***Venice, Verona and Vicenza
with WFCR General Manager Martin Miller
June 25-July 3
produced for WFCR by Cross-Culture Journeys
***Santa Fe Opera Tour
with WFCR Classical Music Host John Montanari
August 10-14
produced for WFCR by Tours of Distinction
both itineraries online at: http://wfcr.org/WFCREVENTS/index.php
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Facebook: Better Late Than Never
I signed up on Facebook months ago, and the account lay dormant, until a friend posted photos of a friend's wedding, and I had to log in to capture the images. Well, after a recent snow day, I surfed Facebook, reactivated my account, and found that my list of friends grew rapidly overnight. It's such a distraction. But, I see its marketing potential. It certainly will make my life as Northfield Mount Hermon '68 Class Secretary easier.
And my Facebook comment for Inauguration day: "The end of an error". Seriously, I was so impressed by the majesty of the Inauguration, the panoramic photos of the millions of well-wishers, and the stature of Obama. I feel an amazing amout of optimism and patriotism, something missing in my life in the last eight years.
And my Facebook comment for Inauguration day: "The end of an error". Seriously, I was so impressed by the majesty of the Inauguration, the panoramic photos of the millions of well-wishers, and the stature of Obama. I feel an amazing amout of optimism and patriotism, something missing in my life in the last eight years.
Two Clients Partner: Cross-Culture Journeys Develops Venice Biennale Tour for WFCR
WFCR/WNNZ presents
VENICE, VERONA, VICENZA
THE HISTORY AND ROMANCE OF THE VENETO
With WFCR General Manager Martin Miller
June 25 – July 3, 2009
9 days, 7 nights
WFCR General Manager Martin Miller and a small group of WFCR travellers head to Italy for an in-depth visit to the Italian region called the Veneto, between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea. Travel partner, Cross-Culture Journeys, has designed an itinerary that captures the essence of Italy's arts, history and cuisine. Welcome to the Veneto, or Venetia, and four of its cities, each a treasure trove of art and fine living. Venice, with its signature palaces, canals and squares is a focal point of contemporary arts this year during the Biennale exhibitions. Verona, home to Romeo and Juliet, has the world's largest opera stage in its 2,000-year-old-arena, where you’ll attend the sumptuous Zefferelli production of "Carmen". Vicenza is graced with master architect Palladio's villas that still set the standard for elegance and harmony. Padua houses some of Giotto’s loveliest frescoes.
The itinerary and pricing information will soon be online at: http://wfcr.org/WFCREVENTS/venice.php
For a complete, in-depth itinerary, registration forms, and terms and conditions, contact Christopher Daly at WFCR, 413-545-3372 or csdaly@wfcr.org.
VENICE, VERONA, VICENZA
THE HISTORY AND ROMANCE OF THE VENETO
With WFCR General Manager Martin Miller
June 25 – July 3, 2009
9 days, 7 nights
WFCR General Manager Martin Miller and a small group of WFCR travellers head to Italy for an in-depth visit to the Italian region called the Veneto, between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea. Travel partner, Cross-Culture Journeys, has designed an itinerary that captures the essence of Italy's arts, history and cuisine. Welcome to the Veneto, or Venetia, and four of its cities, each a treasure trove of art and fine living. Venice, with its signature palaces, canals and squares is a focal point of contemporary arts this year during the Biennale exhibitions. Verona, home to Romeo and Juliet, has the world's largest opera stage in its 2,000-year-old-arena, where you’ll attend the sumptuous Zefferelli production of "Carmen". Vicenza is graced with master architect Palladio's villas that still set the standard for elegance and harmony. Padua houses some of Giotto’s loveliest frescoes.
The itinerary and pricing information will soon be online at: http://wfcr.org/WFCREVENTS/venice.php
For a complete, in-depth itinerary, registration forms, and terms and conditions, contact Christopher Daly at WFCR, 413-545-3372 or csdaly@wfcr.org.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
A Few of My Favorite Things. (Websites)
No, not raindrops on roses nor whiskers on kittens...
I can't get through the day without surfing through several places on the web. These are some current bookmarked favorites.
Airliner Routes Updates: I don't know who manages this blog, but that person should get free air tickets for life. It's an up-to-the-minute report on which airline has inaugurated new routes, new aircraft, etc. A good resource for frequent flyers and people who market travel. http://airlineroute.blogspot.com/
All That Chat: A message board for Broadway drama queens and amateur critics, fans of theatre, and theatre community. Some of the posts are passionate; some are snarky, but it's a good barometer of what real theatre fans are thinking. This year: lots of Patti-chat, Liza-swoons, and mentions of others beloved (often first name only). http://www.talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat/
Law & Order SVU: Show by Show: Whoever keeps this site up gets a personal Emmy Award from me. It lists all of the episodes, a one sentence plot summary, and the casts. And, I never knew that specific episodes had titles...http://www.geocities.com/lawandordervictims/
Skytrax: Frequent flyers from around the world rate their most recent airline, airport, airport lounge, experiences. We all know customer service globally is at an all-time low, but it's fascinating to see some reactions. http://www.airlinequality.com/
Today in the Sky: Everything one could want to know about US commercial aviation scene, compiled by USAToday's reporter Ben Mutzabaugh. On Wednesdays at 1PM ET, Ben hosts a chat for frequent flyers. He posts the transcripts for those who can't get there in time. http://blogs.usatoday.com/sky/
Towleroad: One of the BEST sites for news of interest to the gay community and a 2008 Weblog Award. Andy Towle has guest columnists covering music and theatre, and he and his colleagues got it right with indepth coverage of the Democratic convention and the Campaign. And, he uses some incredible photos to create a homepage banner. http://www.towleroad.com/
I can't get through the day without surfing through several places on the web. These are some current bookmarked favorites.
Airliner Routes Updates: I don't know who manages this blog, but that person should get free air tickets for life. It's an up-to-the-minute report on which airline has inaugurated new routes, new aircraft, etc. A good resource for frequent flyers and people who market travel. http://airlineroute.blogspot.com/
All That Chat: A message board for Broadway drama queens and amateur critics, fans of theatre, and theatre community. Some of the posts are passionate; some are snarky, but it's a good barometer of what real theatre fans are thinking. This year: lots of Patti-chat, Liza-swoons, and mentions of others beloved (often first name only). http://www.talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat/
Law & Order SVU: Show by Show: Whoever keeps this site up gets a personal Emmy Award from me. It lists all of the episodes, a one sentence plot summary, and the casts. And, I never knew that specific episodes had titles...http://www.geocities.com/lawandordervictims/
Skytrax: Frequent flyers from around the world rate their most recent airline, airport, airport lounge, experiences. We all know customer service globally is at an all-time low, but it's fascinating to see some reactions. http://www.airlinequality.com/
Today in the Sky: Everything one could want to know about US commercial aviation scene, compiled by USAToday's reporter Ben Mutzabaugh. On Wednesdays at 1PM ET, Ben hosts a chat for frequent flyers. He posts the transcripts for those who can't get there in time. http://blogs.usatoday.com/sky/
Towleroad: One of the BEST sites for news of interest to the gay community and a 2008 Weblog Award. Andy Towle has guest columnists covering music and theatre, and he and his colleagues got it right with indepth coverage of the Democratic convention and the Campaign. And, he uses some incredible photos to create a homepage banner. http://www.towleroad.com/
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Grand Opening: WFCR in Springfield
It was a long time in coming, but worth the wait. WFCR held a ribbon cutting for its Springfield Broadcast Center, to be named in honor of local philanthropists Peggy and David Starr, on January 14. the new digs are in the broadcast studios of public TV station WGBY on Hampden Street in downtown.
