hot shots photos by tony fowler
Balance Tampa Bay Masquerade Ball
from the editor Welcome back to Hotspots Central! All of us here have had so much fun writing and editing features that resonate with the LGBT community of Central Florida. Our celebrity interview subject this month, Lance Bass, lived in Orlando for eight years and the community here still holds an important place in his heart. The annual Headdress Ball, hosted by Hope & Help, continues to unite the community with the universal message of love. Metro Wellness's annual gala will bring together the Tampa Bay community to raise money for the organization's LGBT services. Those are just a few of the features you'll see in this issue. I hope you will enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed writing it. Let me know what you'd like to see in Hotspots Central; e-mail me at mike@hotspotsmedia.com. We can't do this without you, so I would love your feedback.
Central Florida Edition September, 2016
Publisher/Marketing Director Peter Clark Peter@HotspotsMedia.com
Associate Publisher Scott Holland Scott@HotspotsMedia.com
Editor Mike Halterman Mike@HotspotsMedia.com
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Editor, Hotspots Central
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Feature Writers Mike Halterman Scott Holland | Woody Miller | Billy Masters Ian Maloney | Jerry Perez | JB Burgos
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on the inside
Central Florida Edition September, 2016
interview
“...It just shows you that the LGBT community here is loved by the vast majority of people and no one person will destroy the path and progress we have made.”
hot shots
Balance Tampa Bay Miss Florida F.I. Flamingo Resort MBA’s Pride Gala Awards
content:
• • • • • • •
From the Editor Backstage Food for Thought Genre Latino Hit List Hotspots Hotties Small Business Spotlight What’s Hot Central Florida
• • • •
Broadway Tampa Broadway Orlando Metro Homecoming Gala Headdress Gala
this month’s features:
What’s
HOT
...everything you need to plan your month
what’s hot everything you need to know
to plan your month!
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Hello, Hotspots Central readers! Welcome once again to the What's Hot column. For those of you who are new to our monthly format, this column will keep you up to date with the absolute hottest nightlife events in Tampa Bay, Orlando, and points in between. We're also your connection to many activities and events organized by local LGBT service organizations and chambers of commerce. Want to know What's Hot in September? Read more and find out!
Lives will close on September 2 and tickets can be bought at the aforementioned link as well. Tonight is Gay Bowling Night at Dunedin Lanes! It costs $10 for unlimited cosmic bowling from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., and there is a special discount for new bowlers!
Friday, September 2
Get lost in a fantasy tonight at
City Side in Tampa as the Fantasy Friday Dancers take you away to a
Thursday,September 1
Tonight is the final night to see playwright, author, comedian and actor Del Shores in his oneman show SINgularly Sordid at Parliament House Orlando. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets can be bought by going to phouse.ticketleap.com. Remember, the Footlight Theatre's production of Sordid
Quench Lounge in Largo. Drinks and snacks will be included. It's free to attend, so make a point to get there at 5:30 and meet members of your local LGBT chamber of commerce.
Be prepared for the fabulous Gay Bowling drag show at midnight, featuring Jocelyn Summers, Monica Moore, and a special guest! Dunedin Lanes is located at 405 Patricia Ave. in Dunedin. The Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber of Commerce will be holding their September networking mixer at
land of great music and lots of sexy curves! The dancers will make their rounds around the bar beginning at 11 p.m. Southern Nights Tampa's monthly NeiBEARhood Takeover welcomes a special guest, adult film star Marcus Isaacs! You'll get a chance to meet him and take a photo with him if you like. The Tampa Bay Bears will be in attendance for happy hour (until 11 p.m.), followed by a wet underwear contest at 1 a.m. with prizes sponsored by Hamburger Mary's Pub House. Music by DJ Reagan.
Barrel 87 in Sarasota is throwing a birthday party for performer Trixie! Come on out tonight at 9 p.m. and see a performance later on from the birthday girl and from special guest Felicity Liemont Roxx. Bring a presentifyou'refeelingfestive! Quench Lounge in Largo will be hosting the first of three nights of fun as we kick off Labor Day weekend. Sexy models will be on hand all evening long, including three dancers, and the night's music will be spun by Billboard reporting DJ Bruce Devery. Get thereat9p.m.!
Bradley's on 7th's Labor Day weekend calendar kicks off tonight with the guest of honor,
direct from South Florida, Miss Tiffany Arieagus! She will be performing all weekend long. Tiffany will join Joey Brooks, Esme Russell and Kori Stevens for shows at 11:30 p.m. and 1:15 a.m. tonight. Tomorrow night's lineup consists of Joey, Esme and Lady Janet at the same showtimes. Don't miss Joey, Esme and Kori on Sunday, performing two shows on a special night. Music this weekend provided by DJs Steve Vaughn and Charles Machado.
Saturday, September 3
Flamingo Resort in St. Petersburg is celebrating Labor Day weekend with a Hard Labor Party tonight beginning at 9 p.m., featuring the mixes of DJ and producer Tracy Young. The Blu Room players' show will be held on
the Cabana Stage this evening. Come back tomorrow (or stay the weekend!) for the Men at Work party, featuring DJ and diva Power Infiniti, Sashay Fenti, and other guests as well as hot go-go boys allontheCabanaStage! Parliament House Orlando is taking it back to the '80s with a totally tubular glow-in-the-dark blacklight electric party! Music will be served up in three different rooms by DJ Brianna, DJ Infinite, and DJ Rob DeVoit. Don't miss the Footlight Players shows at 10 p.m. and midnight, and come back tomorrow for the customer appreciation pig roast which will beservedpoolsideat5p.m. Pearl from RuPaul's Drag Race season seven will be performing
show brings the best of celebrity impersonation direct to Hamburger Mary's Orlando, and this month's performances are special! Join Leigh (as Bette Midler) and her friends as they serve you Stevie, Cher, Reba, Patti...the list goes on and on! Showtimes are at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; be sure to call (321) 319-0600 to reserve your table for an hour before either show because Leigh and her friends alwayspacktheaudiencesin!
Sunday, September 4 In addition to Sunday being underwear night at BarCodes Orlando, the requested attire has
now expanded to spandex! It's not just for superheroes anymore! If you are wearing spandex, check in with your bartender and he'll tell you what surprise you've won! Enjoy this new theme night tonight and every Sunday from nowon.
Parliament House Orlando's Footlight Theatre welcomes Tommy Wooten, the latest performer in the Theatre's Cabaret Series. Watch tonight at Liquid Tampa! Tickets can be purchased in advance at liquidtampa.com ($8 general admission, $15 VIP ticket with meet-and-greet) or at the door ($10 and $20, respectively). Pearl will be performing with Liquid divas and hostesses Conundrum and TeMonet. Music by DJ Ace Vedo.
him perform his one-man, one-
Leigh Shannon's Illusions in Revue Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
night-only show before he goes back to North Carolina. Showtime is at 6 p.m. and tickets can be purchased by going to phouse.ticketleap.com. World-famous DJ Drew G will be spinning tonight at the Labor Day weekend blowout at Honey Pot in
stage ever" by The Advocate, and now it will be performed here in Central Florida at Parliament House Orlando's Footlight Theatre from now until September 24. Showtime tonight is at 7 p.m. Buy your tickets at phouse.ticketleap.com. This production features fullfrontalmalenudity.
Saturday, September 10
Tampa. Enjoy the music, set to the sights of a fantastic laser show courtesy of The Laser Assassins, complete with LED and glow-stick giveaways! Doors open at 9 p.m. and there's no cover before 10 p.m. for people 21andover.
