As You Like It ... or Not

Last night I was a guest of my friend Tim at Shakespeare in the Park’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” at the newly renovated Delacorte Theater. Directed by Saheem Ali, the production is performed in English, but Romeo and Juliet -- played by Ra’Mya Latiah Aikens and Daniel Bravo Hernández -- speak to each other in Spanish, which I suppose was an inventive twist on the classic love story even if it prevented me from fully understanding most of what was said.

I might have been more receptive to the play’s urban reimagining had I not recently seen a similar approach to “Carmen” at the Met. And it didn’t help that the production was somehow simultaneously heavy-handed (with “ABOLISH ICE” painted on a giant wall) and baffling. (I'm still trying to figure out what any of it had to do with the Montagues and Capulets -- and don’t get me started on the nonbinary Mercutio.)

But Shakespeare is Shakespeare, and Central Park is Central Park. So it was hard not to get swept up in it all once the sun went down -- and my guard -- went down. 

Love child's playground?

P.S. Cheers to the couple who got married on stage after the show ended!

David Wise's FIGHT BACK Returns March 19

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know I’m a sucker for nostalgia -- however grim. That’s probably why Fight Back, David Wise’s immersive ACT UP meeting, stayed with me long after I walked back out onto West 13th Street.

In August, I wrote about being there and what it felt like to be dropped into an ACT UP New York meeting on March 13, 1989. There are no actors, no script and no audience -- just a room full of people asked to live, breathe and organize as if lives quite literally depended on it. Because at the time they did. From the moment you arrive at the New York LGBT Community Center, the clock rewinds, and suddenly you’re talking about Robert Mapplethorpe, Madonna, Jerome Robbins and Ed Koch’s deadly inaction as if it’s all unfolding right now. It’s unsettling, moving, occasionally frustrating and, at least for me, affecting.

So here’s the update: Fight Back is happening again, with the first 2026 event taking place Thursday, March 19, at 7 p.m. -- and you’re invited.

Remember: This is not theater in the traditional sense. It’s a carefully constructed experiment in empathy and collective memory. Every participant is assigned a real person who actually was -- or plausibly could have been -- at that 1989 ACT UP meeting. You decide, with guidance beforehand, how actively you want to participate. You don’t need to be an actor. You don’t need to speak at all. You just need to show up willing to step into the room and sit with the weight of that moment in history.

The meeting lasts about 2–3 hours and takes place at the Center, 208 W. 13th St., Manhattan. There’s a $19.89 required donation -- a thoughtful nod to the year at the heart of the experience -- with cost alternatives available when you sign up.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth your time, I found it an effective way to put today’s reality into perspective and to remember how much of it was fought for.

If you’ve already done Fight Back, consider coming again. If you haven’t, this is the moment. And if you know someone who should experience it, spread the word.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19 @ 7pm

at the Center (208 West 13th Street, Manhattan)

Read more and sign up HERE. 

Snubbed and Soused: 'Bette Davis Ain’t for Sissies'

 

I caught "Bette Davis Ain't for Sissies" -- Jessica Sherr's acclaimed one-woman show -- at the Triad on Saturday with my friend Lynn and came away thoroughly charmed. 

The lights come up and it's February 29, 1940 -- the night of the 12th Academy Awards -- and Bette has just arrived home seething after learning that she will not win for her tour de force performance in "Dark Victory" when the Los Angeles Times evening edition leaks the winners early. This actual pre-Price Waterhouse moment(!) provides playwright/performer Sherr with the perfect setup for an evening of drunken reflections and recriminations from Hollywood's most gifted -- and self-admiring -- diva, and she makes the most of the opportunity. 

Pondering her life and career -- which for Davis were one and the same -- as she fields a series of phone calls from her mother, publicist, agent and friends who want to know where she's disappeared to, Sherr is able to delve into Davis's relationship with her momager; four marriages, notably the accidental death of hubby No. 2 Arthur Farnsworth; tumultuous dealings with Jack Warner, including her legal battle that paved the way for the end of the studio system; her close friendship with Olivia de Havilland; several abortions (some to save her career, others for her man's pride); the Joan Crawford "feud" and more.

In a revealing Q&A after the show, Sherr said that she only took an interest in Davis after being stopped on the street and told how much she resembled her -- as a "funny redhead" she always leaned into Lucille Ball. (She definitely does, although I saw Julianne Moore and Molly Shannon at times as well.) 

While I'm certainly no Tired Old Queen at the Movies, it was eye-opening to realize that anyone younger than about my age who isn't making an effort probably doesn't even know who Davis is, some 40-plus years since Kim Carnes reminded the world about the Hollywood legend. 

