Monthly Archives:

November 2012

Wardrobe Advice from My Nephew

This is my nephew Noah helping me decide what to wear for tonight’s gala. Sometimes it’s good to get a child’s perspective on questionable accessories. Just to clarify, I did not instigate this playing-with-pearls moment – they were sitting on the table when he happened to stop by for a visit, and like all things that I forget to put away when the kids come over, he made a beeline for what was not supposed to be touched. I believe he was trying to tell me to tone down the number of pearls I was going to wear.

After giving it some thought, I had to admit the kid was right. From the mouths of babes.

Additional clarification: I did not encourage him to put them on either. You can’t stop a kid from being fabulous if that’s what he wants to do. (Besides, he took them off after a minute, so clearly he didn’t find them as fabulous as I would have. He much preferred rolling (and throwing) the balls violently on (and off) the pool table.)

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The Revolutionary Costume of the Day

Though the main purpose for the Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Festival (taking place tonight) is to raise funds for the AIDS Council, the real reason to go is to hang out with friends, start the holiday season off, and see what everyone is wearing. As such, it’s probably one of the most important outfit nights of the year. In the past I would alternate my attire – one year doing something really spectacular and over the top (thigh-high latex boots with five-inch heels, a Swarovski-studded corset, Indian wedding pajamas, a mirror-covered jacket were but a few of the looks I’ve tried) – then switching it up into something super casual (jeans and a t-shirt) when I needed a break.

This year I’m going with something I would call a cross between Pee Wee Herman and Little Red Riding Hood. That’s all I’m going to say about it, and all that needs to be said. It’s actually rather simple. There was a time when it looked like it might be heading into heavy sequin territory, but I pulled back and reined it in, ultimately excising all sequins. The multiple strings of pearls have been reduced to a single strand, despite what these sneak-peek photos reveal. And the possibility of a head-dress – always a temptation – was put on the shelf for another year. Not to worry – even with all those edits it’s still pretty spectacular.

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Mid-Day Hump Day Treat

It’s not about aptitude it’s the way you’re viewed…
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Please, It’s All About Popular

If other places can re-print an article on ‘Wicked’ by Gregory Maguire, then surely I can get away with re-posting my review of the show from when it premiered on Broadway almost a decade ago. I’m taking Andy to see it tonight at Proctor’s, so it seems a fitting moment. (Besides, I’m too busy finalizing my outfit for the Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Festival to really focus on anything else.) So, without further ado, here it is (and it’s interesting to note how very wrong I was about the show not doing so well once its original cast departed).

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“Popular – it’s all about popular. It’s not about aptitude, it’s the way you’re viewed, so it’s very shrewd to be very, very popular, like me!” So sings Galinda, the ‘good witch’ of’Wicked’, in the new musical that opened this past year. The show too is proving popular, from good word-of-mouth to sold-out audiences. (The past few weeks have found it filled to capacity.) All this despite mixed reviews is further proof that what is popular may be more important than what is actually worthy of artistic merit. In this case, it’s not as bad as mean-spirited critics would have you believe, nor as wonderful as ‘Wicked’ fans would like you to think.

For lovers of the movie and those unfamiliar with Gregory Maguire’s original spellbinding book, the musical is likely to enchant and delight ~ for those who enjoyed the darker edge of the book, it may prove disappointing. The musical’s team ~ mainly Stephen Schwartz, who wrote the music and lyrics, and Winnie Holzman, who wrote the book of the musical ~ turned the dark genius of Maguire’s literary masterpiece into something, well, popular, in the best and worst sense. One gets the feeling that the show is trying to be everything to everyone ~ keeping the movie-lovers happy while placating those captivated by Maguire’s book, and such artistic compromise is exceedingly difficult to pull off successfully. In this instance, the creators only partially succeed.
The main draw of the show is rightfully found in its two leads, Idina Menzel as Elphaba – the green one, and Kristin Chenoweth as Galinda – the ‘good one’. (The first ‘A’ in Galinda becomes silent, as is amusingly explained in the musical.) For her opening entrance, Galinda descends from above, in a mechanical bubble of course, and greets the audience with her now-classic line, “It’s good to see me, isn’t it?” It certainly is, and remains so throughout the evening. Ms. Chenoweth gives the defining performance of the show, running the gamut from perky and giddy to heartbroken and stoically resigned. It would have been enough to convey the goodness and light of Galinda’s seemingly superficial nature, but Chenoweth digs deeper to craft a multi-layered portrayal, from heights of happiness to plummeting pathos. Her Galinda is not all good, but you love her for her human shortcomings.

