George, how long have you been a bartender?

I’ve only been bartending about 16 months, since I came to Club Ripples.

 When can we come see you in action?

I usually can be seen at Club Ripples on Wednesday nights, as I host “Freshman15 – College Night.” I also work at Club Ripples on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

What do you enjoy most about working at Long Beach’s longest running gay and lesbian nightclub?

Club Ripples has really been a melting pot of opportunities for me. I’ve forged some really great relationships with co-workers and customers. It’s nice to have a talented group of people working alongside me who are not only encouraging and nurturing, but genuinely good and kind people.

It has really made working at the club feel less like a job, and more like I’m just hanging out with my friends.

We loved the recent Tabatha Takes Over Club Ripples episode on Bravo. What was that experience like for you?

Being part of Tabatha Takes Over was a great and exciting experience. Not only having my “15 minutes of fame,” but also being able to see a transformation in the business, owners, and staff, was really the most rewarding part. It’s been nice having both new and old customers come in and speak so positively about the makeover, the owners and the episode. Another great moment was being able to get behind the bar at The Abbey. The Abbey is like the “gay bartender motherland.”

One of the funniest moment was having to say “Tabatha’s gonna f*ck the shit out of John and Larry” on camera. I had the crew giggling and we had to redo the take a few times. The staff and I also joked that once the episode aired; we would all need to find a new job. But thanks to some great editing, Bravo didn’t show half the bad things we said.

Club Ripples has something fun going on every night of the week. What are some of your favorite events?

I really enjoy Bear Bar on the second Saturday of every month. It’s not just for big, hairy, sweaty guys, but there are a lot of hot sexy, freshly showered guys who come too. College Night is always fun, especially watching young guys playing beer pong in their underwear. Sunday Beer Bust is also a great and fun time. I remember coming to Club Ripples in my early 20s, enjoying the draft beer and patio BBQ… and then passing out on the beach, after getting so f*cked up.

How will Club Ripples be celebrating Long Beach Pride this year?

Club Ripples will kick off Pride on Wednesday, May 16, with College Night – Gay Pride Gone Wild. Then Thursday, May 17 will be a special Gay Pride Drag Show. Unzipped—Pride Weekend Kick Off will take place Friday, May 18. Then on Saturday, May 19 is The Rainbow Party and on Sunday, May 20 we will have a Patio BBQ and Blow Out Party. Club Ripples will also be offering a free shuttle to and from the festival on Saturday and Sunday.

Wow! What a line up. You may need a little R&R after all that. What do you like to do in your free time?

I really enjoy going to the theatre—and no—not AMC or Edwards. I’m a huge music and performing arts lover and I make it a point to see a musical or concert every month. I’m also a sucker for traveling, shopping, mani-pedis, massages and facials. But more often than not, I just enjoy hanging out with friends, sharing a few drinks and some great laughs.

Sounds nice. Now that we’re getting personal, tell us something about yourself that might surprise people?

First, I’ll be turning 40 this year, a few of my coworkers like to remind me that I’m older than their father. But, unless you’re sleeping with me, don’t call me Daddy. I also get my haircut every week and I like to shower 3 to 4 times a day.

Finally, a question we like to ask all our featured bartenders—If you were a cocktail, what would you be and why?

I’d be a “Hawaiian Hooker Shot” (Patron and Pineapple Juice). Because a Hawaiian Hooker is strong and hard, and always hits the spot!

Club Ripples is located at 5101 E. Ocean Blvd. in Long Beach. For more information visit clubripples.com.

The iconic ocean liner will host Proud Mary Weekend May 19 and 20 with its Poseidon party Saturday night, special brunch and overnight packages

Rainbow flags will fly aboard the Queen Mary when it hosts its first Proud Mary Weekend May 19 and 20 in Long Beach. Planned to coincide with Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride, one of the premier pride celebrations in the nation, the ship’s festivities will feature Poseidon, an off-the-charts dance party on Saturday night, followed by a special brunch on Sunday.

