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Home , Carol Lawrence, Florence Henderson, Kiss My Brass

www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 19, 2004 Q1 Q_COVERstory Brini Maxwell: Retro Queen of All Things Stylish New York TV Star Brings Cult Hit to the Style Network By Mary Damiano “I’ve always thought television was an Arts & Entertainment Editor exciting medium,” she says. “One of the things Brini Maxwell never dreamed that a I like about is that you reach so many people fabulous Salvation Army store find of a yet you have no idea who you’re reaching. vintage set of nesting bowls from the 1950s You create in a cocoon, and you put what would lead her down a new career path and you’ve created out there to these people. You land her a TV show on the Style Network. put it out there and people find it.” But these were not your typical nesting The Brini Maxwell Show premiered in bowls, just as Brini Maxwell is not your on Jan. 1, 1998, and ran until typical television style doyenne. Maxwell, November 2003. Maxwell’s mother was her a.k.a. gender-bender Ben Sander, is an expert producer and camerawoman as well as a on the style and pop culture of a very specific recurring character. Other characters era—1958 to 1974—and has managed to included Maxwell’s friends and neighbors, incorporate that appreciation into every who dropped by as Maxwell presented her aspect of her life. Everything visible in her tips for decorating, cooking, entertaining and Chelsea apartment is from that era. Her living an all-around stylish life. wardrobe is a mix of pieces she’s made and Word spread and Maxwell’s unique show vintage finds. She also espouses what she became a cult hit. “I wasn’t sure where it would calls the optimism of that time period, an go or how it would be received, but people optimism she feels lacking in the world today. really picked up on it,” Maxwell says. “It made All of these elements come together in me feel like I had something to offer.” Maxwell’s look and attitude, as well as her Two years ago, Amy Briamonte, a philosophy: “Add style to your life and life producer with Termite Art Productions, was to your style.” nursing morning sickness and watching TV, That outlook is the focus of The Brini when she caught an episode of The Brini Maxwell Show, which premieres on the Maxwell Show. She contacted Maxwell and Style Network Friday, Jan. 23, at 10:30 p.m. the two set off on a mission to bring Brini The first episode, “A Womb with a View,” Maxwell to the masses. Briamonte contacted gives tips and ideas on how to make your the Style Network, and Heather Moran, vice Brini Maxwell sews things up on her show home a cozy haven. Thirteen episodes are president of programming for the network, already in the can, and show topics include liked the show enough to sign Maxwell. creating a stylish home office, demystifying Of course, Maxwell is not the first Maxwell also loves the pop culture, especially Pussy Galore, from James Bond,” Maxwell says. art and incorporating art into one’s home stylish gal to host a lifestyle show. Maxwell movies and TV. She cites The “But now, Auntie , Mary Tyler Moore’s and life, bringing the outdoors indoors, and has nothing but respect for style guru Show, That Girl and The Doris Day Show as Mary Richards and her Laura Petrie are the making a seasonal rental home or apartment Martha Stewart. “I think Martha Stewart some of her favorite shows from that time. She characters I feel a kinship with. As time goes uniquely yours for the time you’re there. is remarkable,” she says. “She’s created especially likes the strong female characters by, I’m not quite as much Pussy Galore, But what exactly was it about those such an incredible empire for herself. And on those shows and believes the time is right although I might like to be.” nesting bowls—for the uninitiated, what I find so interesting about her is that for the comeback of female characters. “I used nesting bowls are mixing bowls of various she started out as the kind of person I to describe myself as a hybrid between Sue The Brini Maxwell Show premieres sizes that fit inside each other for easy would be talking to—a single working girl Ann Nivens, the Happy Homemaker from The Friday, Jan. 23, at 10:30 p.m. on the Style storage—that started Maxwell’s journey in New York City. She was a model. She Mary Tyler Moore Show, Auntie Mame and Network. to TV stardom? really took that somewhere and built Brini Maxwell’s Tips for Adding Style to Your Life “They have little figures of farmers something out of that desire to create a Home Style on the sides—just adorable,” Maxwell personal space for herself.” Don’t be afraid of color. So many people think that if they have a dark room and paint it says. “They were $15 for the entire set— Maxwell would like to build her own style white, it will be lighter, but what you get is a white room that’s dark. Use color to brighten a room. these are vintage 1950s, and collectors pay empire—she already sells note cards, recipe And I love the use of accent walls. Pick a wall and paint that one wall a bright color, and it creates a a lot more, so I bought them.” cards and T-shirts through her Web site, focal point. Maxwell was so thrilled with her find BriniMaxwell.com. In