www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 29, 2003 Q1 Q_COVERstory All in the Gay Family ‘It’s All Relative’ Breaks the Next TV Barrier—Gays as Parents By Christopher Lisotta explains. “We wanted the characters to be writing sitcoms you have to stick to basic they are just the unknown,” Harris says of Special to The Express more real.” themes in order to get your story across. her character’s reaction to Philip and Simon For the past few years, Will Truman and Zadan and Meron kept meeting potential “We really think there’s an upside to that, and their long-term relationship. “It’s so not Jack McFarland have been the cutting edge writers before sitting down with Chuck and we can use it to our advantage,” Ranberg a part of her world. She’s got a great life, when it comes to gay sensibility on Ranberg and Anne Flett-Giordano, writing says of the fabulous gay male stereotype. loves her family and just never thought about television. No longer psycho killers or tragic partners who spent several seasons on “Particularly in a comedy, it helps you to start it.” victims, Will & Grace proved that gay Frasier and other well-received sitcoms. out at least with characters who are clearly Harris, who won a Tony for Thoroughly characters could be the central figures on a Although Zadan is quick to point out It’s All recognized archetypes.” Modern Millie and is known to TV audiences well-regarded and, more importantly for the Relative is its own show, the sensibility Christopher Sieber, who plays Simon, as Frasier’s hardcore agent Bebe, sees a networks, profitable situation comedy Ranberg and Flett-Giordano showed on notes that there is plenty to delineate this gay difference between the gaggle of gay-themed without bringing about widespread criticism Frasier struck them as the perfect fit for couple in terms of character. “We’re not heroes shows currently on the air and what’s being or right-wing boycotts. coming up with the right dynamic. “Imagine by any means,” Sieber says of himself and his covered in It’s All Relative. “Sometimes you But in the TV business, what is Frasier and Niles, not as brothers, but lovers,” on-screen husband, John Benjamin Hickey. see it on TV, and you think, ‘OK, part of what innovative a few seasons ago can quickly he says. “The gay parents and the straight parents have makes this palatable is they will grow up,’” become mainstream, and network executives Ranberg and Flett-Giordano started with the same opinions; they are just on opposite she says, noting that Simon and Philip are are always looking for new areas to explore. college student Liz and South Boston sides. We are just as bad as they are, and the breaking new broadcast ground in terms of So it shouldn’t be a surprise that Craig Zadan working-class Bobby, who get engaged after people in the middle are our poor children. It’s the nature of their relationship. “This is a and Neil Meron, the openly gay team who a whirlwind romance. Liz is afraid to break just two families trying to get along.” mature relationship. That doesn’t mean flat executive produced the Academy Award- the news to her cultured and sophisticated Hickey agrees with Sieber. “These or static. They look like people I know.” winning Chicago and the Emmy-winning parents, a long-term, monogamous gay people are not being written as role models,” Although it was first conceived almost biopic Life With Judy Garland: Me and My couple in a stable relationship. Philip, an art he explains. “I think the show, if I can be so two years ago, It’s All Relative comes on the Shadows, were tapped by ABC to come up dealer, and Simon, a third-grade teacher, are bold, compares to All in the Family. It’s like heels of some major cultural shifts in terms with a new kind of gay sitcom. But this time, living the yuppie dream of having a child the Bunkers and the Jeffersons. It’s as much, of gay imagery on TV. This past summer TV the network wasn’t just looking for a couple of attend Harvard, and don’t see marriage for if not more, about class than about sexual viewers flocked to watch Queer Eye For the carefree gay characters vamping it up with their Liz for several years to come—and certainly identity.” Straight Guy and Boy Meets Boy, while the straight gal pals. Instead, ABC wanted to show not with Bobby. Balancing out Philip and Simon are the editorial pages were filled with opinions on gays taking on the ultimate responsibility—a “For me, what’s exciting about the show O’Neils, an Irish Catholic Boston couple who the Supreme Court sodomy case and the gay child. The result, It’s All Relative, premieres is the gay couple are not treated any run a blue-collar bar. You know Bobby is in marriage decision in Canada. Does this mean Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 8:30 p.m. differently in their everyday life,” says trouble early when his parents are shocked there is a gay “trend” on TV, and can It’s All “It was just a general idea,” says Zadan Ranberg, who is openly gay and in an 11- that