Tag Archives: entertainment

Broadway's Tony Awards Will Not Be Televised Due To WGA Strike.

Broadway’s Tony Awards Will Not Be Televised Due To WGA Strike.

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Canceled? Postponed? No one knows at this point. Where the hell is Patti LuPone when you need her?

The Hollywood Reporter, has broken the news that this years Tony Awards will not be televised on June 11. The committee submitted a WGA waiver for the Tony Awards to air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on June 11, but it was denied.

“The two alternative courses of action apparently being weighed are: (a) stick with the date of June 11 and hold a non-televised presentation of the awards, perhaps in the form of an intimate dinner or press conference with nominees and media in attendance; or (b) postpone the ceremony until the strike comes to an end and the show can be televised.”

The management committee has set an emergency meeting for Monday morning to determine the best path forward..

Insiders say that representatives of the Broadway League support the first option, as many shows may not be able to survive without the imprimatur of a Tony on their marquees and promotional materials. While The American Theater Wing, however, is more open to a delay, as that organization is seen as the guardian of the Tony Awards brand, which would not be helped by a non-televised presentation.

The last WGA strike lasted for three months in 2007-08. The 2023 strike officially began on May 2, 2023, with main issues revolving around increased pay, better residuals from streaming media, AI “writing” regulation, and staffing minimum requirements

The awards are named after Antoinette “Tony” Perry, an actress, producer, and director who co-founded the American Theatre Wing in 1917. The first Tony Awards ceremony was held in 1947.

The idea for the Tony Awards came from a group of theatre professionals who wanted to create an awards ceremony that would celebrate the best of Broadway theatre. The American Theatre Wing, which was created to support and promote the theatre, took on the task of organizing the awards, along with the League of New York Theatres, which represents theatre owners and producers.

The first Tony Awards ceremony was held on April 6, 1947, at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. The top award of the night, Best Play, went to Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons,” while Best Musical went to “Brigadoon.”

Over the years, the Tony Awards have grown in prestige and popularity, and they have become an important event in the entertainment industry. The awards recognize not only performers on Broadway, but also the directors, writers, designers, and producers who work behind the scenes to create the productions that are honored each year.

The Tony Awards is a celebration of the best of Broadway theatre and a tribute to the creativity, talent, and hard work of all those who contribute to the art form.

NYC's Metropolitan Opera's "Champion" is a KNOCKOUT!

NYC’s Metropolitan Opera’s “Champion” is a KNOCKOUT!

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The true story of black gay boxer Emile Griffith punches al the right places.

The Metropolitan Opera is renowned for its exceptional productions, and one of the most intriguing among them is undoubtedly “Champion.” This boxing opera, composed by Terence Blanchard, tells the story of Emile Griffith, a welterweight boxer who rose to fame in the 1960s. With a libretto by Michael Cristofer, this gripping production features powerful performances, striking visuals, and a musical score that blends classical and jazz influences.

The story of “Champion” is a true one, based on the life of Emile Griffith. The opera takes us through the boxer’s journey, from his humble beginnings in the Virgin Islands to his rise to fame as a professional fighter. Griffith is shown as a complex character, struggling with his sexuality of being a gay man and the pressures of the boxing world. In a poignant moment, he reveals that he never intended to become a boxer – it was simply something he was good at.

The production features an exceptional cast, including Arthur Woodley as Emile Griffith, Denyce Graves as Emelda Griffith, and Alfred Walker as Howie Albert, Emile’s trainer. The singers deliver powerful performances that capture the emotion of the story, particularly during the climactic fight scene. The ensemble cast also provides strong support, with the boxers in the ring conveying the tension and brutality of the sport.

Visually, “Champion” is stunning. The set design by Riccardo Hernandez is minimalist yet effective, with a ring at the center of the stage surrounded by a few key props. The lighting design by Christopher Akerlind enhances the mood of each scene, shifting from warm and nostalgic in the flashbacks to stark and harsh in the fight scenes. The projections by Elaine McCarthy add an additional layer of depth, providing context and atmosphere throughout the production.

Continue reading NYC’s Metropolitan Opera’s “Champion” is a KNOCKOUT! →
Remembering Actor Tommy Kirk and Disney's Anti-Gay Punishment.

