Q_2003

www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 29, 2003 Q1
Q_COVERstory
2003 In Review: Q by Q
A Look Back at a Year’s Worth of Entertainment, ‘Express’ Style
By Mary Damiano
Arts & Entertainment Editor
New Year’s is by definition a beginning,
but it’s also the time of year that begs for a
look back at what has gone before.
And what a year it’s been in
entertainment. In short, it was a good year to
be gay. The year began with a pair of heavyhitter movies with gay characters and gay
sensibilities—and a strong gay influence
behind the camera. From the moment The
Hours was released it seemed destined to
duke it out with Chicago for the Oscars—
Chicago took home most of the statuettes—
and the gay trend in entertainment that would
drive the year was in place.
Of course, the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film
Festival was a showcase for gay films, but
the Miami International Film Festival and the
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
also featured lots of programming with the
gay audience in mind.
June was a very good month, with
Hairspray and Take Me Out being awarded
a nice chunk of booty at the Tony Awards,
including the top honors of Best Musical
and Best Play. But the big news was The
Kiss—not the Madonna-Britney publicity
stunt—but the heartfelt, exuberant show of
affection between life and business partners
Marc Shaiman and Scott
Whittman, who won for
their score of Hairspray.
The men made history
simply by kissing on the
live broadcast, in a moment
that seemed the perfect
precursor to Canada’s
legalization of same-sex
marriage and the Supreme
Court’s sodomy decision.
And gay TV made
headlines, with Bravo’s
gay reality shows Boy Meets Boy and Queer
Eye for the Straight Guy. While it turned out
that there were some straight ringers among
the prospective dates in Boy Meets Boy, The
Fab Five from Queer Eye became the Boys
of Summer, happily making the straight men
of the world cleaner, hotter and more cultured.
The fall brought a new gay-themed
sitcom, It’s All Relative, and the premiere of
Ellen DeGeneres’s talk show. Both shows
have done well enough to warrant renewal.
And the first all-gay satellite channel—here!
Pay-Per-View—debuted on DirecTV to great
numbers. HBO’s monumental masterpiece,
Angels in America made the front page of
Q2
some newspapers, because of its artistry and
scope.
Locally, South Floridians had plenty of
gay-themed theatre and events to choose
from—including gay play reading festivals,
more out authors than ever at the Miami
International Book Fair and a new gay men’s
chorus in West Palm Beach.
And there is so much more to look
forward to next year. In January alone, women
will get their turn with the new Showtime
series, The L Word, which debuts Jan. 18.
Locally, on Jan. 10 the Sol Theatre will
present a lesbian play, Stop/Kiss, about two
women involved in a gay-bashing incident.
The Pride Play Series at the Florida Stage
Theatre continues with a reading of the
lesbian play The Gene Pool. The Lambda
Showcase on Jan. 11 turns the spotlight on
local gay and lesbian entertainers in a variety
show. And local writers will
steam things up on Jan. 16, with
Not Your Average Bedtime
Story, an evening of sex readings
presented by Lavender Writes.
But right now, let’s take a
look back on a year’s worth of
entertainment that seemed to
say, “We’re here, we’re queer—
and they’re not just getting
used to it, they’re loving every
minute of it.”
Ed Harris
Jan. 5, 2003- Ed Harris’s role as an
award-winning poet dying from
AIDS garnered him an Oscar
nomination and helped make The
Hours one of the most talked about
films of the season. He lost to Chris
Cooper in Adaptation.
Hedwig and
the Angry Inch
Jan. 13, 2003-A new production
of the cult phenomenon Hedwig
and the Angry Inch opened at
Level Nightclub in South Beach
and enjoyed a successful run, and
the gay-themed play Food Chain
opened at the Mosaic Theatre.
Also, fashion was in the news as
stylist, designer and performer
Frank Ricigliano told The Express
all about his new design company,
AllGlamour.com, which specializes
in gowns for men. Meanwhile,
upstart designers Dulce de Leche
www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 29, 2003
held a swimwear fashion show at
the Delano during the 100th Martini
Tuesday. Update: Ricigliano just
co-starred in It’s a Fabulous Life,
for which he also made all the
gowns, and Dulce de Leche just
unveiled their latest collection at
the 150th Martini Tuesday.
Pepper MaShay
Jan. 20, 2003-Singer and club
favorite Pepper Mashay was
talking about her new record, “I
Can’t Stop” and her first video,
directed by Chi Chi Larue. Also, the Miami
International Film Festival announced the
lineup for its 20th festival, which included
many gay films: The Education of Gore
Vidal, Gasoline, Madame Sata and
Pandemic: Facing AIDS. In television, NBC
announced that its affiliates would carry
Ellen DeGeneres’s
talk show. Update:
The
Ellen
DeGeneres Show
premiered
in
September and was
such a hit that it has
been renewed for
next year.
Jennifer Holliday
Feb. 10, 2003- Broadway
legend Jennifer Holliday came
to town to perform a benefit
concert for Unity on the Bay
and dished about the changes
that have finally brought
happiness to her life. SM writer
Laura Antoniou signed copies
of her Marketplace erotica
series and gave two seminars
on master-slave relations at the
GLCC, sponsored by SPICE.
Also this week, the lesbian play Gertrude
Stein and a Companion opened at the Sol
Theatre. Update: Gertrude Stein enjoyed a
successful run and the Sol will open another
lesbian play, Stop/Kiss, January 10.
The Florida Choral
Festival
Feb. 17, 2003- In a one-of-a-kind musical
merger, the Lambda Chorale, Sunshine
Cathedral Choir, Ft. Lauderdale Gay Men’s
Chorus and the South Beach Gay Men’s
Chorus joined together for the first annual
Florida Choral Festival, an event which
spotlighted gay voices working together.
Also in the news, Sister Speak, the group
dedicated to giving women a safe place to
DJ Nick Warren
speak their minds, celebrated its one year
Jan. 27, 2003- World-traveling DJ Nick anniversary, and Aida, the musical based on
Warren played Crobar and promoted his Verdi’s opera and featuring a score by Elton
latest CD, Reykjavik #024; and
John and Tim Rice, played
Christian Campbell gave insight
Broward Center. Update:
into playing Rent creator Jonathan
The second annual Florida
Larsen in tick, tick...Boom! at
Choral Festival will be
Parker Playhouse. A new gay board
presented Saturday, Feb. 21,
game, Gayopoly, made its South
and will feature gay
Florida debut at Twist, and a new
choruses from around the
gay magazine, Xodus, debuted.
state.
Update: Xodus just celebrated their
one-year anniversary.
Augusten
Ute Lemper
Feb. 3, 2003- Germanborn chanteuse Ute
Lemper released her latest CD,
But One Day. The Renaissance
Festival opened its gates for a
month-long
fete,
and
nominations were announced
for the 6th annual Curtain Up
Awards. The nominations
included gay- themed shows
and performances.
Burroughs
Feb. 24, 2003- Gay writer
Augusten Burroughs told of
his unusual upbringing with his memoir,
Running With Scissors. The all-male ballet
troupe Les Ballets Trockadero performed at
the Jackie Gleason Theatre. DVDs were big
news, as Tales of the City debuted on DVD,
and Sharon Gless, Hal Sparks and Robert Gant
came to Miami Beach to greet their fans and
promote the release of Queer as Folk Season
Two on DVD. Update: Burroughs appeared
at the Miami International Book Fair this past
Continued on Next Page
Q_2003 In Review: Q by Q
November to discuss his latest book, Dry, a presented at ArtServe. And Dan Renzi May 19, 2003- Titian-haired singer and
memoir about his substance abuse and how appeared at Gay Life Expo Miami on behalf songwriter Suzanne Vega played Broward
he conquered it.