he’s marrying not only outside their faith, Relative ride it to the top of the Nielsen about the request from ABC Entertainment year relationship. But one of the criticisms but also outside the neighborhood. When ratings? Television chairman Lloyd Braun. “Then already being thrown at It’s All Relative is, the O’Neills find out their son’s future in- “We can’t depend on that to be Susan Lyne [ABC Entertainment president] once again, gay men on TV are being laws are gay, they are shocked, but stage successful,” Zadan warns. “Also, what if said, ‘The center of the show is a young portrayed as wealthy cosmopolitans veteran Harriet Sansom Harris, who there’s a backlash? Just the moment we air couple.’” From there, the concept developed who know how to dress and plays Audrey O’Neil, notes that her people might say, ‘All right, enough with all into something that begins with a classic TV cook. Ranberg shakes off the character’s reaction comes from a this gay stuff.’ Hopefully we’ll be judged on convention, but takes on a new twist—two criticism, arguing that when different place than some our merits.” families, one gay and one straight, are thrown audiences might suspect. “I hope it’s not a trend that self together when their kids announce they are “They are not the enemy, destructs,” Meron adds. “That’s the real getting married. danger—you don’t want to be 15 minutes “It’s a way of embracing the form ago. We’ve got to go beyond the gayness.” while pushing the boundary in a way At the end of the day, the creative team that’s not self conscious, and that’s why behind It’s All Relative believes their success we love the show,” says Meron, who comes down to the one truism in sitcom explains he and Zadan are excited to production—success only comes when you finally be in the TV series business, make your audience laugh and present them after success in both films and movies with beloved characters. of the week. But as any seasoned TV “We’re really just trying to exec can tell you, the only tell a funny story in 21 minutes,” thing more important than Ranberg explains, but noted if they coming up with a good are all successful, he can still push concept is proper the envelope. In one episode, execution, and Zadan and Ranberg has Simon kiss Philip Meron took their time in finding goodbye. “It’s a very normal the right writers for the project— moment,” he says, noting that it’s so much time, in fact, that the the first male-to-male sitcom kiss network started to get antsy. “A “that isn’t a punch line. It’s just lot of the writers were talking considered an everyday about the dads as the characters occurrence, and that’s the most in The Birdcage,” Meron The cast of ABC’s latest subversive thing we can do.” gay sitcom, It’s All Relative
Q2 www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 29, 2003 www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 29, 2003 Q3 Q_CULTURAL COCKTAIL By Mary Damiano Movies and Parties: A Tale of Two Film Fests FLIFF and MGLFF Hold Events for Movie Fans Monday Morning the only host next year.” MGLFF Parties Allure of the two Quarterbacking If they’d only asked me…I would with ‘Party women is especially for The Emmys have told the producers of the Emmys to Monster’ romantic. The film takes not plug their tribute to John Ritter every place in Paris during the Being the media maven I am, every The Miami Gay & 10 minutes, as if it were coming up after 1930s and 1940s and award show is like a sacred holiday for Lesbian Film Festival is the next commercial break. The tribute follows several friends me—with the Oscars being the ultimate going all out for its didn’t air until about 10:45 p.m., almost at through World War II. holy day—so naturally I was glued to my upcoming fundraiser, the the end of the show. Instead of what could Cruz plays a Spanish Civil TV Emmy night for the show that honors South Florida premiere of have been a moving tribute, we ended up War refugee who shares the best in television. Despite some bright the Macaulay Culkin with a tacky teaser to keep audiences an apartment with Theron, spots—Debra Messing and Tony movie, Party Monster, in watching and then a tribute that could a fashion photographer. Shalhoub winning, Dennis Miller and Jon which the former child not possibly live up to all that hype. Can we look forward to Stewart doing riffs on TV news—the show star gets done up in some girl-girl action pretty much sucked, and I was compelled drag. The event will be involving these two to engage in that little game I like to call FLIFF Features held Friday, Oct. 3, at the Shores Hollywood hotties? We’ll “If They’d Only Asked Me.” John Ritter Movie Performing Arts Theatre in Miami Shores, have to wait ’til next year to find out. If they’d only asked me…I would And speaking of the late, great John and hosted by Miami’s host with the most, have suggested that the best way to Ritter, the Fort Lauderdale International Edison Farrow. There will be a VIP pre- salute comedy, the theme of the show, Film