www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 8, 2003 Q1 Q_COVERstory On Cloud Nine with a Heavenly Film Ben Shenkman Weighs in on HBO’s ‘’ By Mary Damiano Arts & Entertainment Editor Ben Shenkman is sitting on the patio overlooking Biscayne Bay at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in . He is literally between flights—he’s just flown in from and is due to get on a plane home in a few hours. He’s in town for the afternoon to talk about the HBO film Angels in America, one of the most ambitious undertakings by the cable network, or by anyone else, for that matter. “The play is an old friend for me,” he says, adjusting his glasses to shield his eyes from the noonday sun. “To have it done on this level is jaw-dropping.” Angels in America is the film adaptation of ’s play, which won both the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award a decade ago. The story begins in 1985 and centers on what the stigma of homosexuality and the AIDS epidemic does to two couples. Angels in America examines the social and political impact of AIDS, spirituality, religion and mental illness. Ghosts, dream sequences and hallucinations are the norm. It’s a monumental project, and it succeeds in the most breathtaking way. The star power is impressive. Directed by Mike Nichols, it stars three Oscar winners, Al Pacino, in his television debut, and Meryl Streep and Emma Thompson, who each juggle several roles. Shenkman plays Louis Ironson, a neurotic New York gay Jew who bails when Justin Kirk and Ben Shenkman in Angels in America Photo by Stephen Goldblatt his lover Pryor (Justin Kirk) is diagnosed with AIDS. While on the surface Louis may seem Ben Shenkman on Shenkman says that while there aren’t a the play for some reason, for some purpose, as unsympathetic, Shenkman’s portrayal, Working with the Stars coupled with his big, sad, puppy dog eyes, lot of actual sex scenes in Angels in America, a mission,” Shenkman says. “He suggested Meryl Streep: “She’s an incredible make the audience hurt for Louis almost as sex is in the air and on every character’s mind. we think about our teacher, who did live long woman. She is incredibly smart about much as Pryor. But Shenkman is quick to give He does have a few romantic scenes and enough to see it, which was great.” diffusing the reverence with which the credit Kushner for Louis’s likeability. kissing scenes with his male co-stars Justin While his role in Angels in America could she’s treated by any actor she works “One of the good things about Tony’s Kirk and Patrick Wilson, and notes his live-in serve as a springboard to bigger and better with. She somehow diffuses all that and writing is that he doesn’t manipulate the girlfriend’s reaction to the scenes: “She’s pretty roles, Shenkman is keeping the experience in turns you into an actor in her scene, so audience,” Shenkman says. “He doesn’t have unflappable. When I met my girlfriend, I was in perspective. “I think it will make my face known that it’s the best of both worlds. You’re good characters and bad characters. He speaks a play where I had a romantic scene, so before in a way that only television can,” he says. “I excited to be in her presence, just at through every character, even the ones with she even knew me she saw me kiss other suspect that it will also be temporary, because the fact at working with her, but then opposing politics. I think while Louis isn’t people. With this she’s less jealous,” once it’s off people’s TV screens, I wouldn’t she does something that makes the sympathetic in the traditional way of thinking Shenkman says with a mischievous smile. “But expect people to remember it quite so clearly. It work better.” about stories, I think it’s possible to empathize that Patrick Wilson,” he muses, “he’s got a will probably be something I’m associated with Al Pacino: “There’s one scene with him, even though he acts despicably. He’s rack.” for the rest of my life, because it’s shaping up where he’s dead and I’m praying over also very self-aware, which makes the character Shenkman is old friends with Angels. He to be a memorable piece of the culture. And if his body. I’ll tell you, that Pacino—he’s relatable.” work-shopped the play while he was in college, there’s anything worth giving up a measure of a very convincing corpse. He was very Although Shenkman has done some TV playing , and then later playing Louis anonymity for, it’s this.” gracious about that, because by the work, most notably on Law and Order and on stage in San Francisco. He recalls that while Angels in America, Part One, “Millennium time they were shooting the angles on Ed, and movies, including Roger Dodger and working on the play at , Approaches,” premiered Sunday, Dec. 7 me, he was out of frame, and no one Requiem for a Dream, he has made a name for one of the teachers got AIDS. Another teacher and will be repeated in one-hour chapters would have minded if he’d gone home, himself on the New York stage. He originated reminded Shenkman and the rest of the cast Dec. 8, 9 and 10 in prime time. Part Two, and I could have done it to a piece of the role of Hal in David Auburn’s play , that Kushner’s work was about something “Perestroika,” airs this Sunday, Dec. 14, tape, but he stayed there all night, to receiving a Tony nomination for “Best much greater than themselves, and that it was at 8 p.m., and will be repeated in one- be dead off-camera for me. That was a Featured Actor in a Play.” His co-star in Proof, written to accomplish something greater than hour chapters Dec. 15, 16 and 17. For really gracious gesture from one actor Mary Louise Parker, also stars in Angels in just to create a piece of theatre. “He said that more information and times, visit www.HBO.com. to another.” America. to tap into that energy, we needed to be doing