Center for the Performing Arts and gave
of the Human Rights Campaign.
Express readers a glimpse into the woman
DJ DeMarco
behind the music and told how motherhood
March 3, 2003- Tribal star DJ DeMarko chatted Ted Casablanca
about his spinning gig at the Winter Party April 7, 2003- E! gossip guru Ted has influenced her music in an insightful
event, Leather Party. The Curtain Up Awards Casablanca served as the Grand Marshal of interview. One of the gayest non-gay movies
honored the best in local theatre, with awards AIDS Walk Miami: Run, Walk, Blade for the to come along in years, Down With Love,
going to Wayne LeGette, who won for his drag Cure, and dished up some stern words for garnered praise and rave reviews.
role in Ruthless, and the Shores Performing politicians and AIDS apathy. Also, a
Down With Love
arts Theatre’s production of The Rocky Horror community
theatre
in
Show, which won for Best Ensemble. The gay- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea staged a
Producers Dan
owned and operated Sol Theatre was honored production of Norman, Is That
Jinks and Bruce
with the award for Most Innovative Theatre. You?
Cohen
Jim Brickman
Noel
March 10, 2003- Romantic singer Jim
Brickman visited South Florida to perform a
concert at Florida Atlantic University.
Stephen Fales brought his autobiographical
show, X’d: Confessions of a
Mormon Boy, to the Coconut
Grove Playhouse. The show
details Fales struggles as a
gay Mormon.
April 14, 2003-Miami artist Noel
discussed how his career as a
dancer funnels into his artwork,
and furniture got glamorous with
the
designs
of
Glitterace.
Brian Lane Green
A Family Affair
June 23, 2003- The lesbian comedy A Family
Affair opened in South Florida, and director
and writer Helen Lesnick, along with actress
Michele Greene, talked about the difficulties
of getting a lesbian film made. Steve Hayes
starred in The Last Sunday in June, a gay
play which enjoyed an extended run at the
Caldwell Theatre in
Boca Raton.
May 26, 2003- The Oscarwinning producers of
Becky
American Beauty discussed
Baeling
their new film Down With
June 30, 2003- Singer
Love, a homage to Rock
Becky Baeling released
Hudson-Doris Day sex
her
debut
CD,
comedies, and why the film
Becstasy,
(still
love
that
taps into the gay sensibility.
title)
and
appeared
at
Aqua Girl wowed the
Party
93.1’s
July
4
women’s community with parties and
concert
extravaganza.
events, and the South Beach Gay Men’s
David Leddick staged
Chorus proved how ABBAsolutely
a
concert
version
of
his
latest musical, Secrets
fabulous they are in their spring concert
of
the
Chorus.
salute to the Swedish supergroup.
April 21, 2003- The fifth annual
Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
Charlie Lapson
took the spotlight, presenting many
March 17, 2003- Designer
popular films and parties. Actor
Charlie Lapson enjoyed an
Brian Lane Green, costar of Friends
all-star fashion show at the
& Family, spoke about being out DJs Kim Dazy and
Fashion of the Americas
in Hollywood, and director Julian
Angelos Styliano
event in Miami Beach. Karen
Fernandez discussed his film, Sex,
Schoenhals wowed the
Politics and Cocktails, which June 2, 2003- South Florida guys and gals
geared up for Gay Days at Disney and other
crowd at Borders with her classical guitar detailed the love lives of gay men.
Orlando hotspots, and The Express featured
performance, and the cross-dressing musical,
two DJs playing events, DJ Kim Dazy and DJ
Hello Gorgeous, premiered at the Delray John Ottman
Angelos Styliano. Also just in
Beach Playhouse.
April 28, 2003- John Ottman, the editor and time for Gay Days, the ultimate
composer of X 2 talked about his career in gay guide to Disney World,
Curbside
Hollywood, and Laura Nix came to town when Queens in the Kingdom, was
March 24,2003- The Express welcomed gay her film, The Politics of Fur, played the Miami released. At the theatre, the
comic strip Curbside to its pages with an Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. Also, Tiffany Edge theatre’s production of
interview with the strip’s creator, Robert Arieagus discussed her career and activism, Shopping and F**cking
Kirby. The musical In Gay Company opened as a performer and AIDS Project Florida proved
an
unbearable
at Religious Science Fort Lauderdale, the patient relations specialist.
excursion.
Public Theatre scored with its production of
Edward Albee’s Three Tall Women and A New Michael McKeever
The Trip
Brain, by Tony-winning gay composer
May 5, 2003- Playwright Michael June 9, 2003- Director Miles
William Finn, opened
McKeever’s play, A Town Like Irving, Swain and stars Larry Sullivan
at the Mosaic Theatre.
which deals with the hate-crime murder and Steve Braun discussed making the epic
Also, rocker Melissa
of a young gay man in a small town, gay love story The Trip, which was finally
Ferrick played Calliope
premiered at the New Theatre in Coral released in area theatres after making its
Fest and DJ and
Gables. Also, actor Bill Perlach donned South Florida debut a year before at the
Producer Paul Van Dyk
high heels and drag for his role in a Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. Update:
headlined an event at
production of the all-male beauty contest The Trip has just been released on
the Winter Music
homage Pageant.
DVD.
Conference in Miami.
Update: Ferrick just
Politically InQueerect
Jem Jender
released a live album,
May 12, 2003- Dylan Edwards released a June, 16, 2003- Drag performer
70 People at 7,000
book of his comic strip, Politically Jem Jender came to South Florida
Feet.
InQueerect. Comic Karen Williams, a to appear in the Stonewall Pride
South Beach Nightlife
comedian who founded the HaHA Institute, Parade, and returned a month later
March 31, 2003-The comings and goings at which promotes better living through belly
hip South Beach hot spots was in the laughs, headlined a comedy night at Aqua for the production The Diva
Diaries, which Jender wrote. The
spotlight. Robby Kendall produced Queer Girl.
Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s
Mates, his new live sitcom, which was
Suzanne Vega
Chorus, still known as the Gay Men’s Chorus
of South Florida, geared up for their annual
pride concert, and the Florida Dance Festival
got audiences on their toes.
Sarah Brightman
July 14, 2003- Sarah Brightman released her
CD Harem, which won critical acclaim and
earned good sales. Lambda Chorale wowed
its audience when they teamed with the
Flamingo Freedom Band for their Regards to
Broadway concert. And SunSentinel fashion columnist Rod
Stafford Hagwood dished about
meeting Audrey Hepburn, Tom
Cruise’s fabulous boots, and the
difference between style and
fashion.
Angelina Jolie
July 21, 2003- Lush-lipped
Angelina Jolie starred in Lara
Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle
of Life and told how motherhood
has tamed Hollywood’s wild
child. Also, Bust magazine dedicated an
entire issue to all things gay, and local writers
got audiences all hot and bothered with “Not
Your Average Bedtime Story”, an erotica
reading at Pride Factory.
Rachael Sage
July 28, 2003- Sultry-voiced
singer-songwriter-musician
Rachael Sage released her
latest CD, Public Record, and
won new fans with her unique
blend of music and drama. A
new biography of John
Rechy was published, and
Continued on Next Page
www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 29, 2003 Q3
Q4
www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 29, 2003
Q_2003 In Review: Q by Q
fans remembered out director John Sept. 1, 2003- The Express gave readers the annual Madrigal Feast, performing traditional
Schlessinger, who died after a long illness. low-down on all the hip happenings for the madrigals and bawdy drinking songs while
coming months—69 ways to be entertained. guests feasted on a meal fit for
a king—or queen, as the case
Mr. Bigglesworth
might be.
