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Saturday, December 8, 2018
Tony Award© Nominee, Norm Lewis, Brings NUTCRACKER COOL And More To Feinstein's 54 Below
You know that it is the holiday season when Tony Award nominee, Norm Lewis, is at Feinstein's 54 Below. In his 4th return to the famed supper club, Mr. Lewis, sits with me to talk about what's new this holiday season for his show, his latest CD, THE NORM LEWIS CHRISTMAS ALBUM, as well as, the laughter that always happens when Mr. Lewis and I sit and gab. Yes, he is a dreamboat. There, it has been said. LOL. Please enjoy my conversation with Norm Lewis.
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Melissa Errico Makes Sondheim Sublime, Baby!!
Click the Pic |
The ab fab Tony Award Nominee, Melissa Errico |
At Hangar Studios with Tony Award Nominee, Melissa Errico |
I have waited for a LONG time to get a chance to talk to Tony Award Nominee, Melissa Errico, in a studio when we can have more than a 10 minute window. Her latest CD, SONDHEIM SUBLIME, is being hailed as a new innovative interpretation of Stephen Sondheim's musical catalog. We sit and talk about this new project along with her life and career. Take some time and enjoy my conversation with this fabulous artist.
Sunday, November 11, 2018
NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE, OR CAN HE?
My friend, fellow comedian, actor, podcaster, Adam Sank, finally sits down with me to have our heart to heart conversation about being comedians/humans in the struggle of life. Of course, as I embark on relaunching my spotlight on comedians, Lavender Laugh Lounge, because comedians are also actors, monologuists, and writers, too, I was stunned that he actually plans on leaving the world and the business of comedy. However, as a consolation, I will be there to host, toast, and possibly roast Mr. Sank, on the evenings that he will say goodbye to comedy. Please enjoy my conversation with my friend, Adam, and try to catch him November 28th and 29th at Stonewall Inn.
CLICK HERE for tickets to the remaining seats.
Please enjoy my conversation with Mr. Adam Sank, aka Cher, Barbra, as he says goodbye.
Part 2
Thursday, October 25, 2018
IN THE PRESS ROOM: Abingdon Theater Company's 26th Annual Gala Honoring Donna Murphy
Cast and Creatives of Abingdon Theater's 26th Annual Gala, Honoring Donna Murphy and Performing Maltby and Shire's CLOSER THAN EVER. |
At Abingdon Theater Company's 26th Annual Gala Honoring 2x Tony Award Winning, Donna Murphy, I hustled my way around the press room for some fun conversations with some fabulous people including the honoree herself, Ms. Donna Murphy. Please enjoy my conversations in part 1 with Connor Ryan, Lesli Margherita, Richard Maltby, Charlotte Maltby, and one of my personal Divas, Alysha Umphress.
Please enjoy my conversations in part 2 with Julia Murney, Kevin David Thomas, Randy Rainbow, Bonnie Milligan, and Donna Murphy.
The honoree herself, 2x TonyAward Winning Donna Murphy |
The Fiercely Funny Julia Murney |
The Ab Fab and Funny, Randy Rainbow |
My Personal Diva, Alysha Umphress |
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Thursday, October 11, 2018
NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY
Today marks the annual observance of National Coming out Day. As I have become a more "seasoned" citizen of the planet, I can say that I have seen many things come and go. I think about what was happening in the LGBT world before April 17, 1993, and since. That was the day that I decided to not lie about it. I was not going to pretend that a huge part of my life did not exist because it made OTHER people feel comfortable. I can make light of that easily today, but I remember how many tears that I shed that night in Seattle some 25 years ago. Getting on that plane back to Texas, I remembered how hard it was to tell people whose love and concern that I thought that I would lose. The anticipation of being ready to handle rejection from people I expect and the ones I did not expect, can be heartbreaking. It certainly does prepare you for any career in show business.
I must say that coming out on stage was the right thing to do for me, too, because it truly did open up the rest of my life. I was able to find a career where being gay was ok. Actually, it was mandatory as the first OUT, African-American, gay man, to be on air talent at Sirius XM for 10 years. At a time when every voice is important, I could have never predicted that MY voice would have been heard all over the country, much less many major places in the world, thanks to the beauty of the internet. If someone would have told me that the bravery to stand in my own truth would have opened the world to me, then I would have never believed them.
