Grab your beads, don your costume and “let the good times roll” as you paint the town (or at least the neighborhood), with all the other festive revelers. The Hillcrest Mardi Gras Street Party has grown steadily over the years, selling out in the VIP tent two years in a row.

The Hillcrest event offers San Diegans an opportunity to celebrate and experience Mardi Gras without spending a huge amount of money.

Over the last decade the event has raised $160,000 for neighborhood improvements and LGBT Youth Scholarships. The event takes place on University Ave between First and Fourth Avenue.

For tickets and information go to HillcrestMardiGras.com.

SAN DIEGO REP THEATRE PRESENTS IN THE WAKE

Know-it-alls beware, this play is about blind spots—the ones that we all have. Enter Ellen, a smart and savvy, politically-obsessed freelance writer, who is 100 percent sure of everything—her husband Danny, her lover Amy, her friends, her politics—all of it.

That blind faith clouds her ability to see that the limitless promise of “more,” more freedom, love, self-fulfillment, more of everything good—may not prove true. The idea that life has limits is obvious to most people, unless you have blind spots, of which Ellen appears to have more than most. This is a study about the American character and the assumptions we all have about privilege and comfort.

Runs Saturday, February 11 through Sunday, March 4 at the Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza. For tickets and information call 619.544.1000 or go to sdrep.org.

THE OLD GLOBE BRINGS THE RECOMMENDATION

Two roommates meet in college; one that is privileged, one that is not—this play examines the differences entailed.  Aaron is smart, gregarious and very charming—with every advantage as he enters his college years.  Into that world stumbles middle-class Iskinder, who is without the advantages that connection assures. 

Aaron brings Iskinder in to his strata and introduces him to the world of fortunes and favors resulting in unforseen consequences.  Their brush with an accused felon sets off a chain of events that puts Aaron’s life at grave risk and the two men are forced to rethink the meaning of friendship. 

Through Sunday, February 26 at The Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park.  For tickets and information, call 619-231.1941 or go to theoldglobe.org

42ND STREET AT THE CORONADO PLAYHOUSE

“Come and meet those dancing feet, on the avenue I’m takin’ you to, Forty-Second Street.” Or in this case, we’re takin’ you to Strand Way and the Coronado Playhouse’s latest production, 42nd Street.

Meet the lovely Peggy Sawyer, fresh off the bus from Allentown, PA as she arrives in New York City with stars in her eyes. Billy Lawlor is a bit player for 1933’s newest show, Pretty Lady and he uses Peggy’s desire to audition for the show, which she has already missed, as leverage (telling her he can bypass the process) for a date, he of course can’t and she runs out heartbroken.

The chorus girls take pity on her and through several fateful turns, a near exit back to Allentown and a lot of musical coaxing, “Come on along and listen to the lullaby of Broadway…” she stays. Eventually ending up with the lead in this classic behind-the-scenes fable of “going out there a youngster, but you’ve got to come back a star!”

The show runs through Sunday, March 4, for tickets and more information call 619.435.4856 or go to coronadoplayhouse.com.

NEXT FALL PRESENTED BY DIVERSIONARY THEATRE

Most of us San Diego theatre-goers have followed the career of Director/Choreographer James Vasquez (consciously or sub-consciously). His visionary direction shaped Diversionary Theatre’s Fair Use and Twist. He directed Little Shop of Horrors, Sweeney Todd and Hedwig at Cygnet Theatre and over at the Old Globe his directing/ choreographing credits include: The Rocky Horror Show, Emma (Associate Director), Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2003-2011) and Boeing-Boeing.

Right now you can find Vasquez at Diversionary taking on a ‘straight’ play. It’s rare for him to direct a non-musical, but Next Fall caught his attention.
Written by Geoffrey Nauffts, Next Fall was nominated for two 2010 Tony Awards®, Best Play and Best Director and it received the Outer Critics Circle’s John Gassner Award in 2010 for “Best New American Play.” It portrays the ups and downs of a couple’s five-year relationship with sharp humor and unflinching honesty. When an accident changes everything, Adam must turn to Luke’s family and friends for support… and answers.

(click link below to read interview with James Vasquez)

http://www.ragemonthly.com/2012/02/09/next-fall-comes-to-diversionary-theatre/

THE CAR PLAYS PRESENTED BY LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE

Want to be a backseat theatre-goer? Now is your chance, with The LaJolla Playhouse’s new series by Moving Arts called The Car Plays: San Diego. You and a companion will take in a series of intimate ten-minute plays, each taking place in an actual car.