Poseidon to Feature World Class Entertainment

Taking place in a three-story event hall that formerly housed one of the Queen Mary’s enormous boilers, Poseidon promises to be the hottest dance event of the weekend. Along with aerial performers, go-go dancers and a few other surprises, party-goers will be treated to music by DJs Manny Lehman and Scotty K spinning the top dance beats. Poseidon will also feature a live performance by international pop sensation, Amannda, whose recently-debuted single, ‘The Only One,’ is climbing the Billboard Dance chart (currently at #23). The all-night party rolls from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. Tickets are $50.

DJ Kimberly S to Spin at Pride Sunday Brunch

Following Poseidon, weary revelers can soak in some sun and scenery from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the Queen Mary’s first-ever Pride Sunday Brunch on the ship’s Verandah Deck. Cost is $24.95 per person and includes a light brunch buffet, a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary, panoramic views of Long Beach harbor and the soulful house and trance sounds of guest DJ Kimberly S.

“We are thrilled to host Proud Mary Weekend and introduce these two incredible events during Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride,” said the Queen Mary’s Director of Entertainment Events Steve Sheldon. “The Queen Mary welcomes the LGBT community year-round and is proud to play a role in the second largest annual event in Long Beach. We can’t think of a better place to celebrate Pride than aboard the city’s biggest Queen!”

To take full advantage of the fun, guests to Proud Mary Weekend can book a variety of hotel packages. The Proud Mary package includes deluxe accommodations, two tickets to Poseidon and Pride Sunday Brunch for two. This package requires a minimum two-night stay (Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday) and double occupancy. Rates start at $329 plus tax per room. The Queens Pride Package includes a one-night stay in a deluxe stateroom, two tickets to Poseidon and Pride Sunday Brunch. Rates start at $229 plus tax per room. Guests who wish to stay and play longer may add Sunday or Monday night accommodations for just $79 plus tax.

In its heyday, the Queen Mary carried a variety of colorful characters from World War II leaders to British royalty and the stars of Hollywood’s golden era including Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo and playwrights Tennessee Williams and Edward Albee – all regarded today as notable gay, lesbian or bisexual people in history.

The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach. To purchase tickets to Proud Mary Weekend or for more information, visit http://www.queenmary.com/Pride.aspx or call (800) 437-2934.

New Location, More Entertainment and Renowned Guest DJ Barry Weaver Announced

On Friday, May 18, the 5th Annual Pink Party will once again help kick-off Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride weekend, with an incredible outdoor party to be hosted at a new location in Downtown’s East Village Arts District at the intersection of 1st Street and Linden Avenue from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Produced and sponsored by the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA), the Pink Party has quickly become a Pride weekend tradition. A portion of the proceeds from the Pink Party benefit The Center Long Beach’s Mentoring Youth Through Empowerment (MYTE) program, which provides cost-free services to gay, lesbian, transgender and questioning youth.

Adopted once again this year by Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride, Inc. (LBLGP) as an official Pre-Pride Event, attendees will fill the East Village Arts District with varying shades of pink as guests are encouraged to dress the part. Pink lights and festive décor will transform the outdoor venue into a party unlike any other.

Famed drag performer, Jewels Long Beach, returns to host the event as only she can. The Long Beach Drag Diva Show will feature Delta Work and Sonique from RuPaul’s Drag Race among the performers who will be dancing and lip synching.

Famed DJ Barry Weaver will be spinning high-energy dance music all night while guests dance the evening away in the streets of the East Village. The night will also feature a few surprises that will keep the crowd on their toes.

Two full outdoor bars are presented by Hamburger Mary’s and Bliss 525 and attendees will have the opportunity to get their hair and nails pink’d at the Big Pink Hair and Nail stations.

“The Pink Party is a festive, fun and unique street party,” said DLBA Board Member and Marketing Chairperson Michelle Manire. “This event has quickly become a tradition leading into Pride weekend and the DLBA is excited to host it in the East Village Arts District, and proud to once again partner with LBLGP to help kick-off an entire weekend that celebrates diversity and acceptance.”