I first worked on the Capitol Campaign back in 2000. The dream of WFCR at that point was a new tower (done), digital broadcasting (done), and a new station (now almost done in a different format than originally dreamed of).
It was nice to see some old friends and faces among the celebrants, and nice to see the Starrs step to the plate in helping to fund the new center.
I first worked on the Capitol Campaign back in 2000. The dream of WFCR at that point was a new tower (done), digital broadcasting (done), and a new station (now almost done in a different format than originally dreamed of).
It was nice to see some old friends and faces among the celebrants, and nice to see the Starrs step to the plate in helping to fund the new center.
Coming Out Support Newsweekly Moves
Finally, with a snow day available to work on its transformation, the COS News will move to blog format. The blog will be a slightly edited down version of the email version. Information is available on how to subscribe to the email version. To preview the Blog: http://cosnewsweekly.blogspot.com/
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Vote for Ronni
Vote for Ronni !
I've known Ronni Gordon, features reporter for the (Springfield, MA) Republican for over 20 years. We first met when I was doing PR and marketing for StageWest, a local Equity theatre, and Ronni was assigned to write theatre features for the paper. When I morphed into a radio and newspaper arts reporter, we often covered the same plays. We've stayed friendly and frequently catch up over coffee at Starbucks.
Ronni has been fighting leukemia for since 2003. She recapped her experiences in a feature, "Running for My Life" for the New York Times Sunday magazine (April 3, 2005). She's continued recapping her ups and downs in a blog, "Running for My Life: Fighting Cancer One Step At a Time" subtitled
"Thoughts from a tennis nut and runner who ran right into leukemia".
Both are worth a read.
Ronni Gordon's New York Times feature: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/03/magazine/03LIVES.html?_r=1&n=Top%2FNews%2FHealth%
2FDiseases%2C%20Conditions%2C%20and%20Health%20Topics%2FLeukemia
Ronni Gordon's Blog: http://runnerwrites.blogspot.com/
Ronni's blog has been nominated for a medical blog competition at www.medgadget.com.
Voting closes at midnight ET on Sunday, January 18.
I've known Ronni Gordon, features reporter for the (Springfield, MA) Republican for over 20 years. We first met when I was doing PR and marketing for StageWest, a local Equity theatre, and Ronni was assigned to write theatre features for the paper. When I morphed into a radio and newspaper arts reporter, we often covered the same plays. We've stayed friendly and frequently catch up over coffee at Starbucks.
Ronni has been fighting leukemia for since 2003. She recapped her experiences in a feature, "Running for My Life" for the New York Times Sunday magazine (April 3, 2005). She's continued recapping her ups and downs in a blog, "Running for My Life: Fighting Cancer One Step At a Time" subtitled
"Thoughts from a tennis nut and runner who ran right into leukemia".
Both are worth a read.
Ronni Gordon's New York Times feature: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/03/magazine/03LIVES.html?_r=1&n=Top%2FNews%2FHealth%
2FDiseases%2C%20Conditions%2C%20and%20Health%20Topics%2FLeukemia
Ronni Gordon's Blog: http://runnerwrites.blogspot.com/
Ronni's blog has been nominated for a medical blog competition at www.medgadget.com.
Voting closes at midnight ET on Sunday, January 18.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Press Release: Cross-Culture Journeys / Unforgettable Egypt with Diane Rehm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9, 2009
CONTACTS:
Ati Jain, Cross-Culture Journeys, 413-256-6303 or ajain@ccjourneys.com
Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations, 413-733-7095 or MGAuerbachPubRel@aol.com
Cross-Culture Journeys Presents "Unforgettable Egypt" with a Nile Cruise Hosted by NPR's Diane Rehm this Autumn
Amherst, MA---Cross-Culture Journeys has organized a 15-day/14-night, fully-escorted journey to "Unforgettable Egypt" with a Nile river cruise from October 27, 2009 through November 10, 2009. Nationally renowned radio host Diane Rehm will join the travelers throughout the trip, which has been developed for Washington DC public radio station WAMU 88.5 by Cross-Culture Journeys.
Travellers begin their tour in Cairo, Egypt's capital, with visits to the Saladin Citadel and its ancient mosques, museums and a palace; The world-renowned Egyptian Museum of Antiquities with its artifacts from the tomb of King Tut and its Mummies Room. After a short flight to Luxor, guests board the MS Jaz Legacy for a week-long cruise along the Nile. Ports of call include: Esna and the Greco-Roman temple at Khmun; Abu Simbel and the Aswan High Dam; the botanical gardens at Kitchener's Island; Kom Ombo and its Crocodile Temple, and more. Following the cruise, travellers visit Alexandria by the Mediterranean, and to Memphis, followed by time at the famous pyramids and Sphinx.
The MS Jaz Legacy, a state-of-the-art ship designed to cruise the Nile, enters service in February, 2009. The small ship with 78 cabins and two suites, has oceanliner amenities, including air-conditioned cabins with in-cabin showers, satellite in-room TV, decks, lounges, and a restaurant which can accommodate all passengers at one seating.
A pre-tour excursion to Israel (October 23-28) focuses on the sites surrounding Jerusalem, a holy city for Jews, Christians, and Moslems. Daily itineraries inclue visits to: the Mount of Olives with its panoramic views of Old Jerusalem; Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial Museum; the Western Wall (sacred to Jews); the Dome of the Rock and El Aqza Mosque; and the Arab, Christian, and Jewish Quarters.
A post-tour extension to Jordan (November 9-14) includes visits to Jordan's cosmopolitan capital, Amman; a visit to the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea with its theraputic muds and salt waters; Madaba, the "City of Mosaics"; Kerak's crusader's fortress; Jerash, the ancient city in the hills of Gilead; and Petra, the UNESCO world heritage site with its rose-red colors.