Here's a show you just can't miss! The funny ladies of drag, Willam and Jackie Beat, will be joining the Parliament House Orlando Footlight Players for two shows this evening, one at 10 p.m. and one at midnight. If you'd like to reserve your seat for the 10
Girls-themed party. Don't be scared, you can sit with them! There will be a drag show featuring Chevelle Brooks, Roxxxy Andrews, Sassy Devine and Maya Andrews. The guest of honor will be actor Jonathan Bennett, who played Aaron Samuels in the iconic 2004 film! Sounds "grool", huh? Music by DJs Ants and Rob. Besuretowearpink! Saturday, September 17
Parliament House Orlando will be welcoming adult film stars Micah Brandt and Austin Zane for their Indecent Exxxposure theme night!
Wednesday, September7
MBA Orlando's monthly networking mixer will be held
p.m. show, you can do so by calling Parliament House at (407) 425-7571 starting at 8 a.m. There are only a limited number of seats available so call in the morning! MusictonightbyDJ Brianna.
Sunday, September 11
tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Orlando Downtown on Colonial Drive. This mixer is free for all MBA members; please RSVP by going to mbaorlando.org/mixers.
Friday, September 9 The Off-Broadway hit "Party" was called "One of the most uplifting and affirming representations of gay life on any
Join the Enigma Sunday Bowling League at Ten Pin Lanes in St. Petersburg! The season starts today at 6:15 p.m. and runs through December 18. If you'd like to join, the fee is $13 each week and you can settle up with Sandi by calling her at (727) 3811010. Go to Enigma on Central Avenue after the game and make somenewfriends!
Friday, September 16 You know what's so fetch? Southern Nights Orlando's Mean
Meet the stars up close, have fun with your friends, and take in a Footlight Players show (either at 10p.m. ormidnight). The 27th annual Tampa Bay
International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival presents their launch party, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Tampa Club. Sponsored by PNC, the event will feature food
and drinks and a special awards ceremony. Tickets are $50 in advance and $65 at the door; visit tiglff.comformoreinformation.
flamingofla.com.
Saturday, September 24 Follow the yellow brick road to
Southern Nights Tampa for a special Sunday, September 18 A lot of people love the inflatable slip-and-slide at Flamingo Resort in St. Petersburg, so much so that it's being brought back for
a special tea dance beginning in the early afternoon. Enjoy pool games with Jaeda Fuentes beginning at 4 p.m. Would you like to reserve a room for this weekend?Call(727)321-5000.
Friday, September 23 The One Pulse tour has raised money nationwide for employees who are out of work right now, and tonight the Pulse performers will be stopping at Flamingo Resort in St. Petersburg. Gypsy Gemini, Axel Andrews, Kai'ja Adonis and MrMs Adrien will be performing. For m o re i n fo r m at i o n , v i s i t
Sunday, September 25
Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence invite you to the second "Heavenly Heretics" event they have held at Quench Lounge in Largo. There will be The
Wizard of Oz-themed night called Emerald City, featuring music by the internationally-renowned special guest DJ Kidd Madonny!
special performances by the Sisters and a 50/50 raffle. Find out why the Sisters have forever beenbranded"papalheretics"!
Tuesday, September 27 DressupasyourfavoriteWizardof Oz character and dance the night away! There will be a drag show at midnight featuring Jade Embers, Sassy Devine and Dominique Taylor. Nocoverbefore10p.m. forpeople over21. Parliament House Orlando will be opening the pool this evening in honor of the girls and boys of South Beach, who you can see all night long. TP Lords will be performing with the Footlight Players and The Boys of Boardwalk will be shaking what their mamas gave them all night long for your enjoyment!
This year's International Bear Bash begins today and goes on through October 2. The
DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld is the host hotel once again, and the fun week includes
events such as Gidget Galore's Big Gay Game Show, the BLU Ball, and the Bear Bash Cabaret featuring entertainment by comedians Alec Mapa, ANT and Frank Liotti! For more information, visitinternationalbearbash.com.
have a great september! Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
food for thought by mike halterman
Bleacher Burner Shrimp
Hamburger Mary’s Pub House Queen Mary Burger
H
Hamburger Mary's Pub House opened last November right next door to Hamburger Mary's Tampa in Centro Ybor, and is a unique addition to the Hamburger Mary's brand: a place where LGBT people and their allies can get together, enjoy great pub food, partake in a number of local and nationallyknown beers (fifteen on tap, six of which are brewed right in Tampa Bay), and enjoy all kinds of sports games and matches on the numerous flat-screen TVs aroundthebarandseatingarea. I visited Pub House with Hotspots Central's sales team recently, just as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were playing in their first game of the NFL pre-season against the Philadelphia Eagles. A group of ten or twelve people were seated near us, and their hometown spirit was absolutely infectious. Just as they let out a cheer when the Bucs converted a
play into a first down, our waiter, Eric, came to our table and took our order. For our appetizer, I chose the gator tail nuggets, deep fried with Mary's dipping sauce ($9) while our salesperson JB chose the bleacher burner shrimp, deep fried and coated with a Sriracha remoulade ($9). The shrimp also came with Mary's dipping sauce and was garnishedwithscallions. JB had never had fried gator before, and he liked that it "tasted like chicken." The taste was very good, and I liked that it was fried to perfection. The Mary's dipping sauce gave it a special kick and added to the overall flavor. The Sriracha remoulade on the fried Gulf shrimp had just enough spice, and the pairing of the shrimp with the Mary's sauce was a nice cooling complement, although it alsohadalittlekickofitsown. As we were enjoying the appetizers, Eric came back and
asked us if we had the chance to look over the entrees. I decided on the Queen Mary burger, with melted cheddar and jack cheeses, grilled onions, Mary's sauce, and a side of pub fries ($11.29), and JB decided on the garlic parmesan chicken, which consisted of two chicken breasts cooked in parmesan and garlic sauces, complete with mashed potatoes and vegetables ($16.99). While we ordered, Eric let us know about the dessert options, which are various cakes
Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Bananas Foster Cheesecake
and pies and rotate as a result of demand. He let us know that the current options were Key lime pie, Bananas Foster cheesecake, and chocolate cake, and allowed us to think about that while we waitedforourentrees. Our food arrived piping hot within fifteen minutes. I was immediately impressed with the pub fries, which were cut just right, not too thick or thin. I also loved the flavor of the grilled caramelized onions, as they gave a sweet taste on top of the savory burger. The two cheeses were a great pair as well, almost overflowing off the top of the burger patty. JB loved how the garlicandparmesansauceswere cooked into the chicken, leaving it flavorful and juicy. The mashed potatoes were mashed skin-on and were paired with a nice brown gravy. The vegetables were cooked very well and tasted very fresh.
Gator Tail Nuggets
Finally, our waiter Eric, who was very attentive, asked for our dessert order. We decided on Key lime pie and Bananas Foster cheesecake. I liked that the Key lime pie was tart, evening out the sweetness of the sugar and the pie filling. The hands-down winner of the night was the Bananas Foster cheesecake, with its big banana chunks...I loved it, JB loved it, and our other salesperson Russ also loved it. Yes, for dessert we sprung for three forks! Eric told us that the Bananas Foster cheesecake may or may not return as a permanent dessert item. Consider us officially lobbyingforthatdesserttostay!
As we were finishing up, I caught a glimpse of the BucsEagles game. It made me realize how great this venue is for watching sports in an affirming environment...I'll definitely have to be back for a Washington Redskins game, or when the Arkansas Razorbacks take on one of their rivals...Alabama, LSU, OleMiss,TexasA&M,younameit! If you like sports like I do, or if you just like great food (also like I do), you should make it a point to stop by Hamburger Mary's Pub House for a unique experience youshouldn'tmiss!
