Frontiers Vol. 35, Issue 07 by Frontiers

JULY 21 - AUGUST 3, 2016 | VOL. 35, NO. 07

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SWEETIE DARLING, AB FAB IS BACK!

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7 HEALTH BENEFITS OF GREAT SEX

YOUNG MAN! Inside the popular LGBT series EastSiders, now on Netflix

RIO SUMMER OLYMPICS 2016 A PREVIEW OF WHAT’S TO COME

LIP SERVICE POP CULTURE’S 50 BEST MUSTACHES, RANKED

Andrea Goss, Randy Harrison, Tommy McDowell and the 2016 National Tour cast of Roundabout Theatre Company’s CABARET. Photos by Joan Marcus.

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Pictured: Diana

Vishneva in Le Divertissement du Roi

Andrea Goss, Randy Harrison, Tommy McDowell and the 2016 National Tour cast of Roundabout Theatre Company’s CABARET. Photos by Joan Marcus.

Photo by Yulia Plakhotnikova

August 27 Segerstrom Hall

Prepare to be dazzled as today’s brightest ballet stars come together in four new works. Featuring leading artists from Mariinsky Ballet, Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and more.

Patti LuPone

with Orchestra Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda... played that part The superstar belts out her favorite Broadway songs as only she can!

September 9 SEGERSTROM HALL

KATHLEEN BATTLE

The Underground Railroad Project The opera diva performs a recital of spirituals inspired by the famed journey to freedom.

September 9 RENÉE AND HENRY SEGERSTROM CONCERT HALL

The Center’s International Dance Series is made possible by

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Contents

JULY 21 - AUGUST 3, 2016

FEATURES

50 Pop Culture Mustaches, Ranked

A Preview of Rio 2016

Popular LGBT Series EastSiders Is Back

ON THE COVER Photo of Van Hansis and Kit Williamson by Katie Levine AUGUST 3, 2016

Contents

JULY 21 - AUGUST 3, 2016

DEPARTMENTS NEWSBOX 9

10 10 12 14

California Schools Will Teach LGBT History GOP Platform Goes Far to the Right Flashbulb: Outfest 2016 Watercooler FBI: No Evidence Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub Was Targeted for Being Gay Datebook

9 17

THE GAY AGENDA 17 18 18 20

6 Hard Sodas for a Bubbly Summer WeHo’s New Slowed-Down Sushi Spot Before You Wear That Tank Top... 5 Things Returning to the Marketplace

HEALTH 23 24

24 26 26

23 29

7 Health Benefits of Great Sex When Your Urine Doesn’t Look Like Lemonade Fitness Q&A 12 Dating App Turn-Offs Your New Favorite Gym Mix

CALENDAR 29 30 30 33

REDCAT’s New Original Works Festival Creative Hour at the Mondrian Snapshots Eating Out: Viviane

ENTERTAINMENT 35 35 36 37

35 52

Ab Fab Is Back, Sweetie Darling The New Voice of Horror Music Reviews Set Your DVR

Frontiers magazine is published by New Frontiers Media Holdings, LLC, 5657 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 470, Los Angeles, CA. 90036, and distributed throughout Southern California. Up to the first three copies of any single issue are free; additional copies are $10 each. Violators caught stealing or destroying issues will be prosecuted under California Penal Code 484. For magazine subscriptions, please call (323) 930- 3220. The contents of Frontiers may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Letters to the editor, artwork, photography, manuscripts and other correspondence may be submitted to Frontiers at the above address. We cannot acknowledge or return material unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Allow at least three months for processing. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles or advertising in Frontiers is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation or the HIV/AIDS status of such person or organization. Copyright © 2015, New Frontiers Media Holdings, LLC.

COLUMNS 50 52

Billy Masters Palm Springs

PEOPLE INDEX Adele Carol Channing Charo James Franco 4

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Fleetwood Mac Kate Moss Ryan Murphy Ozzy Osbourne

14 35 33 37

Aubrey Plaza Rihanna Paul Ryan Jeffrey Sanker

9 20 12 31

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California Schools to Teach LGBT History Students will now study the contributions of our tribe to both California and American history By Dominic Preston

MORE THAN

The number of students in public schools in California, according to the state’s Department of Education, found in 1,022 school districts and 10,393 public schools.

SPEAK OUT

alifornian students will now learn more about the LGBT movement and its history after state education officials have voted to include more material on minority groups in the curriculum. The California State Board of Education voted unanimously on July 14 in favor of a new History-Social Science Framework that includes “a study of the role of contributions” of minority groups, including “lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.” “An LGBT-inclusive curriculum helps create an environment where all students can thrive,” Rick Zbur, Executive Director of Equality California, said in a press release, noting that LGBT students face higher rates of bullying and depression than other kids. “By seeing themselves reflected in lessons and materials, students’ experiences are validated and their sense of self-worth reinforced, creating the opportunity for students to be able to achieve academically.” Students will now study LGBT people’s contributions to both Californian and U.S. history, with content incorporated in multiple grade levels throughout elementary, middle and high school. Studies will cover key historical figures, pivotal moments in the struggle for equality and the evolution of LGBT communities and identities. “The new framework’s thorough inclusion of history of LGBT people, events and issues reflects the substantial professional scholarship in this area that has been produced over the past four decades,” says Don Romesburg, framework director of the committee on LGBT history. “It allows all students to think critically and expansively about how that past relates to the present and future roles that they can play in an inclusive and respectful society.” Miguel Covarrubias, a teacher at Franklin High School in Highland Park, has already been teaching 11th grade

students about the LGBT civil rights movement, and said that “for many, it has been the first time they have experienced LGBT content in the classroom.” “Some are initially uncomfortable until they realize it’s just about history, while for others, it makes a huge difference to know how they are part of the evolving American story,” says Covarrubias. The new framework follows 2012’s Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful Education Act (FAIR Education Act), a California law that requires better representation of LGBT Americans and people with disabilities in history education. It’s already led to improvements in how young Californians are being taught, and the new framework should improve things even further. “I really liked learning about Stonewall and Harvey Milk in my AP U.S. History class this past year,” says Allyson Chiu, a senior at Cupertino High School in the San Francisco Bay Area. “But I still encountered a lot of misunderstanding and ignorance about LGBT people from my classmates. If all California students started in earlier grades and learned about LGBT people across the entire history of the United States, imagine how much more welcoming and safe schools would be.”

“I fall in love with girls and guys. I can’t help it.” Parks and Recreaton star Aubrey Plaza, while doing promotion rounds for her new film Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, admits to being bisexual and says she’s well aware of her LGBT following

AUGUST 3, 2016

FLASHBULB

GOP PLATFORM GOES FAR TO THE RIGHT

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SPEAK

OUT

OUTFEST LOS ANGELES 2016, July 7-17—Our city’s annual LGBT film festival brought a plethora of documentaries, dramas, comedies and shorts to multiple L.A. venues, and the 11 days were filled with celebrity appearances, premiere screenings and special awards. Top, left to right: King Cobra star Garrett Clayton, Drew Droege, Zackary Drucker, James Franco receiving this year’s James Schamus Award, Looking creator Michael Lannan with star Daniel Franzese, Thomas Dekker, Outfest Senior Programmer Alonso Duralde with Executive Director Christopher Racster at the screening of Ghostbusters, this year’s Outfest Achievement Honor recipient John Cooper, director Kimberly Peirce. Middle: Laverne Cox snaps a selfie with Buck Angel, Rhys Ernst, the cast of opening night film The Intervention: Ben Schwartz, Jason Ritter, Melanie Lynskey, Cobie Smulders, Clea DuVall and Vincent Piazza. Bottom: Transparent star Amy Landecker, Jewel’s Catch One director C. Fitz with Jewel Thais-Williams, Wilson Cruz, Gus Van Sant, Tig Notaro, Sara Quin, Jackée Harry

“Whether you’re a man, woman, gay, straight, black or white— even ginger—why wouldn’t you come and have a test?” Britain’s Prince Harry tackles HIV stigma—continuing the work of his mother, Princess Diana—by getting tested while streaming the entire process live on Facebook on July 14

OUTFEST: CONNIE KURTEW, BETSY MARTINEZ, KAMILLE RITUALO, XAVIER ALDANA, CHRISTIE CONOCHALLA

he Republican party has lurched even further to the right in its draft party platform for the year, which boasts controversial positions on same-sex marriage, conversion therapy and even porn. At press time, party officials were currently working through the platform but had already approved a number of controversial measures. One of the worst of those concerns marriage equality, where the party called for a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman. “Our laws and our government’s regulations should recognize marriage as the union of one man and one woman and actively promote married family life as the basis of a stable and prosperous society,” the draft platform states. “For that reason, as explained elsewhere in the platform, we do not accept the Supreme Court’s redefinition of marriage and we urge its reversal, whether through judicial reconsideration or a constitutional amendment returning control over marriage to states.” That’s only the beginning of the platform’s anti-LGBT content, though. An amendment offered by the Family Research Council’s Tony Perkins endorses the thoroughly debunked practice of conversion therapy for LGBT kids, “support[ing] the right of parents to determine the proper treatment or therapy, for their minor children.” Another section calls to oppose the Obama administration’s move to protect trans schoolchildren’s right to access the restroom of their gender identity. “We support and encourage the common sense practice of protecting public safety and personal privacy by limiting access to restrooms, locker rooms and similar facilities based on biological gender,” the platform reads. Washington, D.C., delegate Rachel Hoff, the first (and only openly) gay member of the committee, was left emotional after trying and failing to soften the platform’s language on same-sex marriage. “All I ask today is that you include me and people like me,” she said, fighting back tears. “Freedom means freedom for everyone, including for gays and lesbians.” Beyond LGBT issues, the platform supports following Donald Trump’s calls for an “America-first” trade policy, calls to teach the Bible as part of “American history,” demands that lawmakers use their religion as a guide when legislating—stipulating that “man-made law must be consistent with God-given, natural rights”—and “congratulates” states that have declined to implement Common Core curriculum standards. Nearly every provision that expressed disapproval of LGBTs, same-sex marriage or trans rights was passed by the convention’s 2,472 party delegates. Perhaps strangest of all, the platform turns the party towards the real threat facing America today, internet porn. “Pornography, with his harmful effects, especially on children, has become a public health crisis that is destroying the life of millions. We encourage states to continue to fight this public menace and pledge our commitment to children’s safety and wellbeing.” —D.P.

AUGUST 3, 2016

WATERCOOLER

Your cheat sheet for intelligent conversation — By Peter DelVecchio

The 2016 Outfest award winners were announced July 17, closing night. Andrew Ahn’s Spa Night took the U.S. Grand Jury Prize, and star Joe Seo snagged a Special Mention for his performance. That film “conveys the simple truth that many of us discover our identities in small moments of desire rather than in bombastic narrative twists,” the jury said. Best International Film went to the French film Being 17; Southwest of Salem won Best Documentary Feature. Audience Awards went to Major!, Miles and—for best debut film—to Suicide Kale. Apart from the main awards, the 20th annual Outfest Achievement Award was given to John Cooper by filmmaker Rose Troche for his efforts as the festival’s past director of programming.