You will be ushered into your seats, the doors will close and the show will begin. Ten minutes later the doors will open and you will be ushered to the next car for the next performance, be it comedy or drama. Then on to the next and so on. . . The Los Angeles Times raved, “The Car Plays combines the pleasures of site-specific theater and voyeurism—one of the better arguments for carpooling since the high-occupancy lane. (Critic’s Choice).” Don’t worry, the cars don’t actually move, but the shows can move you, because in every car, there’s a story.

The Car Plays runs Thursday, February 23 through Sunday, March 4 at The La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive. For tickets and information call 858.550.1010 or go to lajollaplayhouse.org

These are just a few of the outstanding shows now on stage throughout San Diego. Fall in love with THEATRE this month!

As I hail from Buffalo, New York—a liberal yet small rust belt city on the east coast—my gay friends from high school and college are usually excited and curious to hear about my big city adventures in the love department. A few days after graduation from Canisius College, I moved out of my apartment, crammed as many boxes as I could into my car, and headed west for Los Angeles.

For the first few months, I was interning for The Advocate during the days, catering at night, and spending as much time as possible on the weekends roaming around Santa Monica and Venice or Huntington Beach. I tried my hand unsuccessfully at online dating while in college, and after my first few flings spawned from the West Hollywood bar scene didn’t quite work out, I decided to download an app on iPhone that was popular among gay men—Grindr.

I uploaded a picture, put a few lines that described myself, and went to bed. I woke up the next morning and went about my day and forgot about the infamous app until I noticed a gay diva, sashaying his way around U.C.L.A. You go girl, I thought to myself and I clicked the little mask with the yellow background—an icon that still scares me to this day and was surprised to see that I had messages from over a dozen men.

“I tried my hand unsuccessfully at online dating while in college, and after my first few flings spawned from the West Hollywood bar scene didn’t quite work out, I decided to download an app on iPhone that was popular among gay men—Grindr.”

All but one guy requested nude photos of me, sent me a nude picture of himself, asked for my dick size or did a combination of all three. I’m honestly not one to be shocked or jaded, but I didn’t realize that this was how the app worked and right off the bat, I was not impressed.

Yes, I’m a guy. Yes, I enjoy sex. Yes, I like good looks and flat stomachs and all that jazz, but to me, the fun and excitement of dating is getting to know someone—on both physical and social levels. Not sending pictures, stats and other information, which makes me feel like I am trying to sell my unwanted sh*t on Craigslist. I clicked on the last guy again, as he seemed nice and indicated that he liked my profile information and picture, I started talking to him.

After a few exchanges however, he was just like the rest… He asked me, “Hey, would you mind sending me a picture with them off?”

I was pissed. Being me, I decided to take my entire day of Grindr stress out on a horny, yet seemingly innocent guy. After sending what most likely is the longest message ever sent on Grindr, he sent the following reply: “Dude, relax, I was talking about your glasses. But, now that you mention it, maybe a few with the shirt off, too?” I guess I wasn’t cut out for Grindr. Maybe I wasn’t cut out for gay dating.

“After sending what most likely is the longest message ever sent on Grindr, he sent the following reply: “Dude, relax, I was talking about your glasses. But, now that you mention it, maybe a few with the shirt off, too?” I guess I wasn’t cut out for Grindr. Maybe I wasn’t cut out for gay dating.”

I had a glass of wine—or six and got over my newest setback in “gay dating.”

From this experience and in the months that followed, I learned that Grindr is not the devil and that you can meet some pretty nice gay guys at bars by letting your guard down and keeping your options open. As cliché as that sounds—it is the best way for anybody to navigate the ups and downs of modern dating with/without the overwhelming use of technology.

While in San Francisco recently for work, I met an interesting, smart, and attractive guy who was a doctor—and yes—on Grindr. We met up, went on a few dates, and had a great time together during my free time there.

They often say that, “good guys finish last.” As a gay male with realistic insight on modern dating, I’m confident about waiting for that other good guy to finish last with, because in the end it will be worth the wait.

COMING NEXT MONTH TO LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE: SANDRA BERNHARD IN “I LOVE BEING ME, DON’T YOU?”

No doubt, Sandra Bernhard loves being herself… Wouldn’t you? Her intelligent and intimidating delivery of fiercely frank opinions is the type of comedy the one-of-a-kind comic diva brings to everything she does. A true entertainer, she seems almost unafraid and in-your-face, with her cutting-edge satire. Bernhard is set to come to the La Jolla Playhouse next month with her highly-acclaimed one-woman show, I Love Being Me, Don’t You?