Prices with airfare from New York or Washington, DC begin at $5,695.00 per person, double occupancy. Prices with airfare from Boston begin at $5,895.00 per person, double occupancy. Single supplements are available in some cabin categories. The optional Israel pre-tour with airfare is $1,495.00 per person, double occupancy; the optional Jordan post-tour extension with airfare is $1,695.00 per person, double occupancy. Prices are all-inclusive excluding airline and government taxes and surcharges, port charges, and personal items. A portion of the fare benefits the programs and services of WAMU 88.5, although travellers do not need to be a member of WAMU to participate.
Diane Rehm is host and executive producer of "The Diane Rehm Show", which originates at WAMU 88.5. Each week, more than 1.7 million listeners across the country tune in to the program, which has grown in 29 years from a local morning call-in show to a public broadcasting powerhouse distributed by NPR, NPR Worldwide and SIRIUS satellite radio. Rehm is the author of two autobiographical books. She and her husband, John, have traveled with Cross-Culture Journeys and public radio listeners from other stations on travel programs to the Adriatic Sea and the Danube.
A description of the Unforgettable Egypt with the Nile Cruise itinerary with information on the MS Jaz Legacy, and optional pre-tour excursions to Israel and post-tour excursions to Jordan, is available online at http://www.ccjourneys.com/trip+details/0_311/unforgettable+egypt+and+nile+river+cruise.aspx. An in-depth itinerary with registration forms, terms and conditions is available by contacting Cross-Culture Journeys at 413-256-6303 or 800-491-1148.
Cross-Culture Journeys has been offering individual and customized group tours for over 20 years. Cross Culture Journeys features all-inclusive, small-group, in-depth cultural travel programs to over 40 unique destinations from Antarctica to Zagreb by air, land and small-ship. Over the last decade, Cross-Culture has developed travel programs for alumni associations and numerous public radio stations, including NPR member stations in Western New England, Washington, DC; Virginia, Ohio, Utah, and Texas. For information and itineraries, visit Cross-Culture Journeys' website at www.ccjourneys.com or call 800-491-1148 or 413-256-6303.
-30-
CONTACTS:
Ati Jain, Cross-Culture Journeys, 413-256-6303 or ajain@ccjourneys.com
Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations, 413-733-7095 or MGAuerbachPubRel@aol.com
Cross-Culture Journeys Presents "Unforgettable Egypt" with a Nile Cruise Hosted by NPR's Diane Rehm this Autumn
Amherst, MA---Cross-Culture Journeys has organized a 15-day/14-night, fully-escorted journey to "Unforgettable Egypt" with a Nile river cruise from October 27, 2009 through November 10, 2009. Nationally renowned radio host Diane Rehm will join the travelers throughout the trip, which has been developed for Washington DC public radio station WAMU 88.5 by Cross-Culture Journeys.
Travellers begin their tour in Cairo, Egypt's capital, with visits to the Saladin Citadel and its ancient mosques, museums and a palace; The world-renowned Egyptian Museum of Antiquities with its artifacts from the tomb of King Tut and its Mummies Room. After a short flight to Luxor, guests board the MS Jaz Legacy for a week-long cruise along the Nile. Ports of call include: Esna and the Greco-Roman temple at Khmun; Abu Simbel and the Aswan High Dam; the botanical gardens at Kitchener's Island; Kom Ombo and its Crocodile Temple, and more. Following the cruise, travellers visit Alexandria by the Mediterranean, and to Memphis, followed by time at the famous pyramids and Sphinx.
The MS Jaz Legacy, a state-of-the-art ship designed to cruise the Nile, enters service in February, 2009. The small ship with 78 cabins and two suites, has oceanliner amenities, including air-conditioned cabins with in-cabin showers, satellite in-room TV, decks, lounges, and a restaurant which can accommodate all passengers at one seating.
A pre-tour excursion to Israel (October 23-28) focuses on the sites surrounding Jerusalem, a holy city for Jews, Christians, and Moslems. Daily itineraries inclue visits to: the Mount of Olives with its panoramic views of Old Jerusalem; Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial Museum; the Western Wall (sacred to Jews); the Dome of the Rock and El Aqza Mosque; and the Arab, Christian, and Jewish Quarters.
A post-tour extension to Jordan (November 9-14) includes visits to Jordan's cosmopolitan capital, Amman; a visit to the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea with its theraputic muds and salt waters; Madaba, the "City of Mosaics"; Kerak's crusader's fortress; Jerash, the ancient city in the hills of Gilead; and Petra, the UNESCO world heritage site with its rose-red colors.
Prices with airfare from New York or Washington, DC begin at $5,695.00 per person, double occupancy. Prices with airfare from Boston begin at $5,895.00 per person, double occupancy. Single supplements are available in some cabin categories. The optional Israel pre-tour with airfare is $1,495.00 per person, double occupancy; the optional Jordan post-tour extension with airfare is $1,695.00 per person, double occupancy. Prices are all-inclusive excluding airline and government taxes and surcharges, port charges, and personal items. A portion of the fare benefits the programs and services of WAMU 88.5, although travellers do not need to be a member of WAMU to participate.
Diane Rehm is host and executive producer of "The Diane Rehm Show", which originates at WAMU 88.5. Each week, more than 1.7 million listeners across the country tune in to the program, which has grown in 29 years from a local morning call-in show to a public broadcasting powerhouse distributed by NPR, NPR Worldwide and SIRIUS satellite radio. Rehm is the author of two autobiographical books. She and her husband, John, have traveled with Cross-Culture Journeys and public radio listeners from other stations on travel programs to the Adriatic Sea and the Danube.
A description of the Unforgettable Egypt with the Nile Cruise itinerary with information on the MS Jaz Legacy, and optional pre-tour excursions to Israel and post-tour excursions to Jordan, is available online at http://www.ccjourneys.com/trip+details/0_311/unforgettable+egypt+and+nile+river+cruise.aspx. An in-depth itinerary with registration forms, terms and conditions is available by contacting Cross-Culture Journeys at 413-256-6303 or 800-491-1148.
Cross-Culture Journeys has been offering individual and customized group tours for over 20 years. Cross Culture Journeys features all-inclusive, small-group, in-depth cultural travel programs to over 40 unique destinations from Antarctica to Zagreb by air, land and small-ship. Over the last decade, Cross-Culture has developed travel programs for alumni associations and numerous public radio stations, including NPR member stations in Western New England, Washington, DC; Virginia, Ohio, Utah, and Texas. For information and itineraries, visit Cross-Culture Journeys' website at www.ccjourneys.com or call 800-491-1148 or 413-256-6303.
-30-
Sunday, January 4, 2009
From the Archives: A Playbill Feature from 1997
Author's Note: While working as an arts editor and radio reporter (often covering theatre), I was asked to write an article for a theatre playbill about understudies and stand-bys. the Broadway News Bureau picked up the article, and it appeared in several theatre playbills across the country. Last month, as Broadway news carried stories about an understudy replacing Christian Hoff in the title role of the Broadway revival of "Pal Joey", a friend emailed me the article.