For those people that are still struggling to own themselves, or those worried about how their environments will receive them, or better yet, to those that the loss of family and friends will change everything as they know it, Coming Out is never going to be easy. However, hiding in the closet is exhausting and soul killing. Once you have your own sense of independence, like living on your own, making your own money and friends, then you are already there, and coming out will only make your independence stronger. Believe me.
Please enjoy my conversation with Shawn Hollenbach on his CLOSET CASES Podcast here:
Also, listen to my entire unedited Closet Cases Set:
Sunday, October 7, 2018
October's Roof Raising at Feinstein's 54 Below
The Fall season is in full swing at Feinstein's 54 Below and some of Broadway's biggest names will be delivering some really great, personal, and fun shows. Make some plans to visit and catch some of the highlights of the month.
2018 TONY© and DRAMA DESK© Award winner, Lindsey Mendez, returns to Feinstein's 54 Below to turn it out and up with her AMAZING voice. I have been a fan of Lindsey since the moment I saw her in DOGFIGHT. She showed how amazing her range is in Carousel. She is truly a one of a kind performer that has broken a few more barriers by just being a talented person, who happens to be Latina!!!!!
2x Tony Award/ 4x Drama Desk Award Nominee, and one of my personal divas, Kate Baldwin, is returning to Feinstein's 54 Below with a new act entitled HOW DID YOU GET MY NUMBER? I will admit that I have major love and adoration for Ms Baldwin and here talent, but after you spend anytime with her, you will love her like I do. Please enjoy my conversation with the AMAZING Kate Baldwin.
Singer, Actress, Writer, Tony Award© Nominee, Melissa Errico, returns to the cabaret stage, to promote her latest project SONDHEIM SUBLIME. She is putting her love and spin on tunes written by one our greatest lyricist/Composer, Stephen Sondheim. Enjoy my conversation with the ab fab, Melissa Errico.
Singing the unheard songs of the late Jonathan Larson at Feinstein's 54 Below is the brainchild of Producer/Creator/Booker/Theater Historian, Jennifer Ashley Tepper. She has cleverly gathered some of Broadway's brightest and most talented crew,( Krysta Rodriguez, Lauren Marcus, George Salazar, Andy Mientus, and Nick Blaemire) to bring those treasures to life. Listen to my conversations with not only that amazing cast, as well as, their intrepid producer/creator/booker/theater historian.
Click HERE for more information about these and other shows at Feinstein's 54 Below.
Singer, Actress, Writer, Tony Award© Nominee, Melissa Errico, returns to the cabaret stage, to promote her latest project SONDHEIM SUBLIME. She is putting her love and spin on tunes written by one our greatest lyricist/Composer, Stephen Sondheim. Enjoy my conversation with the ab fab, Melissa Errico.
Singing the unheard songs of the late Jonathan Larson at Feinstein's 54 Below is the brainchild of Producer/Creator/Booker/Theater Historian, Jennifer Ashley Tepper. She has cleverly gathered some of Broadway's brightest and most talented crew,( Krysta Rodriguez, Lauren Marcus, George Salazar, Andy Mientus, and Nick Blaemire) to bring those treasures to life. Listen to my conversations with not only that amazing cast, as well as, their intrepid producer/creator/booker/theater historian.
Click HERE for more information about these and other shows at Feinstein's 54 Below.
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Friday, October 5, 2018
Celebrated Press Agent, Susan L. Schulman, Takes Us Backstage to Dish
Celebrated press agent and author, Susan L. Schulman, drops by the studio to sit and gab with me about the updated edition of her memoir BACKSTAGE PASS TO BROADWAY. We talk about the actual job and its nuances as a press agent. We talk about some of the AMAZING people she has or had a great relationships with her like Lauren Bacall and George C. Scott, as well as her long time friendship with recent Emmy© Award Winning actor, Henry Winkle She also tells me some of the updates to the book, including a #METOO moment and how she dealt with it. It is always fun to just sit and dish with Susan, Please enjoy my conversation with this wonderful woman.