The Pink Party will take place from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the intersection of 1st Street and Linden Avenue in the East Village Arts District. Parking is available in surface lot number seven, located at Elm and Broadway. The cost of admission is $10 at the door.

For more information about the DLBA, its events and services, please visit www.downtownlongbeach.org or call (562) 436-4259. For more information about Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride, please visit www.longbeachpride.com

MARTINIS ABOVE FOURTH brings to its stage the fabulous and talented Miss Coco Peru, for her very first live performance in San Diego on Thursday, May 24.

A part of their exciting new Cabaret Series, featuring some of the best acts from San Diego, Los Angeles, New York and beyond. Coco took a little time between touring, dress fittings and wig stylings to chat with The Rage Monthly about her San Diego debut.

It’s been a while since we last chatted Coco, what have you been up to lately?
I’ve been doing well, working and touring a lot! I’ve reunited with Evie and Varla and filmed the sequel to Girls Will Be Girls to be released in 2013. Hopefully, Evie’s animatronics will still be functioning so she’ll around for the premiere and I’m praying Varla can fit in the theatre, I mean, she barely fits on the screen! Having said that, we’re all like sisters! No, really!

We were very excited to hear about your upcoming appearance at Martinis Above Fourth. Will this be your first time performing in San Diego?
YES! It’s about time someone invited me! My first visit to San Diego was for a screening of the film TRICK back in 1999 and I fell in love with the city. Ever since then I have wanted to perform there.

Martinis Above Fourth is well known here in San Diego for their selection of specialty martinis—well over 100—from “classics,” to “exotics,” to “over the top.” Does Coco have a favorite? And we’re not talking iced tea with free refills here! (As she mentioned in our last interview)!

I can’t believe you remember that I love iced tea! If I had to pick my favorite martini, I guess I’d have to say the Cocotini, which I hope Martinis Above Fourth will have on their menu, at least while I’m there! I’ll never have any grandchildren named after me, so I might as well have a cocktail bearing my name. Free refills?

Can you give us a little sneak peek of your San Diego shows?
Since this is the first time I am performing in San Diego I am bringing my “best of” show. It’s always been difficult to describe what I do, I guess you can call me a drag queen/monologist/world savior. Well, maybe not the world savior part, but it’s important to have goals. It’s also been said that Coco Peru is a drag show you can take your mother to and I completely agree.

Having said that, I’m not sure if it’s because people want to share the gift of Coco with their mothers or if it’s their way of saying, “Mom, you may not be happy with my being gay, but look at that queen on stage. You see? It could’ve been a lot worse. A lot worse!”

What do you enjoy most about performing live?
As I said in one of my first shows 20 years ago, “Think of my show as group therapy session, and it’s my turn to talk.” All these years later I’m still talking— still inspired by everyday things—I grew up in the Bronx around a lot of funny people and alcoholics! Not that being an alcoholic is funny, but they were survivors and still found humor in their pain.

I would listen in awe to my parent’s friends tell hilarious stories about their lives. I really believe that was my introduction to good storytelling. I also get to say a lot of things other people are thinking and it is so satisfying to get a live reaction because you know people are relating to you and I guess in some way, it makes me feel less alone.

In fact, I had a straight woman in N.Y.C. come up to me after the show and say “I am so jealous of you.” When I asked why, she answered, “Because you get to say all the things I want to say.” I really took that as a compliment; although secretly I was hoping she was gonna say, “Because you’re so fucking gorgeous!”

Oh, I also love that when you pay to see Coco Peru, you’re helping a drag queen pay off her mortgage!

Any big plans this summer?
Well, this year I will go back to Vegas, Provincetown and Rehoboth Beach for work and then I am off to Spain again with my partner, Rafael… he’s from Spain. Sadly, there is no iced tea in Spain. Still, we go every year and basically sit on a nude beach, eat, siesta and count our blessings. Oh, and stare at naked Spanish men—it would be rude not to, right?