Legendary
Madame Sata
Aug. 4, 2003- Express readers
shared memories of their
Sept. 8, 2003- Director Karim transsexual Amanda Lepore
favorite movie and TV animal
Ainouz’s film Madame Sata was took on the biz in an effort to
stars, and Q paid homage to
released in South Florida; it made become a dance diva. Lesbian
three of the greats: Mr.
its area debut months before at Playboy playmate Stephanie
Bigglesworth from the Austin
the Miami International Film Adams appeared at the GLCC
Powers films; Toto, from The
Festival. Lavender Footlights, a for the Women’s Alliance
Wizard of Oz and Trigger, Roy
new gay and lesbian play reading OutProud event in honor of
Rogers’ faithful steed. Alison
festival, debuted at the Shores National Coming Out Day.
Bechdel prepared for the
Theatre. And Madonna and Miami’s own David Leddick
release of her latest book of
Britney Spears had their little released his new book, The
strips, Dykes and Sundry
MTV Music Video Awards Secret Lives of Married Men,
which tells the stories of 40 gay men who are
Other Carbon Based Lifemoment, and
or were married to women.
Forms to Watch Out For.
locked lips in a kiss seen
‘round the world.
Reno 911
The RoughRiders
Aug. 11, 2003- Country met Broadway when
the RoughRiders dance team performed in
their variety show, Broadway My Way, at
Broward Center. The Fab Five from the
surprise hit Queer Eye for the Straight Guy
went on the Tonight Show and made over
the set, the band and late
night host Jay Leno.
Vampire
Lesbians of
Sodom
Aug. 18, 2003- Charles
Busch’s camp comedy
Vampire Lesbians of
Sodom got special
treatment at the Sol
Theatre, where it sold out
every show of its run. The
Fort Lauderdale Gay
Men’s Chorus made history as the first gay
group to perform the national anthem at a
Marlins game, and VH1 presented Totally
Gay, a documentary about the queering of
culture.
Cirque du Soleil
Aug. 25, 2003- The popular edgy circus
premiered a new show in Las Vegas,
Zumanity, an adults-only extravaganza of
erotica that pushed the
boundaries of sexuality.
Cher announced a South
Florida stop for her
umpteenth farewell
concert tour. Spurred by
the success of Chicago,
Bob Fosse’s seminal
movie musical All That
Jazz was finally released
on DVD.
Arts Season
Preview
Gay PPV
Oct. 13, 2003- Actor Thomas
Lennon chatted about super-short
Sept. 15, 2003- A new
shorts and his role as gay cop Jim
all-gay
pay-per-view
Dangle on the Comedy Central
channel, here!, debuted and
parody Reno 911! Ex-Saturday
became an immediate
Night Live cast member Terry
success. Mark Akens, Elliot
Sweeney was featured in Coming
Pilshaw and David
Out Party, which
Vance got together
showcases the stories of
for a terrific cabaret
seven openly gay and
show, Taking a
lesbian
comedians.
And in a story
Chance on Love.
that blurred the lines between news
and entertainment even more,
Chelsea Boys
Sept. 22, 2003- Glen Hanson and Arnold Schwarzenegger was
Allan Neuwirth, creators of the comic elected governor of California.
strip Chelsea Boys, saw the
publication of their first book, a Linda Eder
Oct.
20,
2003compilation of five
Broadway songstress
years worth of strips,
Linda Eder brought her
and Margaret Cho
only-God-knows-how-manymade her customary stop in
octave voice to Broward Center
Miami with her latest tour,
for a dazzling show that kept her
Revolution.
audience amazed. Michael
McKeever’s comedy, Running
It’s All Relative
With Scissors, debuted at the
Sept. 29, 2003- It’s All
Florida Stage Theatre in
Relative, a new sitcom about
Manalapan, while the GableStage
a gay couple and a straight
Theatre tackled Edward Albee’s
couple thrown together by
ode to bestiality with its terrific
the engagement of their
production of The Goat, or Who
children, debuted on
Is
Sylvia,
and
Elle Décor’s Dining by Design
ABC. The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film
fundraiser
raised
big bucks for local
Festival screened Party Monster, a the
AIDS
organizations.
film about murderous club kid Michael
Alig, at a fundraising event that
attracted huge crowds, and Km.O, a
delightful comedy, played South
Florida. Update: It’s All Relative has
been a ratings success and ABC has
ordered a full slate of episodes.
Gina Gershon
Oct. 27, 2003- The sexy actress
and certified dykon—that’s
shorthand for ‘dyke icon’—was
out promoting her new film, Prey
for Rock and Roll. The Florida
Stage Theatre kicked off its Pride
Madrigal Feast
Oct. 6, 2003- The Ft. Lauderdale Gay Play Series with a reading of I
Men’s Chorus staged their second Know You’re the One, about a gay
man trying to adopt a baby.
Another production of Hedwig and the
Angry Inch rolled into South Florida, this time
to Broward Center. Dance for
Life raised money and AIDS
awareness with a magnificent
evening of dance at Gusman
Theatre.
And the Fort
Lauderdale International Film
Festival was in full swing long
before its official opening night,
showing about a dozen gay and
lesbian-themed films.
Charles Busch
Nov. 3, 2003- Gay playwright
Charles Busch took a break from
is writing duties on Broadway’s Taboo to
talk to The Express about his play The Tale
of the Allergist’s Wife, which made its Florida
premiere at the Coconut Grove Playhouse.
Spoken word artist Alix Olsen and folk
guitarist Pamela Means teamed up for the
Women Who Rock concert event at Sea
Monster, produced by Ultra Entertainment
Group. Update: Busch’s film, Die, Mommie,
Die, just ended a run at the Gateway in Fort
Lauderdale.
Cyndi Lauper
Nov. 10, 2003- The wacky
woman famous for the 1980s
anthem “Girls Just Wanna
Have Fun” transformed
herself into a torchy
chanteuse for her latest CD,
At Last, and proved what a
spectacular set of pipes she
really has. Kate Mulgrew
channeled Kate Hepburn in
Tea at Five, which is still
playing at the Cuillo Centre in West Palm
Beach. A new gay men’s chorus, Voices of
Pride, held their group’s kick-off event in
West Palm Beach. The Flamingo Freedom
Band saluted the cinema with their Reel
Music concert. And the Shores Performing
Arts Theatre presented Bat Boy: The
Musical, a quirky tale all about acceptance
and learning to live together despite each
other’s differences.
Britney Spears
Nov. 17, 2003- Pop princess
Britney Spears released her
latest CD, In the Zone, which
includes a duet with her
kissing gal pal, Madonna.
Vanity Fair’s December
cover featured a bevy of gay
TV stars and a nice portfolio
and story inside on “TV’s
Gay Heatwave.” Former
Supreme Mary Wilson
headlined the Gay & Lesbian
Continued on page 8
www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 29, 2003 Q5
BEST OF
Heard It Through the Gayvine
Queers, Quotes and Quips of Interest
The Sex, Scandals and
From Bush’s Porn Pal to Gay Celeb Weddings,
hether it was a porn stud turned GOP portrait painter or Lacquement told him that he was servicing his star employer but had a little trouble getting
sufficiently aroused to rise to the occasion. According to Van Muyden, he recommended Viagra
a baseball star’s gay porn past, 2003 could go down as to Lacquement, and then in July of last year, the butler simulated a sex act and fondled the
the year when porn really started going mainstream. With groundskeeper, who rebuffed the advances. Van Muyden says he was later fired by Taylor
rockers like Melissa Etheridge and Janis Ian getting hitched to their because of his reaction to the incident, but Taylor says he was fired for threatening members of
her household and employing illegal immigrants. Van Muyden is suing Lacquement for
lesbian loves, gay marriage wasn’t just a news item in 2003 but the discrimination and sexual harassment and is seeking $249,159 as money owed for landscaping
stuff of celebrity juice as well. With a dead gay mob boss thrown in services.