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Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Sven Ratzke Returns to NYC in BOWIE UNRAVELED
International Singer/Songwriter, Actor, Cabaret Divo, Sven Ratzke, returns to NYC and Joe's Pub to take us further into his love and reverence for David Bowie, in a new unplugged show, BOWIE UNRAVELED. He sits and catches up with me about life, career, and more since our last chat. Please enjoy my conversation with Sven.
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Coming Out Comedically Helps It Get Better
From L to R- Me, Michael Brill, David Hodorowski, Brandi Rowell, Kelsey Bailey, and Host/Creator of CLOSET CASES, Shawn Hollenbach (PHOTO CREDIT- WILLIAM MULLIN) |
Recently, I got a chance as a comedian to talk about my coming out experience in a great show called CLOSET CASES. It was at the historic Stonewall Inn, where it all went down for the modern Gay movement. As I remember the more ridiculous moments of my life, it does offer the question. "how did I not know?" In any case, please enjoy a few of my more "questionable" moments.
The Power of Goldie Hawn
West Side Story was a game changer. Getting to meet the EGOT Winner and Latina Mami, Rita Moreno, was EVERYTHING.
No one will deny the power of Wonder Woman when you are trying to figure out who you really are to become. No one can prepare you for meeting Lynda Carter. You Just go with it.
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Getting the HOLY GHOSTS with Theatre East's Judson Jones and Tom Green.
A theater conversation that begins with notable Austin, Texas food favorites may seem a weird way to introduce a revival of Romulus Linney's HOLY GHOSTS, but somehow, I manage to make it happen with Theatre East's Artistic Director, Judson Jones, along with fellow actor Tom Green. These Artistic Texas transplants sit and chat with me about the show, their transplanted lives, and much more. Enjoy my conversation with these fantastic men.
If you happen to be in Austin, then you have to got to either Hyde Park Bar and Grill , El Mercado or Kerbey Lane Cafe. Please do it for me. I miss them so much. LOL.
If you happen to be in Austin, then you have to got to either Hyde Park Bar and Grill , El Mercado or Kerbey Lane Cafe. Please do it for me. I miss them so much. LOL.
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Drama Desk Award Winning Actor CHESNEY SNOW Returns to Dixon Place to express himself in UNWRITTEN LAW
Having had the opportunity to meet Drama Desk Award Winning actor, Chesney Snow, during his run of IN TRANSIT and maintaining a connection to his artistry, have been an absolute honor and pleasure. At that time, Mr. Snow began the process of bringing his autobiographical choreopoem, UNWRITTEN LAW, to life at Dixon Place. Since that time, Chesney has been performing, teaching, and writing all over the world.
He took some time last year to retool his work, and since that time, he has been able to consult with Tony Award Winning Actor/Director, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, and now he is back with a special run this upcoming September.. It is so cool to be at the beginning of watching new works and artists develop. Please click HERE enjoy my most recent conversation with the amazing Chesney Snow and here's a promotional moment for the show below.
He took some time last year to retool his work, and since that time, he has been able to consult with Tony Award Winning Actor/Director, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, and now he is back with a special run this upcoming September.. It is so cool to be at the beginning of watching new works and artists develop. Please click HERE enjoy my most recent conversation with the amazing Chesney Snow and here's a promotional moment for the show below.
Courtesy of ChesneySnow.com
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Friday, August 24, 2018
Coming to NYC in September?
One of the coolest things that many Broadway performers love to do in New York City, if their schedules permit, or inspiration occurs, is a Cabaret show. It really is a great opportunity for many of these artists to perform songs from shows they've always wanted to sing, or be themselves in a song versus under the critical eye of some director or producer. The experience of being in a gorgeous intimate space versus a gorgeous theater is hard to choose, but when some of your favorite theater performers are in these places, like Feinstein's 54 Below, this is your chance to see them in a new light.
Recently, I sat down with a host of FABULOUS women, all of whom have varied stage and screen credits along with amazing accolades, and all are giving September fever with all of their plans of hot performances. If you happen to be coming to New York City next month, and you have not finalized all of your entertainment choices, then perhaps you might be enticed to see one of your favorite performers doing what they darn well please!!!
Please enjoy my conversation with these amazing women.