Q2 www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 8, 2003 Q_THEATERpreview Gay Playwright’s Edgy Farce Comes to GableStage ‘What the Butler Saw’ Makes Miami Premiere By Mary Damiano that deals with mistaken identity and issues Arts & Entertainment Editor of gender and class issues. A British farce involving crossdressing, “There is hardly a sexual innuendo that is rape, shock treatment, assassination and not made during the course of the play,” Adler insanity wouldn’t be the first thing that says. “Most of them are overt, some of them springs to mind when most people think of are subtle. People change clothes, men are the holidays, but Joseph Adler likes to do mistaken for women, women are mistaken for things a little differently. me—it deals with every kind of sexual That’s why Adler, producing artistic permutation that you can conceive of.” director of the GableStage Theatre in Coral The multi-Carbonell Award-winning Gables, is presenting the Miami premiere of director has assembled an impressive cast Joe Orton’s What the Butler Saw as the for What the Butler Saw, including John Felix, theatre’s new production. Peter Haig, Sandra Ives, Autumn Horne, “I wanted to do a comedy for the holiday Oscar Cheda and Michael Vines. season, but I didn’t want to do a “In my opinion, this is the funniest farce conventional comedy—I wanted to do a comedy since Oscar Wilde, bar none,” Adler GableStage comedy,” Adler says. “To me, a says. “Nobody has been able to do with this comedy as edgy as Joe Orton’s comedy is, a genre what Joe Orton did. And he was only 34 comedy that is uproarious and has shocked years old when he died. How a man of that age people for many years, is the perfect comedy could have managed to have the stagecraft for us to do.” and the wit and the skill he brought to the While Joe Orton is well known in his table, I have no idea. One can only guess at native England, he is probably best known the result if he’d had more years to do it.” in this country as the subject of the 1987 What the Butler Saw opens Dec. 13 and Stephen Frears’ film Prick Up Your Ears, runs through Jan. 11 at the GableStage starring Gary Oldham as Orton and Alfred Theatre located at the Biltmore Theatre, Molina as Kenneth Halliwell, Orton’s lover 1200 Anastasia Ave. in Coral Gables. of 16 years. In 1967, Halliwell murdered Orton, Tickets are $35. A special New Year’s bashing his head in with a hammer, and then Eve package is available, featuring an committed suicide with a drug overdose. 8:30 performance followed by a Although his body of work is small, it champagne supper at the Biltmore has spawned a word, “Ortonesque,” Hotel. Tickets for New Year’s Eve are meaning something that is both outrageous $100, and proceeds will benefit GableStage Educational Programming. and macabre. What the Butler Saw, which For more information and to purchase was not produced until two years after tickets, call 305.446.1119 or visit Orton’s death, takes place in a British asylum, www.GableStage.org. The Late Joe Orton and is, according to Adler, a classic farce

www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 8, 2003 Q3 Q_THEATERpreview The Nutcracker, Men in Tights: Cracking Nuts and Cracking Jokes SoBe Gay Chorus Puts Its Own Spin on a Holiday Classic By Mary Damiano most popular man at the although Williford notes that the chorus has Arts & Entertainment Editor party,” Williford says. The grown more professional over time. “They “George Balanchine show also incorporates other were a scrappy bunch five years ago,” he would roll over in his grave,” Cesar Taboada as The fractured fairy tales into the says. “They were small, there weren’t many Sugar Plum Fairy quips Doug Williford, director fold, to create a two-act bit of of them, a lot of them had never sung in of the South Beach Gay theatre designed to entertain choruses before, and they started out doing Men’s Chorus holiday show, and showcase the chorus programs where they could make it fun The Nutcracker: Men in members’ many talents. enough that maybe you wouldn’t notice that Tights and Other Fairy Tales. The Nutcracker: Men in they were just having fun no matter what it Indeed, the famed ballet Tights has been kicking sounds like. They’ve kept that spirit but master, who choreographed around various gay men’s increased the quality of their music.” the modern and best known choruses for years. When The Nutcracker: Men in Tights and version of the seasonal tale, Williford and the other chorus Other Fairy Tales also gives individual might be wide eyed over the members were looking for a members of the chorus a chance to shine. spectacle of “ghetto sugar holiday show, they got a hold “Everybody gets a little spotlight,” Williford plum fairies” popping gum. of a recording of The says. “It’s definitely choral, but it’s also a There are not only men in Nutcracker: Men in Tights. way to showcase, through choreography or tights but men in tutus leaping “We fell in love with it,” says monologues, or scene work in the first act. and pas de deux-ing all over Williford, who also directed Instead of seeing a few people a lot of times, the stage. the chorus’ spring tribute to you’re getting a look at the individuals within This gayified version of ABBA. “But in typical South the chorus, which is really nice.” The Nutcracker—whose title Beach Gay Men’s Chorus alone opens a wealth of style, we decided to take this The Nutcracker: Men in Tights and Other punny possibilities—fits in and put it into the ultimate Fairy Tales will be performed this perfectly with the personality dream sequence.” Saturday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, of the South Beach Gay To flesh out the show, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. at Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, 174 E. Flagler St., Men’s Chorus, a group that Williford and the chorus Miami. Tickets are $25 general loves to weave a whimsical turned to Vincent Cardinal, admission. Special tickets that include a story into their shows. “People will see that Christmas, Clarence gets a nutcracker. Seeing who wrote much of the original parts of the pre-concert cocktail reception are in this show, they’re layering great music on that Clarence is disappointed with the gift, ABBA show. Together, Williford and Cardinal available for $45 on Saturday night only. top of the fun,” Williford says. his host presents him with a real-life came up with a first act that paid tribute to Special senior and student tickets are The Nutcracker: Men in Tights and nutcracker, a hunky hottie whom everyone Christmas in different cultures and set up available for $18 on Sunday only. Group Other Fairy Tales tells the story of Clarence else at the party wants to steal away, thus The Nutcracker in the second act. packages are available for 20 or more on and his brother Fritz at a holiday party. While illustrating the perils of having a buff The show will give the chorus a chance Sunday only. For more information, visit everyone else at the party gets a Ken doll for boyfriend. “The Nutcracker is definitely the to capitalize on its trademark sense of humor, www.SoBeGayChorus.org.