Waiting in the Wings...When the Show Must Go On
by Mark G. Auerbach
The theatre lives by the motto "The show must go on." So, what happens when the star fractures his ankle or the soprano has a sore throat? Luckily for producers and audiences, there are understudies, stand-bys, and swings waiting in the wings (or nowadays, within cell phone or beeper distance of the stage door). These versatile performers have learned their lines; they've rehearsed their routines; and they're ready to go--just in case.
Understudies and standbys--the terms are almost synonymous these days--learn the roles of principal actors as insurance for the production just in case a regular cast member can't go on. Some understudies perform nightly in smaller parts, ready to take over another role if necessary. Standbys don't appear in the production unless the actor they are understudying for is out. Musicals also employ "swings," chorus performers who don't have on-stage assignments but who learn all the different chorus positions and are ready to jump into the show at a moment's notice when a chorus performer is out.
"Understudies have a full plate," says John Pike at Connecticut's Goodspeed Opera House, the theatre that has sent over a dozen shows to Broadway, among them Man of La Mancha and Annie. "They always have to be ready to perform--their own roles and others--on short notice; sometimes in mid-performance. The pressure is intense, with lots of uncertainty. You never know when the beeper will buzz."
Evan Ensign, production stage manager for the national touring company of Rent, supervises two to three understudies in rehearsal each week. He begins with blocking, and then moves on stage to work with costumes and scenery. There's a full understudy run-through every few weeks.
When Ensign joined Rent in Washington, D.C. last summer after spending four years touring with The Phantom of the Opera, he saw understudies become split-second heroes. "The actor playing Angel was indisposed in the middle of a scene. With three minutes notice, his understudy changed costumes and went on; a swing jumped into costume and took the understudy's role. The other actors were unaware of the changes until they actually happened."
"At Phantom," Ensign says, "the scenario is similar, but the production's complicated scene changes and costumes require an understudy to really understand how and when the sets move. Many of the understudies are also in ensemble roles, and some roles, such as Christine, are double-cast. Nonetheless, understudies can 'save the show' in a pinch."
Halfway through a performance in Louisville, Ensign's Phantom was unable to complete the show. "The actor playing Andre and understudying the Phantom went on as the Phantom in the second act. Two make-up people helped him make the complicated costume and make-up switch during the intermission."
Evan Pappas, the veteran actor who starred in My Favorite Year on Broadway, spent several years in the Broadway company of A Chorus Line, understudying (and also playing) four different roles. "I'm not sure I could do it again," says Pappas, "but I respect those who do. When you do a new production, the understudy learns the role side-by-side with the company. When you join a production during its run, you learn it from the stage manager and by watching performances. And, you generally get one run-through a week."
But, there are many people who work steadily (and make good money) as understudies and standbys. Karen Mason, a highly-acclaimed cabaret and recording artist, was the "Norma Desmond in the wings" for Sunset Boulevard, from its premiere in Los Angeles through its Broadway run. Mason went on for Glenn Close and Betty Buckley when necessary, and also played Norma Desmond when Close or Buckley were on scheduled vacations.
Sometimes art imitates life, and audiences love the backstage drama. Christine Daae waits in the wings until the diva Carlotta is indisposed in the Paris Opera gala portrayed in The Phantom of the Opera. Chorus girl Peggy Sawyer steps in for an injured star in 42nd Street and the show is saved from disaster on opening night. And, Eve Harrington manipulates Margo Channing's absence from the theatre and turns herself into a star in All About Eve and Applause.
Sometimes life imitates art, and a star is born. In 1954, a then unknown Shirley MacLaine understudied Carol Haney in The Pajama Game. When Haney broke her leg, MacLaine went on in her place. A movie producer was in the audience; MacLaine was "noticed," and a major film career began. Years later, Madeline Kahn missed some performances in the musical On the Twentieth Century. Her understudy, Judy Kaye, went on for Kahn, and eventually replaced her in the Broadway production (and subsequent national tour). She got rave reviews, landed the role of Carlotta when The Phantom of the Opera came to Broadway--and earned a Tony Award.
Many stars have logged time as understudies and stand-bys. Ten years ago, you could have seen Wesley Snipes, Bebe Neuwirth, Woody Harrelson, Rob Morrow, and John Turturro on Broadway--if the stars were sick. Stockard Channing, Phylicia Rashad and Larry Kert also moved from the wings to the stage, the screen, and television.
So, the next time you hear that announcement, "At this performance, the role of so-and-so will be played by so-and-so," expect a top-notch performance by a performer who's experiencing some inner drama, and going on stage against all odds. That's a star turn at its best.
-------------------------
Mark G. Auerbach, a New England-based arts and radio reporter, has spent several years as an understudy to drive-time news anchors.
From the Broadway News Bureau/The League of American Theatres and Producers, Inc. December 1997
Waiting in the Wings...When the Show Must Go On
by Mark G. Auerbach
The theatre lives by the motto "The show must go on." So, what happens when the star fractures his ankle or the soprano has a sore throat? Luckily for producers and audiences, there are understudies, stand-bys, and swings waiting in the wings (or nowadays, within cell phone or beeper distance of the stage door). These versatile performers have learned their lines; they've rehearsed their routines; and they're ready to go--just in case.
Understudies and standbys--the terms are almost synonymous these days--learn the roles of principal actors as insurance for the production just in case a regular cast member can't go on. Some understudies perform nightly in smaller parts, ready to take over another role if necessary. Standbys don't appear in the production unless the actor they are understudying for is out. Musicals also employ "swings," chorus performers who don't have on-stage assignments but who learn all the different chorus positions and are ready to jump into the show at a moment's notice when a chorus performer is out.
"Understudies have a full plate," says John Pike at Connecticut's Goodspeed Opera House, the theatre that has sent over a dozen shows to Broadway, among them Man of La Mancha and Annie. "They always have to be ready to perform--their own roles and others--on short notice; sometimes in mid-performance. The pressure is intense, with lots of uncertainty. You never know when the beeper will buzz."
Evan Ensign, production stage manager for the national touring company of Rent, supervises two to three understudies in rehearsal each week. He begins with blocking, and then moves on stage to work with costumes and scenery. There's a full understudy run-through every few weeks.
When Ensign joined Rent in Washington, D.C. last summer after spending four years touring with The Phantom of the Opera, he saw understudies become split-second heroes. "The actor playing Angel was indisposed in the middle of a scene. With three minutes notice, his understudy changed costumes and went on; a swing jumped into costume and took the understudy's role. The other actors were unaware of the changes until they actually happened."
"At Phantom," Ensign says, "the scenario is similar, but the production's complicated scene changes and costumes require an understudy to really understand how and when the sets move. Many of the understudies are also in ensemble roles, and some roles, such as Christine, are double-cast. Nonetheless, understudies can 'save the show' in a pinch."
