Tuesday, March 31, 2009

April Fool's Day Laughs


This show is never to be missed if you live in the LA area.  If you click on the above image, then download and print it out, you get in for $10.  Come early for cocktails!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Lifeworks Mentoring and Top Comics - Hilarity Ensues




Kittens,

I have to say you have heard less from me in the previous weeks because I am tattered and frazzled from the side effects of my inability to say "no". One thing I'll never say "no" to is Lifeworks Mentoring, which is one of my absolute favorite organizations in Los Angeles, as they work with LGBT youth. 

Their programs are outstanding, and the teenagers involved are just lovely, and you know I believe us older gays have a responsibility to be role models and reach out to the younger folks to hopefully save them from all the bullshit we had to endure.


Anyway, I dragged my tired-ass self last night to the Lifeworks Laugh Out Loud Fundraiser and had the time of my life. It was sold out (congrats you guys), packed to the rafters with just the most sensational people, and there was a stellar line up of the best and brightest in LGBT comedy. All were at the top of their game and the crowd went so wild I'm surprised we didn't show up on the richter scale. There was also a huge show of support from celebs who attended including Peter Paige, Alexandra Paul, Billy Masters, Doug Spearman, Guinevere Turner and more! Well, take a look at the photos and you'll get the gist.



I could not be more smitten with anyone as I am with the hostess of the evening, Miss Coco Peru. She opened the show with her usual mix of Bronx humour, gay rights snark and exceptional gracefulness. I fell hard for this one a few years back after seeing a series of her one woman shows. Miss Coco has a grasp of storytelling like few do - she weaves interesting tales of her gay experience with gut-splitting humour one moment, and incredible pathos the next that so beautifully encapsulates all our lgbt experiences and leaves one feeling quite empowered.

Next up was the hysterical Tony Tripoli who I find myself strangely attracted to, but I sense it is merely the narcissistically motivated attraction I have to gray hair. He regaled us with tales of the gay cruises noting, "This ain't the place to TRY anal. This isn't a training ground. No one is going to spoon you afterwards. Here they'll toss your speedo back in your face then walk away with 'I'll see you at the buffet'".

Alec Mapa also did an absolutely laugh out loud energetic depiction of his last gay cruise noting, "If you hung a giant black light over that ship it would look like an albino Jackson Pollock painting." He also shared his hilarious take on White Party last year as a first time attendee.

Judy Tenuto was the token straight, and has not lost her edge at all, teasing the audience and holding her trademark accordion.

There was only one lesbian in the line up but that was all you needed with Sandra Valls who absolutely brought the house down!! By the way, she is performing at Gays R Us at the Impov next Wednesday and I am telling you...I'll be there! She started by rebuffing the advances of a bicurious woman in the front row, then launching into her early experiences of being a lesbian by crushing out on Mary Anne on Gilligand's Island, "I woulda traded in ALL my GI Joes for a taste of her coconut cream pie."


Scott Thompson from Kids in the Hall did a performance piece as a Mormon housewife with a gay son, which included a musical number.

Jason Stuart started his act by warning, "I'm gay and a Jew so I'm a little biter" then tore the house down with his impersonation of an American Idol contestant in the final week. He also did a great bit on gay rights and urged the straights across the country, "If you'd only let us get married to each other, we'd stop marrying you!"

As a whole, I laughed so much I actually was crying! I didn't have a cocktail all night, and left that theatre absolutely high.

Please, folks, join in the economic stimulus for the gays by visiting this site and making a donation - www.lifeworksmentoring.org

And if you need any motivation about giving back to our lgbt youth at all, please take a look at this absolutely moving video of a 17 year old addressing the court in Vermont on gay marriage. Seriously, these are our youth, and they need us!  He talks about the boys in the gym picking on him, and why he thinks gay people should have all equal rights and speaks on behalf of lgbtq youth:  

"How am I supposed to feel accepted when the best I can have is a civil union in some states?  How am I supposed to overcome the nagging feeling that I am inferior.  I have to remind myself every day that I am worth nothing less than my heterosexual friends."