Q4 www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 8, 2003 Q_CULTURAL COCKTAIL By Mary Damiano Martinis, Magazines and Musicals Ring in the Season Hip Happenings Highlight the Holidays Martini Madness ’Tis the Season to Hit Lip Service It’s milestone time for Miami host-with-the- the Theatres Express contributor Paul Harris will be in most Edison Farrow, who celebrates his 150th South Florida theatres are getting in the town to read from and sign copies of his new Traveling Martini Tuesday this week. The Dec. 9 holiday swing with new productions. The Shores book, From Our Own Lips: The Book of GLBT event features music by David Visan of the Budda Theatre in Miami Shores opens A Christmas Quotations, this Saturday, 2 p.m. at Borders on Bar Paris, a 10 p.m. fashion show by Dulce de Survival Guide this Friday, Dec. 12, a musical Sunrise Blvd. In Fort Lauderdale. Harris compiled Leche, which will preview its spring/summer 2004 about getting through the hectic holiday quotations from members of the queer community collection, and a complimentary Stoli bar from headaches and heartaches. The show stars into the volume, sage words from a diverse group 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. This is the first time Farrow Shores artistic director Rich Simone; Bat Boy’s including Martina Navratilova, Oscar Wilde, has held the party somewhere other than South girlfriend, Lisa Manuli; this year’s double Sappho and Boy George. The cover art for the Beach. Instead, the soiree will get under way at Carbonell-winning actress, Laura Turnbull; and book is by another local favorite, Fort Lauderdale the palatial Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. By the hysterical Jonathan Laverentz, who never met a artist and activist Chris Yoculan. way, the Martini of the Week is the Butterfly, a piece of scenery he didn’t chew. A Christmas tantalizing concoction guaranteed to make your Survival Guide runs at through Jan. 4. The Shores So Much FLUFF wings flutter. For more information, visit Theatre is located at 9806 NE Second Ave., Miami You’ve heard of FLIFF, the Fort Lauderdale www.SoBeSocialClub.com. Shores. Call 305.751.0562 for tickets and more International Film Festival. Now there’s FLUFF, information. the Fort Lauderdale Underground Film Festival. The Girls of Allure Also opening this Thursday, Dec. 11, is It’s a FLUFF is the brainstorm of some local filmmakers Ladies, are you wondering what to wear to Fabulous Life, David Sexton’s musical take on It’s who decided that FLIFF and other film fests were that swanky holiday party? Check out the a Wonderful Life, in which Sexton tells the story getting too commercial, leaving the truly December issue of Allure magazine for a most of Joe, a young man who wonders what life would independent filmmaker out in the cold. In fact, in alluring fashion spread. The piece, titled “The have been like had he not been born gay. An order to get a film accepted to FLUFF, filmmakers Two Faces of Evening,” features a couple of earlier version of It’s a Fabulous Life was performed must have a rejection letter from a “real” film female models—and I do mean a couple—in a as the South Beach Gay Men’s Chorus’s holiday festival. FLUFF will take place Saturday, Dec. 13, series of sexy mating dance photos, reminiscent show in 2001. The new production, which is 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Museum of Art in downtown of the lesbian film The Girl. In the photos, by expanded and more fleshed out, is directed by Fort Lauderdale, at the corner of Las Olas acclaimed gay photographer Mario Testino, one Robert Johanson, a veteran Broadway director. It Boulevard and Andrews Avenue. The one-day model is shown in several flirty evening dresses, stars Nicholas Richberg and Bill Yule in the roles event will feature live entertainment, lots of quirky sporting a wild blond mane and dramatic makeup, created by Sexton and David Leddick, and features films and lots and lots of beer. It’s a bargain at $8 while her date is seen with a short, slicked back dance diva Maryel Epps, as well as Edison Farrow, bucks for the whole fest, which is what one FLIFF do, wearing svelte black pantsuits and button- Jerry Chasen, Mark Aken, Andres Alexis, Ezequiel flick costs, and a portion of the proceeds benefits down shirts by such designers as Dolce & Hernandez, Brian Ricci, Ruben Angel Pinon and ArtsUnited. Budding filmmakers take note: FLUFF Gabbana and Ralph Lauren. One shot even snaps Frank Ricigliano. It’s a Fabulous Life runs through is currently taking submissions for their 2004 the pair as they’re about to kiss. And knowing Dec. 21 at Teatro Avante, 235 Alcazar Ave. in Coral event, which will be a weeklong fest culminating that women often have designer tastes and budget Gables. Call 305.609.4763 or visit on Halloween night. For more information, visit bank accounts, the magazine also devotes two www.ItsAFabulousLife.com for tickets and more www.FLUFF.com. pages to where to get the look for less. information.

