Dali in St. Petersburg

Due to the 2004 and 2005 hurricane season, plans are now in the works for a $30M signature Dali museum.  The current location is in an old boat warehouse but the new facility will be created to protect the collection which will be engineered to withstand 165 mph winds and curators will be able to seal the artwork behind steel doors during storms.  Furthermore, all the artwork will be displayed on the third floor—well above flood waters.  They will display more than 1,400 pieces and even though the Spanish surrealist never set foot in this Gulf Coast city, it will be his new home.  The Dali Board has raised more than $25M of the projected $30M cost and so now groundbreaking is slated for early next year and the new building will be open in 2010.   With such eccentricities as Dali portrayed in his work, expect nothing less from his museum—there will be a tree growing through the building and surprising fountains. 

Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi

On Saturday, the Guggenheim announced its plan for a Frank Gehry-designed art museum in Abu Dhabi—famed for such architectural achievements as it’s man-made islands in the Persian Gulf The Palm and The World.  The Guggenheim has outposts in Las Vegas, Berlin, Venice, and Bilboa, Spain and with the addition of Abu Dhabi; it will be its biggest venture yet.  This museum will sit on a manmade spit jutting into the Gulf from the currently uninhabited Saadiyat Island—adjacent to Abu Dhabi and will cost over $200M and is scheduled to be completed in five years.  What’s ironic to me is that the museum is named fro a powerful Jewish-American family and designed by a Jewish architect and will be in the capital of an Arab country that refuses diplomatic ties with Israel. 

Local Theatre Buzz

Ella, Through September 3rd

This is a musical about Jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald who invites her favorite musicians to play with her in 1966. This takes place at the Florida Stage which is located at 262 South Ocean Blvd, Manalapan.  Call 561*585-3433 or go to www.floridastage.org  for more information. 

Are you Gypsy Rose Lee? Thru July 30^th

The Pembroke Pines Theatre of Performing Arts is currently presenting Gypsy at the Susan Katz Theater through July 30^th.   The Theater is located at 17195 Sheridan Street in Pembroke Pines.  For tickets or more information call 954*437-4884. 

Irma Vep in Coral Gables, July 12^th thru Sep 3^rd

The Mystery of Irma Vep a wonderfully crafted play with only two actors playing over 20 parts will be appearing at The Actor’s Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables July 12^th thru September 3^rd.  The Theatre is located at 280 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables and tickets can be purchased online at www.actorsplayhouse.org  or for further information call them at 305*444-9293. 

The Last Hairdresser, July 14^th – Aug 20^th  

The Last Hairdresser a Rising Action Theatre Company production by David Goldyn, Artistic Director will premier Friday July 15^th at Boom nightclub in Wilton Manors.  David’s previous production, Southern Baptist Sissies was amazing and intricate that made you laugh until it hurt.  Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30pm.  Tickets are $25 with group rates available and are available at Gaymart, right next to Boom.  For further information, call 954*567-8550.  To read my review of Southern Baptist Sissies Click Here.

Aperitifs at ArtServe 

The Edge Theatre presents Aperitifs, three great gay plays by two superb gay playwrights.  The plays performed are:  Edward Albee’s Zoo Story and Fam and Yam, and Robert Patrick’s One of Those People and star Jerry Jensen and Nick Velkov and is Directed by Jim Tommaney.  It runs July 7^th thru the 9^th, 14^th thru the 16^th at ArtServe, which is located at 1300 East Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale.  Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 for Students and Senior.  Call 786*355-0976 for reservations. 

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 30th 

It was brought to my attention that all of the costumes for Beehive were done by the one and only Maria from Zoo 14 on Wilton Drive.  A local fashion legend in our community, she has helped dress many figures—both male and female into one-of-a-kind creations.  This play is a definite Fashion Must-See to reminisce about and era that brought about social change, creativity, and freedom. 

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. 

Buy the Bottle 

Do you know how hard it is trying to get product placement for wines?  Well, winemakers who normally trade placement in media with donating cases to the show biz events and celebrity parties are now hiring agents to read scripts and make offers to major production companies for targeted placement and picking the right scene for their wine.  The difficulty with wine—vice a Coca Cola can, is that most wine bottles are similar and if the label isn’t showing, it needs to be mentioned.  With such movies as The Terminal where Tom Hanks orders a Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon for dinner and Sideways—words are money in the bank. 

