www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 13, 2003 Q1

CYMK Q_COVERstory Hedwig, South Beach and The Angry Inch Actor Gets a Second Chance with Plum Part By Mary Damiano was, on this bad children’s theater tour, Les Arts & Entertainment Editor Miz is on Broadway, Cats hadn’t closed yet, When people ask if there are similarities and I see Hedwig. I thought then that this between actor Dean Swann and his role as could be the future of musical theater. I was Hedwig, the East German heroine with a trained in musical theater, but I was raised on botched sex-change operation, Swann has a rock and roll. Hedwig is rock and roll.” simple answer: “I was born in America, and I In a way, Hedwig and The Angry Inch have a penis.” But, like Hedwig, he does know was Swann’s salvation. He was not pleased what it’s like to follow a dream. with the turns his acting career had taken. Swann, who stars in Hedwig and The “Acting is such a crap shoot. I had Angry Inch, which opens at Level in South basically given up,” Swann says. “I was Beach Jan. 14, is fresh from a successful run playing Brad in Rocky Horror at a dinner as Hedwig on Florida’s west coast. The late theatre—a very successful production, but producer Phillip Oesterman saw Swann’s a dinner theater nevertheless.” performance in the show and was Then, everything changed. A producer instrumental in bringing it to South Florida, who wanted to stage Hedwig called him and complete with Swann’s costar, Lori Nuti, who cast him in the lead role. plays Yitzak. “I knew of his reputation on Broadway,” Swann says of Oesterman. “He A Hit with All Ages came to see the show and worked on bringing Naples, Florida, is known for its older it to Miami, while I had no idea that was population of retirees, so it seems an unlikely happening. He had the faith in me, but never place for a show such as Hedwig and The saw me out of make-up.” Angry Inch. What started out as a two-week Hedwig and The Angry Inch began on run at a bar turned into a successful off-Broadway and quickly became a smash, engagement at a steak house, which winning awards and attaining a cult status. ironically, is where one of Hedwig’s gigs takes It was made into a film starring its creator place in the film. The show opened in June of and original Hedwig, John Cameron Mitchell, 2002 and continued through Thanksgiving. and was released in 2001. Audiences who The fans of the show have surprised come to see the production at Level will see Swann. “I’m shocked at the diversity of the a performance by Hedwig and her band, The people who come to the show,” he says. “I’m Angry Inch. Interlaced with the musical onstage talking about a blowjob, and there’s performances, Hedwig talks about her life, a 14 year-old girl in the front row wearing a and how she got to where she is. homemade Hedwig number one fan shirt, Swann likens Hedwig and The Angry with a teddy bear she’d made to look like Inch to VH1 Storytellers, because like the Hedwig. On the one hand, I’m thinking, performers on that show, Hedwig is explain this to your child, but as a performer, performing her songs with her band and it’s a beautiful thing.” stops to tell the audience how the song was Then there was the 70-year-old man who written, or what in her life influenced her initially saw Hedwig because his wife made songs. “I saw on Storytellers him, but kept returning to see the show and and I thought, ‘Lord, this is like Hedwig,’” bringing friends. The man made a point of he says. waiting for Swann after the show to tell him how much he and his friends loved the show. “Wearing a corset, it’s hard to breathe. I had amazing rock and roll,” he says. Wide-eyed in Paradise The only negative experience Swann has to learn how to sing correctly and breathe in Although Swann won’t say how old he This is Swann’s first trip to South Beach. had in conjunction with playing Hedwig was the corset.” is, the two icons he uses to describe His first night was about finding a place to when a fan got too familiar, surprising Swann All the accouterments of Hedwig help Hedwig—a cross between Stevie Nicks and buy organic peanut butter and soy milk. one night in his apartment after a Swann both to get into the role of Hedwig, Gene Simmons—should give a clue. That During our interview the next day, Swann is performance so she could get a photo. but also to leave her behind. “I put her on, means that he’s spent a lot of years in show being driven through and suddenly I’m Hedwig. She’s business, and had a lot of doubts about his South Beach, Miami and there, and she’s this energy,” he chosen career—until Hedwig came along. the Design District on the says. “I’m not Hedwig, and I “This time last year, I was looking for a way to lunch. Every so understand that. Hedwig exists for day job, because I was going to get out of often, he oohs and ahs those two hours onstage, and then theater,” Swann says. “Then I got the phone over the beauty of the I take her off, and I’m just me.” call about Hedwig, and here I am in South weather and of his Swann likes the challenge the Beach. I’m lucky that I found a part that I can surroundings. His banter is role presents because in playing excel at instead of being in the chorus. It’s laced with enthusiasm—he Hedwig, he also portrays other all luck.” is thrilled to be in South characters onstage, sometimes at Hedwig and The Angry Inch runs Jan. Beach and thrilled to be the same time. “It’s a tremendous 14 through Feb. 22 at Level, 1235 playing Hedwig, a role that acting challenge, because you get Washington Ave. in South Beach. Showtimes three years ago he couldn’t to tell this story, and sing this are Tuesday through Saturday at 8pm. imagine being lucky enough to play. So, how did a nice young man from the Midwest end up playing a nice young man from East Germany with a botched sex change operation? Swann has been a professional actor Swann’s roommate managed to since he was 14. After college, he went to get her to leave before the New York to study theater. He paid his dues situation escalated. “That made in regional theaters, summer stock and dinner me a little wary about Hedwig, but theater, but wasn’t exactly burning up Hedwig fans are very cool Broadway. people,” he says. Swann still remembers the night he had his first encounter with Hedwig. He was on “I put on some “It’s a tremendous acting a national children’s theater tour. “It was a makeup...” Monday night, May of 1999, the night of the Swann had never done drag challenge because you get Melrose Place season finale,” he says. He when he was cast as Hedwig. went to a theater in New York to see a show “Becoming a woman every to tell this story, and sing this called Hedwig and The Angry Inch. He had night—the wig, the corset, the amazing rock and roll.” no idea what he was in for. “I was blown makeup, eyelashes—it’s a away by the end of it,” he says. “There I challenge,” Swann says. —Dean Swann Q2 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 13, 2003

