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This week’s takeaways: Life+Style

Posted on 17 May 2013 at 11:20am
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For tickets to Pam Ann, go here.

Indigo Girls, the lesbian folk band, plays at the McKinney Arts Center on Friday night, but there are lots of other gay-friendly things to do closer to downtown.

Also on Friday, photographer Alex Remington opens his one-man show of Dallas landmarks, Architectura, at the ilume Gallerie; it will play there through June. And Dallas ComicCon bursts into the Irving Convention Center in Las Colinas for a weekend of events.

On Saturday night, the Turtle Creek Chorale holds its annual Turtle Ball, this time at Trinity Groves, the new development near our fancy Calatrava bridge.

This is the last weekend to see Re-Designing Women at the Rose Room, as well as Fela! at the Winspear. And it’s your only chance to see Pam Ann, pictured, in her one-woman comedy act at the Majestic. But you still have time to catch Priscilla Queen of the Desert at Fair Park and the Dallas Theater Center’s Fly By Night at the Kalita.

— Arnold Wayne Jones

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REVIEW: ‘Priscilla’ — queens on the verge of a nervous breakdown

Posted on 17 May 2013 at 10:27am
Priscilla

The queens of ‘Priscilla’

It is a small perturbation that the two longest-running Broadway musicals about drag queens — La Cage aux Folles and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, now playing at Fair Park Music Hall — involved plots where gay men have ill-advised sex with women and produce sons, only hoping not to embarrass their offspring. My guess is, this is done intentionally, to remind mainstream hetero audiences that gay or straight, we are all basically the same (as if showing our emotions weren’t already enough).

Still, you can practically hear the jaws drop inside the auditorium during many of the numbers of Priscilla, which makes La Cage look like a church social by comparison. Its outrageousness is less offensive and shocking than merely unbridled: It’s out-and-proud about its camp factor, and you’d better adjust or stay away.

Adjust. Do, do adjust, because Priscilla is a hoot, as glamorously trashy and enjoyable as the best drag show you’ve ever seen. Some people didn’t stay through Act 2; that was their loss.

Continue reading “REVIEW: ‘Priscilla’ — queens on the verge of a nervous breakdown” »

— Arnold Wayne Jones

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REVIEW: ‘Star Trek: Into Darkness’

Posted on 16 May 2013 at 11:28am

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS

In Star Trek Into Darkness, opening today, the crew might as well have rechristened the Enterprise the U.S.S. Kitchen Sink; certainly that’s what they filmmakers have thrown into this, the second film in the reboot of a series rebooted so much, it might have been designed in a cowboy footwear store.

One of the fun things about a reboot is that you get to experience old things as new. This incarnation of the series — which follows a “new” timeline of the original crew — makes ample references to iconic items from the original: There are references to Klingons, tribbles, Dr. Carol Marcus, Khan, photon torpedoes, “the needs of the many” and the Enterprise’s famous “five-year mission.”

It also, sometimes, makes the film unintentionally comic, as recycled lines (especially Dr. McCoy’s penchant for homespun aphorism) sound suddenly cliched. There’s also the problem that the ad campaign promises that “nothing can prepare us” for what happens, though of course, it’s easy to prepare: Just watch Star Trek II.

Another downside is that the screenwriters (here and in Star Trek) have seemed more interested in reinventing most of the characters for their own uses, and sacrificing what we have come to love about them. The most awkward fit of these is the relationship between Kirk (Chris Pine, pictured right — who is, sadly, shirtless only once) and Spock (Zachary Quinto, pictured left). The original actors, William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, invented the ultimate bromance, two men who occasionally argued but were never disrespectful of the other. Here, they snipe like cats in a bag. And the plot changes focus so much, it’s difficult to tell the good guys from the villains.

Still, such quibbles aside, director J.J. Abrams has concocted a rip-roaring sci-fi action picture with great special effects (the 3-D is well used) and a touching, keenly played performance by Quinto. It’s hard when you’re supposed to be the only emotionless character on screen to show the heart of a picture, but Quinto does it. And, considering his all-out brawl with the bad guy (Benedict Cumberbatch) on the streets of San Francisco, it’s to his credit that the audience experiences it as a duel, not as a gay-bashing.

In wide release.

— Arnold Wayne Jones

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‘SYTYCD’ choreographer Wade Robson says Michael Jackson molested him

Posted on 16 May 2013 at 10:14am
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Wade Robson

When Wade Robson was a kid, he was a talented dancer, appearing in several videos with Michael Jackson. He also defended Jacko, saying the pop star never molested him.