Halfway through a performance in Louisville, Ensign's Phantom was unable to complete the show. "The actor playing Andre and understudying the Phantom went on as the Phantom in the second act. Two make-up people helped him make the complicated costume and make-up switch during the intermission."
Evan Pappas, the veteran actor who starred in My Favorite Year on Broadway, spent several years in the Broadway company of A Chorus Line, understudying (and also playing) four different roles. "I'm not sure I could do it again," says Pappas, "but I respect those who do. When you do a new production, the understudy learns the role side-by-side with the company. When you join a production during its run, you learn it from the stage manager and by watching performances. And, you generally get one run-through a week."
But, there are many people who work steadily (and make good money) as understudies and standbys. Karen Mason, a highly-acclaimed cabaret and recording artist, was the "Norma Desmond in the wings" for Sunset Boulevard, from its premiere in Los Angeles through its Broadway run. Mason went on for Glenn Close and Betty Buckley when necessary, and also played Norma Desmond when Close or Buckley were on scheduled vacations.
Sometimes art imitates life, and audiences love the backstage drama. Christine Daae waits in the wings until the diva Carlotta is indisposed in the Paris Opera gala portrayed in The Phantom of the Opera. Chorus girl Peggy Sawyer steps in for an injured star in 42nd Street and the show is saved from disaster on opening night. And, Eve Harrington manipulates Margo Channing's absence from the theatre and turns herself into a star in All About Eve and Applause.
Sometimes life imitates art, and a star is born. In 1954, a then unknown Shirley MacLaine understudied Carol Haney in The Pajama Game. When Haney broke her leg, MacLaine went on in her place. A movie producer was in the audience; MacLaine was "noticed," and a major film career began. Years later, Madeline Kahn missed some performances in the musical On the Twentieth Century. Her understudy, Judy Kaye, went on for Kahn, and eventually replaced her in the Broadway production (and subsequent national tour). She got rave reviews, landed the role of Carlotta when The Phantom of the Opera came to Broadway--and earned a Tony Award.
Many stars have logged time as understudies and stand-bys. Ten years ago, you could have seen Wesley Snipes, Bebe Neuwirth, Woody Harrelson, Rob Morrow, and John Turturro on Broadway--if the stars were sick. Stockard Channing, Phylicia Rashad and Larry Kert also moved from the wings to the stage, the screen, and television.
So, the next time you hear that announcement, "At this performance, the role of so-and-so will be played by so-and-so," expect a top-notch performance by a performer who's experiencing some inner drama, and going on stage against all odds. That's a star turn at its best.
-------------------------
Mark G. Auerbach, a New England-based arts and radio reporter, has spent several years as an understudy to drive-time news anchors.
From the Broadway News Bureau/The League of American Theatres and Producers, Inc. December 1997
Friday, January 2, 2009
COS Newsweekly
MGAPR's Note:
We took over the editing of this weekly newsletter for AOL's Gay and Lesbian Coming Out Support programs, when OnQ, the Gay and Lesbian Community Forum, managed that site. On Q merged with Gay.com and left AOL, and the chats and support groups migrated there for a short period, until they returned to AOL under the People Connection program. When AOL discontinued the Community Leaders program (the folks who managed the chats, message boards, and support groups), the newsletter (and some of the support chats) went independent. It was supposed to be a short-term assignment for me. I'm still doing it 8 years later, and the newsletter (available by email) has several hundred readers.
Here are some excerpts from the January 5, 2009 edition. If you want to subscribe, email OnQYB@aol.com and put "Subscribe COS" in the subject header.
Coming Out Support (COS) Newsweekly
Volume 12 No. 1 January 5, 2009
The Fine Print
About this Newsletter: All information included is proprietary information provided for your personal use only. None of the information here may be redistributed or reprinted without the written consent of the editor. All times listed are ET (Eastern Time). Dates and times are subject to change.
Subscription Information: This newsletter is available via free email subscription only. Our mailing list is confidential.
To subscribe: Email OnQYB@aol.com and write “Subscribe COS News” in subject line.
To unsubscribe: Email OnQYB@aol.com and write “Cancel COS News” in subject line.
The Gay Agenda: Datebook: January 5-11, 2009
This Just In ! FRI-SUN: 1/02-1/04: Swarthmore, CT: Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes. A reading of Tony Kushner's landmark play to benefit the The Angels of Mercy HIV ministry of Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church. www.pcstheater.org.
TUE: 1/06: New York, NY: Perez Hilton, online gossip guy, signs copies of "Red Carpet Suicide". 7PM. Border's Books, Columbus Circle. Also: SAT: 1/10: Bloomington, MN: 3PM. Barnes & Noble, Mall of America. Also: SUN: 1/11: Oak Brook, IL: 4PM. Border's Books.
Newsworthy:
Medical "Right of Conscience" Bill could put LGBT patients at risk. The Bush administration issued a “right of conscience” regulation on 12/18/08, that could enable health care workers to deny treatment to gay patients based on religious beliefs, according to activists. The Washington Blade reports: http://www.washblade.com/2008/12-26/news/national/13811.cfm
Pope's Year-End Speech Angers Gay Rights Activists. Groups criticised Pope Benedict XVI's end-of-year address in which the pontiff spoke about gender and the important distinction between men and women. The Guardian UK reports: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/24/pope-speech-gender-gay-sexuality
LGBT Leaders' Enthusiasm for Obama Subsides, with the President-Elect's choice of homophobic pastor Rick Warren for inauguration festivities and Obama's failure to name an out LGBT cabinet member. The Associated Press reports: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gRY9SuBE8oG14dq2N2N98WDVvU-wD958M4RG0
New Study: How parents or guardians respond to a youth's sexual orientation profoundly influences the child's mental health as an adult, say researchers at San Francisco State University, whose findings appear in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The Associated Press reports: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jl1Az0ECSb7bidhhc7BDiGW54eXwD95C5LL8D
Tourism Has Declined at Larry Craig's restroom at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. Towleroad reports: http://www.towleroad.com/2008/12/larry-craig-men.html
Mmm Mmm Good. Despite demands from the American Family Association calling for e-mails to Campbell Soup Co. urging the company to stop “pushing the gay agenda,” the icon of all things American is standing behind a decision to advertise in theLGBTmarket. The Advocate reports: http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid69429.asp
Features
Opinon: You're Likeable Enough Gay People. Frank Rich discusses Obama, Rev. Rick Warren, and the new administration's look at the gay community. The New York Times reports: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/28/opinion/28rich.html?hp
Profile: Mark Doty, out writer, and recipient of this year's National Book Award. The Washington Blade reports. http://www.washblade.com/2008/12-26/arts/books/13836.cfm
Profile: Judy Gold, the out comic puts a gay twist on Jewish mother jokes. The Boston Globe reports: http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2008/12/30/a_gay_twist_on_jewish_mother_jokes/
In Print: Books for Young Adult Readers
Out of the Pocket by Bill Konigsberg. Penguin Books. A high school athlete comes out in Konigsberg's debut novel. Konigsberg is an award-winning sports journalist who has written for television, newspapers, wire services, and the internet. in 2001, he came out in a story on ESPN's website; that work won him a GLAAD Media Award. www.billkonigsberg.com
Absolute Brightness by James Lecesne. Harper Collins. A fascinating story about a really cool kid who gets killed because he's different. For teen readers. Of note: James Lecesne is an author, actor, and activist, whose film "Trevor" received an Academy Award for best short film. James cofounded the Trevor Helpline, a 24-hour suicide-prevention hotline for LGBTQ teens.