the picture, the bizarre world of tabloid trash met the pages of our
esteemed publication this past year. So here it is folks, a trip down In the Navy—Not Anymore
Aug. 25, 2003- The California governor’s race isn’t the only
2003 memory lane with some of the standouts from the “Gayvine.” place politics and entertainment are colliding. A combat
Expect lots more in 2004!
systems instructor for the Navy has been discharged under
W
the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy against
gay people after he was spotted as a contestant on the Bravo
Britney’s Crobar Connection
show Boy Meets Boy. Michael Jason Tiner appeared on the
Feb. 24, 2003-Pop princess Britney Spears is fuming over allegations that she used cocaine in show as one of the eligible bachelors. When he was eliminated
the bathroom of Miami’s own Crobar one night last November. The Star tabloid reports that an on the first episode, he was revealed to be one of the gay
unnamed source told them that Britney snorted coke in the VIP toilets at the club, while she was contestants. A fellow serviceman recognized Tiner on a
in town to listen to work for her next album. Britney is not only denying the drug allegations, but commercial for the show, and shortly thereafter, Tiner came
is filing a defamation suit.
out to his commanding officer. The process to discharge him
began immediately.
Herb Ritts in POZ
Tiner was an eight-year veteran of the Navy. He received
an honorable discharge effective Aug. 19.
March 24, 2003-Photographer Herb Ritts, who died
last December at age 50, is on the cover of the April
issue of POZ. The story examines why the
‘Queer Eye’ the Subject of
Michael Jason Tiner
announcement of Ritts’s death stated that he died of
Protest
“complications of pneumonia” but did not disclose the
Sept. 15, 2003- Apparently not everyone is enamored by the Fab Five from Queer Eye for
fact that Ritts had AIDS. Was it a return to the days
the
Straight
Guy. The Montana Family Coalition has announced a campaign of protest against the
when AIDS was the disease that dare not speak its
hugely successful Bravo show, and will target companies who advertise on the show. Julie
name? Was it a deliberate cover-up? And what are the
Millam, the coalition’s executive director, doesn’t believe that Queer Eye, in which five gay men
ramifications of keeping secret the fact that someone
give
a straight man a makeover, is a reality show. “To me, that’s not a reality show about gay
who dies had AIDS? Pick up POZ on newstands now.
people,” Millam said. “A really good reality show for gay people would be five gay men dying
of AIDS.”
Rosie and Kelli Make It Legal
Hey Julie, how about joining us all in the 21st century—anyone can get AIDS, even
April 17, 2003- Rosie O’Donnell and partner Kelli
conservatives. And it doesn’t look like you’ve ever watched the show, which is all about people
Carpenter already share a daughter, a house and parenting duties for Rosie’s adopted kids, and helping each other out to make lives better and dreams come true. Isn’t that sort of like that whole
now they also share a name. Carpenter now sports a driver’s license with the name Kelli concept of Christian charity? And here’s another
O’Donnell on it. Kelli showed off her new name to the New York Post’s Cindy Adams, exclaiming idea, and stay with us now Julie, because this is
that the name was a Christmas present from Rosie.
really revolutionary: If you don’t like what’s on
TV, turn the channel. There are, like, 60 channels
A Porno-rific Portrait in the White House
on the average cable TV system, so that leaves
April 21, 2003- A sleazy gossip columnist and wannabe comedian reported on his Web site that about 59 other stations to watch while Queer
artist and former gay porn star Jeff Griggs presented President Bush with a portrait of the leader, Eye is on. And just a word to all the Queer Eye
squinty eyes and all. On Griggs’s own Web site, there is a photo of him giving the president a pat fans out there: Next time you’re watching the
on the back. The hunky actor had a successful career in B movies and appeared on the daytime show, make a note of the commercials and drop
soap Days of Our Lives during the ’90s before it was discovered he had performed in a handful the companies a letter or e-mail telling them how
of gay pornos in the early part of the decade. Performing under the alias Tony Sinatra, doomed much you appreciate their sponsorship of Queer
porn legend Joey Stefano was just one of Griggs’s many co-stars. One could imagine legions of Eye for the Straight Guy. Counteract the letters
staunch conservative Republicans soiling their underwear over news of a former gay porn star in they receive from Julie and her coalition cronies.
Show them you’re queer and you’re here to stay.
the Oval Office with his arm around their hero’s back. What a disgrace for the GOP!
Mob Boss Accused of Sleeping with Swishes
now Sleeps with the Fishes
Tab Hunter Confirms He’s Gay
Sept. 15, 2003- Movie heartthrob Tab Hunter, 72, has acknowledged that he is gay and will tell
May 5, 2003-While testifying at a racketeering and murder trial, mobster-turned-government- all about his secret life in Hollywood in his upcoming autobiography, due to be published by
informant Anthony Capo told how he whacked acting boss John “Johnny Boy” D’Amato Simon & Schuster in 2005. The star of the film Damn Yankees!, who set many hearts aflutter
because D’Amato was gay. Capo told the court that when D’Amato’s crew discovered he liked back in his 1950s heyday, has decided to set the record straight (pardon the pun) and make sure
men, they decided to off him, rather than risk him being outed and having the family become the anyone interested in his story gets the truth “from the horse’s mouth.” Among the tidbits
butt of the underworld. “Nobody’s gonna respect us if we have a gay homosexual boss sitting featured in the book will be details about Tab’s relationship with Anthony Perkins, and how Tab
hated the measures they had to take to hide from the public and make their relationship seem
down discussing la cosa nostra business,” Capo told jurors in Manhattan federal court.
platonic. Gee, Rock Hudson, Richard Chamberlain, Tab Hunter—were there any gorgeous straight
Capo testified that in 1992, he and a fellow mobster picked up D’Amato, and that while
men in Hollywood in the ’50s?
they were driving, Capo turned and shot his boss. Ironically, the film Friends and Family
recently played to a sell-out crowd at Cinema Paradiso, as part of the Miami Gay & Lesbian
Film Festival. The film, scheduled for release later this year, tells the story of two mobsters who Classic Rocker Janis Ian and Girlfriend Get Hitched
are gay and accepted by everyone in the family, including the godfather, who wishes the couple Sept. 22, 2003-Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Janis Ian, the talent behind hits
such as “Society’s Child” and “At Seventeen” made headlines when she and her partner, Patricia
were Sicilian so they could take over the family.
Snyder, got married in Canada this past month. Ian, 52, had previously been married to a
Portuguese businessman before meeting Snyder in 1989. According to Ian, she and Snyder had
‘Hairspray’ and ‘Take Me Out’ Honored
once registered as domestic partners in Provincetown, Mass., but never went through with a
May 26, 2003- It was good to be gay at the Drama Desk Awards. Hairspray, the stage version
ceremony. Ian figured if it didn’t give them any rights there was no point. But when the opportunity
of John Waters’ film racked up 10 awards, including “Best Musical.” Harvey Fierstein, who
to get married opened up in Canada, the Nashville residents leapt at the idea Wearing loud
plays his role in drag, shared the “Outstanding Actor in a Musical” with Antonio Banderes,
Hawaiian shirts, the couple took their vows at a wedding chapel in Toronto City hall surrounded
currently starring in Nine. Take Me Out, the drama about a baseball player who reveals he’s gay,
by a few close friends.
won two awards, “Outstanding Play” and one for its star, Denis O’Hare. Cross-dressing comedian
The Express spoke with the folk singer’s publicist, Tamara Saviano, who said she has not
Eddie Izzard was also honored as “Outstanding Actor in a Play” for “A Day in the Death of Joe
heard how the wedding went but said Ian had been looking forward to it immensely. Saviano also
Egg.” The Drama Desk Awards are chosen by the media covering New York theatre, and are
let us know how busy Ian is with three new projects. A double-live CD, Working Without A Net,
considered a predictor of the Tony Awards, which will take place June 8.
is scheduled for release by Oh Boy Records on Oct. 7. Soon afterward, in early 2004, Ian will
release her first studio album in four years, Billie’s Bones. The album will feature a duet with
Did the Butler Do It?
country music legend Dolly Parton. The two singer-songwriters are great admirers of each other.
