www.ExpressGayNews.com • August 25, 2003 Q1 Q_COVERstory Vegas Takes a Gamble with Zumanity Adults-Only Show Includes Explicit Homosexual Content By Steve Friess sexual images. An elderly couple are also Special to The Express an unlikely but welcome part of that mix, For all its explicit and prurient doing a sensual and touching dance number hypersexuality and obvious flair for to remind the audience that age need not campiness, Las Vegas has never been much preclude anyone from a sexually charged of a draw for gays and lesbians. There are a life. few all-male dance revues, but they’re more Still, it’s the homosexual content that aggressively marketed as trendy destinations makes this show of cultural significance, if for bachelorette parties. Some hotels and only because it just hasn’t been done before wedding chapels allow same-sex wedding on this scale for this diverse an audience. ceremonies, but the state’s constitution now Cirque has offered some homoeroticism in explicitly prohibits them from having any the past—a sequence in Mystere in which legal value. And the only openly gay the musclebound Lorador brothers lift and headliner on the glittery Las Vegas Strip is a twirl each other and often have face-to-groin drag queen, albeit a very, very good one. or groin-to-ass contact is a huge favorite for (Sigfried & Roy don’t count as they’re not, gay men—but they go so much farther here. believe it or not, out.) We’re not just talking about homoerotic Last week, though, Cirque du Soleil content, but real, live homosexual activity. opened an entry to the Vegas entertainment A gay couple, married to one another in real scene that could single-handedly change the life, conduct a gripping seduction dance that city’s image for gay people. climaxes with them kissing for at least a half The erotic, adults-only Zumanity at the minute. Bare-breasted women splash about New York-New York hotel is, at a $50 and grope in a life-size fishbowl while million cost to mount, the first genuine big- musclebound studs lay helplessly and budget effort ever in America to integrate irrelevantly outside the glass. explicit homosexual content into the It’s worth noting that the Zumanity panorama of sexual options in a live stage Theater was originally built for an excellent production intended for mainstream but short-lived show called Madhattan in consumption. which actual performers were plucked from This is, quite simply, the show that will the sidewalks and subways of cities such as finally convince gay America that Vegas New York and Chicago and compiled into isn’t tacky anymore. The city has been vastly a gritty Vegas variety act. The consensus upgraded since its Elvis and 99-cent-buffet on why it failed is that it was considered days, now boasting some of the nation’s too “urban” for conservative farm-fed finest restaurants and hotels and an A-list audiences from the Midwest. Now that variety of entertainment. There’s even an all- there’s a Cirque du Soleil erotica show in gay resort now, the Blue Moon, although it’s the same space, the predictable and such a novelty that it made the front page of understandable question for Vegas pundits the Los Angeles Times. But it is Zumanity to ponder is whether that can work as that will immediately place Sin City on the mainstream entertainment where Madhattan list of must-go destinations for queer could not. travelers if only because there’s nothing else Or, as one local newspaper columnist like it anywhere. asked aloud at Zumanity’s premiere post- In this outing, Cirque du Soleil was party on the fake Brooklyn Bridge outside required to do something truly new to avoid New York-New York: “Can you see a diluting an entertainment market in which straight frat boy from Indiana going home they already own two other permanent and telling his friends to go to Vegas to see shows, O at Bellagio and Mystere at Treasure a black guy and a white guy kissing each Island. With Zumanity, as intended, the mold other?” is broken. Whereas O and Mystere have My answer: No. I expect the straight some similar elements and have much in frat boy from Indiana to go home and tell common with parts of the five Cirque touring his friends: “Go to Vegas and see the two productions, nobody can seriously view topless babes do each other in a mammoth Zumanity in precisely the same category with fishbowl. You gotta put up with watching its Cirque lineage. some queers going at it for a few minutes, Gone are the bright-colored costumes, but it’s so worth it.” Not exactly a proud replaced by, well, not a whole lot of material moment for gay lib, but that wasn’t the at all. The emcee, Greenwich Village cabaret question. legend Joey Arias as Mitzy LaMooche, Indeed, the debut offered an amusing actually speaks directly to the audience, and reminder of the fact that even the Cirque vocalists also sing in English, not the usual folks remain ever-so-slightly hamstrung by gibberish language referred as “Cirquish.” the prevailing heterosexual culture. Near the There are some breathtaking acrobatics, end, during a mammoth circular orgy scene Sketches of Zumanity’s but the grander effort here is to make the on the revolving stage, Arias lured a random costumes, created by renowned fashion entire theater feel kaleidoscopic and kinky male audience member on stage to insert designer Thierry Mugler through dance, lighting and clever props. into the action. He was led into the center With even the band members dancing and and laid down intimately alongside three of shimmying as they perform from high above the gorgeous women in the cast. the stage, the room always feels a bit like Zumanity, you must remember, is all it’s in motion. about busting sexual boundaries and To be sure, Zumanity is much more than opening minds. Yet the show presumed that just its gay elements. That content is merely the guy they brought up was straight and a part of a program that works hard to show would be titillated by the nymphs. the extraordinary and varied potential for It was opening night, so it was an all- human erotic love and passion. In one locals, by-invitation audience. I knew the sequence, a handsome, well-muscled dwarf man they brought to the stage. He’s a hottie pursues and, ultimately, attains the affection all right. of a tall, beautiful blonde. A pair of obese He’s also gay. Oops. What were the women in fishnet stockings start out the odds? Well, if this show does its job right, show seemingly as comic relief by and gays and lesbians flock to Vegas to see wandering the theater with platters of sliced it, the odds are going to become increasingly strawberries to offer to audience members. high. But in the end they’re very much objectified For more information about Zumanity, as well and welcome into a montage of go to www.zumanity.com.