Festival will screen Ritter’s final film, screening reception with cocktails and Three Incredible would be to show the funniest moments Manhood, as their closing night movie. food, as well as an after-party at Edison’s Singers, One Enchanted ever on TV in a terrific three- or four- The film also stars Janeane Garofalo, Friday night bash at Jade Lounge. Also, Evening minute montage, not have a dozen Nestor Carbonell, Bonnie Bedelia and tickets holders for Party Monster will get I had the treat of seeing Taking a comedians come out and do bits under Anthony LaPaglia, and concerns a two free passes to see DJ Victor Calderone, Chance on Love, the cabaret show by Mark the guise of co-hosting the show. womanizing photographer who’s trying to plus two free drinks on Sunday, Oct. 5, for Akens, Elliot Pilshaw and David Vance, when Imagine watching Carol Burnett waltz mend his broken family. Manhood is the Anthem at Crobar. For more information, they performed in Miami. What a wonderful down the stairs wearing a curtain rod sequel to Jack the Dog, which will also visit www.mglff.com. evening. For two hours these guys sang on her shoulders in her classic Gone play at the festival. In other FLIFF news, their hearts out with a wide range of songs, with the Wind parody or Rev. Jim from this year the entire festival will play at Penelope and Charlize: including “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Taxi taking his driving test and only two venues, the festival’s own art New Movie Couple? Better,” “I Got a Name” and, one of my house, Cinema Paradiso, and the massive repeatedly asking what a yellow light In addition to featuring sultry personal favorites, “Come in From the Rain.” Parker Playhouse. And if you want to get means. Those moments are gold. They Penelope Cruz on its October cover, Allure Their warm, easy camaraderie kept the show in on all the FLIFF fun, the film fest is would have tapped into our collective magazine has a surprise inside regarding moving between songs and showed that having a kick-off party at Georgie’s Alibi memories, tickled our funny bones and the actress. According to the beauty bible, Akens, Pilshaw and Vance were having as this Thursday, Oct. 2, 6-8 p.m. There will reminded us of what a glorious thing Cruz will star in Head in the Clouds, a new much fun as the audience. Cross your be two-for-one drinks, hors d’oeuvres, television really is. film due out next year, and in the film, she fingers, because they just might bring the give-aways and film fest schedules to help If they’d only asked me…I would falls in love with lovely Charlize Theron. show up here to Broward. If they do, don’t plan your film fun. For more information, have said, “That Wanda Sykes is funny, (Can anyone blame her?) The photo in miss it. use her more,” and “Better yet, make her visit www.fliff.com.
Q4 www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 29, 2003 www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 29, 2003 Q5 Heard It Through the Gayvine Queers, Quotes and Quips of Interest
Arnold in Full Erotic Splendor Shocking new revelations have been discovered about ego-driven superstar and Republican cheerleader Arnold Schwarzenegger. The same reporter who broke the Monica Lewinsky scandal has made the discovery. Matt Drudge, on his Drudge Report, writes of the existence of full nude erotic photographs of Arnold Schwarzenegger taken by renowned gay photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Arnold being nude is nothing new. Copies of a benign nude photo of the bodybuilder-actor- politician that appeared in the 1970s publication After Dark have been circulating for months on the Internet. But the Mapplethorpe photos are reportedly so shocking and steamy that they have been kept under lock at the New York estate of Mapplethorpe, who died in 1989. It is not known if “The Terminator” appears by himself or with other male models in the photos. Operatives within the Schwarzenegger campaign are reportedly rushing to ensure that the pictures are not published. The legendary and openly gay Mapplethorpe is most remembered for his outrageous homoerotic pictures that caused a fury in the 1980s over an exhibit in Cincinnati.
Melissa and Tammy Lynn Become Mrs. and Mrs. It’s as official as it can get at the moment—Melissa Tammy Lynn Michaels and Melissa Etheridge Etheridge and Tammy Lynn Michaels have tied the knot. The couple were joined in an intimate ceremony in Malibu on Sept. 20 in front of family and friends. The brides wore wedding outfits by Badgely Mischka—Melissa wore a pantsuit with a linen jacket with beaded accents and crepe pants, while Tammy Lynn wore a white matte jersey gown with a white lace coat, adorned with crystal embellished scalloped trim. The barefoot brides exchanged two identical, custom-made platinum wedding bands. The happy couple released this statement: “We are so grateful for the blessings from our friends and family as we commence our vows, and begin the rest of our lives together.”