Idina Menzel is the green one, or Elphaba as she is known here. Ms. Menzel contrasts beautifully with Chenoweth, and gives an equally compelling, if less showy, performance. She is a powerful belter ~ remembered rightly for her showcase performance as Maureen in the original cast of Rent. Here she must erase the horror recalled from Margaret Hamilton’s chilling turn in the movie and forge the character into a creature of empathy. Her Elphaba is a grower, not a shower, and the blossoming of her journey is something to behold. It may forever alter your perception of the Wicked Witch of the West. Both lead ladies elevate the show, and during the all-too-rare moments when the material matches the talent, ‘Wicked’ truly soars. The budding, complex friendship between adversaries Galinda and Elphaba is what keeps it all together, and it is this emotional bond that carries the weightier moments of the production.

Visually it is compelling ~ a mechanical theme echoes from the gears and cogs that frame the stage and battle with encroaching vines, to the Dragon Clock and time motif that run throughout. A giant witch’s hat materializes early on, portending events to come, and the aforementioned entrance of Galinda is an indelible sight. However, such visuals and ideas resound with more impact than does most of the music, and this is usually a death knell for a musical. Save for the lilting ‘Popular’ and the majestic ‘Defying Gravity’ (which takes off literally and figuratively thanks to Menzel’s powerhouse vocals), there are few songs that remain memorable. ‘What Is This Feeling?’ offers moments of exhilaration while ‘Dancing Through Life’ and ‘One Short Day’ are merely serviceable. Closing duet ‘For Good’ mostly succeeds through the emotional delivery of Menzel and Chenowith. And it is this crux that is the bane and saving grace of the show: without these two charismatic performers, the show itself may not fly.

Broadway’s past ~ where shows relied on well-known musical stars (Ethel Merman for example) ~ seems to be the Broadway’s present and future too, as movie stars grace the Great White Way with amped-up head mikes and passable singing voices. There is danger in it though, for what happens when the star departs, as all stars eventually do? Strong shows that depend largely on ensemble casts like ‘Rent’ and ‘Chicago’ will endure, but others may not prove so stalwart. When the music is decent the show can survive; when it’s not things get tricky. ‘Wicked’ is at its best when Menzel and Chenoweth command the stage. In their absence the production falls a little flat.

Still, ‘Wicked’ does offer something for those searching for deeper meaning. “Are people born wicked, or is wickedness thrust upon us?” Galinda asks early in the show. But while the sinister nature of evil is questioned, it is never dwelt on or deeply explored. Instead, the musical raises the question of whether those who are popular can do more good through their power, than those who openly oppose the system, but lack the clout because of their convictions or beliefs. Is Galinda perhaps more insidious and intelligent because she recognizes the power of popularity and the platform that results? Or has she been cowed and molded into a public figure without true morals and standards? Is Elphaba somehow better for her unyielding stance, or foolish because it ends up with her banishment? Who, indeed, is the most wicked?

The musical is at its best when is posits these queries through the luscious vocals and impeccable performances of Chenoweth and Menzel. Without them, ‘Wicked’ may prove to be a bumpy ride that never quite takes flight. For the moment, they’re here ~ each giving a luminous portrayal of two strikingly different women making their way in the world ~ go now to see them soar.

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A Bed to Rest My Head

We need a new bed in Boston. The one we’ve had, purchased way back in early 1995, has run its course, performed admirably, and is on its last squeaky legs. It’s also just a Full size, which makes it slightly cramped for when Andy and I visit together. (One of the drawbacks to sleeping in a King size bed at home is that you can’t go back to a Full. Ever.) While we certainly don’t need a King size for the condo (nor would the size of the room accommodate it), the linen set we have, and the headboard I crafted myself, are fit for a Queen. Or two.