Aug. 18,2003- Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor has been named in a lawsuit brought by her As if that weren’t enough to keep her busy, noted science fiction publisher DAW released Stars:
former groundskeeper, who claims he was fired for refusing to have sex with Taylor’s butler. Stories Based on the Lyrics of Janis Ian earlier this month. To find out more about Janis Ian check
Willem Van Muyden, who worked for Taylor for 13 years before being dismissed last year, says out her Web site at www.janisian.com.
that Taylor’s butler, Jean-Luc Lacquement sexually assaulted him. Van Muyden says that
Q6
www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 29, 2003
BEST OF
Heard It Through the Gayvine
Queers, Quotes and Quips of Interest
Salacious Gossip of 2003
‘The Express’ Stirred Up the Dirt
Melissa and Tammy Lynn
Become Mrs. and Mrs.
Sept. 29, 2003- It’s as official as it can get at the moment—
Melissa Etheridge and Tammy Lynn Michaels have tied the
knot. The couple were joined in an intimate ceremony in
Malibu on Sept. 20 in front of family and friends. The brides
wore wedding outfits by Badgely Mischka—Melissa wore a
pantsuit with a linen jacket with beaded accents and crepe
pants, while Tammy Lynn wore a white matte jersey gown
with a white lace coat, adorned with crystal embellished
scalloped trim. The barefoot brides exchanged two identical,
custom-made platinum wedding bands. The happy couple
released this statement: “We are so grateful for the blessings
from our friends and family as we commence our vows, and
begin the rest of our lives together.”
punch and wrestle, and he does both very, very hard. He’s a hard-core
wrestler and likes to razzle and wrestle.”
If McConaughey is ever looking for wrestling partners, there are more
than a few Express readers who’d love to volunteer.
Gay Celebrities Hook-Up
Oct. 27, 2003- US Weekly reports that Queer Eye for the Straight Guy Fab
Fiver Kyan Douglas and Queer as Folk actor Robert Gant were “smitten”
with each other after meeting at the Entertainment Weekly pre-Emmy party.
The pair “retired to a quiet corner to chat alone,” and stayed until 1 a.m.—
leaving in the same car for whereabouts unknown. Douglas handles grooming
for Bravo’s Queer Eye; Gant plays Ben Bruckner on Showtime’s Queer as
Folk.
Cher Calls C-Span to Speak Her Mind
Nov. 3, 2003- Cher surprised listeners to C-Span when she anonymously
called the show to express her shock at seeing maimed U.S. soldiers. She said
that a recent visit she made to see injured soldiers at the Walter Reed Army
Tammy Lynn Michaels and Melissa Etheridge
Medical Centre in Washington was “the most heinous thing I have ever
Oct. 6, 2003- Missy Elliot’s latest collaboration is sure to
seen.” Furthermore, the legendary superstar is appalled by the way maimed soldiers are being
tick off her gay fans. The sexy rapper and hip-hopper has teamed with homophobic Jamaican hidden from the public. Cher spoke in detail about young men who had lost one or two limbs, and
reggae star Elephant Man for a track on her new album, This Is Not a Test. Elephant Man is how it took everything she had not to break down. She then proceeded to ask why President
known for his lyrics, which advocate and celebrate violence against gay men, including a song George W. Bush and senior administration officials were not releasing photos of the recovering
about setting fire to a gay man and stomping on his body, and shooting gay men in the head. Last servicemen. At the end of the conversation, the host asked Cher why she went to the hospital.
month, gay activists in Great Britain demanded that Elephant Man and other singers with antiShe replied that she was an entertainer. When he asked what type, she replied, “I really
gay lyrics be arrested for inciting hate crimes and spoke out against their nominations for MOBO don’t want to go much past that, but…” The host than cut her off and asked if she was Cher. She
awards, which honors urban music in Great Britain. The three homophobic singers nominated— replied, “Yes.” A station spokeswoman said, “Cher came in like just another regular caller with
Elephant Man, Beenie Man and Bounty Killer—lost the award for Best Reggae Act to Wayne something on her mind.”
Wonder.
The compassionate and cool diva kept Express staff members entertained this past weekend
when she performed at The Office Depot Center.
Missy Elliot Workin’ It with
Homophobic Singer
Lollo Goes Loco
Oct. 13, 2003-Italian acting legend Gina Lollobrigida appeared on Larry King Live along with
Liz Smith and others to remember Rock Hudson’s passing from AIDS. All done up in red
peekaboo lace, the sex symbol insisted that she and Rock had been “in love” and were intimate—
up to a point. “At that ‘certain moment,’ he fell asleep,” Lollobrigida said. “But it happens.”
La Lollo went on to opine that sometimes men, in midlife, just “go gay” all of a sudden.
Lollobrigida feels sure that’s what happened to Rock—right after he could not consummate their
relationship. In her next day’s column, Smith says she was reluctant to question Lollobrigida on
camera, but recounted an interview where the openly gay (by the end of his life) Hudson said he
did not get along with the Italian beauty. Could it be that Lollo’s life in film has her imagining
scenes from her own life?
Baseball Pro Fesses Up to Gay Porn Past
Oct. 20, 2003- It seems as though college students in Japan are as broke as their U.S. counterparts.
Both BaseballAmerica.com and The Cleveland Plain Dealer have reported that Cleveland Indians
minor league pitcher Kazuhito Tadano has confessed to appearing in a pornographic video in
which he took part in a homosexual act. Supposedly Tadano was Japan’s top amateur pitcher
last year at Rikkyo University in Tokyo. His bright future took a dark turn when a Japanese
tabloid printed pictures of him from the movie. The tabloid hit the stands right before the draft,
and no Japanese professional team selected him.
Prominent sports agents say that in the Asian market Tadano would have been the first or
second pick and would have signed for between $2 million and $2.5 million.
Instead, the Indians signed him for a $67,000 minor-league contract, after
several American major league teams passed on him as well. At least his
teammates have been supportive of him after he told his story to them
back in April. Tadano, who says he is heterosexual, told teammates that he
appeared in the movie as a 19-year-old freshman because he needed the
money. General Manager Mark Shapiro says Tadano is talented enough to
join the Indians’ pitching staff next season.
Liza on the Attack!
Former ‘Express’ News Editor Ian Drew Does Media Blitz
Nov. 24, 2003- Former Express News Editor Ian Drew was everywhere last week on television,
including on The O’Reilly Factor, Nightline, Fox News, Entertainment Tonight and Access
Hollywood. Drew, who now writes for US Weekly, has interviewed both Michael Jackson and
Debbie Rowe, the mother of two of Jackson’s children. When the latest allegations on Jackson
broke in the news, US Weekly booked Drew on virtually every primetime news and entertainment
program. Go Ian!