www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 8, 2003 Q5 Q_TRAVEL Willkommen to Liberated Germany Bars for Every Taste, Gay Hotels and Neighborhoods Abound Germany has long been a permissive Oktoberfest is quite popular and lots of fun. Cologne: The oldest city in society when it comes to gay rights. In fact, Getting around Germany is easy. One Germany was first used as a trade Germany was the first nation in the world to can rent a car or rely on the superb rail center during the Roman Empire set up an institution dedicated system. Driving on the and still blossomed through the to the study of homosexuality Autobahn may be a hair-raising Middle Ages. It continues today way back in 1897. It also is the experience, as people frequently as a busy harbor town. Brothels, only nation that has a gay drive over 100 mph. But the questionable bars and theaters museum. Of course, during the roads in Germany are far catered to sailors and merchants Nazi era, homosexuals were superior to our highways. The who came through town. Is it any eliminated along with Jews, Deutsche Bahn is the national wonder Cologne developed a large gypsies and “other rail system. Trains are clean, gay community? undesirables.” With the efficient and get there on time. The people of Cologne tend exception of this period, Germany To cross the country at its to be the most uninhibited. They ranks up there with Holland as furthest points will take about are a friendly bunch who embrace one of the most liberated eight hours. But train rides tourists. The area around countries sexually. between the major cities can be Rudolfplatz is one very gay area, Gay marriage is legal here done in a few hours or less. while Heumarkt is for those who (are you listening George W?) and two large Although all of Germany can be picturesque, seek leather and more gritty bars/ cities even have openly gay mayors, Bavaria in the south is by far the most clubs. Carnival and Christopher including the capital city of Berlin. There are spectacular scenery. Street Day are two very fun times dozens of gay hotels throughout the country The following is a nutshell description to be here. Munich: In my opinion, this and tour operators who specialize in gay of my favorite major cities: Germany’s historical Neuschwanstein Castle tours. Each major city has a definite gay Berlin: Life is a cabaret, my friend! Berlin is Germany’s most beautiful city. neighborhood or two. Bars and clubs of all has been known as the most decadent city in Many winding streets and restored squares this town hops too. The oldest gay bar in gay interests are everywhere—discos, Germany, if not all of Europe. It has always dot the old town of Munich, particularly near Germany is here and dates back to the early leather bars, dyke bars, piano bars and fetish been a magnet for the hip, the downtrodden Marienplatz. Munich may be used as a base 1900s, so stop in and see Deutche Eiche. spots. And best of all, you can always find a and the liberated. Many cultural, musical and to visit many of the charming towns of Also, Munich is the host city for the bar to serve liquor at virtually any time of social movements got their start here. Bavaria. About a two-hour drive away, one Gay Eurogames in July/August of 2004. day or night. Berlin had been known for its can see the many fairy tale castles built by Germany is vast, and there are so many Germany may be considered a year- architecture, art and debauchery; however, King Ludwig II. He was known as the Mad great places to visit. Your travel agent or Web round destination depending upon your almost the entire city was destroyed during King for his eccentricities, but he probably sites can assist you in selecting the places, interests. The weather is best in the World War II. Since that time, the city has should have been called Queen Ludwig II hotels and nightspots that are best suited summertime, but it can be a bit crowded. risen again, particularly after the fall of the because he too was a “Friend of Dorothy.” for your tastes. Winter is definitely cold, but it is a great ski Berlin Wall. The city shines again. It has Disney’s Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is modeled destination. My preferred time of year is either become a hotbed of creativity—theater, after his most famous castle, Schloss Paul Stalbaum has been a travel agent the spring months of late April, May and June museums and music flourish again. The main Neuschwantstein. for 30 years. He can be reached at Rita or mid-September through October. boys town is located off Nollendorfplatz. Berlin may be more of a party town, but Olwell Travel at 954.764.8747.