John Cooper

2 4

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Out, Poz Cancer Survivor Becomes New ‘Hamilton’

Founding father Alexander Hamilton could never have imagined the Broadway mega-hit musical based on his life, let alone the gay, HIV-positive cancer survivor who now portrays him onstage. Javier Muñoz, 40, has taken over the title role in Hamilton from Lin-Manuel Miranda after having been Miranda’s alternate for a year, taking the stage every eighth performance. Muñoz was diagnosed as HIV-positive in 2002 (he’s now undetectable), and with cancer last year. He recently underwent surgery and radiation treatment for the cancer. “I had my first follow-up in March,” he told The New York Times, adding, “I’m good.” “I have this joke,” he said, “if it’s funny or not funny, I don’t know, but the joke is that I have died several times already, and that’s how it feels.”

Lance Bass to Host Gay Version of ‘The Bachelor’

Former NSYNC member, actor and TV producer Lance Bass will be hosting a new Logo show this fall—Finding Prince Charming, a gay version of ABC’s hit The Bachelor. Thirteen gay guys, living together for the show’s duration (what could possibly go wrong?), will compete for the affections of one “Prince Charming,” who will supposedly be one of “the nation’s most eligible gay heartthrobs.” “Logo has a long history of showcasJavier Muñoz ing LGBTQ-focused stories with memorable (left) with characters that transcend pop culture,” says Lin-Manuel Pamela Post, Logo’s Original Programming SVP. Miranda “Finding Prince Charming will take viewers on a whirlwind journey through modern love and relationships in a way that only Logo can do.”

Cruz Wins Fight Dedicated to Orlando Victims

Orlando Cruz, the first openly gay boxer, dedicated his July 15 match against Alejandro “Alex” Valdez to the 49 victims of the massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, then prevailed over his adversary. Cruz, 35, who lost friends at Pulse, wore rainbow briefs at his weigh-in before the match, and the bell was rung 49 times, for each victim. Cruz also sports a new tattoo honoring the dead—a memorial ribbon, part-rainbow, part-Puerto Rican flag. “The fact that he’s gay is something huge,” says Michael Gonzalez, a Pulse survivor who attended the match. “It proves that sexuality has nothing to do with whatever you dream. You can be a boxer, you can be a basketball player, you can be a baseball player and it’s completely normal. Their sexuality doesn’t ruin the fact that they can be skilled the same.”

House Speaker Paul Ryan’s White-Out Selfie

For placement in the “can they really be that clueless?” file, U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., is catching flack for a selfie posted to Instagram on July 17. The photo shows a beaming Ryan in the foreground, backed by row upon row of Capitol Hill interns, all of whom are white (though if you squint, that one guy in the fourth row might be Asian). Some of the comments: “Perhaps all the blacks are off-camera on the far left?” “This isn’t about presidential canidates (sic). This is about an internship program being entirely white in a place like Washington, D.C., where 50.7% of the people are black.” “And people have said the GOP is the party of bigoted white guys. Now WHERE could anyone have gotten SUCH a strange idea?”

Outfest 2016 Award Winners Announced

’Loud House’ to Introduce Married Gay Couple

LGBT awareness and acceptance continues to sweep cartoonland, as it does here in the real world. Hard on the heels of Smithers having come out on The Simpsons earlier this year, and long after South Park’s Big Gay Al character hit the small screen, the July 20 episode of Nickelodeon’s animated series The Loud House introduced America to its very first animated gay married couple. The series focuses on an 11-year-old boy named Lincoln, part of a family with 11 children. In the episode, Clyde, a friend of Lincoln’s, comes over for a sleepover, brought by his two dads.

AUGUST 3, 2016

SPEAK

OUT

he FBI has continued to throw water on theories that Orlando shooter Omar Mateen targeted the Pulse nightclub because it was a gay bar, claiming that after more than a month of investigations, it has found no credible evidence for the claims. After the initial attack, officials were mostly quick to admit that it was likely both an act of Islamic terrorism and a homophobic hate crime. That view seemed all but confirmed after numerous gay men came forward to claim they’d seen Mateen at Pulse before, contacted him on gay dating apps or even had sex with him. Last month, FBI investigators cast doubt on those claims, and a few weeks on, they’re apparently still not convinced. Officials now report that after extensive investigation of his computer and other devices, there is no evidence that Mateen used any gay dating apps, and nothing to suggest he tried to cover his tracks by deleting files. In fact, they say there is evidence he was cheating on his wife—but with other

women, not with men. “While there can be no denying the significant impact on the gay community, the investigation hasn’t revealed that he targeted Pulse because it was a gay club,” a U.S. law enforcement official told the Washington Post. Investigators also pointed out that according to witnesses present during the violent attack last month, Mateen never used gay slurs during his shooting spree. A spokesman for Jack’d told the Post there is no record of Mateen ever having an account, though he acknowledged that Mateen could have used the app anonymously. Grindr has declined to comment. Meanwhile, Mateen’s autopsy has confirmed that he was HIV-negative and likely a long-term steroid abuser. Among the claims about Mateen was one that he was angered at the LGBT community after having sex with a man who later revealed himself to be HIV-positive. Had the autopsy shown evidence of the virus, it might have helped support such claims. —D.P.

“I’m thrilled to have my name linked with such a Hollywood legend and someone who shepherded all kinds of stories.” James Franco, who on July 16—ahead of Outfest’s screening of King Cobra—received the inaugural James Schamus Ally Award for his work in bringing LGBTQ stories to the forefront

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FBI: NO EVIDENCE THAT SHOOTER TARGETED PULSE BECAUSE IT’S A GAY BAR

DATEBOOK THROUGH OCTOBER

VOTER REGISTRATION POP-UPS As part of the city of West Hollywood’s efforts to increase voter participation, monthly voter registration pop-up events will encourage participation in November’s general election. Dates and locations will be posted at weho.org/elections.

THU. | JULY 28

BLUE DIAMOND GALA

The L.A. Dodgers Foundation’s annual event will include its blue carpet and pre-show party before paying special recognition to legendary broadcaster Vin Scully before a live show by Fleetwood Mac on the field of Dodger Stadium. Tickets start at $1,500. losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com

SUN. | AUG. 7

DTLA PROUD FESTIVAL

Los Angeles gets another go at Pride this summer when t h i s i n a u g u a l f e s ti v a l bum-rushes Pershing Square for a Sunday of live music, performances and a slate of the city’s best DJs. Also making a return: boozy makeshift waterpark SummerTramp. tinyurl.com/jufukwy

SAT. | SEPT. 17

ANGEL AWARDS GALA

Project Angel Food’s signature event, honoring individuals and organizations, is the primary fundraiser for funding tens of thousands of meals. Past recipients include Elizabeth Taylor, Whoopi Goldberg, Eric McCormack and Olivia NewtonJohn. angelfood.org

SUN. | OCT. 23

AIDS WALK L.A.

This year marks a m ove o u t of West Hollywood to DTLA, with this year’s walk coinciding with a series of Día de los Muertos art installations placed throughout Grand Park. The 10k fundraising walk benefits APLA and 20 other L.A. County AIDS service organizations. la.aidswalk.net

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A Bubbly Summer We’ve peeled back the caps and tabs on six brands of popular hard sodas to uncover the cream of the pop-tops By Mikey Rox

PHOTO CREDIT TK

ard sodas—that is, fizzy beverages with an alcohol content, for the yet unfamiliar—are having something of a moment. In the past 18 months, brands like Not Your Father’s, Henry’s Hard Soda and Best Damn have infiltrated bars and home fridges, stealing market share from traditional beers and those still-trendy hard ciders that rose to prominence just a few years back. And it’s easy to see why: they’re fun, tasty and even a bit nostalgic. “While hard sodas may have initially hit the scene in spring last year, they have recently gained major traction,” says Trisha Antonsen, chief cocktail officer at Drizly.com, a packaged-alcohol delivery service that serves Los Angeles. “At about 5% ABV, flavors such as root beer, ginger ale and orange soda promise more than just a sugary buzz.” While that sounds good on paper, we had to put it to the test. So we guzzled down eight different hard soda brands to present you with the best of the best. Only six made the cut, and these are our sticky-sweet standout faves.

AUGUST 3, 2016

BEFORE YOU WEAR THAT TANK TOP...

THE

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AGENDA

A few questions to ask yourself

1. Where will you be wearing this tank top? 2. Is food served there? 3. How close is the

nearest body of water? 4. If food is served

there, is it more or less casual than a Señor Frogs? 5. How much skin are

Best Damn Root Beer

Hard Frescos Juicy Jamaica

Among the relative abundance of adult root beers available—the most common flavor in hard sodas—Best Damn reigns supreme. Where others were too sweet, too syrupy or missed the mark on genuine root beer flavor because of overpowering alcohol, this aged-on-vanillabeans ale satisfies fresh from the can or paired with ice cream in a grown-up float. 5.5% ABV

One of the most adventurous flavors in the test group, Hard Frescos Juicy Jamaica is brewed with real hibiscus and is a welcome departure from the more conventional options. This “malt beverage” is interesting, light and a bona fide pick-me-up when served ice cold on a sun-scorched lanai. 5% ABV

Not Your Father’s Vanilla Cream Ale

Henry’s nails the orange part of the equation—if you’re a fan of Sunkist, Fanta or Crush sodas, you’ll like this—but the citrus notes seem secondary as the alcohol is equally present. It’s still a great throwback pop for a new generation, mind you, but it’s a little too reminiscent of a Mike’s Hard Lemonade. They could be cousins, in fact. 4.2% ABV

Smooth, creamy and made with Madagascar vanilla, Not Your Father’s reimagines cream soda inventor Alexander C. Howell’s effervescent concoction as a 21-and-older nod to a bygone era that can now only be experienced through your taste buds. 4.1% ABV

Farmer Willie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Cold-pressed ginger and lemon converge in harmony in this spicy rendition of a home remedy stomach-settler. Farmer Willie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer tickles the tongue while the complex composition of its formula—at least it tastes that way—suggests a sophistication wise beyond the years of its makers, a Cape Cod goat farmer and two enterprising college kids. 4.5% ABV

Henry’s Hard Orange Soda

Crabbie’s Fruits Cloudy Alcoholic Lemonade Surprisingly lemony without an alcohol aftertaste, Crabbie’s—which glides across the tongue much easier than its name—is ripe for added punch. Kick it up a notch in a glass of ice with a shot of your favorite liquor—perhaps with a berry twist alongside Absolut Raspberri—to realize this crowd-pleaser’s full party potential. 4.8% ABV

you showing exactly? 6. (If your nipples are showing, it’s not a shirt.) 7. When was the last time you checked your back hair situation? 8. What about your shoulders? 9. And what about backne? 10. (That’s back

acne.) 11. Last, but certainly

A Slowed-Down Sushi Spot ONE OF THE LATEST restaurants to call Santa Monica Boulevard home—in the heart of Boystown—is Izakaya by Slowfish, a new Asian-fusion spot hoping to take advantage of the area’s happy hour devotees and bar-hopping bros. Just off the beaten path of the strip, and featuring its own parking lot (a welcomed rarity), this izakaya—a Japanese take on the gastropub, offering a plethora of small or shared plates—has become a perfect spot for groups of four or more to plop down at a banquette or on the adorably lit patio. Devour dishes as wide-ranging as sushi rolls, tempura-treated veggies, jeon Japanese pancakes, galbi skewers and rice and udon dishes—the work of executive chef Hyunchang Han, trained in Tokyo and New York—all in a space that is as convivial as the neighborhood demands, a new must-try for your dining-out roster. 8267 Santa Monica Blvd., izakayaslowfish.com —Stephan Horbelt 18

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not least, are you sure you’re ready to own that tribal tattoo you drunkenly got in the ‘90s? 12. You sure? 13. Then, as they say,

“sun’s out, guns out.” —S.H.