Hamburger Mary's Pub House 1600 E. 8th Ave. (2nd floor) / Tampa, FL 33605 (813) 248-5777
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
27th Annual Headdress Ball
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The Headdress Ball is not only The Hope & Help Center of Central Florida's largest annual fundraiser, it is one of the most important events on the Central Florida LGBT social calendar. A veritable list of who's who in the Central Florida LGBT scene, as well as their allies, attend this eventeveryyear. Thisyearwillbe the twenty-seventh Headdress Ball, and organizers hope that this year will be bigger than ever. The theme, "Love", is universal and speaks not just to how much the Central Florida community loves this event, but how they loveoneanother. This year's venue is the Marriott Orlando World Center (8701 World Center Dr.), and will feature world-class
by mike halterman
"Love" Benefiting Hope & Help Center of Central Florida entertainment, beautiful headdresses, a silent auction, and much more. The event begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 17 with registration and the opening of the silent auction; the proceeds from the silent auction will also benefit Hope & Help. The reception for VIP ticketholders and sponsors begins at 6 p.m., and the main ballroom will open for all attendees at 7:30 p.m. Dinner will be served starting at 8 p.m., when the show will also begin. Immediately following the show, there will be an after-party at the samelocation. General admission tickets are o n s a l e n o w a t headdressball.org for $300 per person; VIP tickets are also on
sale for $500 per person. Want to purchase a table and help sponsor this event? Sponsorship levels are available starting at $2,500 and can also be purchasedonline. I spoke with community development director Russell Walker about this year's Headdress Ball, one of its special guests, and how Hope & Help benefits from the funds raised at this iconic event in this exclusive interview just for readers of HotspotsCentral.
What is unique about this year's celebration compared to past years? This year we're working with StarStudded Productions and Winfield Murdock Creative Works,
reason or another do not benefit from our services anymore. We have a mobile testing and case management unit that we are bringingdirectlytoclients. We've also expanded our mental health care, and that's not really grant-funded,sothefundsweraise will help that program immensely.
who are our new choreographers and costumers. We wanted to give this year's event a new flavor and a more cohesive theme throughout. Then of course, the venue allows us to expand and allow more people to attend, which is always a good thing. Also, we still have the same talent from JM Best Entertainment in additiontoallthechanges.
Tell us about the Marriott Orlando World Center and why it's perfect to host Headdress Ball. It's the largest freestanding ballroom in Central Florida, so it was perfect to have a massive event space to host a massive event. Plus, Marriott has worked of the event and we wanted to bringthatback.
How excited are you to welcome Raven from RuPaul's Drag Race as a guest performer at Headdress Ball?
very well with us in the past. As you may know, Marriott has a very active LGBT employee group and they have worked well with us in past events. They are one of our topfundraisersforourAIDSWalk. We really wanted to work with the company not just at this one event but throughout the year too so this is going to be a great partnershipgoingforward.
Hope & Help is working with local florists once again for the headdresses. Why is this development important? We felt that working with local florists was essential to what Headdress Ball is. Local people and businesses, such as florists, drag queens, and so on being involved in the making of the event were crucial to the history
Also a service that's agencyfunded is our food pantry, which we offer in Orange County, because it's important for people with HIV/AIDS to take their medicinewithnutritiousfood.
Raven is an all-around great personwithareallybigheart,and she had already had many bookings at Pulse. We had set up her performance before the tragedy occurred there, and in the aftermath Raven's commitment was underscored and confirmed. She loves Orlando and the community here so I'm excited to see what shebringstotheevent.
What's your favorite aspect of the Headdress Ball?
Tell us how the money raised at Headdress Ball will expand the services that you currently offer.
What would you say to attendees and others who want to assist Hope & Help?
We provide a continuum of care for people living with HIV and AIDS, and that runs the gamut from medical care to case management to social support with peer mentors. We help people with the diagnosis, their doctorappointments,andsoon. We also have case workers who try to re-engage people who may have tested positive but for one
We're always expanding. We need volunteers to work with us, and we also welcome non-perishable goods and toiletries for our food pantry. With the community's help we can provide even more services, and a higher standard of services, tomorepeople.
Ienjoyallofit,butIparticularlyenjoy seeing people who may not be involved in the community come to this sort of event. People who may notgototheclubsanymore,orwho may not see our many performers on a daily basis, I like that they are impressed that we can bring togethersuchaworld-classshowin theirhomesetting.
For more information on the Hope & Help Center of Central Florida, visit hopeandhelp.org. Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
hot shots photos by mark’s list & jr davis
Miss Florida F.I. congratulates Shantell D’Marco
small business spotlight by mike halterman
“I've kept that same client for sixteen years now, and that’s something
I’M REALLY PROUD OF...”
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Sixteen years ago, Greg Slavin started Goldstar Commercial Cleaning in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, with one office park as a client. "I've kept that same client for sixteen years now, and that's something I'm really proud of," Slavin told Hotspots Central. Now, as his business has expanded to include a branch in
Central Florida, Slavin and coowner and partner Korey Dennis are excited to bring their level of dedication, commitment and cleanliness to the Orlando metro area. One thing that is very important to both Slavin and Dennis is that their clients feel like they are more than a number or a job, but like they're friends. O u t o f t h e n u m e ro u s
compliments Goldstar has received, its this intimacy and reciprocity that makes them feel proudest. I spoke to Mr. Slavin about Goldstar Commercial Cleaning, which moved into the Orlando market just seven months ago, for this exclusive Hotspots Centralfeature.
What does commercial cleaning entail? Specifically when I mean commercial cleaning, I mean offices and warehouse spaces. We strip and wax tile floors, we cleancarpets,wedowindows,we polish marble, and we also do grounds maintenance. We make sure everything is clean and orderlyinsideandout.
I read on your website that you feel you have a responsibility to preserve the environment. How do you do that in your business? We use all eco-friendly products. The disinfectants and cleaning agents we use are all organic and natural, because I think that's
important. We also recycle paper products, trash we collect...anything wecanrecycle,wedo.
What does customer service mean to you? It means you care about the job you do and the people you do it for. Every week I make visits to the offices who recruit us, and if anyone has an issue or needs extra care, I'm right there and we can talk it out. I think it's very important to be visible and consistent. I never miss a week. They like that, because if they need something done, they know where to go and who to tell. On theeventI'mnotpresent,theycan call me and we can bring our day porter service out to them if they need any special services during the day, like after an office party oraconference.
“At Goldstar the security and safety of your space, business and staff are taken seriously by our team. Only certified managers will be allowed accessibility to your space with the expectation of protecting the business. Your keys and alarm codes are kept secure by Greg, and are tracked in and out daily. We will only perform services on your schedule to meet the needs of your business and minimalize interruptions. We value your trust, and are committedtoyourpeaceofmind.�
How can someone hire you to clean their offices? They can go to our website and request a walk-through, or they can call me directly and we can set up an appointment. I listen to the client's needs, wants and wishes and I get to work on a proposaltailor-madeforthem.
Services Provided BuildingMaintenance FloorMaintenance CarpetCleaning JanitorialServices UpholsteryCleaning
Goldstar Commercial Cleaning is located at 903 Lake Lilly Dr., Suite B345 in Maitland. For more information, visit goldstarcleaning.com or call (407) 5059753.