Q6 www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 8, 2003 Q_ADVICE Just Out—and Kicked Out of the House Counseling Group Can Ease Growing Pains of New Life Hi Mr. Rutherford, collective of gay and lesbian therapists who any friends around to support you. It’s when day existence of your life. Then you can I got your information from The Express specialize in gay and lesbian issues. I am a you need them most. That’s why seeking out worry about how to deal with your parents. newspaper. From your ad, I part of that collective. It is other gay and lesbian peers is very important Again, please keep in touch and let me know understand you located at the Metropolitan for you now. You need to hear other people’s how it’s going for you and if I can do specialized in gay issues. I am a Community Church on Davie stories and learn to feel more comfortable in anything to help. 24-year-old man, and I have always Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, their presence. Take Care, Mark depended on my parents for and they work on a sliding Sometimes I counsel people to wait to financial support. I just finished scale to accommodate any tell their parents until they are in a more secure To send your questions to licensed school abroad and just recently income. Call their main number living arrangement. But it really is OK that psychotherapist Mark Rutherford, e-mail came out to my parents. They don’t is 954.764.5557. It is an you’ve already done so. Time is a great him at [email protected]. approve of it, so I was thrown out automated line, so push the healer. Find a way to get through the day-to- of the house, and right now I am prompt to make an initial staying with a friend of the family. appointment. They will make I come from a very comfortable sure you can afford it. family, and I always was able to If you have any more have what I wanted, and now I questions, please send me an can’t. I went to private schools, went abroad e-mail, and I’ll do what I can. You did a to college, and now I feel so lost. It’s not just courageous thing by telling your parents. I the financial issue, it’s also my relationship can’t tell you it’s all going to be all right, but with my parents. It’s very hard for me, and I I can tell you that the worst is over. You will know it’s very difficult for them. I am the only never have to live in shame and silence again. child and also adopted. I feel like I let them Just remember, it took you a long time to come down. to grips with your sexuality. It’s going to take Now that I’ve told my parents, I am not your parents a little time as well. sure it was the right thing to do. I suffer from Get some books and do some reading. depression, and I take medication, but at this Give them some books to read when you feel moment can’t afford any therapy. I was they are ready. Continue to be open to try wondering if you knew of someone or a and talk to them. In the meantime, get yourself facility that takes patients that can’t afford a into some counseling, and maybe even a therapist. Right now, it even feels weird to coming out group. The folks at SunServe are think about being around other gay people. a dedicated group. They will help guide you Can you please help me? through this. Irving It’s not abnormal to feel weird around other gay people at this point in your life. In Hey Irving, fact, most gay people go through this stage. I have just the place for you. It is called When you are just coming to terms with your SunServe Counseling Services. It is a sexuality is often the time you don’t have

www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 8, 2003 Q7 Q_HOLIDAYmusic Have Yourself a Musical Little Christmas New CDs Provide the Soundtrack for the Season By Mary Damiano the bill, and they’ve all released stellar Album paints a picture of a dark, chilling Arts & Entertainment Editor Christmas albums. When an artist releases a Christmas. But the music inside is enough to What do Jethro Tull and Kenny Christmas CD, they’re buying themselves a warm any soul. New and old songs are given Chesney have in common? Both the British little piece of immortality. After all, would Bing the Ian Anderson treatment, resulting in a rock super group and the country king have Crosby be played on a FM station today if CD that manages to feel modern and like released brand-new Christmas CDs. he never recorded “White Christmas”? something you’d hear at an old English pub. Sometimes it feels as though every artist Every year brings a new crop of artists Sounds of the Season and his brother has released a Christmas getting into the holiday spirit. Here’s a CD—do a search on the word “Christmas” rundown of some of the new Christmas CDs (EMI) through .com under popular music, that will help make your season bright: For years, Target has hit a bull’s eye with Christmas CDs sold exclusively at and you get more than 6,000 matches. That’s Jethro Tull: The Jethro an awful lot of music to choose from, their stores. The hot item this year is a especially when you consider that these CDs Tull Christmas Album compilation of stars and songs performed are only played for about a month every year. (Verese) on NBC’s annual Rockefeller Center There is something Christmassy out A bare, gnarled tree, an imposing gothic Christmas specials. Artists include Liz there for every musical taste. Want to inject structure, a lone figure braving the snow— Phair, Sarah Brightman, Kylie Minogue features the smash TV show’s winners and a little Vegas lounge into your holiday? Get the cover of The Jethro Tull Christmas and Lisa Marie Presley. There are some losers doing holiday favorites. Included are Christmas with the Rat Pack, real gems here, including Coldplay’s favorites Justin Guarini, Kimberly Locke and starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin simple, acoustic “Have Yourself a Merry Christina Christian, and for the real fans, all and Sammy Davis Jr. If you want Little Christmas” and Norah Jones’s the wannabes join in for “O Come All Ye your holiday party to really swing, “Peace.” But the real keeper here is Josh Faithful” and “Santa Claus is Coming to pop Brian Setzer’s Boogie Woogie Groban’s soaring, spine-tingling rendition Town.” Christmas into the CD player. For of “O Holy Night,” which could make a the king of Christmas compilations, believer out of anyone. Various artists: A Very try the A Very Special Christmas Special Acoustic Christmas Whitney : One series, and get modern classics like (Lost Highway) Madonna’s “Santa Baby” or No Wish: The Holiday Album This is the sixth in the series of holiday Doubt’s “Oi to the World,” which (Arista) CDs that benefit Special Olympics. It’s called tells the story of a Christmas Eve Whitney injects some soul into this acoustic, which is technically correct, but it’s rumble. collection of holiday music, which includes more country than anything else, even if Christmas albums cross all the classics “O Holy Night” and “The Norah Jones is thrown in for good measure. genres, and other boundaries too. Christmas Song” as well as “Who Would Reba McIntyre, Earl Scruggs, Patty Loveless, I mean, what is it about nice Jewish Imagine a King,” from The Preacher’s Wife Ricky Skaggs, Willie Nelson, Wynonna— boys and girls from Brooklyn and Harry Connick Jr.: they’re all here, and they’re all doing things Christmas? Neil Diamond, Barbra Harry for the Holidays in an old-school country way. Streisand and Barry Manilow all fit (Sony) If you only know Harry Connick Jr. from Will & Grace, then give this a listen. The big band era and Dixieland come to life in Harry’s hands, and the velvet-voiced pianist gets to swing and croon to his heart’s content, and our heart’s delight.