Miss Coco Peru Live In San Diego on Thursday, May 24 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Martinis Above Fourth. Advanced ticket purchase is required. For tickets and more details on this and other MA4 Cabaret Series shows call 619.400.4500 or visit martinisabovefourth.com

Don’t miss this great opportunity to get out, mix and mingle and grow your business.

Be sure to bring plenty of business cards and be prepared to make invaluable connections with fellow gay and gay-friendly business owners.

The Rage Monthly will be offering print, online and social media advertising specials for all those in attendance.

This fun and festive monthly event, which includes complimentary Hors D’oeuvres, $3 drink specials and priceless networking and support, takes place on Wednesday, May 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Velvet Lounge, 416 W. 4th Street, Santa Ana Historic District.

For information call 619.255.0389 or 714.232.8727

or go to velvetoc.com.

Other events celebrating Russian arts and culture will also take place beginning on Friday, May 18. This event is a chance for residents and those living in the greater Los Angeles area to enjoy the rich cultural and ethnic flavor of this vibrant community.

The Russian Style Festival will be held on Sunday, May 20, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Plummer Park.

The day-long slate of events includes:

-The Royal Basketball School will present a Royal Basketball Players Game from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the basketball courts at Plummer Park. There will also be a basketball shooting contest with prizes, and a DJ will provide music and entertainment.

-The Unity in Diversity Arts Foundation will present the Russian Style Festival’s Annual Children’s Concert from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the Main Stage in Plummer Park. The concert will be hosted by Elizabeth Tomchina and David Shats, and will feature dozens of dozens of performers from various schools and studios.

-The Russian Style Festival 7th Annual Community Awards Presentation will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the Main Stage at Plummer Park. At the ceremony, the Los Angeles Association of Veterans of World War II will be honored with the Outstanding Community Service Award. The Role Model of the Year Award will be given to Lika Osipova and Sasha Rider, and the Outstanding Achievement Award will be given to Lev Volovik. Entertainment will be provided by the Russian Comedy Club L.A.

-The Russian Style Festival’s Annual Gala Concert will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the Main Stage at Plummer Park. The concert will be hosted by Elena Levtchenko and Agassi Topchian, and featured performers will include Suzahnna Tepper, Gary Gold, Natalia Lapina, Fira Beck, Maya Segalis, Yakov Nakhman, Igor Serykh, Oleg Sweet, Alko and the Russian Souvenir dance-show group.

Other Russian Style Festival events include the WHOpera Group’s world premiere performance of “The Apostle” on Friday, May 18 at 6 p.m. at Fiesta Hall at Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. “The Apostle” is a one-act opera by Gamma Skupinsky based Anton Chekhov’s “The Black Monk” about creative people, their obsessions and their realities. There will be a concert performance with a virtual orchestra featuring Alan Laino, Coril Prochnow, Scott Kevin, Junju Dezaki and Risa Tadokoro, with choreography by Kana Miyamoto. Admission is free.

The Unity in Diversity Arts Foundation will present “Tango Around the World” from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 19  at Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. This event will feature singers Eduard Khorovsky, Mariana Popzlateva, Lillia Teterina and composer Anthony Michaels. Dancers will include world-renowned Argentine tango dance master Sergei Tumas, Michelline Coonrod, Fred Lessantiz, Mona Lewis and Jose Espinosa as well as the West Hollywood Tango Class Studio “Dance Revolution.” “Tango Around the World” will be hosted by Stella Shenderovich and will feature an after-show master class. A $15 donation is suggested. Refreshments will be served. To RSVP and for more information, please call (818) 789-3114 or (323) 509-7229.

Upon entering the Ahmanson Theatre this past week, regulars like myself were initially startled to find the space in a state of apparent disrepair. The walls, speakers and seating boxes were covered with black tarps, and the curtain partly covering the proscenium was torn and frayed. What’s more, a howling wind could be intermittently heard and the smell of mildew hung in the air. I felt I had walked into the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland rather than L.A.’s premiere theatrical venue.