Tuesday, March 24, 2009

HRC Hero Awards and Gala, 2009

The HRC Hero Awards were held two weeks ago in Century City.

It was an exceptional event with incredible speeches by Diane Feinstein and Julian Bond (for the ages) and a wonderful comedic intro by recently publicly-out Wanda Sykes.






Saturday, March 14, 2009

HRC Cocktail Reception, Los Angeles

Out actress Wanda Sykes is going to host the HRC Los Angeles Gala this evening. For tickets and/or more info: www.hrc.org

Meanwhile, last night there was a pre gala cocktail reception at Mitchell Gold's on 3rd for Federal Club members. Scroll below to check out photos.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Meet Me In The MIddle



On the FIRST Saturday AFTER the Prop 8 verdict –
Meet in the Middle 4 Equality - Fresno, CA

Win or lose -- we are working to galvanize a movement and knit a community that cries for FULL Access, Equality & Justice 4 ALL.

As a movement, we will not have a better stage, a better moment in time, as the WORLD waits and watches for our reaction,

WHO:
EVERYONE - Make the commitment to STAND with us, shoulder to shoulder, fist in the air – demonstrating that 8 is no longer enough.

WHAT:
Converge, from each section of this state and neighboring states, to demonstrate our community’s statewide mobilization for FULL equality, in the epicenter of middle America values, for US, and for all our LGBT family, across this great Nation, that are discriminated against - daily.

WHEN:
On the FIRST Saturday AFTER the Prop 8 verdicts are announced…

WHERE:
Fresno City Hall - 2600 Fresno Street
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2600+Fresno+Street,+Fresno,+CA&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=37.819897,79.101563&ie=UTF8&ll=36.739967,-119.784772&spn=0.009354,0.019312&z=16&iwloc=addr

NEEDS:
We need the help and commitment of every person to help spread the word:
• Join our group –
o www.meetinthemiddle4equality.com
• Invite all of your friends to join the group
• Encourage all you know to spread the word - write a blog about our Central Valley efforts
• Be on our street team
• Volunteer to work the week/day of the event
• Plan with your local groups or organizations to attend the event together
• Offer rides, caravans, train and bus plans to get as many people as possible to Fresno - IMAGINE each Amtrak stop to collect more Equality Riders
• Email ideas, questions, media request, concerns to:
o Meetinthemiddle4equality@yahoo.com

Finally, I go back to the sentiments of Harvey Milk, This is an example of a larger movement – You may not be able to see it, but I do. I hope you’ll Meet in the Middle and see these efforts for yourself – in FRESNO.

On the day the verdict is announced - D-DAY!!!

- check out www.marriageequalityusa.org or www.equalityactionnow.org for the most up to date info about where and how to organize a response

On that FIRST SATURDAY AFTER - Meet in the Middle!

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Contact Info: meetinthemiddle4equality@yahoo.com

Watch Video: Rachel Maddow on The Colbert Report

Suze Ormond takes time on her Show to Talk About Prop 8

Suze Ormond speaks out against Prop 8 and against discrimination from our "birth rights".

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Photos from Lambda Love Lounge: Benefit in West Hollywood for Lambda Legal

Lambda Legal is the oldrest and largest legal organizing working for the civil rights of LGBT people. Last week, a fundraiser was held at Murano's in West Hollywood to raise money for the organization. Lambda Legal was recently in Sacramento participating in the oral arguments to overturn Prop 8, and have been fighting for marriage equality rights.

To make a donation or to learn more about Lambda Legal, please click here.



To see photos from other recent SoCal LGBT events click here and here for photos from Glaad, TheSmokingCocktail, The Lesbian and Gay Lawyer's Association, Poppy Champlin's Cocktails and Comedy and Out & Equal.

Watch Video: Tavis Smiley: Response to Oral Hearings and The Candle Light Vigil in Los Angeles

The following is from Tavis Smiley and includes clips from the Oral Hearings to Overturn Prop 8 and the response from activists in Los Angeles.

