April 23, at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach

Elton Teams Up for a Spacey Song Now here’s a pair—Elton John and actor Kevin Spacey are teaming up for a duet in London. The pair are rehearsing a song and will take part in a charity concert next month in an effort to save one of the oldest theaters in the world, The Old Vic. Elton is chairman of The Old Vic Theatre Trust, and Spacey is a board member. Sinead O’Connor, Lulu and Elvis Costello will also perform at the event.

Cho’s Tour of Duty You’ve heard of Che, now here comes Cho. Margaret Cho, is adopting a Che Guevara pose for her latest tour, “Revolution.” The tour’s logo feature’s Margaret in an Andy Warhol-style painting, wearing a black beret, her eyes turned slightly heavenward. The “Revolution” tour will take the stage of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, May 9.

Not The West Wing, But Perhaps the Better Decorated Wing After several postponements, the new Nathan Lane TV show Charlie Lawrence, in which the out actor plays an out congressman, has been scheduled for March on CBS. Charlie Lawrence is a fish out of water story about an actor who goes into politics and ends up a freshman congressman. The supporting cast includes, Laurie Metcalf of Roseanne, Ted McGinley of Married with Children and Anne Meara as Lane’s mother. And Lane’s character will have a personal life—in one episode, he reportedly has a date with Thomas Gibson, of Dharma & Greg fame.

Miami’s Own Cover Boys Recognize that cute cover boy staring out from the front of Genre magazine’s February issue? It’s none other than Jaie Laplante, the program manager for the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, with his hunky boyfriend, Bela Kiss. They are featured in a cover spread about couples—how they got together and how they stay together. The gorgeous photos were taken by local treasure David Vance, known not only for wonderful photographs but for his incredible solos with the South Beach Gay Men’s Chorus. And the photo assistant on the shoot was Andy Armano, whose shots have graced several Q covers in The Express.

Q6 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • February 3, 2003

CYMK www.ExpressGayNews.com • February 3, 2003 Q7

CYMK Q_UPCOMINGevents Talula’s Offers Dinner and a Show If you’re looking for an extra special Vegas and Atlantic City, to name a few. place to take your honey Valentine’s Day There will be two seatings each night. weekend, Talula’s Cafe is The first seating at 7:30 offering something very includes the show and a special. full dinner of soup, salad, Talula’s, which is choice of entree and known for its dessert, for $65. The scrumptious gourmet second seating, features food and elegant and the show plus a platter of romantic ambiance, is hors d’oeuvres and presenting something bottle of champagne for different for its patrons, a $35. show with dinner. Talula’s Cafe is Talula’s Cafe will located at 3045 N. Federal His Secret Life present a performance by Hwy., 60 BC, Fort A widow forms an intriguing relationship with her late husband’s longtime lover and female impersonators on Lauderdale, at the his extended family in His Secret Life, an Italian film opening at the Gateway Theatre in Feb. 14 and 15. southwest corner of Fort Lauderdale, Friday, Feb. 7. The film, which stars Margherita Buy and Stefano Accorsi, The performers scheduled have toured Oakland Park Boulevard and Federal Hwy. was one of the big hits last year at the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, and was named the country, appearing in Lake Tahoe, Las For more information, call 954.567.0556. Best Narrative Feature at the New York Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. Q_DININGguide Advertise_954-568-1880