The occasion for this intentional display of decay was opening night of the first post-New York staging of last year’s acclaimed, Tony-nominated revival of Stephen Sondheim’s and James Goldman’s 1971 musical, Follies. Their work has been performed rarely in the last 30 years due to the mixed reception it received upon its debut; it’s unusually large (by today’s standards) cast and orchestra, and the requisite multi-million dollar budget that naturally accompanies these amenities.

Despite such extravagance, the original production was Sondheim’s second significant attempt (after Company) to deconstruct and downsize the Broadway musical, which the composer later achieved par excellence via such shows as A Little Night Music, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods and Passion.

As if the dilapidated scenery wasn’t enough (the current production is magnificently designed by Derek McLane, costumer Gregg Barnes and lighting designer Natasha Katz), the stage and levels above it fill with the seeming ghosts of showgirls past during the orchestral prologue. These bedazzled wraiths are gradually revealed to be the younger incarnations of the now-aged chorines who serve as Follies‘ central characters, and they hover eerily throughout the performance and even during intermission.

Sally (Tony-winner Victoria Clark who, as a replacement for Bernadette Peters, is the only leading non-member of the revival’s New York cast), Phyllis (Jan Maxwell), Carlotta (British stage legend Elaine Paige) and their cohorts all performed during the 1930′s-40′s in the since-defunct Weismann Follies. They have reunited thirty years later in their former theatre on the eve of its demolition, many with their husbands or lovers in tow.

It quickly becomes apparent that Sally and Phyllis have lingering issues with the men they met during their follies run and eventually married: Buddy and Ben (played, respectively, by Tony nominees Danny Burstein and Ron Raines). Said issues come to a head during their reunion in now-typical, truth-telling Sondheim style.

The score of Follies includes several songs that serve today as standards, notably “I’m Still Here” (performed delectably by Paige), “Losing My Mind,” “Broadway Baby” and “Too Many Mornings.” I was therefore shocked to overhear the two older gentlemen in front of me in the restroom line during intermission agree that “the music is great but this show doesn’t have any memorable songs”! Other gems are “Ah, Paris!,” “The Road You Didn’t Take,” “In Buddy’s Eyes,” the show stopping “Who’s That Woman” (featuring lead singer Terri White, who still has the energy and verve she displayed in 1980 as Joice Heth in Broadway’s Barnum), “Live, Laugh, Love” and the haunting (and spectacularly sung) “One More Kiss.”

Between scenes and acts, I found myself reflecting as much on my own life choices these past 30 years as the show’s characters do, which may well be the ultimate intent of Sondheim and book author Goldman. Much credit also has to be given director Eric Schaefer (Million Dollar Quartet, The Witches of Eastwick), who along with his amazing cast has breathed new, 21st century-relevant life into what could have been in lesser hands a drab, dusty chestnut.

Follies runs through Saturday, June 9th at the Ahmanson. It is superb and absolutely, positively should not be missed by anyone who cares about theatre, love or life.

Critic’s Rating: A

For tickets and more information call 213.628.2772 or go to centertheatregroup.org

Cabaret, Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman. The music of John Kander and Fred Ebb takes us deep into the secret desires and delusions of their characters. They have a certain je ne sais quoi for capturing poignant moments in our collective history. They bring us the flavor of people, places and time, all with fictional characters. But unlike the characters Sally, Roxie and Molina, the story of The Scottsboro Boys is not a work of fiction. Their story is painfully real.

“The Scottsboro Boys is one of the most celebrated and daring musicals of the decade, and The Old Globe is proud to bring it to San Diego audiences in its West Coast Premiere.” Says Michael G. Murphy, Old Globe Managing Director, “The Scottsboro Boys was nominated for 12 Tony Awards, and it has inspired and galvanized its audiences, reminding us all of a chapter in American history that should never be forgotten.”