Maxwell’s typical can-do Create a personal space with interesting items found at second-hand stores. It’s always more and about how they complemented the style, she created the items herself with her interesting to find things that are not made in bulk. If you walk into a room that someone has décor of her kitchen that she thought it home computer. “I have lots of ideas for furnished at Crate & Barrel, you recognize it as Crate & Barrel. But if you find a great mixer for your would be awful if no one saw them, since products, home products and things like that,” kitchen on ebay or at a thrift store rather than buying one at Bed, Bath & Beyond, then it’s they were for food preparation, not for she says. something unexpected. serving. So she did what anyone with a And you can bet that whatever Maxwell Personal Style sense of style and adventure would do— designs, the products will be reminiscent of The key is to shop at place like The Gap and Banana Republic or Club Monaco for the basics, she leased space on cable and produced her favorite era. “That period created a fertile then add to them fun pieces that you’ve made yourself or found in a vintage store. Then you create her own lifestyle show, right from her ground for the development of the style that a look all your own, but that has a very current feel, the latest silhouette. apartment. came out of,” she says. “It was a wonderful The integration of unique pieces, whether they’re vintage or they’re made by craftsmen who Maxwell had been working in the fashion time for design, in clothing and interiors, and make only one, a scarf or a piece of jewelry, for example, can add to your cache. It makes you industry but was unhappy in her job. Her industrial design as well. Even everyday objects interesting to people and creates a conversational opener. People can come up to you and say, “Oh, therapist encouraged her to change career were exciting to look at.” I love that scarf, where did you get that?” paths and explore something more interesting. In addition to the designs of the era,

Q2 www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 19, 2004 Q_THEATER preview America’s Favorite TV Mom Steps into the Spotlight The Florida Marks Latest Chapter in Florence Henderson’s Career By Mary Damiano characters, she has embraced the role and the them. Arts & Entertainment Editor fans who still think of her as America’s mom. Henderson received one of the nicest At one point in The Florida Follies, the “It seems to mean so much to people,” tributes from Reed, by way of his daughter, new at Parker Playhouse in Fort Henderson says. “I think that whatever your who is now compiling a book about her father. Lauderdale, Florence Henderson croons past is, you have to remember it, come to terms “She said, ‘My father told me that he wanted “Young at Heart” as a tribute to George Burns. with it and embrace it, and that’s what I’ve to marry you,’” Henderson says. “We would That song could be the theme for The Florida done.” have made a good team.” Follies, in which the performers range in age In some ways, the Brady kids are like Although homosexuality was not a topic from 53 to 81. Henderson’s second family. She keeps in touch for , Henderson’s says that “I’m blown away by the talent in this with the former child stars, and shares a warm she knows how Carol Brady would have show,” says Henderson, who turns 70 on bond with them. She also shared a strong reacted if one of her brood were gay. “I would Valentine’s Day. “It’s one of the best casts friendship with late actor , who say, ‘What can I do to make you feel better? I’ve ever been involved with. We have an 81- played her TV husband Mike Brady. It was What can I do to help you? What can I do to year-old who does splits.” Henderson, in fact, who realized during the let you know that I love you?’” The Florida Follies could be summed up Florence Henderson shooting of the pilot for The Brady Bunch why Henderson has done concerts with gay as vaudeville meets Vegas, a patriotic, old- Reed was uncomfortable during their kissing men’s choruses and has been touched by the fashioned revue with a bill that includes Ringmaster of an ensemble cast is a scenes. “I thought, ‘Bob’s gay,’” she recalls. men who have told her how much the presence comedian Norm Crosby, ventriloquist Sammy familiar role for Henderson, who rose to fame “I’ve always been able to sense those things.” of one of the great TV moms meant to them, King, sister and dog act The Amazing Darnells, as Carol Brady on The Brady Bunch. Since the Henderson helped make Reed comfortable because their own parents don’t speak to them. plus singers and dancers dressed to the nines show’s debut in 1969, it has never been off the with the scene. “I don’t understand people who are intolerant,” in skimpy costumes and elaborate air and has played in 122 countries. Henderson says that Reed’s orientation she says. “You just cannot be judgmental of headdresses. While Carol Brady might be Henderson’s was never a topic of discussion, and that all anyone unless you walk in their shoes.” “People can expect really pure most famous role, the sitcom was not the the kids on the set knew from a young age. While The Brady Bunch will always live entertainment,” Henderson says. “They can beginning