Surprise! Welcome to My Wedding In other celeb wedding news, Megan Mullally, the bisexual actress who plays the bisexual Karen on Will & Grace, married longtime boyfriend Nick Offerman in a Sept. 20 ceremony that was a surprise to everyone except the bride and groom. The couple invited their friends and family to their home for an Emmy party and then surprised them with a wedding. Mullally’s castmates, Debra Messing, Eric McCormack and Sean Hayes, were all happy wedding guests.
Bravo Retools ‘Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’ There’s all kinds of stuff brewing over at Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. The hit Bravo show took a hit in the ratings last week, and now that it’s up against the new fall season premieres. Realizing that Queer Eye could just be a fad that’s overstayed its 15 minutes of fame, Bravo is working hard on tweaking the show when the new season begins in November. A new director has been hired, Brendon J. Carter, who has directed several episodes of a very different reality show, The Osbournes. Also, producers are going to be choosier about the kind of straight guys who get picked for makeovers, opting for men with dramatic stories to tell. (Straight men have drama? Get out!) However, all this Brendon J. Carter retooling better include making the show’s stars, The Fab Five, happy. It seems the team have been sporting some pretty sour pusses and griping to anyone who’ll listen that they get paid next to nothing for each episode, they have to split an upcoming million-dollar book deal and that they have to (gasp!) fly coach.
A Different Kind of Back-to-School Clothes Transgender and cross-dressing students at New York City’s Harvey Milk School won’t be complaining that they haven’t a thing to wear. Michael Salem, who runs a mail order business supplying drag queens with the proper accoutrements, is donating wigs, high heels and a variety of other clothing to the school for use by the students. Also, Salem, who is a cousin of the late Harvey Milk, is donating photos of Milk to the school.
Q6 www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 29, 2003 www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 29, 2003 Q7 Q_reviews and previews Mosaic’s True West Not Km.O Is a Romantic Delight True to the Material Spanish Film Is Pure Enjoyment Production Lacks Energy and Depth By Mary Damiano lost, his themes are abandoned, and there’s Arts & Entertainment Editor nothing left but the plot. The dark comic On the surface, the Mosaic Theatre’s elements are obliterated, and left with nothing production of Sam Shepard’s play True West more than two angry young men. is a decent production. The problem is the As Austin and Lee, Terrell Hardcastle meat of Shepard plays lies beneath the and Michael St. Pierre do a decent job surface, and the Mosaic’s version doesn’t portraying their characters, but they never even scratch the veneer. reach down and capture what really makes True West is about two brothers, Austin, them tick. Like the rest of the production, a screenwriter, and Lee, a small-time criminal, they lack the necessary intensity. who end up together in their mother’s house Richard Jay Simon’s direction lacks the in California while Mom is on vacation in energy needed to keep this play moving, and Alaska. Austin is the good brother, working there are too many blackouts that interrupt hard on a project and getting ready to meet the action. with a producer about his idea. Lee is the black True West boasts a warm, cozy set by sheep, a petty thief intent on casing the well- David Sherman and stunning lighting by kept neighborhood for dogs and alarm systems. Travis Neff. Unfortunately, they serve as the By Mary Damiano the state of these characters lives. Each But when Lee crashes Austin’s meeting backdrop for a lackluster production. Arts & Entertainment Editor person is at a standstill, and in need of with the producer and gets the exec to agree Km.O is a charming romantic comedy direction in their lives. to do his idea for a movie instead of Austin’s, about 14 different people during one hot There’s Marga, a lonely rich wife who the brothers begin a new phase in their True West runs through Oct. 5 at the August day in Madrid. Mistaken identities hires a gigolo and has an unexpected troubled relationship, one that will force each Mosaic Theatre, 12200 W. Broward and coincidence are the order of the day, reunion. There’s Silvia, an actress who will one to explore a different side of his Blvd., Plantation. Showtimes are and through these farcical mishaps each do anything for a part in a producer’s new personality and show them that they are more Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. with person sees his or her life changed forever— musical. There’s Tatiana, a prostitute who alike than they care to admit. matinees Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. and for the better. goes to meet a client and instead ends up And that’s where the problems with the Tickets are $23 for adults, $17 for The title comes from the spot in with a young film