When Sherr earnestly recommended to the audience that we read Davis's Wikipedia page, which is where she learned all about Eve's legendary target, I was at first a little mortified: Not by devouring an acclaimed biography like Ed Sikov's "Dark Victory" or Charlotte Chandler's "The Girl Who Walked Home Alone"? Or by binging her classic films? But then I got over myself and realized how people learn about things has changed -- see also: Kate Bush and "Stranger Things" and Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" and Nathan Apodaca's skateboarding video -- and what's important is that she took an interest and made something of it. 

Sherr has apparently performed this show more than 400 times around the world -- most famously at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival -- and already has dates for 2026 posted on her website HERE.

Whether you're a superfan or just Old Hollywood curious, I can't recommend "Bette Davis Ain't for Sissies" enough. 

Troupe 'Beverly Hills'

Last night Damian and I joined our friend Jim from Los Angeles at a benefit production of "13-Year-Old Michael Ausiello Presents: Beverly Hills," staged at the MCC Theater on West 52nd Street, and my face hasn't hurt from laughing and smiling this much since I saw the similarly campy "Celebrity Autobiography." 

For the uninitiated, Ausiello's show gets celebrities to cold-read actual scripts of a soap opera a very young and very gay Michael wrote in (the closet of) his suburban New Jersey abode during the 1980s heyday of "Dallas" and "Falcon Crest," and the results are as unpredictable as they are hilarious -- the actors are as tickled and surprised as the audience is by what this teen drama queen came up with on the page!

The production (minus a hyphen) has been a huge hit in Westlake -- Michael was so dedicated to his art that he actually wrote 517 episodes, so there are always fresh plots for the twisting -- and it was just a matter of time before it made its way to the New York stage. With the help of the Katie McGrath & J.J. Abrams Family Foundation, Michael et al. were able to get a binder full of boldface names -- including Rachael Dratch, Ana Gasteyer, Jim Parsons, Busy Philipps and Michael Urie -- and donate all the proceeds to the city's Ali Forney Center, the largest community center helping LGBTQ homeless youth in the United States.

Like Michael, many a blossoming homosexual had creative outlets as children. (I just saw Rob Madge's "My Son's a Queer [But What Are You Gonna Do?] at the New York City Center; and I myself penned several children's books as a tween queen and staged "Christmas at Harvey's" for a number of years in my family's garage!) So I can only imagine what an absolute thrill it is for Michael to see his childhood vision come to life 40 years later, which sort of feels like a vindication for all of us fey Gen Xers who didn't always know it would get better. xo 

Plenty of photo highlights BELOW. 

He Ain't Heavy

Had a jam-packed weekend with my brother Terence, who came up for a visit from Frederick, Md. On Friday we caught up over beers at the Emerald Inn, which would be my local Irish pub -- replacing Peter McManus in Chelsea -- if not for an unfortunately placed bathroom that frequently makes the bar area unbearable. (WTF?) 

On Saturday we walked to our local theater, the Beacon, to see comedian Mark Normand. Damian and I happened to see him in November as part of a benefit for the National Coalition Against Censorship and thought he was pretty funny for a non-female, non-gay stand-up. It turned out my brother was a fan, so we snagged the last three tickets on the final night of his sold-out run.

And then on Sunday we caught the matinee of "Aristocrats" at the Irish Repertory Theatre. I'm not very knowledgeable about theater -- I did see "The Aristocats" when I was child! -- but the show is part of a three-play series of works by Brian Friel (1929-2015), who has been likened to an "Irish Chekhov." 

While I don't know much about Chekhov either -- Woody Allen's "September" was modeled on Chekhov's play "Uncle Vanyabeen" (1899), so by the transitive property I guess you could say I'm on it -- I do know dysfunctional Irish families quite well, and thoroughly enjoyed this modest production -- which was helped by the fact that Casimir (Tom Holcomb) and Willie (Shane McNaughton) were most easy on the eyes, and Alice (Sarah Street) was a scene-stealer as the family alcoholic. 

So great to see my brother. And there's nothing like an out-of-towner to make you take full advantage of this fair city of ours! xo 

'The Village': Love Is in the Air at Dixon Place

Damian and I had a hoot along with our friend Chad seeing a matinee of Nora Burns's "The Village: A Disco Daydream" yesterday at Dixon Place. Loosely based on Thornton Wilder's "Our Town," the show features a talented crew who take us on a comical and at times poignant trip through New York City 1979 to challenge our thoughts on nostalgia, revisionist history and living in the moment. That the script is stacked with hilarious zingers -- and a few of the boys are stacked, as well -- along with a goosebump-generating soundtrack make for a silly romp of a good time.