of her career. As a teenager she “Bob was such a reserved, proud person,” she in Henderson’s heart, and she’s loved the films expect to leave the theatre happy, hopeful and performed in national touring companies of says. “It didn’t matter to us, but it did to Bob. and other shows she’s done, she still prefers inspired.” Oklahoma! and other big musicals. Stints on He was the father of America, and he was gay. the thrill of performing live, which is one reason Henderson is the centerpiece of The Broadway, at and on TV as a Having to protect that, and live that way, I her work in The Florida Follies is so exciting Florida Follies, serving as both mistress of Today show girl followed. She was the first know it was very hard for him.” for her. ceremonies and part of the ensemble cast. She woman to host . She hosted Reed’s homosexuality was a sort of open “If I can make an audience laugh or cry, or sings, dances, tells jokes and engages in a few her own cooking show, Country Kitchen, for secret on the set, never publicly discussed at feel something,” she says, “that’s by far the surprisingly bawdy numbers. She also chats nine years on the Nashville Network. Always the time. But Henderson spoke out when Reed most satisfying.” casually with the audience, telling stories about interested in health issues, she is a certified died in 1992, and a tabloid printed his death her life and showing why she’s one of America’s hypnotherapist, and currently hosts Speaking certificate on the front page showing that HIV The Florida Follies runs through March 21 at most enduring and beloved entertainers. of Women’s Health, an informational show on had contributed to his death from colon cancer. Parker Playhouse, 707 NE 8 St., Fort Lauderdale. Lifetime. “I felt that was the cruelest thing I’d ever Comedian Norm Crosby headlines through Jan. 25; singer Carol Lawrence stars Jan. 28-Feb. 16; and “I see myself as the ringmaster, but I do seen,” she says. She and the Brady kids then But Henderson is best known as Carol comedian Jack Carter performs Feb. 18-March 21. entertain throughout the show,” Henderson Brady, and unlike some performers who try to did lots of interviews about what a wonderful For tickets and more information, call 954.763.2444. says. distance themselves from successful man Reed was and how much he meant to

www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 19, 2004 Q3 Q_CULTURAL COCKTAIL By Mary Damiano Florence Henderson: Kitten with a Whip? ‘Florida Follies’ Shows Brady Mom in a Different Light Pop Goes the MOCA Lauderdale. This is a big splashy revue, with month away from 70. The Museum of Contemporary Art enough flag-waving, old-time fun, sex and The Florida Follies is a terrific (MOCA) is going all out for their new fund- sizzle that you could almost see George M. show, full of kitsch and old-fashioned raiser, Pop Soup. The event, which takes place Cohan, Florenz Ziegfeld and Bob Fosse fun. It has a really long run at Parker Saturday, Jan. 24, from 8-11 p.m., is inspired cheering from the wings. Playhouse, until March 21, with a by the creative fabulousness of artist Andy This show has everything—singing, succession of headliners, including Warhol, and will feature imaginative cuisine, dancing, bawdy comedy, a ventriloquist and Carole Lawrence and Jack Carter, so even an amazing pack of performing poodles. there’s no reason to miss it. For more cocktails, a silent auction and dancing and Florida The kicker is that the performers in the show info and to purchase tickets, call Florence Henderson and the cast of the music by DJ Le Spam. Guests are encouraged Follies get ready to take a bow. to dress glam, drag or anything in between. range in age from 53 to 81. Of course, you 305.919.3731 or visit Parker Playhouse’s Upon arriving, guests will receive a soup would never know it to look at the showgirls, box office. can—a kitschy homage to Warhol’s iconic who sport legs for days and carry off Vegas- smash about the gay porn industry, starring art—which they can exchange for a gift, style skimpy costumes and headdresses with On Stage actual gay porn star Matthew Rush. Making which could be anything from tickets to an poise and pizzazz. There are plenty of new offerings at Porn runs Feb. 4-29 at Cinema Paradiso in upcoming event to designer clothing. Guests Norm Crosby, the master of the local theatres this week, including a touring downtown Fort Lauderdale. will also have the opportunity to win a Mini- malaprop, had the audience rolling in the production of Jesus Christ Superstar, which Cooper. Pop Soup benefits MOCA’s aisles with his rants on the disease sweeping runs Jan. 20-25 at the Jackie Gleason Theatre Entertainment to Spare Permanent Collection Acquisition Fund. the country—dumbness—and his topical in Beach. This year is a leap year, and although Tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the humor. Sammy King, the ventriloquist who The Mosaic Theatre in Plantation we only get one Feb. 29 every four years, door. Honorary chairs of Pop Soup include works with a stuffed Mexican parrot, was presents the South Florida premiere of the this year there’s enough entertainment going Jane Holzer, who was a member of Warhol’s terrific. Pianist Rio Clemente played the heck Pulitzer Prize-winning