Sally Wilfert & Rebecca Luker |
Jana Robbins & Haley Swindal |
Ann Hampton Callaway |
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Thursday, August 23, 2018
Brandon Williams: Broadway's Newest Bad Boy
It is official that the Broadway Theater Season has begun. Head Over Heels, Pretty Woman, and Getting The Band Back Together, are the musicals kicking off the summer. I recently had a chance to sit with Brandon Williams from Getting the Band Back Together. He makes his Broadway debut playing the show's Bad Boy. 20+ years as a stand up comedian and actor shine through as he brings forth the perfect blend of comic timing, talent, and dare I say brawn? Come to Broadway and see this funny man, and if you cannot, then do yourself a favor and watch his really funny web series, STAY AT HOME DAD. In the meantime, Click the Pic below and enjoy my conversation with one of Broadway's burning hunk of bad boy goodness.
Broadway's Latest Bad Boy, GETTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER's, Brandon Williams
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Saturday, July 21, 2018
Max Von Essen Stays Busy
Max Von Essen, courtesy of MaxVonEssen.com |
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Friday, July 6, 2018
Off Broadway Has Great Choices While You Wait on Broadway
As the summer starts to sizzle, there is always anticipation about what shows are coming this season to the Great White Way. GETTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER and PRETTY WOMAN are both on deck. I will admit that I cannot wait to see what they will have to offer, but I must remind you, especially if you are a fan of musical theater, that Off Broadway will also aim to please. I had the chance to talk to some of the cast and creatives of 2 shows, SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE and DESPERATE MEASURES (2018 Drama Desk Award Winner for Best Music and Lyrics). In my opinion, the common thread that these shows have, is the joy that these talented artists bring to these amazing projects.
Please enjoy my conversation with Conor Ryan and Lauren Molina of Desperate Measures.
Enjoy the fabulous cast and creatives of 2018 Off Broadway Revival of Smokey Joe's Cafe:
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Please enjoy my conversation with Conor Ryan and Lauren Molina of Desperate Measures.
Click the pic. |
Click the pic. |
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Sunday, June 10, 2018
A Few Moments with the Tony Nominees
I had the chance to meet a few of this year's Tony Award Nominees at a few places around town before the the big night. Enjoy some of these mini moments with some of the stages absolute best people working in theater. Congratulations to all of this year's nominees, past nominees, and a special thank you to the those who took some time to chat with me.
Lindsay Mendez
Ethan Slater
Glenda Jackson
Nathan Lane
Ariana Debose & Storm Lever
Kenita Miller from Once on This Island
Orfeh and Andy Karl, Pretty Woman
Drama Desk Winner, Jenn Colella, and Jason Tam
Monday, May 28, 2018
LIZ MIKEL & KIERSEY CLEMONS Are Bringing A Fresh, New Energy to Eve Ensler's FRUIT TRILOGY
Actresses, Liz Mikel (Lysistrata Jones) and Kiersey Clemons (Hearts Beat Loud, Transparent) stop by my studio to talk about their upcoming run in the New York Premiere of Eve Ensler's FRUIT TRILOGY, being presented by Abingdon Theatre Company as their final production of its 25th Anniversary season. These women talk to me about getting involved with the project, the obvious conversation about women of color in these roles. and so much more. Please enjoy my chat with these FABULOUS women.
Liz Mikel and Kiersey Clemons |
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Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Waiting for Denzel
For the past 3 years, I have been able to cover the New Dramatists Luncheon, and each time, I am amazed at the people that I get to meet when doing a red carpet. It's nice to see some new faces and a dream to see the familiar ones. This year's honoree is 2x Academy Award winning/ Tony Award winning and current nominee for his performance in Eugene O'Neill's THE ICEMAN COMETH, Denzel Washington. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to talk to him, but I did meet some fabulous folks. Among some of those guests: 4x Tony Award Nominee, Condola Rashad, Tony Award winning director, Kenny Leon, 2x Academy Award winning/ 5x Tony Award Nominee, Glenda Jackson, Tony Award winner and current nominee, La Chanze, to name a few. So take a few minutes, CLICK THE PIC, and enjoy some of my shenanigans and fun chat with some of today's biggest names on the Great White Way.