CYMK Q_CULTURALcalendar

Monday, January 13: Estate Planning for 305.496.7533. Unmarried Couples – This workshop provides Through February 2: Romeo and unmarried couples with valuable estate and financial Bernadette - In this musical By Mark Saltzman, planning information. Qualifying attendees receive Shakespeare’s Romeo is reborn from an Elizabethan a complimentary Basic Estate Planning Analysis. stupor and stumbles upon his true love, Juliet. Her 6:30 – 8pm at Morgan Stanley in the Conference real name, however is Bernadette and she’s the Room, 2400 E. Commercial Boulevard, Suite #1200. beloved daughter of a Brooklyn mob boss. Coconut All are welcome, reservations requested. Please call Grove Playhouse Main Stage, 3500 Main Highway, Stephanie Small: 954.267.5672. Coconut Grove. 305.442.2662. Tuesday, January 14: GayLauderdale Through February 9: Addicted: A Comedy Lunch – Today’s featured speaker is Broward of Substance – This one-man-show is at the Coconut County Commissioner Lori Nance Parish. Tickets Grove Playhouse, 3500 Main Highway, Miami. For are $21, advance purchase only. 11am at the information and tickets call 305.442.4000 or Embassy Suites Hotel, 1100 SE 17th Street 305.358.5885. Causeway. For information call 954.93805226 or Through February 9: Park Your Car in visit www.gaylauderdale.com/lunch. Harvard Yard - Caldwell Theatre Company, 7873 Wednesday & Friday, January 15 & 17: N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. For information Public Theatre Auditions - Auditions for Edward on this comedy call 561.930.6400; for tickets call Albee’s Pulitzer-Prize winning Three Tall Women, 561.241.7432. Directed by Ellen Davis. Wednesday 6 - 8pm and Through February 16: Phantom - The Friday 5 - 7pm at Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre, classic story of the mysterious figure who haunts 640 N. Andrews Avenue. Casting for: 3 Women, the Paris Opera has been transformed into a Mid 20s-30s, 40s-50s, & 60+ and 1 Man, Early to mesmerizing musical by Tony Award winners Maury mid 20s. For information go to Yeston and Arthur Kopit. Hollywood Plalyhouse, www.publictheatre.com/index3.htm. 2640 Washington Street, Hollywood. For Wednesdays, January 15 – February 12: information & tickets call the Box Office: Holistic Cooking Course – Series of five lecture/ 954.922.0404. cooking classes exploring the benefits of holistic Tuesday – Saturday, January 14 - 18: The cooking. 6 – 9pm at the Hollywood beach Culture Capitol Steps - The only group in America that and Community Center, 1301 S. Ocean Drive. $100 attempts to be funnier than the Congress is a troupe per person. 954.921.3600. of current and former Congressional staffers who Friday - Sunday, January 17 – 19: Live the monitor events and personalities on Capitol Hill, in Legacy – The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 2003 the Oval Office, and in other centers of power and Celebration in Hollywood. Friday: Gala at Hillcrest prestige around the world and then take a humorous Country Club at 6:30pm, tickets are $50. Saturday: look at serious issues while providing a nationwide Family Fun Day at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. laugh for millions. Broward Center for the Performing Community Center, free. Sunday: Tribute and Arts, 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, 954.462.0222. Memorial Service in Young Circle Park, 8 - 10am. Friday – Sunday, January 17 - 19: Some For more information call 954.921.3404. Balanchine Heroes: From Samurai Prince to Friday & Sunday, January 17 & 19: Broadway Hoofer - Travel from exotic ancient Hunting for Herschell - The locally produced movie, Japan to New York in the roaring twenties as you Hunting for Herschell, will be shown at the Made in enjoy four of the most acclaimed ballets from Miami Film Festival at the Tower Theater, 1508 legendary choreographer George Balanchine. Southwest 8th Street, Calle Ocho, Miami. Both Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 showings will be in Theater A, Friday at 9pm and Southwest Fifth Avenue, 954.462.0222. Sunday at 7pm. Cast and crewmembers will be at Friday, January 17 - March 16: The Mystery both showings; the Producer and Writers will be at of Edwin Drood - A Victorian theater company, the Sunday showing. www.madeinmiami.org. The Royale, decides to produce a musical based on Friday - Sunday, January 17 - 19: 26th Charles Dickens unfinished novel. The audience is Annual Art Deco Weekend - Celebrating Miami asked to vote on who they think the criminal is, so Beach’s famed Art Deco Historic Architectural it’s possible to have a different ending every night. District. Fri, noon - 11pm; Sat & Sun, 10am - 11pm The Stage Door’s 26th Street Theatre, 1444 NE on Ocean Drive, 5th to 15th Streets. 26th Street in Wilton Manors. For performance www.mdpl.org/prod01.htm. times and tickets call 954.344.7765. Friday - Sunday, January 17 - 19: Ft. Lauderdale Orchid Show - Top orchid growers Music exhibit and sell orchids. Orchids, supplies, books Monday, January 13: QuinTango - and gift items will be available. Admission/$6. War QuinTango is five instruments, ten hands and one Memorial Auditorium, 800 NE 8th Street, Fort passion: the music of tango. Tickets are $18. 11am Lauderdale. For information call 954.828.5380. and 2pm at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Saturday, January 18: WIN/GLCCSF Boulevard in West Palm Beach. For tickets and Sock Hop – Dance Contest & Hula-Hoop Contest, information call 561.832.7469. 8pm to Midnight at the GLCC, 1717 N. Andrews Tuesday, January 14: Marvin Hamlisch – Avenue. WIN Members/$15, Non members/$20. Live at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee For information and tickets call Flo: 954.961.7176. Boulevard in West Palm Beach. For tickets and Saturday, January 18: Replant Broward information call 561.832.7469. – Tree Fair providing citizens with 2 trees after Wednesday, January 15: Green River – completion of 15 minute training session. Open to Tribute to Credence Clearwater Revival from 7 – the public at 11:30am. Holiday Park. For 9pm at the Hollywood Beach Theater, located at information call Public Works at 954.436.7579. Johnson Street and the Broadwalk. Weather For pre-certification go to www.broward.org/ permitting. 954. 921.3404. replant. Wednesday, January 15: Cheryl Fisher - Saturday, January 18: Joan Mazza – Jump Hit Parade of the 1940s featuring Cheryl Fisher and start your writing from 10am – 3pm at the Main the Gold Coast Society Band. 7:30pm at the Library. $50 in advance, $55 at the door. Pompano Beach Civic Center, 1801 NE 6th Street, 954.357.7401. Pompano Beach. For information call Sunday, January 19: Free-For-All Family 954.786.4111. Day - Free admission, exhibition tours and children’s Saturday & Sunday, January 18 & 19: activities. 1 - 4pm at the Art and Culture Center, South Florida Folk Festival - This festival is a 1650 Harrison Street, Hollywood, 954.921.3274. showcase of the talents of some of the state’s best www.artandculturecenter.org. performers. 10am - 10pm at Easterlin Park, 1000 NW 38th Street in Oakland Park. $20 per person Live Theatre and Dance per day, parking included. For information visit Through January 19: Crazy for You – This www.southfloridafolkfest.com. Gershwin musical comedy is the winner of three Sunday, January 19: Jerusalem Tony Awards. Stage Door Theatre, 8036 W. Sample Symphony Orchestra - Lawrence Foster, Road, Coral Springs. For performance times and Conductor; Joseph Kalichstein, Piano. 8pm at the tickets call 954.344.7765. Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Boulevard in West Through January 19: Bach at Leipzig - Set in Palm Beach. For tickets and information call Leipzig, Germany in 1722, this play is about 561.832.7469. composers competing for the organist position at St. Thomas Church. All hell breaks loose in this Baroque Art Exhibitions comedy as court manners give way to backstabbing Through February 16: Modus Operandi – antics in a hysterical audition process. Florida Stage, Featuring photography by Lois Conner and Brian 262 S. Ocean Boulevard, Manalapan, 561.585.3433. Wood. Art and Culture Center, 1650 Harrison Street, Through January 26: Pastrami On Rye - A Hollywood. $5/adults, $3/students. 954.921.3274. kosher delicatessen in Hell serves as the setting for Through February 16: Picasso Ceramics Evan Mandery’s hilarious and thought-provoking - A collection of 65 ceramic works done by Pablo rumination: “What if all religions are wrong about Picasso in Madoura, France between 1947 and 1970. what God really wants?” Tickets: $20, $10/student Museum of Art, 100 East Las Olas Boulevard, ID. Showtimes are Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm and 954.525.5500. Sundays at 2pm at the Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre, 640 N. Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. For information and tickets call 954.427.0784, Radio www.publictheatre.com. The Norm Kent Show – Interviews and Through January 26: Houseguest - A fast- commentary with Norm Kent, weekday mornings paced black comedy of deceit, hypocrisy and a sharp at 8am on WFTL 1400 AM. The Call-In Line is allegory on the dangers of power, written by this 1.877.644.1400. year’s Carbonell Award winner Mario Diament. At Issues Over the Rainbow - MarkyG hosts the Juggerknot Theatre’s new stage in Little Havana, this gay and lesbian early morning talk show. Sunday 1165 SW 6th Street. Box office opens one hour mornings at 7:25am on PARTY 93.1 FM. prior to the performance. For information call www.Party931.com. www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 13, 2003 Q3