It was 1931 and nine young African American men, ages 13 to 19, boarded a boxcar heading through the northeast corner of Alabama. They were looking for work, a new life, something better. Before the day was over, the nine would be accused of a crime they never committed. The trials that followed divided the nation and became a turning point for the emerging Civil Rights Movement.

The Scottsboro Boys book author David Thompson talks with The Rage Monthly about choosing this landmark case and working with Kander, Ebb and the show’s director Susan Stroman to create this incredible new musical.

I must admit I am slightly envious that you have been able to collaborate with songwriting greats Kander and Ebb.

I understand that feeling. Susan Stroman and I have been working with them since the 1980s. They gave us our first break, I had never written anything. Could we possibly do anything better than Flora, The Red Menace? It was crazy, we approached them, they were very open and said let’s get to work and we wrote three or four off-Broadway shows together. Then in 1996 we collaborated on rewriting Chicago and I wrote the book for And The World Goes ‘Round (1991).

It seemed we could always find projects, reasons to work together. It was when we were working on And The World Goes ‘Round that I realized John and Fred have unique perspective, their music is driven by the character and each song is a complete story. Even out of context they still say something that is very complete. Something joyous and dramatic.

What brought the four of you to settle on The Scottsboro Boys trial?

We were looking for a new project and we started looking at the more interesting, most famous trials that we could use as inspiration. We thought it was time to tell a true story. We’ve collaborated on fantastical stories and romances—this was such a landmark case, it jumped out as remarkable. Once we made the decision to tell their story, the story began to write itself, inform us and we found case documents and stories told by the boys themselves.

Yes, they were innocent, yes they changed history, but we had forgotten who they are as people—they mattered. Outside of the large trials, the events that follow, the discussions of race, we wanted to ensure they never got lost.

Was it more challenging to write a book based on historical fact, that doesn’t have the artistic license?

Interesting question, I majored in journalism at Northwestern, I discovered I liked telling stories more than reporting on them. But this show is very much the same as journalism with research, facts, court transcripts and books, they are riveting and all a part of our history. How do you tell the truth? What becomes important? We wanted to bring the truth to life in a way that it would resonate with an audience.

You can tell when a play is not right or true, the audience rejects it universally. On the other hand as Ebb always said, “We must always remember we have to entertain the audience.” It’s our job to ensure you have gone willingly, that you are lost in that world. This time you’re being pulled into a world that is
racially charged.

What makes you most proud of this show?

Well, the remarkable thing was listening to the audience and watching them react to the piece, their sense of confusion. How they regard the case or look at it a new way. The conversations people had as they left. People were engaged in very robust, intensive discussions and not just with the people they came with but with the couple sitting next to them. That’s the rewarding part, watching conversations about the show move out into the streets.

Do you have a favorite song from this show?

The one that I love the most and have listened to over and over is the opening song, “On the Train.” It is destined to be a real part of the American Songbook, a simple sound captured so well. I also love the songs that take the audience down a path and then twist it, give it a narrative spin and drive home a message. “Southern Days” has lovely melody, it is a beautiful reflection of days gone by; we remember things that way. Slowly the men begin to twist the lyrics; they are in control and tell the truth. It is one of those instantly dangerous moments, a knife through the heart. Like in Cabaret with the one line at the end of the song: “Funny, You don’t look Jewish at all” and the whole world turns upside down.

I am right with you on those songs that turn the plot—amazing. Tell me about crafting the book for The Scottsboro Boys. Which comes first, the book or the songs?

Well, I write what is called a dummy scene, a draft and then we work as a team to find where the musical moments are in that scene. We do so much better as a team, someone might have a better line of dialogue, a better joke. Then once we have rehearsal and time with an audience we can do some editing to make it even better. What I enjoy about working with Kander is he constantly plays the “What If” game. What if the character did this? Or what if in this scene the leading lady does this? What if we set the whole thing on the train? The book and songs come together after a lot of discussion.

