Good Morning America host Lara Spencer apologized for her faux pas when she laughed on air at the idea of Prince George’s curriculum including ballet classes, which he reportedly enjoys. I posted some of the dance world’s response the homophobic giggle Spencer shared when she reported that news. On GMA this week, she offered a humble, sincere apology for “screwing up.” She also welcomed three major forces from the dance world to talk about the impact of laughing, mocking and shaming boys who dance: 2-time Emmy Award winner Travis Wall, ballet star and soon-to-appear in the film adaptation of CATS, Robbie Fairchild, and Joffrey Ballet’s Fabrice Calmels. When she first issued a mea culpa via Instagram, being married to a publicist the text seemed a bit “the network said I have to do this.” But watching her in this GMA segment, I take her at her word that she realizes her mistake. As a guy who has danced for 40 years, and thankfully enjoyed a career of incredible opportunity thanks to dance, I accept her apology and appreciate that it comes across as authentic and sincere.
The cast of Broadway’s Once on This Island joined Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts to discuss the revival of the musical and perform the show’s finale, “Why We Tell the Story.”
The neat new digital series from GMA, “Dressing Room Reveal with Robin Roberts,” goes backstage to Robin Robert’s dressing room for intimate performances and conversations.
Ah. This gives me life.
Once on This Island unfolds as a group of storytellers, during a nighttime rainstorm, calm a young girl of their village with the story of Ti Moune, a Caribbean island country girl who falls in love with an aristocrat.
I love this show so much: the message, the music, the people.
And speaking of the people I love a lot :)…
T. Oliver Reid, the show’s dance captain, and I worked together in two Broadway shows – Chicago and Follies. As much as I’ve laughed through the years with T, I’ve also always enjoyed his talent and awesome work ethic. When you’re on stage with T, you know you better keep up!
And the wondermous and handsome Tony Award nominee Norm Lewis (Porgy & Bess, Phantom of the Opera, Side Show), who I’ve known for even longer than T., was playing the role of “Agwé,” god of water, when this was filmed.
So, double joy for me watching this clip.
Watch the gorgeous cast of Once On This Island perform “Why We Tell the Story” below and feel your spirit renewed.
Happy Sunday!
Tony Award winner Lea Salonga, Tony Award nominee Norm Lewis and GMA’s Robin Roberts
In an interview with Good Morning America today, US figure skater Adam Rippon was asked whether he would be willing to sit down with Vice President Mike Pence to discuss the anti-LGBT policies and positions Pence has promoted for several years.
Rippon gave the perfect answer.
“You know, I personally don’t have anything to say to Mike Pence. I’m very lucky because legislation that he’s pushed hasn’t affected my life at all. I spoke out because there are people out there who’s lives have been affected by change that he’s tried to make. I spoke out for them because right now I have a voice and I think it’s really important for me to use it. So, that’s a conversation for them to have.”
He was also asked about how he plans on celebrating once he gets home to the US. “I plan on going to Target, getting a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc Oyster Bay, with the twist top…? Yeah, immediately.”
I love that Adam is totally Adam in every interview he’s giving.
Michael Strahan has been drafted for full-time duties by the folks over at Good Morning America, after a four year run at Live! With Kelly and Michael.
Strahan, who has become a near-ubiquitous TV presence with his stints as a commentator for Fox Sports’ football coverage, the host of a new kid-award franchise on Nickelodeon, and, in recent years, an energizing force on the Disney-syndicated morning program “Live! With Kelly and Michael,” will join ABC’s “Good Morning America” on a full-time basis starting in September, ABC said Tuesday morning. He will retain his duties as a football analyst for Fox.
“Michael has been a stellar addition to the broadcast. Over the past two years on ‘GMA,’ he’s proven to be a tireless and versatile broadcaster with an incredible ability to connect with people, from veterans to American pop culture icons and newsmakers,” said James Goldston, president of ABC News, in a memo to staff sent this morning. “He will end a four year run as Kelly Ripa’s co-host on ‘Live!,’ where he has honed his skills as an interviewer with genuine warmth and a quick wit. At ‘GMA,’ he’ll now have even more opportunities to tell stories that inspire, inform and empower people.