play Topdog/ on that day to fill a couple extra leap days. Factory, and Belkys Nerey, of Deco Drive. out of “Rhapsody in Blue.” And if you only Underdog, about two brothers involved with And sure, Feb. 29 may be over a month away, MOCA is located at 770 NE 125 St., North know Lorene Yarnell as a mime, you’re in for three-card monty on Thursday, Jan. 22. but you’re going to need that long to decide Miami. For more information, call 305.893.6211 a real surprise. At 59, Yarnell is a high-energy Friday brings the opening of A Hotel on which event you want to do. First, there’s or visit www.mocanomi.org. dazzler, tapping, dancing and singing, and at Marvin Gardens at the Actor’s Playhouse in the Oscars, debuting on ABC in its new times channeling in her prime. Coral Gables, at the 26th earlier-in-the-season date. Then there’s the ‘Florida Follies’ Is Great Fun But the star of the show is Florence Street Theatre in Wilton Manors and Six second concert for the divine You haven’t lived until you’ve seen Henderson, who shows why she’s remained Degrees of Separation at the Edge Miss M’s “Kiss My Brass” tour, rolling into Florence Henderson, TV mom to the Brady one of America’s most beloved stars. Theatre in Miami. By the way, the Edge the Office Depot Center in Sunrise. And brood, decked out in a black patent leather Henderson is pure class all the way, a has moved from its Piccadilly Gardens now Broward Center for the Performing Arts dominatrix get-up, wielding a cat o’nine tails gracious lady who invites the audience into location to a new home just a few blocks has gotten into the act with its dance and singing ’s “When You’re Good her world and makes them feel right at home. away at 3627 NE 1st Court. extravaganza, Disco Inferno, starring Chic to Mama.” Henderson sings, dances, tells jokes and On Saturday, the Public Theatre opens with Nile Rodgers, Thelma , The That was just one of many unexpected serves as host of The Florida Follies, and its second play of the season, The Fist, at Trammps, and Rose Royce. Hmm, the treats in The Florida Follies, a modern shows off the body of a woman half her age the Soref Jewish Community Center in glamour of the Oscars, the glitz of Bette vaudeville show that opened Wednesday in elegant gowns and costumes. We should Sunrise. Looking ahead, make plans now to Midler or the gaudiness of disco—how is a night, Jan. 14, at Parker Playhouse in Fort all have as much energy and look so good a attend Making Porn, the off-Broadway gay boy or girl to choose?

Q4 www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 19, 2004 Q_THEATER REVIEW Stop Kiss Is a Winner Sol Theatre Shines with its Finest Production to Date Set Designer Shines By Mary Damiano sounds complicated, and it’s to the Sol’s credit Arts & Entertainment Editor that it comes across with such cohesion. at Caldwell Theatre Since the Sol Theatre Project began three All the elements come together in just the years ago, artistic director Robert Hooker’s idea right way, making Stop Kiss the Sol’s finest But ‘Déjà Vu’ is a Real Farce—in More Ways Than One has been to create a place where a troupe of production to date. Callie’s apartment, the main actors could work and evolve together in the set, is warm, inviting and realistic, the kind of By Mary Damiano mistaken identities, covert connections and development of their craft. In turn, the audience single-girl-in-the-city pad Mary Richards or Arts & Entertainment Editor wild stories concocted to cover up the big at the cozy lounge theatre would get to see Carrie Bradshaw would covet. The other two There was more than a little déjà vu secret. edgy plays that would reach beyond the usual sets, a police interrogation room and a hospital going on for me while watching the If all this sounds convoluted, it is. fare at other venues, and experience theatre, as room, are efficient and slightly surreal in their Caldwell Theatre’s latest production, The only thing that saves Déjà Vu, Hooker puts it, to engage the mind. austerity, which illustrates the stark way in which Déjà Vu. other than Bennett’s gorgeous set, is Though it has taken the Sol a while to find Callie and Sara’s world changes. Just like with their production of The a rapid-fire second act—which sharply its audience, they have consistently grown over Hooker has also selected Alanis Morrissette Last Sunday in June last summer, the star contrasts the plodding nature of the the past few seasons, and developed a and Beth Hart songs to bridge the blackouts, of Déjà Vu is set designer Tim Bennett. For first half—and the performances of reputation for hip, insightful productions. With and the songs give added dimension to the story. The Last Sunday in June, Bennett created talented cast members. Lisa Bansavage their latest production, Stop Kiss, not only has And although the ensemble cast is a cozy, detailed, Greenwich Village plays her society matron to the hilt, the Sol grown, but they’ve found their audience. excellent, the centerpiece of the play is the apartment. For Déjà Vu, Bennett has and Bob Rogerson is appropriately Stop Kiss tells the story of two women: performances of Julia Clearwood and Sharon applied his talents to create a sumptuous hapless and befuddled as the Callie is a rambunctious New Yorker, a