That’s incredible. You have the hardest job, just getting something started on paper, something to light the collaboration on fire.

Thank you, that’s quite a compliment. I’m not sure I have the hardest job because we have a lot of discussions before I first sit down to write, that’s what I love. Before the demands of an audience, a producer, a critic there is pure imagination. All is possible, there are no bad ideas, we can work and it is safe. The collaboration is safe to express ideas or criticize. It’s comfortable, no ego involved, John and Fred really taught Susan and me how to collaborate.

There aren’t a lot of places to learn that skill. They are masters at it. They really helped us in our learning, taking us from journeyman to collaborators. Their passion and understanding, they give so willingly. John would be embarrassed and humbled to hear me talk like this. There are very few people like him, he got his start as a rehearsal pianist for Westside Story. There are very few people like him.

The Scottsboro Boys is running currently through Sunday, June 10 at the Old Globe. For tickets and more information, call 619.234.5623 or go to theoldglobe.org

FilmOut San Diego will mark its 14th year as the area’s premier LGBT film festival this year. During the five-day film festival nearly 40 films will be screened at the historic Birch North Park Theatre. The festival will take place Wednesday, May 30 through Sunday, June 3.

The mission of FilmOut San Diego is to enlighten, educate, and entertain the communities of San Diego County and beyond through the exhibition of LGBT-themed films. FilmOut San Diego seeks to recognize, promote, celebrate and support the important diverse artistic contributions LGBT filmmakers make to the community.

Michael McQuiggan has been involved in the festival for the past 12 years, the last nine as the festival programmer. McQuiggan is instrumental in choosing the films to showcase each year and is particularly proud of the lineup of the 14th Festival. He is equally as enthusiastic about the need for a film festival in San Diego. Even though it’s less than two hours outside of Hollywood, San Diego has a unique vibe and interest in the LGBT film scene.

“San Diego needs as many film festivals as possible. Most of the films at FilmOut rarely screen in San Diego—maybe five percent of them within a year after the festival. It is great for San Diego to see these LGBT films collectively in a theatre, where they are meant to be seen,” McQuiggan says.

Additionally, FilmOut San Diego will honor writer/director Del Shores (Sordid Lives, Daddy’s Dyin’, Who’s Got The Will, Southern Baptist Sissies and the upcoming The Trials and Tribulations of a Trailer Trash Housewife) with a special screening of his cult-classic film Sordid Lives. Miss Dixie Longate, “The Tupperware Lady,” will perform for 60 minutes prior to the screening, with her outrageous, over-the-top, laugh-inducing, standup show and also act as hostess for the tribute. Shores will introduce the film and do an audience Q&A with select members of the Sordid Lives cast afterward.

“There is something for everyone at FilmOut. Most all genres are well represented and no, you don’t have to be only LGBT to enjoy the majority of these films,” McQuiggan says. In addition to the films mentioned above, there are also 14 West Coast premieres being featured.

Filmmakers and talent representing more than half of the films are planning to attend the festival and will participate in audience Q&As after their respective screenings.
For additional diversity, the festival partners each year with the San Diego Asian Film Festival, San Diego Jewish Film Festival and San Diego Latino Film Festival. The festival also receives financial support from the City of San Diego, which is provided in part by the Commission for Arts and Culture.

For more information, showtimes and to purchase tickets, visit filmoutsandiego.com

14TH ANNUAL LGBT FILM FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:

-Opening Night Film: Thom Fitzgerald’s Cloudburst—stars Oscar winners Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker.

–Opening Party at: Claire de Lune Sunset Temple Ballroom (across the street from the Birth North Park Theatre): 9:30 p.m. to midnight

–Closing Night Film: Nathan Adloff’s Nate & Margaret – A WORLD PREMIERE!