The following video is from the Candelight Vigil in Los Angeles and includes the speeches from activists and comments from attendees and comes to us care of Mo El Emam. Thanks!


Proposition 8, A Few Hundred of the People It Hurts, and Some Rain from Moe El Emam on Vimeo.

LifeWorks Comedy Special, with host Coco Peru!!!

Screening of SAVING MARRIAGE this Friday


Saving Marriage - The Movie

Friday, March 13, 2009
8:00pm - 10:00pm
Regent Showcase Theater
614 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA
Email for more info:
mike.roth@lovehonorcherish.org

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

You Oughta Be In Pictures (and theatre)

Two great opportunities - one theatre, one film.



EATING OUT 3: ALL YOU CAN EAT

The first GAY THREEQUEL is now in pre-production and scheduled for production this April..

This third film in the popular cult comedy series is written by Phillip J. Bartell and Q.. Allan Brocka, directed by Glenn Gaylord and produced by Michael Jack Shoel.

We are considering applicants for ALL departments. Non-Paid internships and some paid positions are available. This is a low budget production with professional production values and expectations. Candidates for internships should be enrolled in school to qualify for internship credit. This is an excellent opportunity to earn credit on a successful, popular film franchise.


* Crew please forward your resume and a brief note referencing what area of production you are interested in and most recent, pertinent credits.

* Casting inquiries please see breakdown below.


Please note if your interest is for Crew, Cast, or Locations in the subject line of your e-mail. Actors please note which role you are submitting for and include a headshot.

EATING OUT III: ALL YOU CAN EAT

Producers: Michael J. Shoel, Q. Allan Brocka

Director: Glenn Gaylord

Writers: Phillip J. Bartell, Q. Allan Brocka

Feature Film / Indie Comedy

SAG ULTRA LOW BUDGET

Start Date: Late April, 2009

Location: Los Angeles


ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS PREFERRED:
eo3production@gmail.com



HARD COPIES IF YOU MUST TO:
EO3

12400 Ventura Boulevard #686

Studio City, CA 91604

Attention: Michael Jack Shoel


The Eating Out films have proven to be immensely popular and prestigious comedies which not only launched the career of its creator, Q. Allan Brocka (Boy Culture, Rick and Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple In All The World), but it has also showcased the talents of such rising stars as American Idol¡¯s Jim Verraros, Desperate Housewives¡¯ Ryan Carnes, Marco Dapper, arguably one of the hottest men alive, and the comedic genius, Rebekah Kochan. Eating Out 1 had an indie theatrical release in over 25 cities, screened in over 100 film festivals and won numerous Jury and Audience awards including the prestigious Best First Feature Levi Strauss award at Frameline in San Francisco. It aired on Here! Television in the U.S. and proved to be one of the most popular DVD releases in Ariztical Entertainment¡¯s video history. Eating Out 2 followed in similar fashion, which puts Eating Out 3 in a prime position to clean up the whole plate!

Casting:



CASEY, 21, Skinny and cute in a geeky way, yet possessed with a sly sense of humor. Casey is a romantic dreamer who wants nothing to do with the gay community, yet would love to commune with the gorgeous Zack. Having just moved to town to live with his Aunt Helen, Casey is coerced by his new boss and instant gal-pal Tiffani, now the proprietor of the Nail Me Salon, to volunteer at the local Gay and Lesbian Center so that she can scope out all the hot men at the upcoming Charity Auction ¡°Male Sale¡±. It is at the Center where Casey meets Zack. Convinced that he¡¯s way out of his league, Tiffani convinces Casey to adopt the online persona of her ex, the smoldering hot, Ryan. Zack takes the bait and quickly falls for ¡°Ryan¡±, while in person Casey becomes his confidante, just out of reach of a romantic connection. Soon enough, Zack learns of the ruse and breaks his ties with Casey. Only until Casey offers himself up at the ¡°Male Sale¡± and embraces his community is Zack finally able to recognize Casey¡¯s true inner beauty....LEAD ROLE. ROLE INVOLVES SHIRTLESS SCENES AND SIMULATED SEX.



