Category: Entertainment

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News Round-Up: May 6, 2020

The original and new casts of Queer Eye will compete on Celebrity Family Feud
Some news items you might have missed: • HRC: On the 8th anniversary of former Vice President Joe Biden’s endorsement of marriage equality, the Human Rights Campaign announced its endorsement of Biden for President. HRC’s Board of Directors, comprised of 26 community leaders from across the nation, unanimously and enthusiastically voted to endorse Biden. “Vice President Joe Biden is the leader our community and our country need at this moment,” said HRC President Alphonso David. • NY Times: Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Wednesday issued final rules for how public and private schools must address allegations of sexual misconduct locking in protections for accused students and faculty. The new regulations narrow the definition of sexual harassment and require colleges to hold live hearings during which alleged victims and accused perpetrators can be cross-examined to challenge their credibility. • Out: On Sunday, May 31 Celebrity Family Feud is set to host the casts of the old and new iterations of Queer Eye (above) in a face-off for charity. The full, original cast will play for The Trevor Project and the new squad (with Karamo Brown swapped out for a featured guest from season 4) will compete for GLSEN.

• Daily Herald: Two Utah County businesses told staff to not follow quarantine guidelines and required staff who had tested positive to report to work resulting in 68 positive cases. • Variety: For the past seven decades, the show has always gone on for the Tony Awards, which honor the best Broadway performances and productions. But with the 74th edition being postponed from its planned June 7 date due to the coronavirus, there’s a real chance that the ceremony will be scrapped altogether this year. • CBS News: At an event marking National Nurses Day at the White House, Donald Trump contradicted Sophia Thomas, the president of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners who works at a community health center in New Orleans, who said the availability of personal protective equipment has been “sporadic.”

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Barbra Streisand Has A Message For Frontline Heroes Of COVID-19 Crisis

Legendary actress/singer/director Barbra Streisand has released a new video for her recording of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” created as a tribute to the medical staff, UPS drivers, grocery store clerks and essential workers who are risking their lives keeping the U.S. going through the COVID-19 crisis. “I sang this song almost 20 years ago after 9/11,” writes Streisand at the beginning of the video. “Today we face another crisis but I think the words still apply. With love and gratitude, Barbra.” I found myself tearing up in the first minute as I saw the slideshow of frontline workers in private, emotional moments. Not only because of their heroic efforts but at the other end of the spectrum I considered the selfish protesters showing up at various state capitols mad because they can’t get a haircut or go to a park. Every time one of them screams and yells without a face mask at a police officer they could be undoing all of those hours of sweat poured into trying to save lives by medical personnel and essential workers. Penned in 1945 for the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Carousel, Babs first recorded the song in 1997 for her 27th studio album, Higher Ground. She memorably performed the song live as a surprise finale at the 2001 Emmy Awards. Streisand closes the video with an appeal for donations to Direct Relief, which “supplies protective gear to all our heroes in the United States.”

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Stunning Virtual Collaboration: ‘Bolero Juilliard’

This is really quite special. Proposed by Juilliard President Damian Woetzel and under the artistic leadership of choreographer (and New Dances veteran) Larry Keigwin, Bolero Juilliard is a virtual collaboration with Juilliard’s community of artists, bringing together dancers, instrumentalists, singers, actors, and alumni during the ongoing pandemic. In addition to the incredibly talented students taking part in the creative endeavor, don’t miss famous alumni of the school popping up throughout the video including Christine Baranski (drama), Jon Batiste (jazz studies), Renée Fleming (voice), Laura Linney (drama), Patti LuPone (drama), Yo-Yo Ma (music), Bebe Neuwirth (dance), Itzhak Perlman (music), Bradley Whitford (drama) and more.

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Free Streaming Event – ‘Sarah Brightman: In Concert At The Royal Albert Hall’

On Saturday, May 9th, the full performance of Sarah Brightman: In Concert at the Royal Albert Hall will be streamed via YouTube for all to enjoy. The critically acclaimed performance, not commercially available, features Andrea Bocelli and Andrew Lloyd Webber and will be streamed to raise funds for COVID-19 relief charities. Recorded in September 1997 at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London, Sarah together with the English National Orchestra, perform an unforgettable concert of well-known Classical and Broadway pieces by composers such as Puccini, Gershwin, Delibes, Bernstein and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Included are memorable special guests: Andrea Bocelli, performing “Time to Say Goodbye” with Sarah, Andrew Lloyd Webber on piano while Sarah sings the title song from his musical Whistle Down the Wind and a special duet performance of “Pie Jesu” with Adam Clarke. The full performance will premiere exclusively via Sarah’s YouTube channel beginning Saturday, May 9th, 2020 @ 12:00 pm PT/3:00 pm ET/8:00 pm UK/9:00 pm Europe and will be globally available for everyone to enjoy for 72 hours.