Kenny Chesney: All I Want for Christmas Is a Real Good Tan (BNA Records) There’s more twang than twinkle on Kenny Chesney’s holiday CD, although he does get tropical on the title track and for his rendition of “Jingle Bells.” Moody Blues: December (Polydor) Various Artists: The Moody Blues are known for their American Idol: The Great classical music approach to rock, and December straddles the two genres. John Holiday Classics Lodge’s sweet flute enhances “In the Quiet (RCA) of a Christmas Morning,” while Justin Can’t get enough of Clay, Kelly or Hayward’s haunting voice brings out the best Ruben? Then this is the CD for you. The CD in everything.

Q8 www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 8, 2003 Heard It Through the Gayvine Queers, Quotes and Quips of Interest By Andy Zeffer Bette’s Coming to Town! Miami resident and producer for the stars Richard Jay-Alexander had an exclusive scoop for The Express. Jay-Alexander has been very busy in rehearsals for ’s upcoming tour “Kiss My Brass,” which he is directing. Music could be heard in the background of the theater. Alexander was speaking from his cell phone, and Midler was just coming onto the stage. Midler will be bringing her show to the Office Depot Center in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, Feb. 28, and to American Airlines Arena in Miami Bette Midler appeared on The Ellen on Sunday, Feb. 29. DeGeneres Show Nov. 26. “It’s the biggest show she has ever done,” Jay-Alexander says. “It’s the first time she has ever traveled with a brass section. She will have the Harlettes with her, and Toni Basil has choreographed the show. We are keeping the theme and set a secret. But I will tell you that I’ve told Bette I should do all the interviews for her because she is risking her life every time she gets on stage.” Jay-Alexander also has a message for friends in Miami. He says once the tour opens, he is getting his ass down here on the Dec. 21 for It’s a Fabulous Life, the holiday musical by his friend Davis Sexton. Then he will join Bette’s tour again for the New Year. “Tell people to get their tickets now!” Jay-Alexander says. “I can’t wait for them to see it. Yesterday at the end of the run of the first act, I was in tears. Literally crying.”

Drunk Boy George Splashes Taboo Gossip According to our secret New York source, Boy George was as drunk as a skunk last weekend at SBNY (Splash Bar New York). The famed transvestite was getting lit in the backroom with none other than fellow drag queen and porn tycoon ChiChi LaRue, as well as porn star Michael Lucas. Boy George, still in his stage costume, was blabbing about how Taboo will close by the first of the year, because producer Rosie O’Donnell is tiring of what started as a little hobby. Her “little hobby” is now causing her to lose a hundred grand a night. Part of the reason the show is doing so poorly is that it has failed to reach a straight audience. The cast of Taboo was supposed to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which would have helped the production hype its profile and attract much needed business. But according to our source, the family-friendly parade didn’t want Taboo among their balloons and floats.

Kyan Gets Beaded By Cupids While talking to reporters in the VIP room of the White Party last weekend, Kyan Douglas of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy was accosted by an unidentified man who threw black beads with the Cupid’s club emblem over his head. “You gotta come to Cupid’s up in West Palm Beach!” the obnoxious man sputtered to Douglas. “We got over 20 naked guys up there, totally naked!” Douglas looked a bit taken aback. A volunteer with the White Party immediately advised Douglas to remove the Cupid’s necklace, to which Douglas replied, “Yeah, they are coming off right now.” Next time Cupid’s could at least try white beads instead.

Dancers Do It Right at Dudes Dudes was hot and happening the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Sean Ensign, who dances one evening a week and bartends three evenings a week, was looking good. Ensign is Mr. Fort Lauderdale and also Co-Mr. Hotlanta. Ensign tied with another contender this year to share the title of Mr. Hotlanta, where the competition is pretty fierce. But dancer Paul, a beefy, humpy blond boy with the perkiest behind in Lauderdale really, really stole the show that night. The blue-eyed beauty worked his body into countless different positions, standing and on the ground. Splits and bends—you name it, he did it. The crowd really loved it, tucking dollar after dollar into his black briefs. Dudes is also boasting a staff with a European flair. VJ Colin Michael is from London and plays music and videos Wednesday through Sunday. And sexy bar back Viktor is from Hungary. Patrons can’t miss seeing Viktor; he is the slim, muscled guy with no shirt and slicked back, dark blond hair.