CYMK Q_DININGreview Talula’s Cafe: A Gourmet Gem Romantic Restaurant Serves Mouthwatering Menu By Mary Damiano Duck, Salmon Filet, Crab Cakes, New York Arts & Entertainment Editor Strip and Osso Bucco, as well as an ever- Talula’s Cafe might better be named changing array of daily specials. Talula’s Hideaway. Hidden in a shopping My companion and I started off with center with the Culture Room and Fernanda’s fresh-baked bread and Mushroom Soup ($4), Market, at the southwest corner of Oakland which was delicious. I must note that I do Park Blvd. and Federal Highway, the only not care for mushrooms and that I pick them reason Talula’s isn’t packed every night is out of food whenever possible, so I was because no one knows it’s there. amazed at the fact that I loved this soup, That’s why this is a perfect time to visit which is creamy, but not heavy. this amazing little restaurant. Once word gets We also tried the Thai Orange Duck around about its intimate atmosphere, its Salad (11.95), a massive salad of mixed greens, simple elegance and its incredible food, the sliced apples, cucumbers, sprouts, oranges two dining rooms will be so packed Talula’s and strips of duck, all tossed in a flavorful will have to add tables outside to ginger Thai dressing. This was generous accommodate the crowds. enough and delicious enough to have been Owner Nancy Oellerich and manager a meal in itself. Other appetizers include Duck Jose Rivera have put the emphasis at Talula’s Liver Mousse, Smoked Salmon with Potato on attentive—but not overbearing—service, Pancake and Zuppo di Clams. and delicious food presented beautifully. A traditional Greek appetizer, Tables are positioned generously Spanakopita ($7) boasted a flaky phyllo throughout, giving guests plenty of room dough shell and a nice mixture spinach inside, of The Wild Rose in Hollywood, would do Talula’s Cafe also features a well-chosen and lots of privacy. Deep red walls, with soft, that was not salty, a flaw that often mars the with one of my favorite dishes. I was not wine list and dessert menu, featuring such warm lighting and elegant, unfussy touches, dish. disappointed. The two crab cakes ($22) were deliciously decadent delights as zabaglione, like the faux fireplace, candles, lace curtains We tried the Rigatoni in Pesto Cream delicious—plump and well-done, with real a hot wine custard served with fresh fruit and plants make for a tasteful and romantic Sauce, one of the specials of the day. This is lump crabmeat and a minimum of filler. My and sherry brandy, and Berries Talula’s, ambiance. Film fans will love the black and pesto for people who don’t like pesto, companion’s New York Strip ($22) was comprised of marinated berries of the season, white photographs of Tallulah Bankhead, because it lacked the zip and sourness pesto cooked per his instruction, and well-seasoned chocolate mousse and fresh whipped cream. lovingly displayed throughout the often has. Instead, the cooked-to-perfection and tender. Both entrees were served with a Talula’s Cafe is a wonderful addition to restaurant. And there’s live entertainment, pasta was complemented by the creamy, fabulous melange of roasted sweet and the Fort Lauderdale restaurant scene. Its in the form of pianist Lee Taylor, who sweet sauce. regular potatoes, garlic cloves and red elegance, simplicity and delicious food make entertains guests with show tunes and The Whole Yellowtail Snapper peppers, which served as the perfect it a fabulous find, and the destination for standards. Grenobloise ($19.95) was delightful, and I complement to our meals. everyone who enjoys fine dining. If all that romance isn’t enough, there’s must say again that I am not a fish fan, but its We didn’t notice if there was salt and Talula’s Cafe is located at 3045 N. the food, a sensuous experience to be sure. distinctive butter and lemon taste was pepper on the table, but if there was, it wasn’t Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale, in the center Talula’s Cafe’s menu features a varied enough to win even me over. needed. The chef seasons each dish so at the southwest corner of Oakland Park selection of delights, such as Filet Mignon I do love crab cakes, and I was eager to perfectly that no other enhancement is Boulevard and Federal Highway. For more of Tuna, Chicken Portobello, Roast Maryland see what Talula’s chef, John Jacobs, formerly needed. information, call 954.567.0556.