In efforts to raise money and support the Spotify COVID-19 Music Relief and COVID-19 Solidarity Response Funds, donations are encouraged to these music and health care industry professionals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sarah Brightman In Concert: Performance Track Listing 1. Overture: Capriccio Espagnol/Scena e Canto Gitano/Fandango Asturiano 2. Chanson Espagnol (from Les Filles de Cadiz) 3. O Mio Babbino Caro (from Gianni Schicchi) 4. Solveig’s Song (from Peer Gynt Suite No. 2) 5. Summertime (from Porgy & Bess) 6. Pie Jesu (from Requiem) – duet with Adam Clarke 7. Medley: Somewhere/I Feel Pretty/Tonight (from West Side Story) 8. Tu Quieres Volver 9. Who Wants to Live Forever 10. Whistle Down the Wind (from Whistle Down the Wind) – duet with Andrew Lloyd Webber 11. Overture/Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again (from The Phantom of the Opera) 12. The Music of the Night (from The Phantom of the Opera) 13. Time to Say Goodbye (Con Te Partiro) – duet with Andrea Bocelli 14. Don’t Cry for Me Argentina (from Evita) Brightman’s 15th studio album HYMN, released on November 9, 2018, debuted at #1 on both the Classical and Classical Crossover Billboard charts. (via press release)

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News Round-Up: May 4, 2020

Some news items you might have missed: • Monday Memory: I came across this photo (above) from a couple of years ago when Michael, I and some friends were invited to the opening of a new club in Las Vegas. We got there kind of early I guess as not many people were there. A photographer told us to pose for a pic laying down and flexing. For some reason, I (top right) was more fascinated with my cocktail than my bicep. • Boy Culture: Matt Rettenmund reminisces on Madonna making her Broadway debut in David Mamet’s acclaimed play, Speed-the-Plow, thirty-two years ago. • NBC News: On April 20, Trump estimated the death toll in the U.S. from the coronavirus threat could be 50,000 to 60,000; by that point, there had been 40,000 U.S. deaths related to COVID-19. Earlier last week, he spoke of 60,000 to 70,000 deaths. During a Fox News town hall Friday night, Trump shifted his estimates to perhaps 100,000. At this writing, there are over 68,000 COVID-19 deaths in the US.

• Gay Star News: Reports of Tunisia recognizing a same-sex marriage have put LGBT+ people in danger. Tunisian LGBT+ organization Mawjoudin – We Exist – told GSN the reports were probably based on an administrative mistake. Moreover, they said the reports have caused ‘a wave of queerphobic speech, attacks, and bullying’. • Twitter: Star Trek star George Takei jokes about people disregarding social distancing guidelines, “I’m starting a rumor on the Breitbart (conservative website) chats that Covid-19 turns you gay. That should keep a lot of these idiots at home.

• Instinct: Trenton Councilwoman Robin Vaughn became unhinged during a city council conference call and launched vicious, homophobic personal attacks against Reed Gusciora – Trenton, New Jersey’s first openly gay Mayor. The slur-laden screed included calling the mayor a “pedophile” and “bitch-ass.” Gov. Murphy has called for her resignation. You can hear the conference call here. • Pink News: Homophobe Franklin Graham has been asked to pack up his tents and leave New York after exploiting the setting up of a tent hospital during the coronavirus crisis to discriminate against gay people and evangelize. • People: And finally, something uplifting to end this round-up. Check out the video below 🙂

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Out Music: Bright Light Bright Light & Jake Shears Are A Sweet “Sensation”

Bright Light Bright Light aka Rod Thomas (photo: Warren Giddarie)
Bright Light Bright Light has joined forces with Jake Shears (Scissors Sisters founder and global LGBTQ+ music trailblazer) on his high-octane new song “Sensation.” Written initially about the euphoria of meeting someone (friend, lover, etc.) you instantly connect with while in a fractured and divided world, the song’s meaning feels amplified when viewed through the lens of the current health crisis. The track is a sublime, upbeat bop with a disco-tastic beat and synthy horns that dare you not to bounce. “For a song about connection and celebrating who you are, Jake was totally my top choice,” said BLBL (aka Rod Thomas) to FLOOD about the collaboration. “It was so much fun to do a proper duet and have a voice that reminded me to be myself on a song about celebrating your community.” Shears echoed the enthusiasm: “Rod’s songwriting always blows me away, and getting to record with him is an absolute joy. ‘Sensation’ was just one of those songs, the first time I heard it, I was like— I flipping love this.”