I’m going to set some savings aside and see if Mom and Dad will go in for half. Bed sets have gone up substantially since 1995, and I simply cannot do it alone. Along with a new television (not at all a priority, but it will be nice to get rid of the two-ton bulbous-backed set that we probably couldn’t even give away at this point), the condo should be set for another ten years. As a home-away-from-home, that is a comforting thought.

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The Madonna Timeline: Song #80 – ‘Runaway Lover’ – Fall 2000

{Note: The Madonna Timeline is an ongoing feature, where I put the iPod on shuffle, and write a little anecdote on whatever was going on in my life when that Madonna song was released and/or came to prominence in my mind.}

You lost your reputation on a woman
You didn’t understand or care to know
You get your education from your lovers
But now there’s just no place for you to go
It doesn’t pay
To be a runaway lover
It doesn’t pay
To give away what you lack
You’ll never get your money back

One of the throwaway filler tracks on 2000’s ‘Music’ album, ‘Runaway Lover’ is one of the lesser songs on that eclectic opus. It seems as if producer William Orbit felt a bit of the heat from fellow producer Mirwais and tried to do a little too much, only to end up with a racing song that throbs and chugs full speed ahead, but never really gets anywhere.

The blips and beeps sound too silly to convey the admonishing tone of the song, and the lyrics are rather a jumble of tired cliches. That’s all there is to say about it.

You’re set adrift with no direction
Just like a ship that’s lost at sea
You don’t care where you drop your anchor
Make sure it doesn’t land on me
It doesn’t pay
To be a runaway lover
It doesn’t pay
To give away what you lack
You’ll never get your money back
Walking around on a cloud
Cause every girl you meet just trips on you
Saying your name out loud
I guess you met your match
Now what will you do
It doesn’t pay
To be a runaway lover
It doesn’t pay
To give away what you lack
You’ll never get your money back
Song #80: ‘Runaway Lover’ – Fall 2000
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Three Decades of Madonna

Thirty years into her career, Madonna remains a potent force, selling out stadiums faster than the biggest stars of the moment – something she’s been able to do at every step of her journey. Her MDNA Tour is no exception, and tonight I’ll be able to revisit it at Madison Square Garden with one of my best friends in the world, Suzie. At this point (our fifth Madonna show together) it’s more of a comfort and less of a once-in-a-lifetime event, but there’s still something undeniably special about a Madonna concert that even the most amazing performers can’t seem to muster. There is never a dull moment, never a lull in the action, and even when she disappears for a costume change or five, there is so much going on that you won’t want to take a bathroom break. It takes a pretty remarkable force to command such fascination over a span of three decades, even more so when there are no visible signs of slowing down. Whenever anyone rolls their eyes at me for my love of Madonna, I take it with a grain of salt and move on. When they’ve mastered the world for thirty years, then they can talk to me. Most of them, myself included, haven’t even started.

Being that this is my ninth time seeing Madonna, some have wondered why I’m getting so excited all over again. It’s because every time with Madonna feels like the very first time.

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The Madonna Timeline’s Greatest Hits

In honor of her Madgesty’s return to New York, this is an Immaculate Collection of what I feel are some of the stronger Madonna Timeline entries. (Please disregard some of the formatting of the older ones – I haven’t yet had the opportunity to revamp absolutely everything on the site, but it will happen, I promise…) We’ll go in rough chronological order of their appearance on this site, so it will be as random as the timeline itself.

The Madonna Timeline #14: ‘Frozen’ ~ Winter 1998: In which our protagonist falls for a chef in the cruel winter of Rochester, NY, and our heroine implores him to open his heart. The lesson learned here? Never fall for a one-night-stand (and never lead one on…)

The Madonna Timeline #40: ‘You Must Love Me’ ~ Fall 1996: I’m taking this one out of order already, because it’s sort of the first of a two-parter, so to avoid further confusion, here it is. In which our heroine shows a softer side, and our protagonist goes ape-shit bonkers over a boy in his Comparative Literature class, and embarrasses himself over and over and over again.