Tammy Brings Tears to Tampa Gay Audience
Nov. 24, 2003- Tammy Faye Messner was nothing less than entertaining when she spoke at a
largely gay congregation in Tampa. When Pastor Robert L. Morgan invited Messner to help
deliver a “God loves all” sermon, she jumped at the chance. The Associated Press quotes Messner
as saying, “People are always on me about the crying. But honey, it’s my party and I’ll cry if I
want to!” Messner also told parishioners, “I think Jesus really loves crazy people. He really
does. He made so many of us.” Messner promoted her new book titled I Will Survive…and You
Can To. She also informed the audience about her upcoming reality show Surreal World 2, in
which she shares a house with fellow B celebrities, rapper Vanilla Ice, CHiPs actor Erik Estrada
and, most baffling of all, porn legend Ron Jeremy.
Drunk Boy George Splashes ‘Taboo’ Gossip
Dec. 8, 2003- 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 the
show 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.
Oct. 27, 2003- David Gest claims estranged wife Liza Minnelli has abused
him, and he wants $10 million to make him feel better. Gest, 50, alleges in
court papers that Minnelli, 57, flew into drunken rages on several occasions
on both sides of the Atlantic, insulting and striking him. Gest’s lawyer,
Raoul Felder, said his client suffered neurological damage and headaches
from the alleged attacks, as well as a range of other ailments, including
Kyan Gets Beaded by Cupids
Taboo cast photo
“scalp tenderness.” He is currently staying at a rehabilitation clinic in
Dec. 8, 2003- While talking to reporters in the VIP room of the White Party
Honolulu and taking 11 different medications to cope with his pain.
Supposedly one drunken brawl took place at The Hotel Plaza Athenee in New York after the last weekend, Kyan Douglas of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy was accosted by an unidentified
couple returned from their European honeymoon, and Gest caught his new wife downing a bottle 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
of vodka, causing her to fly into a rage. In the suit, Gest describes himself as a “world-renowned
event and concert promoter” and Minnelli as a star whose career “had eclipsed—alcoholic, 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
overweight and unable to be effectively merchandised.”
Douglas
to remove the Cupid’s necklace, to which Douglas replied, “Yeah, they are coming off
Minnelli issued a statement to deny Gest’s claims. “I hoped very much that the end of my
right
now.”
Next time Cupid’s could at least try white beads instead.
marriage would be handled with mutual respect and dignity,” she said. “The allegations in this
lawsuit are hurtful and without merit.”
Matthew McConaughey’s Touchy Way
Oct. 27, 2003- While being interviewed by The Express, Thomas Lennon of Reno 911! said
working with Matthew McConaughey was fun, and involved a lot of physical contact. The two
actors co-starred in the blockbuster How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Lennon told The Express,
“[McConaughey’s] an odd bird. He’s one of those guys who likes to wrestle a lot. He likes to
Stretching Those 15 Minutes
Dec. 15, 2003- Speaking of Web sites and reality TV, Dan Renzi from The Real World Miami just
sent The Express word he has started a new site at danrenzi.typepad.com (no www). Renzi
describes the site as “the random things he does and the random places he goes.” He says he
“hopes it will be funny.” We’re sure visitors to the site will be buckling their stomachs over in
convulsive laughter.
www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 29, 2003 Q7
Q_2003 In Review: Q by Q
Continued from page 5
Foundation of South Florida recognition daughter came to town for a two-week run of grandson.
dinner, where honorees
her show, Songs My Mother Taught
included Sir Ian McKellen
Me. Filmmaker Robert Rosenberg Ben Shenkman
and playwright Terrence
held a reception to raise interest and Dec. 8, 2003- Angels in
McNally. Bisexual singer/
money for his film in the works, America became the television
songwriter Skott Freedman
Biscayne Boulevard, about a student event of the season, and drew
was flying high with his
delving into the1950s murder of a gay enough viewers to become
compilation CD Bi the
man in Miami. And women turned out HBO’s highest-rated film of the
People, starring bi and bibig time for Cirque Blanc, the official year. Star Ben Shenkman came
friendly artists. And The
White Party women’s event.
to Miami to promote the film
Boys From Mariel, a play
before a special screening of
bout gay Cuban refugees,
Ian Drew
part one, “Millennium
had plenty of eye-candy
Late gay
Dec. 1, 2003- Former Express news Approaches.”
and plenty of substance.
editor Ian Drew became a media darling playwright Joe Orton’s What
Update: McKellen is box
when he appeared on a bunch news the Butler Saw made its Miami
office gold in the Lord of the Rings: The shows to talk about Michael
debut
at
the
Return of the King.
GableStage Theatre, and the South
Jackson’s arrest. Lambda
Beach Gay Men’s Chorus hammed
Chorale and the Flamingo
P!nk
it up with their holiday concert, The
Freedom Band teamed up
Nutcracker: Men in Tights and
Nov. 24, 2003- P!nk has a boyfriend, but can for Holiday Dreams, their
Other Fairy Tales. Edison Farrow
be found dancing and smooching with girls, end-of-year
concert.
celebrated his 150th Martini Tuesday,
and has a long and successful collaboration Anywayz in Fort Lauderdale
with her idol, out producer Linda Perry. That celebrated
its
first
with an event at the Biltmore Hotel
is-she-or-isn’t-she tease is one reason we anniversary by staging drag
in Coral Gables. Local filmmakers
love her. The other reason is her music, which queen boxing. The Express
began the Fort Lauderdale
is fun, funky, catchy, and actually says rounded up the best wish list
Underground Film
something, as evidenced with her latest CD, items for its annual gift
Festival, dedicated to
Try This. Also this week, gay films were big guide. Also, a fascinating
the truly independent
at the Gateway, with The Event and Yossi & book, The Real Trial of
spirit of filmmaking.
Jagger playing the theatre, hot on the heels Oscar Wilde, was published, with an Beauty bible Allure magazine
of the FLIFF screenings. Judy Garland’s introduction by Merlin Holland, Wilde’s only featured a sexy fashion spread
involving two amorous women,
shot by out photographer Mario
Testino.
And
Express
contributor Paul Harris appeared
at Borders for a discussion of his
new book, From Our Own Lips:
The Book of LGBT Quotations.
Update: Angels in America
Q8
www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 29, 2003
received more Golden Globe nominations
than any other TV movie, including a nod for
Shenkman.
It’s a Fabulous Life
Dec. 15, 2003- Writer David
Sexton did a gay redux of the
classic film It’s a Wondeful Life,
and hit the jackpot with a musical
destined to become a holiday
tradition.
Ex-Thuderpuss
member Barry Harris embraced
his new solo career and his gig
at the Blow in Miami on Dec. 27.
Some local actors formed the
Wilton Manors Theatre Group;
their first production, Swinging on a Star:
The Johnny Burk Musical, is currently
playing at ArtServe. And the Ft. Lauderdale
Gay Men’s Chorus geared up for their
holiday concert, Seasons of Love.
Bill Brochtrup
Dec. 22, 2003- NYPD Blue actor Bill
Brochtrup detailed his experience as one of
the few out gay actors on TV to
be playing a gay character.
Issues Over the Rainbow host
MarkyG announced a new
weekly event at Oxygen in
Coconut Grove, with the
inaugural event serving as his
birthday celebration. Christmas
movies got an unexpected gay
treatment, and The Express
gave readers a glimpse at some
of the festivities on tap for
ringing in the New Year.
www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 29, 2003 Q9
Maximum_Volume in 2003
Mary Damiano’s Top 10
Ashley MacIsaac: ‘Ashley
MacIsaac’
(Universal)
It’s always nice when an artist comes along and
turns you on not just to his own music, but also to a
whole genre, and that’s the case with fiddler Ashley
MacIsaac. His explosive fiddling and sexy, raw vocals
add up to an infectious CD, making it the best surprise
of the year.
Bette Midler: ‘Bette Midler Sings
the Rosemary Clooney
Songbook’
(Sony/Columbia)
A fitting tribute from Bette Midler, the queen of retro,
and produced by the crown prince, Barry Manilow, with
Midler doing a flawless interpretation of Rosemary
Clooney’s best-loved songs from the 1950s.
