www.ExpressGayNews.com • November 24, 2003 Q1 Q_PERSONALITYCOVERstory profile Pink: Punk Panther on the Prowl Pop Star Reunites with Lesbian Co-Writer for ‘’ By Lawrence Ferber emotions and recording sessions. “Working Special to The Express with Tim, I didn’t take as long,” she notes. “I’m just a tough “I just do whatever the freak I wanna Armstrong produced and co-wrote most of bitch. I used to get in do, and I do it with kindness,” insists Pink. Try This. “There was no trauma! Three a lot of fights. Over Smoky voiced—kinda like the cool tough songs on this album were recorded on a tour chick in high school who interceded when bus driving down the street. “Trouble,” “Oh disrespect. I like jocks got too far into your face—and My God” and “Save My Life”—you can respect, and I don’t good-humored, the 24-year-old multi- [hear the motor running]—it’s pretty terrible. platinum-selling pop star has managed to You have to [isolate] the vocals in order to like sexism or all that infiltrate the mainstream with hear it (laughs)!” prejudice and stuff. unpretentious punk attitudes, political Regardless of the producers involved, Most of my fights mindedness, hot tunes and, well, any hair many songs on Try This reflect aspects of color she pleases. Pink’s own life, both dark and light. “The have been over “I did it as a joke and kept it,” she notes Last to Know” chides an unspecified “stupid something like that.” of her hair’s bubblegum-tone between 2000’s f**k,” for standing her up. “I’m not telling —Pink debut album release, Can’t Take Me Home, who!” Pink laughs when prodded for a name. and 2001’s M!ssundaztood. “But I get bored “Save My Life” is a musical cry for help, of way too easily to keep shit like that.” which Pink shares: “I actually wrote it about Try This is Pink’s third album, and it’s a couple of friends of mine, but I have been a big ol’ peach, an uber-accessible tasty there so I know how it feels. I have a lot of buffet of with electronica (a la friends struggling with depression, Garbage), R&B, soul and retro/new wave loneliness, drugs.” touches, depending on which of the And “Trouble,” the album’s first generous 14 tracks you’re listening to at single (co-written with Armstrong), is a the moment. Pink reunited with concept familiar to Pink since her youth. M!ssundaztood’s out lesbian co-writer/ You name it, she’s caused it, she claims. producer (and erstwhile 4 Non-Blondes “My favorite thing to do in school was member) for several tracks. organize walkouts,” she says. “My whole Other collaborators include Rancid’s Tim life I loved to piss people off and make Armstrong, , them question their own world and values (’s son!) and “hardcore and rules and all that shit. Nowadays, I do rap siren” Peaches (on “Oh My God”). it with my music.” from it’s the color her face turns when treating the animals.” So what sets M!ssundaztood and Try Born in Doylestown, Pa., and raised embarrassed to, more lewdly, something a Pink’s also lashed out against This apart? Pink proffers: “Different in Philly, Pink (nee Alecia Moore) was first boy cried out when she shoved his face, homophobia, racism and bigotry whenever producers, different time in my life and the groomed for a musical future by her guitar- ahem, down there. “Ah, it’s all true,” Pink she’s witnessed it. “I’m just a tough bitch,” biggest difference I guess is it’s not as playing father. She was raised on Bob responds, mildly amused and clearly used she admits. “I used to get in a lot of fights. painful, as in just bearing my soul. Dylan, Billy Joel and Peter, Paul and Mary to this question. “It was just a nickname Over disrespect. I like respect, and I don’t “When Linda and I collided two years (and some edgier stuff like 2 Live Crew people gave me when I was younger. My like sexism or all that prejudice and stuff. ago, it started a shit storm and and Skid Row, thanks to her brother). At friends called me ‘Pink.’ It was just like ‘junior’ Most of my fights have been over M!ssundaztood was the child we had,” 13, Pink was enlisted to dance and sing or anything else, and it’s become a lot larger something like that.” Pink explains. That “shit storm” included Mary J. Blige hooks for a local rap group, than it was intended to be.” Since her youth, Pink has mixed with a massive hit, “Get the Party Started,” Scratch n’ Smoove, and began writing her Getting back to that trouble-causing a pretty diverse crowd, including the queer which swept awards, including a BRIT, own songs. habit, Pink’s been putting her personal boys. “Right now I’m perfecting my MTV VMA and Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice. A year later, she recorded one, and feelings, voice and ethics to use for social catwalk,” she laughs. “I’m really coming Apparently, Perry’s ace card was the fervently pursued attention at Philly clubs causes. Recently, she shot off a letter to close. I twirl the pussy, yes.” She admits ability to draw out Pink’s deepest personal like hip-hop Club Fever, where she landed Petco’s CEO, Brian Devine, asking him to to twirling with lesbianism as well—at 13, traumas and emotions (“She handed me a five-minute guest spot every Friday night. do something about what she alleges is she had a girlfriend, “and she left me for beers,” Pink jokes of Perry’s secret This gig resulted in Pink’s discovery by the company’s cruel mistreatment of my brother. It was pretty sick!” technique), resulting in an intimate, an MCA A&R representative, and, animals—allowing dead animals to rot, Would she date a girl now? personal disc. As a result, some record respectively, placement in their fledgling freezing live sick ones, overcrowding “I don’t know, I don’t know. I don’t executives were keen on tampering with black R&B group, Basic Instinct. cages—in its stores (see the letter and like the word ‘date.’” How about ‘sleep Pink and Perry’s labors. “M!ssundaztood The experience proved brief and details at www.peta.org/feat/pink). with’ a girl? “It depends.” was a total fight, a knockdown drag-out ultimately unpleasant: Pink says her fellow “I sent a letter to him, I sent a letter to It definitely would not be one of the fight,” Pink shares. “But you have to fight members ousted her due to her skin color. Vogue , I sent a letter to Prince William,” girls from long-since-dissolved Basic for something you believe in and put A subsequent group, Choice, followed, she adds. “I’ve sent a lot of letters Instinct, though. In fact, Pink doesn’t have everything you have on the line, and it which led to Pink’s discovery and signing recently. And Petco released a statement many words to spare about those gals. was totally worth it.” In the end, some 12 by Antonio “L.A.” Reid, co-founder of La that said everything I said wasn’t true, “I have a tattoo on my wrist that says, million copies sold worldwide. Face Records. but,” she says, “ it’s already been proven ‘What goes around comes around,’ so I don’t Try This was a far less arduous As for her (literally) colorful nickname? that it is true, so all I’m doing is making usually need to say anything to people,” endeavor when it came to the label suits, Rumors and origin tales abound, ranging people aware that that’s how they’re she affirms. “I let karma bite them in the ass.”

Q2 www.ExpressGayNews.com • November 24, 2003 Q_CULTURAL COCKTAIL By Mary Damiano FLIFF Films Invade the Gateway; Lorna Sings Judy Gay Community Gears Up for Holiday Happenings Showtune Shows Off people, and dancing, pairing off for Italian families. now so you don’t miss anything. A great The Caldwell Theatre is known for love songs, enacting scenes to match the Judy’s Other Daughter kickoff to the season is “Christmas on Las classy, quality productions, and its current songs—you get the picture. Some highlights Liza might get all the press, but Lorna Olas,” Tuesday, Dec. 2. The trendy boulevard offering, Showtune, lives up to their include a mini-salute to La Cage Aux Folles, Luft, Judy Garland’s younger daughter, has will be closed to traffic and opened for reputation. But Showtune, which pays tribute a dueling Dolly and Mame on “Bosom carved out a nice career for herself as a singer. carolers, revelers, shoppers, real snow and to Jerry Herman, the genius behind such Buddies” from Mame, a movie-themed Luft brings her show, Songs My Mother terrific entertainment. Look for performances shows as Mame, Hello Dolly, Mack and section devoted to Mack and Mabel and a Taught Me, to Parker Playhouse for a nearly by the gay community’s own Lambda melancholy “We Need a Little Christmas” month-long run. The show, which grew from Chorale, Flamingo Freedom Band, Ft. from Mame. Lorna’s cabaret tribute to her mom, allows Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus and more. While Showtune is an enjoyable show, her to explore her mother’s remarkable legacy And speaking of bands and choruses, it’s a little like watching a really classy episode through a multimedia presentation that plan on attending the fabulous holiday of The Lawrence Welk Show. There’s nothing includes clips from Judy Garland’s movies concerts throughout December. First up is new here, but what’s here is done well. and new arrangements of many classic Holiday Dreams, a collaborative concert by Showtune runs through Dec. 21 at the songs, including “Over the Rainbow.” Songs the Flamingo Freedom Band and Lambda Caldwell Theatre, 7873 N. Federal Hwy., in My Mother Taught Me runs through Dec. Chorale on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and Boca Raton. Call 561.241.7432 for tickets and 14. For more information, call 954.764.1441. 