student who decides Mosaic’s True West begin. The psychological seniors and $13 for students. For more Madrid’s central square from which all she’s meant for better things, though not interplay that marks all of Shepard’s work is information, call 954.577.8243. distances are measured, and it symbolizes the things you might expect. There’s Bruno, a gay dancer who makes a cyber- date only to find much more than sex with a different man. And there’s Amor, a young From Broward to Broadway bride-to-be whose penchant for getting mugged leads her to her one true love. Local Musician Cortez to Attend Prestigious N.Y. Academy One of the nice things about Km.O is that the characters are of all different ages By Andy Zeffer Phelps and his sparse band of followers came schools, and chose AMDA after traveling and sexual persuasions. They are not of any Features Editor to Charles Flanagan High School in Pembroke to New York and singing “Being Alive” from mold, and sometimes do unexpected things. Local singer/musician and gay youth Pines to protest the video, Cortez bravely the classic Broadway musical Company. That’s a treat for a farce like this, because activist Richard Cortez will give a farewell faced them in a counter protest. The prestigious school is located at 2109 too often, the predictability of the characters performance at The Pride Factory on Oct. 4 Since that time, Cortez has kept busy at Broadway. and plot destroy the fun. before heading to Manhattan, where he will open mic sessions at The Pride Factory, where “I chose AMDA because my heart has The ensemble cast gives uniformly attend The American Musical and Dramatic he performs his own music. Cortez plays always been in New York,” he said. “I got terrific performances. Elisa Matilla turns in a Academy (AMDA). piano and guitar and has recorded two CDs into a school which is right near Central funny and poignant performance as Tatiana, The Express first reported on Cortez with 30 original songs. He describes his Park, and I’ll probably never be able to live the whore with self-esteem issues. Concha when he was an openly gay student music as experimental. that life ever again.” Velasco is excellent as an older woman eaten featured in a GLSEN Video titled “Dignity “A friend of mine called it folk-hop, which up by secrets and loneliness. Miguel Garcia Richard Cortez will perform Oct. 4, from for all Students: Gay and Lesbian Youth.” is really interesting,” he said. “Most of it is is wonderful as a young man who stumbles 7 to 9:30 p.m., at The Pride Factory, The purpose of the video was to educate bouncy and upbeat. I just write about what upon the love of his life. which is located at 845 N. Federal Hwy. Broward County School faculty on happens in my life, and usually I write a new Km.O is delightful, a happy bit of fluff in Fort Lauderdale. Call 954.463.6600 tolerance and understanding for song every week.” and whimsy that will put a smile on your face. for directions. homosexuals. When anti-gay protester Fred Cortez recently auditioned for six Don’t miss it.
Q8 www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 29, 2003 Reigning Cats And Dogs: A Rhymes with Orange The Out Traveler Tribute to Those Who Shed This is the By Hillary Price latest from LPI (Andrews McNeel Publishing) Media, Inc., the Attention all animal lovers! Dog and cat people who owners alike will love this humorous little book. bring you Out On page after page, they will see their own and The experiences with shedding loved ones brought Advocate. With to life in Hilary Price’s captivating and clever lesbians and cartoons. Reigning Cats and Dogs is a collection gays such avid of the most popular dog and cat strips from travelers, folks Price’s wonderfully funny syndicated comic, Rhymes with Orange. At age 25, Price are sure to find became the youngest woman ever to have a syndicated daily comic strip. She lives in this latest western Massachusetts with her partner and their own brood of animals. Express readers magazine appealing. The premier issue has can purchase the book at Amazon.com. stories on destinations as diverse as the Napa Valley, Pompeii, Montreal and The Erotic Illustration of the Tink Charleston. Beautiful photos, useful advice and hot picks in products make up When published illustrator David Tinkham sent us samples for a worthwhile read. of his sexy and provocative creations, it sure caught our eye. Check out Xfactor.com to see more of his work, and expect more Tink creations in the future! Coming Out Party (Creative Light Entertainment) Absolutely Special Coming Out Party is a stand-up (“The Last Shout” comedy film featuring seven hysterical and “In New York”) gay and lesbian comedians who share (BBC Video) their own experience of coming out to Everybody’s favorite lushes are friends and family for the first time. in top form with this latest release. Featured comedians include Dan Renzi These “Ab Fab” episodes wrap up (The Real World: Miami), Bob Smith (the loose ends in the saga of Patsy and first openly gay comedian on The Tonight Edina, and feature celebrities Show), Terry