In Performance: Onstage:Theatre/Music/Dance
New York City (and Broadway)
***Billy Elliot, the Elton John/Lee Hall musical based on the movie about a boy who wants to become a ballet dancer. www.billyelliotbroadway.com.
***Gaytino! Dan Guerrero's solo performance about growing up Latino and gay. "From Mariachi to Merman. Sondheim to César Chávez". 1/10/09-1/11/09. www.gaytino.com.
***The Gospel According to Adam. Geoffrey Nauffts's comedy-drama about an atheist, who falls in love with another man, a Christian. to 1/18/09. www.nakedangels.com.
***Gypsy. Patti LuPone won the Tony reprising Mama Rose. www.gypsybroadway.com/ Closes 1/11/09.
***Jackie Hoffman performs selections from her CD "Scraping the Bottom". 1/05/09. www.joespub.com.
Elsewhere...
***Abraham Lincoln’s Big, Gay Dance Party. a rural grade school teacher rewrites the annual Christmas Pageant including a bit about a possibly gay Abraham Lincoln. to 1/17/09. San Francisco, CA. http://www.sfplayhouse.org/season0809/lincoln.php
***Falsettos, the William Finn & James Lapine musical about lesbians, gay men, an ex-wife, their child and a straight psychiatrist! to 2/08/09. San Francisco, CA. www.therhino.org.
***Hedda Gabler, Ibsen's classic, reimagined as a lesbian drama by the Mauckingbird Theatre. to 1/29/09. Philadelphia, PA. http://mauckingbirdtheatreco.org.
***Looped. Valerie Harper stars as Talullah Bankhead. Chad Allen plays her sound engineer. to 2/15/09. West Palm Beach, FL. www.cuillocentre.org.
***Missionary Position. world premiere of Steven (Confessions of a Mormon Boy) Fales' solo play based on his journals and adventures as a Mormom missionary in Portugal. to 2/08/09. Hollywood, CA. www.celebrationtheatre.com
***Mitzi Gaynor, Razzle Dazzle: My Life Behind the Sequins! 1/10/09. San Francisco, CA. www.cityboxoffice.com
***Varla Jean's Victory Lap Dance. Varla Jean Merman's new show which features the Varla Jean Merman Film Festival. to 1/17/09. San Francisco, CA. www.therrazzroom.com.
***Zanna, Don’t!, the musical about a gay high school, where two straights fall in love. to 1/18/09. New Conservatory Theatre Pride Season. San Francisco, CA. www.nctcsf.org
On Screen (and Video & DVD)
Resource: Cine-Queer: GLAAD's Guide to What's LGBT in Film: http://www.glaad.org/eye/cinequeer.php
Out on Screen...
***Ciao. Two men meet after the death of a mutual friend. www.ciaomovie.com.
***Doubt, the film adaptation of John Patrick Shanley's award-winning drama. A nun (Meryl Streep) suspects a popular priest (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of abusing a boy.
***Milk, Gus Van Sant's film about gay activist Harvey Milk (Sean Penn). Also starring: Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, James Franco.
***Shifting the Canvas. Cheyenne Jackson, Scott Thompson and John Paul Pitoc star in this comedy drama about a Brooklyn cafe owner, who acts as "patriarch" to a wayward group of younger gay and lesbian artists. www.shiftingthecanvas.com.
***Were The World Mine, Tim Gustafson's film about a struggling gay teen in a homophobic town, who fantasizes about a potion that turns the town gay. http://www.weretheworldminefilm.com/
Out On Video & DVD
***The Boys in the Band. the landmark gay-themed play of the 1960's in the William Friedkin film verson. New to DVD.
***Cyrano de Bergerac, direct from Broadway with Kevin Kline and Jennifer Garner. The one to watch is Daniel Sunjata, who bared all on Broadway in "Take Me Out".
***Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. Neil Patrick Harris stars in Joss Whedon's internet musical.
***Mamma Mia, the ABBA movie musical.
***Savage Grace. A mother (Julianne Moore) tries to cure her son's homosexuality. Based on a true story. Tom Kalin directs the Sundance Film Festival drama.
On TV Of Note: All times listed are ET. Check local listings for times in your area.
Resource:TV Gayed, GLAAD's Weekly Guide to What's LGBT on TV: Updated every Friday. Currently listing to 1/08/09. http://www.glaad.org/eye/tv_listings.php
Conferences, Seminars, Benefits, and Special Events
1/11/09-1/18/09: Aspen, CO: Aspen Gay Ski Week. www.gayskiweek.com
1/15/09-1/24/09: Park City, UT: Sundance Film Festival. http://festival.sundance.org/2009/
1/15/09-1/21/09: Park City UT: Queer Lounge, The Sundance Film Festival ground zero for LGBT film makers and artists. www.queerlounge.org.
1/16/09-1/19/09: Atlanta, GA: GLSEN SOCO Weekend. Students of Color Organizing (SOCO) gathering of middle and high school students of color to provide networking and skills building opportunities. http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/library/record/2003.html
1/26/09-1/30/09: Nationwide: No Name-Calling Week, the sixth annual GLSEN, (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) initiative with support from Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing and the nearly 50 partners. www.glsen.org
1/28/09-2/01/09: Denver, CO: Creating Change Conference. The national conference on LGBT Equality. http://thetaskforce.org/events/creating_change
1/28/09-2/01/09: Vail, CO: Vail Gay & Lesbian Ski Week. www.vailgayskiweek.com
1/28/09-2/01/09: Stowe, VT: Winter Rendezvous. annual week of gay skiing & winter sports. www.winterrendezvous.com
1/29/09-1/31/09: Bloomington, IN: Pride Film Festival. www.pridefilmfestival.org
2/01/09-2/08/09: Whistler, BC: WinterPRIDE, Whistler's gay ski celebration week. gaywhistler.com.
2/09/09: New York, NY: Broadway Backwards. The guys perform music usually performed by dolls and vice versa. Starring: Alan Cumming, Whoopi Goldberg, Christopher Sieber, Mario Cantone, Megan Mullally, and Jai Rodriguez. A benefit for the LGBT Community Center. www.gaycenter.org
2/13/09-2/16/09: Hudson Valley, NY: Winter Explosion. popular LGBT African-American winter event. www.winterexplosion.com
2/24/09-3/01/09: New York, NY: CineKink NYC. mixed gay/ straight film festival exploring a wide variety of sexualities through documentary, comedy, porn, drama & more. www.cinekink.com
This Week’s Trivia Quiz: January Milestones
1. Question: Name this musician, author and activist, who was the first person to come out on television on January 18, 1973. His family was the subject of a reality series documentary on PBS.