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Known in the industry as “racy, confrontational, offensive, cynical, off-putting and angst-ridden to a tee,” Bernhard proves she’s a purely brilliant blend of confidence and honesty, whose talent and wit clearly combines with intelligence and follows through upon her delivery. Sometimes mislabeled and more often misunderstood, not much stops the multitalented entertainment powerhouse—a unique original who writes all her own material.

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Love her or hate her, Bernhard is San Diego-bound, backed by a rock band for a hilarious, highly energetic, fun-filled show in a cabaret setting, complete with a full bar. I Love Being Me, Don’t You? is a truly raw and intimate entertainment experience, filled with the kind of comedy, commentary, original songs and music, only Bernhard brings. The Rage Monthly recently caught up with Sandra Bernhard, whom we can’t help but love for being who she is—a grounded person who maintains a genuine connection with her fans—both on and off stage.

It seems as though you’re a much busier woman since we chatted last August. What are you up to these days?
That’s true. Things sure have really kicked into high gear in the New Year. I’m really excited about it though. I’m doing this weekly appearance on Watch What Happens Live, which went to five nights a week. They have me out doing my own crazy little segment called “Sandrology”—it’s like doing five little snippets on pop culture week to week.

I recently did rant on celebrity fragrances with Mary J. Blige that was really funny because she got into it. If you didn’t catch it, I’m sure you can download it. The idea behind it all is to segue into me doing my own show on Bravo. It’d be a half-hour pop culture commentary type show, where I give my own perspective and take on pop culture, right there on the show!

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I couldn’t think of a better person but you, to give an honest opinion.
Right, exactly! It’s sort of funny because in a way Bravo is sort of the creator of all this sort of really crappy and not highly intellectual Real Housewives level of entertainment.

For them to allow me to make fun of all the things they have been involved in, well, it’s kind of funny. It’s a really cool thing that Andy Cohen gets it and really loves it. Indeed, you have a great connection with Andy Cohen hosting.

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Your ‘Sandrology’ segment is wonderful and a welcomed relief as you take the shallow, oftentimes senseless depths of pop culture and insert a bit of stimulating intellect… and of course, twist it with wit!
Thank you. It’s good to be out there again in my own little forum and that is just one of the things happening right now. I’ve done a couple of acting gigs this year. One of the shows Good Christian Belles, with Kristen Chenoweth starts in a few weeks. I have a guest star role in the show this spring. It was a lot of fun.

It’s great to be getting into my acting chops again. I’m also out on the road doing my show, I Love Being Me, Don’t You? I’m having a lot of fun with that and it’s doing really well. I just finished eight shows in four nights in Philadelphia. I enjoy doing the playhouse thing. I’m really having fun with it and it’s doing incredibly well. I’ll be headed to San Diego, at La Jolla Playhouse in March.

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You gave one of the most all-around entertaining raw performances I ever experienced when I caught the Los Angeles show in August. It felt up close and personal—as though we were just a group of friends—you were the friend on stage to entertain and make laugh. Can the same be expected at La Jolla Playhouse?
That’s exactly the atmosphere I like to create, so of course you can. Each show is different in every city, but it’s generally the same concept each time. In La Jolla I hear they’ve arranged special cabaret style seating with a full bar. Who wouldn’t want to pull up a chair to have a drink and laugh with their friends.

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You connect many ways. The proof is in your infamous Tweets. However, you don’t stop there at showing fan appreciation.Still after so many years in the industry, you remain accessible, oftentimes after a show personally thanking them, posing for photos and signing autographs. You go well beyond other celebrities.
Thank you very much. Yes, I do! It’s good to hear others appreciate that I do what I do. I’ve lost track of exactly just how many years I’ve been doing it, but it’s a solid 30, that’s for sure. I know what it means to fans and I feel it’s important to be able to translate different ideas and multi-layered ideas in multiple ways. It’s great to relate to others on many different levels. So that is what I try to do.

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On relationships and love… You’ve had a very successful yet, ever-evolving relationship with your girlfriend Sarah. What makes it work?
We are very honest with each other and we really hang in there and work through our differences, which everybody has. If you make it any longer than six months to a year—because that’s when things start to seep in—then you’re good.