The show has a handful of remaining performances, including tonight.

Check for tickets now HERE.

'Like' Is a Four-Letter Word

This looks like a riot -- kind of a Celebrity Autobiography for fans of awards shows!

Michael Musto writes:

Remember when I told you about the return edition of You Like Me, the show at Joe's Pub where we interpret famous awards acceptance speeches? Well, the lineup that creators Michael Schulman and Rachel Shukert and director Peter James Cook have put together is staggering this time. 

Among the performers are Michael R. Jackson, who wrote "A Strange Loop"; Jordan E. Cooper, who wrote and starred in "Ain't No Mo'"; Murray Hill ("Somebody Somewhere"), Jeff Hiller (ditto), Ann Harada, Amanda Duarte, Jackie Hoffman, Tavi Gevinson, Julio Torres, Erin Markey ("Assassins"), video artist Myles Kane ... and Rachel Shukert as Billy Crystal. And I'll be doing the extremely grateful Susan Lucci, of course. 

See you on Tuesday February 21st. You'll like us.

Tickets info HERE.

'The Village! A Disco Daydream' Returns to Dixon Place

I was bummed that I missed the lovely and talented Nora Burns's latest show while we were away in Scandinavia. (Her comedy troupe Unitard made me cry laughing, and her one-woman show "David's Friend" had me crying the other kind of tears.) Now I'm thrilled to see I have a second chance!

Set in New York City in 1979, "The Village!" is loosely based on "Our Town" -- if Thornton Wilder had lived on Christopher Street. A colorful collage of characters drink, drug, dream, and dish about love, life, death and taxis, and, of course, break out into disco dance numbers. The show is a valentine to fashion, fantasy, fun, New York City and Donna Summer.

The encore engagement will be performed starting on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and running through Friday, Feb. 24. A meta musical comedy filled with high jinks, low kinks, and go-go boys, the show features a cast of 10 diverse actors and dancers. "The Village!" is written by Nora Burns ("David’s Friend," Unitard) and directed by Adam Pivirotto ("Shondaland"), with choreography by Robin Carrigan (Trick). Tickets cost $20-$28, and are available HERE.

‘David’s Friend' Nora Returns to Los Angeles

I concur ...

Remains of the Day (09/06)

ESPN: Brooks Koepka lost a little T, but still has his A (FULL SPREAD)

Dlisted: Why is the so-called leader of the free world weighing in on sitcom casting?

TPM: Iceland's president trolls Mike Pence with Pride bracelet during meeting surrounded by Pride flags

Back2Stonewall: Amsterdam’s “Homomonument” dedicated in 1987

Baseline: Aryna Sabalenka and coach Dmitry Tursunov are in dysfunctional relationship and I can't get enough!

ICYMI: When Stanley Tucci was a hot young piece of ass

WSJ: People like you more than you think

Towleroad: A sweaty Paul Manafort pops up on a 1990s game show

Reuters: Gay fathers receive less parental leave than other couples, study finds

Boy Culture: I'll give you more than 13 reasons why these guys look good naked 

Extra: "Poseidon Adventure" actress Carol Lynley dead at 77

The WoW Report: Hot ginger is ugly on the inside

Metrosource: Clear your schedule for Broadway’s next LGBTQ masterpiece. “The Inheritance” is a play focused on several contemporary gay lives.

Newsweek: Quarterback Drew Brees records video produced by anti-gay group Focus on the Family

Charlie Warzel: Don't trust Facebook with your love life

Washington Blade: 3,000 expected to attend AIDS conference in D.C. this week

BosGuy: If you look like this, you can wear whatever color you want after Labor Day

NewNowNext: Gavin Grimm has to fight his transgender bathroom case ... again

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📽 from @曺小曺 | DY 😍😍😍😍😍 ~ double tap ❤❤ #catloversclub

A post shared by Cat Lovers Club (@catloversclub) on Sep 4, 2019 at 5:04pm PDT

Hot Cat of the Day: A mother's work is never done

Page 1 Roundup (05/14)

The Daily News: De Blasio booed during Green New Deal rally at Trump Tower ahead of his president campaign announcement

Melissa McCarthy to replace Steve Harvey as host of ‘Little Big Shots,’ Kelly Clarkson to take over 'Steve' talk show timeslots with 'The Kelly Clarkson Show'

Michael Jackson’s son Prince graduates with honors from Loyola Marymount University

Two inmates charged in ‘sextortion’ plot that drove young Army vet to kill himself

Deep Dish: A loving gay remembrance of Doris Day (1922-2019)

Salon: Felicity Huffman pleads guilty in nationwide college-admissions scandal

TV Line: Kim Cattrall is returning to television in the holy roller soap "Filthy Rich"

The '90210' gang is back together, minus one

NewNowNext: If your religious views prevent you from providing health care, you shouldn't be in health care

TPM: GOP senator tells farmers hurt by Trump's trade war to suck it up: At least you're not fighting in a real war

Chicago Tribune: I've been fascinated by this woman since I started reading Interview as a kid. How I hope this show makes its way from the (312) to the (212) ...