Q8 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • February 3, 2003

CYMK Q_CULTURALevents Thursday, Feb. 6: Free Legal Seminar— style. Hollywood Plalyhouse, 2640 Washington St, Wills, estate planning and other important issues Hollywood. 954.922.0404. mamaleh.com. for the gay & lesbian community. Conducted by the Through Sunday, Feb. 16: Phantom—The Law Offices of Abel & Halleran at 7pm at the classic story of the mysterious figure who haunts GLCCSF, 1717 North Andrews Ave. the Paris Opera has been transformed into a Thursday, Feb. 6: In Search of the mesmerizing musical by Tony Award winners Maury American Dream—Author and motivational Yeston and Arthur Kopit. Hollywood Plalyhouse, speaker Dr. Camilo Cruz will encourage participants 2640 Washington St., Hollywood. 954.922.0404. to discover their dreams, set goals and develop an Wednesday - Sunday, Feb. 5 - 23: Elton action plan that will have positive results. 7:30pm John & Tim Rice’s Aida—A captured Nubian at the Southwest Regional Library, 16835 Sheridan princess becomes the handmaiden to the daughter St., Pembroke Pines. This free program will be of the Pharaoh, Princess Amneris. Broward Center presented in Spanish. for the Performing Arts, 201 Southwest Fifth Ave. Friday, Feb. 7: Coconut Grove Home 954.462.0222. Design And Remodeling Show—See the latest Thursday, Feb. 6: Rodgers & home products and services. Open to the trade and Hammerstein’s Cinderella—8pm at Kravis public. Coconut Grove Convention Center, 2700 Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd in West Palm Beach. South Bayshore Drive. Admission/$8. 561.832.7469. 305.667.9299, [email protected]. Get a Sunday, Feb. 9: Four Bitchin’ Babes—Start special show discount at HomeShowSpecials.com. with four richly gifted singer-songwriters. Add 3/4 Friday, Feb. 7: Chinese New Year cup married life, five kids, four part harmony vocals, Celebration—6 - 11pm at Esplanade Park on the one piano, a dollop of sharp social commentary Riverwalk. and a wardrobe to die for. Put this combination on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 8-9: Dragon the road and allow to steep for ten years and you’ve Boats and Buskers Festival—Opening got...Four Bitchin’ Babes. 7:30pm at the Broward Ceremonies for all Dragon Boat Teams is Saturday Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Southwest Fifth at 9am at Esplanade Park. Dragon Boat Racing is Ave. 954.462.0222. Sat. and Sun. from 9 - 6pm along the New River Fridays: Separate Checks—Spice up your from Broward Center to Huizenga Plaza. Closing night with South Florida’s favorite Comedy Improv Ceremonies and Awards are Sun. at 5pm. Information: Troupe, where you the audience create the show! [email protected]. (Bring odd objects to be used in the show.) Every Saturday, Feb. 8: Lecture with Ali A. Friday night at 9:30pm at the Blue Box, upstairs at Mazrui—The Black Experience and the American the Hollywood Playhouse, 2640 Washington St. Empire: Between Globalization and Counter- Admission is $7/adults, $5/students. For more Terrorism with Ali A. Mazrui will be held from 3 - information call 954.327.9159. 6pm at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Music Lauderdale. Free and open to the public. Monday, Feb. 3: Souvenir de Florence—The 954.625.2807. Avalon Quartet performs works by Puccini, Wolf, Saturday, Feb. 8: 10th Annual Bob Marley Boccherini and Tchaikovsky. Scott Lee and Yehuda Caribbean Festival—All-day music event starts Hanani will join the quartet. 