GregSlavin
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
hotspots hotties Nationality Puerto Rican
City you live in St Petersburg
Single or married Engaged
Perfect date I love going to the beach at night, especially when its cooler here in Florida so the perfect date would likely be a night time beach date with some wine, blankets, and some chill music.
What do you do for a living? I'm a Business Manager for an IT Company
What do you do for fun? Anything outdoors is a good time, beach, kayaking, rock climbing, paddle boarding, basically something active.
What does the future hold for you? I'm always up for a new adventure, I'd actually like to move a few more times before my partner and I settle into a place for good. Think possibly the west coast, Texas, maybe even Atlanta, somewhere new and challenging.
johnny cruz 27 • Cancer photos by chris stephenson chris@snapoutloud.com
“I'm pretty much an open book so if you ever see us out and want to say hello, come on over, we love meeting new people.�
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
“This entertaining and compelling series has something for everyone and showcases the very best...”
Broadway Across Central Florida:
TAMPA
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The Straz Center for the Performing Arts' 2016-2017 Bank of America Best of Broadway Tampa Bay season is filled with Tony Award®-winners, audience favorites and magnificent classics. The Broadway series features the 2015 Tony Awardwinning Best Play "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime" and the 2015 Tony Awardwinning Best Revival of a Musical Rodgers & Hammerstein's "The King and I". Also on the 20162017 slate are the Tony-winning productions of "An American in Paris" and Roundabout Theatre Company's "Cabaret", as well as audience and critical favorites "Something Rotten!", "Finding
The Straz Center for the Performing Arts announces the 2016-2017 Bank of America Best of Broadway Tampa Bay season Neverland" and "Into the Woods". The series also includes a production of "Forbidden Broadway" in the StrazCenter'sJaebTheater. In addition to the eight-show Broadway series a new productionofDisney's "TheLittle Mermaid", produced by Pittsburgh CLO and Kansas City Starlight, will visit the Straz Center. Back by popular demand is recordbreaking smash hit "Motown The Musical" as well as the triumphant return o f B ro a d w a y ' s b i g g e s t blockbuster, "Wicked", the story of what happened before Dorothy dropped in on Oz. Season ticket holders will be able
to add any or all of these three showstotheirpackage. “Our Broadway season will offer theater audiences in the Tampa Bay area the opportunity to experience a vast array of topnotch, award-winning productions,” said Judith Lisi, president and CEO of the Straz Center. “This entertaining and compelling series has something for everyone and showcases the verybestthattheaterhastooffer.” The2016-2017BankofAmerica Best of Broadway Tampa Bay season is presented in the Straz Center's acoustically perfect Carol MorsaniHall,thelargestonthewest coast of Florida, with more than 2,600seats.
The season features:
"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" Nov. 8-13, 2016 "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time", winner of
leads to an earth-shattering discovery and a journey that will changehislifeforever.
“Into the Woods" Nov. 29-Dec. 4, 2016 Ventureback"IntotheWoods"
"TheCuriousIncidentoftheDogintheNight-Time”
five 2015 Tony Awards including Best Play, is coming to Tampa! Hailed as “One of the most fully immersive works ever to wallop Broadway” by The New York Times, this “dazzling” (Associated Press) adaptation is the Tony Award-winning new play by Simon Stephens, adapted from Mark Haddon's best-selling novel and directed by Tony
e x t e n d e d t w i c e at t h e Roundabout's Laura Pels Theater, the Tony Award-winning musical classic by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine has been mounted with boundless imagination. This witty and wildly theatrical re-invention is "Into the Woods" like you've never seen it before! Including dazzling songs like “Children Will Listen” and “No One Is Alone,” this thrillingly clever new version made Ben Brantley of The New York Times fall “head over heels.” Mind the wolf,heedthewitchandhonorthe giant in the sky at this extraordinary musical about the "IntotheWoods”
"AnAmericaninParis”
power of wishes and what really happensaftertheycometrue.
"An American in Paris" Dec. 20-25, 2016
winnerMarianneElliott. Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain; he is exceptionally intelligent but illequippedtointerpreteverydaylife. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor's dog, he sets outtoidentifythetrueculprit,which
as the Dodgers (Jersey Boys, Matilda) team up with Networks ("Phantom", "War Horse", "South Pacific") to present the acclaimed Fiasco Theater production that became New York's surprise hit of this season. Unanimously acclaimed,
"An American in Paris" in the new Tony Award-winning musical about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in theaftermathofwar. A c c l a i m e d director/choreographer and 2015 Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon brings the magic and romance of Paris into the perfect harmony with unforgettable songs from George
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
and Ira Gershwin in the show that earned more awards than any other musical in the 2014-15 season! The New York Times raves “An American in Paris is a triumph! Pure joy!” and the Wall Street Journal declares, “Once you've seen it, you'll find it hard to settle for less ever again.” Don't miss this stunning Broadway hit when it arrives in Tampa on its first nationaltour!
Direct from Broadway, the acclaimed masterpiece returns to
take the stage nightly to tantalize the crowd––and to leave their
Tampa! As part of their 50th Anniversary Season, the critically acclaimed and award-winning
troubles outside. But as life in pre-WWII Germany grows more and more uncertain; will the
Roundabout Theatre Company is proud to present Sam Mendes
decadent allure of Berlin nightlife be enough to get them through "Cabaret”
"Forbidden Broadway" Jan. 10-March 12, 2017 "Forbidden Broadway" is the longest-running musical revue in the world and “the funniest show in New York” (New Yorker Magazine). theirdangeroustimes? Come hear some of the most memorable songs in theater history, including “Cabaret,” “Willkommen” and “Maybe This Time.” Leave your troubles outside – life is beautiful at Cabaret, John Kander, Fred Ebb and Joe Masteroff's Tony-winning musical aboutfollowingyourheartwhilethe worldlosesitsway.
"ForbiddenBroadway”
A favorite of all Broadway lovers, this cabaret revue sharply spoofs showtunes,charactersandplotsof contemporary and classic Broadway musicals, and it will have audiences rolling in the aisles. The originalversionoftherevueopened inNewYorkin1982andranformore than 2,300 performances. Presented in the intimate Jaeb Theaterandunlikeanythingseenat The Straz before, this version of "Forbidden Broadway" has been reincarnated and modernized to includeparodiesofnewershows.
Roundabout Theatre Company's "Cabaret" Jan. 24-29, 2017
"SomethingRotten”
("Skyfall", "American Beauty") and Rob Marshall's ("Into the Woods" and "Chicago", the films) Tony Award-winning production of "Cabaret". Welcome to the infamous Kit Kat Klub, where the Emcee, Sally Bowles and a raucous ensemble
“Something Rotten!" March 7-12, 2017 "Something Rotten!" is “Broadway's big, fat hit!” (New York Post). Set in 1595, this hilarious smash tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, two brothers who are desperate to
write a hit play. When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world's very first musical! With its heart on its
creative team from "South Pacific" and "The Light in the Piazza". "The KingandI"featuressetsbyMichael Yeargan; costumes by Catherine Zuber; lighting by Donald Holder, sound by Scott Lehrer and choreography by Christopher
"TheKingandI"
You,” “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Hello Young Lovers,” “Shall We Dance” and “Something Wonderful.” Set in 1860's Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his manywivesandchildren.
"Finding Neverland" May 30-June 4, 2017 "Finding Neverland" is Broadway's biggest new hit and ruffled sleeve and sequins in its soul, "Something Rotten!" is “The Producers + The Book of Mormon x The Drowsy Chaperone. Squared!” (New York Magazine).