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AGENDA

FOR A SCARE

A Return to the Fold Looking for something— anything—positive to come out of Brexit? We may have found something, in the form of cheaper grooming products from across the pond. Thanks to a diminished exchange rate on the British pound, it’s no longer exorbitant to douse yourself in Molton Brown Black Peppercorn Body Wash or Murdock London Sea Salt Spray— at least not if you head to Mankind, your digital hub for all things chic and grooming-related. The site has been around for 15 years, and it’s a great resource for the guy who wants to take a chance on smaller, indie labels like Triumph & Disaster or Mr. Natty. Maybe you’d rather stock up on big names like Aesop and Jack Black—that’s cool, too. In addition to elixirs for your skin and hair, check out a wide range of home and tech items, too, more in line with what’s hip and current. mankind.co.uk

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5 things we couldn’t be more happy to see make their way back to the marketplace By Stephan Horbelt 1. Crystal Pepsi While it isn’t slated to be on shelves for long— only an eight-week run—the long-lost clear soda that made a splash back in 1992 will return to stores on Aug. 8. Pepsi says it was “overwhelming fan demand” that led to the drink’s resurrection, and while Crystal Pepsi still tastes nearly exactly like the company’s cola, the formula is reportedly a bit different this time around, plus it will be caffeinated. 2. B.U.M. Equipment Set to coincide with the athletic leisure brand’s 30th anniversary, late 2016 will see an influx of gym-wear sporting this popular three-letter acronym of the ‘80s and ‘90s. “I owe Rihanna,” says the brand’s chairman and CEO Stephen Wayne, after the pop goddess sported a throwback sweatshirt last year, sparking renewed interest. 3. Adele Tour T-Shirts It’s only been half a decade since the British songstress graced stages here in the States (for her album 21 in 2011), but Adele is currently barreling through the country once again, and we couldn’t be more stoked. Catch her at the Staples Center for six (unfortunately already

sold-out) gigs, Aug. 5-13. Yet another reason to praise the female vocalist: after saying she wouldn’t be placing her latest hit record, 25, on streaming sites, she changed her mind, and it’s available now. Spotify users rejoice! 4. The Woody Formally known as the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, it hauled around many a young gay kid’s childhood, renowned for its woodgrain exterior paneling. Details surrounding the auto are being kept under wraps, but “The Woody” is being billed as a luxe SUV, comparable to Range Rovers and Mercedes models. Unfortunately, you won’t find it at your local car dealership until 2018. 5. Lisa Frank The child of the ‘90s who suffers from mindnumbing bouts of boredom need be bored no longer, as it’s been announced via Instagram that the face of queer-owned Trapper Keepers everywhere, Lisa Frank, has plans to release an adult coloring book. Available late July/early August inside Dollar General stores, the book features all the DayGlo unicorns, teddy bears and fruit in animal print bikinis (?) you miss from your gradeschool days.

FOR A FROZEN TREAT At Magpies Softserve in Silver Lake, former Patina chef Warren Schwartz and his wife make everything from scratch: the seven daily flavors of swirly soft-serve (pray for the sweetened Cuban espresso flavor of the Cortadito), even delicious toppings like chocolate honeycomb, salted caramel sauce and butterscotch Rice Krispies. (Yum.) 2660 Griffith park Blvd., magpiessoftserve.com

FOR HONORING AN ICON Twenty years after her life was tragically cut short, Latina goddess Selena will find a home on Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame, as the LA Times reports she’s part of the class of 2017. Also scheduled to be honored in 2017 are Eva Longoria, Gustavo Dudamel and Brett Ratner. The ceremonies, which are free and open to the public, are generally announced a week before taking place. facebook.com/official hollywoodwalkoffame

PHOTO CREDIT TK

July 4 saw the official opening of Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Don’t Open, Dead Inside” doors as it welcomed the latest permanent daytime attraction, based on AMC’s hit show The Walking Dead. Those who enjoy being terrified are sure to take joy in the walk-through’s animatronic and live “walkers” as well as some recognizable props from the series. universalstudioshollywood.com

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health FOR YOUR

e are all well aware of the pleasurable benefits of having sex, but some don’t realize that getting busy between the sheets can also have benefits reaching way beyond your erogenous zones. Consider the following pluses of frequent erotic interludes:

Your risk for prostate cancer, research has shown, can decrease by as much as 20% with regular sexual intercourse. During a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, men who ejaculated frequently—at least 21 times per month—were less likely to get prostate cancer. Subjects reaped this benefit not only from sex with a partner but also from nocturnal emission and masturbation.

7 Health Benefits of Great

SEX Is there any better reason to regularly get it on than to keep your mind and body in working order? By Jim Larkins

2. Enjoying some intimate time with your man has the self-fulfilling benefit of making him hungrier for sex, and it makes that sex better when you do get it on. “Having sex will make sex better and will improve your libido,” says Lauren Streicher, MD, an assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. 3. Take comfort in knowing that the next time you lose control in

an orgasmic explosion, you could be taking control of your elevated blood pressure. Researchers have discovered the two are linked. “There have been landmark studies,” says Joseph J. Pinzone, MD, medical director of Amai Wellness, and “one such study found that sexual intercourse specifically [as opposed to masturbation] lowered systolic blood pressure.”

4. Sex can also help you battle the flu. “Sexually active people take

fewer sick days,” says Yvonne K. Fulbright, Ph.D., a sexual health expert. So during the cold and flu season, when everyone in the office seems to be exploding with contagious coughs, keep the sickness away by indulging in a healthy bout of morning sex.

5. Enjoy a frequent roll in the hay for a healthy heart. One study

showed that men who have sex at least twice per week are half as likely to die of heart disease as men who have sex rarely. Besides being a heart rate accelerator, sex helps to keep a guy’s testosterone levels in balance.

6. Before you reach for the Percocet, consider a substitute: sex. Having an orgasm, it turns out, can be a great alternative for popping pain pills. “Orgasm can block pain,” says Barry R. Komisaruk, Ph.D., a distinguished professor at Rutgers. “It releases a hormone that helps raise your pain threshold. 7. Last, sex can send you into a deep slumber for the restful night of sleep that is necessary to stay healthy and alert during the day. “After orgasm, the hormone prolactin is released, which is responsible for feelings of relaxation and sleepiness,” says Sheenie Ambardar, MD, a psychiatrist based in West Hollywood. AUGUST 3, 2016

FOR YOUR

health

When It Doesn’t Look Like Lemonade Inside the colorful (and, yeah, sometimes horrifying) world of urine

ORANGE Heavy doses of beta-carotene, most commonly from carrots, can turn your pee orange, but there are also a few over-the-counter pills that can do the same (namely, UTI reliever phenazopyridine and blood thinner warfarin). NEON YELLOW This one isn’t such a cause for concern, as it’s likely due to your taking B vitamins, most likely B12. GREEN Most asparagus lovers are well aware of the effect the veggie has on the smell of urine, but it can also occasionally tinge your urine green. In other, more rare cases, green urine can signal something called a proteus infection, which can also cause kidney stones. If you haven’t been eating green, go see a doctor.

FITNESS WITH AARON SAVVY

➸ Send your questions to aaronsavvy@ gmail.com

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BLUE Believe it or not, blue pee is possible, caused by hypercalcemia, a rare genetic condition that results in too much calcium in your bones. RED Best case scenario, you recently ate something that can tint the color of your urine red. Rhubarb, blackberries and beets are all potential culprits. (In fact, red or pinkish urine after eating beets is common enough to be called beeturia.) But if you haven’t indulged in any of those foods, or if red pee lingers after more than a day, you may want to call your doctor, as it could signal a bladder or kidney tumor. And if you notice blood clots in your urine, or pieces of tissue along with a red tint, get thee to the emergency room. BROWN Much like red pee, brown urine can be caused by a couple different foods, like fava beans or rhubarb, but it can also be a sign of something seriously wrong, like a tumor. Blood in urine, for example, often reads as brown. CLOUDY WHITE Don’t be fooled into thinking that just because your urine isn’t one of the more vibrant colors of the rainbow that you’re in the clear. Cloudy white urine often signals something bad, like an infection or kidney stones. (Basically, you’re peeing out pus, and that’s no good.) At any sign of something abnormal with your urine, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor. You’re always better safe than sorry! —Stephan Horbelt

I’m currently overweight. Should I consider liposuction?

Is running on a treadmill better than running outside?

—Robert, Santa Monica

—Jared, Hollywood

I always suggest exercise first and foremost, and the creation of a healthy eating regimen. The time period to see change is typically three months. With that said, liposuction does work, but it is only temporary if your eating habits don’t change for the better.

Running on a treadmill is a little easier on your knees, as the treadmill tends to give a little cushion to your overall body weight. Running outside will be a bit more challenging with a harder surface, as well as typical changes in the terrain.

URINE: WEST LEIGH

t’s something that many of us are taught from a young age: your urine should resemble the color of lemonade, and anything darker than a pale shade of yellow means you’re dehydrated. Oh, but it’s not that simple. Unbeknownst to many, urine can come in many colors—literally every segment of the rainbow, as pictured above. Not that you want it to. We have our kidneys to thank for the yellow tinge of our urine, caused by a chemical reaction resulting from the organs’ processing of waste. Typically the more dehydrated a person is, the more concentrated his urine becomes, which results in a darker yellow inside your toilet bowl. But what does it mean when urine appears green, blue or, god forbid, a cloudy white? We’ve put together this handy guide.