Q2 www.ExpressGayNews.com • August 25, 2003 www.ExpressGayNews.com • August 25, 2003 Q3 Q_CULTURAL COCKTAIL By Mary Damiano Shakira Says Hello Miami, Cher Says Goodbye—Again Singers Hit South Florida for Pride and Performances “Cultural Cocktail” and a few other Ivory, who did Room With a View, The Shakira has been confirmed to regular Q features will not appear next week, Remains of the Day and Howard’s End. appear at Orgullo Miami Pride because we’ll be bringing you a very special From the commercials on TV, it’s being Q—a rundown on all the hot things to look marketed as a comedy, with plenty of forward to in the upcoming season. This romance and sex, Parisian style. That’s what handy guide will give you the lowdown on I was expecting when I went to the screening. what’s happening at the movies, on the stage, Instead, I got attempted suicide, a body in a in the clubs, on the tube, in the bookstores trash can, a psycho on a murderous as well as the hottest events that will keep rampage—mon deux, not exactly the the season sizzling. Stay tuned—it’ll be a sophisticated fluff they’re selling in the keeper. commercial. The plot, centering on a pregnant mother whose husband suddenly Shakira Shakes It for leaves her at the exact moment her sister Miami Pride comes to Paris for a visit sounds like good ingredients for a sophisticated comedy, but Shakira, the luscious, Latin singer with the plot just doesn’t click, and the film lacks the bodaciously undulating booty, has been cohesion. Perhaps Ivory should stick to confirmed to appear at Orgullo Miami Pride, directing period pieces instead of such a car march and block party scheduled for merde. Oct. 4. According to Luigi Ferrer, executive director of the Bisexual Foundation, several A Great Double Feature people asked him why Miami had no Pride event after attending the Wilton Manors The winner of the Best Picture Oscar, Stonewall Parade and Festival last June. Chicago, was released last week on DVD, Orgullo Miami Pride is now in the planning but the real bit of genius was that the musical stages and needs volunteers to help with their from 1979, All That Jazz, was also released. organizing committee. Shakira was chosen All That Jazz is an absolute gem, one of my because her brother and she feels strongly all-time favorite movies, and it makes a about gay rights and gay causes. Also, a perfect mate to Chicago. All That Jazz is the friend a Ferrer’s has known Shakira’s family slightly fictionalized story of the late great since childhood—good connections Bob Fosse, who directed the film and the certainly come in handy. If you’re interested original Broadway version of Chicago. It in volunteering, contact Ferrer at chronicles the period of Fosse’s life when 786.325.3031. he was making the movie Lenny, the Lenny Bruce biopic, and staging Chicago. Once Movie Queens Unite you see All That Jazz, you’ll know how truly splendid the movie version of Chicago really If you’re like me—a sucker for an old is, and how it’s as true to Fosse’s vision as it movie on the big screen—check out the could be without him actually directing it. Shores Performing Arts Theatre in Miami Shores for their Dawg Days Film Festival. The Trip Makes Another On Saturdays in August and September, the Shores will present a great old movie on their South Florida Stop big screen. Upcoming movies include The Trip is finally opening in Miami Young Frankenstein on August 30, Gone Sept. 5 for an engagement at the Regal South With the Wind on Sept. 6 and Whatever Beach. The film played the Gateway in Fort Happened to Baby Jane? on Sept. 20. There Lauderdale last June, but had not yet made will be a matinee and evening performance it to Miami. The Trip details the relationship for each film. Can you just imagine what between a closeted young man and a gay it’s going to be like when all those movie rights activist against the backdrop of the gay queens who know every word of dialogue rights movement in the 1970s and through get together in one theatre and become the ’80s. It stars Larry Sullivan and Steve Scarlett, Baby Jane or Frau Blucher? Now Braun and is a really wonderful little movie. that’ll be something you can’t get at home If you missed it before, don’t miss it this on DVD. For more information, visit time. And check out the www.shorestheatre.org. expressgaynews.com archive to read a full story about the film’s stars and director Hello Goodbye (Issue 132, June 9, 2003) and a complete review (Issue 133, June 16, 2003). Cher is coming back to South Florida on Saturday, Oct. 25, to the Office Depot Shall We Dance? Center for her final farewell tour. I’m confused. I thought she said farewell to November may seem a long way off, South Florida last year—twice. Didn’t she but it’s not too early to start making plans to say farewell to everyone in that NBC special attend one of the most fabulous events of last April that was taped at the concert down the year. Dance for Life, featuring Maximum here? Did she turn back time or what? Dance Company, Miami Contemporary Exactly how many times is this woman going Dance, Ballet Florida Principal Dancers, Ife- to say farewell? Cher should know that the Ile Afro-Cuban Dance and Music Ensemble, first rule of show business is to leave the Live in Color and Mid Eastern Dance audience wanting more, not sticking around Exchange, will be held Sunday, Nov. 2, 7 until they’re sick of you. p.m. at Gusman Center for Performing Arts in Miami. The event is a benefit for the Red Le Divorce Is Le Bummer Cross HIV/AIDS education programs and South Florida Dance for Life Dancers Fund. I was really in the mood for a frothy, There will also be a performance by guest sexy romantic comedy last week when I soloist Davis Robertson, formerly of the headed down to a special screening by the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, and a finale Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. What choreographed by Paulo Manso de Sousa. I I got instead was Le Divorce. attended last year’s Dance for Life, and it Le Divorce stars Kate Hudson and was one of the most enjoyable, jaw-dropping Naomi Watts and has a supporting cast to and elegant events of the year. You can die for—Glenn Close, Leslie Caron, purchase tickets online at www.tixops.com Stockard Channing, Sam Waterston and or call 1.877.877.7677. Bebe Neuwirth. It was directed by James