7, at Religious Science Fort Lauderdale in showtimes. Wilton Manors. Next up is It’s a Fabulous Melissa Ferrick Goes Live Life, presented at Teatro Avante in Coral Just Call It the Gayway Although the world of lesbian rockers may Gables and running Dec. 11-21. This David The Fort Lauderdale International Film be dominated by a different Melissa, anyone Sexton show is an expanded production of Festival is over, but its movies live on at the who’s seen indie artist Melissa Ferrick knows the South Beach Gay Men’s Chorus show Gateway. Yossi & Jagger, a film about two she can rock with the best of them. Ferrick, from a couple of years ago. The show is a Mabel and La Cage Aux Folles, does cater Israeli soldiers who fall in love while who makes frequent South Florida stops, has gayified version of It’s a Wonderful Life, in to theatre-goers of a certain age. The bonus stationed at a remote outpost, played last released a new CD on her own Right On which a young man wonders what life would for me was that at last Wednesday night’s week at FLIFF and is now at the theatre on Records. The CD, 70 People at 7,000 Feet is be like if he were not born gay. Speaking of performance, I was one of the youngest Sunrise Boulevard. Another FLIFF film, The a live album, and encompasses the experience the South Beach Gay Men’s Chorus, their people in the audience—by far. Event is also playing at the Gateway. The of hearing Melissa in concert. For more holiday show, The Nutcracker: Men in Tights Don’t get me wrong, Showtune is a Event is a moving film about a detective information or to purchase the CD, visit and Other Fairy Tales (love that title!) is set technically perfect show. The sound, the investigating the suspicious death of a young www.RightOnRecords.com. for Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13 and 14, at performers and the music are all flawless, gay man in New York. Parker Posey and The Sussman Center for the Performing Arts although the numerous giant musical notes Olympia Dukakis star, and believe me, this is Happy Holidays in Miami. And last but not least, the Ft. Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus performs their framing the stage are a little cheesey, and a three-hankie movie if ever there was one. The holiday season is just around the holiday concert, Seasons of Love, Dec. 20 at frankly, a little scary when they light up and On the lighter side, Mambo Italiano joins corner, which means it’s time for the Religious Science Fort Lauderdale. Don’t start flashing. Showtune would benefit from the two FLIFF films. Mambo Italiano is a onslaught of holiday shows, concerts and miss a minute of this spectacular holiday a little less razzle and a little more dazzle. comedy about a couple in Canada struggling displays, so you better mark your calendars Showtune features attractive, smiling with coming out issues and their big, fat entertainment.

www.ExpressGayNews.com • November 24, 2003 Q3 Q_WHITE PARTY2003 The ‘Latin from Manhattan’ to Put His Spin on Miami DJ Manny Lehman will Bring Tribal Beats to White Party By Andy Zeffer There are so many great events; each With your reputation as the “Latin from Features Editor one offers something a little different. But Manhattan,” do the guys throw themselves Guests have a lot to look forward to at my favorite events are Gay Disney, Summer at you? this year’s White Party. The French, Italian Camp (P-town), and Black & Blue weekend [Laughing] Umm…no. and English gardens of Vizcaya Museum will in Montreal. As a New Yorker, how do you like living be filled with 3,000 beautiful people, all clad When you go to an event, is it all work in Los Angeles? in white and celebrating the Roaring ’20s with and no play? Or do you ever get some time to I like the L.A. lifestyle. It is less hectic a Great Gatsby theme. kick it? with mild winters and beautiful Terrain. But I But on the dance floor, DJ Manny It depends on the schedule, but from love the energy of New York—the way people Lehman creates the mood with his distinct time to time I find a moment to kick it and be interact with each other. So I am very lucky sound