It’s just that every year it is a different level of getting to know somebody and you have to reveal who you are. You also have to keep your relationship more romantic, sexy and fun! It’s a work in progress. We really love each other and have our daughter we raise together. We write together and we are creative and have fun.

So, on a lot of levels we simply relate to each other. If you are a creative person and you are in a relationship, then you have to be understanding and you’re able to connect.

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Congratulations and I wish you much growth together in the future. On the topic of growth and the future, what is your take on the 2012 Presidential Election?
Well, I feel very, very positive about it. I feel that President Obama gave a very incredible speech for the recent State Of The Union Address. He touched on a really important thing and the unifying issue right now as an economic issue. People have to have jobs created and a way out of their poverty and I think he addressed that.I feel that the Republicans don’t really care about the average American person.

If you don’t whine a little, have a lot of money and you’re not involved as a Tea Party person, they don’t relate to you. The President really came through last night and we are going in a beautiful direction. Except now, Newt Gingrich is the frontrunner and even the traditional conservative Republicans are really freaking out about it. This really shows that the wheels are off the wagon.

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President Obama will hopefully read this interview and sleep better knowing he’s got Sandra Bernhard’s vote!
Absolutely… It’s solid!

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Thank you for taking the time to catch up. I look forward to seeing you in action again in March!
Of course, thank you. I’m really looking forward to it too. It’s going to be great!

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Sandra Bernhard’s I Love Being Me, Don’t You? runs from Wednesday, March 14 to Saturday, March 17, at La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive in La Jolla. Tickets range from $35 to $60. Tickets are purchasable and more information is available at lajollaplayhouse.org.

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Be sure to sign up for our VIP e-mail list at ragemonthly.com and watch for our Meet and Greet with Sandra!

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 Friday, February 17 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.

An Interview with Emmy and Tony Award-Winning Comedienne, Actress, Writer and Vocalist ANDREA MARTIN

Segerstrom Center’s Cabaret Series brings the multi-talented Andrea Martin to town with her new one–woman show, Final Days, Everything Must Go. From her writing and improv work on Second City Television (SCTV) to her roles on Broadway to films like My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Martin brings with her memorable characters, stories and decades of award-winning performances. The Rage Monthly caught up with Ms. Martin at her New York home just as she was packing-up for the trip to California.

You really are a “Jane of all trades”—writing, acting, singing, voicing animated characters. What inspired you to be a writer on top of all these other talents?

Necessity. I gained experience writing on SCTV, we had an hour and a half of improv time to fill weekly, so the actors wrote a lot of their own material along with the show’s five writers. As much as I love being handed a script (there is nothing better), for this show I wanted the challenge of putting together an evening of my comic sensibilities. I wanted it to be a “best of show” about the comedy I have done over the years and about my 15 years on Broadway. It’s an old fashioned variety show. A comedy potpourri, a grab bag of comedy.

So what’s in the grab bag?

I talk about dating, as a kid wanting to do theatre. Touching moments, Johnny Carson—the first time I made an appearance with Mr. Carson on The Tonight Show. It’s got some stand-up moments. There are video clips from different things, 20 minutes of Broadway show tunes. I talk about working with Mel Brooks in Young Frankenstein.

Come get to know me, my perspective. I am in the business, still loving it, still working. It will be nostalgic for those who know me and for people who are just starting out, they’ll feel empowered. SCTV’s Dr. Cheryl Kinsey, the sexologist, makes an appearance and takes questions from the audience. Aunt Voula from My Big Fat Greek Wedding is there holding dance auditions, So You Think You Can Dance Like Zorba?

That’s great fun! What should we walk away from the show saying?

Well, it isn’t that I want people to say it’s a show about me my life, as much as I want them to say “Damn, that bitch looks good!”And I owe it all to Jane Fonda. Jane got me through the ‘70s, my pregnancies, my divorce from Ted Turner, and now she’s helping me through my third stage. My third stage is online dating. E-harmony.com.

I started off thinking I’d get an E-mail, meet my soul mate and we’d make out for 18 hours and end up in bath tubs up on a mountainside. You know, like that Cialis ad for erectile dysfunction. You mean to tell me he climbed up a 3,000 foot mountain, carrying two bathtubs for that date and he can’t get it up?

[Laughing] That’s too funny. Thanks for the great sneak peek of the show! How did you get started in the funny business?

I had a need to create and this was the outlet I found. I took an acting class at 9 years old in Portland, Maine. Most of the kids were into sports and ice skating. I was a Girl Scout but my hobby was children’s theatre. That turned into summer stock, which led me to major in drama in college—it just fell into place. I showed-up to everything with great enthusiasm.