“Sensation” is a cut from the forthcoming album Fun City, scheduled for release September 18, which will offer not only ’80s-inspired dance-pop, but will serve as a musical love letter to the LGBTQ+ community. The album title is a clever reference to a quote said by NYC mayor John V. Lindsay who, on his first day in office in 1966 amidst a crippling transit strike, said: “I still think it’s a fun city.” I recently wrote about the acclaimed first single from the upcoming collection, “This Was My House,” which was penned as a tribute to LGBTQ safe spaces. The evocative music video takes an unforgettable journey through NYC nightlife. Paper Magazine wrote, “It’s not every day that we get a perfect disco song” while Rolling Stone praised its “buoyant beat to dance through pain and trouble.” The vocals for Fun City were recorded on the empty dancefloor of East Village gay club Bedlam, a choice Bright Light Bright Light made as a way to channel the energy of the queer trailblazers that influenced him like Sylvester, Erasure, Scissor Sisters and Hercules & Love Affair.

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Chippendales@Home: A New Way To Beat The Quarantine Blues

L-R Jayson Michael, Ryan Worley of the Chippendales
Need a break from binge-watching? Looking for a different kind of ‘self-care’ from home? With their Las Vegas home on lock-down, the world-famous Chippendales have come up with the perfect solution to beat the quarantine blues: a virtual night out with friends as the hunks stream into your homes. And yes, men are totally welcome. “Chippendales@Home” is the perfect way to make sure birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or just plain “let’s have fun” nights all have their own special moments. The new streaming experience gives folks the chance to hang out and party with the men of Chippendales right in your own homes. Get to know the guys in a private, virtual setting as they host your party, play games like “Never Have I Ever?” or guessing what’s in a Chipp’s pants, get or give a virtual lap dance and experience some of the interaction Chippendales live shows thrive on. Each 30-minute party features at least two Chippendales cast members and will be hosted utilizing streaming platforms such as ZOOM, House Party, FaceTime, or Google Hangout. Said one participant, “Hands down my FAVORITE quarantine experience thus far!” And another, “I liked that it was interactive – and the fruit/vegetable in the pants game was hilarious!” Check out this one-minute video (warning – bare butts ahead) from a recent “Chippendales@Home” party featuring Chippendales emcee Jayson Michael (wearing cuffs and collar) and Ryan Worley (wearing…a guitar).

For a limited time, Chippendales is offering their streaming service for free as a thank you to all first responders and health care workers as well as to any ticket purchaser that was unable to attend one of their postponed shows. For more information about booking “Chippendales@Home,” visit chippendales.com. In addition to “Chippendales@Home,” the brand has been cranking out online experiences as people are urged to stay inside. Recent digital offerings include at-home workouts with cast members, Instagram Live chats with alumni of the brand, and light-hearted digital content such as one of the current cast members performing a lap dance for a 12-pack of toilet paper. Here’s more from the men of Chippendales via Instagram:

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#Chippendales quarantine day 14.

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Sexy Trans Men Offer Their Own #DontRushChallenge Video

Paulo Batista @ftmmuscle (screen capture)
If you’ve been clicking through Instagram lately you’ve probably come across the latest social media trend – the #DontRushChallenge video. It all began with women sharing videos (set to the song “Don’t Rush”) showing themselves sans makeup/glam, then touching the camera lens whereupon they are revealed in full beat. Ta-dah!!!! Now, a group of transgender men are featured in a new compilation assembled by Instagrammer Lucas Elliot. He and the men in the video recently took part in a fashion show for MarcoMarco underwear. “Got together (digitally) with the FTM boys who walked in NYFW for MarcoMarco and made our version of this silly little Don’t Rush challenge,” wrote Elliot. “I hope you enjoy it as much as we did filming it.” The video uses the song “Aura” by one of the models, Jamie Wilson, and shows the guys making their own spiffy transformations and then tossing (literally) to the next model. Guys in order of appearance: @dezjorngauthier @courtp1453 @yonik_unique @hansongobron @phoenix_montoya @ftmmuscle @tboy61915 @cooltransluke Elliot’s post has been viewed over 12,000 times and when Wilson shared the video it soared to over 163,000 views. The video is very well done and the guys look terrific 🙂