and high-octane blend of aggressive, one of the boys. that I get to NYC twice a month and spend a soulful infused with funky Latin/ You are one hot looking man. Do you think lot of time there. NYC will always be home to tribal beats. Lehman’s sound is a direct your looks helped you become a star DJ? me too. product of his Puerto Rican upbringing in Aww! Gee, thanks. But I don’t think it What are your plans for the future? the barrios of the Bronx. That sound has won had a lot to do with my success as a DJ. It’s To produce some great music and find DJ Manny Lehman the DJ, known as “the Latin From all about the music. incredible new talent. Manhattan,” gigs from New York to London to Ibiza. He has played at famed clubs like Twilo in New York City, Crobar in Miami and LA’s Factory. But this will Lehman’s first gig It’s Ladies Night at Cirque Blanc at White Party at Vizcaya, the crown jewel of Women’s White Party Event Celebrates Five-Year Anniversary Party events five years ago. AIDS fundraisers benefiting Care Resource. Since then, it has rapidly become an official Pandora’s. destination point for lesbians from all walks of I took some time to get to know this exciting, By Andy Zeffer This year’s Cirque Blanc will include music life, including locals, regional club enthusiasts, not to mention very sexy, superstar DJ. Features Editor Nikki Beach, the celebrity chic hangout in by DJ Pride, and sexy go-go girls will be featured professionals and tourists in the gay community. Andy Zeffer: Do you have something South Beach, is the place to be for lesbians and wearing costumes to go along with the Casablanca This year, a special package, the “Party Girl special planned for revelers at the White their friends on Saturday, Nov. 29. That’s when theme. Guests are expected to show up in their Pass,” will allow entry at the reduced price of Party? Cirque Blanc, the official Women’s White Party most spectacular white finery. $35 to three White Party events: Cirque Blanc Manny Lehman: I plan to have a fun, Event of 2003, takes over the space with a “Several other surprises, which include an on Saturday, Nov. 29; the Wet Tea Dance on energetic mix of music. Being that it’s a glamorous Casablanca theme. Producers Alison array of specialty performers and a fashion show Sunday, Nov. 30; and the 19th Annual White daytime event, I will play more vocal and Burgos, Yesi Leon and Carmen Bernard are by Nicole Shelley, will titillate all who join the Party at Vizcaya on Sunday, Nov. 30. Burgos uplifting sounds. celebrating the fifth year of Cirque Blanc, a party festivities,” Burgos said. points out that the “Party Girl Pass” is a great You booked the most exclusive venue that is a spin on Cirque Du Soleil. Ladies have even more to look forward to on deal considering the Vizcaya event is $150 by for the week. Is this your first time spinning All White Party events benefit Care White Party Weekend with an additional treat. The itself. at Vizcaya? Resource, a local HIV/AIDS service organization. Wet Tea Dance will be held on Sunday, Nov. 30, For tickets or additional information call Yes, it’s my first time playing there. I’ve Burgos and Leon are the creators and from noon until 5 p.m. at the Astor Hotel on Liza Santana at Creativas Group at 305.968.2384. been to Vizcaya as a White Party attendee, founders of some of the hottest women’s events Washington Avenue. Ladies can sip cocktails and Or log on to either in the country, such as Aqua Girl, Girls in dance to the grooves played by legendary DJ Wendy www.KisstheGirlProductions.com or and it is quite an impressive place to see Wonderland, Bang at Bongos, Girls Gone West Hunt of Provincetown. www.CareResource.org. What are some of your favorite events and hip weekly parties like Ultra Saturday’s and Cirque Blanc was added to the roster of White to spin at?

Q4 www.ExpressGayNews.com • November 24, 2003 Q_NEWSandreviews Originality Bolsters Boys of Mariel Play Details Castro’s Cast-offs By Mary Damiano the other four as their troubled children, who Arts & Entertainment Editor face discrimination, AIDS and their own The Boys of Mariel, now playing at demons. Teatro Avante in Coral Gables, is a The Boys of Mariel is an impressionistic metaphorical story of the plight of six gay play and does a lot of things well. The nudity Cuban men ousted from their homeland in is tasteful and at times powerful, though 1980. never exploitative. There is a lot of humor, The play, written by partners Bill Yule and the language is at times truly beautiful. and Barry Ball, examines the plight of the