Wow, that is very lucky, to find what you love and begin doing it at such a young age.

You are so right Lisa, I do feel very fortunate, 100 percent. This is a gift I don’t take for granted, I don’t take opportunities for granted and I don’t take financial success for granted. This business, it is a tough one, but I have devotion and love for it.

What would you say is the toughest part of the business?

I’d say the long run of eight shows a week on Broadway, keeping it fresh. Any time you are not working, keeping up the enthusiasm. You have to reinvent, prove, show-up and do something differently. In this business you never work constantly, there are stops and starts, moments of self-doubt.

I look at the advent of a show like American Idol. It is instant fame for people who are so young. In reality there is a large amount of rejection that goes on—they’ll soon find out. I try to remember it is not personal, it is business. I have a great network of friends, my family and we help each other. Stay with the winners, good friends who have a long career and support each other.

You bring up a really interesting point; I look at those 15 year olds auditioning for American Idol, who say, “This is my dream.” I think how can someone tell them no?

That pressure, that desperate need for fame. Those kids say “It would mean the world to me,” the happiness they believe it can bring to them. How do they even know what would make them happy? Maybe getting married or handing food out to the poor would make them happy. Fame is an unhealthy drive. I want to say to them, “This is one part of your life.”

How do you keep balance in your life, between performance, fame and personal?

Well, because I am not a pop culture icon I can go have dinner, work on my book, go for a run, visit my sons. I go between New York and Toronto, I love New York—I’ve been here for 18 years. Balance is an easy thing to do when you are not Angelina Jolie or Scarlett Johansson, I lead a very normal life.

Who are you listening to on your iPod these days?

Ray LaMontagne, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, these are all workout tunes. Feist and indie rock bands from Montreal. One called Of Montreal, another indie favorite of mine is called, Inspired and the Sleep.

Who are some of your muses? Your inspirations?

She may not be immediately familiar, but Giulietta Masina, Film Director Federico Fellini’s wife. In La Strada and Juliet of the Spirits. She was Fellini’s muse and really she was the female Charlie Chaplin—a great tragedian with a very mobile face.

The films were silent but you could see it all through her face, like the film The Artist. The silent movie actors make you cry and empathize. Fellini loved characters that were heightened. He wasn’t afraid of idiosyncrasies, these larger than life characters. He peppered his films with colorful clowns, those roles I play.

As a woman, I admire Susan Sarandon. I worked with her for nine months on Broadway, I love how she is living every moment of her life fearlessly—her third chapter, as she calls it. She has a fabulous balance, as an activist, she went to Cambodia to speak against the sex trade problem.

She is doing guest television spots, she goes from indie film to indie film. She has three beautiful children. I also admire Margaret Trudeau the wife of former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau. She is a champion for mental health, putting a face to mental health—I love what she is doing.

What cause is nearest and dear to your heart?

I focus my time and energy on Children of Armenia Fund (COAF). All of the money raised goes directly to building self-sustainable villages. Armenia is now a third world county. There is no running water, no farming, no indoor plumbing, no heating. At COAF we are working to build ten self-sustainable villages with schools and health clinics. You can learn more about it under the COAF heading on my website iamandreamartin.com.

Tickets for Andrea Martin’s Final Days, Everything Must Go Thursday, February 16 through Sunday, February 19, featuring Seth Rudetsky are available online at scfta.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling 714.556.2787.

One of the foundational principles of the spiritual life is the recognition that spirit is eternal. Energy cannot be destroyed; it merely changes form. Our essential self never dies. This means that you will be with YOU for all of eternity! You will never get away from yourself. This is why I counsel everyone—mentally marry yourself regardless of who else you may marry in your lifetime. You are the one person you will never be able to divorce and therefore, every human being is already in a long-term committed relationship with THE ONE. It’s best to learn how to love, adore and thrive in the one relationship that is forever.

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In my weekly classes I will sometimes have the students say out loud, “I’m the ONE!” The romantic mythology of our culture tells us that there is that one special someone out there who is going to come along and meet all our needs, take away all the pain, and bring tremendous joy and happiness to our daily lives. But in reality YOU are that one. Each of us is responsible for our own happiness, for meeting our own needs and for releasing us from pain.

“Each of us is responsible for our own happiness, for meeting our own needs and for releasing us from pain.”