The Madonna Timeline #17: ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’ ~ Nov./Dec. 1996: In which the continuation and emotionally-bloody aftermath of a doomed relationship that never was comes to a sad (some might say pathetic) conclusion.

The Madonna Timeline #26: ‘Music’ ~ September 2000: A happier entry in which our protagonist meets his future husband and Madonna goes old-shool by way of the future. Hey, Mr. DJ.

The Madonna Timeline #39: ‘Erotica’ ~ October 1992: In which our heroine teaches our protagonist a few things about art, and paves the way for The Projects. Oh, and takes her knickers off to piss off the collective universe. Brilliance all around.

The Madonna Timeline #48: ‘You’ll See’ ~ Fall 1995: In which Brandeis and Boston form the backdrop to a spectacularly dismal first attempt at love. The lesson learned here may be not to fall in love with a realtor. It’s their job to sell, and they’ll do it well.

The Madonna Timeline #55: ‘Drowned World/Substitute for Love’ ~ March 1998: In which our heroine stages her greatest comeback (and releases her greatest album) and our protagonist tumbles once again into the messy world of love, coming to some sort of acceptance of that glorious, infuriating, life-altering force.

The Madonna Timeline #75: ‘Oh Father’ ~ Fall 1991: In which we confront the hurt and the hope of childhood, the failings and forgiveness required in growing up, and the ache and regret that comes of letting it all go. It’s never easy being a child, and it may be even harder to be a parent.

The Madonna Timeline #79: ‘Give Me All Your Luvin” ~ November 2011: Because it’s about one year since this all happened, and I’m back in New York City about to see Madonna in the MDNA Tour, and this song is one of the highlights. No more, no less.

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The Out in NYC

Today I take the train into Manhattan, and my first stay at The Out Hotel. A full review will come following that stay (I haven’t decided whether it’ll go up here or on my TripAdvisor profile), but for now we’ll just go with what their website has put forth:

THE OUT NYC is New York’s first straight-friendly urban resort located in the epicenter of gay life – Hell’s Kitchen, steps from Times Square and Chelsea. When you stay at THE OUT NYC, great things will happen. Live your own unforgettable experience with the best of lodging, dining, nightlife and design all in one place – THE OUT NYC.

When one is in town for a Madonna concert, The Out seems the most appropriate place to stay. (I’ve also read rave reviews on the comfort of their beds, so it’s a double win.) As for all this free publicity I’ve been giving places, if you start to see ads popping up on this site you’ll understand why. If you’re good at something, never do it for free.

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The Calm Before the Holidays

I had not quite made up my mind to start giving into holiday music and mayhem when my brother and nephew visited earlier today. On this sunny Saturday of November, when Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away, and Christmas songs are already plastered over the radio, I decide to stop fighting and indulge in the season. It’s an early start, but it will burn slowly in these first few days. My Mom stops by a little later, with an early gift in tow, so it seems this was indeed the time to begin.

A scarlet cinnamon sandalwood candle burns in the middle of the dining room table, and a cozy batch of fennel chick peas warms on the stove. Butternut squash awaits roasting in the kitchen, and a quartet of strings plays ‘Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring’ in the background. A six-pack of Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale chills in the fridge (if I’m going to get into beer, it’s going to be through pumpkin flavoring). It is a perfectly-pre-holiday moment. I will finish up the holiday cards today (all that remains is putting a last touch of blood on the envelopes – you’ll see…) and then the first stages of holiday prep work will be complete. It may not seem like a lot, but I’m doing the little things earlier to have more fun later. In the words of that great lady Mrs. Peacock, “I am determined to enjoy myself!”

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Good Golly, Miss Dolly!