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News Round-Up: April 27, 2020

Jwan Yosef (via Instagram)
Some news items you might have missed: • InstaHunks: Ricky Martin’s hubby, artist Jwan Yosef (above), says he’s taking the ‘clothing optional’ approach to sheltering-at-home. #ThankGod Follow him on Instagram here. • NewNowNext: HIV hero Michael Cavnaugh was able to obtain 500 medical-grade masks and donated them to the volunteers at God’s Love We Deliver. The NYC-based organization and its network of volunteers provide thousands of free, freshly cooked, medically tailored meals every day to New Yorkers who are too sick to cook or grocery shop for themselves. • TV Insider: Check out this sneak peek from the upcoming series  Love, Victor – the TV spinoff of the coming-of-age, coming-out feature film Love, Simon. You may never look at a latte the same way again. The series debuts June 19 on Hulu.

• The Advocate: Christiaan Otto, who has spent years spewing anti-LGBTQ vitriol and claimed the current health crisis is a punishment from God, appears to have been cruising for sex on Grindr. The group Expose Christiaan Otto posted screenshots of what it said was Otto’s Grindr account including a reported shirtless selfie. One message translates as “I thought I could trust you, dude. You say you deleted the Grindr chats. What are you trying to do? Delete and block me!” • The Daily Beast: Trump supporters Diamond & Silk (aka Lynnette Hardaway and Rochelle Richardson) have been dismissed from their streaming gig on FOX Nation streaming service after promoting lies about the coronavirus health threat like the COVID-19 death toll is false, that the disease was made in a lab, caused by 5G networks, and was a product of the “deep state. #ByeGurls • Out Music: Pop/R&B vocalist Malia Civetz recently released her new single and video, “Heart Broke,” chronicling the relatable feeling of early, exciting, whirlwind romance – regardless of potential heartbreak. Malia’s passionate voice booms over the punchy production like a clarion call asking, “What’s a girl gotta do to get her heart broke?” Back in March, I shared Civetz’s “Broke Boy” music video here.

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‘Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration’ Was A Musical Gift That Kept Giving

L-R Audra McDonald, Christine Baranski, Meryl Streep (screen capture)
It began with some tech problems, but when Broadway.com’s salute to legendary composer Stephen Sondheim – Take Me to the World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration – finally got underway it was truly a gift for musical theatre fans. So many fantastic performances of Sondheim’s lengthy and rich catalog. One of the highlights was easily Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski and Audra McDonald serving up a spectacular “The Ladies Who Lunch” from Company as a kind of  Zoom cocktail hour. Donning white robes and pouring generous drinks, the approach was not only hilarious but solved the problem of trying to live up to Elaine Stritch’s legendary performance of the song. In case you missed it, I’ve cued up Christine, Meryl and Audra’s brilliant performance below, but you can view the entire 2+ hour livestream below. Other highlights include: • Melissa Errico’s “Children and Art” (Sunday in the Park with George) was the picture of understated perfection at the 41:04 mark • Mandy Patinkin, standing outside alone amid an enormous, empty grassy field, shared a moving a cappella “Lesson #8” (Sunday in the Park with George) at the 54:21 mark • Laura Benanti – “I Remember” (Evening Primrose) at 1:08:28 mark • Chip Zien, the original “Baker” (Into the Woods) was heartbreaking as he reprised his song “No More” at 1:14:06 • The event’s host, Raúl Esparza, sang a beautiful take on the event’s title song, “Take Me to the World” (Evening Primrose) at 1:50:59 • Donna Murphy’s poignant, pensive rendition of “Send in the Clowns” (A Little Night Music) at the 1:53:55 mark • Bernadette Peters closing out the event with a gorgeous, a cappella take on a song she didn’t sing in Into The Woods, “No One Is Alone” at 2:11:18
Bernadette Peters (screen capture)
In truth, there are tons of terrific performances – I’m sure I’ll have missed mentioning something I loved. If you click here, you’ll find the full show with a complete breakdown of shortcuts to each individual performance. Stay with it to the end as there’s a much fun postscript to the shindig with the song “Broadway Baby” from Follies. The event served as a fundraiser for ASTEP – Artists Striving to End Poverty. You can donate at this link.