traffic Stern as Callie and Sara. The two actresses have Parisian living room, tres sophisticated and politician, a big change from his recent reporter for a radio station whose life revolves undeniable chemistry, making the journey their tres elegant, done in green and ivory and gut-wrenching performance as a man around friends, dinner out and a sometime characters take believable. Clearwood is gold filigree accents that scream old world in love with a goat in GableStage’s The boyfriend she sleeps with when neither is especially effecting, as she is the one required to money and class. Goat or Who Is Sylvia. involved with anyone else. Sara is fresh from St. switch gears the most between hilarity and And just like with Last Sunday in June, But despite a couple of sparkling Louis, a third-grade teacher who’s left her fiancé heartbreak, often at a moment’s notice. She is the Caldwell has attempted a comedy with performances, and a mouthwatering set, Déjà and family to teach kids in the Bronx. Sara is as raw and vulnerable as she deals with confusion gay themes that is mired in outdated ideas Vu is an only-if-you’re-bored kind of show. enthusiastic as Callie is jaded, as fearless as over her attraction to Sara, her inability to act on and stereotypes. Callie is hesitant. those feelings and then her guilt about the Déjà Vu is a farce that deals with an The two meet and become fast friends, incident that has left Sara near death. ambitious French politician, his fiancée, his Déjà Vu runs through Feb. 15 at the both experiencing an unspoken attraction to Stop Kiss is a moving, insightful piece, and son, their Swedish maid and an American Caldwell Theatre, 7873 N. Federal colonel, who reveals a family secret that Hwy., Boca Raton. For tickets and in- the other. When Callie and Sara finally act on a milestone in the Sol Theatre’s short history. formation, call 561.241.7432 or visit this attraction, they are attacked. Sara ends up Don’t miss it. threatens to ruin everyone’s lives. The play www.CaldwellTheatre.org. in the hospital, while Callie is left to deal with the is fraught with sexual situations, couplings, guilt and new labels thrust on her by media and Stop Kiss runs through Feb. 1 at the Sol society. Theatre, 1140 NE Flagler Dr., Fort Stop Kiss is a complex production, charging Lauderdale. Showtimes are Thursday Hooker and the cast with the task of presenting through Saturday, 8 p.m., Sunday, 6 p.m. 23 scenes in barely 90 minutes, and telling a For more information and to make reservations, call 954.525.6555 or visit story in two timelines, one leading up to a tragic www.SolTheatre.com. event and one in the event’s aftermath. It

www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 19, 2004 Q5 Q_CULTURALevents

January: Auditions—Theatrix needs male Center at the Broward County Main Library, 100 S. minorias de la Florida” and “Working across cultures, Whose Line is it Anyway? meets . singer/actors who can move, ages 20 to 45, for a new Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Reservations are sexual orientation and ethnicities” / “Enlazando Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 9 p.m. musical revue called Cruise Control. Non-equity, 16 required. Call 954-357-7401. culturas, orientacion sexual y etnicidad.” 9 a.m. - 4 at the Miami Museum of Science and Planetarium, paid performances in Fort Lauderdale (3/13/03 - 4/18/ Friday – Sunday, Jan. 23 – 25: Miami p.m. at Unity Coalition’s Offices, 111 S.W. Fifth Ave., 3280 South Miami Ave., Miami. Tickets are $10. For 04). Auditions are by appointment. Call Rikki Caroll National Antiques Show and Sale—Friday, noon Suite 205, Miami. 305.324.6393. (Workshops II and information call 305.69.FUNNY or visit at 954.390.7610 or 954.695.8288. – 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon – 8 p.m. and Sunday, noon – III are in February and March.) www.justthefunny.com. January and February: French Language 6 p.m. Admission is $10. Radisson Centre, 777 N.W. Saturday, Jan. 24 and 31: Happy New You Classes—Alliance Francaise de Fort Lauderdale is 72nd Ave., Miami. www.DolphiinFairs.com. and More in 2004!—An annual lifestyle change Music now taking registration for current and winter sessions Saturday, Jan. 24: Outlawz Anniversary seminar focusing on self-renewal, self-healing and Thursday, Jan. 22: Body and Soul: Lainie of French language classes to be held in Fort Lauderdale Party—The Outlawz invite you to their First developing inner strength to endure the coming new Kazan In Concert—Presented by American Red Magen and Boca Raton. For class fees and schedules and for Anniversary Party. Enjoy the unique camaraderie of year. Part I: Change Seminar, a program that helps David for Israel. See and hear this exclusive appearance cultural activity information, please call 954.523.9052 true social dancing. All are welcome: Outlawz aren’t participants break the habit chain of anxiety, fear, of the multi-award winning singer/actress, star of film, or go to 705 S.E. Second Court, Fort Lauderdale, just cowboys anymore! There will be gifts (while worry and helplessness through C.H.A.N.G.E. (Choose, stage and television. VIP tickets, including a post show Monday - Friday from 1 - 6 p.m. supplies last), singers, dancers and the Sun Dancers How, Act, Now, Grow, Evolve) and Part II: Sit Seminar, dessert reception, are available for $125.00. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21: Design and Wine: All dance team of Southern Country South Florida. Free which concentrates on freeing ones soul through S.I.T. at the Broward Center, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave. About Fashion—Enjoy samples of wine as you stroll dance lessons 7 - 8 p.m. No cover charge. 7 p.m. - (Silencing Inner Turmoil). Benisa Forté, owner of 954.462.0222. through historic downtown and visit designated shops midnight at Manhattan South, 6890 N. Powerline Ethnotricity Dance Studio in Fort Lauderdale, presents Tuesday, Jan. 20: U.S. Army Signal Corps and galleries. Map and list are included in the $12 fee. Road, Peachtree Plaza, Fort Lauderdale. both seminars. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the African-American Band—Featuring an 80-member band performing 6 – 9 p.m. at New Art Café, 1820 S. Young Circle, www.theoutlawz.biz. Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk marches, jazz and show tunes. 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Hollywood. 954.921.3016 ext. 19. Saturday, Jan. 24: Building Bridges Workshop Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. For more information on this Hollywood Beach Theater, Johnson Street and the Wednesday, Jan. 21: Loving Che—Ana I—UC Florida PAC presents free political free event, call 954.357.7464. Broadwalk. For information call 706.791.4856. Menendez, will talk about her novel, Loving Che, an empowerment and community leadership training. Saturday, March 13: The Crystal Ball—Save Friday, Jan. 23: George Winston— intimate portrait of revolutionary Cuba as witnessed Includes registration, training, lunch and certificate of the date for Caldwell Theatre Company’s annual Experience your favorite time of the year through by an elderly woman recalling her secret love affair completion. Workshops are “Issues and proposals that fundraiser. Billed as one of the most elegant and music with Grammy Award winning pianist George with Ernesto “Che” Guevera. 7:30 p.m. in the Bienes affect minorities in Florida” / “Temas que afectan las theatrical events of the season, the ball benefits Caldwell Winston. Appearing in a highly anticipated solo and its community outreach programs including concert, Winston performs his impressionist Theater for Schools. 7 p.m. at the Boca Raton Resort compositions of the seasons, “Autumn,” “Summer,” and Club. Tickets are $250. For more information, “Winter Into Spring” and “December.” Winston call Bruce Herman: 561.995.2323. continues to enthrall audiences with his versatile Heard It Through musicianship, offering a variety of treats from his Live Theatre and Dance contemporary arrangements to music from The Doors. By Through Sunday, Feb. 1: Menopause, the Please join us in support of the Daily Bread Food Bank the Gayvine Musical—Actors Playhouse, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Fort Lauderdale by bringing a donation of canned food Andy Zeffer Gables. 305.444.9293. to the concert. 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 Queers, Quotes and Quips of Interest Through Sunday, Feb. 22: Mamaleh! —A new S.W. Fifth Ave. 954.462.0222. version of the off-Broadway hit musical tells of the Saturday, Jan. 24: Tom Rush—Singer/ lifelong friendship between Jewish-American women songwriter Tom Rush, a pioneer of the folk rock Rush to the Theater of different generations. The Broadway Theater, 1455 movement, is credited with launching the careers of Making Porn is returning to South Florida. After two wildly successful S.E. 17th St. Causeway, Fort Lauderdale. 954.522.0274. Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and Jackson Browne. Rush’s sold-out runs in 1998 and 2000, the lusty off-Broadway cult hit is coming back Through Sunday, March 21: Florida Follies— music is filled with healthy doses of both folk and blues for a limited four-week run at Cinema Paradiso in Fort Lauderdale starting Feb. 4. Seasoned performers who forever yearn to be onstage influences with a repertoire that includes favorites redefine the idea of staying young in this spectacular “Merrimac County” and “Circle Game.” 8:30 p.m at Matthew Rush, the biggest star of gay porn today, will be starring as Jack Hawk, musical revue. Starring Florence Henderson, with the Broward Center, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave. straight actor who turns to gay porn. Also co-starring will be sexy newcomer Norm Crosby (Jan. 8 – 25), Carol Lawrence (Jan. 28 – 954.462.0222. Rob Romoni. I had the pleasure of seeing Matthew Rush perform in a Feb. 15) and Jack Carter (Feb. 18 – March 21). Saturday, Feb. 28: Bette Midler—Tickets run of the play this past summer, and must say he did a great job. At one point Wednesday – Saturday at 8 p.m.; Wednesday, Saturday are on sale now. Office Depot Center, 2555 Panthers and Sunday at 2 p.m. at Parker Playhouse, 707 N.E. Dr., Sunrise. 