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Sunday, May 13, 2018
Thank You 3x Tony/Drama Desk Nominee, Joshua Henry, For Answering My Question
I was excited to ask one question that has been on my mind about the 11x Tony Award Nominated Revival Musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein's CAROUSEL. The iconic lead role of the criminal, domestic abusing, Billy Bigelow, being played by the 3x Tony/Drama Desk Nominee, Joshua Henry, is a dichotomous case for Color-Blind Casting. On one hand, for Joshua Henry to sing the lead male vocals for the lush music of a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, is a crowning achievement for ANY actor. However on the other hand, when I simply follow the optical nature of what is presented on the stage, it is sometimes a hard thing to watch, as an African American man of a certain age, living in this current racial and political climate, especially with a phone call to the police, and not take note that for simplicity sake, a black man is abusing a white woman onstage. Now before everyone blows a gasket, yes, I know in spite of the irony of this conversation, that Audra McDonald did win her first Tony Award in the 1994 revival as a non-traditional Carrie Pepperidge. Currently, Lindsay Mendez is in that role and also nominated for this year's Tony Award. It might be presumptuous, but it might be safe to assume that the original creators of this musical never foresaw these type of cast changes.
Not to take anything away from what I am sure is a brilliant performance (at the time of this piece, I have yet to see it), but if you ignore the time period upon which this Billy Bigelow is moving through life, doing the things that he is doing in his clearly interracial household, and still being alive, is a TON of belief suspension. There is a scene in which Billy has a run in with a police officer. Because of the dialogue, there is an interesting choice to cast another man of color in that role. Is it because of the implication of the optics in our current environment? Well if it is, I wonder how they initially justified choosing Mr. Henry to play this controversial character? Again, please note that I am not saying Joshua Henry does not deserve to be on that stage in this role, because of him doing a lead role in a Rodgers and Hammerstein show, he has kicked down another door for someone else of color to play this and any other iconic R&H roles. Just like Taye Diggs stepping into the title role of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, it opens another door of perception and allows the next young black actor a new possibility.
Taye Diggs as Hedwig on Broadway
I will note that Mr. Henry was also in Kander and Ebb's THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, which for some reason drew more ire and protests from the "black community" in retelling that story and showing the injustices that befell that unfortunate group of young black men, than the image of an ex-con, wife abusing, Black, Billy Bigelow. I will say that I did get to see THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, and I can say that Black people did themselves a disservice by not at least giving it a chance. Not that I am expecting nor wanting anyone to protest this show, but I do find it odd in this culturally sensitive time, no one wanted to ask the question. Perhaps, if there were more people of color talking about theater in general, then maybe more people would be brave enough to have the discussion. I am hoping and praying for a long run of CAROUSEL. I want Mr. Henry to have a brilliant run with that cast. I hope there is a chance that I'll get to see the show before this year's Tony Awards. In the meantime, I did get to ask Mr. Henry about him being in this show, and he answered me brilliantly. Click on the hyperlink for more information about Rodgers and Hammerstein's CAROUSEL. Checkout my moment with Joshua Henry in the video.
Not to take anything away from what I am sure is a brilliant performance (at the time of this piece, I have yet to see it), but if you ignore the time period upon which this Billy Bigelow is moving through life, doing the things that he is doing in his clearly interracial household, and still being alive, is a TON of belief suspension. There is a scene in which Billy has a run in with a police officer. Because of the dialogue, there is an interesting choice to cast another man of color in that role. Is it because of the implication of the optics in our current environment? Well if it is, I wonder how they initially justified choosing Mr. Henry to play this controversial character? Again, please note that I am not saying Joshua Henry does not deserve to be on that stage in this role, because of him doing a lead role in a Rodgers and Hammerstein show, he has kicked down another door for someone else of color to play this and any other iconic R&H roles. Just like Taye Diggs stepping into the title role of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, it opens another door of perception and allows the next young black actor a new possibility.