The cast is handsome and very easy on the “undesirables” deported to Miami on the eyes. Mariel boatlifts in 1980. The first act sees the That said, there are some problems with men through their final days in Cuba and this production. Often, the sound effects and their stay at the Krome Detention Center in the music drown out important pieces of Miami. The second act picks up their lives dialogue, therefore diminishing their power. years later, and looks at the lives they’ve While director Yule fills the stage with action, made for themselves and how their it sometimes results in overkill, and the stage persecution in Cuba dogs them. simply looks crowded. A little restraint can There’s Pedro, (Ricky J. Martinez) a go a long way in a play like this. And while dancer; Freddo, (John Felix) an aging drag the first act tells the story with a mixture of queen; Javier, (Andres Alexis) a young man flashbacks and vignettes, the second act haunted by torture; Tony (Kevin Varel), a shifts in tone to a more cohesive story, a teenager; Ricardo, (Jorge Hernandez) a shift that doesn’t always work. translator pining for his lost love; and Cencio Still, The Boys of Mariel is edgy and (Michael Burch), a spiritual man looking for experimental, and brings a freshness to local love. Joining this sextet is the ominous theatre. presence of Fidel Castro (Mario Salas-Lanz), who creeps into their dreams and watches The Boys of Mariel runs through Nov. over their attempts to forget the past and 30 at Teatro Avante, 235 Alcazar Ave., make a new life. Coral Gables. For more info, call Throughout the course of the play, the 305.609.4763. For more information, men form a sort of family, with Freddo and visit www.TheBoysofMariel.com. Ricardo acting as a mother and father, and Murder on Biscayne Boulevard Movie Fundraiser will Help Tell Gay History By Mary Damiano Arts & Entertainment Editor As founder of the Miami Gay & donations of $1,000 from The Burstein Family Lesbian Film Festival, filmmaker Robert Foundation and the Gay and Lesbian Rosenberg gave the public a chance to Foundation of South Florida, but he needs watch gay movies. Now he’s giving the about $30,000 to take the film to the next level. public a chance to be a part of getting a Biscayne Boulevard was inspired by the gay movie made. murder of a gay airline steward at the hands Rosenberg has been working on a of two hitchhikers in the 1950s. The movie screenplay for a gay romantic murder follows a present-day film student at work mystery called Biscayne Boulevard for on his senior project, a documentary about several years now, and plans to begin gay life in Miami in the 1950s. He meets an filming in 2004. But right now, he’s at the elderly gentleman who he wants to interview crucial point in the filmmaking process about a murder that took place near Biscayne where he needs financing. Boulevard in 1956. The story goes back and Biscayne Boulevard will be the forth between the past and the present, subject of a fundraising reception Tuesday, allowing audiences to contrast gay life in Dec. 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Doraku South Florida then and now, as the hero Japanese Restaurant, 1104 Lincoln Rd. on searches for the truth. South Beach. The reception will give The movie’s concept and style will allow people an opportunity to find out more Rosenberg to put his documentary skills to about the film and to meet Rosenberg. A use and still branch out into feature films. suggested donation of $50 per person is “I’m really excited about the idea of expanding requested. Everything for the reception has my artistic palette,” Rosenberg says. been donated, so every penny raised will Rosenberg has directed many go to funding Biscayne Boulevard. documentaries, including the classic, Emmy- According to Rosenberg, there are winning feature Before Stonewall. In addition several reasons for people to come to the to founding Miami’s gay film fest, he served reception and support Biscayne as the organization’s director for the first four Boulevard. “People in this town who love years, and piloted the festival to becoming film can be a part of bringing a film to the one of the foremost gay films fests in the screen,” Rosenberg says. “Also, it’s very country. important that our often unknown and Biscayne forgotten gay history be brought to life to For more information on Boulevard the mass audience in an exciting and and Robert Rosenberg, as accurate portrayal.” well as the fundraising reception, visit Rosenberg has already received www.BiscayneBoulevardtheMovie.com.

