Local Theatre Buzz

Mass Appeal at Sol Theatre

This is a humorous and bittersweet journey of friendship between two seemingly opposite men teaches them both about courage, commitment, personal ideals, and the infinite varieties of love.  If you saw their last The Mystery of Irma Vep you will be pleased to know that Jim Gibbons plays Father Tim Farley.  For more information go to www.soltheatre.com and the Sol Theatre Project is located at 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale.

Click Here to read Stephen's review.

Beehive Found at Stage Door Theatre thru July 16th 

Beehive, the 60’s musical sensation, will be at The Stage Door Theatre May 26^th thru June 25^th with big hair and bigger hits. 

The Stage Door Theatre is located on 26^th right across from Wilton Station in the Old Florida Seafood House Plaza.  For times and tickets, call 954*344-7765.

Click Here to read Stephen's review. 

Things on Display

Oldest Known Fresco Just Found 

A former tomb raider now police informant led archaeologists to the burial chamber of the Prince of Veio.  The chamber, belonging to a warrior Prince is estimated to be from 690 B.C., is decorated with lions and birds, and is the oldest known frescoed burial chamber in Europe.  It is unique in the fact that it marks the origin of Western painting. 

Catch Freda 

Fans of Frida Kahlo, the famed latina artist portrayed by Selma Hyack in the movie, “Freda” is on display in Miami.  Nickolas Muray a famed Hungarian-born photographer used to shoot regularly for Vanity Fair and Harper’s Bazaar fell in love with Freda back in 1930 and their affair lasted a decade.  Within those years, Muray captured some of her loveliest and natural poses, along with some unusual—wearing a gas mask, petting her pet fawn, or sitting amongst her unfinished word.  I Will Never Forget You…Frida Kahlo to Nickolas Muray will be on display until Friday at the Tresart Gallery, which is located at 171 NW 36^th Street in the Wynwood Arts District in Miami.  You can call 305*537-9611 or visit them on the web at www.tresart.us for further information.  

Stonewall has Pride:  Party or Protest

Do you know how the myriad of Gay Pride celebrations across the nation started, or when the first Gay Pride in South Florida took place? Do you know why there are two Pride celebrations in Ft. Lauderdale each year?  The answers can be found in an insightful new exhibit, PRIDE: Party or Protest? opening on Saturday, June 17, 2006 at the Stonewall Library and Archives, 1717 North Andrews Ave, in Ft. Lauderdale. Hours are 11am to 9pm Monday through Friday; Saturday Noon to 3pm.  

United & Proud Exhibit

The 2006 United & Proud Exhibit will opened June 7^th at the Gallery Six in the Broward County Main Library on 100 South Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale.  United & Proud will feature over 50 artists and will include: paintings, watercolors, photography, mixed media, and three-dimensional works.  South Florida’s Lambda Chorale’s Tropic Harmony performed.  For more information, call 954*530-2723 or to find out more about ArtsUnited go to www.artsunitedonline.org. 

Queens & Kings, Until July 17^th 

June is Gay Pride Month.  Art Center South Florida is hosting an exhibit of gay iconography through:  photographs, paintings, and a variety of different mediums.  This will be on exhibit through July 17^th at the Miami Beach City Hall Public Gallery, 4^th Floor, at 1700 Convention Center Drive.  For further information call 305*674-8278 or 305*538-7887. 

ARTe ABSTRACTo, May 27^th thru June 29^th 

Art Expression Gallery is hosting an ARTe ABSTRACTo exhibit and there will be an opening reception at 7pm Saturday, May 27^th at the gallery that is located at 1212 NE Fourth Ave, Ft. Lauderdale.  For further information call 954*527-7770.   

Titanic:  The Artifact Exhibit, Until October

This exhibit chronicles the journey of RMS Titanic from its design and construction through its fateful maiden voyage and sinking, to the scientific recovery efforts.   

The Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium is located on 3280 South Miami Avenue, Miami.  You can contact them at 305*646-4200 or www.miamisci.org. 

Coming to Town

Please note: we have organized this by date of appearance. New additions this week are highlighted in Bold Red.

There’s a Redneck Woman Coming! June 29^th 

Gretchen Wilson’s dramatic rise to stardom is well known to fans of her signature country-rock blend.  Come and see her perform her breakthrough single “Redneck Woman” in her Redneck Revolution Tour at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL.  Tickets are now on sale, go to www.ticketmaster.com or call 954*523-3309 or go to the Hard Rock Live Box Office which is open from noon to 7pm daily. For more info on Gretchen, visit her fan club website, www.gwfans.com

Who’s Your First Idol?

