BETTY GETS “BITTER” AT NYC’S RED EYE!

On Saturday, August 12th, comedians and NYC personalities Tym Moss and Ike Avelli brought their much-anticipated “comedy action” stage saga Bitter Betty’s to one of Manhattan’s newest hotspots, Red Eye!  The two funny boys were joined by fellow NYC performers Sam Oz Stone and Alex Scelso (AKA Sitanya Face).  The night included comedy, music, drag, short films, specially created cocktails, and a birthday celebration for full-time socialites Rose Trentman and Nick Lion.  In attendance were NYC personalities Albert Crocus Pena, Che Che, Clover Welsh, Jack Phelan, Amy Erlinger, Dorothy Bishop, Alexis Flame, Jeff Friedman, Joseph Aiello, Wilhelmina Sparrow, Robi Poredos, Michael Luisi, Gina Pasqually, and many others.

The party will continue in December. Ike Avelli’s 50 Shades of Gay has been nominated for Best Cabaret Show at the 25th Annual GLAM Awards! The show will return to New York City’s The Copa on Friday, December 8th, 2023 for a special holiday incarnation.  Join Ike and his fabulous guests, Tym Moss and Miz Jade along with Hostess Lady Clover Honey as they deck your halls with a night of comedy, music, drag, audience participation, specialty holiday cocktails, and giveaways from… SANTA! Tickets and more info available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/…/50-shades-of-gay-holiday…

“GIRL SHOCK” WITH MARIA KONNER! 

Who says Tuesday nights are boring?  On Tuesday, August 29th, there was plenty of “Shock” and lots of “Awe” at Manhattan’s Drama Book Shop on Tuesday, August 29th with performer/author Maria Konner.  Maria discussed her new book, Girl Shock!, her new musical, and her fascinating, all-true trans-journey. There was even a musical performance with her special guest Jackson Sturkey. Present at the event were Mark-Eugene Garcia, Jay Michaels, Jen Bush, Wilhelmenia Sparrow, Pearl Love, Lady Clover Honey, Joseph Aiello, Catherine Schuller, and many others, If you can’t get enough Maria, she will be hosting her own monthly even at New York City’s Pangea every last Saturday, from 9PM to 11Pm. The Open Mic with Maria on piano has no cover. It will be followed by a Transwoman Mixer. The next one will be Saturday, November 25th with Special Guests Jackson Sturkey, Omar Kabir, and Fran Sisco. You can see more info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/693991496005206.

THE (LEADING) LADY IN QUESTION IS CHARLES BUSCH!

Leading Lady: A Memoir of a Most Unusual Boy, the new memoir by multi-hyphenate Charles Busch, is HOT off the press. The performer/playwright/raconteur supreme had a book signing at the amazing Drama Book Shop in Manhattan on Wednesday, September 13th, I started reading it on the subway on the ride home… and so far, so FABULOUS! A flowing mix of celebrity anecdotes, childhood memories, and insight into the journey of an artist that any aspiring or established performer will appreciate and relate to. Even though I am a firm believer in reading a book from the first page and going in order without skipping ahead, I couldn’t help but fast forward to the chapter where Mr. Busch spills the tea on Taboo. (TRIVIA: This was the first Broadway musical I bought tickets for that passed the $100 mark, back in 2002. Could I have bought the tickets cheaper somewhere else? Maybe. But I bought them full price right away because I had heard the show was closing.) Busch writes about one scene in particular which pretty much disrupted the balance of the Broadway universe… and I DO vividly remember that scene in the play, despite the fact that since 2002 my brain has probably been poisoned from artificial sweeteners, hair dye, dirty New York City air, and too much outré sex… Leading Lady: A Memoir of a Most Unusual Boy by Charles Busch is now available and HIGHLY recommended!

SHOULD BOYS PLAY WITH DOLLS?

Doll Play Made Me Gay took place on Saturday, October 14th as part of Jersey City Pride 2023 . The truly one-of-kind event featured a rare doll exhibition and Barbie-themed art show by Miguel Cardenas. Barbiephile Frank New shared part of his vast collection as well as his vast knowledge of everything Barbie (including the infamous Earring Magic Me and Ken’s “buddy” Allen…) in a discussion with Zara Korutz, Host at the Unbiased Label Podcast. The event was at the eatery/gallery Roman Nose.  

“AT SEA WITH PATRICK DENNIS” MAKES STOP IN MANHATTAN!

On Tuesday, October 10th, theatrical hair guru Bernie Ardia was Special Guest at Manhattan’s phenomenal Drama Book Shop as he shared the story of finding the memoir At Sea with Patrick Dennis: My Madcap Mexican Adventure written by Robert Karr. After Karr’s death, the unpublished memoir was almost lost forever… and we can all be glad it was rescued by Ardia. The book shares the wild escapades of friends Patrick Dennis (author of Auntie Mame, who was traveling under an assumed name), Walter Healy, and Karr, who found themselves jumping ship off a cruise from Seattle and venturing into Mexico. The event was facilitated by Mark-Eugene Garcia and included readings from the book. At Sea with Patrick Dennis is highly recommended!

OUT AND ABOUT!