Q4 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 13, 2003

CYMK Q_Fashionpreview Drag Shows and Glad Rags With Frank Riciligiano’s Designs, Any Man Can Be a Glamour Queen By Mary Damiano puzzled at the same time,” Riciligiano says. designed specifically for men. Arts & Entertainment Editor “They were proud and scared.” The result is all-glamour.com, When most kids stay home sick from Though Riciligiano describes himself as a website where men who love school, they spend their time watching TV a nerd in high school, he must have been a women’s clothes can find or playing video games. Frank Ricicgliano memorable nerd. His high school had an glamorous fashions expertly was not most kids. exchange program—girls took shop and tailored to fit their shapes. “I used to whip out my mother’s sewing boys took home ec. “Everyone else made Riciligiano began the website machine, and when she came home, all the vests,” Riciligiano says. “I made a grey in July. He sketches the dress, appliances would have little cozies on them,” velour full-length bathrobe with heavy creates the pattern and chooses Riciligiano recalls. “I’d get on a bus when I dolman sleeves.” the fabric. The sewing is done by was seven and go to Jo-ann’s Fabrics After high school, R went to design a design student Riciligiano works across town. I was on this fabric mission.” school and studied textile design, learning with, Rucht D’Oleo. Riciligiano’s passion for fabric has paid how to print and weave textiles. He became Riciligiano and his work off. He is now the creator and proprietor of something of a professional student, made a big splash at the Miami all-glamour.com, a website that specializes spending about seven years in college. Gay & Lesbian Film Festival in gowns and accessories for large men. Eventually, he went to work as a make-up screening of All the Queen’s Riciligiano dreams up all the designs, often artist for the cosmetics company, Shiseido, Men, when Riciligiano and based on the technicolor costumes in old learning his craft on the job. several other men modeled the MGM movies. After his parents died suddenly, clothes. Perusing the photos of gowns on the Riciligiano took his inheritance and moved But all-glamour.com is not website, Riciligiano’s style emerges: clean to California, where he lived and partied with just for drag queens. While lines, good cut, great fabric without all the the fashionable set. He then moved to Miami Riciligiano was doing his research for all-glamour.com, he discovered a surprising fact about his market. “I started talking to cross dressers who are straight, and I found out Designer Frank Riciligiano that there was an enormous underground market for guys who real name for itself. People magazine has had an entirely different motivation contacted him, and a story about him and for crossdressing,” Riciligiano says. the business is in the works. Riciligiano has “Drag queens crossdress for theatre, other aspirations as well. to satirize or glamorize women. The “I want to go on Oprah,” he says. “My straight guys do it for fetish and also mission is to show people that this for comfort. Many of them feel very controversy about cross-dressing is all about comfortable when they are wearing fabric. It’s only fabric. That’s what people women’s clothing, when they have are getting upset about.” the comfort of a woman around them. Frank Riciligiano may be just the person Many of them buy the dresses and to accomplish that mission and take the don’t even wear them. They just put stigma out of cross-dressing. But however Jeff Early, Jaie Laplante, Tom V., Frank Riciligiano, and Rucht D'Oleo at ‘All The Queen’s Men’ it in the closet, and they like knowing things turn out, one thing is certain— that the dress is there, like a security Riciligiano will be prepared for the next stroke frills. “Dresses are like people, all individual,” Beach, and learned to do hair, because clients blanket.” of destiny. he says. “You have to balance all of it—the wanted a stylist who could do their heads So far, Riciligiano has gotten many “Whatever people throw at me I just texture, the line, the design and the fabric so and well as their faces. He put together a favorable responses to all-glamour.com, figure it out and do it,” he says. “I’m one of it all comes together.” make-up and hair portfolio and became a and he’s already had offers to help him those people who invents their life as they Riciligiano, 38, is the kind of guy who’s professional stylist. Hs business, South manage the business. go along. My life is my art.” willing to try anything, and who’s willing to Beach Styling, was born. “The reaction has been positive,” he take life as it comes. He has worked in various With South Beach Styling, R does says. “People are delighted, amused, phases of clothing production, as a pattern- location work for print and video advertising. entertained. People are intrigued. They laugh. Frank’s Favorite maker and a cutter. He has done interviews He’s worked with Lauren Hutton, Enrique The people who have tried on the gowns Film Fashions for a Miami cable-access show about Iglesias, and even Al Gore. “He’s a sweet, have loved wearing the gowns.” When creating gowns, Riciligiano nightlife. He has been a drag performer and wonderful guy, more handsome in person One friend who wanted to borrow a goes for what he calls iconic visions of is a popular local singer who recently than he shows on TV,” Riciligiano says. gown for Halloween decided that a loan was glamour, and draws inspirations from old performed in The Littlest Revue, a benefit Riciligiano began performing in drag not good enough—the dress fit so well he musicals and classic Hollywood movies, for Project Yes. He is self-employed as an about 10 years ago, encouraged by a friend decided he had to own it. and describes his workshop as looking on-location hair and make-up stylist, doing who owned some clubs. His first time out, “That’s very gratifying, when you’re like the backlot of MGM. Here are a few print and TV advertising. he had back-up dancers and singers. The lucky enough to make something that people of Frank Riciligiano’s great movie glamour With his latest venture, Riciligiano has thing that set Riciligiano apart from other love,” Riciligiano says. moments: turned himself into a drag queen’s dream performers was that the other lip-synched to Vivian Leigh in Gone come true—he can do their hair and make-up songs, and Riciligiano would actually do the Beyond the Drag Trade With the Wind -“Vivian as well as design and sew a dress that fits . “I was a real showgirl,” he says. “It Though he’s worn many different hats Leigh in the burgundy and them perfectly. All-glamour.com was a wild ride.” throughout his life, Riciligiano says his scarlet gown with the allows Riciligiano to live his dream. “My favorite occupation is simply living his life. ostrich feathers and the frustrated second career has always been a Adventures in the Rag He describes his meeting with his ruby embroidery. That’s fashion designer,” he says. “This is my Trade partner, Michael, a local restaurateur, as a got to be one of the calling. This is the next bit of destiny in my For Riciligiano, it’s all about fabric. gay fairy tale: They met at the gym, using the greatest.” life.” He can rhapsodize about the virtues of same bench press. They’ve managed to pull Bette Davis in All chiffon, lament the fact that he’s become off the happily ever after part of the fairy tale About Eve-“Bette Davis Adventures in Buffalo jaded by white ostrich feathers or expound as well. They’ve been together since their in that sort of Christian Riciligiano grew up in Buffalo, New York, on the amazing materials he gets from Izzy, first date, and will celebrate seven years Dior cocktail dress with in what he describes as an Italian family right an old time fabric connection in Miami. together on Valentine’s Day. the chiffon shrug, and out of Moonstruck. He says that his parents, It was a given that Riciligiano would While Riciligiano would like to expand the little clips at the both school teachers, were ultimately make his own gowns as a drag performer. his horizons and design for women one day, neckline.” supportive, but they weren’t sure what to When word of Riciligiano’s talents spread he understands that he is currently filling a Audrey Hepburn in make of their son, who preferred sewing to through drag circles, performers began niche that has been ignored. My Fair Lady-“Audrey more boyish pursuits. coming to him to ply his magic needle on “Even men who don’t have a fetish with Hepburn coming down the “My mother was delighted, and my their clothes as well. drag, whether they’re straight or gay, I think all stairs—she was wearing a father was too, but it took a long time for him But the problem with altering existing men are curious,” he says. “I think something Givenchy empire line silver to come to terms with what was happening— gowns is that dresses are made to fit a like this can make it acceptable for that one and white gown, and that like embroidering ladies garments. My woman’s body, not a man’s body. Riciligiano time they want to look glamorous.” choker, when she arrives at parents were kind of amazed by me and saw the need for dresses and costumes All-glamour.com is beginning to make a the ball. That’s real good.”

www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 13, 2003 Q5

CYMK Heard It Through the Gayvine Queers, Quotes and Quips of Interest MTV Gays and Lesbians Battle for the Big Bucks The battle of the sexes is alive and well on MTV. The cable network’s latest reality show, MTV’s Real World/Road Rules Battle of the Sexes reunites 36 members from the two popular shows, including six gay, lesbian and sexually ambiguous favorites. The GLB castmates who will be returning are Ruthie, form Real World Hawaii; Shane from Road Rules 11; Genesis from Real World Boston; Aneesa from Real World ; Rachel from Road Rules 11; and Dan from Real World Miami, who sports a new long-tressed look. The cast members will be paired up in same-sex groups with the winning team taking home $150,000. MTV’s Real World/Road Rules Battle of the Sexes airs Mondays at 10pm.