Sweeney (Mad-TV), John including Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Riggi (writer for The Hollander, Debbie Harry and Rufus Larry Sanders Wainwright. Show), Jackie Beat (renowned drag Chelsea Boys performer), Sabrina The brilliant minds behind the fabulous Chelsea Boys Matthews (Comedy comic strip just keep bringing on the goods. Now you can Central Presents send your favorite comic Sabrina Matthews) strip characters to your and Rene Hicks loved ones with these (Full Frontal eye-catching greeting Comedy). Performed cards. The cards retail in an intimate nightclub setting, the DVD is for $2.50 individually or set for release on Oct. 14, to coincide with $15 per dozen. Check National Coming Out Day. Be sure to get them out at some laughs while remembering your own www.nobleworks.com. coming out. Plugged In to a Brave New World Electronic Art Exhibit Lights Up Hollywood Center By Andy Zeffer www.WhitneyBiennial.com exhibition. Features Editor His piece “Dynamic Ribbon Device,” is a Renowned, world-class artists are digital program using an Internet bringing their finest work to The Art and connection to format live scrolling news Culture Center in Hollywood when it features feed from the Associated Press into a Plugged In: New and Electronic Art in its popular soft-drink trope. In his galleries from Saturday, Oct. 4, to Saturday, installations, Versteeg challenges the Nov. 3. The exhibition abandons the viewer through displacement, traditional notions of art as an object, such juxtaposition and/or the hacking of the as a painting or sculpture. Technologies of familiar to actively question, investigate the modern world provide a new medium for and participate in the act of interpreting Siebren Versteeg, “Dynamic Ribbon Device,” artists during this exhibition, which evolved and redefining the images and media 2003, digital output from computer onto 54 out of a society increasingly dominated by surrounding them. inch plasma screen media and television. Another Plugged In artist, Jacek Artists featured in the Plugged In J. Kolasinski, is a recent grant recipient of pay homage to the enduring fantasy of exhibition include Kevin Arrow, Michael the South Florida Cultural Consortium. His the bride. Betancourt, Francie Bishop Good, Edward work is rooted in the experience of growing The complimentary opening reception Bob, Dimitry Said Chamy, Elizabeth Hall, Jacek up in two worlds: the Old World of Europe for Plugged In takes place on Friday, Oct. J. Kolasinski, MSG, and Siebren Versteeg. in Krakow, Poland, and the New World of 3, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the center’s galleries, Versteeg’s work has been especially the United States. Elizabeth Hall, who is located at 1650 Harrison St. Exhibition hours celebrated recently, having been presented also the curator of the Experimental Show are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art at the Bass Museum in Miami Beach, Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m, and Sunday, 1 and the Armory Show in New York, just to creates a hybrid of digital and analog p.m. to 4 p.m. More information is available name a few. He was also part of the video of a young woman who appears to at www.ArtAndCultureCenter.org.
www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 29, 2003 Q9 Q_CULTURALevents Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, Oct. Live Theatre and Dance 1, 2 and 4: Tim Reid Film Festival—Special free Advance Ticket Sales—The Sisterhood of screenings of two films by acclaimed producer/ Congregation Etz Chaim is selling tickets to its director/writer/actor Tim. Once Upon a Time… 2003-2004 Broadway Season. Kiss Me Kate (Jan. When We Were Colored screens at 6 p.m. on Oct. 1 8); Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jan. 15); West Side and 2. Tim Reid will introduce and discuss his film Story (Feb. 8); Miami City Ballet Program IV (March For Real at 7 p.m. on Oct. 4 at the library. This 20); The Full Monty (April 1); Mamma Mia (April one-time-only event is a rare opportunity to meet 15); and The Producers (May 13 and 16). For Reid and learn more about his 30-year career in the tickets and information call Joyce Edelson at entertainment industry during the question-and- 954.718.5800. answer period immediately following the screening. Friday and Saturday, Oct 3 and 4: Vampire 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. For more Lesbians of Sodom—Extended play dates by popular information, please call 954.625.2810. demand. Fridays at 8pm and Saturdays at 11pm. Monday – Friday, Oct. 1 - 31: Hispanic Admission: general/$20, students/$15 and seniors/ Heritage Festival—This event is among the top $12. Sol Theatre Project, 1140 N. Flagler Dr., Fort 10 Hispanic festivals in the nation. The events Lauderdale. Reservations Required. 