www.ExpressGayNews.com • November 24, 2003 Q5 Q_CULTURALevents Tuesdays and Saturdays Through Dec. 6: Monday, November 24: Rent – 8pm at Outlawz Hair Raising Event - The Outlawz will have Dreyfoos Hall. For information on this “Kravis a collection site for the Sunshine Athletic Center Presents” event, please call the Kravis Center Association’s Holiday Basket Project available Box Office at 561.832.7469 or 1.800.KRAVIS. during the Outlawz country dance sessions at Sea Thursday and Friday, November 27 and Monster. Doors open at 5pm, Line Dance lesson at 28: David Copperfield – An Intimate Evening of 6pm. www.theoutlawz.biz. Grand Illusion. Thursday at 8pm and Friday at 6pm Monday and Tuesday, November 24 and and 9pm at Dreyfoos Hall. For information on this 25: Public Theatre Auditions - The Fist, by Misha “Kravis Center Presents” event, please call the Shulman and Directed by Michael Rutenberg, is a Kravis Center Box Office at 561.832.7469 or drama about an Israeli soldier who refuses to serve 1.800.KRAVIS. in the occupied territories and the effect this decision Tuesday, Dec. 2: Fame - 8pm at the Coral has on him and his loved ones. Production dates: Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Dr., January 23 - February 15. Auditions: Monday, 7- Coral Springs. 954.344.5990. 10pm and Tuesday, 6 - 8pm. Men: 18 - 75. Women: Saturday, Dec. 6: An Evening of Manhattan 18-55. Please be prepared with 2 headshots, resumes Cabaret - Tunes 4 Tots, a Charity for children living and a 1-2 minute contemporary monologue. with HIV/AIDS, presents a very special concert Information and appointments: 954.427.0784. featuring the hottest performers from Manhattans Wednesday, Nov. 26 – Monday, Dec. 1: The Cabaret Scene. The concert features the critically 19th Annual White Party 2003 - Locations are acclaimed, smash hit one woman show, Natalie Miami, Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Featuring Blalock, along with award-winning Broadway and Tracy Young, Manny Lehman, Abel, Hex Hector, cabaret solo performers who consistently sell out DJ Pride, Alyson Calagna, Susan Morabito, Victor shows. 100% of the proceeds will be used to buy Calderone, Ivano Bellini, JRNY, Monty Q and more. holiday gifts for Broward County children living Benefits Care Resource, Florida’s one source for with HIV/AIDS. Join us for a celebration of life, HIV/AIDS Care. Tickets on sale now! Visit hope, and love. 7:30pm at the Broward Center, 201 www.whiteparty.net. S.W. Fifth Ave. 954.462.0222. Saturday, Nov. 29: Cirque Blanc - The annual women’s White Party event benefits Care Resource Music and will take place at Nikki Beach. Hundreds of Monday, November 24: Katona Twins – lesbians will be there with their gay male friends Guitar Duo, 8pm at the Rinker Playhouse. For adorned in fashionable white costumes and couture. information on this “Kravis Center Presents” event, The event has become an annual celebration of please call the Kravis Center Box Office at diversity, culture and all that is woman. For tickets 561.832.7469 or 1.800.KRAVIS. or additional information, call Liza Santana at Tuesday, Nov. 25: Shake Rattle and Soul - Creativas Group at 305.968.2384 or visit 7:30pm at War Memorial Auditorium, 800 N.E. www.kisshthegirlproductions.com. Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale. For information call Wednesday Dec. 17: Cocktails for 954.828.5380. Compass - Save the date for the first annual Wednesday, Nov. 26: Gustavo Cerati - 8pm Cocktails for Compass featuring a silent auction. at the Jackie Gleason Theatre, 1700 Washington Proceeds benefit Compass’ HIV services program Ave., Miami Beach. 305.673.7300. and Youth Services Program. Tickets are $100. 6 - Saturday, Nov.29: Hip Hop Winterfest 8pm at Club Colette in Palm Beach. For more 2003 - Ludacris, Ying Yang Twins and More. Noon information contact Scott Fox at Compass at at the Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave. 561.533.9699. NE, Naples. 239.821.2931. Sunday, Feb. 8: PETA Fund Raiser - Save Saturday, Nov.29: Sick of It All - 6pm at the date for this People for the Ethical Treatment The Factory, 2674 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort of Animals fundraiser! Five course dinner with open Lauderdale. bar and wine with dinner. 7pm at Sublime, 1431 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale. For reservations call 954.615.1431. $100 per person. www.peta.org. Exhibitions Through Friday, Nov. 28: Melanin and Its Live Theatre and Dance Impact on People - An art exhibit featuring a variety of women painted in a dark, luscious, terra-cotta Advance Ticket Sales - The Sisterhood of pigment, the trademark of Haitian-born artist Asser Congregation Etz Chaim is selling tickets to its Saint-Val. The artist describes the color, meant as a 2003-2004 Broadway Season. Kiss Me Kate (Jan. metaphor for unity, beauty, and strength, as 8); Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jan. 15); West Side “Combujo,” a Spanish word for a skin tone that Story (Feb. 8); Miami City Ballet Program IV (March cannot be categorized into any race, but represents 20); The Full Monty (April 1); Mamma Mia (April a mixture of races. Gallery six at the Broward County 15); and The Producers (May 13 and 16). For Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. tickets and information call Joyce Edelson at 954.357.7464. 