2. Question: Name this playwright and activist. On January 12, 1982, a group of gay men met at his apartment to form the GMHC, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, a non-profit organization to provide programs and services to people with HIV. Today, the GMHC is one of the nation’s laregest AIDS service organizations, and the playwright is best known for his activism.
3. Question: Name this out award-winning actor and activist. His gay and lesbian theatre and film colleagues, among them Alec McGowen, Simon Callow, Stephen Fry, Cameron Macintosh, and Martin Sherman, came out publicly in the UK’s Guardian to support his knighthood on January 9, 1991.
4. Question: Name this Wisconsin congressman, who came out in January, 1993, (he was the third to come out) and resigned his position as deputy whip to protest intolerant statements made at the 1992 Republican convention.
5. Question: Name this bisexual American actress, born January 31, 1902. She was best known for her portrayals of Southern belles, although she had a mouth that could frighten sailors.
The first person to submit the correct answers gets their name in print right here. Email your answers to: OnQYB@aol.com
We took over the editing of this weekly newsletter for AOL's Gay and Lesbian Coming Out Support programs, when OnQ, the Gay and Lesbian Community Forum, managed that site. On Q merged with Gay.com and left AOL, and the chats and support groups migrated there for a short period, until they returned to AOL under the People Connection program. When AOL discontinued the Community Leaders program (the folks who managed the chats, message boards, and support groups), the newsletter (and some of the support chats) went independent. It was supposed to be a short-term assignment for me. I'm still doing it 8 years later, and the newsletter (available by email) has several hundred readers.
Here are some excerpts from the January 5, 2009 edition. If you want to subscribe, email OnQYB@aol.com and put "Subscribe COS" in the subject header.
Coming Out Support (COS) Newsweekly
Volume 12 No. 1 January 5, 2009
The Fine Print
About this Newsletter: All information included is proprietary information provided for your personal use only. None of the information here may be redistributed or reprinted without the written consent of the editor. All times listed are ET (Eastern Time). Dates and times are subject to change.
Subscription Information: This newsletter is available via free email subscription only. Our mailing list is confidential.
To subscribe: Email OnQYB@aol.com and write “Subscribe COS News” in subject line.
To unsubscribe: Email OnQYB@aol.com and write “Cancel COS News” in subject line.
The Gay Agenda: Datebook: January 5-11, 2009
This Just In ! FRI-SUN: 1/02-1/04: Swarthmore, CT: Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes. A reading of Tony Kushner's landmark play to benefit the The Angels of Mercy HIV ministry of Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church. www.pcstheater.org.
TUE: 1/06: New York, NY: Perez Hilton, online gossip guy, signs copies of "Red Carpet Suicide". 7PM. Border's Books, Columbus Circle. Also: SAT: 1/10: Bloomington, MN: 3PM. Barnes & Noble, Mall of America. Also: SUN: 1/11: Oak Brook, IL: 4PM. Border's Books.
Newsworthy:
Medical "Right of Conscience" Bill could put LGBT patients at risk. The Bush administration issued a “right of conscience” regulation on 12/18/08, that could enable health care workers to deny treatment to gay patients based on religious beliefs, according to activists. The Washington Blade reports: http://www.washblade.com/2008/12-26/news/national/13811.cfm
Pope's Year-End Speech Angers Gay Rights Activists. Groups criticised Pope Benedict XVI's end-of-year address in which the pontiff spoke about gender and the important distinction between men and women. The Guardian UK reports: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/24/pope-speech-gender-gay-sexuality
LGBT Leaders' Enthusiasm for Obama Subsides, with the President-Elect's choice of homophobic pastor Rick Warren for inauguration festivities and Obama's failure to name an out LGBT cabinet member. The Associated Press reports: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gRY9SuBE8oG14dq2N2N98WDVvU-wD958M4RG0
New Study: How parents or guardians respond to a youth's sexual orientation profoundly influences the child's mental health as an adult, say researchers at San Francisco State University, whose findings appear in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The Associated Press reports: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jl1Az0ECSb7bidhhc7BDiGW54eXwD95C5LL8D
Tourism Has Declined at Larry Craig's restroom at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. Towleroad reports: http://www.towleroad.com/2008/12/larry-craig-men.html
Mmm Mmm Good. Despite demands from the American Family Association calling for e-mails to Campbell Soup Co. urging the company to stop “pushing the gay agenda,” the icon of all things American is standing behind a decision to advertise in theLGBTmarket. The Advocate reports: http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid69429.asp
Features
Opinon: You're Likeable Enough Gay People. Frank Rich discusses Obama, Rev. Rick Warren, and the new administration's look at the gay community. The New York Times reports: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/28/opinion/28rich.html?hp
Profile: Mark Doty, out writer, and recipient of this year's National Book Award. The Washington Blade reports. http://www.washblade.com/2008/12-26/arts/books/13836.cfm
Profile: Judy Gold, the out comic puts a gay twist on Jewish mother jokes. The Boston Globe reports: http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2008/12/30/a_gay_twist_on_jewish_mother_jokes/
In Print: Books for Young Adult Readers
Out of the Pocket by Bill Konigsberg. Penguin Books. A high school athlete comes out in Konigsberg's debut novel. Konigsberg is an award-winning sports journalist who has written for television, newspapers, wire services, and the internet. in 2001, he came out in a story on ESPN's website; that work won him a GLAAD Media Award. www.billkonigsberg.com
Absolute Brightness by James Lecesne. Harper Collins. A fascinating story about a really cool kid who gets killed because he's different. For teen readers. Of note: James Lecesne is an author, actor, and activist, whose film "Trevor" received an Academy Award for best short film. James cofounded the Trevor Helpline, a 24-hour suicide-prevention hotline for LGBTQ teens.
In Performance: Onstage:Theatre/Music/Dance
New York City (and Broadway)
***Billy Elliot, the Elton John/Lee Hall musical based on the movie about a boy who wants to become a ballet dancer. www.billyelliotbroadway.com.
***Gaytino! Dan Guerrero's solo performance about growing up Latino and gay. "From Mariachi to Merman. Sondheim to César Chávez". 1/10/09-1/11/09. www.gaytino.com.
***The Gospel According to Adam. Geoffrey Nauffts's comedy-drama about an atheist, who falls in love with another man, a Christian. to 1/18/09. www.nakedangels.com.
***Gypsy. Patti LuPone won the Tony reprising Mama Rose. www.gypsybroadway.com/ Closes 1/11/09.
***Jackie Hoffman performs selections from her CD "Scraping the Bottom". 1/05/09. www.joespub.com.
Elsewhere...