BBC: Conor McGregor -- who was born to wear white jeans -- has charges dismissed

Back2Stonewall: Happy birthday to Armistead Maupin!

People: Passengers were waiting to board -- then the pilot was arrested for triple murder

Metrosource: Are you looking for local LGBTQ-friendly businesses?

New York Post: Felicity Huffman cries in court while pleading guilty to college admissions scam

Royal baby joins famous Archies through history (SLIDESHOW)

Get Naked/Soiree Fair: Previews for "Camp Morning Wood" begin May 29

The Washington Post: Glad Jimmy Carter is on the mend, but he wouldn't have broken his hip if he hadn't been planning to shoot innocent animals

The New York Times: New York cities, desperate for people, try new strategy to lure refugees

Warren H. Phillips, longtime Wall Street Journal publisher, dies at 92

The Wall Street Journal: As Chinese buyers flock, homing pigeon prices soar

Remains of the Day (05/06)

Frigid New York: If you see just one one-woman show about donating an organ via paired donation, might I recommend Amanda Nicastro's "I'm Just Kidneying"? She's smart, adorable and hilarious!

The Daily News: Norah O’Donnell named anchor of "CBS Evening News" as Gayle King shoots down rumors of bad blood

The New York Times: Are budget airlines really worth it?

Boy Culture: Madonna, Andy Cohen and more honored at GLAAD Media Awards

Back2Stonewall: Meet Craig Rodwell, the forgotten father of gay pride

Instagram: Hot Latin ass alert

Washington Post: Apparently this cringe-inducing phenomenon has a name -- "work twins" -- but I must say an Indian colleague of mine to whom this constantly happens confessed to me that she'd done it to a man in our Hong Kong bureau, too ... yikes

Greg in Hollywood: Kit Williamson announces that Season 4 of "EastSiders" will premiere at Inside Out Toronto on May 25

Sussex Royal: Prince Hot Ginge's sperm has created a new life

NBC: SNL"s erectile dysfunction pill "Rectix" is something else entirely

Baseline: Serena Williams preps for co-hosting the 2019 Met Gala

Dlisted: An actress I've never heard of got married to her ripped boyfriend so I'm suddenly interested -- they met when he guest-starred as a stripper on her show

Socialite Life: "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek wins Emmy Award, receives standing ovation

NewNowNext: Facing international protest, Brunei won't enforce "death by stoning" punishment for gay sex (barbaric law hast yet to be fully repealed, however)

Towleroad: 426 former prosecutors (and counting) sign statement saying Trump would be indicted for "multiple felonies" if he weren't "president"

New York Post: Sad Instagrammers pose for pics at luxury furniture stores now

The Randy Report: See Mayor Pete dressed for action in Afghanistan

TV Line: Why (naked) "Lucifer" is better as a Netflix binge

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Just a quick scrub before going to bed 😽🛁 Via: @the.dark_lord

A post shared by Cats All Day (@cats.all.day) on May 4, 2019 at 12:13am PDT

Hot Cat of the Day: Just because you have to take a bath doesn't mean you want to mess up your 'do ...

The (Bobby) Sands of Time

Great to have my brother Terence in the city to celebrate Christmas with us. In addition to a wonderful dinner and present festival at Damian's sister's house in West Orange, the highlight must have been seeing "The Ferryman," which is probably the best play I've seen on Broadway to date. xo

30 Rocked 

Jersey Boys ... and Girls

Fox’s 'Rent' to Match World AIDS Day Donations to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

In recognition of World AIDS Day (Dec. 1), FOX’s upcoming live musical production of "Rent" is matching donations to BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS, up to $20,000. Visit the show's Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram to donate, or donate directly HERE!

“ACTUAL REALITY - ACT UP - FIGHT AIDS!” 

 “RENT” AIRS LIVE ON FOX SUNDAY, JAN. 27 

(8:00-11:00 PM ET LIVE/PT TAPE-DELAYED)

Morning Wood

A Massachusetts production of "South Pacific" has an awfully hunky Lt. Cable. More proof HERE.