8pm at the Broward at 11am with arts and craft vendors from all over Center, 201 Southwest Fifth Ave. 954.462.0222. the world. Food drive benefits the homeless and Friday & Saturday, Feb. 7 & 8: Imani people living with HIV/AIDS. Location: TBA. For Winds—African and Latin American traditional information call 305.655.5379 or e-mail wind quintet. 8pm at the Hollywood Central [email protected]. Performing Arts Center, 1770 Monroe St in Saturday, Feb. 8: Everglades Day Hollywood. For information and tickets call the Festival—A day-long family friendly event of free Box Office at 954.924.8175. activities in celebration of the National Wildlife Saturday, Feb. 8: Mardi Gras Concert— Refuge Systems 100th anniversary. Live animal Featuring Kelley Hunt, Albert Castiglia, The presentations, bird walks, canoe trips, children’s Radiators, and Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp activities and more. 8am - 4:30pm at Loxahatchee Band. 4 - 11pm at Huizenga Plaza on the Riverwalk. National Wildlife Refuge, 10216 Lee Rd. Free. Thursday, Feb. 13: Jimmy Buffett and the 561.734.8303, Loxahatchee.fws.gov, Coral Reefer Band—Far Side of the World tour, [email protected]. 8pm at American Airlines Arena. aaarena.com. Saturday, Feb. 8: Mardi Gras Madness on Friday & Saturday, Feb. 14 & 15: Jennifer Clematis—This free, downtown street celebration Holiday—Grammy and Tony award winning singer brings the fun of Mardi Gras to West Palm Beach Jennifer Holliday performs in two special South and features two stages with live music. 100-400 Florida concerts this Valentine’s Weekend. Friday’s Blocks of Clematis St, 6pm - 12am. Free. Miami show, Unity On The Bay, is a benefit for sunfest.com/madness, [email protected], Unity. Saturday’s performance is in Key West at 561.659.5980 or 800.786.3378. the San Carlos Institute. ticketweb.com, Saturday, Feb. 8: So You Want to Get 800.965.4827. Published—Janell Walden Agyman’s workshop Thursday, Feb. 20: Liza in Concert—Liza helps you prepare for publishing your book. 10am – takes the stage for a night of music, memories and 2pm at the Main Library, Bienes Center. $40/ non-stop energy at the Waterfront Theatre at advance, $45/at the door. 954.357.7401. American Airlines Arena, 7:30pm. aaarena.com Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 8 & 9: Miami or Ticketmaster. Beach Festival of the Arts—200 fine arts Friday, Feb. 21: Santana— exhibitors and cultural arts performers gather at brings his 2003 Shaman tour to American Airlines Ocean Terrace from 72nd to 75th streets. 10am - Arena at 7:30pm. aaarena.com. 6pm. www.ci.miami-beach.fl.us, [email protected], 305-865-4147. Radio Live Theatre and Dance The Norm Kent Show—Interviews and commentary with Norm Kent, weekday mornings Through Sunday, Feb. 9: Park Your Car in at 8am on WFTL 1400 AM. The Call-In Line is Harvard Yard—Caldwell Theatre Company, 7873 1.877.644.1400. N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton. For information on this comedy call 561.930.6400; for tickets call 561.241.7432. Television Through Thursday, Feb. 13: Mamaleh!— SoFla Q TV—Television for the alternative Mamaleh! follows the mishegoss and memories of lifestyle. For information call 305.534.3975 or visit Jewish-American women in a tuneful and toe-tapping soflaqtv.com.