Clones Go Dutch Those wacky folks from Clonaid have done it again, announcing that the second baby clone has been born to a Dutch lesbian. Cloneaid spokeswoman Nadine Gary announced last month that the first baby clone, Eve, was born to parents from Hollywood, Florida, laying to rest any doubts that Florida is indeed the zaniest state in the union. While many have written off the baby clone reports as a hoax, just think of the ramifications: Sperm banks could be put out of business, thus cutting short lucrative careers for horny, cash-strapped guys. And it could put a real damper on that whole “Who’s your daddy?” question. The idea of cloned humans may not be too hard to believe, judging from the Clonaid folks who keep popping up on TV. Brigitte Bosselier, the company’s chief scientist looks like the medical world’s answer to Tammy Faye, while the head of the whole shebang, Rael, looks like a cheesy sci-fi channel reject. Let’s just hope Clonaid sticks to cloning actual people instead of themselves.

Nature of the Grammys Richard Jay-Alexander, who directed Nature of the Beach last September, has received a Grammy nomination for his work as producer on Bernadette Peters’ , Bernadette Peters Loves Rodgers & Hammerstein, which was nominated in the Traditional Pop Vocal Album category. In other Grammy news, pop singer Avril Lavigne, who helped announce the Grammy nominations, mispronounced ’s name. Lavigne pronounced Bowie’s named as if it rhymed with “Howie” instead of “doughy.” Richard Jay-Alexander

Will Ellen Become New Chat Show Queen? Do lesbians have some talk show gene that the rest of us don’t know about? First Rosie O’Donnell became a gabfest icon, and now Ellen DeGeneres is poised to do the same. NBC has entered final negotiations with Telepictures to carry Ellen’s new show, scheduled to debut in the fall. And if Ellen’s talk show wasn’t enough, Telepictures is the company also releasing the new talk show from the woman who’s become everyone’s favorite TV mom, Sharon Osbourne.

Mr. Blackwell Blackballs Anna Nicole She may have made out with Margaret Cho, but Anna Nicole Smith hasn’t impressed Hollywood style doyen Mr. Blackwell. The fashionisto has released his annual Worst Dressed List, and Anna Nicole, in all her trailer-trash glory, tops the list. One thing about Mr. Blackwell, though, he can turn a pithy phrase. He called Kelly Osbourne, who took second place, “a fright-wigged Baby Doll, stuck in a goth prom dress.” Other “honorees” on the list include Shakira, Anne Rice, Cameron Diaz, Pink, , Donatella Versace, Princess Anne and Meg Ryan.

Q6 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 13, 2003

CYMK Q_FASHIONpreview Dressing Sexy with Dulce de Leche Latin America Meets Miami in Clothing Line By Andy Zeffer Entertainment Writer he beautiful male models pace across the illuminated shallow water of the Tpool, their chiseled bodies complemented by an array of sleek bathing suits, one after another. Their muscled upper physiques peek through a variety of different styles of shirts, from a beaded Spiderman tank with a ripped red net sleeve to classic woven tops with French cuffs. The clothing exudes a sense of confidence and romance while celebrating the beauty of the male form. One couldn’t think of a more fitting setting than the pool of The Delano Hotel on South Beach during Martini Nights 100th anniversary for the designers of the Dulce Luis Toro, Carlos Mejia and Rafael Paris de Leche label to showcase their fashions. The look portrays the unmistakable warmth, shirt in particular where the material is ripped vibrancy and cutting edge—along with a apart and then put back together by hand, strong Latin American influence—that stating that 80 percent of the spring/summer defines Miami. collection is handmade. Materials used are Dulce de Leche, whose name fine stretch cottons, polyamides and means “Sweet of Milk” in suedes that give the Spanish, is the creation of garments an attractive fit. Carlos Mejia, Luis Toro and Perhaps nothing Rafael Paris. The roots of showcases the feeling the three founders, who of South Beach more possess model good than the swimwear, looks of their own, are and Dulce de all Latin American. Leche’s swimwear is Mejia and Toro are from hotter than the Colombia, while Paris Florida sun. With hails from Costa Rica. sensual low-rise cuts The men seem not only to that ooze sex appeal, the create beauty but to attract it bathing suits are set apart as well—one of the smoldering, with touches such as gypsy sexy models at their recent show is belts crafted to fit snugly across boyfriend to one of the three business the well-developed abs of the body- partners. conscious South Florida man. They started Dulce de Leche 10 months There is something in the collection for ago. “We saw that there was a hole in the everybody, especially because the lines market,” Mejia says. “There is Robert Cavali, between the way fashionable gay men and Dolce & Gabanna—the prices are up there. fashionable straight men dress have blurred Nothing in between. They are just too in recent years. Some select items, however, expensive. We wanted to have are certain to catch a gay something of good quality man’s fancy in particular— and design but at a great the beaded Cher price.” sleeveless top, for Toro’s family owns instance. “The a manufacturing beads—maybe a company in Colombia, straight guy which enabled the wouldn’t wear it,” partners to produce says Mejia about 100 samples. They the Cher top. But in held a small show and general, the clothes the samples sold in no are for men time. “The response was interested in looking unbelievable,” Mejia says. good, regardless of their After the encouraging sexual persuasion. “Men response to their designs, the three are more fashion conscious in friends sat down to create a business plan, general,” Mejia says. “It’s about being and Dulce de Leche was born. fashionable and looking good.”

