Forty two years and a whole different era ago, Matt Crowley’s groundbreaking play “The Boys in the Band,” opened in New York – that was 14 months before Stonewall, 14 years before we became AIDS attentive, and 30 years before “Will and Grace” made use of similar stereotypes for the peacock network.
It wasn’t the first gay play by any means. “The Children’s Hour” opened in 1933 and “The Killing of Sister George” in 1964, but those lesbian themed productions were basically tragedies where people died for their sins.
“The Boys” was comedy filled with laugh-out-loud oneliners. Yes, they were zingers with a sting, but a mainstream audience found it an enjoyable romp on the other side of the street. It was a soldout sensation, attracting a cross-over audience. No less a flag-waving, Republican-voting icon than Bob Hope attended and recommended it to others. It became the thing to see and was made into a successful 1970 film directed by William Friedkin (“The French Connection,” “The Exorcist”), the first American mainstream movie to revolve around gay characters.
But in the 1980s it became fashionable to treat this play as something of an embarrassment, the equivalent of a gay minstrel show where the unhappy homosexuals strut and do their stuff for the amusement of the straight folks.
Now that gay liberation has been around for a generation and even the Republican Party is beginning to make nice, the play is being revived in more ways than one. In March of this year a production opened in New York in an actual penthouse apartment where the audience was treated like guests to the birthday party that forms the focus of the evening.
And for the first time in over two decades, a fully staged production is being produced in Fort Lauderdale by the Rising Action Theatre at their new location in the Sunshine Cathedral complex.
The director is Michael Leeds, who wrote and directed the Broadway musical “Swinging On A Star.” The cast are mainly new to the Rising Action Theatre, but have a lot of stage experience elsewhere. There’s the refreshing alteration of having Larry and Hank played by Hispanic actors, a change that’s nicely integrated into the play by Leeds.
”The Boys in the Band” is a genuine ensemble piece, meaning the roles are interdependent and you need all nine of the actors to rise to a certain level for the production to work effectively.
I caught one of the first performances where the acting was very uneven and the cast hadn’t yet clicked as a group, but that could certainly improve as it continues its run.
For actors and the director, Crowley’s play demands a careful balancing act between scenes that are outrageously funny and ones that are painfully poignant. When I saw it, these actors were doing better with the laughs than the pathos, a situation that led to some jarring moments.
Is this play dated? There are popculture references that those under 50 may not get (Rosemary DeCamp anyone?), but if you think these characters and their dilemmas don’t exist in 2010, then tune into the reality show “The A List” on the Logo channel any Monday night and you’ll see that Michael, Harold, Emory and even Cowboy are alive and still bitchin’ away in New York City. Talk about embarrassments!
Matt Crowley never matched the success of his first play, but in 2002 he did write a sequel entitled “The Men From the Boys,” which picks up the same characters 30 years later. SPOILER ALERT: As the first play revolved around a birthday party, the sequel is a wake for Larry, the promiscuous fashion photographer who was in a tumultuous relationship with Hank the schoolteacher. Michael is still the host, still miserable, and still in debt, but laying off the booze. It’s his best friend Donald who now has that problem. Harold shows up late again and brings a blond “actor/ dancer/ waiter” as his date to the funeral. Bernard, “The African Queen,” is the most contented of the lot, and Emory is still slinging the outrageous one-liners (“The one good thing about Alzheimer’s is that you get to hide your own Easter eggs”).
Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7p.m. through Dec. 12 at Rising Action Theatre, Sunshine Cathedral located at 1480 SW Ninth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at by calling 1-800-595-4849, or visit www.risingactiontheatre.com.
]]>ALIBI PRESENTS JACKIE BEAT
Jackie Beat will be performing live at Alibi in Wilton Manors on Sun., Nov. 7 starting at 9 p.m. Drag superstar, Jackie Beat has been entertaining audiences across the U.S. and in Europe for over 10 years with her razor-sharp comedy and hysterical song parodies. Jackie not only warps hits by Britney Spears, Madonna, Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Cher and many others, but she flawlessly sings her twisted new versions live. Her one-woman show, “Jackie Beat is a Whole Lotta’ Love” ran a record 18 months at NYC’s premiere cabaret, Fez; she returns every year with her award-winning, standingroom- only Christmas show. Jackie’s stand-up has been featured in comedy clubs across the country and on Comedy Central, VH-1 and MTV. She was recently a staff writer for the comedy series “Hype!”, has written for the Sci-Fi Channel, is one of Us Magazine’s Fashion Police top cops and is currently the voice of Bertha on Nickelodeon’s animated series, “Kung-Fu Spy Troll”. She has appeared on many TV shows and in several movies including “Flawless” with Robert DeNiro and the cult hit “Wigstock: The Movie”. Jackie has also been in many off-Broadway productions, performed on cruise ships and is the lead singer of the popular electroclash band, Dirty Sanchez.