954.525.6555 showcase outdoor music, food festivals, sporting or www.soltheatre.com. events, National competitions and more. Various locations. For information please visit www.hispanicfestival.com, e-mail Music [email protected] or call Through Saturday, Oct. 25: Festival 305.541.5023. Miami—The University of Miami continues the Friday, Oct. 3: OktoberFest on the tradition of offering an impressive array of Hollywood Broadwalk—Oktoberfest celebration outstanding artists and an extraordinary variety of featuring live Bavarian music on two stages, programming. All concerts are at the University of German-flavored delicacies, children’s Miami’s Gusman Hall, 1314 Miller Dr., Coral Gables. entertainment and carnival rides in the KinderPlatz, For tickets and information call 305.284.4940. and nonstop chicken dancing. Fri., 5 – 10 p.m.; www.music.miami.edu. Sat., noon – 10 p.m.; Sun., noon – 9 p.m. Hollywood Friday, Oct. 3: Chopin Goes Jazz—The Beach Broadwalk, State Road A1A north of Jagodzinski Jazz Trio, 8pm at the University of Hollywood Boulevard. Free admission. Miami’s Gusman Hall, 1314 Miller Dr., Coral Gables. 954.926.3377 or 305.284.2438. www.hollywoodbroadwalkoktoberfest.com. Friday, Oct. 3: Alice Cooper—8pm at Friday, Oct. 3: Not Your Average Bedtime Pompano Beach Amphitheatre, Pompano Beach. Story—Lavender Writes open mic, co-gender sex 954.946.2402. story readings. 8pm at the Pride Factory. Writers Friday, Oct. 4: Radiohead—7:30 p.m. at sign up in advance at [email protected]. Sound Advice Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way, Saturday, Oct. 4: Songwriters West Palm Beach, 561.795.8883. Workshop—This workshop features award-winning Saturday, Oct. 4: Fall Festival of Choirs— music publishers and songwriters, Arthur Braun and This free concert features the Women’s Chorale, Richard Gillinson. Discuss the fundamentals and Men’s Chorale and new Advanced Women’s Chorale. techniques for writing commercial songs. 8 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Collaboration and professional development on all Coral Gables, 536 Coral Way, Coral Gables. No levels and in all styles. $15 per 60-minute session. reservations or tickets required, but seating is limited. Every Saturday at the Boca Raton Community For information, call 305.284.4162 or e-mail Center, 150 Crawford Boulevard, Boca Raton. For [email protected]. information call 561.999.9658, for registration call Sunday, Oct. 5: Urban Latin Music 561.393.7807. Festival—3 p.m. at the Bayfront Park Sunday and Monday, Oct. 5 and 6: Amphitheater, 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Congregation Etz Chaim High Holy Days Food 305.358.7550. Drive—Bring nonperishable food items to the Saturday, Oct. 25: Cher—The rescheduled Synagogue’s Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur day services, Farewell Tour is at 7:30 p.m. at Office Depot held at the Soref Jewish Community Center, 6501 Center, 2555 Panthers Dr., Sunrise. 954.835.8000. W. Sunrise Blvd., 8 p.m. on Sunday, or 10 a.m. on Monday. Benefits the Poverello Food Center. For Exhibitions more information call 954.564.9232. Through Tuesday, Sept. 30: Matthew Mondays, Oct. 6 – Nov. 17: Newly Cottrell—ArtsUnited is featuring the photography Diagnosed HIV-Positive—This five-week of Matthew Cottrell in an exhibit at the Stonewall program addresses your immediate needs in the safe Library and Archives, 1717 N. Andrews Ave., Fort atmosphere of a professionally led support group. 7 Lauderdale. For more information call 954.530.2723 – 8:30 p.m. on the campus of Sunshine Cathedral or visit www.artsunitedonline.org. MCC, 1480 S.W. Ninth Ave. For information please call 954.764.5557, ext. 1. (No meeting on Monday, Nov. 10.) Radio Saturday, Oct. 25: Fifth Annual ONI The Norm Kent Show—Live from the Women’s Conference—Opening Doors... to Our Floridian Restaurant on E. Las Olas Blvd., interviews Past, Present and Future, is the theme of this year’s and commentary with Norm Kent. Weekday conference that features a panel discussion, mornings, 8 – 9 a.m. on WFTL 1400 AM. The workshops, a stage performance and book Call-In Line is 1.866.432.1400. discussions. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Main Library, www.NormKentShow.com. 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Free. For Bridging the Gap—Call-in talk radio show information or to register, call 954.357.7464. dedicated to creating a better understanding between Sunday, Nov. 2: South Florida Dance for the straight and gay communities, with host Rene Life—Save the Date for the American Red Cross of Bray. Sundays from 6 – 8 p.m. on WTAN 1340 Greater Miami & The Keys South Florida’s Dance AM. Live, worldwide broadcast at for Life. 7 p.m. at the Gusman Center for the www.TampaBayGay.com/BTG. 1.800.263.8559. Performing Arts, 174 E. Flagler St., Downtown Michael Martini Hour— “Let’s stir the pot Miami. Featured performers include: Maximum … and get to the bottom of the issues!” Gay talk Dance Company, Miami Contemporary Dance, radio, Thursdays, 6 – 7 p.m. on WPBR 1340 AM or Ballet Florida Principal Dancers, and Ife-Ile Afro- on the Internet at www.talk1340.com. Cuban Dance and Music Ensemble. For tickets and Outright Radio—David Gilmore hosts this radio information call 877.877.7677 or visit show about gay life in America. Saturdays at 3 p.m. www.tixops.com. on WLRN 91.3 FM.