www.ExpressGayNews.com • February 3, 2003 Q9

CYMK Need_Wood By Woody Miller Too Much Testosterone By Charlene Lichtenstein For the week of 2/03/03 How many colors are your valentine? This week, we look to February as a time Hey woody! 5) Buy life-sized molds of porn star to expand our pallets to their full range of the rainbow. Venus, the harbinger of I’m 27 and living in the New Orleans area. dicks. A great site is sextoy-box.com/ love, advances into practical Cap on the 5th and surly Saturn mellows as it I don’t really like to “play the field” much. In porn_star_cocks.htm. Get a load of Lukas redirects on the 22nd. Will you look at love by the size of its assets? Whatever! fact, there’s nothing I like more than to go to Ridgestone’s mold. He’s the Bel Ami star with ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20) a bar, watch the go-go dancers, then go home the killer, uhm, eyes. It’s an uncut “Authentic There is love in the office in time for Valentines Day and a way to be and jerk off. The problem is that in the state Replica Cock.” It’s got—are you ready for understood for the genius you are after the 22nd. While you wait for of Louisiana, there’s a 200-year-old law so this? —moveable foreskin. It includes a 1- rewards to trickle in, consider the impact you have on friends. Are you too awful it forbids dancers from even showing ounce personal lubricant and 1-ounce much of a good thing? Let’s hope so! pubic hair. Since nothing is visible from the antibacterial cleaner. It should. At $79, that TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) street, the bars have largely ignored the dick isn’t the only thing hard to swallow. There is power in your inner well. But don’t drown in your own magnificence, stupid law for years. But for the past several 6) Do what Chuck Berry did: Install queer Bull; retro Saturn ties your purse strings in knots and all the weeks, this deranged preacher from the hidden cameras in the bathroom and throw a charisma in the world will not pay your bills. Wait until the 22nd before you suburbs has been loitering inside the bars party. take the next big step. Oops! video taping the dancers. He then takes the GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) tapes, presents them to the police and has Hey woody! You may be too hot to handle until Saturn redirects on the 22nd and controls the dancers arrested. I’m tired of being a beanpole so I’ve your flame. While you wait for your stew to simmer to a slow boil, emphasize The bars are now being threatened with started a program of supplements and long range goals. Pink Twins can go the distance if they can pace themselves. having their liquor licenses taken away. Since testosterone to bulk up. Is there a sexual Ain’t’ that the truth! the dancers are so afraid to show anything, I downside to taking testosterone? CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) can’t seem to find a pretty cock to ogle to —Bulky wannabe Venus highlights partnerships. Strengthen current relationships or develop save my life. How does a voyeur satisfy such new ones while the Valentine’s energy maximizes your charm and allure. a simple sexual desire in a place that makes it Dear Bulky: Don’t be shy, pink Crab; crack open up your shell before you become just so difficult? Yes, there is. Taking the hormone will another saucy claw in the gumbo. —Looking to peep increase your overall level of testosterone, LEO (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23) but it also tends to “teach” your body to February delivers a valentines promise at every party. But actually, proud Dear Looking: make less testosterone on its own. The Lion, greater rewards are found at work. Do not dissipate energies by “A pretty cock to ogle?” Yes, it’s the pituitary gland that makes testosterone is as searching for your special someone after hours. Spend more time at the water cooler to quaff your thirst. simple things that make life worthwhile. lazy as you are at work. If you got an assistant Speaking of life, my advice is to get one. you’d goof off, too. VIRGO (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23) Especially the sexual kind. True, it’s not as You can mainline testosterone with Queer Virgos may want to spruce up their nest this February. Put your mind easy as tipping a line of dancing burritos, injections, pills or skin patches. Most to the task of love and place your professional goals on the back burner but trust me, it’s a lot more fun. physicians don’t like the pill because it has until after the 22nd when Saturn redirects. That is the best time to show those in power what you can do. more potential to put the hurt on your liver. Failing that, you have six options: About 10 percent of men who use them get LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23) 1) Make road trips to nearby cities that “chemical hepatitis.” Concentrate on the antics of Venus which lights a fire in your home life allow dancers to can-can their liver-lifters. Injections and patches can also cause throughout the month. Spread valentines joy with a few intimate soirees. Maybe you will even let your love flow to some impossible relatives? 2) Go to the baths. Plenty of prick- liver problems, but they’re infrequent. They Dream the impossible dream. pride there. Though they tend to hang off can increase serum cholesterol, though. And the ugliest, fattest guys in the solar system. most importantly, if you have the beginnings SCORPIO (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22) Can anybody tell me why the baths tend to of prostate cancer (the biggest cancer killer Gay Scorps can make their sexy intentions known when Venus spices your attract guys the size of planets? Warning: in men) taking testosterone is like spraying words. But wait until Saturn redirects on the 22nd before you take leap of love. So what if your Valentines Day is quiet. You finish February with a Get too close and you’ll get trapped in their Miracle Grow on it. bang ... or two... or three.... gravitational pull. At that point, even hanging Because of the downsides you shouldn’t on to the railings won’t save you. be taking testosterone “recreationally.” That SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22) 3) Rent videos. If all you’re doing is is, because you think it might make you feel Love for sale? It seems so as Venus places a price tag on every piece of merchandise. But don’t worry about being overcharged, gay Archer; you are looking, then look at a TV. My pick: Saving or look better. The only reason you should quite a showpiece yourself and customers clamor to feel the fabric. Select Ryan’s Privates. The name alone makes me be taking testosterone is if tests show that one from the rack to take home. want to tip somebody. you have a deficiency. Or a date with me. 4) Ask a dancer how much a private CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20) Need Wood? Ask woody how to dance in your home would cost. Proud Caps don’t have to worry about attracting valentines - they will find spice up your sex life. E-mail him at you. As you bask in their adoration and love, you may be tempted to sample [email protected]. from the entire tasting menu. Avoid the temptation while Saturn retrogrades and causes indigestion. AQUARIUS (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19) Venus makes you mysteriously alluring. Be your proud self and love finds you. Aqueerians want to manifest their destiny and it will be more work than play until Saturn redirects on the 22nd. After that enjoy a bit of your spoils. Just don’t get spoiled yourself! PISCES (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20) Dive into the social swim, Guppie, and let the tide carry you to the action downstream. But be a bit discerning; You snare many more valentines than you can easily fit in your net. By the 22nd you will know which rainbow trout to take home and devour.