AUGUST 3, 2016

FOR YOUR

health

YOUR

NEW FAVORITE

GYM MIX

12 DATING APP TURN-OFFS Is your inability to find the man of your dreams via a phone caused by one of these dozen mobile mess-ups? By Dr. Greg Cason

By DJ Sindri Salad 1. “Fat Girls” Briki Fa President 2. “Breathe (Treasure Fingers Remix)” Anna Lunoe 3. “Go Robot” Red Hot Chili Peppers

hether you prefer Grindr, Scruff, Tinder or Growlr, your profile is a window into who you are. Unfortunately, many guys reveal ugly parts of themselves and scare away quality men. Don’t know if you’re doing it? Here are the biggest profile turn-offs that make men swipe left: 1. NO-NO NANNETTE: “No fats, no femmes, no Asians.“ “No sups, woofs or smiles.“ Can you really not tolerate a size-challenged Asian sending you a smile? It shows that you are both narrow-minded and a control queen. Eliminate the word “no“ from your profile entirely. Don’t like someone? Don’t respond. Simple. 2. LECTURING: Strong opinions about open relationships? Bareback sex? Faceless profiles? Keep it to yourself, Judge Judy. Say what you like to do, not who you think others should be. 3. HEADLESS HORSEMEN: Is your profile pic just of your chest, crotch or cat? OK, we get it—your job and boyfriend can’t know you’re trolling along with the rest of the gay world. Your torso may get a few curiosity seekers, but if you want more dates, you have to show some face. 4. LIST MAKERS: It’s nice someone wants to share his 25 favorite things, but that’s an attention-loser. Any “list“ should be between 3-5 things max. Longer than that and one of two things happens: he loses attention and swipes left, or he focuses on how different you are from him and swipes left. 5. NOVEL WRITING: Writing excessively long profile statements doesn’t help generation A.D.D. Save your confessional for date four. Keep things brief, polite and good-humored. Did I say brief? 6. CODE BREAKING: Overuse of emojis, text graphics and slanguage is too much work. These things are like Pig Latin. Hearing a word or two is cute, but deciphering a whole sentence is annoying. 7. MIRROR, MIRROR: “Have a body like me! Be white like me! Be hung like me! Be just like me!“ We get it. You want to fuck yourself. But if you want to score someone better than you, shut the hell up. No quality guy wants to be told what he should be. Besides, like-minded men will be attracted to what you are presenting. Present something hot, and nature will take its course.

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8. COMPULSIVE CLEANING: “I’m clean, and you should be, too.“ Since most people bathe, let’s guess you’re talking about HIV, or the lack thereof. Are you seriously saying people with HIV are dirty? You need to have your brain washed out with soap. If you wish to announce your status, just say “poz“ or “neg.“ After 25 years, most gay men have figured out what those mean. And don’t say what status someone else should be. Rather, if you don’t want to catch HIV, take PrEP and practice safer sex.

4. “Superstitions” Misun

9. SHOULDA COULDA WOULDA: “You should be fit, you should be hung, you should be a top.“ Ick! You sound more like a school marm than a hot man. While you’re eliminating the word “no“ from your profile, toss “should“ out the window with it.

7. “Ten Miles High” Róisín Murphy

10. DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO: “You should have a face pic“ ... but the demander is a Headless Horseman. “You should be fit“ ... but the demander has flab. These demands are “shoulds“ with a twist. Leaving demands out of your profile is best, but if you’re going to make one, be sure you can provide the same you demand of others (except the whole top/bottom thing). 11. THE ASS CEILING: “No one over 40! Sorry old guys“ or “No one under 8 inches!“ Numerical limits are so limiting! Rather, list your own age and size (or whatever else). Then when someone contacts you, it’s fair to ask about his. If he doesn’t meet your requirements, politely decline or, better yet, block him and disappear! He’s better off without you.

5. “Cloud (Plastic Plates Remix)” Sia 6. “Shadows” Midnight Juggernauts

8. “In the Heat of the Night” Sandra 9. “Cuchi-Cuchi” Charo 10. “Tenebre (Motion Picture Original)” Claudio Simonetti & Massimo Morante

12. BAD BACKGROUNDS: Profile pics with uncleaned rooms, toilets or girlfriends? Yikes! If you are going to take a selfie, be just as concerned with what’s behind you as your sultry expression. The eye does wander, you know. Basically, if you don’t want to attract flies, don’t smear your profile with crap. So what’s the right way to make a profile that gets you maximum results? Be specific about yourself, and he general about what you want. That’s it. Make the bait clear and appealing, and then cast a wide net. The perfect man will find you.

Contact Dr. Cason by going to DrGreg.com, or interact with him on Twitter @DrGregCason

You can find Sindri at Bar Mattachine’s Salad Saturdays, every Saturday from 9:30 p.m. til 2 a.m., to catch drag performances, craft cocktails, house, disco, funk and eccentric tracks. And look him up at soundcloud.com/sindrisalad.

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7/18/16 8:47 PM

events

nightlife

theater

exhibits Demonstrating the Imaginary Body (left), untitled piece by Noodlerice Studio

■ Through Aug. 7 CABARET Pantages Theatre

Direct from Broadway, this production reunites director Sam Mendes, co-director/ choreographer Rob Marshall and the 1998 revival’s creative team. hollywoodpantages.com

■ Fri. | July 22 EGGPLANT FRIDAYS Redline

Queer rapper and recent resident of our fine city Cazwell hosts a weekly night at the DTLA hot spot, spinning tracks to get your weekend started off right. redlinedtla.com

■ Thu. | July 21 TOUCH THURSDAY The Abbey

Now That’s What I Call Art

This party is “as gay as it gets,” with giveaways, sexy bottle service boys and specialty cocktails—plus, as always, world-class DJs and great tracks to keep you busy on the dance floor. abbeyfoodandbar.com ■ Through Aug. 7 FINDING DORY El Capitan Theatre

■ Fri. | July 22 WEIRD AL TAKES THE BOWL Hollywood Bowl

Before this special engagement of Disney-Pixar’s new film, The Bubble Guy will form bubbles beyond the imagination in a breathtaking bubble extravaganza live onstage. elcapitantickets.com

“Weird Al” Yankovic takes over the Bowl, backed by a full orchestra, as part of his Mandatory World Tour—a wild ride through 30 years of pop culture parodies and satire. hollywoodbowl.com ■ Sat. | July 23 MADELINE PEYROUX The Broad Stage

A soulful singer with a voice reminiscent of Billie Holiday, she’ll perform songs from her upcoming album, Secular Hymns, due out in September. thebroadstage.com

■ Through Aug. 29 BABY DOLL The Fountain Theatre

Darkly comic and crackling with sexual tension—about a 19-year-old married virgin— this is the first-ever estateapproved stage adaptation of the Tennessee Williams screenplay. fountaintheatre.com

■ Sat. | July 23 DAZED AND CONFUSED Montalbán Theatre

Rooftop Cinema Club continues its programming with a screening of Richard Linklater’s 1993 film about coming of age in 1976 Texas. rooftopcinemaclub.com/la

REDCAT's annual New Original Works Festival returns to DTLA, ready to change the way you look at art

the stage into an instrument with their foreEDCAT, the Disney Concert Hall’s most boding sculptural chimes in a performance provocative space, has always been a called Forest; and Emily Mast will focus on venue for the unusual. From screenings the limitations and absurdity of art galleries, of films that fly under the radar to performance juxtaposing zoos with museums in her piece art not embraced elsewhere, the venue has The Cage is a Stage. become a champion for the cutting-edge. The As part of Program Two, the festival feaNew Original Works Festival, REDCAT’s annual tures Laurel Jenkins and Chey Chankethya three-weekend-long arts extravaganza, allows as they meld Cambodian classical dance local artists to experiment and refine their and American postmodern choreography; pieces in a supportive setting, which means Rebecca Pappas will explore glacial landyou may catch the next big thing—in its rough scapes in a multimedia presentation (complete and raw form—in DTLA. with sculptures made from paper and fabric) Our city is quickly becoming one of the called Plastic Flow; and Noodlerice Studio will country’s foremost centers for art and specpresent an untitled piece about gender and tacle. With Hollywood and theater built into identity that fills the stage with bubbles. L.A.’s DNA, it’s no wonder the city draws For the third weekend of programming, I artists and performers who may stray into Am A Boys Choir will perform a campy piece unusual or unexplored territory. REDCAT inspired by competitive figure skathopes to cultivate the next generation ing and instructional videos called of performers and thinkers by givDemonstrating the Imaginary Body, ing them a stage and an audience. NEW or How I Became an Ice Princess— ORIGINAL They can explore and refine ideas WORKS featuring “trampolines, blood that will, one day, change the way FESTIVAL feuds, sequins and a lot of we look at art. REDCAT Tonya Harding“; Daniel Corral Nine per formances will July 21 - Aug. 6 will marry his minimalist music take over REDCAT as part of redcat.org with bombastic visuals in Comma; this year’s New Original Works and Wildfried Souly with explore the Festival, bringing new voices to L.A.’s lives of dancers in his multimedia danceart community. In the first weekend of theater piece On Becoming. programming, Jeepneys, White Boy Scream If you’re interested in the future of art—parand Miko Reverza will reconfigure the story ticularly the future of art in Los Angeles—then of Magellan as a space opera—complete with don’t miss REDCAT’s one-of-a-kind showcase, original music—as a pair of twins explore the New Original Works Festival. General admisdepths of the galaxy in a piece called Body sion tickets start at $20. —Patrick Rosenquist Ship; Rebecca Bruno and Mak Kern will turn AUGUST 3, 2016

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■ Through Sept. 1 MARILYN AT 90 Andrew Weiss Gallery

■ Sat. | July 23 JOHNNY RAMONE TRIBUTE Hollywood Forever Cemetery

This photographic and fine art retrospective commemorates Marilyn Monroe’s 90th birthday anniversary with some of the world’s most famous photographic works of her. andrewweissgallery.com

At the annual tribute, Rock ‘n’ Roll High School will screen to coincide with The Ramones’ 40th anniversary. After the screening there will be a Q&A with director Allan Arkush, Roger Corman and P.J. Soles. hollywoodforever.com

■ Sat. | July 23 SQURRRL Akbar

■ Through July 24 BAD JEWS Theatre of Note

This installment of the popular San Franciscobased party is themed “Enchantment Under the Sea,” and party people are encouraged to dress up as sea life or in their favorite beach wear. akbarsilverlake.com

A biting comedy about family and faith, when Daphna’s less observant cousin arrives to claim a treasured family heirloom, a battle of Old Testament proportions ignites. badjewsinhollywood.com