Taye Diggs as Hedwig on Broadway
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Monday, May 7, 2018
COFFEE, COLLEGE, and FEAR
At the very start of this I will say that this is not about theater, but when the feeling takes you, then you must write it down. What is more theatrically dramatic than that? Anyhoo, right around the corner from where I record my fun, sometimes ridiculous podcast is a Starbucks Coffee that was calm between the morning rush. I quickly found a spot next to a plug for my laptop, just like every other pain in the ass that thinks his/her script or blog post is gonna change the world. Anyway, I politely asked the person sitting next to the plug, but not using it, if he would kindly keep an eye on my bag, as I rushed to get in the really short line to get a Venti Dark Roast and a delicious Chorizo, Egg, and Monterrey Jack Cheese Sandwich. I had no plans to meet anyone, and I could clearly go back to the studio to do what I am doing right now: Drinking said coffee, Eating said sandwich, and typing such world changing prose.
About 30 seconds into checking my emails, because like many budding writers I love to procrastinate, I noticed that my receipt was not only on the table in front me, but facing out. Anyone who walked by would not only see the coffee and now empty sandwich bag, but they would also know that I paid for it. Therefore, I am justifying my presence in the space, because there may be someone sitting in this room, extremely “threatened” , and will call the police. I also noticed that it was done subconsciously.
I'll admit that if you did not know me, as I sit typing in this Starbucks, nor could you "hear" the enthusiasm and passion that I have about theater and other things (check out my podcast), or notice the various colors of feather boas that I own, you might mistake me for one of those "suspicious" looking characters that just might shank you. Oddly enough, the comfort that you feel by what you might presently be seeing, does not mean I wouldn't shank you. It just means that your defenses are being fooled, and to quote Zoraida, SNL Ellen Cleghorne's NBC Page character, "what makes you think I won't cut you?!"
Since the famous "sitting while Black" incident at Starbucks became a viral sensation, another story about 2 young Native American teens on a college visit tour, being stopped and questioned by police because someone on the tour was "uncomfortable" by their presence, broke last week. Now the 2 men in the Starbucks incident have since settled with the city symbolically with a promise to help future young entrepreneurs. Starbucks gave them an undisclosed settlement, scholarships to college, and free corporate mentorship. Starbucks will also close their doors for half of a day for "cultural sensitivity" employee training. Good luck with trying to undo years of what many still do in their sleep.
The real question should be asked, because like my receipt turned outwards, do they have to prove to HER that they are part of the tour so SHE can feel safe? Get Over it, lady!!! I shouldn't have to make my receipt known to validate my presence, and it is not those kids' place to make her feel safe. I am not sure how big the tour group had been, but if she is the ONLY person to have issue with them, and no one ELSE felt "threatened", who designated her to make the call in the first place? If the tour group was small, she should have tried to be a tad bit more welcoming, banded with the other members of the tour to not be too close, or maybe pull her kid closer to her for protection, instead of reaching for her phone and showing her fearful sense of entitlement. If I were these 2 Native American teenagers, I would be looking at that college with the lawyer that those Starbucks brothers had and figure out what my major should be without any worries about paying for it.
Now being a man of a certain size, age, hue, out gay, having lived in Texas during the 70's/80's and half of the 90's, and all while watching this nation continually fight its shaky history of racism, classism, sexism, and homophobia, I'll admit that I, too, maintain a side eye for all kinds of "suspicious" looking people. I also note that I, too, have felt unsafe. However, in those moments, I ask "how far is the exit from where I am standing? " I will check to see if there is ANYTHING that I have on me, just in case I have to defend myself. When walking home late at night, I check to see if I put my keys in between my fingers in my pocket, because if someone is going to push up on me, especially after I have taken the time to do my own "racist-xenophobic-I-think-that-they-are-after-all-the-white-women" assessment, they will get stabbed in the neck or eye with a MEDCO front door key. I will have to use that as a weapon of choice, because that is easier to explain as to why I have my keys out rather than a gun.
The fear mongering that our current administration fosters is spreading infection like a virus, and it needs to stop. It is infecting people at such rates that the Centers for Disease Control should be called in to investigate, but thanks to this current administration and their shenanigans, even that department is a hot mess. These so called "vigilant" people are slowly, but surely moving towards becoming passive aggressive "vigilantes" using the police to carry out their fear filled plans. This Trumped up panic that people are feeling might be real to those folks, but because many people in this country refuse to read books, watch only Fox News, never travel, and live in that white cloud of fear, they make it so easy to be manipulated and unfortunately trigger happy. Now of course this is all based on THEIR experiences and history. If you really think about it, the people that they SHOULD be fearing are the ones telling you to be afraid. Like my childhood minister, Rev. Gates, used to say, "when you point the finger at something or someone, three fingers are pointing back at you."