“JEANS FOR LIFE”
AIDS Healthcare Foundation and Out of the Closet have announced a 2010 Jeans for Life campaign. The Jeans for Life program is a fun, easy way for everyone to donate toward the care of people living with HIV/AIDS. Drop off your donated jeans at: Sidelines Sports Bar, Georgie’s Alibi, Bill’s, New Moon and/or Rosie’s Bar and Grill from November 1st through 15th. When you place them in the Jeans for Life bin, you will be helping support both local and global HIV initiatives.
BIRTHDAY BENEFIT FOR MISS VICKY
Rising Action Theatre proudly presents a gala birthday benefit for Miss Vicky Keller’s 85th birthday on Tues., Nov. 16 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Sunshine Cathedral/MCC at 1480 SW 9th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The cost is $49.95 and includes: a cabaret-style show featuring 10 performers, hors d’ourvres, door raffle, a “Dress and Look Like Ms. Vicky” contest, a cash bar and a silent auction. Tickets are available at www.risingactiontheatre.com or at the door.
2010 AUTUMN CHARITY BALL
Saturday, November. 20 at the Genna Lounge, 529 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. This celebrity charity event, in support of Florida Breast Cancer Foundation, will include fashion shows, performers, awards, silent auctions and celebrity speakers. Ticket price is $65 per person. This is a black tie event and is expected to be sold out. Open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, fashion shows, celebrity speakers and will be recording for Mode Lifestyle TV from 8:30 to 11 p.m. After party from 11 p.m. to 3:30 a.m., free general admission. Admittance between 8:30 and 11 p.m. only with prior confirmed registration and ticket.
A percentage of all tickets and sponsorships for this event will be donated by Mode Lifestyle Magazine to Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. To purchase your tickets, visit: www.modelifestylemagazine.com.
For event registration visit www.modelifestylemagazine. com or send an email to registrations@ModeLifestyleMagazine.com or call 1-888-450-8561.
WHITE HORIZONS
The only official morning party, White Horizons is a true dance event that provides the absolute best in sound, lights, and deejays. With no lack of energy or spirit in the crowd, this event is a must for true dance music enthusiasts. Sunday after-after hours/Monday morning party, Mon., Nov. 29 at Nocturnal Nightclub, 50 NE 11th Street in Miami.
CIRQUE BLANC 10
The Women’s White Party, Fri., Nov. 26 at the Nikki Beach Club, One Ocean Drive in Miami Beach from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Cirque Blanc, the signature Women’s White Party event, explodes in a sea of white with the sounds of the hottest girl deejays (D.J. Irene Pardo and D.J. Meesh) in the country. Bid on items in the silent auction, stroll the gardens, mingle under the stars or share a romantic moment in one of the oceanside cabins.
WHITE PARTY
The crown jewel of HIV fundraisers where thousands dressed in white dance under the Miami moon. Celebrity performances, top deejays, a food court filled with some of Miami’s hottest restaurants, local bars, and casino on the most breathtaking renaissance gardens in the country. VIP bar and casino bar with wristband. D.J. David Knapp.
Saturday, November 27 at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 S. Miami Avenue in Miami from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. For more info: visit www.whiteparty.org.
FLAMINGO COUNTRY FAIR
A Country Fair this weekend at the Flamingo Resort. Plans include a chili cook-off, bake sale, barbecue, pie eating contest and a lot of games and more. Includes live country music. Book your room now, and flock over to the Flamingo, 4601 34th St. S in St. Pete for the biggest hoe down in the area. Sat., Nov. 6, 11 a.m. to 4 a.m.