Robin Roberts on her return to Good Morning America this past January
GMA’s Robin Roberts came out today in a post on her Facebook page expressing her gratitude for the support she experienced this year during her health crisis:
Flashback 12/29/12….Hard to believe this was 1 year ago today..when I reached a critical milestone of 100 days post transplant…and KJ was finally allowed to come back home.
Reading this comforts me and I hope the same for you: “If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.”
At this moment I am at peace and filled with joy and gratitude.
I am grateful to God, my doctors and nurses for my restored good health.
I am grateful for my sister, Sally-Ann, for being my donor and giving me the gift of life.
I am grateful for my entire family, my long time girlfriend, Amber, and friends as we prepare to celebrate a glorious new year together.
I am grateful for the many prayers and well wishes for my recovery. I return every one of them to you 100 fold.
On this last Sunday of 2013 I encourage you to reflect on what you are grateful for too.
Wishing you a Healthy and Happy New Year.
Peace, love, and blessings to all..XO
The 53 year old anchor has reportedly been with her girlfriend, Amber Laign is a licensed massage therapist from the San Francisco Bay Area, for ten years.
ABC News issued this statement of support: “We love Robin and Amber, who we adore and have all known for a long time. We were so touched by Robin’s Facebook message today and so thankful for all the loving support she has in her life.”
Roberts joins Jodie Foster, Wentworth Miller, Maria Bello, Jason Collins, and Tom Daley — among others — in the “celebrity ‘coming out’ class of 2013.
Roberts took a leave from GMA last year after being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, which can be caused by chemotherapy.
After sharing her diagnosis on the air, the National Marrow Donor Program reported an 1800% increase in donors. Roberts returned to GMA in January of this year (see the above pic from her first day back).
On a personal note, my husband Michael has booked many guests on GMA and he is always quick to mention to people how warm and professional Robin is to work with.
“All-American Boy” singer/songwriter Steve Grand appeared on Good Morning America to chat on the success of his viral music video, his parents sending him to “gay conversion” therapy upon learning he was gay, and their subsequent acceptance of him.
“GMA” weather anchor Sam Champion and boyfriend Rubem Robierb are engaged to be married. “We are thrilled and so excited and thank everyone for their good wishes,” says Champion.
Champion and Robierb met through mutual friends a few years ago in Miami, where Robierb lives. Born in Brazil, Robierb is a fine-arts photographer who shows his work in Miami, Atlanta, Santa Monica and New York.
The “announcement” is similar to the low-key way The Big Bang Theory Emmy winner Jim Parsons came out this summer, with mention of his partner also buried in a Times article. Credit Zachary Quinto for starting the oh-by-the-way coming out trend when he discussed his sexuality for the first time in a New York magazine profile.
Good Morning America host Lara Spencer apologized for her faux pas when she laughed on air at the idea of Prince George’s curriculum including ballet classes, which he reportedly enjoys. I posted some of the dance world’s response the homophobic giggle Spencer shared when she reported that news. On GMA this week, she offered a humble, sincere apology for “screwing up.” She also welcomed three major forces from the dance world to talk about the impact of laughing, mocking and shaming boys who dance: 2-time Emmy Award winner Travis Wall, ballet star and soon-to-appear in the film adaptation of CATS, Robbie Fairchild, and Joffrey Ballet’s Fabrice Calmels. 
When she first issued a mea culpa via Instagram, being married to a publicist the text seemed a bit “the network said I have to do this.” But watching her in this GMA segment, I take her at her word that she realizes her mistake. As a guy who has danced for 40 years, and thankfully enjoyed a career of incredible opportunity thanks to dance, I accept her apology and appreciate that it comes across as authentic and sincere. 