P!nk: ‘Try This’
(Arista)
Even if every song on this CD were a dud—which
it’s not, they’re all great—this CD would be worth buying
just for the jacket photos, which look like a spread for
“Fetish Weekly.” Yum!
Various Artists: ‘Chicago
Soundtrack’ (Sony)
Inject a little theatricality into your commute with
this CD, the soundtrack of this year’s Best Picture Oscar
winner. “All That Jazz” is sassy and will get you in the
mood for a night on the town, and “Cell Block Tango” is
perfect for venting those I-95 rush hour frustrations.
Susan Tedeschi: ‘Wait for Me’
(ToneCool/Artemis)
What a treat. Raw and rollicking, Susan Tedeshi is a
blues lover’s dream, and this CD is filled with soulful
songs that know how to rock.
Diana Krall: ‘Live in Paris’
(Verve)
Sultry and sophisticated, Diana Krall (who is also
Mrs. Elvis Costello) is the voice of modern jazz, and Live
in Paris showcases her at her best.
Various Artists: ‘Bi the People’
(Violent Yodel Records)
Bisexual singer/songwriter Skott Freedman gathered
a group of bi and bi-friendly artists for a compilation.
The result is a fun and provocative CD with some real
winners, including Jill Sobule’s adorable “I Saw a Cop”
and Tom Robinson’s oozing-with-sex “BoyGirl.”
Shania Twain: ‘Up!’
(Universal)
Shania outdid herself by not only recording 19
excellent tracks, but also including two discs—one
country and one pop. The title translates the overall feel
of the album perfectly.
Junior Senior: ‘D-d-don’t Stop
The Beat’ (Atlantic)
One part gay and one part straight, this Dutch duo
brought the current metrosexual urban climate to their
music with this catchy and outrageous piece of work.
From Beige in New York to the clubs of South Beach,
Junior Senior’s tunes were heard being played at the
hottest places.
Various Artists: ‘Visage’
(Europapop/Studio Distribution)
Sophisticated and elegant, these lounge grooves
soothe and relax. Close your eyes and be taken to Capri
or some other exotic locale. Like Calgon, it takes you
away.
Dolly Parton: ‘The Ultimate Dolly
Parton’ (BMG Heritage)
Rediscover a musical genius. This album is a
thorough journey of her work, from bluegrass singer to
country music queen. The divas of today could take
some lessons from Parton by losing their American Idol
frills and vocal tricks and just singing straight and
sweetly like she does on “Love is Like a Butterfly”. And
who doesn’t love “Islands in the Stream”?
Victor Calderone: ‘Resonate’
(Strata Recordings)
Pure dance bliss. Calderone proves he is still tops
in the dance music world. Sweaty bodies pulsed nonstop
at Crobar in South Beach, Calderone’s South Florida
domain.
Annie Lennox: ‘Bare’
(J Records)
Always striking, and always dramatic, Ms. Lennox
does it in an unfaltering style all her own. Maybe a tad
bit too somber, but still beautiful.
Coldplay: ‘A Rush of Blood to
The Head’ (Capital)
Coldplay keeps rock alive and kicking with a brilliant
compilation. No gimmicks here, just pure artistry. You
have to hand it to Gwyneth Paltrow, she has good taste
in men. Just a few weeks ago she exchanged vows with
lead singer Chris Martin and the couple is expecting a
child.
Linda Eder: ‘Storybook’
Beyonce: ‘Dangerously in Love’
(Angel)
Linda Eder has the vocal chops to pull off any style,
but this CD shines with her retro big band numbers
written by her husband, Broadway composer Frank
Wildhorn.
(Sony)
A new gay icon is born! This album had drag queens
shimmying along to it in every drag competition across
America. The song “Crazy in Love” will forever be
associated with the summer of 2003.
Various Artists: ‘The Ultimate
Diva Collection: The Diva Series’
Cher: ‘The Very Best of Cher’
(Verve)
Etta James, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone—how can
you possible go wrong? And this CD lets you
rediscover—or just plain discover—the inimitable
Blossom Dearie.
Various Artists: ‘Down with Love
Soundtrack’
(Reprise/WMG Soundtracks)
Classy, sassy and playful, this CD perfectly captures the frothy romantic
comedy. And “Here’s to Love,” the duet by the movie’s stars Renee Zellweger and
Ewan MacGregor, is the sweetest confection around.
Q10
Andy Zeffer’s Top 10
www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 29, 2003
(Rhino)
The ageless wonder and camp superstar keeps on
ticking. With the support of the highest grossing tour by
a female artist in history, this greatest hits compilation
found itself at the top of the charts, further evidence of
Cher’s longevity.
The Clash: ‘The Essential Clash’
(Sony)
Yeah, another greatest hits compilation. But with
punk rock now a staple in the history of pop culture, a worthy inclusion. Nothing
defines the early days of MTV better than “Rock the Casbah.”
Q_CULTURALevents
December - February: French Language
Classes—Alliance Francaise de Fort Lauderdale is
now taking registration for current and winter
sessions of French language classes to be held in
Zeffer
FortReviews
Lauderdale By
and Andy
Boca Raton.
For class fees and
schedules and for cultural activity information,
please call 954.523.9052 or go to 705 S.E. Second
Ct., Fort Lauderdale, Monday - Friday from 1 - 6
p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 30: Pearl’s New Year’s Eve
Eve Party—8 – 11 p.m. featuring Lenore Trola at
Pearl’s Rainbow, 525 United St., Old Town Key
West. 800.749.6696.
Wednesday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve
Celebration—8 p.m. - midnight at the Las Olas
Riverfront, 300 S.W. First Ave. 954.522.6556.
Wednesday, Dec. 31: Florida Grand
Opera’s Second Annual New Year’s Eve Gala
Celebration—The celebration starts with a
cocktail reception followed by gourmet dining,
dancing, a silent auction and an outstanding musical
program presented by members of Florida Grand
Opera’s Young Artist Studio. Individual tickets range
from $350 to $1,000, and a portion of each ticket
is tax-deductible. Tables of 10 start at $3,500. 8
p.m. - 1 a.m. For information and reservations,
please call 305.854.1643, ext. 144.
Wednesday, Dec. 31: Shero’s First New
Year’s Eve party—Bring in the New Year with an
incredible variety of music at this women-only event.
We’ll have party hats and favors, midnight
champagne toast, raffle giveaways, etc. Free
gourmet dinner buffet from 7 to 10 p.m. $5 cover.
Shero’s, 1441 S. Powerline Rd., Pompano Beach.
954.972.7600.
Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 3 and 4: 16 th
Annual Las Olas Art Fair—This traditional event
welcomes over 300 artists from 40 different states
showcasing magnificent artwork. Las Olas Boulevard
will be transformed into an open-air art gallery with
life-size sculptures, landscape photography, striking
oil paintings, uniquely crafted jewelry, pottery and
live music. Show times are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
and admission is free. Las Olas Boulevard in
downtown Fort Lauderdale from S.E. Sixth Avenue
to S.E. 11 th Avenue. For information including
parking, call 954.472.3755.
Saturday, Jan. 3 – Saturday, Feb. 7:
Registration for Juried Art Exhibition—All
artists over 18 years can apply for the exhibition to
be held Feb. 21 – March 20. Two piece maximum
per artist. Only original acrylics, oils, watercolors,
drawings, pastels, mixed-media or sculpture.
Maximum size allowed is 4 feet by 4 feet. $15 for
one piece and $25 for two. For information visit
www.smofa.com or call the Schacknow Museum of
Fine Arts at 954.583.5551.