Q4 www.ExpressGayNews.com • August 25, 2003 Q_NAKED CURIOSITY By D. Scott Bush Is There a ‘Gay Mafia’? Resisting the Temptation to Practice Unfair Favoritism for One’s Own Kind “It isn’t fair,” the young man whined to because you knew Becker was Mormon, too. The only reason you have a better whether or not we bond with business the woman next to him. “I have more And it worked. He was the one who made relationship with the client is because you’re associates? Should shared sexuality experience and a better relationship with the the decision about the promotion, and he both gay. Gay guys always help each other outweigh ability and experience? client, but you’re the one who got the picked you.” out. It’s the homosexual version of The casting couch is an infamous part promotion.” I was scribbling down notes and quotes affirmative action. It’s a-fag-ative action.” of show business lore. Just like with straight “It’s not my fault,” the woman like a courtroom stenographer. The tension The man muttered, “Bitch,” and took folks, sexual favors leading to employment grumbled, clearly unhappy with several steps away from her. happen with gay people, too. A blow job the direction their conversation I, too, felt a flash of anger. But, can result in an acting job, if one sucks up— was going. aside from the pejorative so to speak—to the right person. Lowly I was eavesdropping. The terminology, was she right? clerks can become executive assistants if contentious co-workers were only The gay community has they are skilled at taking dick-tation. a few feet away and were followed the path of other minority The overt examples of sexuality speaking quite loudly, so I didn’t groups and encouraged its members influencing business decisions or even have to strain to listen. In a to foster businesses and politicians professional relationships are easy to identify relatively short time, I was able from our own ranks or who are, at and condemn. We know that our sexual to learn that they had gone to the least, supportive of our community. orientation shouldn’t impact—negatively or same college but that the young Martin and I had a gay-friendly positively—our employment, housing or man graduated a couple of years contractor remodel our house. We other aspects of our lives. before the woman. They worked have lesbian landscapers, gay house Still, what’s familiar is comfortable. for the same company in the same “I tried joining the Gay Mafia, but cleaners and a gay-friendly What we understand and can relate to is more department. They were in Salt they said I’m not gay enough.” electrician and plumber. appealing. Straight white men often hire Lake City for a business meeting, We rail against racial and promote other straight white men. while Martin and I were there as www.dailygaycartoon.freeservers.com discrimination and preferential, tax- Minorities can feel a compelling desire to part of our epic motorcycle adventure. in the air was as heavy as a sumo wrestler free status for churches, yet do we practice further the careers of other minorities. “You had to use all your little code after an all-you-can-eat buffet. exclusionary tactics where sexual orientation Mormons lend a hand to their L.D.S. words in the meeting with Becker,” the The woman whipped up her righteous is concerned? We denounce radically brethren. And, as would follow, gay people increasingly cranky man sniped. “You had indignation. “If you think I would use my conservative landlords who don’t want to give a leg up to other gay people. to let him know you were Mormon.” religious beliefs to further my career, you rent to gay people, but if we were the ones The challenge is finding a way to The woman’s jaw dropped. She was don’t know me very well and you definitely interviewing tenants, would we pick other support our own community without being incredulous. don’t have a clue about my morals and gay people just because we had a kindred exclusive to others. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong ethics,” she said. connection? Screw unto others as you would have with referencing my religious beliefs,” she “That’s a load of crap,” was the man’s Activists argue that we need to support them screw unto you. said. “I’m not ashamed of them. I’m not terse retort. “You did what all the rest of the our own, so that our community can wield going to keep them a secret.” Mormon mafia does. And the rest of us who economic and political clout. That’s valid D. Scott-Bush’s work appears “Yeah, right,” the man snapped back. aren’t Mormon get screwed every time.” logic. But should that same mind-set be used throughout the country. E-mail may be “The only reason you mentioned them was The woman laughed. “Oh, that’s funny. to determine who gets promotions or directed to [email protected].