SNAP SHOTS ✱

30 FRONTIERSMEDIA.COM

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LET’S GET CRAFTY

Locals are invited to get their DIY fix at one of the Sunset Strip’s most iconic properties

ore than a classy hotel of the Sunset Strip, the Mondrian Los Angeles is now also the latest local spot to learn a creative trade, from calligraphy to horticulture to baking. Begun last month, Creative Hour—which takes place on the hotel’s world-famous Skybar patio—presents a series of crafty Tuesday evenings, curated with help from local artisans and timed with happy hour, 7-8:30 p.m. Each DIY class is open to the of-age public and hotel guests. Following Creative Hour’s inaugural installment, which saw famed calligrapher Erica Tighe instruct a mini-course on the fundamentals of calligraphy and custom lettering, other events (taking place weekly) have centered on meditation and detox, tarot card reading and mixology. While you may have missed those, there are still four installments of Creative Hour left. Among the skills you’ll be able to call your own after attending are geographic postcard making (July 26, when you’ll walk away with a set of personally designed cards); Brazilian cookie creation (sponsored by local bakery Simply Brigadeiro on Aug. 2); and brush lettering on greeting cards, also taught by Tighe (Aug. 9). August 16 will see DTLA-based catering and consulting firm Cocktail Academy host Game Night, with board games from around the world and a course on how to make some of summer’s best poolside concoctions. Immediately following each Tuesday’s Creative Hour, Skybar’s returning concert series, Tunesday, brings known and emerging artists to its intimate outdoor setting. A night of crafts, cocktails and live music, all outdoors in an iconic L.A. settting. —Stephan Horbelt

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BEAR BUST | PRECINCT Photos by Jeremy Lucido

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HIGH VOLTAGE | MICKY'S Photos by Jason King

■ Sun. | July 24 DEEP HOUSE YOGA Wanderlust Hollywood

■ Thu. | July 28 JULIETTE LEWIS The Fonda Theatre

It’s the most fun yoga experience you’ll ever have, as Donovan McGrath teaches a yoga class that has become quite the gay scene—with a live DJ, a light show. The party continues after the class with food and drink. wanderlusthollywood. com

She’s played several freaks on-camera, but nothing compares to Juliette Lewis’ ferocious rockstar persona when she takes the stage with a microphone. fondatheatre.com

■ Sun. | July 24 BEAT MOSAIC Plummer Park

Part of the city of West Hollywood’s “Summer Sounds” outdoor concert series, this danceable Cali funk and soul band will bring their groove to local residents. weho.org/arts ■ Through Sept. 18 LIVE FROM THE WEST REDCAT

In this collaborative exhibition created by Portuguese artist Pedro Barateiro and L.A.born poet Quinn Latimer, the latter’s poems are broadcast within a setting of the former’s photos and sculptures. redcat.org ■ Thu. | July 28 BFD Fubar

Mario Diaz’s long-standing queer party—known for its steamy ambiance, electroclash soundtrack and go-go boys in the skimpiest of attire—continues to bring the city’s sexiest guys out for a cocktail before the weekend gets fully underway. fubarla.com

■ Thu. | July 28 THE UNAUTHORIZED MUSICAL PARODY OF THE BIG LEBOWSKI Rockwell Table & Stage

Running Thursday and Friday nights through the end of summer, it’s Kate Pazakis’ sixth “unauthorized musical parody” production, this time with a musical rendition of the Coen Brothers’ 1996 comedy. rockwell-la.com ■ Fri. | July 29 FRESH FRIDAYS Flaming Saddles

It’s one of WeHo’s most popular nights, with some of the city’s hottest man candy. Jeffrey Sanker’s and Paul Nicholls’ party features world-class DJs, dancers and performers. flamingsaddles.com

AUGUST 3, 2016

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DRAGULA | FAULTLINE Photos by Jeremy Lucido

■ Fri. | July 29 A CHORUS LINE Hollywood Bowl

This groundbreaking show about life as a dancer auditioning for a Broadway musical is the Bowl’s annual, fully-staged production, starring Mario Lopez as Zach. Through July 31. hollywoodbowl.com

■ Sat. | July 30 NONOBJECT(IVE): DOWNTOWN Broad Museum

It’s an evening inspired by the asphalt jungle. Television lead singer Richard Hell will stage a reading, while Ryan Heffington and Brontez Purnell will present a dance and visual art collaboration. thebroad.org ■ Sat. | July 30 KCON 2016 Staples Center

■ Fri. | July 29 QUEEN KONG Precinct

This Boulet Brothers party brings an unheard-of roster of drag talent—local and internationally renowned—to DTLA each week, along with the occasional pop-up shop and artist’s showcase. precinctdtla.com ■ Sat. | July 30 BLUEPRINT FOR PARADISE Hudson Theatres

The ruins of an abandoned WWII Nazi compound in Pacific Palisades, known today as the Murphy Ranch, are the inspiration for this new play, set in 1941 during the weeks leading up to Pearl Harbor, inspired by true events. Through Sept. 4. blueprintforparadise.com

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Celebrating its fifth anniversary, it’s the world’s largest Korean culture convention and music festival. Through July 31. staplescenter.com ■ Through Aug. 7 RECORDED IN HOLLYWOOD Kirk Douglas Theatre

Veteran Broadway actor Stu James (Rent, The Color Purple) reprises the role of black entrepreneur and music mogul John Dolphin when this smash hit musical gets an all-new production. recordedinhollywood.com ■ Sat. | July 30 BEARRACUDA LONG BEACH Hamburger Mary’s

DJs Mateo Segade and Ryan Jones will provide the soundtrack as this worldfamous party is back at Mary’s for one last time in 2016 with hundreds of guys dancing the night away. bearracuda.com

EATINGOUT ■ Through July 31 THE DAY SHALL DECLARE IT DTLA Arts District

This immersive theater experience is a three-person show that takes place in a 3,000-square-foot DTLA warehouse while the audience follows performers around the space. The story stitches together Tennessee Williams’ one-act plays with Studs Terkel’s 1974 book Working. tinyurl.com/hxfwd9t

■ Wed. | Aug. 3 GLADYS KNIGHT Hollywood Bowl

The Empress of Soul, who has recorded nearly 40 albums, graces L.A.’s most iconic stage in an evening opened by horn titans Tower of Power. hollywoodbowl.com

T "The rock"

■ Mon. | Aug. 1 AN EVENING WITH RYAN MURPHY Hammer Museum

Part of the museum’s “Conversations” series, the Emmy-winning writer, director and producer of such shows as Nip/Tuck, Glee and American Horror Story sits down to chat about anything and everything. hammer.ucla.edu

Poolside Pleasures

■ Wed. | Aug. 3 ALCATRAZ: LIFE ON THE ROCK Queen Mary

This new exhibit, along with Alcatraz: The Last Day, give visitors a true feel for the history of and nation’s fascination with Alcatraz Island. Entry to both exhibits is included in admission to the ship. Through February. queenmary.com

■ Sun. | July 3 PTEROSAURS: FLIGHT IN THE AGE OF DINOSAURS Natural History Museum

■ Through Sept. 10 A NIGHT AT THE BLACK CAT CABARET Edgemar Center for the Arts

The largest pterosaur exhibit in the United States showcases the incredible variety of prehistoric flying reptiles, how they flew and surprising details from newly discovered fossils. Through October. nhm.org

This world-premiere original cabaret—a provocative night of music and dance—has been extended yet again, set in 1940 Paris, where soldiers, smugglers and society’s elite are all trying to escape the war. edgemarcenter.org

negotiating your options. Favorites include he latest incarnation of the mid-centhe white bean and black garlic hummus tury chic Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills’ with sesame oil and smoked chilies, and restaurant, Viviane, opened late last the crispy tempura-fried squash blossoms year, with restaurateur Stephane Bombet with citrus-soy dipping sauce. They’re like (Terrine) at the helm, and chef Michael delicious little chips with an Asian twist. Hung (recently of Faith & Flower) in the A tartine comes piled high with burrata, kitchen. Beverly Hills habitués will recognize seasonal mushrooms and crimson cherries, the same turquoise palazzo floors and mardrizzled with balsamic for a creamy-saltyble bar in the dining room, but the outdoor sweet trifecta. cabanas (which you should absolutely try One standout dish is the Tai snapper to reserve) around the pool have a fresher, kinalaw. A Filippino-style ceviche, luscious more colorful look, thanks to a redecoration slices of snapper are doused in light cocoby designer Kelly Wearstler. nut milk and vinegar, with a hint of citrus, The menu has also undergone a recent charred corn, thinly sliced onion, red peprevamp, with Hung creating a whole new per, microgreens and crispy shrimp chips. range of summer dishes to take advantage It’s light, balanced and delicious. The of seasonal produce while still maintaining saffron-scented jasmine rice with confit international influences spanning Europe, duck, baby kale and sun-dried blueberries Africa and Southeast Asia. is an interesting mix of flaThe wine list is mostly vors, but if you’re looking for Californian and French, but something more substantial, the poolside setting might try the pan-seared Pacific inspire you to have a clascod. The juicy cut of fish is sic cocktail on barman served with spiced eggplant Ryan Wainwright’s list. The ragout, cherry tomatoes and Hemingway Daiquiri—one the Kalamata olives. writer himself might recognize M eat- eater s , mean from his favorite Havana bar, while , should g ravitate El Floridita—is made with Viviane toward the 10-ounce castDiplomatico white rum, lime, 9400 Olympic Blvd., iron roasted bone-in New grapefruit juice and maraBev. Hills (310) 407-7791 York steak—tender and schino liqueur. And if you’re a vivianerestaurant.com juicy—with sliced tomatoes martini devotee, you’re in luck. $$$$$ and a tangy Hong Kong-style There’s a traditional one made XO sauce. On the side, the with Haymans Old Tom Gin, buttery potato purée with Martini Gran Lusso, Alessio Atmosphere A Hollywood Golden crème fraîche and chives is Vermouth di Torino, PuntAge pool party a taste of heaven. E-Mes and a lemon twist; a Finish with the lavender Delmonico version made with Standout Dishes Tai snapper kinalaw, panna cotta—delicate and Plymouth gin, Dolin Dry verburrata-mushroom tartine decadent, not too sweet, mouth and Regans orange bitaccompanied by a summerters; and a classic dirty martini Drinks The martini flight fresh cherry gelée and housewith Kalamata olive-infused made graham cracker for just Grey Goose and Dolin Blanc. Hours 5:30-10 p.m. Sun-Thu, the right amount of crunch. Can’t decide? Order a flight 5:30-11 p.m. Fri-Sat (dinner) That way you won’t feel too of all three. weighed down during your All plates are meant to Reservations Recommended post-prandial dip. —Eric Rosen be shared, so spend time

★★★★★

AUGUST 3, 2016

“Grey Gardens is more than a unique and unmissable musical:

It’s a gift.”