SISTERS BAKE SALE AND FOOD DRIVE
The Tampa Bay Sisters are hosting a bake sale, but not for cash — donate canned food or a new teddy bear, and you can pick up a delicious baked item from the Sisters’ table! The Sisters are always working hard for the community, so we hope to see you there. Flamingo Resort, 4601 34th St. S in St. Petersburg on Saturday, November 4 from 1 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
ROBYN AT THE RITZ YBOR
Singing sensation, Robyn will appear at The Ritz Ybor in Tampa on Sun., Nov. 7 from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., doors open at 7 p.m. After the huge success of 2007’s eponymous album which produced the int’l smash single ‘With Every Heartbeat’ and top 10 hit “Be Mine”, Robyn is back with her killer combination of natural pop nous and cool sassiness offering up an exciting mix of cool electronica, heartfelt pop songs and tracks that have all the hallmarks of becoming classic club hits.
Now’s your chance to catch all her biggest hits live. Tickets are $21.50 and can be purchased online at http://bit.ly/col0Jc. The Ritz Ybor is located at 1503 E 7th Av. in Tampa/Ybor City
BERLIN: A SQUARE ONE CREATIVE EVENT
On Sat., Nov. 13 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., The Ritz Ybor presents: Square One’s 3rd Annual Fall 2010 Creative & Performing Arts Showcase called “Berlin” featuring over 100 local artists and live performances by Bella Danza, VYB Dance Company, Mighty Mongo, 10th Concession, Shakemode, Anye Cole, Lindsay Vitola with a fashion show experience by Paul Raymond. The largest and most popular creative event in the area. Open to all ages and all guests are encouraged to wear the color purple. $2 donation at the door, $5 Access seating, $10 VIP access tables or VIP Access Balcony. “Berlin” will help benefit Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts. The Ritz Ybor, 1503 E 7th Ave in Tampa. For more information, visit www.squareoneflorida.com.
“GIRL’S NIGHT: THE MUSICAL”
A touching and hilarious look at the lives of a group of female friends, “Girl’s Night: The Musical” promises to have you laughing, crying and dancing in the aisles. “Girl’s Night” is bursting with energy and is packed with hits: “Lady Marmalade,” “It’s Raining Men,” “Man, I Feel Like a Woman,” and many more. So grab the girls and get ready to party. Runs from Nov. 4th through 7th at The Plaza Theatre, 425 North Bumby Avenue in Orlando. $39 reserved seating. Show dates and times: Thurs., Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.; Fri., Nov. 5 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 6 at 4 and 9 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 7 at 6 p.m.
2010 EQUALITY FLORIDA ORLANDO GALA
At the Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 North Mills Av. in Orlando. Nov. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. from 7 to 9 p.m. Must RSVP by Nov. 6. For more information, call (813) 870-3735. $100 suggested minimum donation.H CLASSIC WEEKEND – WET & WILD PARTY OrlandoBlackPride.com and WETPromotions.com presents 2010 Classic Weekend-Classic Friday – Wet & Wild Party Fri. Nov. 19th at Aqua Lounge, 2869 Wilshire Dr. in Orlando. Hosted by Neaundre and Norie. Deejays Surreal and Risque. $10 online until Nov. 14th at www.WETPromotions.com. Fri., Nov. 19, 2010 from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.
“ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW”
Running now through Nov. 13th at the Theatre Downtown, 2113 N. Orange Av. in Orlando. Advance tickets are $18/$20 at the door. For all advance tickets, reservations and info, call (407) 841-0083 or visit www.theatredowntown.net.H “AIMING FOR THE MOON” Gidget Galore’s “Aiming for the Moon: My Meteoric Rise to Mediocrity” on Saturdays November 6, 13 and 20 at 8 p.m. Industry Night Monday, November 22nd at 8 p.m. Reserved seat tickets are $10 at the Footlight Theatre at the Parliament House.
PULSE TURNABOUT 2010
Pulse Turnabout 2010 is a benefit for Hope and Help Center of Central Florida on Thurs., Nov. 11 at Pulse, 1912 S Orange Avenue in Orlando from 9 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. It’s one of Pulse’s most-anticipated events of the year. Come out for a great time and cause and see a show that you will never forget. For more info, visit www.hopeandhelp.org.H
(Photo: Courtesy of Lea DeLaria – http://www.delariadammit.com/)
By DMITRY RASHNITSOV
Lesbian Comedian/Singer Lea DeLaria from Broadway’s On the Town and The Rocky Horror Show, TV’s Will and Grace and the movie Edge of Seventeen performs a special benefit for Rising Action Theatre at The Manor, 2345 Wilton Drive, Wilton manors on Friday July 30 and Saturday July 31. Both shows start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $39 for the main floor and balcony and $59 for VIP seating. DeLaria will entertain with song and comedy. DeLaria has distinguished herself in every form of entertainment she touches — Jazz musician, Broadway diva, actor, writer and stand-up comic.