www.ExpressGayNews.com • August 25, 2003 Q5 Heard It Through the Gayvine Queers, Quotes and Quips of Interest
From Tony to Liza Jane Krakowski, the sexy Ally McBeal star who walked off with a Tony last June for her work in the musical Nine, has been cast as Liza Minnelli in her pre-David Gest Days. Krakowski will play Liza in Simply Halston, a biopic of the famed gay fashion designer. Alec Baldwin will play Halston, and out director Dan Minahan will direct. Kiss on Coronation Street The long-running Brit sudser Coronation Street will feature the first gay kiss in its more than 40-year history when Todd kisses Nick, the Jane Krakowski brother of Todd’s girlfriend Sarah. The producers stress that this does not mean that they are introducing a gay character, only that the episode will feature a kiss. American soap fans were treated to daytime’s first lesbian kiss on All My Children earlier this year when Bianca and her girlfriend smooched passionately at an airport. In the Navy—Not Anymore The California governor’s race isn’t the only place politics and entertainment are colliding. A combat systems instructor for the Navy has been discharged under the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy against gay people after he was spotted as a contestant on the Bravo show Boy Meets Boy. Michael Jason Tiner appeared on the show as one of the eligible bachelors. When he was eliminated on the first episode, he was revealed to be one of the gay contestants. A fellow serviceman recognized Tiner on a commercial for the show, and shortly thereafter, Tiner came out to his commanding officer. The process to discharge him began immediately. Tiner was an eight-year veteran of the Navy. He received an honorable discharge Michael Jason Tiner effective Aug. 19.
Q6 www.ExpressGayNews.com • August 25, 2003 Q_TRAVELprofile Palm Springs: Gay-Friendly Oasis Desert Retreat Offers Sunbathing, Hiking, Follies Show By Paul Stalbaum and the Tool Shed are jumping with the levi/ The five-star Givenchy Resort & Spa Hotel in Palm Springs Travel Correspondent leather crowd. Hunter’s is a popular video/ alm Springs, located at the foot of dance bar and the best place for people the San Jacinto Mountains, is an watching. Club International is a popular Pextremely fun resort for the gay and dance club. lesbian traveler. The area of interest also One experience that should not be includes Cathedral City, which is where missed is the “oh-so-cool” Palm Springs many of the bars are located. Very camp and Follies, which is only open November kitschy, Palm Springs has long been known through May. This campy extravaganza as a fun escape destination for the gay features music, comedy and magic from the traveler. Part of what makes Palm Springs 1930s and ’40s. The entire cast is “50 to 80 so desirable is a moderate temperature for years young.” Many are recognizable names, nine months of the year. Other than the others were Zeigfield girls, and still others summer months where temperatures can were borscht belt performers. And boy can zoom over 100 degrees, the climate is perfect they entertain! It’s amazing to hear these 75- for sunbathing, outdoor sports and hiking the year-old sirens belt out a dramatic rendition many trails in the nearby mountains. of Stormy Weather. You will be amazed at Palm Springs was built during two the limber legs of these septuagenarian primary eras. The first was during the 1920s dancers. Treat yourself to a very fun and and early 1930s when the movie stars from worthwhile night. Hollywood and the wealthy from the East Palm Springs is less than two hours Coast wintered in the warm winter sun here. away from both Los Angeles and San Diego. The second period of growth occurred during a spectacular way to pamper one’s self. To fantastic restaurants are available within a It can be visited as a stand-alone destination the 1950s and 1960s when Frank Sinatra and camp it up a bit, hotels such as the Ingleside stone’s throw from Warm Sands Drive. or combined with a more extensive the Rat Pack crowd put Palm Springs back Inn or the Willows used to house the Nearby is the very funky truck stop that California trip. I would suggest a minimum on the map. During its first period of growth, Hollywood “in crowd,” and their rooms bear many of you saw in the movie Pee Wee’s of three nights in this very fun city. Palm the style of architecture was primarily the names of Greta Garbo, Clark Gable and Big Adventure. Yes, those life-size, albeit Springs is also part of the circuit party scene, Spanish revival. The ’50s saw art deco and Marilyn Monroe. Dozens of gay hotels, tacky dinosaurs are just a stone’s throw from so be on the look out for the popular White modern buildings, but constructed so that which generally offer clothing-optional Palm Springs. Party and others. they would blend into