On the Rag, Vol. 912

 

This week's rag 'n' mag roundup features Hunter Doohan, Flavio Cobolli, Tommy Bracco, Lorenzo Musetti, Peppermint, Finn Bennett, Billy Keogh, what I really think about the "model cult" and more BELOW.

New York Philharmonic Celebrates Pride

 

I can't say enough about the Pride concert staged by the New York Philharmonic yesterday at Lincoln Center. I purchased tickets on a bit of a lark -- we typically kick off the limp-wristed season with the Queerty party, but alas, no invitation arrived, so I bought this instead -- and didn't really pay too much attention to the details. And what details they were!

In addition to the acclaimed orchestra -- one of the Big Five -- the program featured Tony-nominated vocalist Jenn Colella; Noah J. Ricketts, whom we loved as Frankie Hines, the drag queen love interest of Marcus (Jelani Alladin); and the New York City Gay Men's Chorus.

While it would be safe to assume anything this lineup performed would be wonderful, it was made that much sweeter by a special set list of works by gay composers and lyricists with a NYC twist, curated for the night by conductor Ted Sperling's husband.

Highlights included Aaron Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man"; Leonard Bernstein's "Times Square"; Cole Porter's "I Happen to Like New York" (exuberantly performed by Colella); "Everybody Says Don't" (gender-flipped by Ricketts); "Don't Rain on My Parade" (basically gender-flipped by Colella); Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart's "I Wish I Were in Love Again" (another Colella showstopper); Tchaikovsky's "Valse"; as well as some more modern numbers -- a Laura Nyro composition, a song from "Hairspray" and Alicia Bridges's "I Love the Nightlife," which the choir boys completely ran away with.

In addition to the world-class performances, the night was made even more special by the warm and caring leadership of Sperling, who struck the perfect tone for where we are, embracing the celebration of Pride while also encouraging the audience to let the arts act as a salve for these troubled times.

Matías Tarnopolsky, Philharmonic president and CEO, gave a moving opening statement, during which we learned that "Celebrate Pride!" has officially been renewed, with hopes of its becoming a longtime NYC Pride tradition.

Following the show, everyone was invited to an after-party on the terrace -- the weather was as gay-friendly as the music -- where we had a great time catching up with some old friends and making a few new ones.

Since moving a stone's throw from the city's preeminent performing arts center, I have been trying to determine exactly what kind of related "queen" I am.. While it's no secret that I'm no theater queen, my nascent status as an opera queen may have to step aside for the orchestra queen growing inside me!

Tennis Tuesday

You can get a better idea of what this clay-court specialist plays with HERE.

Remains of the Day (06/16)

Them: Knicks fans go viral with steamy gay kisses in the streets

The Caftan Chronicles: The owner of Palm Springs' revamped dive bar "Tool Shed" sees all the rich daddy/grifter stud drama up close

Fight Back: This theatrical experience has no actors or audience. But it could be starring ... you

FI&SBN: Always a treat to see Gilbert Baker's iconic Pride flag waving in the wind

GCN: ACT UP remembers science-minded HIV/AIDS activist Iris Long

ICYMI: Andrea Pellegrino got robbed without his own Tennis Tuesday post

Japan Times: Japanese government OKs basic plan to raise LGBTQ awareness

Boystack: Tony-winning choreographer/director Jerry Mitchell looks back on the history of Broadway Bares, the annual burlesque spectacular that has raised more than $$31 million for HIV/AIDS causes

Variety: Irish TV host and style guru Darren Kennedy plays wingman in "Heyy Gay!," a new social-media dating series that pairs gay men for blind date 

Deadline: "Celebrity Autobiography" is one of my favorite shows at a cheap cabaret. But I can't say I'm surprised it's closing months early on Broadway, where it debuted without any updates from the version I've seen a half dozen times.

SCMP: How this Hong Kong executive lost 70 pounds in 8 months through "exercise and a diet overhaul"

NPR: Paul Rudnick discusses his new novel, "The Tuxedo Society," a fun thriller that imagines an LGBTQ spy agency

ABC7: And people actually wonder why professional male athletes still don't come out of the closet

Attitude: David Geffen and ex-husband David Armstrong yacht together after divorce

USA Today: Let me get this straight, “queers”: it was horrible and opportunistic when corporations showed us support during Pride and now that they’re pulling back because of the authoritarian regime, that somehow proves you were “right”? 

Hot Cat of the Day: The whole city is still speechless

"Final Set": Damian and I caught a screening of the new Chris Evert-Martina Navratilova documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival, and let me start by saying I never wanted it to end. Because of my deep affection and admiration for these two women, I knew I would love it no matter what. But director Rebecca Gitlitz and producer Jenna Ricker -- who spoke afterward -- managed to take a well-documented story and reveal new things that even the biggest fan on earth (aka: me) didn't know. My face still hurts from smiling and my eyes are still swollen from crying. Premiere June 26 on Netflix. 

Borscht Chastity Belt: The hilarious Nadya Ginsburg unleashes Madonna, Cher and her own inner wild child in "Feral Fatale," a musical comedy cabaret on July 23 at the Cutting Room that is packed with songs, stand-up and unapologetic feminine rage. Tickets available HERE.

Weekend Tennis Roundup

Titles for Kamil Majchrzak, Ben Shelton, Donna Vekic and Robin Montgomery. Full report plus all the ATP beef that's fit to post BELOW.

New York Groove: Knicks Win First NBA Championship in 53 Years

The Knicks win it all for the first time since my buddy(!) Walt “Clyde” Frazier brought it home in 1973 (and 1970). I have never watched a basketball game in my entire life, but I couldn’t be happier for my beloved NYC!🗽🎉❤️