***Abraham Lincoln’s Big, Gay Dance Party. a rural grade school teacher rewrites the annual Christmas Pageant including a bit about a possibly gay Abraham Lincoln. to 1/17/09. San Francisco, CA. http://www.sfplayhouse.org/season0809/lincoln.php
***Falsettos, the William Finn & James Lapine musical about lesbians, gay men, an ex-wife, their child and a straight psychiatrist! to 2/08/09. San Francisco, CA. www.therhino.org.
***Hedda Gabler, Ibsen's classic, reimagined as a lesbian drama by the Mauckingbird Theatre. to 1/29/09. Philadelphia, PA. http://mauckingbirdtheatreco.org.
***Looped. Valerie Harper stars as Talullah Bankhead. Chad Allen plays her sound engineer. to 2/15/09. West Palm Beach, FL. www.cuillocentre.org.
***Missionary Position. world premiere of Steven (Confessions of a Mormon Boy) Fales' solo play based on his journals and adventures as a Mormom missionary in Portugal. to 2/08/09. Hollywood, CA. www.celebrationtheatre.com
***Mitzi Gaynor, Razzle Dazzle: My Life Behind the Sequins! 1/10/09. San Francisco, CA. www.cityboxoffice.com
***Varla Jean's Victory Lap Dance. Varla Jean Merman's new show which features the Varla Jean Merman Film Festival. to 1/17/09. San Francisco, CA. www.therrazzroom.com.
***Zanna, Don’t!, the musical about a gay high school, where two straights fall in love. to 1/18/09. New Conservatory Theatre Pride Season. San Francisco, CA. www.nctcsf.org
On Screen (and Video & DVD)
Resource: Cine-Queer: GLAAD's Guide to What's LGBT in Film: http://www.glaad.org/eye/cinequeer.php
Out on Screen...
***Ciao. Two men meet after the death of a mutual friend. www.ciaomovie.com.
***Doubt, the film adaptation of John Patrick Shanley's award-winning drama. A nun (Meryl Streep) suspects a popular priest (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of abusing a boy.
***Milk, Gus Van Sant's film about gay activist Harvey Milk (Sean Penn). Also starring: Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, James Franco.
***Shifting the Canvas. Cheyenne Jackson, Scott Thompson and John Paul Pitoc star in this comedy drama about a Brooklyn cafe owner, who acts as "patriarch" to a wayward group of younger gay and lesbian artists. www.shiftingthecanvas.com.
***Were The World Mine, Tim Gustafson's film about a struggling gay teen in a homophobic town, who fantasizes about a potion that turns the town gay. http://www.weretheworldminefilm.com/
Out On Video & DVD
***The Boys in the Band. the landmark gay-themed play of the 1960's in the William Friedkin film verson. New to DVD.
***Cyrano de Bergerac, direct from Broadway with Kevin Kline and Jennifer Garner. The one to watch is Daniel Sunjata, who bared all on Broadway in "Take Me Out".
***Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. Neil Patrick Harris stars in Joss Whedon's internet musical.
***Mamma Mia, the ABBA movie musical.
***Savage Grace. A mother (Julianne Moore) tries to cure her son's homosexuality. Based on a true story. Tom Kalin directs the Sundance Film Festival drama.
On TV Of Note: All times listed are ET. Check local listings for times in your area.
Resource:TV Gayed, GLAAD's Weekly Guide to What's LGBT on TV: Updated every Friday. Currently listing to 1/08/09. http://www.glaad.org/eye/tv_listings.php
Conferences, Seminars, Benefits, and Special Events
1/11/09-1/18/09: Aspen, CO: Aspen Gay Ski Week. www.gayskiweek.com
1/15/09-1/24/09: Park City, UT: Sundance Film Festival. http://festival.sundance.org/2009/
1/15/09-1/21/09: Park City UT: Queer Lounge, The Sundance Film Festival ground zero for LGBT film makers and artists. www.queerlounge.org.
1/16/09-1/19/09: Atlanta, GA: GLSEN SOCO Weekend. Students of Color Organizing (SOCO) gathering of middle and high school students of color to provide networking and skills building opportunities. http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/library/record/2003.html
1/26/09-1/30/09: Nationwide: No Name-Calling Week, the sixth annual GLSEN, (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) initiative with support from Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing and the nearly 50 partners. www.glsen.org
1/28/09-2/01/09: Denver, CO: Creating Change Conference. The national conference on LGBT Equality. http://thetaskforce.org/events/creating_change
1/28/09-2/01/09: Vail, CO: Vail Gay & Lesbian Ski Week. www.vailgayskiweek.com
1/28/09-2/01/09: Stowe, VT: Winter Rendezvous. annual week of gay skiing & winter sports. www.winterrendezvous.com
1/29/09-1/31/09: Bloomington, IN: Pride Film Festival. www.pridefilmfestival.org
2/01/09-2/08/09: Whistler, BC: WinterPRIDE, Whistler's gay ski celebration week. gaywhistler.com.
2/09/09: New York, NY: Broadway Backwards. The guys perform music usually performed by dolls and vice versa. Starring: Alan Cumming, Whoopi Goldberg, Christopher Sieber, Mario Cantone, Megan Mullally, and Jai Rodriguez. A benefit for the LGBT Community Center. www.gaycenter.org
2/13/09-2/16/09: Hudson Valley, NY: Winter Explosion. popular LGBT African-American winter event. www.winterexplosion.com
2/24/09-3/01/09: New York, NY: CineKink NYC. mixed gay/ straight film festival exploring a wide variety of sexualities through documentary, comedy, porn, drama & more. www.cinekink.com
This Week’s Trivia Quiz: January Milestones
1. Question: Name this musician, author and activist, who was the first person to come out on television on January 18, 1973. His family was the subject of a reality series documentary on PBS.
2. Question: Name this playwright and activist. On January 12, 1982, a group of gay men met at his apartment to form the GMHC, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, a non-profit organization to provide programs and services to people with HIV. Today, the GMHC is one of the nation’s laregest AIDS service organizations, and the playwright is best known for his activism.
3. Question: Name this out award-winning actor and activist. His gay and lesbian theatre and film colleagues, among them Alec McGowen, Simon Callow, Stephen Fry, Cameron Macintosh, and Martin Sherman, came out publicly in the UK’s Guardian to support his knighthood on January 9, 1991.
4. Question: Name this Wisconsin congressman, who came out in January, 1993, (he was the third to come out) and resigned his position as deputy whip to protest intolerant statements made at the 1992 Republican convention.
5. Question: Name this bisexual American actress, born January 31, 1902. She was best known for her portrayals of Southern belles, although she had a mouth that could frighten sailors.
The first person to submit the correct answers gets their name in print right here. Email your answers to: OnQYB@aol.com
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