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When we truly understand that we are the one we’ve been waiting for, we free our intimate relationships with others to be more joyous and less stressful because we are not putting pressure on another human being to give to us what we are not willing to give to ourselves. You see, the Universe is like a huge mirror. It can only reflect back to us what we are putting out there. If I am withholding from myself, waiting for another to give me what I am not willing to give myself, then all the Universe can mirror back to me is a world that is withholding from me as well.

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There is nothing more attractive, and by attractive I mean magnetic, than a person who is already whole and complete within themselves. When we take responsibility for meeting our own needs and being present for ourselves, then the Universe mirrors that same energy back to us and begins to pour out love and blessings that match that same vibrational force. NO PERSON CAN GIVE TO US WHAT WE ARE NOT WILLING TO GIVE OURSELVES. And actually, it is extremely fun to contribute to a partner who is not “needy” but rather is simply open to receive what you have to give.

“There is nothing more attractive, and by attractive I mean magnetic, than a person who is already whole and complete within themselves.”

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Real romance is possible for anyone, whether single or partnered, in the same way that loneliness is possible for single and partnered alike. Romance is simply an attitude, a mood that is set having to do with being intimately present, relaxed and focused on cultivating the magic that is available in ordinary life. You can have a very romantic moment watching the sunset over the ocean with your dog at your side, or sitting by candlelight at a café with your best friend, or sitting alone with a glass of wine in the hot tub looking up at the stars. Love is in the air, but YOU must be the one to breathe it in for yourself.

LOVE NOTES:
1. SLOW DOWN. Take yourself (alone or with a partner or friend) on a 20 minute walk at the end of the day a few times this week. Go slowly and make it a walking meditation where you drink in the beauty around you and you think and speak only words of appreciation—no complaining.
2. CULTIVATE a loving romantic atmosphere in your home with candles, fresh flowers and fragrance. Treat yourself.
3. Begin to speak to yourself as you would want the perfect partner to speak to you (even if you already have a great mate). SAY TO YOURSELF
the things you would want him or her to say. Remember, YOU are the one!

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Jacob Glass is an author and spiritual teacher who lectures monthly in San Diego, Los Angeles, Palm Springs and Santa Barbara. For dates, locations and other information, please see his website: jacobglass.com

Despite Ninth Circuit Ruling, Prop. 8 Continues to Hurt Lesbian and Gay Couples and Their Families

On Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 8:00am at the County Administration Building, loving, committed same-sex couples, accompanied by their friends and supporters, will ask for marriage licenses as part of annual Freedom to Marry Week.

The annual event has never been more important given the Ninth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals’ declaring Proposition 8 unconstitutional in California and Washington State becoming the next state to have marriage equality.

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“A majority of Americans are now in favor of marriage equality, more and more states are on the verge of granting couples the freedom to marry, yet even with the 9th Circuit’s ruling declaring Prop 8 unconstitutional Californians are still denied their rights. That is why it is so important that we continue to be visible and vocal,” said Marriage Equality USA representative, Fernando Lopez.

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“Many a grand judicial decision has been encouraged or enabled by a loud and visible movement of the people. That is why these Valentine’s Day actions are so important,” said SAME member Sean Bohac.

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This is the 12th year in a row that loving, committed same-sex couples have appeared at clerk’s offices across the country to request marriage licenses and to render visible the harm that excluding them from marriage causes them and their families.

The San Diego event is just one of many similar actions taking place across the country on Valentine’s Day, from Virginia to Texas to California created by a coalition of diverse organizations. For more information, and a complete list of actions, go to www.requestmarriage.com.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 14, from 8 a.m. to  9 a.m. WHERE: County Administration Building 1600 Pacific Highway San Diego, CA 92101

AH, TO BE 18 AGAIN! Those who attended their high school prom will surely remember those magic or tragic moments. That really depends on whom your date was that night or if you just took a good friend. When the dance takes place in Springfield, Illinois and the year of this prom is 1958, why, it’s a whole different generation of culture and sensibilities, huh? That is the premise for Roger Bean’s musical cavalcade of songs presented in The Marvelous Wonderettes. This musical valentine for all generations is brought to the stage by the San Diego Musical Theatre on Friday, February 10 through Sunday, February 26. One of the stars of the show, Bets Malone, gives The Rage Monthly an overview of this production and as one of the first actors cast in the long-running show [11 years now and still hopping], an inside glimpse into her role as “Suzy,” the magic moments in the musical and why the show continues to delight in its trip down memory lane.