"FindingNeverland"
Rodgers & Hammerstein's "The King and I" May 2-7, 2017 "Wicked”
Lincoln Center Theater's critically acclaimed production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "The KingandI",directedbyTonyAward winnerBartlettSher,wonfour2015 TonyAwardsincludingBestRevival of a Musical. Bartlett Sher is reunited with the award-winning
Gattelli based on the original choreography by Jerome Robbins. One of Rodgers & Hammerstein's finest works, "The King and I" boasts a score which features such beloved classics as “Getting To Know
the winner of Broadway.com's Audience Choice Award for Best Musical! This breathtaking smash “captures the kid-at-heart” (Time). Vogue cheers, “it's a must-see you'll remember for yearstocome!” Directed by visionary Tonywinner Diane Paulus, "Finding Neverland" tells the incredible story behind one of the world's most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys' enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London
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theatergoers. With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes this monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever. The magic of Barrie's classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. "FindingNeverland"is“far and away the best musical of the year!”(NPR)
Broadway Encores and Specials:
"Wicked" Feb. 1-26, 2017
Good,” "Wicked" has been hailed by The New York Times as “the defining musical of the decade.” Time cheers, “if every musical had the brain, the heart, and the courage of Wicked, Broadway reallywouldbeamagicalplace.”
Disney's "The Little Mermaid" July 11-16, 2017 In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories, with music by eight-time Academy Award®
“Wicked", the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz … but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another girl, born with emeraldgreen skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their
"Motown The Musical" Aug. 8-13, 2017 It began as one man's story… became everyone's music … and is now Broadway's musical. "Motown The Musical" is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy's journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all "TheLittleMermaid”
"MotownTheMusical”
initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships … until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” With a thrilling score that includes the hits “Defying Gravity,” “Popular” and “For
Mermaid" is produced by Pittsburgh CLO and Kansas City Starlight.
winner Alan Menken, it's a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. Come fall in love with the magic for the first time – or all over again with classics suchas “UndertheSea,” “Kiss the Girl,” “Part of Your World” and more! Disney's "The Little
move to the same beat. Featuring classic songs such as “My Girl” and “Ain't No Mountain High Enough,” experience the story behind the music in the recordbreaking smash hit "Motown The Musical"!
The 2016-2017 Bank of America Best of Broadway Tampa Bay series is presented by the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, email the Straz Center at tickets@strazcenter.org or call the Straz Center Ticket Sales Office at 813.229.STAR (7827) or outside t h e Ta m p a B a y a r e a a t 800.955.1045 or visit . Group tickets are also on sale now.
hot shots photos by chris stephenson
MBA’s Pride Gala Business Awards
by mike halterman
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Many people know and love Lance Bass as one-fifth of the pop group *NSYNC, which was formed in Orlando and can boast record sales of over 50 million from the group's heyday in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Ten years ago this past summer, Bass came out in a very public cover story in People Magazine, becoming one of the most visible gay celebrities in the United States. He has used his celebrity status for good, advocating heavily for LGBT rights and even participating in the Democratic NationalConventionthisyearinPhiladelphia. I had a chance to talk to Lance Bass about his appearance at the Democratic National Convention, about his visits to Parliament House Orlando and Pulse in July, and what The City Beautiful means to him as a former resident in this exclusive interviewfor Hotspots Central.
What was it like to be at the Democratic National Convention? Was this your first time participating in a national convention? It was the first time, and the first time I was compelled to participate at this level. Looking at both of the platforms the Republicans and Democrats have offered, it's obviously a no-brainer for me to support the Democratic platform wholeheartedly. I volunteered to come out here, and the organizers were kind enough to make me a surrogate whip on the convention floor. I met quite a few amazing delegates from all
over the country and I heard a lot of ways that the Bernie [Sanders] faction and the Hillaryfaction can unite together under one banner. When I looked at all the faces at the convention, there's every culture and every ethnicity...that's the America I loveandtheoneIwanttosee.
Some people have voiced their intent to vote third-party instead of voting for Hillary Clinton. What would you say to those people, especially knowing that Florida is a swing state?
guest host Ginger Minj? I've met Ginger before actually. She's incredible and I love her. Parliament House was the first gay bar I ever went to, years and years ago, so it was nice to have the chancetocomebackandhangout with my Orlando peeps and all my LGBTpeeps. ThistriptoOrlandoof course meant a lot more to me because of what happened at Pulse nightclub...I wanted to show my face, hold their hands, and show them that I am with them because Orlando is still a very big partofme,andmylife.
community has had from all walks of life. Seeing the memorial and seeing people placing flowers there, I was struck by how many people were straight, and how many people were tourists passing through. It just shows you that the LGBT community here is loved by the vast majority of people and no one person will destroy the path and progress we havemade.
What's ahead for you in the next couple of months? I just finished taping the Logo game show "Finding Prince Charming", which is like a gay "Bachelor".
I have two words: Ralph Nader. I After you were at Parliament lived in Florida, I voted in Florida...I House, I saw you and your was one of the absentee votes in husband had visited the Pulse I remember ten years ago when Florida during the 2000 memorial site. How has this "Flavor of Love" was on the air and Bush/Gore election, so I know how important those I thought to myself, swing votes are in "It would be so cool if deciding an Lance Bass hosted a election. My advice gay version...like would be to go with 'Gayvor of Love.'" the party at this You willed it to point. It's so happen! That's important to get funny. You know, I Hillary into office, don't know why it's and that's coming taken so long for from me as someone another all-gay who was originally a dating show to be Bernie Sanders produced and put out supporter. I'm just t h e r e f o r “There's no way in Hell that Donald using common consumption, but for Trump can get into the White House. sense...if Bernie as silly as a gay reality It's evident that he doesn't know what wasn't going to get in dating show is, it just he's doing...� the White House, it shows that we're has to be Hillary. There's no way getting to the point that there's tragedy and its aftermath in Hell that Donald Trump can get equality on television. If straights impacted you? into the White House. It's evident can get it, we can have it too. I When I got the call the morning that he doesn't know what he's know when I was a small gay kid in that the tragedy happened, I just doing and he isn't giving us real Mississippi, who never knew a gay started bawling immediately. policies to work with. That and he person, I would have loved to see The feeling overcame me. The isn't presidential enough to a show in which gay men fell in same happened when I stepped representourcountry. Thethings love, because it would have out of my car at Pulse. I don't hesays...it'sscarysometimes. encouraged me to know that I know what it is...everything was couldfallinlovemyself. You were at Parliament House justoverwhelming.
Orlando earlier this summer. How was that experience for you, meeting all of your fans as well as
When I visited Pulse, it was overwhelming to see how much support the victims and the LGBT
For more information on Lance Bass, visit his website at LanceBass.com. Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
hot shots photos by tony fowler
Flamingo Resort Local Artists
Broadway Across Central Florida:
ORLANDO
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The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Florida Theatrical Association and Broadway Across America announce the roster of shows that will arrive in the Walt Disney Theater during the FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando 16/17 season. Boasting a varied collection of smash-hits from the Great White Way, the season kicks-off with "The Illusionists – Live from Broadway™", a mindblowing spectacular showcasing the talents of seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth. Joining those jaw-dropping acts is the 2015 Tony Award®-winner for Best Play, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-
Fairwinds Broadway 2016-2017 Season Announced for Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Time", four-time Tony Awardwinning "An American in Paris", the previously-announced three-week return engagement of blockbuster "Wicked", the 2014 Tony Award-winner for Best Musical, "A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder", and the Theatre Under The Stars production of the treasured family classic Disney's "The Little Mermaid". Rounding out the season are two other acclaimed tuners, TIME Magazine's #1 Show of the Year, "Matilda The Musical", the award-winning musical based on Roald Dahl's much-loved novel and "Finding Neverland", Broadway's new hit and winner of Broadway.com's Audience
ChoiceAwardforBestMusical. To renew or purchase a subscription, please visit OrlandoBroadway.com, or call the season subscriber hotline at 800.448.6322 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.). Subscriptions are also available in person at the Florida Theatrical Association Box Office,locatedat100S. EolaDrive, Suite 101 in downtown Orlando (Monday-Friday10a.m. – 5p.m.). Prices for a seven-show subscription start at $240. Prices varybasedonseatinglocation. FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando season subscribers will have first access to tickets to "Wicked". This much-anticipated return of “Broadway's Biggest
Blockbuster” is a season option and will not be included in the standard FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando 16/17 subscription package.