desert landscape. The sunbathing, abound along or near Warm I would suggest you rent a car, as many years that followed were not so kind to Palm Sands Drive. Hotels such as Inn Exile, East of the bars and clubs too far away to walk. Springs. Although it is true that the area Canyon Hotel, El Mirasol and Hacienda are The only women’s bar is Sisters, which is Paul Stalbaum has been a travel surrounding Palm Springs flourished as chic among the more popular. A newer resort is fairly new in town. One of the popular bars agent for 30 years. He can be reached suburban enclaves, the downtown area the very cute Las Palmas. Some hotels attract is the fun and cruisy Badlands. Sidewinders at Rita Olwell Travel at 954.764.8747. became run down, if not seedy. It was not until the late 1980s One of the many hiking trails in Palm Springs and 1990s that Palm Springs became chic again. As with many urban revivals, it took the gay gentrification to restore a city to its past grandeur. Recognizing a good opportunity, enterprising gay men and women who appreciated the great weather and desert scenery, also saw great real estate values. They came in large numbers and bought up older homes and run down motels to lovingly restore them. Palm a more “active” crowd than others do, so be Springs has since become possibly the sure to ask your travel agent or do your destination with the largest number of homework. exclusively gay resorts that rival the top As for what to do, Palm Springs offers quality gay resorts the community has come sunbathing, hiking, horseback riding, hot- to appreciate here in Fort Lauderdale. air balloon rides, desert jeep tours and more. Luxury mainstream hotels abound, such Hike either the Indian Canyons oasis, Palm as the two Marriotts, Four Seasons and the Canyon or Joshua Tree National Park. Take Hyatt Grand Champions. World-class spas the Aerial Tram to the top of San Jacinto such as Two Bunch Palms or Givenchy are Mountain for killer views. At night, several
www.ExpressGayNews.com • August 25, 2003 Q7 Expires September 31, 2003. EXP 1001
Q8 www.ExpressGayNews.com • August 25, 2003 Q_BALLETpreview Ballet Festival will Keep Dance Lovers on Their Toes Event Features Dancers from Around the World By Mary Damiano Arts & Entertainment Editor Nacional Domenicano, which will Ballet companies from all over the premiere Ballet Fusion on Wednesday, globe will converge on South Florida for Sept. 3, at the Manual Artime Theatre in the VIII International Ballet Festival, Miami, as well as performances by several which takes place in Miami and Fort premier dancers, including Lorna Feijoo, Lauderdale Aug. 29 through Sept. 7. principal dancer of the Boston Ballet, and The eighth annual festival will Marianela Nunez, principal ballerina of include prestigious ballet companies from the Royal Ballet of England, who will England, Austria, Germany, France, perform with her partner, Thiago Soares Chile, Italy, Belgium, Argentina and Panama, among others. Several Lorna Feijoó, principal ballet companies from the ballerina of the Boston Ballet United States will also perform, including the Boston Ballet, the Cincinnati Ballet and Miami’s own Momentum Dance Company and Miami Hispanic Ballet. The festival will feature performances, a dance film series, workshops and master classes, culminating in a gala performance and festival closing night, in which all companies will participate. The VIII International Ballet Festival is known as the largest event of its kind in the world. It is presented by the Miami Hispanic Ballet and American Airlines. The festival opens Friday, Aug. 29, with the unveiling of the official poster on the festival, created by Cuban-born artist Jose Mijares. There will also be an exhibit of paintings Mijares has dedicated on Tuesday, Sept. 2. to the festival on display at the Tower Dance companies will perform a Theatre in Miami. special homage to Rudolf Valentino on After the unveiling, there will the Friday, Sept. 5, at the Amaturo Theatre, premiere of the film Katia et Valodia, Broward Center for the Performing Arts. directed by Dominique Delouche and The VIII International Ballet Festival based on the careers of Ekaterina will conclude at the Jackie Gleason Maximova and Vladimir Vassiliev, the Theatre in Miami Beach with two nights recipients of the festival’s A Dance for of performances, during which every Life lifetime achievement award. dance company participating in the Other festival events include the festival will present a new work to the Miami debut performance of Ballet audience. The VIII International Ballet Festival runs Aug. 29 through Sept. 7 at various venues in Miami, Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or at theatre box offices. For more information and a complete schedule of performances and locations, visit www.miamihispanicballet.com.