Hotel News

Nicky O 

Nicky Hilton, designer of clothing, accessories, and jewelry is helping design a chain or boutique condo-hotels, uniquely called Nicky O.  Olivia is the heiress’s middle name and is partnering with the Falor Development Group of Chicago and plans to open about ten within the next couple of years with condo-hotels starting at $500,000 and penthouses priced at over $1M.  South Beach hotels routinely subsidize a celebrity’s vacation dreaming of being linked in the press but this is the first time a hotel paid directly for the rights to a star’s name.  Currently the Breakwater and Edison are being converted and when finished, Nicky plans on living there for a month after it opens in October to supervise it’s launch.  Ms. Hilton grew up in the famed Waldorf-Astoria and wants the same style and authenticity they provided her and has designs with that model in mind.  The bellhop uniforms, pens at the front desk, and mattresses will be all of a caliber equivalent of the Waldorf-Astoria. 

Things on Display

West Palm Summer Sculpture Show 

Eaton Fine Art will be featuring works by Alexander Calder, Dale Hihuly/Dennis Oppenheim, Patrick Ireland, Mark di Suvero, and many others in their North and South Galleries.  This exhibit runs all summer long from 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday.  The Eaton Fine Art Gallery is located at 435 Gardenia Street, West Palm Beach.  Call 561*833-4766 for further information or contact them at www.eatonart.net. 

Timothy Leistner is at Art Expressions

Photographs by Timothy Leistner will be shown at Art Expressions Gallery opening July 8^th and will run through the 29^th with an opening reception at 7pm the 8^th.  The Gallery is located at 1212 NE Fourth Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.  For more information, call them at 954527-7700.

Photo by Pompano Bill.

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.  

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. 

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. 

Home Décor

Because You Are a Queen 

At www.WellDressedHome.com for $39 you can have an official Queen accent pillow. 

Coming to Town

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

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.    

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.  

Photos courtesy of Mark Haines and Anne Evans

Museum of the Week

The Wolfsonian 

The Wolfsonian, a Miami-based museum has a lot to offer the residents and visitors to Southern Florida. Currently, they have Art and Design in the Modern Age which contains approximately 200 works in all media that examines the ways in which art and design have influenced and adapted to the modern world.  They also have an interesting and thought provoking show Revolutionary Tides:  The art of the Political Poster 1914-1989 which showcases more than 100 politically-stirring posters from around the globe that actually did what they were supposed to do—inspire people.  The posters are dated between World War I and the destruction of the Berlin Wall in 1989.  They look into the social and political ideologies that contain such things as:  The New Deal America, The Red Cross, and anti-Vietnam ones as well.  There are nine themes that transform color, industry household items and human anatomy into tools for stirring social change.  This show is important because it displays the artistry of the individuals that evoked spirit and social change.

New Era Between India and China 

Last week the India-China border at Nathu La, an ancient Silk Road Pass, high in the Himalayas, was opened after more than 44 years.  Back in 1962 there was a brief war between the two countries and the border was sealed off.  What’s amazing is the fact that troops from both sides mixed freely and instead of weapons most brandished cameras.  Even though trade through Nathu La will be duty-free, Indian exports are limited to an approved 29 commodities—mostly food items.  Chinese traders are restricted to 15 types of goods that include goat and sheepskins, wools, and herbs.  At the border is the highest ATM and Internet café in the world.  It is estimated that more than $3B worth of trade will be done annually by 2015.     

Ralph Fiennes is a Faith Healer 

Ralph Fiennes, Cherry Jones, and Ian McDiarmid brings to life t6he play Faith Healer by Irish playwright Brian Friel which is centered around:  faith, chance, trust, and betrayal.  This is one play not to be missed!  It is at The Booth Theatre at 222 W. 45^th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue.  For further information, call 212*239-6200. 

Patti LuPone is Making Some Pies 

Patti LuPone, noted gay theatre icon for playing such roles as Evita Perone in Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita has teamed up with Michael Cerveris and make some gruesome pies in Sweeney Todd.  The show, which opened in the fall, was nominated for six Tonys and will run through Thanksgiving.  Pie anyone?

Try Bathing Jeff in SoHo 

While in NY’s trendy SoHo district check out Patrick Corbin’s Bathing Jeff, Part 1 which is a powerful piece about the death of his friend and dancer, Jeff Wadlington from AIDS in 1994.  This chronicles, through poetry and dance, the lives of his fellow Paul Taylor dancers as they all gather in New Mexico with his partner and family during his last days.  This is important since this year marks the 25^th anniversary of the first evidence of AIDS and is Gay Pride Month.  Mr. Corbin himself sits at the side of the stage and reads from his own personal journals of this time and describes helping wash Mr. Wadlington’s body just after death—the center of this piece.  

For Three Days You Can Light My Candle Sept 14^th – 17^th

Tickets are now on sale for Rent which will be at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts September 14^th thru 17^th.  Tickets are available at the theater Box Office and at www.ticketmaster.com .  You can also check out other shows at www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com  or at www.browardcenter.org . 

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.   