The New York Times also called her Jazz Album “The Best Jazz Album of the Year.”
A review of a recent DeLaria show from CabaretScenes.com states, “Ms. DeLaria has a clarity, richness and warmth to her voice that draw her audience in, and an innate ability to swing even the most seemingly un-swingable of songs. There are times when her voice seems to slip quietly into your body and then melt. It’s almost the same feeling as when you take that first sip of a stiff drink (or, as Ms. DeLaria might prefer, the first puff of a joint) and feel the relaxation course through you.”
Recently, Rising Action Theater received a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Broward for its Senior Readers Project. The project will begin again in September. Also, the City of Oakland Park has awarded Rising Action Theatre a $15,000 grant for its Audience Development Series.
The small theater that showcases about 10 shows per year was recently named Best Theater Company in a recent poll by the Broward New Times. This is the second year in a row that the theater won the award.
For more information about the theater or to purchase tickers to the DeLaria show visit: http://www.risingactiontheatre.com.
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THE MDGLCC’S MONTHLY NETWORKING PROGRAM
MDGLCC presents a networking program for the Downtown membership group. Hard Rock Café Bayside Restaurant 401 Biscayne Blvd #R200 (behind the Bayside Marketplace), 305- 377-3110.; registration 11:30 a.m. with luncheon/networking from noon to 1:00 p.m. Cost is $30 per person including seated style lunch. Limited to 30 persons; RSVP to 305-573-4000 or mailto:mdglcc@bellsouth.net. Get your seat early.
SIZZLE 2010
Originally a one-day occurrence, Sizzle has evolved into a 5-day smorgasbord of captivating daytime events, and pulsating nightlife. Hit the beaches of Miami This Memorial Day Weekend.
MANHUNT 2010
Boardwalk hosts Manhunt 2010. This is a ten week Playgirl Semi-Finalist contest with a $1,000 Grand Prize and a sponsorship. 1721 North Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale. (954) 463-6969.
OUT GIRLS MOVIE NIGHT
It’s an OUT Girls movie night (screening and discussion) at the Stonewall Library and Archives at 7 p.m. A mutual attraction develops and the two unlikely characters explore the uncharted territory of unexpected love. Free Admission. 1300 E Sunrise Blvd Fort Lauderdale. (954) 763-8565.
KIM ZOLCIAK AND DJ TRACY YOUNG LIVE
Living Room Nightclub hosts the Silver Party 2010 with Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kim Zolciak and DJ Tracy Young. Don’t miss Kim’s “coming out” party. 300 SW 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Doors open at 10:30 p.m. Celebrate the Memorial Day weekend these two ladies.
JANICE DICKINSON
As part of the 2010 White Fort Lauderdale Weekend, Janice Dickinson hosts The White Angels Fashion Showat The Manor. The Manor is located at 2345 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Dickinson was one of the original supermodels in the early ‘80s and her over-the-top personality will rock out!
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BETTY ANN PRISCAK
A Memorial Service will be held for long-time WIN member Betty Ann Priscak.at the Sunshine Cathedral at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers please either send a donation to The Sunshine Cathedral or to the “Prayer Garden.” Lauderdale.
THE SUM OF US
The Sum of Us is a love story about a widowed father and his gay son, who’s trying to find Mr. Right. After meeting in a local pub, Jeff and a young gardener, Greg, hit it off and begin to date. When he meets Jeff’s stubborn, opinionated Dad however, Greg begins to back off. The show stats at 8 p.m. Tickets: show only: $35.00 ; show and dinner package – 3 course Dinner at Primavera Restaurant (located across the parking lot): $60.00. Rising Action Theatre, 840 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park. (954) 561-2225.
CONNIE FRANCIS
Join the City of Fort Lauderdale and legendary singer Connie Francis at the Great American Beach Party. This free event features live bands, a classic car show, family beach activities and a 50th Anniversary screening of Where the Boys Are, presented by the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the beach (A1A and East Las Olas Blvd.)
VAN GOGH: BRUSH WITH GENIUS
Discover a Van Gogh you’ve never seen before: serene and radiating with love of life as he retraces his footsteps through his letters. In this passionate voyage, you are thrown into a unique visual experience where the paintings spring to life before our eyes, so near us that we can feel the painter’s energy, the wind in the branches of a cypress, the dazzling Southern sun. The film offers us the unique joy of seeing and getting to know, with ever increasing admiration, the man whose energy and freedom are intrinsically bound to the great beauty of his work. Museum of Discovery & Science and AutoNation® IMAX® Theater. 401 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale.