www.ExpressGayNews.com • August 25, 2003 Q9 Q_CULTURALevents
Through Monday, Sept. 1: Bahamas Cruise Program, Inc. Registration is $325. Radisson Deauville Hollywood. 954.922.0404 or Friday, Sept. 5: Counting Crows—7:30 p.m. at Raffle—The Sunshine Cathedral is raffling a get-away Hotel, 6701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. 305.672.7759 www.hollywoodplayhouse.com. Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. cruise for two for four days and three nights to the or visit www.wisewomenweekend.com. Friday, Sept. 5: VIII International Ballet 561.962.4109 ext 4064. Bahamas. Tickets are $10 each or three for $25 at the Thursday, Sept. 18: Chorus Auditions—The Festival—The most important annual ballet festival in Saturday, Oct. 25: Cher: The Farewell Tour— Sunshine Cathedral’s Great Hall after Sunday services, Gay Men’s Chorus of the Palm Beaches is holding Miami featuring worldwide prestigious ballet 7:30pm at Office Depot Center, 2555 Panthers Dr., from one of the board of directors or online at auditions in West Palm Beach, 6 – 9 p.m. Those companies. Guest ballet companies are: Balletto di Sunrise. 954.835.8000 or TicketMaster. www.SunshineCathedral.org. The winner will be interested in performing in the inaugural season should Puglia, Italy; Metros-Ramon Oller Dance Co., Spain; selected at Sunshine Cathedral’s Sunshine Country Fair bring their business-related resume, a piece of favorite Ballet Nacional de Caracas, Venezuela; Companhia Nos Exhibitions on Sept. 1. music and be prepared to sing. To reserve an audition Da Danca, Brazil; Ballet Nacional Dominicano, Through Sunday, Sept. 7: Live @ the Library: Through Monday, Sept. 1: Mosaic Theatre time, for location and further information, please contact Dominican Republic; Brazarte Dance Company, USA. Brazil 2003—Art exhibit showcasing artwork by Essay Contest—The essay question is “Why are the Steve or Preston at 561.540.4165. 8 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Brazilian artists Andrea Camargo, Henrique Liberal arts important?” There is a 250-word limit, and the Sunday, Nov. 2: South Florida Dance for Life— 201 Southwest Fifth Ave. 954.462.0222. Cardoso, Charles Falarara, Claudia Jaguaribe, Pedro winning entry will receive $50, a pair of tickets to any Save the Date for the American Red Cross of Greater Fridays: Separate Checks—Spice up your night Lázaro and Fernanda Meirelles at the Main Library on Mosaic production and be published at Miami & The Keys South Florida’s Dance for Life. 7 with South Florida’s favorite comedy improv troupe, the 6th floor, gallery six, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort www.mosaictheatre.com. E-mail entry to p.m. at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, where you the audience create the show! (Bring odd Lauderdale. There will also be special programs. For [email protected] or fax to 954.473.4713. 174 E. Flagler St., Downtown Miami. Featured objects to be used in the show.) Every Friday at 9:30 more information call 954.357.7328. Saturday, Aug. 30: Shores Theater Dog Days performers include Maximum Dance Company, Miami p.m. at the Blue Box, upstairs at the Hollywood Through Wednesday, Sept. 10: Artist’s Film Festival—Young Frankenstein – “Aaah! Sweet Contemporary Dance, Ballet Florida Principal Dancers, Playhouse, 2640 Washington St. Admission is $7/adults, Choice—ArtSouth resident artists each display one mystery of life—at last I’ve found you!” 2 p.m., $5/ and Ife-Ile Afro-Cuban Dance and Music Ensemble, $5/students. For more information call 954.327.9159. piece of their work, ranging from wood sculpture to oil kids, $7/adults and 7 p.m., $20/all. 9806 N.E. Second Mid Eastern Dance Exchange. For tickets and Fridays and Saturdays: Just the Funny— painting, for this special exhibition. Tuesday – Friday, Ave., Miami Shores. 305.751.0562 or information call 877.877.7677 or visit Whose Line is it Anyway? meets Saturday Night Live. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, noon – 6 [email protected]. www.tixops.com. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 11 p.m. p.m. ArtSouth, 240 N. Krome Ave., Homestead, Monday, Sept. 1: Sunshine Country Fair— Saturday, Nov. 22: Expanding Horizons—Save at Dreamers Theatre, 65 Almeria Ave. in Coral Gables. 305.247.9406. Free. There will be all kinds of carnival-type booths with the date for the Seventh Annual Recognition Dinner Tickets are $10. For information call 305.69.FUNNY food and games, dunking tank, kids bounce, face benefiting the Gay and Lesbian Foundation of South or visit www.justthefunny.com. painting and balloons, a cake-walk and contests to judge Florida. Dr. John Graves, Marleine Bastien, and Damian Radio the best homemade cake, pie and jam. 6 p.m. revival- Pardo will be honored. Special guest honoree to be Music The Norm Kent Show—Live from the Floridian and-gospel sing in the main sanctuary. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. announced. 6:30 p.m. at the Westin Diplomat Resort Restaurant on E. Las Olas Blvd., interviews and Thursday, Aug. 28: Ozzfest 2003—9 a.m. at at Sunshine Cathedral is located at 1480 S.W. Ninth & Spa, 3555 S. Ocean Drive, Hollywood. $185 per commentary with Norm Kent. Weekday mornings, 8 – Sound Advice Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way, Ave., Fort Lauderdale. For information or directions, person includes cocktail reception and dinner. For 9am on WFTL 1400 AM. The Call-In Line is West Palm Beach, 561.795.8883. call 954.462.2004 or visit www.SunshineCathedral.org. tickets and information, please call 305.572.1841 or 1.866.432.1400. www.NormKentShow.com. Saturday, Aug. 30: Mo’nique—8:30 p.m. at the Monday - Sunday Sept. 1 - 8: - Girls Gone West visit www.glfsf.org. Bridging the Gap—Call-in talk radio show James L. Knight Center, 400 S.E. Second Ave., Miami. at Womenfest—A magical week in Key West with a dedicated to creating a better understanding between 305.372.4634 or www.jlknightcenter.com. few thousand girls. Join the fun as we present three the straight and gay communities, with host Rene Bray. Live Theatre and Dance Saturday, Aug. 30: Tabla and Sitar—Presented fabulous parties. Sundays from 6 – 8pm on WTAN 1340 AM. Live, Advance Ticket Sales—The Sisterhood of by The Association of Performing Arts of India Wednesday, Sept. 3: Women in Network worldwide broadcast at www.TampaBayGay.com/ Congregation Etz Chaim is now selling tickets to its Concerts. 