Sunday, Jan. 11: Talent Showcase to
Benefit SAVE Foundation—The lights will shine
on South Florida’s most talented stars at the Lambda
Showcase to benefit SAVE Foundation. Featuring
singers, dancers, musicians, stand-up comedy and
performance art by some of the best gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgender artists in our community.
$20 donation for the performance, $50 includes
priority seating and post-show cocktail reception.
7 p.m. at The Shores Performing Arts Theater,
9806 N.E. Second Ave., Miami Shores.
305.751.7283.
Sunday, Feb. 8: PETA Fundraiser—Save the
date for this People for the Ethical Treatment of
Animals fundraiser. Five-course dinner with open
bar and wine with dinner. 7 p.m. at Sublime, 1431 N.
Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale. For reservations call
954.615.1431. $100 per person. www.peta.org.
Saturday, March 13: The Crystal Ball—Save
the date for Caldwell Theatre Company’s annual
fundraiser. Billed as one of the most elegant and
theatrical events of the season, the ball benefits
Caldwell and its community outreach programs,
including Theater for Schools. 7 p.m. at The Boca
Raton Resort and Club. Tickets are $250. For more
information, call Bruce Herman: 561.995.2323.
Live Theatre and Dance
Through Sunday, Jan. 4: A Christmas
Survival Guide—South Florida premiere of a holiday
cabaret show, with traditional songs in the flavor of
the Manhattan Transfer. $35/$32. Thursday –
Saturday 8 p.m. and Sundays 2 p.m. at Shores
Performing Arts Theater, 9806 N.E. Second Ave.,
Miami
Shores.
305.751.0562.
www.shorestheatre.org.
Through Sunday, Jan. 4: Annie—America’s
favorite orphan is at Actors Playhouse, 280 Miracle
Mile, Coral Gables. 305.444.9293.
Through Sunday, Jan. 4: 2 Pianos, 4
Hands—The laugh out loud hit comedy with music!
2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Coconut Grove Playhouse,
3500 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove. 305.442.2662.
Through Sunday, Jan. 4: Dividends: A Play
About Family and Tradition—Critics call
Dividends, the heartwarming story of a young man
coming to understand the romantic feelings and
dreams of another generation, “delightful, absorbing,
charming, and heartfelt”. Stage Door Theatre, 8036
W. Sample Rd., Coral Springs. For performance
times and tickets call 954.344.7765.
Through Sunday, Jan. 11: Oy! —What if
Tennessee Williams had been Jewish when he wrote
A Streetcar Named Desire? This is just one of the
hysterical questions explored in the twelve hilarious,
touching and thought-provoking short plays, which
comprise Rich Orloff ’s Off-Broadway hit OY!
Tickets are $20/general, $18/seniors and $10/
students. Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2
p.m. at The Soref JCC, 6501 W. Sunrise Blvd.
954.537.3648 or www.publictheatre.com.
Through Sunday, Jan. 11: Guys and Dolls—
This Broadway masterpiece revolves around the
story of Sky Masterson, a bet-on-anything gambler,
who bets he can make the next girl he sees fall in
love with him. Stage Door Theatre, 8036 W. Sample
Rd., Coral Springs. For performance times and tickets
call 954.344.7765.
Through Sunday, Jan. 25: Tea at Five—
Starring Kate Mulgrew as Katherine Hepburn. $35$42. Cuillo Center, 201 Clematis St., West Palm
Beach. 561.835.9226.
Through Thursday, Feb. 8: Beau Jest: The
Musical—A world premiere musical based on the
Off-Broadway and international hit comedy. Sarah,
whose parents think she is dating a nice Jewish boy,
hires a Jewish actor to portray her boyfriend. It
turns out that the only thing Jewish about her actor
is that he played Tevye in a production of Fiddler
on the Roof! $30.50 - $33.50. Hollywood
Plalyhouse, 2640 Washington St., Hollywood.
954.922.0404.
Through Sunday, Feb. 22: Mamaleh!—A
new version of the off-Broadway hit musical tells
of the lifelong friendship between Jewish-American
women of different generations. Tickets purchased
by Dec. 31 are $21. Tickets purchased after Jan. 1
are $25 and $27. The Broadway Theater, 1455 S.E.
17th St. Causeway, Ft. Lauderdale. 954.522.0274.
Monday, Jan. 5: The Gene Pool—The
Florida Stage Theatre in Palm Beach County is
reaching out to the gay and lesbian community with
its PridePlay series, which will feature staged
readings of plays with gay and lesbian themes. This
play, by Christi Stewart Brown, is about two moms
dealing with their relationship, their son and a longlost sperm donor. Tickets are $7. For directions,
information and tickets, call 561.585.3433 or
800.514.3837.
Music
Through Wednesday, Dec. 28 - 31: Phish—
7:30 p.m. at American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne
Blvd. in Miami, 305.960.8500. (Wednesday’s show
is at 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Dec. 31: Orange Bowl Patch
Beach Bash—12 p.m. at Hayes Street Hollywood
Beach Boardwalk, on the beach between Hayes
Street and Garfield, Hollywood. 305.341.4701.
Wednesday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve
Celebration—Headlined by Grammy winning band
and Miami’s hometown boys The Mavericks and
joined by Betty Padgett & Elements of Funk.
Fireworks at midnight. 7 p.m. at AT&T
Amphitheater, Bayfront Park. 305.358.7550
Wednesday, Dec. 31: BB King In
Concert—9 p.m. at the Jackie Gleason Theatre,
1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach.
305.673.7300.
Wednesday, Dec. 31: Salute to Vienna—This
New Year’s Eve Concert features the best of Viennese
waltzes, polkas and excerpts by Johann Strauss. 8
p.m. at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855
Coral Springs Dr., Coral Springs. 954.344.5990.
Wednesday, Dec. 31: Freakers Ball—7:30
p.m. at Culture Room, 3045 N. Federal Hwy., Fort
Lauderdale, 954.564.1074.
Wednesday, Dec. 31: Bryan Adams—9 p.m.
at Mizner Park Amphitheater, East side of Federal
Highway between Glades Road and Palmetto Park
Road, Boca Raton. 561.962.4109.
Thursday,
Jan.
1:
16th Annual
Independence Day Concert : Farah Juste—6
p.m. at the James L. Knight Center, 400 S.E. Second
Ave.,
Miami.
305.372.4634
or
www.jlknightcenter.com.
Sunday, Jan.4: Jazz Brunch—Enjoy
gourmet brunch and entertainment showcasing
South Florida’s finest jazz musicians on five stages
at the Riverwalk in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. 11
a.m. – 2 p.m. Free. For more information call the
Jazz Brunch Hotline 954.828.5985.
Saturday, Feb. 28: Bette Midler—Tickets
are on sale now. Office Depot Center, 2555 Panthers
Dr., Sunrise. 954.835.8000.
Exhibitions
Through Wednesday, Dec. 31: A New Era:
Haitian Art in the Diaspora—An art exhibit
featuring the works of contemporary Haitian artists
living outside Haiti. Gallery Six at the Broward
County Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort
Lauderdale. 954.357.7464.
Radio
The Norm Kent Show—Live from the
Floridian Restaurant on E. Las Olas Blvd., interviews
and commentary with Norm Kent. Weekday
mornings, 8 – 9 a.m. on WFTL 1400 AM. The
Call-In
Line
is
1.866.432.1400.
www.NormKentShow.com.
Issues Over the Rainbow—MarkyG hosts this
gay and lesbian early morning talk show. Sunday
mornings at 8 a.m. on PARTY 93.1 FM.
www.Party931.com.
www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 29, 2003 Q11
Q12
www.ExpressGayNews.com • December 29, 2003