–peter travers, rolling stone

RACHEL YORK & BETTY BUCKLEY IN

GREY GARDENS BOOK BY

MUSIC BY

LYRICS BY

DOUG WRIGHT SCOTT FRANKEL MICHAEL KORIE BASED ON THE FILM GREY GARDENS

by DAVID MAYSLES, ALBERT MAYSLES, ELLEN HOVDE, MUFFIE MAYER AND SUSAN FROEMKE DIRECTED BY

MICHAEL WILSON

Jul 6 – Aug 14, 2016 AHMANSON THEATRE | DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES CenterTheatreGroup.org | 213.972.4400 | 34 FRONTIERSMEDIA.COM

They’re Back, Sweetie Darling Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley take the party on the road in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie

THE NEW VOICE OF HORROR IN THE HISTORY OF the zombie genre, has anyone successfully meshed human flesh-eaters with a coming-of-age, gay coming out tale? If someone has, it surely hasn’t been done with the fresh, inventive take of Welcome to Deadland (460 pp., $25, available Aug. 9), Zachary Tyler Linville’s novel that is sure to keep you guessing until its final pages. Weaving an apocalyptic tale of ravaged humanity fighting infection with its main characters’ pasts, the work is best described as Lost meets The Walking Dead. “Genre fans will absolutely love this thrilling tale of survival, and what it means to be human,“ says Rachel Heine, Editor-in-Chief of Nerdist. The book itself is Nerdist’s debut print release, following Linville winning the pop culture content creator’s first publishing contest on Inkshares last summer. It’s not your average zombie story, but why would you want it any other way? —Stephan Horbelt

By Jeremy Kinser

t’s comforting to know that even with all the unrest in the world today, some things never change. Take the unshakable bond between delusional PR maven Edina Monsoon and her boozy bestie Patsy Stone, for instance, portrayed by Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley, respectively. The two fashion-obsessed party girls of a certain age are, of course, the anti-heroines of Absolutely Fabulous, the beloved British comedy series that has garnered a devoted following on both sides of the Atlantic since its debut in 1992. Now they’re back in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, a glossy big-screen comic adventure that finds the ladies on the lam after they’re convinced Edina has killed super model Kate Moss. “We owe the gay community a huge deal,” Saunders says of the show’s predominantly queer fan base. “They helped make the show popular, and we love having them as fans.” The film adaptation is filled with all the frantic energy, politically incorrect humor and outlandish drag queens that made the series such a fervently worshipped hit with gay audiences. Part of the appeal is that the two lead characters never change or learn lessons. “We just get older,” Saunders shares. “Edina gets older and fatter. Patsy doesn’t AUGUST 3, 2016

Clockwise: Cheena, Rod Thomas of Bright Light Bright Bright, Dev Hines of Blood Orange

continued

change at all. She’s sort of embalmed and remains exactly the same.” Along with just about everyone who’s ever had a speaking part in the series, the movie is rife with celebrity cameos, including Joan Collins, Rebel Wilson and Jon Hamm, who it’s revealed was seduced by Patsy as a teen. “We just said, we’re having a party, will you come and be in it?” Saunders remembers. “Lots of people were incredibly generous.” Although the series has been resurrected numerous times over the years, fans have long clamored for a big-screen version. Saunders says it was her costar who finally convinced her to write a feature-length screenplay. She remembers Lumley coaxing her with, “You must write it, darling. Otherwise we will all be dead and we won’t have made the film.” Of course, the climate for politically incorrect humor has changed a great deal since Ab Absolutely Fab debuted, and word-policFabulous: ing is now the norm. Saunders The Movie notes that she was forced to take this into account Patsy and Edina, when writing the screenour favorite ’party girls of a certain play. “People are much more age,’ are back! ready to be offended these days,” she readily admits. “If In theaters July 22 you write a movie, you have lawyers telling you who you can offend and who’s going to sue you and who won’t. It was quite an issue, I have to say.” Earlier this year, comedian Margaret Cho denounced the casting of Caucasian actress Janette Tough as the film’s Japanese fashion designer Huki Muki, and a lot of attention has been paid to Patsy being revealed as transgender, a touchy subject with certain factions of the LGBT community. Longtime fans, however, aren’t surprised by this news of Patsy. Asked about it, Lumley relates her character’s backstory matter-of-factly. “Patsy was born a girl and was a woman, but she took some hormones in the ‘60s because she fancied being a man,” she says in her impossibly posh accent. “She went to Morocco with Edina and had a pretty poor operation. [Her penis] withered away and dropped off after a year, so she stopped taking the hormones and went back to being a woman.” Ultimately, Saunders doesn’t write with audience acceptance in mind. “I write it to amuse Joanna, really,” she admits with a laugh. “If you write it for too many audiences in mind, you’d die under the pressure. I basically write what I think will be funny. I hoped that people could watch the film not having seen the series and still enjoy it but also satisfy people who knew the series extremely well.”

For Your Ears Only BLOOD ORANGE: FREETOWN SOUND

*****

Available Now // Dev Hines recently said of this latest album, it’s his Paul’s Boutique (referencing the Beastie Boys’ second studio outing). While that’s true to a certain extent, his third album under the Blood Orange moniker is even more than that. Hosting an endless array of collaborators, Freetown Sound is unlike anything else currently being released, because, frankly, it’s genre-less. Freetown Sound is a cohesive album only because the primary theme is itself a lack of cohesion. Hooks and memorable lines float by, often without the chance to be repeated. On one track, Blood Orange emulates the icy cool of mid-’90s Everything But The Girl, then only seconds later, you’d swear it’s the second coming of Prince. At 17 tracks, and nearly an hour, this isn’t background music. This is a revolutionary album that demands to be heard. —Dominik Rothbard

BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT: CHOREOGRAPHY Available Now // *****

Bright Light Bright Light’s sophomore release, 2014’s Life Is Easy, was an emotional roller coaster. Relocating to a foreign city, adjusting to fresh landscapes, fast friends, new bodies—it was all there in the back-and-forth between bright pop melodies and the melancholy brooding just beneath their surfaces. Rod Thomas, aka BLX2, is a master at these scenarios (his debut, Make Me Believe in Hope, is one of the best in recent memory). Yet who knew the man would also master a much harder stratum of the pop landscape—the happy song? He did (it was there in 2014’s “I Believe”), and he’s followed his unerring instincts. Choreography, though not lacking in moments of self-reflection, is an ebullient record. Love (and more love) and sex (and more sex) is in the air, and Thomas’s elation is palpable and infectious. Guest stars abound here, including his recent tour mate Elton John, Jake Shears and Ana Matronic (previously of Scissor Sisters) and more, though none outstrip the auteur. Now all I could ask for is a sizeable hit single. Make it happen, universe. —Dan Loughry

CHEENA: SPEND THE NIGHT WITH...

*****

Available Aug. 5 // There’s nothing new to report on the debut of NYC quintet Cheena; no genre-shaping experiments or quantum leap into some heretofore unknown strain of rock (in all its crazy permutations). What there is, however, is the distilled spirit of grimy New York glam rock/punk: 11 short and punchy tunes that pay homage to and leap off from some hallowed forebears—The Ramones, Lou Reed, Bowie, etc. It’s not just slavish imitation, though with music as formally restrictive as this, it’s sometimes hard to tell. Whereas a band such as Parquet Courts brings new contours to its Velvet Underground indie drone, Cheena hews closer to the blueprints of the originals. The songs are strong, however, and the band is still young. Who knows how much they’ll mix it up as they head into their future? A lot, I hope, but this is good-time (punk-ish) rock ’n’ roll for now. —D.L. 36

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SET YOUR

DVR 1. BOJACK HORSEMAN

The animated series that asks, “What if HBO’s The Comeback mated with a horse?“ returns for a third season, and Bojack fans will probably be delighted to hear Weird Al Yankovic has secured a cameo this season. (Friday, July 22, Netflix)

2. RUSH HOUR

CBS likes to use the wasteland that is Saturday night to air failed programming. The Rush Hour TV series was a blink-andyou-missed-it misfire, but now you can miss it again, as the show returns with unaired episodes to be burned off this summer. (Saturday, July 23, CBS)

3. MAD TV

They’re calling this the 15th season premiere of Mad TV, but let’s be honest—this is a total reboot after seven years off the air. With no alums from the original 14 seasons returning, expect to fall in love with a few new faces as they deliver pop culture parodies and politically incorrect humor. (Tuesday, July 26, The CW)

4. OZZY & JACK'S WORLD DETOUR

The ultimate father/son road trip, selfproclaimed history buffs Ozzy and Jack Osbourne go on a 10-episode non-scripted jaunt around the world to visit iconic landmarks like Stonehenge and Mount Rushmore. Hopefully they bring along some booze, or we might actually understand what Ozzy’s saying. (Wednesday, July 27, History)

5. KILLER COACH

TELEVISION LONG DIVISION

This Lifetime Original Movie is for the Speedo fans. When Samantha’s swim coach retires right before her Olympic training, she’s excited about her handsome, well-renowned new coach—until, of course, he tries to kill her. Wackiness ensues. And what a subtle title. (Saturday, July 30, Lifetime)

6. BACHELOR IN PARADISE

The slow decay of Tara Reid’s career

Gary Busey’s teeth

2 Real Housewives of Atlanta

Unfunny shark jokes

Sharknado: The 4th Awakens, Sunday, July 31, SyFy

Because ABC believes there's nothing more interesting than a failed Bachelor contestant, this reality competition series returns for a third season of grueling competitions and covert STD-swapping. (Tuesday, Aug. 2, ABC) —Dominik Rothbard AUGUST 3, 2016

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Lip Service 50 of pop culture’s most memorable mustaches, past and present By Mikey Rox

ustache culture has lost its edge over the past few years, thanks to the peak-and-valley trend taking on a new identity as a marketing gimmick. (Thanks a lot, hipsters!) What was once a symbol of masculinity and maturity—growing in your upper lip like you made puberty your bitch—is today plastered in cartoonish design across coffee mugs, shower curtains and ironic T-shirts. You can even make

mustache-shaped ice cubes using pricey silicone trays—and that just makes us side-eye. Yet the real offense is that nowadays every 20-something vegan penny-farthing-rider who hand-dips his own beeswax votives and reads the newspaper on a stick sports one of our favorite facial hair styles—without giving an iota of props to those who blazed the bushy trail before them. So we’ll do it instead.

AUGUST 3, 2016

Lip

service

50. Billy Dee Williams Not only did he portray Lando Calrissian in two Star Wars films, but he endorsed Colt 45 in the ‘80s. BDW, you’re cool in our book. 49. Kurt Russell Goldie Hawn’s live-in lover since 1983 gives damn good Wyatt Earp. 48. Yosemite Sam The only proper ginge on our list, Bugs Bunny’s gunslingin’ archnemesis made his first official appearance—walrus ’stache and hair-trigger temper to boot—in May 1945. 47. Seth Bogart He has one foot in the audio world, having released music with Gravy Train!!!! and Hunx and his Punx; the other sits in the fashion world, defined by his work with local pop-up Wacky Wacko. Both feet support a perfectly shellacked ‘do and pencil ‘stache. 46. JD Samson She’s best known as a member of the bands Le Tigre and MEN, as an internationally booked DJ, and as a general bad-ass of the modern queer community. 45. Reza Farahan This Shahs of Sunset cast member’s substantial black-as-tar face fuzz has become such a part of 40

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his identity that he was barely recognizable after fellow Bravo star Bethenny Frankel took an electric razor to it in December 2013.

and “Private Eyes,” Oates was always cooler than Daryl Hall. We’re pretty sure he has the moustache to thank for it.