www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 8, 2003 Q9 Q_CULTURALevents Monday, Dec. 8: Feng Shui Your Home calling 954.249.6316. for the Holidays—Presented by Nadine Gross, 2 Through Sunday, Jan. 4: Forever Plaid— p.m. at the North Regional/BCC Library, 1100 A musical treat for every generation! This Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek. musical is a fun-filled tribute to the guy singer 954.201.2600. groups of the ’50s and ’60s and features popular Tuesday, Dec. 9: 150th Martini Tuesday— tunes like, “Catch a Falling Star,” “Lady of The first ever Martini Tuesday out of South Beach Spain” and “Crazy ’Bout Ya Baby.” Friday and and a night not to be missed! Fashion Show by Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. $27 - $30. The Dulce de Leche, music by David Visan. 8:30 - 10:30 Broadway Theater, 1477 S.E. 17th St. Causeway, p.m., fashion show 10 p.m. at the Biltmore Hotel, Fort Lauderdale. 954.522.0274. 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables. Through Sunday, Jan. 4: Annie—Actors Tuesday, Dec. 9: Deepening your Spiritual Playhouse, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. Practice—This reading and writing group meets for 305.444.9293. two hours (the first Tuesday of October, November Through Sunday, Jan. 25: Tea at Five— and December) to read, write and discuss selected Starring Kate Mulgrew as Katherine Hepburn. items of interest in the area of spirituality. 7-9 p.m. $35-$42. Cuillo Center, 201 Clematis St., West at 2200 N.E. 26th St., Wilton Manors (the Alliance Palm Beach. 561.835.9226. Mortgage Building). Suggested fee per class is $5. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 11 and 12: Call Lori Cardona with any questions or for more Lucky Stiff—Shy shoe salesman Harry information: 954.632.0605. Witherspoon feels life is passing him by until he Friday, Dec. 12: Cong. Etz Chaim inherits $6 million—if he takes his uncle’s corpse Sisterhood Sabbath Dinner—The Sisterhood of on a vacation to Monte Carlo. 7:30 p.m. at the Congregation Etz Chaim is meeting for Sabbath Broward Center, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave. Dinner at 6:15 p.m. at Salerno’s Italian Restaurant, 954.462.0222. 301 W. Oakland Park Blvd. For reservations and Friday Dec. 12: Benefit Performance information call 954.564.9232. of Forever Plaid—Benefits Tuesday’s Angels. Saturday, Dec. 13: “Second Saturdays”— See Forever Plaid listing above. Free gallery and studio tours, interaction with Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13 and 14: resident artists, live music, refreshments and more. A Time for Christmas—A Broadway-style The antique shops along Krome Avenue stay open musical. Bill, a man too busy for Christmas, and until 9 p.m. during “Second Saturdays.” Free parking a stranger named Bartholomew journey through behind the Greenstone Motel. 3 – 8 p.m. at ArtSouth, time and then return to the present where Bill 240 N. Krome Ave., Homestead, 305.247.9406. comes face-to-face with his own hard- Free. heartedness. 7:30 p.m. at the Sunshine Cathedral Saturday, Dec. 13: Hollywood Beach MCC, 1480 SW Ninth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Candy Cane Parade—Named a 2001 Top 20 Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the Event by the Southeast Tourism Society. More than Sunshine Cathedral’s office, from a member of 100 bands, floats and marching units make up this the music staff, or from Peppermint Paradise parade along the Broadwalk www.SunshineCathedral.org. For more in Hollywood at 7 p.m. information call 954.462.2004. Saturday, Dec. 13: Winterfest Boat Sunday, Dec. 14: Christmas Follies—The Parade 2003—Come see “The World’s Most Southern Country Sundancers perform at a Watched Boat Parade” and the “Seventh Largest benefit show for the GLCC, 1717 N. Andrews One Day Spectator Event in the Country!” Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $15. Doors www.WinterfestParade.com. open at 6pm, the show starts at 7pm. Sunday, Dec. 14: Prime Timers Meeting— The next general meeting of the Fort Lauderdale Music Prime Timers is 3 – 5 p.m. at the ArtServe Thursday, Dec. 11: Zebrahead and Lucky Auditorium, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Boys Confusion—6:30 p.m. at Culture Room, For information, call the FLPT Hotline at 3045 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale, 954.489.7489. 954.564.1074. Wednesday Dec. 17: Cocktails for Friday, Dec. 12: Sensational ’60s & ’70s Compass—Save the date for the first annual —7:30 p.m. at Florida Atlantic University Cocktails for Compass featuring a silent auction. Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton. Proceeds benefit Compass’ HIV services program 561.297.3758. and youth services program. Tickets are $100. 6 – Saturday, Dec. 13: Comedy Soul Festival— 8 p.m. at Club Colette in Palm Beach. For more With Earth, Wind & Fire and the Isley Brothers. information contact Scott Fox at Compass: 7:30 p.m. at American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne 561.533.9699. Blvd. in Miami, 305.960.8500. Friday - Sunday, Dec. 19 - 21: Saturday, Dec. 13: Francesco Libetta— International Golf Show and Tournament— Piano benefit recital for the Miami International At the Coconut Grove Expo Center. Register now Piano Festival. 8 p.m. at the Broward Center for for the Grand Opening Golf Tournament. First Prize the Performing Arts, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave. is a trip to the Dominican Republic. Proceeds go to 954.462.0222. The First Tee of Miami. For information visit Saturday, Dec. 13: Seven Mary Three—8 www.GolfShowOfMiami.com or call p.m. at Culture Room, 3045 N. Federal Hwy., Fort 305.529.0124. Lauderdale, 954.564.1074. Saturday, Dec. 20: Abandoned Pet Rescue Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13 and 14: Fundraiser—Dress your pet in their holiday best Miami Oratorio Society Annual Holiday and strut down the catwalk while raising money for Concert—Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Church, a good cause. Silent auction, raffles and prizes. Noon 2750 McFarlane Rd., Coconut Grove. Dec. 14 at 5 – 4 p.m. at Georgie’s Alibi, 2266 Wilton Dr., Wilton p.m. at the Church of God of West Broward, 1050 Manors. For information call 954.728.9010. N.W. 42nd Ave. in Plantation. $10/advance, $12/ Sunday, Feb. 8: PETA Fund Raiser—Save door. 954. 486.9164. the date for this People for the Ethical Treatment Sunday, Dec. 14: Y100 Jingle Ball—6 p.m. of Animals fundraiser! Five-course dinner with open at Office Depot Center, 2555 Panthers Dr., Sunrise. bar and wine with dinner. 7 p.m. at Sublime, 1431 N. 954.835.8000. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale. For reservations call 954.615.1431. $100 per person. www.PETA.org. Saturday, March 13: The Crystal Ball—Save Exhibitions the date for Caldwell Theatre Company’s annual Through Wednesday, Dec. 31: A New Era: fundraiser. Billed as one of the most elegant and Haitian Art in the Diaspora—An art exhibit theatrical events of the season, the ball benefits featuring the works of contemporary Haitian artists Caldwell and its community outreach programs, living outside Haiti. Gallery Six at the Broward including Theater for Schools. 7 p.m. at the Boca County Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Raton Resort and Club. Tickets are $250. For more Lauderdale. 954.357.7464. 754-234-6677 information, call Bruce Herman: 561.995.2323. Saturday, Dec. 13 – Feb. 14: Holidays are Fun—Selections from the collection of Max Live Theatre and Dance Schacknow. Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. $5/ adults, $3/children. Schacknow Museum of Fine Arts, Advance Ticket Sales—The Sisterhood of 7080 N.W. Fourth St., Plantation. 954.583.5551 Congregation Etz Chaim is selling tickets to its 2003-2004 Broadway Season. Kiss Me Kate (Jan. 8); Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jan. 15); West Side Radio Story (Feb. 8); Miami City Ballet Program IV (March The Norm Kent Show—Live from the 20); The Full Monty (April 1); Mamma Mia (April Floridian Restaurant on E. Las Olas Blvd., interviews 15); and The Producers (May 13 and 16). For and commentary with Norm Kent. Weekday tickets and information call Joyce Edelson at mornings, 8 – 9 a.m. on WFTL 1400 AM. The 954.718.5800. Call-In Line is 1.866.432.1400. Through Saturday, Dec. 13: La Traviata— www.NormKentShow.com. Richard Gere took Julia Roberts to see it in the Bridging the Gap—Call-in talk radio show movie Pretty Woman, and she loved it. The Florida dedicated to creating a better understanding between Grand Opera. For schedule and ticket information the straight and gay communities, with host Rene call 800.741.1010. Bray. Sundays from 6 – 8 p.m. on WTAN 1340 Through Sunday, Dec. 21: The Gin Game— AM. Live, worldwide broadcast at A man and a woman in a nursing home fabricate www.TampaBayGay.com/BTG. 1.800.263.8559. their lives while playing Gin Rummy. $18/$9. White- Issues Over the Rainbow—MarkyG hosts this Willis Theatre, 7143 Pine Island Rd., Tamarac. gay and lesbian early morning talk show. Sunday 954.726.7898 or 942.9578. mornings at 7:25 a.m. on PARTY 93.1 FM. Through Sunday, Dec. 28: Swinging on a www.Party931.com. Star—A musical by Johnny Burke. 8 p.m. at Art David Gilmore hosts this radio show about gay Serve, 1531 Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets life in America. Saturdays at 3 p.m. on WLRN 91.3 are $17.50 and available at Georgie’s Alibi or by FM.