Kelly Clarkson will be live, onstage Friday, June 30^th at the Sound Advice Amphitheatre.  As part of her Addicted Tour, her Special Guest will be Rooney.  The Amphitheatre is located at 601-7 Sansbury’s Way, West Palm Beach.  Tickets are $25-$75 and can be purchased through www.ticketmaster.com www.livenation.com, or by phone at:  561*966-3309, 954*523-3309, or 305*358-5885.  To get more Kelly info, go to www.kellyclarkson.com. 

Jersey Boys are Back!

Yes, we all survived the BIG HAIR of the 80’s.  If you know that “You Give Love a Bad Name” and feel like you are “Living on a Prayer”—yes Virginia, there is a Bon Jovi!  All four members (John Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Tico Torres, and David Bryan) will be onstage at Hard Rock Live July 10^th  at 8pm.  Tickets are now on sale.   

For further information, call 954*523-3309, www.ticketmaster.com, or stop by the Hard Rock Live Box Office—they are open from noon to 7pm daily.

KC’s Boogie Blast, Sunday, July 9^th 

If you loved the 70’s, prepare yourself…they are doing a “Boogie Blast” featuring KC & the Sunshine Band, Gloria Gaynor, and Sister Sledge.  This will be the ultimate dance party so brush off your platforms and get out your pic to tease your fro.  This will take place Sunday, July 9^th at the Sound Advice Amphitheatre and you can purchase tickets at www.ticketmaster.com. 

The Queen of Miami, July 15 

The undisputed Queen of Miami, Gloria Estefan, along with her band the Miami Sound Machine, will be at the American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, Saturday, July 15^th at 10pm.  Tickets are $30-$85 and are available at www.ticketmaster.com. 

Hide Your Fur, July 24^th 

Pink will be performing her latest songs at Revolution, 200 W Broward Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale Monday, July 24.  Tickets are $25 and are available at www.ticketmaster.com. 

Mimi Does Miami, Aug 5^th 

Mariah Carey will be launching The Adventures of Mimi, her first US tour since 2003, Saturday, August 5^th at the American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami.  Tickets range from $19.50 to $129.50 and go on sale Friday, June 2^nd.  Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or 305*358-5885. 

Calling All Azzmastahs, Friday, August 11^th 

The one and only Margaret Cho will be in concert Friday, August 11^th at 8:30pm at the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne, FL.  LISP, the greatest gay rapper in the world, will be her Special Guest.  Tickets go on sale THIS FRIDAY [June 2^nd] at 10am so call the Ticket Office at 321*242-2219 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Melissa Etheridge Live Saturday, August 19^th  8pm 

New Greatest Hits CD “The Road Less Traveled” in stores now!

Tickets available at Ticketmaster locations or you can charge by phone:  305-358-5885 / 954-523-3309 / 561-966-3309 or www.ticketmaster.com. 

Mizner Park Amphitheater is in Boca Raton and this is a Fantasma Productions Concert Event.  For further information go to www.fantasma.com or www.melissaetheridge.com

Mary J. Blige, Aug 25^th 

Mary J Blige will be in concert Friday, August 25^th at the Bank Atlantic Center at 2555 Panther Parkway in Sunrise.  Her special guest will be Jaheim and will be singing all her greats—hopefully my favorite song Ain’t Gonna Cry from Waiting to Exhale, and anyone that knows me, knows how MUCH I love that song!  For futher Information go to www.ticketmaster.com. 

Her Hips Don’t Lie, Sep 16^th 

Shakira and Wyclef have added a second show 7:30pm on September 16^th at the American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami.  Tickets are $19.50-$87 and you can get them through www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 786*777-1250. For more info about Shakira: www.shakiraheaven.com

The Chicks Will be in Town, Oct 7^th 

I’m Verklemnpt, October 28^th

Yes, the legendary Barbara Streisand will be performing Saturday, October 28^th at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sawgrass and will be having special guest Il Divo perform with her. Tickets are priced starting at $100 to $750 and VIP packages up to $1,800.  Much of the proceeds go to charities, one of which being The Streisand Foundation, which expects to raise millions from this tour.  Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com.    

25 Years of Memories  

The Broward Center will be hosting the 25^th anniversary tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats for seven performances from August 2^nd through the 6^th.  Tickets are $20-$58 and can be purchased at either 954*462-0222 or www.ticketmaster.com or www.browardcenter.org.   