Remembering Actor Tommy Kirk and Disney’s Anti-Gay Punishment.

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Scrappy, plucky-looking Kentucky-born Tommy Kirk, who was born on December 10, 1941, and became synonymous with everything clean and fun that Disney Entertainment 

Kirk rose to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a teenage heartthrob in a number of Walt Disney movies. However, behind the scenes, Kirk was grappling with a secret that would eventually come to light: he was gay, and his relationship with Disney would never be the same.

Kirk starred in a number of Disney films, including “Old Yeller” (1957), “The Shaggy Dog” (1959), and “Swiss Family Robinson” (1960). He was a talented actor, and his good looks and boyish charm endeared him to audiences around the world. However, even as he was becoming one of Disney’s most popular stars, Kirk was struggling to come to terms with his sexuality.

In the early 1960s, Kirk began a romantic relationship with another man. This was a difficult time to be gay, and homosexuality was still widely stigmatized and misunderstood. Kirk knew that if he went public with his relationship, he could face serious repercussions, both personally and professionally. However, he also knew that he couldn’t keep his sexuality a secret forever.

Kirks problems first began while filming The Misadventures of Merlin Jones in 1963, 21 year old Kirk began a relationship with a 15 year old boy, and was caught having sex with him at a swimming pool in Burbank. The boy’s mother informed Disney, who elected not to renew Kirk’s contract. Walt Disney personally fired Kirk, but when Merlin Jones became an unexpected hit, Disney allowed him to return long enough to film a sequel, The Monkey’s Uncle.

In 1964, Kirk was arrested in a gay bar raid in Hollywood. The news quickly made its way to Disney, and the studio was forced to make a difficult decision. At the time, Disney was known for its wholesome, family-friendly image, and the idea of one of their stars being gay was simply unacceptable. As a result, Kirk’s contract was not renewed, and because of Disney he was effectively blacklisted from the industry.

For Kirk, this was a devastating blow. He struggled with depression and substance abuse, and he contemplated suicide. However, he eventually found his way back to acting, albeit in a different capacity. In the 1980s, he began working behind the scenes in the film industry, and he also made occasional appearances on television.

Kirk’s story is a tragic reminder of the discrimination and stigma that gay people have faced throughout history. His experience also highlights the complex relationship between Hollywood and the LGBT community. On the one hand, Hollywood has often been a beacon of progressiveness and inclusivity, with many famous actors and filmmakers using their platforms to advocate for LGBT rights. On the other hand, Hollywood has also been a place of deep homophobia and discrimination, with many LGBT people facing ostracism and discrimination simply because of who they are with little representation onscreen.

Today, Kirk is remembered as a talented actor and a trailblazer for gay representation in Hollywood. While his career was cut short by discrimination, his legacy endures.

Tommy Kirk was inducted as a Disney Legend on October 9, 2006, alongside his former co-stars Tim Considine and Kevin Corcoran. But in the end Disney never formally apologized to Kirk.

Tommy Kirk passed away at his Las Vegas, Nevada home on September 28, 2021, at the age of 79.

Ed Wood's "Glen or Glenda" (1953) How It Holds Up Today.

Ed Wood’s “Glen or Glenda” (1953) How It Holds Up Today. [FULL MOVIE]

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Ed Wood’s 1953 film “Glen or Glenda” is a highly unconventional movie that explores themes of gender identity and sexual orientation before many knew they even existed. The film features Wood himself as the titular character, a straight man struggling with his desire to crossdress and live as a woman named Glenda. Despite its flaws, “Glen or Glenda” remains a fascinating cultural artifact that resonates today due to its sincere and empathetic portrayal of individuals who do not conform to traditional gender roles.

At the time of its release, “Glen or Glenda” was met with mixed reviews and was largely dismissed as a low-budget exploitation film. However, in recent years, the film has gained a cult following among audiences who appreciate its campy charm and progressive themes. Despite its flaws, “Glen or Glenda” is a genuinely heartfelt and compassionate film that shows a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those who identify as transgender or non-binary.