Q10 www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 8, 2003 Maximum_Volume Pumping It Up with New Album Releases Reviews By Andy Zeffer

Nelly Furtado: ‘Folklore’ (Dreamworks) Canadian born Nelly Furtado reaches deep into her Portuguese heritage as inspiration for her sophomore album, Folklore. The results work well, and Furtado comes up with a work that is much like its title, music that is steeped in tradition, heritage and mystery with a modern rock and pop twist. On “One Trick Pony,” the album’s first song, Furtado’s voice is raw and expressive, rich in simplicity and working- class earnestness. She sings proudly of her Portuguese heritage in “Fresh Off the Boat.” And she actually sings in Portuguese on the song “Forca.” The mystical and far-away feel and sound of the album is reflected in the extraordinary artwork of the CD. As with the music, the photos of Furtado in colorful ethnic garb are something all her own. Furtado truly has her own thing going, and possesses qualities that make her unique and keep her clearly apart from other acts of today.

Toni Braxton: ‘Ultimate ’ (Arista) With her recording career cooling and fresh off her Broadway debut in Aida, Arista releases a greatest hits compilation for Toni Braxton. And why not? Braxton has certainly racked up an impressive array of hits throughout the ’90s and up until 2000. There is the song that first brought Braxton fame on her 1993 self-titled debut, “,” and the even more popular follow- ups, “” and “.” Her breathy, almost exhausted sounding vocals became a trademark with these songs. Monster hits such as “Un-Break My Heart” and “You’re Makin’ Me High” are, of course, included, as are “I Don’t Want To” and “He Wasn’t Man Enough.” As Braxton became more popular, she pushed the sex goddess thing more and more, wearing more and more ridiculous clothing more suited to rap star Lil’ Kim. Her most recent hit, “Hit The Free Way,” is on the album, as are three new tracks, a live version of “Seven Whole Days” and the previously unheard “Whatchu Need” and “The Little Things.” This CD is a true essential for any R&B lover.

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