ZACK, 22, any ethnicity. A dark-haired God with a killer bod/six-pack abs, great smile, and eyes that look like trouble. Zack, is caught up in a skin-deep relationship with Lionel yet unwittingly falls for Casey who is pretending online to be Ryan, Tiffani¡¯s straight ex. As a volunteer at the Gay and Lesbian Center, Zack is proud of his community and, like Casey, has a romantic, Roman Holiday-loving streak just waiting to burst out. When he discovers Casey and Ryan¡¯s charade, he severs ties with both of them. Only until Casey proves to be a selfless member of the community is Zack able to see him as his match. LEAD ROLE. ROLE INVOLVES TASTEFUL, SINGLE SHOT, FRONTAL NUDITY.



RYAN, 23, any ethnicity. Scorching hot, physical perfection with the charm to flirt with anyone who¡¯s into him. Although he cheated on his ex, Tiffani, this straight stripper in a gay bar is surprisingly lovable and generous. Back in town just in time to get caught up in Casey and Tiffany¡¯s ruse, Ryan agrees to a date with Zack in order to get back at Tiffani, but soon develops the ulterior motive of bringing Zack and Casey together. Using all of the stripper skills at his disposal, Ryan does just that, which causes Tiffani to fall back in love with him all over again. LEAD ROLE. ROLE INVOLVES TASTEFUL, SINGLE SHOT, FRONTAL NUDITY.



LIONEL, 22, any ethnicity. Super hot and a bit bitchy-looking. Think a ¡°Mean Girl with abs¡±and his own little trio of hotties following behind him. Lionel is always in the mood for sex and won¡¯t hesitate to use it as a weapon. When he gets dumped by Zack, Lionel seduces Casey and secretly tapes their hookup in order to enrage Zack. CO-STAR. ROLE INVOLVES SHIRTLESS SCENES, BACKSIDE NUDITY AND SIMULATED SEX.



TANDY, 22, Asian. A brooding, ballbusting ¡°Daria¡± type. Deadpan, blunt, and suffers no fools. A gay man¡¯s best friend who has tired of the role, Tandy still can¡¯t help but remain fiercely loyal to her friend, Zack. When she discovers that Zack is being fooled by Tiffani, Ryan, and Casey, she comes to the rescue with a big showstopping catfight with Tiffani. CO-STAR.



HARRY, 60, any ethnicity. An elderly gay man easily dismissed as an ¡°Old Troll¡± but who offers the right insight and heart that can only come with experience. A staff member at the Gay and Lesbian Center¡¯s help counter, Harry becomes Casey¡¯s protector and introduces him to the notion that the gay community can be more diverse and welcoming than he initially thought. CAMEO ROLE FOR A FUN CHARACTER ACTOR.



PAM, 40, Thai. Decidedly unhip, belligerent manicurist. At the Nail Me Salon, Mother Hen Pam and her young sidekick, Candy, are Tiffani¡¯s foul-mouthed ¡°Greek Chorus¡±. FEATURED. ROLE REQUIRES FLUENCY IN THAI LANGUAGE.



CANDY, 25, Thai. This manicurist is learning the ropes from a real pro, Pam. Some day, she too will be able to annihilate customers with her stare, but is not quite as good as Pam...yet! This young charge and her older mentor know exactly how to get under their boss, Tiffani¡¯s, skin. FEATURED. ROLE REQUIRES FLUENCY IN THAI LANGUAGE.



ERNESTO, 23, Latin. Hot stud with a gorgeous body and a flair for the romantic. He seduces Tiffani with the verve of a Telenovela star. FEATURED. ROLE REQUIRES SHIRTLESS SCENE, BACKSIDE NUDITY, AND SIMULATED SEX.