Television News

Are You In or Are You Out? 

Fashion File

Love Angel Music Baby Now Tells Time 

Gwen Stefani, known for her music and now can add watch designer.  She designed a new line of watches with the help of Vestal, which feature her trademark Love Angel Music Baby and will be in 28 styles and priced anywhere between $195 to $675.  The collection will debut at Nordstrom next month and then specialty department stores and boutiques including Barney’s, Fred Segal, and Henri Bendel.  This collection will be added to her current women’s apparel and accessories fashion label L.A.M.B.

Darfur Necklaces 

Jenna Tilson Weinstein, ceramic artist, has designed necklaces that benefit Human Rights First’s campaign to end the ongoing genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan.  You might have heard over the past year it being brought up by such celebrities as George Clooney that this war-torn area is in dire need of attention and assistance.  Each necklace costs $50 and to view and order go to www.HopeForDarfur.org. 

Royal Opera Slimming Down 

The Royal Opera House had fired American Soprano Deborah Voigt in 2004 because they felt a slimmer singer would be better.  Voigt, who is one of the world’s top opera singers, lost her part in Richard Strauss’ Ariadne on Naxos and opted to get gastric bypass surgery that June.  After losing 135 pounds, Voigt has been rehired and signed a contract to return to the role in the 2007-2008 Season.  Does this mean the end of the large opera singers as we know it?

Real Estate News

Fortress of Solitude For Sale 

Legendary Superman Christopher Reeve’s home is now on the market for $2.95 Million.  The home is 9,339 square feet and now on the market after Dana’s death in March due to lung cancer, only a year and a half after losing her beloved husband. 

Art News

Art & Culture Center Designated MCI 

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners designated the Arts and Culture Center of Hollywood as a Major Cultural Institution (MCI) on June 13^th.  It is one of five MCI in Broward County and others include:  The Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival, Museum of Art, Museum of Discovery and Science, and the Opera Guild of Ft. Lauderdale.  The Art and Culture Center has long been an asset to the City of Hollywood and Broward County which now makes Hollywood, City of the Arts.  The Center is a contemporary visual and performing arts organization offering visual arts exhibitions, theatre, music, and dance performances.  For more information go to www.artsandculturecenter.org. 

Fresh Off the Auction Block

Charlize Theron 

The bra worn by Charlize Theron that helped her win an Oscar for “Monster” recently sold at a charity’s silent auction for $250.  She had a hard time parting with it and liked the way that it made her look sexy [yeah right].  On the bright side, her Aeon Flux jumpsuit and prop knife went for $2,000. 

Historic Architectural News

Before Machu Picchu There Was Caral 

Hundreds of years before the Incas built Machu Picchu in Peru, the Caral civilization was working on the Sacred City of Caral.  Now known as Proyecto Especial Arquelogico Caral-Supre is busily restoring this archeological treasure and it is inviting tourists who are currently visiting Lima, Peru to check it out.  Located in the Supe Valley it’s about two hours north of Lima and easily accessible by the Pan-American Highway.  For more information go to www.peru.info or 866*661-PERU. 

New Marie Antoinette Exhibit at Versailles

Now recently renovated and now open to the public, in addition to the $10 entrance fee to Versailles, for $11.30 you can see a small but luxurious theatre that the theatre-loving Queen Marie-Antoinette had built.  In addition, you can see the English Garden, The Petit Trianon—a mini-chateau that Louis XVI offered her as a wedding present.  Hurry, the building will close in November for more renovations, scheduled to reopen in two years.  Also, as part of the celebration, the chateau is also selling a perfume based on one of the Queen’s fragrances.  This perfume is scented with hints of rose, iris, jasmine, tuberose, and orange blossom, costs $10,000 for a prestige version or standard for $440. 

Time to Celebrate

France’s Bastille Day 

French countrymen everywhere will be celebrating this week the storming of the high-security prison Bastille in 1789, marking the beginning of the French Revolution.  On July 13^th, people head to the Champs-Elysèes for a parade and fireworks.  There will be dancing at Bastille Square, balls, parties, and much merriment.  On July 14^th, there will be a military parade on Les Champs including jets flying overhead in formation and all ending with fireworks at 10:30pm. 

Book News

A Book To Set You on the Straight & Narrow

Robert Downey Jr. has signed a deal with Harper Entertainment of HarperCollins Publishers last week in New York to do a life story of the 41-year-old celebrity.  We are promised a “candid look at the highs and lows of his life and career.”  We all know he suffered from recurring drug and alcohol problems in the 1990s, multiple stints in prison, court-ordered rehab, and finally—probation.  Since his probation has been over since 2002, this life story is ready to be printed.  I want to know the really crazy stuff, not the “I don’t want to damage my future…” information.