Military Might Merges Moving Toward with Gypsy Mystique a Fashionable Future The fact that Toro’s family manufactures Business is growing rapidly for Dulce the police and military uniforms for Colombia de Leche. The line already has 40 accounts, plays a large role in the aesthetic of Dulce de the majority of which are on the West Coast. Leche’s spring/summer collection. The So far, there are four stores selling the line in embroidery on a number of the shirts traces Miami, including Base on Lincoln Road. The its pattern to military uniforms from the 1800s. next big step the company would like is for The same patterned roses from these old the line to be carried in select department uniforms are blown up and handcrafted along stores, which Meija describes as a lengthy the front of the shirts. Similar silver rose process involving many requirements and buttons are found on a few of the shirts as corporate approval. well. In the meantime, the guys have taken a While the military inspiration embodies big step by finding a showroom in the heart strength, the comfortable necklines and of South Beach, a space they’ve had for sleeves combines this strength with gypsy just two months. Located at 235 11th Street freedom, as does the rich embroidery. The between Washington and Collins, details such as the embroidery are customers can browse through the racks handcrafted in Colombia, and the fine and purchase clothes directly from the workmanship shows. Mejia points to one showroom.

www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 13, 2003 Q7

CYMK Q_THEATERpreview Gay-Themed Comedy Opens at Mosaic Theatre Wacky Characters Explore Darker Themes By Mary Damiano their lives do intertwine.” “The characters are quite wild, but at the same “Comedies often present a harsher truth than Arts & Entertainment Editor Brandon Morris, who plays Serge, time, there’s a part that everyone can relate a drama would, and the way to digest that is Amanda is married to Ford who has a describes his character as a “homosexual to, at least in one or two of the characters.” through laughter.” lover named Serge who has an ex-lover named runway model.” This is the first time Morris One of The Food Chain’s themes is that “It raises an interesting question of how Otto whose mother Bea works for a crisis has played a gay character. “I don’t want it appearances often belie the person people are caught in a Darwinistic approach to prevention hotline. to be stereotypical or general,” he says. “I underneath. For popular local actor Anthony romance,” Sacco says. “We are all in the food How the lives of these perversely want him to be a real character. Serge is also Sacco, the role of Otto presents some unique chain. We all feed off each other for various connected people intersect is the subject of a bit ambiguous. All kinds of people have physical challenges. Sacco portrays a things. And the way we approach it, a lot of it The Food Chain, a dark comedy that opens found themselves after him. I’m not working different sort of gay man, one who often gets is very selfish, and we need to change that.” at the Mosaic Theatre Thursday, Jan. 16. a gay angle.” overlooked in gay culture. The Food Chain opens Thursday, Jan. “The thing that appeals to me is the The characters portrayed in The Food “He’s a sad person,” he says. “He’s got 16, and runs through Feb. 2. The Mosaic exploration of obsession, which is something Chain all seem to have their own no one in his life, and he has no love in his Theatre is located inside the American that everybody goes through,” director ambiguity. Andres Alexi, recently seen as life. All he’s trying to do is find love, and no Heritage School, 12200 W. Broward Christian Rockwell says. “It’s exaggerated, the attractive himbo in Nature of the one will love him on the level he wants.” Blvd., Bldg. 3000, in Plantation. but it is a truthful exploration of obsession.” Beach, hesitates to call his character, Ford, Sacco says his role as Otto has taught Showtimes are Thursday, Friday and “It’s very much a black comedy,” says bisexual. “I’d characterize Ford as sexual,” him that people have a hard time seeing the Saturday at 8pm, with matinees Saturday Amanda Rockwell, who was recently seen in Alexi says. “Bisexual, I guess so, but I’m real person underneath the trappings. “I can and Sunday at 3pm. Tickets are $23 Zombie Prom. “It’s like a situation comedy.” not sure that he wouldn’t end up as connect with the fact that people can’t see general admission, $17 for seniors and Elayne Wilks, who plays Bea, agrees something else as well.” what’s inside,” he says. $13 for students. To purchase tickets or with her costar’s assessment. “It’s a farce,” “There’s definitely some deeper darker Alexi has his own theory on the darkness for more information, call 954.577.8243 she says. “Though they seem very different, things going on,” says Amanda Rockwell. behind the laughs in The Food Chain. or visit mosaictheatre.com. Q_DININGguide Advertise_954-568-1880

Q8 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 13, 2003

CYMK www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 13, 2003 Q9

CYMK Naked_Curiosity Tell a Friend By Dennis Scott-Bush By Charlene Lichtenstein For the week of 1/13/03 Venus, the planet of love, moves and mashes volcanic Pluto. Dreams of fame “It’s amazing,” Paul gushed. ejaculation—can provide a wind up on the cutting room floor or in the National Enquirer. Wish upon a “There’s nothing like it.” remarkably high-flying star, friends, but be careful of what you wish; Melodious can turn malodorous My friend was raving about release. Anther guy was an the morning after. a product called “pocket penis” expert on what fruit sauces, that he’d been turned onto by a whipped cream and ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20) casual-sex buddy. The sensation chocolate made the best Expect the unexpected in any travel plans when Venus changes signs and generated by the masturbation combination for eating off pokes Pluto. Reconfirm reservations and travel with carry-ons. Even then, sleeve was so glorious that Paul, someone else’s body. things go astray, gay Ram. But if you travel with a friend, you will never be without a toothbrush... who’s usually quite shy, felt My friend, Joey, had a compelled to effuse about the list of the Manhattan TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) wiener wonder not just with friends department stores with the Want to see how quickly a hunk transforms into a troll? Wait until lusty but to perfect strangers as well. most active restrooms for Venus slides into Pluto. Choose well lit bars, queer Bull, so you see who I passed along Paul’s penile workday and weekend cruises by. You want to welcome 2003 in with a bang, but do it with a torpedo and not a wet firecracker. pleasure report to another friend. quickies. He’d done Brett responded appreciatively exhaustive research and GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) and, also, told me about a gadget showed us a notebook filled Some of you may wonder if you are getting as much as you are giving. Let that he’d been using with with locations, times and the dander settle a bit before you let the fur fly. Other pink Twins take a trip to the moon on gossamer wings, but surly Pluto and Venus makes it just marvelous results. It attaches to the even drawings of the one of those things. underside of the penis, between the head restroom layouts. Of course, we had that and shaft, and sends mild electrical pulses to dual-edged moment of erotic fascination with CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) the sensitive area. It had been custom-made his information and unnerved concern that The temptation is to go overboard when delightful Venus moves and sparks by one of Brett’s ex-boyfriends and given to our friend had too much time on his hands Pluto. The pull of the extreme will lead you close to the edge, even at work. Gay Crabs ache to take unnecessary risks but streaking through the office him as a parting gift when their relationship and was spending too much time on his should not be one of them. ended. knees. Brett reminded me of the time I took him Todd always initiated the boyfriend and LEO (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23) to a gathering at my friend Todd’s apartment. trick recycling part of the parties. Each of us Proud Lions must temper their intake of addictive additives this week when Venus and Pluto shift the landscape. But for those romantic souls who wear Todd was my window into the world of would share details about a recent boyfriend their hearts on their sleeves, this transit provides an appreciative leather and kink and my mentor on many or trick with whom we were no longer receiver. Will they call you afterwards? occasions when situations arose and I involved but who had a redeeming quality needed his guidance. Every six weeks or so, (usually a special sexual talent) that could be VIRGO (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23) Queer Virgins are anxious to mend bridges with family as the Venus / Pluto Todd would invite a group of us to his place appreciated by someone else. I remember conjunction manifests. Wait until February before you pass out olive for how-to demonstration and a forum for telling the guys about a guy I dated for a branches and release the doves. Your dreams and desires out weigh your sense exchanging tips, ideas and, often, the names while who was really into licking in and of timing. Debut next month. of former tricks and boyfriends who were around my ears. That activity has always LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23) particularly skilled at certain things. made me involuntarily shake my head like a Folks hang on your every word when delicious Venus shifts and conjuncts Several times a year, Todd would invite cocker spaniel and, so, the obsessive ear- persuasive Pluto. Don’t waste your planetary gift on mere gab, proud Libra. friends of his who owned or managed stores licker was of no long-term interest to me. Alas, this verbal jolt will soon pass and too soon, you’ll be back to soft that specialized in adult toys to come to the Another guy at that party absolutely loved banter and muzac. parties. You really haven’t lived ’til you’ve having his ears worked that way, and I gave SCORPIO (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22) been in a room full of gay men brandishing him the licker’s phone number and my The urge is to spend, spend, spend but save, save, save instead. Even risky dildos and discussing the relative merits of blessing. investments are a no, no, no now. Gay Scorps should act like bears not bulls the various sizes and shapes. We often I got hooked up with a guy I dated for and wait until this transit clears before they pass the cash. Examine the named the dildos, based on their resemblance three weeks by another one of Todd’s party- bottom line in four weeks. to former sex partners. goers who didn’t like his nipples worked. His SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22) Todd would ask the toy merchants to castoff was very into nipples, and I reaped Venus conjuncts Pluto in your own sign sending gay Archers into fits of show how their wares were worn and used. the rewards. I didn’t bargain for him being panic. So many opportunities appear on your plate, you don’t know which one Considering how complicated some of the into nipples to the exclusion of other to bite first. Soon you can discern treasure from trash. Hmm, aren’t some of genital harnesses and other accessories erogenous zones, but the upshot, no pun you into trash? could be, the lessons were informative as intended, was that we both enjoyed the three CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20) well as entertaining. To many of us, buying weeks we were dating and both moved on to Get involved in good gay charities, but be sure that your efforts are put sex toys in a setting like Todd’s parties was other relationships amicably. towards the greatest effect. Problems with this transit are wasted effort, more appealing than going into a seedy shop With our toys and experiences, we false starts and and lack of impact. By the end of the month though, you’re a Goat to be reckoned with. to make a similar purchase. should all be more like the old Breck shampoo As much as I enjoyed the how-to, where- commercial. Tell two friends, and they’ll tell AQUARIUS (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19) to and when-to lessons and demonstrations, two friends, and so on and so on. Share the Don’t count on friends to be there when you need ‘em. The best that it was the anecdotal information shared by tips and share the fun. Aqueerians can expect is a jolly time with more grog to grog the memory. Pals are apt to leave you slumped in your messy, groggy pile as they head off the other men that provided the most fun. It It’s amazing. There’s nothing like it. to the next sordid adventure. was at one of Todd’s parties that I learned about how the application of a handful of ice D. Scott-Bush’s work appears throughout PISCES (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20) to one’s testicles—right at the moment of the country. E-mail may be directed to You impressed your boss, but not in the way you think, Guppie. Thankfully [email protected]. this transit is transitory. Pick yourself up off the bottom rung, dust yourself off and try kissing up the ladder again next month. Bosses have lousy memories these days anyway.