954.835.8000. in the production, Rush walks into the audience and gives a few lap dances, Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale. 800.233.3123. leaving a few lucky viewers the thrill of a lifetime. If he does the same in Fort Tuesday, Jan. 20: Norma—This one-of-a-kind Exhibitions staged-concert version of Vincenzo Bellini’s opera is Lauderdale, they’ll be a few especially happy folks down here as well. Through Sunday, Feb. 15: Visas for Life: The being given its national debut in Miami Beach and Fort Righteous and Honorable Diplomats—Featuring Lauderdale. Headed by soprano Maria Guleghina, quite photographs and archival materials chronicling the history Boy George Spoke True Taboo possibly the prima donna of dramatic opera roles, of Holocaust survivors and their rescuers. Tuesday – Norma conveys the tragic love affair of its title A few weeks ago “Gayvine” reported on Boy George blabbing at SBNY Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; character, embracing love, romance and betrayal in (Splash Bar New York) about the inevitable close of his Broadway show Taboo. Sunday, 1 – 4 p.m. $5/sdults; $3/students and seniors; free/ an unforgettable night of opera. 8 p.m. at the Broward 13 and younger with adult. Art and Culture Center, 1650 Sure enough, last week producer Rosie O’Donnell announced that Feb. 8 would Center, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave. 954.462.0222. Harrison St., Hollywood, 954.921.3274. be the musical’s last performance. O’Donnell invested $10 million into the Wednesday, Jan. 21 – Sunday, Feb. 15: A Through Tuesday, March 16: Pop-up Book Hotel on Marvin Gardens—A comedy by Nagle production, which was panned by critics and failed to catch on with audiences. Exhibit—Paper Engineering: The Pop-up Book Jackson. Come play a casual game of Monopoly with “Taboo was by far the most fulfilling experience of my career,” O’Donnell Structures of Vojtech Kubasta, Robert Sabuda and an eccentric gaggle of friends. The fun rolls when the Andrew Binder will be on exhibit in the Bienes Center said in a statement. “Many lessons were learned, and so it goes. For this game gets down and dirty in this provocative comedy for the Literary Arts at the Main Library, 100 S. experience I am profoundly grateful and have no regrets.” of wavering devotion and unwavering resolve. Actors Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. The free exhibition Playhouse, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. Despite the failure of Taboo, Rosie intends to go forward with a new will showcase a sampling of about 50 titles by the 305.444.9293. Broadway project she will star in, the autobiographical Find Me. For that project three artists. For more information call 954.357.8692. Thursday, Jan. 22 – Sunday, Feb. 8: Top Dog she will collaborate with another pop star, Cyndi Lauper. / Underdog—Suzan-Lori Park’s darkly comic fable is the story of two brothers, Lincoln and Booth, who Radio Gay on the Range share in an all-consuming obsession with the street The Norm Kent Show—Live from the Floridian card con game Three-Card Monte. Mosaic Theatre, Restaurant on E. Las Olas Blvd., interviews and According to Variety, up-and-coming Hollywood actors Jake Gyllenhaal 12200 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation. 954.577.8243. commentary with Norm Kent. Weekday mornings, 8 and Heath Ledger are in negotiations to play cowboy lovers in the film Friday and Saturday, Jan. 23 and 24: Urban – 9 a.m. on WFTL 1400 AM. The Call-In Line is Brokeback Mountain, based on the short story by Annie Proulx. The film, which Ballet Theater—From New York Artistic Director 1.866.432.1400. www.NormKentShow.com. is to de directed by Ang Lee (Sense and Sensibility) and written by Larry Daniel Catanach. Classical and contemporary dance Bridging the Gap—Call-in talk radio show with inner-city influences. $15/$13/$12. 8 p.m. at dedicated to creating a better understanding between McMurty (Lonesome Dove), follows the intense relationship of a rodeo cowboy Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center, 1770 the straight and gay communities, with host Rene and ranch hand who meet in the summer of 1961. Their love survives intolerance Monroe St., Hollywood. 954.924.8175. Bray. Sundays from 6 – 8 p.m. on WTAN 1340 AM. and prejudice, but eventually ends in tragedy. Other actors who had been Tuesday, Feb. 10: Garrison Keillor—Your Live, worldwide broadcast at rumored to play the leading roles include Colin Farrell, Josh Hartnett and favorite characters and more from A Prairie Home www.TampaBayGay.com/BTG. 1.800.263.8559. Companion. 8 p.m. at Mizner Park Amphitheater, Issues Over the Rainbow—MarkyG hosts this gay Billy Crudup. 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. 561.962.4109. and lesbian early morning talk show. Sunday mornings at The script for Brokeback Mountain has been floating around for some Fridays and Saturdays: Just the Funny— 8 a.m. on PARTY 93.1 FM. www.Party931.com. time. Back in 1998, I was working at United Talent Agency in , who represented such huge stars as J-Lo and Jim Carrey at the time. When I was bored the agent assistants would give me scripts to read. I overheard one assistant grumbling about how a certain project would never get made because of its gay content. I asked if I could read it, and sure enough, it was the script for Brokeback Mountain. The story was incredibly touching and affected me deeply. Now that it is finally being made, it proves how far gay-themed entertainment has come.