Only now he’s saying he lied. Robson, who has been a judge and choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance, now says Jackson abused him “for years,” from ages 7 to 14.

In the interview on Today, Robson describes the abuse as sexual in nature. Of course, Jackson’s family and lawyers are shooting down the allegations. But it is interesting that Robson does not say he had “repressed memories,” but that he knew all along he was lying about not being molested, and has never forgotten it.

— Arnold Wayne Jones

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‘Priscilla’ contest winner drags it up

Posted on 15 May 2013 at 11:23am
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Brandon Simmons

Last week, we held an online contest to win tickets to see Priscilla Queen of the Desert and the winner was Brandon Simmons, who got the chance to attend opening night at Fair Park (courtesy of Dallas Summer Musicals) with three of his friends. And Brandon had a blast.

The show, about three drag queens traveling the Australian Outback in a rickety bus (which they dub Priscilla), is about as gay as a musical can get … and that’s saying something. “We had a great time!” says Brandon about the experience. “The show is really fun and entertaining. And I think it’s great getting to see something that is bold and very ‘in your face’ … and probably a bit shocking for many DSM subscribers!” In continues through May 26, and you can get tickets here. But you can also meet folks with the show at the official cast party. On May 24, Luxx Night Club on Pearl Street will host the cast and guests from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. with a glittering disco-themed party. The 21-and-over event offers free admission and valet to those with a ticket stub and those who RSVP in advance to Michelle@iegnation.com. You can learn more about it here.  

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— Arnold Wayne Jones

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Dallas among best cities for travelers

Posted on 15 May 2013 at 10:41am

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When the gay travel writers’ group left Dallas last week, chances are some of them had a pretty satisfying experience. That would be borne out by a recent survey by CardHub.com about the best (and worst) cities for summer travel.

Based on analysis of information from Kayak.com about 30 major U.S. cities, the survey came up with a list of departure cities that were “best” in terms of average time and money spent, and ranked Dallas No. 2, behind winner Denver for domestic travel; for international travel, Washington, D.C., was tops. When you combine domestic and international information, Dallas came in fourth overall, behind Chicago, Washington and New York.

Among the worst wasn’t far away, though. San Antonio was exceeded only by Riverside, Calif., in terms of bad domestic departures.

— Arnold Wayne Jones

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Scenes from ‘Does Your Mother Know’ at the Round-Up

Posted on 14 May 2013 at 9:27am

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For the 19th year, the Round-Up Saloon put on its annual “Does Your Mother Know” drag show, hosted by Onyx, benefiting the nonprofit Round-Up Employees Benevolent Association. Many of the bartenders dressed up in drag and entertained the audience for cash donations. At the end of the night, the charity show had raised over $1,500, with one anonymous donation of $550.

The winner of “Does Your Mother Know” was “Levitra Cialis,” better known as the bartender Chris. First runner-up was awarded to “Luna Tic,” otherwise known as Dylan, the daytime bartender. Third runner-up went to Harold, the other daytime bartender. At the end of the evening several awards were handed out. The “Ace” Award, given for volunteer work, was presented to Terry Bucher. The Spotlight Award, given for service in excellence, was awarded to Martin Griffin and Scott Thompson. More photos below.

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— Patrick Hoffman

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Chasing Amy: Wherein we reflect on Christian musician Amy Grant’s first interview with the gay press

Posted on 14 May 2013 at 9:18am

Amy Grant

This weekend, the Dallas/Fort Worth Ultimate Women’s Expo takes place at the Cowtown Convention Center, and the headliners on Sunday will be Christian music icon Amy Grant.

Now, everyone knows Dallas has one of the biggest gay Christian contingents in the world (the Cathedral of Hope is a huge congregation, and that’s just one church), but Grant — the most famous singer about faith for more than 20 years — doesn’t seem like the kind to make a surprise appearance at an CoH choral rehearsal.

But our Chris Azzopardi — himself a lapsed Catholic — couldn’t resist the chance to interview Grant last month … her first-ever interview with the gay press. And with Grant coming to town — and her first new album in 10 years, How Mercy Looks from Here, dropping today — we thought we’d run this piece by Azzo about pursuing his childhood hero … and how the interview almost didn’t happen.

By Chris Azzopardi

Back in the mid-’90s, I watched from my seat at The Palace of Auburn Hills, just outside Detroit, as kids circled Amy Grant onstage with overzealous glee while she sang “Say You’ll Be Mine.” I wanted to get in on that dance carousal to be as close to this woman — my childhood idol — as possible. I wanted that so badly. Shy little me just couldn’t find the gumption for that. I was intimidated by the throngs. And her.