–Closing Party at: West Coast Tavern: 10 p.m. to midnight

–Boys Centerpiece: Michael Akers’ Morgan

–Girls Centerpiece: Rolla Selbak’s Three Veils

–Festival Spotlight: Sundance Favorite: Carrie Preston’s (True Blood) That’s What She Said—stars Anne Heche. Produced by local filmmakers James Vasquez and Mark Holmes.

–International Spotlight: M. Caner & Mehmet Binay’s Zenne Dancer

–Additional World Premiere’s: Jason Sax’s Do You Have A Cat? and Paul Baker’s Andie

–United States Premiere’s: Todd Verow’s The Endless Possibility of Sky, Adam Marcus’ Connected and Raphael Lungo’s Bang Bang

37 full-length films and shorts will be presented at this year’s festival in addition to a special performance by Dixe Longate on May 31. The performance will be followed by a Career Achievement Award presentation to Del Shores along with a screening of his film “Sordid Lives”. Check out the full schedule at: filmoutsandiego.com

For more info about the opening night party location go to: sunsettemple.com

International City Theater Presents The West Coast Premiere of The Fix

Imagine the Manchurian Candidate meets Caligula in modern times, as a dark yet funny theater comedy, set to rock music. That is the fun planned for International City Theater’s West Coast premiere of The Fix in Long Beach.

It’s a show about a famous political family dynasty run amok. Reed Chandler is a popular U.S. senator, with a family and an extended group of political sycophants, who has a vast plan in place to run for the U.S. presidency. The infamous Chandler dies in an unexpected way—inconveniently and shockingly (not-so-much)in the arms of his mistress.

The senator’s wife, Violet, is a force to be reckoned with and her odd-man-out, brother-in-law Grahame Chandler, comes up with a plan to maintain the family’s political dynasty after the senator’s salacious death. Violet decides that if she cannot be the wife of a president, then she will be the mother of a president. To pull this off, the burden of the family political dynasty falls on the senator’s son and only heir Cal.

This award-nominated show comes to the West Coast with flamboyant and outrageous music, dance and song. The famous family and the pushy, manipulative political entourage coerce the dead senator’s dim-witted son into training for and then running in place of his father.

His scheming mother and uncle devised the means Cal must train by, in order to become a successful politician and eventually President of the United States—all in rock-musical style. To the family’s chagrin, Cal only dreams of being a guitar-playing rock star, which of course becomes a fun, theatrical mess, adorned with a grand stage production, sound, music and libretto.

“While the show makes you laugh and is full of just great music, it is also timely and has a message that is important,” said Randy Brenner, the show’s director. “While very fun, there are also personal moments that really allow you to think,” he said.

The rock musical was a Society of London Theatres’ Laurence Olivier Award nominated show for Best Musical when it premiered at London’s Donmar Warehouse in 1997. It premiered in 1998 in the U.S. where it won 10 Helen Hayes Award nominations.

When the show opened in the U.S., a local critic said the show “…combined the best of Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber without being derivative of either.”

The talented cast of nine members comprise a full chorus musical and dance production. Lead cast members have impressive resumes: Sal Mistretta (Sweeney Todd, Sunset Boulevard, Cats, Cabaret), a Broadway veteran, won the Helen Hayes award in this same role in the 1998 U.S. production.

Adam Simmons (Jesus Christ Superstar, Forbidden Broadway, End of the World Party), and Alix Korey (All Shook Up, Chicago, 45 Seconds From Broadway, An Evening With Jerry Herman) known to the New York stage both with Broadway and Off Broadway shows.

Dana Rowe, an accomplished American composer (See Jane Run, Brother Russia, The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde, The Witches of Eastwick, Zombie Prom, The Reluctant Dragon) wrote the score and the show’s writer is the talented, writer/lyricist, John Dempsey (Witches of Eastwick, Zombie Prom, Dick Whittington, Brother Russia, Saved) who was twice nominated for London’s Olivier Award.

The Fix runs through Sunday, May 20 at International City Theatre in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. Shows are Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For tickets and information call 562.436.4610 or go to: ictlongbeach.org