7 p.m. at the Broward County Main Library General Meeting—7 p.m. at the Italian American Civic BTG. 1.800.263.8559. 2003-2004 Broadway Season. Kiss Me Kate (Jan. 8); Auditorium. $20. 954.885.1466. League, 2310 N.E. Seventh Ave., Wilton Manors. Issues Over the Rainbow— Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jan. 15); West Side Story Sunday, Aug. 31: Music Fest Members free, non-members $5. Networking, MarkyG hosts this gay and lesbian (Feb. 8); Miami City Ballet Program IV (March 20); Miami with Earth Wind & Fire— socializing, speakers and programs. 954.564.4946 or early morning talk show. Sunday The Full Monty (April 1); Mamma Mia (April 15); and 12 p.m. at Bayfront Park, 301 N. www.womeninnetwork.org. mornings at 7:25am on PARTY The Producers (May 13 and 16). For tickets and Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Wednesday, Sept. 3: Fourth Annual Latin 93.1 FM. www.Party931.com. information call Joyce Edelson at 954.718.5800. 305.358.7550. Grammy Awards—The show will feature Michael Martini Hour— Through Sunday, Sept. 14: Vampire Lesbians Monday, Sept. 1: Mariah performances from some of the genre’s most important “Let’s stir the pot … and get to of Sodom—Thursday - Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 6 Carey The Charmbracelet Tour artists. For additional information visit the bottom of the issues!” Gay talk p.m. Admission: general/$20, students/$15 and seniors/ 2003—8 p.m. at the Broward Center, www.grammy.com. Airs live on CBS. American radio, Thursdays, 6 – 7pm on $12. Sol Theatre Project, 1140 N. Flagler Dr., Fort 201 Southwest Fifth Ave. Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. WPBR 1340 AM or on the Internet Lauderdale. 954-525-6555 or www.soltheatre.com. 954.462.0222. 305.960.8500. at www.talk1340.com. Wednesday – Thursday, Sept. 3 – 21: Patriot Thursday, Sept. 4: Tori Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6 and 7: Fifth Outright Radio—David Acts—Two engaging and thought-provoking plays: The Amos—With Ben Folds. 7 p.m. at Annual Wise Women Weekend—Health and wellness Gilmore hosts this radio show about Value of Names and Words of Mass Deception are at Sound Advice Amphitheatre, 601-7 weekend featuring keynote speaker Naomi Wolf and gay life in America. Saturdays at 3 the Hollywood Playhouse, 2640 Washington St., Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach. actress Erin Gray. Proceeds benefit The Advocate p.m. on WLRN 91.3 FM. 561.795.8883.
Q10 www.ExpressGayNews.com • August 25, 2003 Q_CONCERTreview RoughRiders Take Broward Center by Storm Dance Team’s Variety Show Features the Best of South Florida By Mary Damiano Mama.” The RoughRiders performed an abridged Arts & Entertainment Editor were mostly in drag for the version of Grease, albeit From the sexy Chicago number that terrific “Cellblock Tango” with their unique and opened the show to the sassy nearly all-male number from the hit musical. gayified spin. The rendition of the musical Grease that closed Another standout act of sequence started with the it, the RoughRiders’ Broadway Our Way the show was Bacabuda Arts, moment Danny and Sandy musical variety show lived up to its name. which featured four say goodbye on the beach Variety was definitely the keyword at drummers and a pretty, (a short film that was shot the two shows, presented Saturday, Aug. 16, undulating belly dancer in a at John U. Lloyd State at the Broward Center for the Performing spectacular fusion of Park) and went right Arts. Sandwiched between the Chicago and movement and drumming. through to the ending at Grease tributes there were pop and country Marla Karaliolios, a the high school carnival. western singers, a homage to 1960s girl hostess at Andrews Diner, In between, they groups, a belly dancer, rhythmic drummers, proved that she’s a good performed “Greased female impersonation, country western candidate to give up her day Lightning,” “Summer dancing and a singing, mustachioed drag job one day. The singer Loving,” “Beauty School queen on roller skates. entertained the crowd with Dropout” and a hysterical The RoughRiders are known for putting two songs, a sweet pop ballad “Hopelessly Devoted to a unique spin on entertainment, and and saucy, sexed-up number. You.” In the RoughRiders Broadway My Way lived up to that Country western singers version, while Sandy expectation. The show assembled some of Dean & Lee got the dreams of and sings about the best and underrated talent South Florida audience’s toes tapping and Danny, the love of her life, has to offer. hands clapping with their a film shows him trying on Singer Brandon James warmed up the energetic performance of different wigs and hats, crowd with a strong interpretation of two some down-home favorites. putting on makeup, Elton John songs, “Can You Feel the love Bill Dahm wowed with his visiting the Ramrod and The RoughRiders of South Florida Tonight” and “Candle in the Wind.” performance of Peggy Lee picking up men. The curtain then rose on a speakeasy doing her signature tune, “Fever.” The Julie Handsome RoughRider Charlie Collins The annual musical variety show is the bathed in red and blue lights, a cool, Christies offered some nostalgic fun, with got hoots of approval just for walking onto one show during the year the RoughRiders swinging jazz club right out of the 1920s. their take-off of ’60s girl groups. In their the stage, and in addition to appearing in a present. They spend the rest of their time The RoughRiders tore into the first of their taffeta party dresses and dyed-to-match wigs, variety of numbers, sang a soulful, soaring performing at other organizations’ events, suite of songs from the musical Chicago, they performed “Leader of the Pack” and ballad, proving that he’s an excellent singer helping other people raise money. “All That Jazz.” Mustang Mary followed “My Strongest Suit,” from the Broadway as well as an accomplished dancer. The next time you get the chance to see that showstopper, portraying Matron Mama version of Aida. Dancers Lee Fox and Earl Just as with the opening, the inspiration this award-winning dance team perform, Morton on roller skates, accompanied by Bunning treated the audience to some two- for the show’s finale came right from don’t pass it up. The RoughRiders are a real cops on scooters for “When You’re Good to man two-stepping. Broadway via the movies. The RoughRiders treat.