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I read that the writer and director, Roger Bean wrote the role of “Suzy” specifically for you. Will you tell me about that and also, your character in the show?
Sure, I think it was 11 years ago now; I got an e-mail from Roger Bean. I had met him when I was going to school in Utah and we became great friends. A few years later, he wrote to four girls, who didn’t know each other. But, they were all girls that he had known through different cities he had been. He said, “I’ve written a show and you’re perfect for it and, you’d be a fool to say ‘no.’” We all said “yes.” “Suzy” is kind of the poster child of the 1950s. She is the blond with the blue eyes, girl next door. She’s kind of a cross between Doris Day and Gidget. She’s not too swift but no malice whatsoever.

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It sounds like a lot of fun. What do you enjoy most about it?
The audience reaction to it. Now, I’ve done the show with 20 girls. I’ve done every incarnation of the show including the show that went to New York. I’ve helped Roger [Bean] with teaching the girls in several cities. What I hear the most from cast mates is, “This is the most fun I’ve ever had in my whole life!” And, it really is… the audience embraces the show so much. It’s not often that you get to share the stage with girls who do what you do and do it so well. This is a great opportunity to do a show with your peers.

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What is one of your favorite solo numbers to do in the show?
“Stupid Cupid” because it’s just such a stupid, little silly, great song that really represents the character.

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What is your biggest challenge in doing this musical?
Pretty much, anyone who has done this particular show would agree with me that it’s all about the vocal and physical stamina. We don’t leave the stage for almost two hours. It’s quite a workout. For instance, I’ve played the role of Evita Peron four times… this show is harder than Evita, It’s quite a challenge but it’s really, really fun to do it. The girls who are doing it in San Diego have done it several, several times and nobody has wanted out yet!

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Please describe the unique appeal of The Marvelous Wonderettes.
I do think this show is a phenomenon. We were two years in Los Angeles and it was such a success. Then, we got the green light to perform it in New York—New York just embraced it. We have quite a few groupies now, there are quite a few who have seen the show over 40 times. One of the girls told me, The Marvelous Wonderettes is my happy place. I always remember that!

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The Marvelous Wonderettes plays at the Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Avenue.

For tickets and information call 858.560.5740 or go to sdmt.org.

THE INS AND OUTS OF OSCAR

Lord, here we go again, the parade of flawless beauties in gowns that cost more than most of us will see in a half-year (I wonder… how much double-stick tape does it take to hold some of those dresses in place?), dripping with jewels that cost more than many a house (believe me I’d knock one of those b*tches down in order steal me a Van Cleef and Arpel or two if I thought I’d get away with it)!

I always wonder what goes through the minds of the actors as they walk the gauntlet of the infamous red carpet: “Please god, don’t let me fall off these freekin’ Christian Louboutin platform stilettos,” or “if this push up bra pushes up any farther I’m gonna be able to rest my chin on these puppies.” The guys have it so much easier, all they have to do is wear a tux and a smile, albeit those tuxes cost more than some small cars out there and they have to answer all those silly, inane questions, but who’s counting?

I wonder what the denizens of the golden age of Hollywood would say to the glitzy, over-the-top event that occurs now? Especially considering it’s beginnings in the Blossom Room at the classic old Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel—a lavish banquet of which only 45 minutes was taken up by award presentations.

There have been many moments that have been remarkable on the Oscar stage and some that earmarked the times of our lives. One in particular for us as a community was in 1993; the year that Tom Hanks won “Best Actor” for the powerful film Philadelphia, that chronicled some of the early horrors of the AIDS crisis.

His acceptance speech was incredibly powerful—it still makes me weepy to remember that time, those words:

“I know that my work in this case is magnified by the fact that the streets of heaven are too crowded with angels. We know their names. They number a thousand for each one of the red ribbons that we wear here tonight. They finally rest in the warm embrace of the gracious creator of us all, a healing embrace that cools their

fevers, that clears their skin, and allows their eyes to see the simple, self-evident common sense truth that is made manifest by the benevolent creator of us all.”

Elizabeth Taylor, after winning the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, made the attendees think very hard about AIDS again and what it means to be human in 1993:

“Tonight I am asking for your help. I call upon you to draw from the depths of your being to prove that we are a human race. To prove that our love outweighs our need to hate. That our compassion is more compelling than our need to blame. That our sensitivity to those in need is stronger than our greed. . . Thank you and God bless.”