THE ILLUSIONISTS – LIVE FROM BROADWAY™ On the heels of a highly successful multi-city tour and run on Broadway, the world's bestselling touring magic show's Orlando engagement is part of a 45-city U.S. tour. Full of hilarious magic tricks, death-defying stunts and acts of breathtaking wonder, THE ILLUSIONISTS has shattered box office records worldwide and thrilled audiences of all ages. Creative Producer Simon Painter said, “We can't wait to bring this electrifying show to
(Associated Press) new play by Simon Stephens is adapted from Mark Haddon's best-selling novel and directed by Tonywinner Marianne Elliott. Fifteenyear-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain; he is exceptionally intelligent but illequipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his
Orlando for a truly entertaining experience for the whole family.” THE ILLUSIONISTS is the most non-stop and powerful mix of outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on the live stage. The magic appears at the Dr. Phillips Center October 4 – 9, 2016.
Hailed as “one of the most fully immersive works ever to wallop Broadway” by The New York Times, this “dazzling”
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS Direct from Broadway, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is the new hit musical about an American
"TheIllusionists”
"TheCuriousincidentoftheDogintheNight-Time’
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
five 2015 Tony Awards, including Best Play, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME arrives at the Dr. Phillips Center November 1 – 6, 2016.
soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in theaftermathofwar. Acclaimed directorchoreographer and 2015 Tony Award-winner Christopher Wheeldon brings the magic and romance of Paris into perfect harmony with Tony Awardwinning orchestrations of “AnAmericaninParis”
neighbor's dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an earth-shattering discovery and a journey that will change his life forever. Winner of
unforgettable works from George and Ira Gershwin in the four-time Tony Award-winning production that earned more awards on Broadway than any other musical
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in the 2014-2015 season! AN AMERICAN IN PARIS dances into the Dr. Phillips Center December 13– 18,2016.
WICKED Broadway's biggest blockbuster returns to Orlando this winter. The surprising tale of an unlikely friendship between two women in the Land of Oz, WICKED tells the
Weekly, WICKED has been performed in over 100 cities in 13 countries around the world, and it flies into the Dr. Phillips Center for a three-week engagement January11– 29,2017.
A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER Getting away with murder can be
"Wicked”
untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, long before Dorothy dropped in. Elphaba, born with emeraldgreen skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. Glinda is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. The remarkable o d y s s e y o f ho w t h e s e unexpected friends changed each other's lives for good has
"AGentleman’sGuidetoLove&Murder”
"Disney’sTheLittleMermaid’
made WICKED one of world's most popular musicals. Declared “a cultural phenomenon” by Variety and “the best musical of the decade” by Entertainment
– A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER! Coming direct from New York, where a most gentlemanly NPR critic said he'd “never laughed so hard at a Broadway m u s i c a l ,” GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, a distant heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by – you guessed it – eliminating the eight pesky relatives (all played by one fearless man) who stand in his way. All the while, Monty has to juggle his mistress (she's after more than just love), his fiancée (she's his cousin, but who's keeping track?), and the constant threat of landing behind bars! Of course, it will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his
so much fun…and there's no better proofthan the knock-'emdead hit show that's earning unanimous raves and won the 2014TonyAwardforBestMusical
inheritance…and be done in time for tea. The Hollywood Reporter raves, ”GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE restores our faith in musical comedy,” and The New York Times cheers, “It will lift the hearts of all those who've been pining for what sometimes seems a lost art form.” The new musical that will have you dying with laughter arrives at the Dr. Phillips Center February7– 12,2017.
DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID Proclaimed by the Houston C h ro n i c l e a s “ c o l o r f u l
entertainment, wrapped up in an attractive production,” DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID is sure to charm audiences of all ages! In a magical kingdom fathoms below, we meet Ariel, the little mermaid who is tired of flipping her fins and longs to be part of the fascinating world on dry land. Joining her are Sebastian, Ariel's crabby sidekick, Ursula, the evil sea witch, Triton, King of the Sea, andthehandsomehumanPrince Eric. Based on the Disney animated film and hit Broadway musical, the Theatre Under The Stars production of THE LITTLE MERMAID is making its Orlando debut. The show features all the favorite songs like “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World,” as well as new songs written by
international awards, including four Tony Awards, MATILIDA is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, this new musical continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages on Broadway, London's West End,
of MATILDA have done the impossible – triumphantly! It is smart, sweet, zany and stupendous fun.” The mischief arrives at the Dr. Phillips Center May9– 14,2017.
FINDING NEVERLAND Broadway's biggest new hit and the winner of Broadway.com's
"FindingNeverland”
Audience Choice Award for Best Musical, this breathtaking smash “captures the kid-at-heart,” says TIME Magazine. Vogue cheers, “It's a must-see you'll remember for years to come!” Directed by visionaryTony-winnerDianePaulus and based on the criticallyacclaimed Academy Awardnominated film starring Johnny Depp,FINDINGNEVERLANDtellsthe
"MatildaTheMusical”
Oscar-winning Disney composer Alan Menken, the mastermind behind Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Pocahontas. DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID dives into the Dr. Phillips Center March7– 12,2017.
MATILDA THE MUSICAL “Welcome to the deliriously amusing, heartwarming, headspinning world of MATILDA. You won't want to leave,” cheers B l o o m b e rg N e w s . TIME Magazine's #1 Show of the Year and the winner of 50
and in Sydney, Australia. The New York Times proclaims, “Rejoice. It is even more glorious than promised,” and The Wall Street Journal says, “The makers
incredible story behind one of the world's most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meetsfouryoungbrothersandtheir
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beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys' enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes this monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland, where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhoodlastsforever. Themagic of Barrie's classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. FINDING NEVERLAND is “far and away the best musical of the year!” (NPR),anditlandsattheDr. Phillips CenterJune6– 11,2017. The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization operating the state-of-the-art performing arts center in downtown Orlando, Florida. The two-block
community destination features the 2,700-seat Walt Disney Theater, 300-seat Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, Seneff Arts Plaza, Dr. Phillips Center Florida Hospital School of the Arts, the DeVos Family Room, and other event rental spaces. The Dr. Phillips Center is a public-private collaboration with the City of Orlando, Orange County, the State of Florida and generous donors. For more information pleasevisitdrphillipscenter.org. FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando is presented in partnership with Florida Theatrical Association, the nonprofit presenter of Broadway in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Florida Theatrical Association strives in its mission to educate and develop new theater audiences while encouraging and preserving the presentation of touring
Broadway theater. Since 1989, Florida Theatrical Association has presented over 1,000 Broadway performances and distributed over $1.5 million in scholarships and grants to arts organizations across the state of Florida. For more information, visitFloridaTheatrical.org. Broadway Across America is part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, and is operated by John Gore (Owner & CEO). BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 38 markets. For more information, p l e a s e v i s i t BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com andBroadway.com.