Q10 www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 29, 2003 Maximum_Volume Pumping It Up with New Album Releases
Bette Midler: ‘Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook’ (Sony/Columbia) Bette Midler’s new CD, Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook, is proof that lightning can strike twice. Thirty years after her debut album, The Divine Miss M, Bette Midler and Barry Manilow have reteamed to create another classic. Midler and Manilow have come a long way since she was singing at the gay bathhouses in New York and he was her piano player. Manilow arranged The Divine Miss M, which secured Midler’s status as a cult phenom, and though each went on to separate, chart-topping careers, they maintained their love of pop standards, lush orchestrations and Rosemary Clooney. Who better to salute Clooney than Bette Midler? Although Midler has always been a woman ahead of her time, part of her has always been planted firmly in the past. Who else could have made the Andrews Sisters’ hit “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” a hit in jaded 1972? Midler invented retro-kitsch, and that’s where her true talent lies—in taking the classics and putting a fresh spin on them for a new audience. It’s a talent she shares with Barry Manilow, who has found success not only with his contemporary powerhouse ballads, but with remakes of jazz, swing, Broadway and Frank Sinatra favorites. These two artists seem most at home when they’re working with songs from yesterday. Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook covers Clooney’s hits from the 1950s, when she was known as America’s girl singer. Manilow’s gorgeous arrangements underscore Midler’s clear, strong voice wonderfully, and together, they simultaneously pay homage to Clooney and make these songs their own. The song selection is perfection: “White Christmas,” “In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening,” “Memories of You”—just try and sit still while Bette sings “Mambo Italiano.” “Hey There” will find you reaching for a honey to dance close to. And who could possibly turn down Bette’s invitation in “Come On-a My House”? Linda Ronstadt joins Bette on the comic pas de deux “Sisters,” and there’s even a duet with Manilow, “Slow Boat to China,” in which the pair poke fun at the old days. This is a terrific CD, every song is a keeper, and it’s a must for every Midler, Manilow or Clooney fan. Once you put it in your CD player, you won’t want to take it out. — Mary Damiano
Sweet Charity: The Motion Picture Soundtrack (Decca Broadway) Bob Fosse is enjoying a renaissance. The late Broadway and movie musical genius is everywhere these days. First, his influence was felt in the Academy Award-winning Chicago, which he originally directed and choreographed on Broadway. Then, his film roman a clef All That Jazz was finally released on DVD last month, and his classic Sweet Charity is being revived on Broadway starring Tony-winner Jane Krakowski. Now, we get to rediscover Sweet Charity all over again with the original movie soundtrack, which has been released for the first time on CD. Fosse made his movie directorial debut with Sweet Charity, the story of a big-hearted dancehall hostess looking for love in the big city. The film stars Shirley MacLaine, Sammy Davis Jr. and Chita Rivera, and is as much a love story about New York City as it is about its heroine, hopeful yet hapless Charity Valentine. The splendor of New York is the subject of the bouncy “My Own Personal Property,” while MacLaine, Rivera and Paula Kelly shine on “There’s Got to Be Something Better Than This.” Many of the songs from Sweet Charity have become classics: “Hey Big Spender” is just as sexy and provocative as ever, and “If My Friends Could See Me Now” remains the musical illustration to that old saying that living well is the best revenge. “Rhythm of Life” is super-cool and features Sammy Davis Jr. giving a spirited, sock-it-to- me kind of performance. Cy Coleman’s music and Dorothy Field’s lyrics hold up beautifully after all these years. The soundtrack for Sweet Charity is so good that it stands on its own, but it will also make you want to run out and rent the movie. —Mary Damiano
www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 29, 2003 Q11 Q12 www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 29, 2003