SHIRTLESS STUD, 23, any ethnicity. Hot, sexy, and horny. He hooks up with Tiffani and almost closes the deal before being caught by Ryan. FEATURED.


Storyline: . How far would you go to get the person of your dreams? In EATING OUT 1, a straight guy pretends to be gay to get the girl. EATING OUT 2: SLOPPY SECONDS saw a gay guy pretending to be straight to land another guy. This time out, meet Casey, the geeky cutie, who is taken under Tiffani¡¯s wing and pretends to be Ryan, Tiffani¡¯s hot, straight ex, in order to seduce the smoldering Zack online. In EATING OUT 3: ALL YOU CAN EAT, the guys are 3 times hotter, the stakes are 3 times higher, and the lesson learned can be summed up in 3 simple words: Being Yourself Rocks.


As many of you know, our new musical THE GREEN ROOM was chosen as the last show in the HERMOSA BEACH PLAYHOUSE 08-09 season, and they are now conducting auditions. We are trying to get the word out to as many young, talented people as possible! If you don't fit the roles, would you please forward on to someone who might be right? We look forward to seeing you all opening night!
Stephen Foster

AUDITIONS FOR THE NEW MUSICAL THE GREEN ROOM


We are pleased to announce the auditions for "The Green Room" at the Hermosa Beach Playhouse! The new musical features the Songwriter’s Guild of America's Award-Winning song “It’s All About Me”

A backstage musical of four college students trying to find lives; edgy, sometimes irreverent, and always fun! Lyrics and music by Chuck Pelletier and book by C. Stephen Foster and Rod Damer.

We are looking for FRESH, YOUNG FACES who can ACT and SING up a storm! ALL FOUR ROLES OPEN!

Here are the dates! Mark your calendars! This is a non-equity show, with pay for both rehearsals and performances.

to hear selections from the new musical, please go to
www.myspace.com/thegreenroommusical

AUDITION DATES:
OPEN CALL Saturday, March 14 10am-6pm
CALLBACKS Sunday, March 15 at NOON

AUDITIONS: Rehearsal Space of the Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities
2224 Artesia Blvd..
Redondo Beach, CA 90278

Please prepare 16 bars of a contemporary up tempo song in the style of the show.

Rehearsals start April 28. PERFORMANCES: May 19-31


Character Breakdown for "The Green Room"

Divonne Bruder— (Alto) 20 years old very outspoken, funny and brassy. She's an edgy diva oozing “star quality” who dresses in hip, bohemian thrift-store/vintage clothes. She's unorganized, has a big mouth and her ambition is to be a “star”. She's annoyed that she's never had the lead role but instead gets cast in walk-ons or worse even though she’s the most talented on campus. Divonne falls in lust with Anna's nerdy brother, Cliff, but soon dumps him to try her hand at lesbianism. She sings the award-winning song "It's All About Me" and the heart-melting "It Comes Easy"."

Prototype: Maureen in "Rent", Winifred in "Once Upon a Mattress" Rizzo in "Grease", Elphie in “Wicked”

Anna Kearns— (Soprano) 20 years old, extremely beautiful, youthful and joyous acting major. Anna is an up-tight goody two shoes who loves structure and everyone doing as she says. She is obsessed with shaping John Davis up and making him husband material. She sings the show-stopping "I Wanna Go To Extremes" and the beautiful duet "What do I Think of Me".

Prototype: Sandy in "Grease", Kate Monster in "Ave Q" Glinda in “Wicked”, Diane from "Cheers"

Cliff Kearns—(Tenor) 19 years old geeky, bright and boyish. Must be funny! Anna's younger brother who follows her lead and attends St. Nordoff to act He becomes best friends with playboy John Davis and is sometimes romantically involved with Divonne. He sings the show-stopping "Nothing Can Stop My Boys" and "Destination Stage Left"."