Auction News

Princess Margaret is Quite Fetching 

Some of the estate of the late Princess Margaret was auctioned off this past week in a two-day auction in London.  On the block were:  jewelry, furniture, and a variety of other personal artifacts totaling $25.1M—far above expectations.  Just for example, the tiara she wore for her 1960 wedding fetched $1.7M, which was four times more than pre-auction estimates.  Sadly, Queen Elizabeth’s younger sister died at the age of 71 in 2002 and some have known her as The Wild Child of Windsor Castle. 

Time for The Gay Games 

As you may well know, the Gay Games will be held in Chicago this July from the 15^th-22^nd.  In an attempt to aid whomever may go to support our people, I will be posting weekly things of interest you may or may not know about The Games or events going on in and around Chicago.  

This week, I want to show you that there is a wonderful museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, which is located at 111 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago.  They have wonderful exhibit on everything from paintings to photography.  Under the Ancient Category, they have examples of Greek, Etruscan, Roman, and Egyptian sculpture in stone, clay, and bronze as wells as coins, glass, jewelry, vases, and mosaics.  Spend the day or a day not at the Games and enjoy!

Anniversary Concert

The Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus will be presenting a 20^th Anniversary Concert Saturday, June 24^th at the Sunshine Cathedral.  The venue is located at 1480 SW Ninth Ave in Fort Lauderdale.  Call 954*832-0060 for further information.

Phantom of the Venetian 

Do you have “Phantom Fever?”  Well, now you have a third place to catch the award winning Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, in addition to NY and London—how about Vegas?  This Saturday will kick off the newest home to Christine and cast singing your favorite songs at the newly renovated Venetian Hotel-Casino.  The Venetian recently spent $40M to recreate an authentic Parisian opera house with a one-ton chandelier made of 29,444 hand-strung crystals that will stop 10’ above some audience members.  The show called Phantom:  The Las Vegas Spectacular now contains a 1,800-seat playhouse and is designed to match the Opera Garnier in Paris.  Tickets start at $75 and for further information call 866*641-7469 or at www.phantomlasvegas.com.  

Wine is Fine 

At the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Resort, you can immerse yourself in not only restorative natural spring waters—but also red wine!  They also offer soaks in Green Tea, coffee, and sake.  They claim that this soak provides a rejuvenation treatment for the body and that coffee will awaken your soul.  Some spas in California’s Napa Valley offer vinotherapies and soon Beer Baths in Europe. 

Madonna Dons H&M 

Madonna will cobrand herself with the Stockholm-based H&M and will do advertising spots for them in September with her dancers.   In August, 1,200 H&M stores will carry the Madonna-inspired tracksuits.  The company has done this before and had phenomenal success with such designers as Stella McCartney and Karl Lagerfeld.  I hope Daisy D. has got it before her concert this summer, but if she doesn’t—she might just have rollerskates on! 

Graphic courtesy www.madonna.com

Brendon Fraser Goes Gay Fashionista! 

Brendon Fraser has been slated to appear in a movie about the 70’s flamboyant fashion superstar and Studio 54 regular Halston.  Halston had partied with the best of them at the famed nightclub with such stars as:  Liza Minnelli, Liz Taylor, and Bianca Jagger before he died of AIDS in 1990.  The movie was inspired by a 1991 biography by Steven Gaines called, “Simply Halston.”   I am hoping for an R Rated version of his life, with truth and scandal—vice the PG version we all got of “Studio 54.” 

Museum of the Week

Miss Damita Joe is Back with Abs 

We have all seen her—I have personally cursed her while at 7Eleven getting my nightly Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches over the past couple of weeks.  Janet Jackson, my favorite Jackson and biggest hope for normalcy from the super-secret musical family of all times, dropped the weight and has been featured in almost every magazine.  She had last been seen on a beach somewhere, mind you an aerial footage from a helicopter, looking like what The Oprah used to look like.  Well, I love me a Phoenix Rising story as much as anyone else, so here it comes:  June 19^th she debuted her latest single, “Call On Me” through various radio stations.  The song features rapper Nelly and video is in the works.  Her album, “20 Years Old” is due out September 26^th and promises a tour relevant of the 20^th anniversary of her “Control” album.   

Picture courtesy www.janetjackson.com

Museum of the Week

Coral Castle 

Anyone driving down to Key West will pass right on by this amazing architecturally astounding creation.  On Route 1 South of Miami you will find a site called The Coral Castle that, to this day, cannot be explained.  The secrets have died with the creator and have yet to be discovered how this tiny man had moved ton bricks of coral around and maneuvered them into place.  The Coral Castle is located at 18655 South Dixie Highway, Miami.  Cost is between $5 and $9.75 and for further information call 305*248-6345.