44. Colton Ford When you finally old enough to appreciate manon-man vids it was this hirsute hottie’s moustache that made your daddy issues feel as fresh as the wong is long.

39. Tom Hardy Four words: Tom Hardy as Bronson.

43. Cary Elwes The actor’s first big Hollywood movie was none other than The Princess Bride, in which he sported the most dainty of upper-lip warmers. 42. Damon Wayans Jr. The eldest son of comedy royalty Damon Wayans, DWJ—who models his grin after dear ol’ dad’s—has forged his own Hollywood path with starring roles in ABC’s Happy Endings and Fox’s New Girl, plus next year he’ll provide the voice to Wasabi in Disney XD’s Big Hero 6: The Series. 41. Adam Lambert Lambert’s no Freddie Mercury—in sound or ‘stache— but he has become a solid frontman for Queen, with whom he’s been collaborating since 2011. 40. John Oates Half of the duo behind such ‘80s hits as “Maneater”

38. James Franco The “is he or isn’t he?” actor/filmmaker likes to keep us on our toes regarding his sexuality, recently telling New York magazine that he’s “a little gay” (*eyeroll*), but there’s one thing we’re sure of: this King Cobra producer and star’s ‘stache can experiment all over our face whenever it wants. 37. Michael B. Jordan We’ll totally forgive you for Fantastic Four, Michael, if you promise to deliver more KOs like Creed. 36. Cheech Marin As one-half of America’s beloved stoner duo Cheech and Chong, Marin’s bushy upper-lip caterpillar surely smells of the good stuff. 35. Josh Hartnett At 37, Hartnett’s ‘stache has finally evolved from barely there to don’t mind if we stare. It’s just too bad his acting career isn’t on pace; his most recent gig— Showtime’s Penny Dreadful—just ended its run with a third-season series finale that no one expected.

28 34. Colin Farrell A proponent of same-sex marriage equality in his native Ireland—at one point penning an open letter supporting his gay brother, Eamon—Farrell proved he’s a pro at giving mustache rides in his sex tape with model Nicole Narain. 33. Borat There are two things we remember about Sacha Baron Cohen’s Borat character: his Selleck-ian ’stache and that traffic-stopping chartreuse mankini. 32. Albert Einstein The German-born physicist whose name is synonymous with science gave grandpas everywhere license to live facially untamed with his own wild and unruly mustache. 31. Fu Manchu An archetype of the evil genius, this character of film, TV, comics and radio actually has his very particular style of ‘stache named after him. 30. Rollie Fingers You’d be hard-pressed to find a sturdier handlebar than the one this National Baseball Hall of Famer waxes nostalgic to this day. 29. Zorro Created in 1919 by Johnston McCulley, this masked

(and mustachioed) crusader was the secret identity of Don Diego de la Vega, portrayed by more than a dozen Hollywood greats, including Douglas Fairbanks, George Hamilton and Antonio Banderas. 28. Ron Jeremy Before the internet introduced us to gay porn, you likely beat off to your dad’s old VHS tapes starring this guy, the portly adult film star (nicknamed “The Hedgehog”—don’t ask!) whose orchestrated bedroom stylings have claimed the dignity of more than 4,000 women. 27. Gomez Addams This ghoulish patriarch—originally a cartoon character for The New Yorker in the 1930s—didn’t sport a ‘stache until he made the leap to television, where he was embodied by John Astin. Later, in the films, the late Raúl Julia kept the fuzz. 26. Mark Twain He’s the literary world’s most famous salt-andpepper stache, still responsible for forcing high schoolers to crack open the classics. 25. Sammy Davis Jr. Affectionately known as Mister Show Business, he came into his own as a member of the famous Rat Pack before going on to host his eponymous variety show and recording the number one hit “The Candy Man.”

24. Sean Penn With or without a crumb-catcher, the Milk star has always looked a little weathered, though we prefer him as a death-row inmate to a surfer-dude doobie lover. 23. Johnny Depp Clean-shaven for much of the 1980s, Depp tested the whiskery waters throughout the ’90s before going full bro-stache in the aughts. Today, the only time you’ll see him without one is when he’s in character, as with the Mad Hatter in Disney’s Alice franchise. 22. Sam Elliott It’s no wonder this actor’s four-decade-plus acting career has seen its fair share of frontiersman roles. Elliott’s horseshoe mustache and family heritage—one of his relatives apparently fought in the Battle of the Alamo—make him well-suited for Hollywood Westerns. 21. Steve Harvey The man, the myth, the mustache. This “Original King of Comedy” is a 13-time NAACP Image Award winner, and his stint as the host of Family Feud has raised the on-again/off-again game show to the third most watched on television behind Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! (That flub while hosting the Miss Universe pageant notwithstanding.) AUGUST 3, 2016

Lip

service

19 17

20. The Beatles If you can believe it, there’s a Beatles Moustache Index online—however unrefined—chronicling the band’s foray into facial fur, starting with Ringo in 1962. The other three Beatles didn’t don theirs ‘til late 1966.

11 16. Nick Offerman Offerman stole our hearts as Parks and Recreation’s sometimes-sentimental everyman Ron Swanson— whose lip toupée is among the best we’ve ever seen—but it was only when we discovered he’s a teddy bear in real life (married to gaycon Megan Mullally) that he earned our five-star rainbow rating.

12. Hulk Hogan He’s more recently known as the guy whose sex tape took down media giant Gawker, but Hogan’s famous blonde horseshoe ‘stache makes him one of professional wrestling’s most iconic characters.

15. Little Richard Here’s a guy who has done more than shake, rattle and roll the foundation of rock music; he’s also inspired every pencil mustache to come thereafter. Good golly, Miss Molly, indeed.

11. Teddy Roosevelt The former president and current guardian of New York’s Museum of Natural History (in statue form) has the dubious distinction of having the largest mustache on the planet: Its carved-granite depiction on Mount Rushmore is 20 feet wide and about five feet tall.

18. Lionel Richie Did you know: While much of the Middle East has an awkward relationship with the U.S., Arab states like Iraq hold a torch for Richie and his long-tenured lip décor. In 2006, ABC News’ John Berman reported that “Grown Iraqi men get misty-eyed by the mere mention of his name. ‘I love Lionel Richie,’ they say.”

14. Groucho Marx Known for his quick wit and innuendo-laced patter, Groucho—one-fifth of the successful family comedy act the Marx Brothers—established his signature mustachioed character with greasepaint in the early 1920s before growing the real deal in his later career.

10. Tom of Finland’s Kake The world’s most famous gay erotica artist, born Touko Laaksonen, basically crafted the template of the gay man of the ‘70s when in 1968 he created Kake, a dark-haired leatherman sporting a mustache, a tight white tee and his trusty motorcycle.

17. “Got Milk?” Campaign The campaign ran for 21 years starting in 1993 (discontinued in 2014 in favor of the forgettable “Milk Life” ads) and featured a diverse roster of popular celebs wearing chalky cookie-dusters, including David Beckham, Whoopi Goldberg, Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and Suze Orman, to name a few.

13. Ned Flanders Homer Simpson’s overly religious neighbor, with chipper catchphrases like “Okilly dokilly!” and “HeyDiddly-Ho!” has only parted with his pushbroom a few times in the show’s 27-year history, once when Homer implied that people were mocking his ‘stache behind his back.

9. Lyft OK, so it’s not a legitimate mustache—in fact, it’s called a Glowstache by Lyft insiders—but you’ve got to hand it to the ride-sharing service on its clever branding. The company has made it easy to spot its vehicles in a sea of taxis when your vision is less 20/20 and more 20-proof.

19. Alex Trebek Fun fact: There’s now an entire generation who will never know Alex Trebek with hair on his lip. The veteran Jeopardy! host wore his signature lower brow for 30 years before shaving it off in 2001.

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JOHN WATERS: TERRY RICHARDSON

1 8. Charlie Chaplin His toothbrush mustache—that today is practically synonymous with his name—came in handy during the rise of Hitler (who sported a similar style), which the silent-era star used to his advantage to parody the world’s biggest asshole in the 1940 film The Great Dictator.

JOHN WATERS: TERRY RICHARDSON

7. Burt Reynolds Sometimes the man makes the mustache, and sometimes the mustache makes the man. The verdict’s still out in this case, since you can’t have one without the other. Few men had bigger star power in the ‘70s than Reynolds, star of Smokey and the Bandit, Cannonball Run and Boogie Nights, and who can forget that notorious Cosmopolitan spread, where he was decked out in nothing but a mustache ... and a smile. 6. Frida Kahlo Kahlo, whose revealing self-portraits effectively capture her physical and psychological suffering, had affairs with both men and women—and she didn’t shave for any of them. 5. Clark Gable Often referred to as the King of Hollywood, Gable is the epitome of what a leading man is supposed

to be—complete with a smoldering gaze, comehither smirk and tightly trimmed tickler that frankly doesn’t give a damn. 4. Salvador Dalí Indicative of his flamboyant personality and grandiose behavior, Dalí’s mustache manipulations (he once fashioned it into an infinity symbol for a photo shoot) became a trademark of his appearance beginning in the 1920s. Influenced by 17th century Spanish master painter Diego Velázquez, the surrealist’s mustache was voted in a British Movember poll as the most famous of all time, edging out Hulk Hogan’s handlebar by 6%. 3. Freddie Mercury There’s a laundry list of reasons to appreciate the genius that was Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, starting with any one of his band’s 15 albums, but not least of which was the time he told an audience full of admiring, screaming fans that a lot of people hated his mustache—but he didn’t give a fuck. “It’s my mustache, and I’m gonna keep it!” he exclaimed before a crowd that only went wilder for the posthumous Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer. 2. Tom Selleck As private investigator Thomas Magnum on

Magnum, P.I. in the 1980s; as Dr. Richard Burke on Friends in the ’90s; as casino owner A.J. Cooper on Las Vegas in the late 2000s; and as police commissioner Frank Reagan (the role he currently plays on the CBS series Blue Bloods), Selleck has spent three decades redefining how to rock a serious ‘stache with class and panache. In fact, one of the only times you’ll see this sex symbol without his legendary mouth mirkin is in In & Out, still one of mainstream Hollywood’s few attempts at a comedic “gay movie,” which in its day (the not-so-distant 1997) was widely noted for its 10-second kiss between the former California Army National Guard sergeant and costar Kevin Kline. 1. John Waters Yeah, we’re totally biased; we admit it. But even the best argument against gay filmmaking and fashion icon John Waters reigning supreme as pop culture’s most memorable mustache is about as thin as his own renowned pencil-thin facial hair. The Polyester director brought his suave style to the forefront in the early 1970s as a young auteur in Baltimore. That ‘stache isn’t all God’s work, however. Waters relies on a little (perhaps Divine) intervention, filling in his closely clipped mouth coif with Maybelline Velvet Black eyeliner. Totally mondo trasho. AUGUST 3, 2016

g n i k o Lo to Rio

2016

Come August, the entire world will be enraptured in talk of national pride, ‘going for the gold’ and—possibly—the Zika virus. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil By Stephan Horbelt and Dominic Preston

Time Is On Our Side

Rio is slated to be the most-watched television event in U.S. history, topping the 219 million who watched the London Olympics in 2012. NBC has Brazil’s more American TV-friendly time zone to thank, which is only one hour ahead of our Eastern Time Zone.