Prototype: Mark in "Rent" Seymour in "Little Shop", Rod in "Ave Q"

John Davis—(Bass) 20 years old and cocky, self-assured jock. Has the hots for Anna. His big-mouth, bad-boy attitude covers a heart of tarnished gold. He brags about being "the big man on campus" and gets the lead in every play. He becomes best friends with Cliff and constantly pushes Anna's buttons. He sings the beautiful duet "What do I Think of Me" and "In the End""

Prototype: Danny in "Grease", Roger in "Rent", younger Billy Flynn in "Chicago"

"And the future stands before us like a child, screaming out to know our plans..." From "The Green Room: the College Musical"

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Fusion - Opening Night Photos and Dish - Sold Out Audience, Huge Hit!!



Hello kittens,

Well after the homage to the pinball scene in The Accused which were the Oral Arguments to Overturn Prop 8 on Thursday, it was time for me to go be amongst my lgbt brothers and sisters, and FUSION's Opening Night was a wonderful celebration of all that is brilliant and fabulous about us 'mos. While we're on the subject, Fuck you Ken Starr and James Dobson.

Here's some photos from the wonderful evening at the Egyptian. By the way, buy your tickets for the Closing Night now before they too sell out! www.outfest.org



A few reasons to attend Fusion:

1) The best shorts and features, docs and narratives, that make you actually FEEL GOOD about being gay and/or make you think about our LGBT struggles.

2) You meet some pretty kick ass film makers - people not afraid to tell the stories of our lives, who are extremely creative and thoughtful.

3) You also run into many LGBT activists and can get the dish on the latest in all areas of the LGBT movement

4) Fun. Dancing the catwalk last night was truly off the hook. Food was fantastic and I truly enjoyed my Key Lime Soda from the free bar.

5) Fashion - if I can be shallow, I always love an excuse to get dressed up and go out and see who looks spectacular on the pink carpet.

6) Making new friends - really, at this point I can't believe there are homosexuals in this town I don't know, but there are and I'm determined to meet them!

See you today and tonight at FUSION!!!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Between Love and Goodbye


The film premieres on
Friday, March 6, 2009 at 1:45pm (main premiere is at 7:15 p.m.) and ends on Thursday, March 12 at 11:25 p.m.

Sunset 5 Theaters
8000 West Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA

Screening times: 1:45, 4:20, 7:15 & 9:45.

"Between Love & Goodbye" opens theatrically in Los Angeles on Friday March 6th for an exclusive 1-week run. Join director and cast members at the 7.15PM screenings Friday & Saturday opening weekend. Q&A to follow. (Opening weekend party info soon to come...)

Pre-buy tickets here:
http://www.laemmle.com/viewmovie.php?mid=4678

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Important News About Our Rights

As you probably know, the Proposition 8 legal challenge is tomorrow March 5!!!!

The argument will take place from 9:00 a.m. until about 12:30 p.m. at the California Supreme Court in San Francisco. Because of the small size of the courtroom, there will likely be no seats available there. However, there are a number of locations near the court that will be screening the argument live for the public. Therewill also be a live webcast over the Internet at www.calchannel.com .

By law, the court has 90 days to make a decision on the arguments.

Besides watching the oral arguments, you can partake in a number of vigils and protests across the country tonight March 4. Go to www.eveofjustice.com for locations and times near you

Monday, March 2, 2009

It's Almost Here...just a few more days....

March 5th is a huge day. Well, not just because it's my birthday - which at this point I'm so old there's no revelry there anymore (As Auntie Mame would say, I'm somewhere between 40 and death) - but it's the big...HUGE day for our equal rights movement. It's the day the California Supreme Court is going to hear arguments about overturning Prop 8.

Yeah. Huge day.

Their decision is speculated to arrive a month later.

So in addition to praying and crossing your fingers, get involved by going here: http://www.eveofjustice.com

Go there. Now. I mean it. I see you going to look at that youtube video of the dog singing, stop that right now and go to that site already. You must know it's not good to piss off a lesbian. No, don't go to Facebook. Damn, your ADD is bad!

Really, go to this site:

http://www.eveofjustice.com/

There is it again.