Mistress Mary Makes Eastsider The Eastsider interviewed Express Arts & Entertainment Editor Mary Damiano for her involvement with the “Not Your Average Bedtime Story” event in their Jan. 15 issue. Damiano serves as mistress of ceremonies for the event, which features readings of erotic stories. The gay and lesbian writing group Lavender Writes puts on the show. “I am known for my gay boy porn,” Damiano is quoted as saying. “I have an affinity for writing sex stories about gay men.”

Welcome to Fort Lauderdale Juan Be sure to stop by Ruff Riders at Symbology, Juan Pisani’s new menswear store in Hub Plaza. Juan is well known for his “Ruff Riders” shirts, which symbolize the spirit of living free and being strong through life. Juan also owns the popular menswear store Symbology in Provincetown, and folks who have been there will recognize hunky sales guy Sean.

Q6 www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 19, 2004 Maximum_Volume Pumping It Up with New Album Releases

Alicia Keys: ‘The Diary of Alicia Keys’ (J Records) Yes, it has been out since early December. But The Diary of Alicia Keys is worthy of mention more than a month later. Sumptuous and lush, Keys has written or co-written most of the songs on the album. These songs are written far more intelligently than that of most of Keys’ contemporaries. Her soulful sound and easy grooves are a throw back to the ’70s soul of Isaac Hayes and Roberta Flack. The first single, “If I Was Your Woman/Walk on By,” is representative of the rest of the album. Keys writes about love and relationships, not about “gangstas” and “bling bling.” The orchestrations and production is extraordinarily lush throughout the 15-track CD. “Dragon Days,” which is written solely by Keys, demonstrates her vivid imagination with her comparisons of modern-day love to the days of princesses and dungeons. Hats off to the woman known for her funky fedoras, she has made a brilliant follow-up to her breakthrough album Songs in A Minor. For those looking for a sumptuous escape, here is your ticket. —Andy Zeffer

Ani DiFranco: ‘Educated Guess’ (Righteous Babe Records) On Educated Guess, DiFranco is a one-woman show, writing all the songs, playing all the instruments, singing all the lead and back-up vocals and doing all the recording and mixing. The result is a collection that resonates and illustrates DiFranco’s unique talent and view of the world. And as usual, the CD package is stunning, featuring a gorgeous booklet with all the song lyrics, plus sketches and artwork. It’s more like a poetry book, really, but then again, DiFranco’s lyrics have always been more like poetry put to music. The opener, “Platforms,” is a short, sultry spoken word piece that hits home. “The Story of What Was” is also a powerful spoken word rant, accompanied only by bits of sounds and Ani’s own voice backing her up. “Grand Canyon” is also excellent, a gorgeous unsung song about rights and politics and social change. When Ani speaks, it’s best to close your eyes, relax and let the meaning of her words and the rhythm of her voice roll into your mind and imagination. “Origami” is another standout, a refreshing take on relationships, with some terrific guitar work. Like Ani DiFranco’s previous CDs, Educated Guess is an intimate exploration of what’s on Ani’s mind right now, or at least what was on her mind when she wrote and recorded it. And since Ani is always ahead of her time, she’s right in sync with things that are going on now. Her questions and insights become food for thought; her music soothing and inspirational for her listeners. —Mary Damiano

www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 19, 2004 Q7 Q8 www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 19, 2004