For more information on the 16/17 s eas on, visit OrlandoBroadway.com.
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M e t ro W e l l n e s s a n d Community Centers' annual fundraising gala is back, and this time we're going back to the '50s! This is the fourth annual Metro gala, which raises money for LGBT programming and community services. This includes LGBT youth programs, SAGE elder programming, transgender-related programming, and other likeminded programs which run on a weekly and biweekly service in Tampa and in St. Petersburg. This year's theme is the "Homecoming Gala", so dust off your leather jackets and poodle skirts as the Morean Center for Clay (719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg) is decked out like a retro high school dance. The
by mike halterman
and Community Centers’ Homecoming Gala gala will be held on Saturday, September 10. The party will begin at 5:30 p.m. for sponsors and their guests with a VIP reception, followed by general admission at 7 p.m. There will be music, dancing, food and drinks (open bar), live entertainment which will be seen throughout the night, and a silent auction and raffle, with the proceeds raised going to Metro Wellness and Community Centers as well. Tickets for the Homecoming Gala are $100 per person and can be purchased by going o n l i n e t o metrotampabay.org/event/ho mecoming-gala. I spoke with James Keane, interim director of LGBT
community center services at Metro, about the Gala, the programs it benefits, and some more good news the organization received recently in this exclusive for Hotspots Central.
Tell us about the gala this year. How will it be different from past years?
I am so excited about our gala this year! We're working with a "homecoming" theme, and that's a celebratory nod to the purchase of our flagship location in St. Petersburg. The theme is classic 1950s...think "Grease" and letter jackets. "The homecoming dance you always wish you had!" We will be working with Una Voce for entertainment throughout the night, as well as a few other
surprises that you'll see when you get there. In the silent auction, we have a few local getaways and other trips, as well as a plethora of other great items.
The Morean Center is a familiar gala venue for Metro. How will its ambience complement the gala?
We're creating the feel of a gymnasium inside the space. We're going as far as bringing in bleachers and a dance floor...you'll see that we will have transformed the space completely, into a 1950s-style gymnasium. We're thankful that we had such a great space to work with.
Metro is the one who organizes those. If I had to pick one thing, people may not know about our youth programs, which run four times weekly whether it's happening in Tampa, in St. Petersburg at the flagship, or in St. Petersburg at the LGBT Welcome Center. There's also our primary care health service, which Metro provides, and has recently expanded to include women's wellness.
You're trying to cultivate involvement from a number of
How will the money raised at the gala continue to expand upon the programs that you already offer?
We continue to expand and our programming evolves based on community needs. Across-the-board, we see great response to all of our programs. We can further develop and expand all the services we offer for LGBT programs based on the money we receive at the gala.
People know Metro very well for the various services the organization provides. What do you find that people know the least about when it comes to Metro?
Those who know of us have a great understanding of what we offer. I find it's the ones who don't know us well are the ones who know the least. They may see HIV testing services around, or they may have participated in our transgender political town hall meetings and not realize that
You recently received a grant from the Minority Health office at the Department of Health and Human Services to support re-entry programs. Can you tell us about that?
"Re-Link" directly benefits inmates in Pinellas County who were incarcerated and are now re-entering society after their jail sentences expire. We're very fortunate to be the only charity to receive this grant money, which came to $375,000. With this grant, we work with the former inmates to get them ready for a thriving life as they re-enter the community once more. This will allow us to have a case manager on-site at the jail, which in turn allows us to better connect folks to our services for them to use.
How can people access the programs that Metro does offer, and how can they volunteer their time and effort with Metro?
niche groups, such as youth. How is Metro doing that?
With our youth groups, we communicate and connect with GSAs at schools in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties, and we also work in tandem with local churches, such as with MCC and Unitarian Universalist denominations. With our transgender programs, we work heavily with the Trans Support Network.
Our website is the best place to check out, comprehensively, what services and programs we offer. Click around, and if there's something you don't see, reach out to us for further understanding. We also have a volunteer portal on our homepage; go there and find out how you can help Metro and your community!
For more information on Metro Wellness and Community Centers, call (727) 321-3854 or visit metrotampabay.org or facebook.com/metrowellness. Metro has locations in St. Petersburg, Tampa, New Port Richey and Clearwater. Hotspots Central Florida
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Decir que viste a dos gays disfrutando de una obra de teatro es como decir que viste a dos testigos de Jehová tocándole a la puerta de cuanta case vieron sin invitación. ¿Por qué a tantos de nosotros nos encantan las obras de teatro de Broadway? Si fuera yo, meto dos tickets gratis para una obra de teatro en la canastilla de bienvenida cuando sale alguien del closet junto con un certificado de $100 para la tienda Banana Republic y una membresía al gimnasio más cercano. Seriamente, el mundo teatralfueunodelosprimerosde hablar sobre la epidemia del SIDA en Angels in America y la homosexualidad de forma
con scrappy pérez
¡QUE SIGA LA FUNCIón! humorística en La Cage aux Folles. La comunidad teátrica le ha ofrecido refugio a muchos de nosotros desde temprana edad. Si quieren ver otras obras en las que los temas son gay, no se pierdan Bent, The Boys in the Band, Lilies, The Book of Mormon, Psycho Beach Party y Jeffreyentremuchasotras. Recuerdo cuando era niño me encantaba Grease y Mary Poppins. Nunca me pude meter a Cats en la cabeza. ¡¿De qué rayos se trataba eso?! Un montón de gatos cantando sobre amor, la noche, el hambre, las pulgas…creo yo. Quizás no, pero yo dejé de prestarle atención después de los primeros 15 minutos. Más tarde
me gustó Rent, pero después de haberla visto tantas veces, uno se pone a pensar “¡Déjen ya de cantar tanto y búsquense un trabajo, coño!” Escuché que iban a hacer la de West Side Story otra vez. La pesadilla más grande de Donald Trump. Imagínate un grupo de inmigrantes cantando por horas y Trump tomándose un frascodepastillas. Como hombres gay, nos encantan las divas y estas cambian de acuerdo a los años. PrimeroMyFairLadyyHelloDolly, después Chicago y Wicked. Y ahora, esta generación…por cierto, a esta juventud ya no les gusta tanto en teatro porque ya cuentan con cable de televisión. A veces quisiera que mi vida fuese
To say that you saw a gay man enjoying a dramatic play in the theater is like saying that you saw a Jehovah Witness knocking on someone's door
closet along with a gym membership and $100 gift card to Banana Republic. In all seriousness, the theatre world was one of the first to openly talk about the AIDS epidemic in Angels in America and gay identity such as La Cage aux Folles. The theater community has offered an outlet and safe haven to many of us since a very young age. If you would like to see other plays in which gay people are portrayed, do not hesitate to watch Bent, The Boys in the Band, Lilies, The Book of Mormon, Psycho Beach Party and Jeffrey among so many others. I remember growing up as a child; I loved Grease and Mary Poppins. I could never get into Cats though. There was no plot to it. Just a bunch of cats singing about love, midnight, hunger and fleas…I think. Don't quote me on that one. I wasn´t
uninvited. What is it about Broadway plays that attract so many gay people? I think tickets to a Broadway show should be part of a welcoming package you get when you come out of the
paying much attention. As a young adult I loved Rent, but watching it over and over again over the years, you can't help but to think “shut the f**k up and get a job”! I hear they're re-vamping West
“Recuerdo cuando era niño me encantaba Grease y Mary Poppins. Nunca me pude meter a Cats en la cabeza. ¡¿De qué rayos se trataba eso?! Un montón de gatos cantando sobre amor, la noche, el hambre, las pulgas…”
como una obra de teatro. Comienzo el día cepillándome los dientes mientras canto une canciónsobrelasaluddentalala vez que los animalitos del bosque entran por la puerta para ayudarme armonizar. Después me monto en el carro para ir a trabajar mientras canto la canción del tapón de tráfico y veo a todos salir de sus vehículos parabailarenconjuntoloqueme va a hacer llegar mucho más tardealtrabajo. A mí me gusta el teatro porque es una representación de nuestra vida con un poco de magia y fantasía añadida. Nos llena de alegría, música y nos inspira a hacer cambios positivos en nuestras vidas. Nos da esperanza y nos dice que, después de que las cortinas se cierran, se abrirán otra vez para todos nosotros para comenzar una nueva historia en nuestras vidas con aplausos imaginariosytodo. ¡Quépasenunatemporadade otoño muy bonita y rómpanse unapierna!