© 2003 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved.For Entertainment Purposes Only. Check out her site www.AccessNewAge.com/Stargayzer for egreetings, horoscopes and Pride jewelry. Her book “HerScopes; A Guide To Astrology For Lesbians” from Simon & Schuster is available at bookstores and major booksites.

Q10 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 13, 2003

CYMK Pumping It Up with Maximum_Volume New Album Releases ‘Chicago: Music from the Motion Picture’ (Sony) Murder never sounded so good. Music and mayhem reign in the film version of the Broadway smash Chicago, and the soundtrack perfectly captures the flavor of the film, though it’s also good enough to stand on its own. The tracks are seasoned with bits of dialogue from the movie, as well as splashy intros to the songs, conjuring up images of the musical sequences from the film. The first track, an overture mixed with “And All That Jazz,” is a frothy favorite, and sets the tone for the songs to come. Queen Latifah shows she can belt out a song with the best of them with 1. Lose Yourself_Eminem “When You’re Good to Mama,” in which the rapper does her own last-of-the-red-hot-mamas turn. The false moves on the CD are when it varies from the mood of the film. Case in point: the rap/hip-hop version 2. ’03 Bonnie &Clyde_Jay Z Feat. Beyonce Knowles of “/He Had It Coming” by Queen Latifah, Macy Gray and Lil’ Kim. After listening to a whole CD of ragtime, jazz and show tunes, this track is a slap in the face. 3. Work It_Missy”Misdemeanor”Elliott ’s modern “Love is a Crime” fairs a little better, because it’s not a reworking of a song from the film. 4. Beautiful_Christina Aguilera While some soundtracks don’t work without the film, this CD sounds great—a sexy and seductive trip back to the 1920s. —Mary Damiano 5. Bump, Bump, Bump_B2K & P.Diddy 6. Game Of Love_Santana Feat. Michelle Branch 7. : ‘Loose Screw’ Die Another Day_Madonna (Artemis Records) 8. Miss You_Aaliyah There are few more distinctive sounds in rock and roll than ’s 9. voice. No else sounds like her, and she emulates no one. Jenny From The Block_Jennifer Lopez Hynde’s voice is in fine form on Loose Screw, The Pretenders first studio 10.Cry Me A River_Justin Timberlake album since 1999. Heartbreak and betrayal are the themes du jour, evidenced by the first track, the snarling, no-nonsense “Lie to Me.” Hynde seems set on working out her anger about her breakup with her husband on Loose Screw. “Complex Person” has a reggae feel to it, a sunny song Nikki Nite Y100 • Miami 100.7 that belies its dark, desperate lyrics. “Fools Must Die” is a rocking revenge song. Indeed, every song has that he-done-her-wrong thread running through it, Midday’s 10am-2pm • Monday Thru Friday and not in a subtle way, either. Just look at a passage from “”— www.Y100.Miami.Com Where did you leave your self-respect/You look like a reptile/Your house is a wreck/Your existence is an insult—C’mon [email protected] Chrissie, tell us what you really think. “Saving Grace” sticks with the theme, but it’s a more forlorn song, with Hynde at her most fragile. The Pretenders sound as good as they ever did—tight guitars, driving drums and that slightly punk edge that they’re known for. Loose Screw is a nice effort, even with its single-mindedness. —Mary Damiano Readonline www.OURweeklynews.com

