Showing posts with label Broadway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Broadway. Show all posts

Monday, June 13, 2011

Joseph Smith: Prophet, Seer, Revelator, Tony Winner.


Great Article on the sweeping of the Tonys last night (best one in recent memory) by the Book of Mormon Musical. Many wonderful moments: Neal Patrick Harris was freaking incredible - opening number was superb (felt soooo sorry for Brooke Shields), his number with Hugh Jackman, that stunning closing wrap up of the entire show (holy shit!!!); Bumble Bee acceptance speech of darling-ness; Francis McDormand not giving a shit but caring a lot; and the walking through walls speech that left me speechless.

Gotta say though - nothing topped Trey Parker including their dearly departed co-writer, Joseph Smith, in his Best Musical acceptance. "You did it Joseph! You got the Tony!"

B.R.I.L.L.I.A.N.T.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Currently Listening To


It's Raining Men. Hallelujah!!!

Seriously, I cannot stop both listening and shaking my groove thang. If you love musical theater on parade - overflowing with divas, drags and disco - go to Amazon right now and Order Your Very Own Copy.

You will be ridiculously glad you did.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Like Seeing The Face Of God - Only Better


So, my illustrious Facing East producing partner, Duane, and I flew to NYC last weekend to attend the opening night (show and after party) of Priscilla Queen of the Desert starring our, even more illustrious and wonderful, director Will Swenson.

We entered the theater, sat in our ridiculously amazing seats and attempted to take it all in. Who's who of Broadway, TV and film buzzed around us - and I waited.

I knew she would be there - she is one of the producer's. Held my breath. Tried not to explode with anticipation and suddenly... There She Was. 5 rows behind us. One of the single greatest influences on both my personality and my performing, an enormous connection to my father, my idol, my hero, my golden calf, my Venus, my fire, my inspirer of fantastically flowery formulations, my Superstar Supreme, my Deity Delicious...

The Divine Miss M


My dad and I had all her albums and listened to them ad-nauseam. The first time I smoked weed was with my dad and his boyfriend before her Christmas concert in San Francisco. My sweet father, when he was dying, stood for 2 hours in the rain to get her to sign her book The Saga of Baby Divine for me.


I hear her voice saying, "Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke!" in my head, like the best guardian angel ever, every single time I face the Hateful Cow Club.

Bette Midler, Meryl Streep and Barbara. The Holy Trinity to the daughter of a gay man.

We didn't meet. We didn't speak. She did accidentally grab Duane's arm during intermission - something I will forever be oozing envy over. She has no idea that I even exist. But, she exists. And for a couple of hours we breathed the same air and got swept up in the same Drag Show of Epic Proportions. That is enough for me. For now.




The show itself was as fabulous as expected. Just a giant barrel of good old fashioned drag queen monkey fun. Will was wonderful and brought a depth to the show, with his portrayal of a gay man who is a father and more than a one dimensional drag character, that I loved.

We also sat 2 rows in front of the oh-so-yummy Guy Pearce (who totally made my day by flirting with me at the after party) and next to the ever-lovely, Diva in her own right, adoring girlfriend of Will Audra McDonald.


Amazing weekend. Definitely one for the books. And the blogs.

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Related Links
Facing East
Facing East Website
Facing East Blog
Facing East Contribution Fund

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Facing East


I have mentioned before that I am producing the feature film Facing East, based on my mother's play of the same name. The play premiered, and had a very successful run, here in Salt Lake City in 2004 followed by a run off-Broadway, one in San Francisco and several more around the country.

Facing East is the story of a Mormon couple re-evaluating their lives after the suicide of their gay son. The play was incredible and the screenplay Mom has written is absolutely stunning. I simply cannot wait for us to bring this story to life on screen. We are hoping to premiere the film in 2012. I will most definitely keep you posted.

My partner and I are thrilled to have hired Will Swenson to direct. Will was nominated for a Tony Award for his role as Burger in the Broadway revival of the musical Hair and is currently starring, again on Broadway, in Priscilla Queen of the Desert.





This will be a very fun, and important, ride for all involved. As producers, we are donating a percentage of the film's proceeds to The Trevor Project and are encouraging all our investors to do the same. Because several people have asked how they can donate to this project without actually investing, we have established the Facing East Contribution Fund. All proceeds from this fund will go directly to The Trevor Project. Anyone wishing to contribute may do so online at the
Fractured Atlas Facing East Contribution Fund. Anyone wishing information on how to invest, or otherwise be involved in this project, please contact me directly.

Facing East Website

Facing East Blog

Facing East Facebook Page

Spread the word to any and all interested. This incredible film will, without question, change hearts, heal families and save lives.