One of the most striking aspects of “Glen or Glenda” is its willingness to tackle taboo subjects head-on. The film features several scenes in which characters discuss the psychology of crossdressing and the societal stigma associated with non-traditional gender identities. Wood himself delivers a powerful monologue in which he confesses his desire to wear women’s clothing, stating that “I have always felt more feminine than masculine.” This moment of vulnerability and self-reflection is incredibly powerful and showcases Wood’s empathy towards those struggling with gender dysphoria.

Another way in which “Glen or Glenda” resonates today is in its depiction of the medical establishment’s attitude towards gender non-conformity. In the film, a doctor tells Glen that he is “sick” and prescribes a series of treatments intended to suppress his desire to crossdress. This scene is a clear critique of the medical establishment’s history of pathologizing non-normative gender identities and trying to force individuals to conform to societal norms. Today, we are more aware of the harm caused by conversion therapy and other forms of so-called “treatment” for gender dysphoria, and “Glen or Glenda” serves as a reminder of the progress we have made in this area.

Ultimately, “Glen or Glenda” is a flawed but deeply sincere film that resonates today due to its compassionate portrayal of non-traditional gender identities. Despite its campy dialogue and low-budget production values, the film is a powerful statement on the importance of accepting oneself for who they are, regardless of societal expectations.

You can watch the full movie below

* Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research.

March 21: World Puppetry Day – Remembering Wayland Flowers and Madam (VIDEOS)

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The thing about puppets is that they get to say and do things that ordinary people aren’t allowed to do. Maybe that’s why Georgia-native Wayland Flowers took up puppetry and created “Madame,” which Hofstra University’s Patricia Jukliana Smith aptly described as “a grotesquely ugly and flamboyantly ribald old crone festooned in outrageous evening gowns, tiaras, and rhinestones.”  Madam was said to be based on movie star Gloria Swanson’s Sunset Boulevard  character Norma Desmond and also is rumored to be based on a Washington, DC waitress and restaurant hostess Margo MacGregor

In other words Madam was an outrageously campy drag queen in wood and wire, a hideous hag who thought herself glamorous and who spoke in double entendres and bitchy take-downs.  Sounds familiar.  No wonder she was a hit with gay audiences.

Madame was created by Flowers in the mid-1960s in night clubs and gay bars throughout the 1960s before landing frequent appearances on Laugh-In.

Flowers’ first big break was an appearance on the The Andy Williams Show.

The act then appeared as a recurring comedy skit on Solid Gold before eventually replacing Paul Lynde as Center Square on Hollywood Squares. In 1982, Madame was star of her own sitcom, Madame’s Place, a half-hour syndicated program that ran five days a week for one season. Madame’s talk show within the series drew Debbie Reynolds, Foster Brooks and William Shatner as guests. 

Flowers died on October 11, 1988, five weeks after collapsing during a performance at Harrah’s resort in Lake Tahoe. The family attributed his death to cancer, and asked that no other details about his AIDS-related death be released to the public.

Be sure to watch the last video, Wayland and Madam UNCENSORED from 1977.  

It’s a hoot!

 

 

Saturday Matinee: WATCH "Carrie: The Musical"- 2012 Off Broadway Revival [Full Show]

Saturday Matinee: WATCH “Carrie: The Musical”- 2012 Off Broadway Revival [Full Show]

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Every threate gay knows about Carrie :The Musical with a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and music by Michael Gore. Adapted from Stephen King‘s 1974 novel Carrie, opened on Broadway in 1988 and for many years was considered the biggest flop in Broadway history.

Despite a stellar cast including Barbara Cook in the UK and Betty Buckley on Broadway the show was over produced and bloated much in thanks to choreographer Debbie Allen and her greek chorus of scantily clad girl students and a disconnection between the book and music itself.

In October 2010, Carrie was confirmed to be produced Off-Broadway at the Lucille Lortel Theatre by MCC Theater. The director is Stafford Arima with the original creators working on revisions of the show. From May 25 through June 7, a developmental lab was held at MCC, directed by Arima and choreographed by Matt Williams] The initial cast for the revival was announced in May 2011.[ From the reading held in 2009, Marin Mazzie starred as Margaret White and Molly Ranson as Carrie. Additional cast was announced on November 21. The score and book were revised by original composers Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford, and writer Lawrence D. Cohen. The songs “Dream On”, “It Hurts to Be Strong”, “Don’t Waste the Moon”, “Heaven”, “I’m Not Alone”, “Wotta Night” and “Out for Blood” were removed and replaced with new songs.