www.ExpressGayNews.com • August 25, 2003 Q11 Columnists Should be More than ‘Propagandists’ Goal Is Often to Rise Above ‘Prevailing Public Opinions’ My originating newspaper, the Whom do we write for then? I other instances. reasons I supposed, and sometimes I have Chicago Free Press, recently celebrated suppose I could say I write for the average At the same time, I try to step had to adjust my views while writing a its fourth anniversary. Anniversaries, of intelligent person who is interested in the sideways, as it were, trying out different column. That can be disconcerting, but the course, are traditionally a world around him, but finds perspectives: What would a philosopher learning experience that comes from time for self-assessment Varnell’s some of it puzzling, not to think about this? Or an economist, or a trying to articulate your thoughts. (“What am I doing?”) and Voice mention disconcerting, and sociologist or a psychologist or cultural But I am the person who has that general rumination (“What wants to make sense of it. Since anthropologist? Each of those with their learning experience, not the reader. The does it all mean?”). No less this is more or less how I think different assumptions and methods might reader sees none of it. He sees only the so for writers. of myself, it would probably be offer some insights or particularly useful final result, without the hesitations, the Commentary writers are more honest to say that I write approaches. There are even some writers wrong turns, the ponderings, the self- expected—paid, actually— for myself. I have learned from whose reaction I will corrections, the abandoned example, the to say something interesting People think I am joking try to imagine: e.g., F.A. Hayek, Leo sadly deleted but no longer apposite killer about the issues of the day, when I tell them that I learn more Strauss, Ayn Rand, Karl Popper. quotation. to offer an analysis of the from my columns than anyone And ultimately a writer has to test his Invariably I write far too much (as I general drift of the culture, Paul Varnell else does. They must imagine I assumptions and conclusions as honestly did for this piece), two, even three times share a telling incident sit down at the computer, write as he can by his own experience of the my maximum word limit. So out go the illustrating a larger truth and add out in orderly sequence my pre-existing world: Is his true to how things really amusing asides and clever literary somehow to the reader’s store of thoughts about something, then press the work? Is this what I have actually seen? allusions. Out go the explorations of information or understanding. Why else “send” button. That is an amusing fantasy. Does this square with my own counter-examples. Out go the fascinating would anybody bother to read us? In fact, I often do not know what I think perceptions? Real-world experience has but non-essential subsidiary points. If the only thing we did was say over about something until I try to write about undermined many finely wrought notions. But with any luck what remains is an again what others have already said, then it. Or rather, I have a sort of notion about This whole exercise requires standing articulated presentation of a viewpoint or there would be little point—or dignity— what I think, but it is not very clear in my apart from the various one-dimensional argument, a sequence of facts and in writing. We would just be a relay mind. left/right, liberal/conservative reasoning the reader can compare with his station for someone else’s thoughts—in At that point, I start jotting down continuums. The goal is not to find the own ideas, perhaps equally untidy, to see short, a propagandist. ideas, figuring out what my basic point is right place on some continuum, but to try if he likes my results better, or if he Our hope, on the contrary, is to shake and trying to think up possible arguments to stand above it to try to see what disagrees, develop a clearer sense of why people loose, if only a little, from their for and against it. Then working up and assumptions both sides have in common he dissents. reliance on the customary range of down a ladder of assumptions and that makes both positions incomplete or prevailing public opinions. Not that those conclusions, I try to figure out what a wrong. Neither side wants you to do that. Paul Varnell writes for the Chicago Free opinions are always wrong (although they particular argument has to assume as true Some arguments or perspectives turn Press. Some of his previous columns often are), only that they are not right just (reaching up to general principles), and out to work, some do not. When are posted at the Independent Gay because many people believe them. Even whether I agree with those assumptions, arguments I thought worked turn out not Forum (www.indegayforum.org). His e- when they are right, they may be right for and whether it leads (down) to acceptable to, I realize I shouldn’t think what I mail address is [email protected]. the wrong reason. or unwelcome conclusions if applied in supposed I thought, at least not for the
Q12 www.ExpressGayNews.com • August 25, 2003