MY history and experience in this country has forced ME to do things like really watch the way I speak, be more mindful of the places that I go (as a black and gay man), watch how I walk, and be cognizant of what I wear, because the fear of the hoodie, dark skin, and low hanging pants is still very real in America. Any black man of color, growing up in the south gets those lessons everyday. For the record, I am not big on the low hanging pants, but to each his own. I have encountered many "suspicious" people, and yet with all of MY experiences, calling the police on them is never the first response, especially in a public place like a college. Oddly enough, it never seemed like a legitimate option. I want to honestly ask those "scared" individuals, "are any of those thoughts instilled in you through the actual actions of others or stuff that you've heard has happened as you walk through your everyday life? " The insane thought that comes over me: By doing all of those things to make sure others feel safe, I can still sit in a New York City Starbucks in 2018, and subconsciously wonder if I will be the next "suspicious" human about to make some person so nervous enough to call the cops on me. WTF?
So America, do me a favor: Read a book, travel, stop watching so much Fox TV, stay vigilant, because we all need to be watchful and mindful, but also CALM THE F**K DOWN. No one really wants your guns, women, or your children, and the ones who do will more than likely NOT look like me, or the 2 Native American soon-to-be college students, or those 2 young entrepreneurial and industrial brothers in Philly. You might want to look in the mirror, or better yet, Ask Susan Smith where those "suspicious and threatening" people are, and what are they capable of doing?
Have a blessed day, and go see some live theater.
Thursday, May 3, 2018
SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK gets Revisited at the Laurie Beechman Theater
For many of us of a certain age, SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK, was the cornerstone to everything we kids learned about Civics, Mathematics, Grammar, and so much more. It was one of those things that made our Saturday Mornings literally sing. After learning about nouns, various multiplication tables, and of course, how a bill turns into law, I felt like I had tapped into a new world of learning. Thanks to many people, including one half of the team that currently is wowing Broadway with Anastasia and the revival of Once on This Island, Lynn Ahrens, MILLIONS of kids can do things like still recite the preamble to the Constitution and remember the first time they crushed out on Interplanet Janet: Galaxy Girl. Perhaps, many of our elected officials should truly review.
I recently sat down and chat with one of my favorite people, LUCIA SPINA, and her friend, Rob Maitner, to talk about their upcoming show WE WILL SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK YOU!, a concert celebrating the 45th Anniversary of Schoolhouse Rock! Playing The Laurie Beechman Theater in The West Bank CafĂ©, 407 W 42nd Street (at 9th Avenue), New York, NY 10036 on Sunday, May 6th for two shows at 7:00pm & 9:30pm. The shows will now dedicate the performances to the late great Bob Dorough, the first and most prolific composer of the animated series. The evening will feature everyone’s Schoolhouse Rock! favorites including “Conjunction Junction”, “I’m Just A Bill”, “Interplanet Janet”, “Three Is A Magic Number” and “Interjections!”, taking you back to Saturday mornings with a never-ending bowl of cereal and all the Pop Rocks you could handle.
Click HERE For Tickets to WE WILL SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK YOU!!
I recently sat down and chat with one of my favorite people, LUCIA SPINA, and her friend, Rob Maitner, to talk about their upcoming show WE WILL SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK YOU!, a concert celebrating the 45th Anniversary of Schoolhouse Rock! Playing The Laurie Beechman Theater in The West Bank CafĂ©, 407 W 42nd Street (at 9th Avenue), New York, NY 10036 on Sunday, May 6th for two shows at 7:00pm & 9:30pm. The shows will now dedicate the performances to the late great Bob Dorough, the first and most prolific composer of the animated series. The evening will feature everyone’s Schoolhouse Rock! favorites including “Conjunction Junction”, “I’m Just A Bill”, “Interplanet Janet”, “Three Is A Magic Number” and “Interjections!”, taking you back to Saturday mornings with a never-ending bowl of cereal and all the Pop Rocks you could handle.
Click HERE For Tickets to WE WILL SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK YOU!!
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