Below is an audience shot video very good in some places. Other’s are a bit messy. But it has been preserved for prosperity and it’s really not bad at all.

Hope you dirtypillows enjoy.

Howard Bragman, Gay Public Relations Guru and Founder of BNC and Fifteen Minutes, Dies at 66

Howard Bragman, Gay Public Relations Guru and Founder of BNC and Fifteen Minutes, Dies at 66

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Howard Bragman (February 24, 1956 – February 11, 2023) American crisis manager, public relations practitioner, writer and lecturer has passed away at 66 from Leukemia. He was often seen as the ultimate “PR guru”.

Bragman was born to a Jewish family and raised in Flint, Michigan, graduated with a B.A in journalism and psychology from the University of Michigan in 1978. Bragman acknowledged that support of the LGBT Center and accepting atmosphere of the university helped him to come out.

Upon graduation, Bragman proceeded career in public relations and crisis management.

As a publicist and LGBT activist, Howard Bragman has represented Sharon Osbourne,[A Steven Slater, Stevie Wonder,] Chaz Bono, John Amaechi, Don Lemon, Monica Lewinsky, Joe Manganiello, Anna Kendrick, Terrence Howard and Ricki Lake, among others.[ As a “coming out” advisor, Bragman consulted a number of celebrities, including American actress and producer Meredith Baxter, basketball player Sheryl Swoopes, country music artist Chely Wright, and NFL player Michael Sam.

Bragman was also active in the AIDS/HIV community, on lesbian and gay civil rights, Jewish causes and First Amendment protections. He has received awards and honors from AIDS Project Los Angeles, Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, and Congregation Kol Ami

Howard Bragman was active in exposing the water crisis in his hometown of Flint, Michigan, contributing to the documentary “Lead and Copper” by Glen Zipper and Paul Haggis..[

In 2021, Bragman contributed a $1 million endowment to establish the Howard Bragman Coming Out Fund on the facilities of the University of Michigan, which include the Spectrum Center, a LGBTQIA+ support center.

Rest in Peace Howard and thank you for all you have done.

#ThrowbackThursday - WATCH: Bette Midler's "Live at Last" Concert (1976) - Full Show

#ThrowbackThursday – WATCH: Bette Midler’s “Live at Last” Concert (1976) – Full Show

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Live at Last was Bette Midler’s first live album released in 1977.

This live video show later released in 1977 on the album “Live at Last” a full-length live performance at the Cleveland Music Hall, Cleveland, Ohio and sees Midler, her backing group The Staggering Harlettes and her band Betsy and the Blowboys covering material from her three first albums as well as The Supremes’ “Up the Ladder to the Roof”, Neil Young’s “Birds”, Ringo Starr’s “Oh My My”, the mock lounge act The Vicky Eydie Show doing a “global revue” and the song cycle The Story of Nanette. The show also captures Midler’s rapport with – or loving heckling of – the Cleveland audience, a monologue about fried eggs and a part that since has become a staple of her live performances: the raunchy Sophie Tucker jokes.

Enjoy!

Ethan Hawke To Star In Pedro Almodovar's Gay Western "The Strange Ways Of Life."

Ethan Hawke To Star In Pedro Almodovar’s Gay Western “The Strange Ways Of Life.”

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Ethan Hawke, who’s known for everything from Reality Bites to his new horror film The Black Phone, is set to star in Western short film Strange Way of Life, directed by Pedro Almodóvar.

Hawke will be taking the screen as Jake, a desert-dwelling sheriff who hasn’t seen Silva, a gunslinger played by Pedro Pascal, in 25 years, with the two characters living on completely opposite sides of the desert.

Almodóvar who turned down an offer to direct Brokeback Mountain in the early 2000’s, saying that Strange Way of Life would be his “answer” to the 2005 Western gay romance.

We shall see.

Strange Way of Life is set to start production in late August, with an official release date being uncertain