POVERELLO BENEFIT
The Matty’s On the Drive vs. New Moon Water Balloon Fight benefiting Poverello begins at 4 p.m. Water balloons $1 each. 2426 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL, 33305, 954- 564-1799. Come out and join this fun-filled event. Wear something that you won’t mind getting wet.
LAFFING MATTERZ
Laffing Matterz, a live, original, musical comedy revue spoofing current events, is currently playing in Fort Lauderdale at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts . 4:30 p.m. Call 954-462- 0222.
SUDS
SUDS is a bubbly 60′s musical about romance in a Wash-O-Rama. From Chapel of Love to Don’t Make Me Over, SUDS is the show to see. The story of three girls trying to find love in a laundromat, SUDS bubbles over with fluffy. Sun-2pm & 7pm. $42. Broward Stage Door. 8036 W Sample Rd. 954- 344-7765.
FLAMINGO GARDEN TOURS
Flamingo Garden Tour is from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Flamingo Gardens, Botanical Collections & Wildlife Sanctuary located in Davie. Tours are presented by knowledgeable volunteers. 2955. $15 for adults. 954- 473-2955. Many spectacular sides are awaiting
THE WORLD OF GIANT INSECTS
Keeping in line with its commitment to entertain as well as educate, Miami Metrozoo presents The World of Giant Insects from at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. These animated robotic insects, enlarged 40 to 600 times their actual size, will present a different view to the onlookers. miamimetrozoo.com. (305) 251-0400
THE CHAT NOIR CLUB
There is finally a reason to go out on Monday night. Be a part of the interactive and surreal playground of performers that include contortionists, models, burlesque, drag, fetish, spoken word, live music and a few more surprises. 10 p.m. Entrance is $20. Dream Nightclub is at 1532 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. 305-674- 8018.
MIAMI BEACH BOTANICAL GARDEN TOURS
This is a fantastic way to spend your Memorial Day Weekend with your partner. Take a free guide tour of the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens from 11 a.m. to noon. Miami Beach Botanical Garden is at 2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach. (305) 673-7256. Come for the beauty, stay for the serenity.
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80
Around The World In 80 Nights, part of its Knight Arts Challenge, is designed to enrich the community and provide incite into a variety of ethnic cultures through a combination of film, art, fashion, music and/or cuisine. 5:30 p.m. Reception | 7:00 p.m. Film & discussion. Admission: General Admission is free. Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6 St., Fort Lauderdale. Details and advance tickets: www.fliff.com. 954-525- 3456. Parking: Free after 6:00 p.m. at meters and in the Courthouse Garage.
FLORIDA MARLINS VS. MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Cheer on the Florida Marlins as they take on the Milwaukee Brewers at the Sun Life Stadium. 2267 Dan Marino Blvd, Miami Gardens. 7:10pm. Admission: $40-$48. Let’s play ball.
SALSA CLASSES
Celebrate the beauty of Salsa through connection with the music and body movement. Students learn to express themselves through the rhythm of Classes are from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Casa Salsa Dance Studio in Oakland Park. (954) 588- 8085. Dance up a storm and hit those moves.
IMOGEN HEAP
Imogen Heap is in concert at 8 p.m. at The Fillmore Miami Beach At Jackie Gleason Theater, Miami Beach, Florida. Watch as the artist Imogen Heap performs all of her hottest songs. $58. 1700 Washington Avenue Miami Beach.(305) 673- 7300.
WIN MONTHLY GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
You are invited to attend the WIN (Women In Network) general membership meeting at The Pride Center at Equality Park from 7 to 9 p.m. It’s All About the Women. 2040 N. Dixie Hwy,.Wilton Manors. 954-463-9005
ESCORTS
“Escorts” returns to the Rising Action Theatre. Last performed a year ago, this new, streamlined, preoff Broadway version is back. David Leddick has written a book about male escorts. The show reveals the stories of sixteen male escorts in words, song, and dance and in the flesh. With libretto and lyrics by David Leddick, music by Andrew Sargent, direction by David Kingery and produced by V. J. Colonna, musical theater doesn’t get any sexier. The Rising Action Theatre. 840 East Oakland Park Blvd. 1-800-838-3006. 8 p.m. General Admission Tickets: $25-$30 VIP Tickets $65-75. Enjoy the show.
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