© 2003 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved.For Entertainment Purposes Only. Check out her site www.AccessNewAge.com/Stargayzer for egreetings, horoscopes and Pride jewelry. Her book “HerScopes; A Guide To Astrology For Lesbians” from Simon & Schuster is available at bookstores and major booksites.

Q10 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • February 3, 2003

CYMK Pumping It Up with Maximum_Volume New Album Releases Ute Lemper: ‘But One Day...’ Susan Tedeschi: (Decca) ‘Wait for Me’ Ute Lemper’s voice is like a hypnotic trance—soothing, alluring, (Tone Cool/Artemis) mesmerizing. Her voice doesn’t invite so much as it lures listeners into an Susan Tedeschi’s new album, intricate web of lyrics, orchestration and seduction. Wait for Me, is a blues lover’s While Lemper gained fame on the stage—she played Velma Kelly in dream, a collection of raw and the London cast of Chicago—she is not all theatricality. Lemper is a true rollicking songs tinged with soul. chanteuse, an old-fashioned single-spotlight kind of singer dressed to Tedeschi specializes in the nines and moving in for the kill with her voice. She is able to reign in mature romance. Her songs her powerful pipes when she needs to, avoiding the trap of going over the top. Her latest CD, But One speak of heartbreak, the complications of love and the joy Day..., is a riveting collection of sensuality, polished vocals and classic style. of finding that perfect someone. Wait for Me is similar in But One Day... opens with the sexy “I Surrender,” a compelling song about love and obsession. tone to Delbert McClinton’s latest, Room to Breathe. Both “Buenos Aires” begins with the cacophony of carnivale, segues into Lemper’s breathy phrasing and exhibit the same mixture of blues, country and Carolina becomes a determined battle march with Lemper willing to sacrifice all for love. Lemper reaches her zenith Beach music. on Jacques Brel’s “Amsterdam,” a soaring tangle of lyrics she was born to sing. The opening track, “Alone,” scored Tedeschi a Grammy But One Day... is a classy collection by an international star. Lemper’s way with a lyric will turn nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal. The song is a catchy, listeners into fans. instant classic with nice horn work and Tedeschi’s trademark attitude. “Gonna Move” is a great road trip song about the examination of a life. Tedeschi’s rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, Various Artists: ‘Visage’ It’s Alright” is refreshing—true to the original, yet infused (Europapop/Studio Distribution) with Tedeschi’s wistful phrasing. “I Fell in Love” and “The It is a rare thing to stumble upon a CD that becomes an essential part of a music collection—the Feeling Music Brings” both exude juke joint exuberance. kind of album that you could listen to over and over again and never grow tired of. Visage is one Susan Tedeschi is a singer to reckon with. Her style is such valuable find. part honky tonk angel, part ferocious blues woman, but A compilation put together by producer Felix Cutillo, the lush sounds of Visage radiate with totally irresistible. sensual beats and rhythms. Smooth samba sounds are mixed with tribal beats and drums. Serene string instruments and just the right amount of dance grooves are thrown in. The result is a sophisticated and cosmopolitan sound worthy of any happening hangout from London to New York to Paris to . When closing your eyes you are just as likely to visualize yourself on a deserted Brazilian beach or under the sun in Capri. The back of the CD has a sticker that says to file it under dance/lounge, and classifies it as café collections/world music. And for certain, this collection ranks right up there with The Buddha Bar and Café Del Mar series, perhaps even better. Readonline But Visage goes beyond dancing and lounging with cocktails in hand and wearing Helmut Lang or Chloe. It’s perfect to soothe in traffic. It is ideal to fall asleep to. It is wonderful to make love to. www.OURweeklynews.com Hence, it’s an essential part of any collection and a must-have album.

www.ExpressGayNews.com • February 3, 2003 Q11

CYMK Q12 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • February 3, 2003

CYMK