www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 13, 2003 Q11

CYMK A Different Kind of Circuit Scene Local Gay Tennis Group Hosts Charity Tournaments, Team Tennis and Other Events By Phil LaPadula party and a banquet. Past banquets have been opportunity for players of different levels to the club suffered a personal loss when long- Features Editor held in the posh digs of the Broward Center play together. (For example, there are B-C time member Noble McArtor was shot to death They come from Orlando, Boston, for the Performing Arts and have included doubles and A-B doubles matches.) I love in his home. “About 80 percent of club members Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, Atlanta dinner, entertainment and a raffle. This year, the playing with players who are better than me attended the memorial service,” Bracilli recalls. and San Diego as well as from more distant banquet will be a pool party/buffet event at the because it forces me to play better.” “It brought the club together and helped put locales such as England, Germany, the Marriott North Hotel. “It will be more of a party- This is Albright’s first year as club an end to the political bickering over stupid Netherlands and Italy. They gather in Fort type atmosphere as opposed to a sit-down dinner, president. He recently joined SFTC after issues that any organization has to face.” Lauderdale on a February which we’ve done in the playing in United States Tennis Association Past club issues that have now been weekend to play, socialize past,” says Eric Messer, (USTA) leagues for years. “I played in USTA resolved included how to reprimand bad and raise money for tournament director. leagues for years and never even knew there behavior on the court and whether to outreach charity. Their attire “The banquet is one of was a gay league,” he says. “I was kind of to women. includes a lot of white— the times when players living a sheltered gay life. I think the club and but this is not the White can all come together and the officers before me have done a great job. I Welcoming Women Party. get to know each other.” would like to see the club not only provide Christine Nolan served as the first female It’s a different kind of About six years tennis but do a little more in terms of social president of the club from 1999-2000. “I love circuit party. Recreational ago, the tournament events.” the social component,” she says. “Even drugs and heavy drinking started raising money The club currently hosts two major parties though it’s mostly men, they’re very women- are big taboos with these for various charities a year—a holiday party in early January and a friendly.” circuit boys and girls. from raffles at the summer party. Trophies and sportsmanship The club has had trouble attracting They need to reserve all banquet. This year, the awards are presented at the parties. Albright women players even though it has offered a their energy for the charities are Gilda’s has overseen the club’s recent foray into women’s draw in the tournament and endurance tests that lie Club of South Florida, fundraising parties. “Their purpose is twofold,” advertised for female players in the GLCC ahead—the matches. BJ Albright (left) and his partner a nonprofit cancer Albright says. “Not only do we raise money newsletter. “We need to do more active The South Florida support organization, for the club, it promotes the social activities.” outreach to gay women,” Nolan says. “It’s Tennis Club (SFTC) is busy preparing for its and Sunserve’s Noble A. McArtor Senior important for women to know how female annual Clay Court Classic, which will be held Center, a gay-oriented senior activities center. History of the Club friendly the club is.” Feb. 14-17 at Palm Aire Country Club and Jimmy “In the past, we only did raffles,” Messer The Sunshine Athletic Association/ Nolan describes herself as “a late Evert Tennis Center (Holiday Park). The Fort says. “But this year, any revenues exceeding Tennis group was founded in 1982 with about bloomer” to tennis. She started playing at Lauderdale event, which traditionally takes expenses will be split three ways. Two-thirds 24 members who played matches at Fort 45 after participating in softball leagues for place over Presidents’ Day weekend, is one of will go to the charities and one-third to the Lauderdale High School. In 1987, the club years. “The gay women here are more into many gay and lesbian tennis tournaments held club.” This year, the club has been holding changed its name to the South Florida Tennis softball and golf,” she says. “Tennis seems throughout the country and the world. Besides more fundraising events to put the tournament Club at began to play at George English Park. more popular with straight women. I see tennis the U.S. cities mentioned above, the into the black and to hold down membership The club has grown each year and now has about as natural progression from softball. Both international Gay and Lesbian Tennis fees. 120 paid members. involve swinging, Association (GLTA) also sponsors The Clay Court Classic is just one of the “I think we’ve gotten keeping your eye on the tournaments in Miami, Seattle, Honolulu, SFTC’s regular programs. The group also hosts through the pioneering ball. It seems natural for Minneapolis, Dallas, Vancouver, Toronto, round-robin doubles play every Friday night days, chiseled out bylaws aging softball players to Amsterdam, Munich, Milan and several other from 7-9pm at Holiday Park and a round-robin and regulations and have switch to tennis. People destinations. doubles tournament for local members in perfected many of our can play tennis well into Many local club members play the circuit, October. The Holiday Park program is open to events,” says Rudy their 70s and 80s.” participating in tournaments in other cities that everyone, members and non-members. Braccili, who served as The club has been coincide with vacation times or holidays. “I In addition, the club participates in the club president from 2000 to well received by the did New York last year,” says Sean Bennett, Florida Cup, in which all gay tennis clubs in 2002. “We’ve learned to mainstream tennis information director for SFTC. “And I actually Florida compete against each other. Fort keep records, and our social Chris Nolan and Mike Manfra establishment of greater got to play in Authur Ashe Stadium.” The New Lauderdale will host the event this year in events have gotten more Fort Lauderdale. “We’ve York tournament, which is held each year over November. organized. Over the years, the club has put together a USTA team of A players from the Fourth of July weekend, is played in the quadrupled in size.” our club, and their competing with other clubs same Flushing Meadows venue where the U.S. Team Tennis Braccili has hosted several club events at around Broward County,” club president Open takes place. Bennett has also competed One of the club’s most popular programs his house including a New Year’s Eve millennium Albright says. “I think the club is doing a great in gay tournaments in Atlanta (held during is Team Tennis, which meets on Sundays. party. He credited some of the “movers and job promoting tennis in general.” Labor Day weekend), Tampa (Thanksgiving Players are divided into teams for the session shakers”—including Tony Reyes, Marc Gigliotti, The South Florida Tennis Club is open to Day weekend), Orlando (Easter Weekend) and (late-winter/spring or fall) and compete in Pete Layne and David Glowatzki—with making gay, lesbian and gay-friendly players of all skill Louisville. singles and doubles against other players at the club a success. Tony Reyes opened up the levels. The deadline to enter spring Team their skill level. There are usually three levels— club to women and pioneered making the Tennis is Jan. 20. The deadline to register for Raising Money for Charity A, B and C—ranging from beginners to international tournament a charity event. We were the Clay Court Classic tournament is Jan. 21. The SFTC is one of the most active and advanced. the first gay tennis club in the nation to give For more information, visit www.sftc.us successful gay tennis groups in the country. “I think Team Tennis is one of the best money to charity. Pete Layne served as president or send an e-mail to Sean Bennett, Last year’s Clay Court Classic tournament in programs we do,” says B.J. Albright, president and used to bring fresh baked cookies to the information director, at [email protected]. Fort Lauderdale drew 220 players. Besides the of the club. “You meet with the same group of Team Tennis sessions.” For information about GLTA tournaments tennis matches, the tournament includes a draw guys every Sunday, and it allows the During the tragic week of Sept. 11, 2001, throughout the world, visit www.glta.net.

Q12 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • January 13, 2003

CYMK