Continue reading “Chasing Amy: Wherein we reflect on Christian musician Amy Grant’s first interview with the gay press” »

— Arnold Wayne Jones

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PHOTOS: American Airlines unveils jet

Posted on 13 May 2013 at 2:50pm
One of the other members of the GLBT Press Tour pretending to kick back in a lie-flat seat in First Class

One of the other members of the GLBT Press Tour kicks back in a lie-flat seat in First Class.

Dallas Voice was given access to American Airlines’ new Boeing 777-300ER on Friday, May 10, as part of the annual GLBT Press Tour put on by the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau promoting LGBT travel to the city.

Attempting to modernize its fleet and remain competitive with other domestic carriers such as United and Delta, American is the first domestic airline to take delivery of the new fuel-efficient 777-300ER (Extended Range). With a range of just over 9,000 miles (7,930 nautical miles), the aircraft will allow American Airlines to begin service from Los Angeles to London in mid-June and from Dallas to Sao Paulo in early August.

Subject matter experts involved in the design of the interior of the plane were on hand to answer questions, and provide demonstrations of various accoutrements. In addition to the increased fuel economy, which according to Boeing is approximately 33 percent above its 747 model, the new aircraft boasts added amenities such as fully lie-flat 81-inch seats in First and Business Class — all with direct aisle access.

Passengers will not have to worry about conserving battery power on iPads, iPhones, e-readers, or other mobile electronic devices since all seats come with access to power outlets and USB jacks for charging personal devices. A particularly welcomed upgrade for business travelers (as well as anyone going through Internet withdrawal) is the plane’s international Wi-Fi provided by Panasonic.

As far as entertainment goes, the new 777-300ER is equipped with individual touchscreens that have access to up to 250 movies, more than 180 TV programs, and more than 350 audio selections. Passengers in First and Business Class will be offered Bose QuietComfort 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling headsets as well as pajamas and closed-toe slippers. Those riding in coach will enjoy seats that have a higher recline pivot, providing increased knee room as well as the recline angle of the seatback. 

A new feature for any U.S. airline is the walk-up bar in the premium cabin which is stocked with a selection of snacks, sandwiches and assorted sweets. No doubt an attempt to improve service and cut down on the wait time of a flight attendants responding to passengers’ requests. More photos below.

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— Patrick Hoffman

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Theatre 3 announces 2013-14 season

Posted on 13 May 2013 at 2:35pm

OnTheEve_SimoneJoseph_JennyLedelBrianWickTheater 3, currently featuring the crackerjack play Enron on the mainstage and the saucy Avenue Q downstairs, announced its lineup for the 2013-14 season, and it’s pretty gay.

So Help Me God!, a re-discovered 1929 comedy by Maurine Dallas Watkins (Aug. 8–Sept. 1). The author best known for the play on which the musical Chicago was based wrote this equally racy tale of back-stabbing divas.

Assassins, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by John Weidman (Sept. 26–Oct. 27). The gay composer’s oft-praised but infrequently performed Tony Award winner will reach Dallas in time for the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy assassination. It tells the stories of famous political murderers and wannabes, from John Wilkes Booth to John Hinckley.

Other Desert Cities by Jon Robin Baitz (Nov. 21–Dec. 15). This recent Tony nominee from the gay creator of Brothers & Sisters makes its Southwestern premiere about family conflict.

On the Eve, music and lyrics by Seth Magill and Shawn Magill, book by Michael Federico (Jan. 16–Feb. 9, 2014). Already announced as playing this season, this production revives a show staged locally last year at Fair Park’s Margo Jones Lounge, pictured, was my No. 1 show of 2012.

Less Than Kind by Terence Rattigan (Mar. 6–30, 2014). This play by the late, gay British playwright, well-known for such classics as The Winslow Boy and Separate Tables, will receive its American debut after being forgotten for decades after the playwright died.

Seminar by Theresa Rebeck (Apr. 24–May 18, 2014). I saw the Broadway version of this play by Smash creator Rebeck last year, and it’s juicy, hilarious stuff getting its Southwest premiere.

By the Way, Meet Vera Stark by  Lynn Nottage (June 19–July 13, 2014). The story of a headstrong African-American actress from the 1930s.

Additionally, Theatre Too will continue to run Avenue Q until audiences grow weary (no sign of that yet), or January, when the gay-authored I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change returns for a month-long run.

— Arnold Wayne Jones

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