Though its likely to result in instant revocation of my gay card, I have a confession to make: I’ve never seen ‘Hello, Dolly!’ Not in its many incarnations with Carol Channing over the years, not in the film version with Barbra Streisand, not in any local production or revival. It’s a pretty big deal according to some folks on FaceBook. Fortunately, thanks to the musical theatrical gods of Cohoes Music Hall, that was rectified last night, and in gloriously fine fashion.‏

Under the elegant yet riotous direction of Jim Charles, this Dolly is a deft and classy version of the venerable work, and the perfect introduction for Dolly virgins like myself. Mr. Charles knows his golden-touched way around a classical musical, giving the show the giddy, airy flight it needs while grounding it with subtle moments of regret and wistful reminiscence. Central to its success is the winning performance of Monica M. Wemitt as masterful meddler Dolly Levi.

Ms. Wemitt is a sly, comedic goddess, with a voice as rich and smooth as butter, and the regal deportment to carry off every colorfully brazen costume without missing a step. Not having seen any other version of the show, I can’t imagine anyone else doing this role justice – not even the great Carol Channing (whose prime performances were before my time). Ms. Wemitt moves from meddlesome to moving, manipulative to magic-making, and wins over every audience member as if she were singing only to them. Her moments with a meal at Harmonia Gardens rank with the most hilarious in musical comedy, and she manages to accomplish this without singing a single note (which would have proven impossible with all those feather-light dumplings anyway).

Matching her talent with equally-impressive vocal chops is Peyton Thomas Tucker as Cornelius Hackl. Though it’s a bit of a one-note character, Mr. Tucker adds the right nuances at the right moments, and reveals a gorgeous dulcet tone that still somehow carries to the highest rafters of the house.

With its athletic troupe of dancers that seem to defy both gravity and physics executing the choreography of Michele Tibbitts, the always-expert orchestra, this time led by Nolan Bonvouloir, and the eye-popping costumes of Jimm Halliday (Hello, Millinery!), the show dazzles and soars, ultimately bringing the audience to its feet.

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No Rest for the Wicked

This weekend I am heading into New York to welcome Madonna back to Madison Square Garden. While I’ve seen the MDNA Tour already in Boston, our seats were atrocious, so I’m looking for the real experience this time around. Suzie is joining me for this one, as per tradition, and we intend to squeal like teenage girls because that’s what we do at every Madonna concert. I’m also trying The Out hotel for the very first time, hoping that the “straight friendly” accommodations are as fabulous as the “gay hotel” image they’ve crafted for themselves. Other than that, I’m keeping things low key (translation: shopping and cocktails) because the day after returning from NY I’m taking Andy to see ‘Wicked’ at Proctor’s, then we’re attending the Beaujolais Nouveau AIDS Council Benefit, and then I’m back in Boston for holiday shopping. No rest for the Wicked indeed.

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A David Beckham Underwear Shoot Video

To cap off this Day of David Beckham, a bit of the footballer in action. Most people cringe when they hear him speak, but I kind of like it. (I’m a sucker for an accent.)

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A David Beckham Underwear Post

It’s been a while since we’ve featured David Beckham here – well, a while by the standards of those of us who feature him quite often. I suppose my interest has slightly diminished over the last year or so – nothing against Mr. Beckham, well, maybe a little. Chalk it up to boredom with his underwear (or “Bodywear”) line, coupled with a disinterest, if not outright dislike, of his tattoo obsession/addiction. He’s coming back with some new holiday additions to his H&M clothing line, however, so it seems a good time to revisit him and his bulge. My fascination is a combination of a Brit obsession, the fact that he’s married to Posh, and his simple, slightly rugged good looks. His propensity for briefs over boxers is also slightly intoxicating.

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Like Walking on Water

This is my pal Pete waterskiing in the late afternoon sun. While hanging out with him and some of the Cape Cod crew, I saw the photo of the sunset and the water skis and said I had to post it. Taken on Pete’s iPhone by his friend Julie Johnson, they came out surprisingly well when you consider the tricky light and the fact that a moving speed boat isn’t the most stable of tripods. A simple reminder of summer days – something we need right now as the weather goes from bad to worse. As for whether I’ll ever get up on a pair of water skis, it’s highly unlikely. I would freak out bobbing up and down in the middle of a large body of water. That’s just asking to be eaten by the Loch Ness monster.

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