On With the Show
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Side Story, or as I like to call it “Donald Trump's Hell”, as he'd have to get ready to watch immigrants sing for hours about why they want to live inAmerica. As gay men, we always try to emulate the theater Divas and they all change according to the generation. First, we had My Fair Lady and Hello Dolly. Then came Wicked and Chicago and now we have…wait, that's right…this generation is not involved in theater as much. They got Ariana Grande and cable TV so they're good. I actually started getting back into loving theater thanks to Neil Patrick Harris. Not only is he a good role model as a gay man with his own family and great career, but also incredibly talented as an actor, singer and dancer. Sometimes I wish my life
could be like a big play. I start the day with a song about brushing my teeth as little birds fly through my window and a deer opens the bathroom door with its horns to help me sing the melody. Then, I drive to work, but traffic stops completely because we now get out of
our vehicles and perform to a very enlightening and choreographed dance of the Rush Hour Song (which really pisses me off because now I'd be much later for work!) I love theater because is a depiction of real human life in a fantastic setting. It fills us with joy, music and the need to make positive changes in our own lives to try to make them as memorable and beautiful as the ones the character have. It gives us hope and the promise that, long after curtains go down, they will come up again for us to start a brand new show in our own lives which will be performed to perfection until we achieve the mental applause from all around us. Have a wonderfulAutumn season and break a leg, guys!
backstage
by mike halterman
Central Florida
&
Arts Entertainment
Scene
H
Hello, and welcome once again to our arts and entertainment column, "Backstage." We are entering the beginning of our concert year at our performing arts halls, and we're also leaving the summer season behind as the last few shows at outside amphitheatres play for Florida fans. I think you'll beveryhappywiththediversityof the acts coming to Central Florida this month. So with that said, let me tell you all about themrightnow.
Thu. Sept. 1: The queen of new-age Philadelphia soul, Jill Scott, will be returning to the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg after her sold-out show at the same venue last year. She will perform from her vast songbook,
including hits from her album "Woman", which rose to the top of the charts in 2015. Opening for Ms. Scott will be Georgia Me. $1 from each ticket sold will go to Jill's Blues Babe Foundation. (7:30 p.m., $70.50-$106.50, themahaffey.com)
Fri. Sept. 2-Sun. Sept. 4:
Feld Entertainment's latest Disney On Ice show is called Follow Your
Heart and features Mickey Mouse as well as your favorite characters from such Disney films as "Finding Dory", "Inside Out", "Frozen" and "Toy Story". In a series of vignettes, the Disney gang teaches the audience that love is the greatest magic of all. See this heartwarming show for three days only at the Amway Center in Orlando. (starts at $18, amwaycenter.com) Wed. Sept. 7: One of the most popular acts of the 1960s British Invasion, Donovan is performing a special concert at the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater while on his Sunshine Superman 50th Anniversary Tour. The "Mellow Yellow" singer will perform solo acoustic; past performances
have been described as "classic masterpieces." (8 p.m., $35-$48, rutheckerdhall.com)
"Hallelujah-Praise-Jesus funny!" (8 p.m., $37.50, plazaliveorlando.com)
Fri. Sept. 9: Keepaneyeoutfor
Sun. Sept. 11:
two concerts! The headliners of the first concert, at the Amway Center in Orlando, are the multiplatinum recordinggroup Maroon 5. They will be joined by opening acts Tove Lo ("Habits")
has organized a benefit concert, to be held at the Dr. Phillips Center, called One Voice Orlando - A Celebration in Song!, which will benefit a number of organizations such as The Center and the Zebra Coalition, among others. Highlights of the evening will include solos by soprano Ana Maria Martinez, tenor Javier Abreu and baritone Davis Gaines, as well as performances by the Orlando Ballet and the Opera Chorus. (8 p.m., starts at $25, drphillipscenter.org)
Opera Orlando
Wed. Sept. 14: Kanye West is a
and R. City ("Locked Away"). The second concert will be held at the
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre in Tampa and will feature
country
superstar
Miranda Lambert on her Keeper of the Flame Tour. Opening for Ms. Lambert are Kip Moore and Brothers Osborne. (7:30 p.m. for both concerts, starts at $28.50 for Maroon 5 and $25 for Miranda Lambert, ticketmaster.com and livenation.com)
Sat. Sept. 10:
Mike Delamont
presents the international fringe favorite "God is a Scottish Drag Queen", which is a high-powered comedy show and roast featuring God, in a lovely floral print power suit! This one-nightonly performance, already the darling of Orlando Fringe, will be presented at Orlando's The Plaza Live. The Orlando Sentinel calls it
22-time Grammy Award winner, and he says absolutely everything that's on his mind. Watch him bring his Saint Pablo Tour to Amalie Arena in Tampa, his one stop in Central Florida. Who knows, maybe we'll get to see his wife Kim Kardashian in the audience. (8 p.m., starts at $25.75,amaliearena.com)
and life, Cirque du Soleil's new production, OVO, coming to the Amway Center, stands out. The ecosystem is stunned by the arrival of a mysterious egg. What does it mean, the insects ask? Another insect enters the ecosystem and falls in love with a delightful ladybug. OVO represents love and happiness in the fast-paced world we live in. ($43-$150,amwaycenter.com)
Thu. Sept. 29: The popular National Public Radio panel program "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!" is taping its new season of programs and the Straz Center in Tampa has been selected as one of its on-location destinations. Join host Peter Sagal and a rotating group of comedians, journalists and authors as they roast the top news topics of the week. (7:30 p.m., call (813) 2297827toordertickets)
Fri. Sept. 30: Getreadyforsome "tater salad"!
Comedian Ron White
Wed. Sept. 21: One of Simon Cowell's biggest successes as a record producer is discovering the group Il Divo, who have sold over 30 million albums in the last decade. Their current album partners them with producer Julio Reyes Copello for some sultry Latin torch songs. Hear them sing from their hearts and souls, en espaĂąol, when they bring the Amor & PasiĂłn Tour to Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. (8 p.m., starts at $75, rutheckerdhall.com)
Wed. Sept. 25-Sun. Sept. 29: In a world full of movement
willbeperforminghislateststandup routine for Central Florida audiencesatthe King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne. His stories always incorporate his real-lifeTexasupbringingandhotbuttonissuesoftheday...including gay rights, which he supports wholeheartedly if you weren't aware! (8 p.m., starts at $45, kingcenter.com)
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