Another significant moment to me was Halle Berry’s epic 2001 Best Actress win for Monster’s Ball in which she said, “This moment is so much bigger than me.” She was the first black woman in history—in the 72 year history—of the Academy Awards to win the award. Her emotional speech acknowledging the actors that had blazed the trail before her, opening the doors so that she could walk through to take her place in history—it was magic.

Sidney Poitier became the first black man to win Best Supporting Actor with Lillies of the Field in 1963 and said this; “it has been a long journey to this moment.” But none can argue, that in 1939 when Hattie McDaniel won Best Supporting Actress for Gone With The Wind, the event had hit a milestone. Not only was she the first black actor to be nominated, an incredibly important landmark in the history of film, for the Academy and notably for the status of black people in American society. She was the first ever to be seated at the banquet.

How about Superman’s Christopher Reeve and his surprise appearance in 1995, after he had suffering a major spinal cord injury which left him a quadrepaligic and in a wheelchair. He was there to present a reel on Oscar film moments dealing with social issues. His bravery brought the audience to their feet in a long-lasting ovation.

There are so many more moments that can be pulled from the 84-year history of this awards show. Some of them funny, some are sad, some are powerful and some are just plain silly.

People say that the show is a testament to the overindugence of the moneyed few, but for me it is a unique chronicler of times that film can represent in history. I have set my predictions for the top 12 winners in their categories for this year’s epoch. So, put on your most fabulous dress, dust off that tux, make your own predictions while watching the cavalcade and enjoy the show…

NOMINEES:

(My picks are denoted in red)

Best Picture

The Artist
The Descendants
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
The Help
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
Moneyball
The Tree of Life
War Horse

Best Actor

Demian Bichir, A Better Life
George Clooney, The Descendants
Jean Dujardin, The Artist
Gary Oldman, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Brad Pitt, Moneyball

Best Actress

Glenn Close, Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis, The Help
Rooney Mara, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady
Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn

Best Supporting Actor

Kenneth Branagh, My Week With Marilyn

Jonah Hill, Moneyball
Nick Nolte, Warrior
Christopher Plummer, Beginners
Max Von Sydow, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Best Supporting Actress

Berenice Bejo, The Artist

Jessica Chastain, The Help
Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids

Janet McTeer, Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer, The Help

Best Director

Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist
Terrence Malick, The Tree of Life
Alexander Payne, The Descendants
Martin Scorsese, Hugo  

Best Original Screenplay

Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
JC Chandor, Margin Call
Asghar Farhadi, A Separation
Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist
Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, Bridesmaids

Best Adapted Screenplay

Alexander Payne, Nat Faxton, Jim Rash,  The Descendants
John Logan, Hugo
George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Beau Willimon, The Ides of March
Aaron Sorkin, Steven Zaillian, Moneyball
Bridget O’Connor, Peter Straughn, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Best Animated Feature

A Cat In Paris
 Chico & Rita
 Kung Fu Panda 2
 Puss in Boots
 Rango

Best Foreign Language Film

Bullhead (Belgium)
Footnote (Israel)
In Darkness (Poland)
Monsieur Lazhar (Canada)
A Separation (Iran)

Original Score

The Adventures of Tintin, John Williams
The Artist, Ludovic Bource
Hugo, Howard Shore
Tinker ,Tailor, Soldier, Spy, Alberto Iglesias
 War Horse, John Williams

Best Original Song

“Man or Muppet,” The Muppets; Music and Lyric by Bret McKenzie
“Real in Rio,” Rio; Music by Sergio Mendes and Carlinhos Brown, Lyric by Sedah Garrett

Best Adapted Screenplay Alexander Payne, Nat Faxton, Jim Rash, The Descendants
John Logan, Hugo
George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Beau Willimon, The Ides of March
Aaron Sorkin, Steven Zaillian, Moneyball
Bridget O’Connor, Peter Straughn, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Best Animated Feature

A Cat In Paris
Chico & Rita
Kung Fu Panda 2
Puss in Boots
Rango

Best Foreign Language Film

Bullhead (Belgium)
Footnote (Israel)
In Darkness (Poland)
Monsieur Lazhar (Canada)
A Separation (Iran)

Original Score

The Adventures of Tintin, John Williams
The Artist, Ludovic Bource
Hugo, Howard Shore
Tinker ,Tailor, Soldier, Spy, Alberto Iglesias
War Horse, John Williams

Best Original Song

“Man or Muppet,” The Muppets; Music and Lyric by Bret McKenzie
“Real in Rio,” Rio; Music by Sergio Mendes and Carlinhos Brown, Lyric by Sedah Garrett