954.718.5800. Through Sunday, Dec. 7: Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes Radio - Direct from New York, the Radio City Christmas The Norm Kent Show - Live from the Floridian Spectacular stars the world-famous Rockettes. The Restaurant on E. Las Olas Blvd., interviews and show features favorites as the legendary “Parade of commentary with Norm Kent. Weekday mornings, the Wooden Soldiers” and the awe-inspiring “Living 8 – 9am on WFTL 1400 AM. The Call-In Line is Nativity.” Broward Center, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave. 1.866.432.1400. www.NormKentShow.com 954.462.0222. Bridging the Gap – Call-in talk radio show Through Saturday, Dec. 13: La Traviata - dedicated to creating a better understanding between Richard Gere took Julia Roberts to see it in the the straight and gay communities, with host Rene movie Pretty Woman and she loved it. The Florida Bray. Sundays from 6 – 8pm on WTAN 1340 AM. Grand Opera. For schedule and ticket information Live, worldwide broadcast at call 800.741.1010. www.TampaBayGay.com/BTG. 1.800.263.8559. Through Sunday, Jan. 4: Annie - Actors Issues Over the Rainbow - MarkyG hosts this Playhouse, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. gay and lesbian early morning talk show. Sunday 305.444.9293. mornings at 7:25am on PARTY 93.1 FM. Through Sunday, Jan. 25: Tea at Five - www.Party931.com. Starring Kate Mulgrew as Katherine Hepburn. $35- Outright Radio - David Gilmore hosts this radio $42. Cuillo Center, 201 Clematis St., West Palm show about gay life in America. Saturdays at 3pm Beach. 561.835.9226. on WLRN 91.3 FM.

Q6 www.ExpressGayNews.com • November 24, 2003 Maximum_Volume Pumping It Up with New Album Releases

Broadway Original Cast Album: ‘The Boy From Oz’ (Decca) The soundtrack for The Boy From Oz, the new musical based on the life of Peter Allen, gives a few clues to why the show isn’t doing very well and why the critics have been less than enthusiastic in their reviews. Granted, the soundtrack to a musical is meant to go along with the action on stage, but the best of the bunch can stand on their own. And while subtlety isn’t exactly a watchword when it comes to Broadway musicals, a little restraint is a good thing. Most of the songs on The Boy From Oz are bombastic and way over the top. Of course, Peter Allen’s career came of age in the era of the decadent over-the-top 1970s, so perhaps the show is just recreating that age. While it might work on stage, on CD, many of the songs and arrangements are cringe-inducing. The few highlights on the CD include a lovely rendition of the Allen-penned Olivia Newton-John hit “I Honestly Love You,” sung by Jarrod Emick, who plays Allen’s lover in the play, and “You and Me,” sung by Jackman and Stephanie J. Block, who plays Liza Minnelli. “I Go to Rio” is also a fun nod to the glitz and glamour Allen embraced. The real surprise of The Boy From Oz is that actor Hugh Jackman has a terrific voice and knows how to use it. Sometimes the Australian accent makes him sound a little like he has lockjaw, but here’s a guy who can really carry a song. —Mary Damiano

Maureen McGovern: ‘Out of this World’ (Fynsworth Alley) Out of this World: Maureen McGovern Sings Arlen is essentially an updated version of McGovern’s 1996 recording of the same name. With the centennial of the birth of composer Harold Arlen coming up in 2005, a few new songs have been added, and the CD has been released on a new label. Harold Arlen wrote some of the most beloved songs of the last century, including “Over the Rainbow,” which won him an Oscar. A single CD can’t possibly detail this prolific composer’s music, but the choice of songs on Out of This World gives a taste of Arlen’s talent. Many of the songs on this CD have been updated with a jazzy beat, giving them a fresh sound. Songs from The Wizard of Oz are a particular treat, especially McGovern’s scat version of “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead,” and gorgeous ballad treatment of “Optimistic Voices,” a song from the film song you probably won’t be able to place until you hear it. “Optimistic Voices” is one of the two new bonus tracks on Out of This World, along with “Let’s Fall in Love.” McGovern changes styles easily, but she really shines on a torchy suite of songs that include “Stormy Weather,” “The Man That Got Away” and “Blues in the Night.” Out of this World is a wonderful CD, and a fitting tribute to a dynamic composer. —Mary Damiano

www.ExpressGayNews.com • November 24, 2003 Q7 Q8 www.ExpressGayNews.com • November 24, 2003