Golf Is Back

Juma’s death wasn’t the only thing to go wrong during the torch relay, which started out in Greece on April 21 and began its trek through 329 Brazilian cities on May 3. A 27-year-old man was arrested on June 26 after trying to put the torch out—allegedly on a dare. He threw a bucket of water at the flame, which didn’t go out, and was promptly arrested for damaging public property, which could land him between six months and three years in prison. He’s since been released on bail.

A Team of Refugees

“These athletes have no national team to belong to, they have no flag to march behind, no national anthem to be played,” says President Thomas Bach about a team of 10 athletes with refugee status. “We will welcome these refugee athletes with the Olympic flag and with the Olympic anthem.”

Russia on Appeal

After a 112-year-long absence from the Summer Games, golf is returning to the roster, for both men and women. Rio had a course built for the games (though its construction met with environmental protests), that will remain open after the games as Rio’s second public golf course. Rugby makes its return as well, having been gone since 1924.

Nearly 70 Russian athletes have appealed a ruling banning them from competing for their country in Rio. The Russian Athletic Federation was barred from international competition in November over allegations of state-sponsored doping. Russian athletes are allowed to compete, but must do so as neutral parties, not Russian reps, and will have to pass additional doping checks and meet strict criteria to participate, effectively ruling most of them out.

Yes, a Jaguar Got Shot

Step Up, Brazil

One of the few Rio stories to burst through the bubble of news surrounding the Orlando massacre and Brexit, a jaguar that had been posed beside the Olympic torch was shot and killed when it made an escape attempt on June 20. The animal, Juma, was being kept at a zoo attached to a military jungle training camp, and was taken out by a soldier after four tranquilizer darts failed to stop it. Experts have suggested it likely attempted to escape because it was stressed by the attention and crowds drawn by the torch relay, leaving Brazilian authorities under scrutiny for their decision to use it in the first place. 44

A Prank Gone Wrong

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Did you know that despite winning five World Cups for soccer, Brazil has never won a gold medal for the sport? This year may be the year.

The Most Promiscuous Olympics in History?

Rumors are long-standing about the Olympic Village being a hotbed of sex among athletes, and the International Olympics Committee is taking those rumors seriously. Each athlete at the Games will be given 42 condoms to last him or her through the duration of the 17-day event.

PHOTO CREDIT TK

As it’s known to do, NBC is ramping up its Olympics coverage, planning to air more than 260 hours of programming during the Aug. 5-21 event. Aside from Today every morning, NBC Nightly News and a few hours here and there from local stations, it’s gonna be all Olympics, all the time. (Plus new latenight programming hosted by Ryan Seacrest.) And that’s to say nothing of NBCUniversal’s digital coverage at nbcolympics.com, which will live stream every competition, totaling 4,500 hours. And for the first time ever, some sports will be offered in 4K Ultra HD and virtual reality.

PHOTO CREDIT TK

Keep Your Eyes on the Peacock

(top right) Michael Phelps, the world’s top medal holder; (bottom) a rendering of the Olympic village

LGBT Athletes to Look Out For The 2012 Sochi games saw half a dozen gay athletes compete, and Rio is guaranteed to trump that number Jamie Bissett Diving

Currently in training for Rio, Bissett, 22, made headlines when he came out late last year— also announcing that he’s dating fellow diver Tanner Wilfong. Canada’s two-time reigning champion in the 3-meter springboard says, “I’m OK with gay being part of my reputation. I like it.”

Tom Bosworth Race-Walk

This UK athlete, 26, also came out late last month, only the second British track and field star to do so (after hurdler Robert Newton in ‘04). He’s said his fellow athletes have been supportive: “They soon realized there was nothing to be concerned about and all was perfectly normal.”

Tom Daley Diving

Daley, 22—famously engaged to Hollywood screenwriter Dustin Lance Black last October—has qualified to compete in multiple events at this year’s Olympics. At London in 2012, he walked away with a bronze medal in the 10-meter platform

Victor Gutiérrez Water Polo

A Legend Returns

Having won more Olympic medals than any other athlete, swimmer Michael Phelps will be attending his fifth—and, likely, last—Olympic Games in Rio. Says his longtime coach Eddie Reese to Sports Illustrated: “I think we’re going to see him go faster than he’s ever gone. He’s going to be very, very hard to beat.”

Team USA Gives Back

The American team has announced its efforts to give back to the people of Brazil, in thanks for hosting us, by providing renovations to the facilities and accommodations the team will be using during the two-week competition. The three sports clubs that are set to be Team USA’s training centers in Rio have all been renovated and gifted new equipment for use after the Olympics are done. Meanwhile, Colegio São Paulo, a school that serves 600 local children and will serve as House USA during the Olympics, has also received renovations and upgrades to benefit local children when they return to school in the fall.

Rio’s Security Plan

Safety surrounding the Rio games has been ramped up following recent attacks where large crowds have been targeted. Brazilian security has said four individuals with links to terrorist organizations applied for accreditation to this summer’s games, only to have their links uncovered by Brazil’s anti-terrorism unit and international intelligence. Passes would have given them access to 32 venues. The Brazilian army is preparing for biological and nuclear attacks, with 85,000 troops set to safeguard the games, plus 10,000 undercover troops.

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Zika at Large

The Zika virus continues to pose a threat, and fears around it have waxed and waned. A number of athletes have withdrawn from the competition over fear of the outbreak, including many of the world’s top golfers. Jamaican sprinter Kemar Bailey-Cole revealed he had already contracted the virus, though was still aiming to compete in trials. The virus’s mild symptoms include a rash and muscle soreness, but it has also been linked to serious birth defects in newborns.

This Madrid-born athlete, 25, who has a dual degree in journalism and communication, swam out of the closet just this past May. “I hope my coming out serves to break a taboo within the sport,” he says. “You have to be judged not by your sexuality but by your sporting merit.”

Robbie Manson Rowing

This kiwi athlete, who has been out since ‘14, qualified for Rio when he and doubles partner Chris Harris won bronze at the World Rowing Championships in France. Rio will be Manson’s second Olympics. “I hope that my story can add something to what is already out there,” he says.

Megan Rapinoe

Soccer

Despite tearing an ACL last December, this star of our women’s soccer team says her dreams of Rio are far from dead, insisting, “This blonde ain’t gone!” Time will tell whether Rapinoe finds herself on the team’s finalized roster.

Sam Sendel Trampoline

When this 24-year-old came out in 2014, she set out to inspire other LGBT athletes, and has since worked with the Canadian Olympic Committee and other north-of-our-border organizations to increase gay-inclusive efforts. “I’m hoping it will help prevent the younger generations from feeling like they need to hide who they are,” she says. “That was a big issue for me.

AUGUST 3, 2016

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KATIE LEVINE

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Van Hansis (left) and Kit Williamson

East of

EDEN Sparked from a desire to tell gay stories devoid of mainstream cliché, it has become one of the most popular LGBT series of all time, and now EastSiders—boasting a cast that has found unrivaled success since the show’s humble beginnings—is crafting a third foray into the occasionally self-destructive lives of Silver Lake locals

KATIE LEVINE

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By Patrick Rosenquist

hat began as a nine-episode batch of a gay web series is now available, on Netflix, in 10 different languages, with its third season currently in the works. Kit Williamson is thinking that focusing on the relationship of Thom and Cal—the couple at the heart of the show EastSiders—will be the best choice for the series, and being creator and star of one of the biggest LGBT shows in memory, can you really doubt his judgment?

“I look to the organically diverse series Shonda Rhimes puts out as inspiration,” says Williamson, who was also a featured player on Mad Men in its final two seasons. So how did a web series about gay life in Silver Lake become a hit? Constance Wu, who stars on the series and is now known for her work as the family matriarch on ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat, has a theory. “Kit has great material,” she says. “You trust his writing.” AUGUST 3, 2016

The cast of Eastsiders, from left: Matthew McKelligon, Constance Wu, John Halbach, Van Hansis, Kit Williamson, Stephen Guarino, Willam Belli

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to be funny—hitting beats, getting the timing correct, emphasizing punchlines. It takes some experience to learn that this doesn’t make a person funny—and I probably didn’t realize I didn’t have to rely on these things to be good. It’s about trust and good writing, which Kit supplies, of course,” she says. EastSiders was the first project Williamson wrote and directed. While he was new to the title of “creator,” he figured he knew how to put together a project based on the experiences he’d gathered from previous sets. “I learned a lot about how to shoot something because I saw how not to do it,” says Williamson. The first two episodes of EastSiders were eventually accompanied by an additional seven, each running from 10 to 20 minutes. While the project was initially funded by Williamson himself, the rest of the season was completed with the help of a Kickstarter campaign. Season 2, which began airing in 2015, was financed through the same means; fans were eager to see a second batch of episodes, raising over $150,000. As a result, the series expanded its universe. Season 2 focused on the families and friends of Thom and Cal, and the show was able to land locations previously unavailable to a smaller production. “I think in the second season we actually got a permit to film in Echo Park. That was pretty exciting!” says Williamson. The show added well-known drag queen and songstress Willam Belli, who played Guarino’s love interest, while Brianna Brown fleshed out Cal’s family by playing perennially lost sister Hillary. Traci Lords plays Hillary’s and Cal’s mother, Valerie, and all three share a love of hard liquor and bad decisions.

ince the series debuted in late 2012, each actor—most of whom were at the beginning of their careers when the show began—have become stars in their own right. Unique among any gay series, the leads of EastSiders have launched into decidedly different (and very successful) trajectories. Wu joined the cast of Fresh Off the Boat, currently one of TV’s most acclaimed sitcoms, while Williamson joined Mad Men as Ed Gifford, the bespectacled copywriter always seeking approval from Peggy Olsen. Williamson is also working on an independent film, starring B.D. Wong and George Takei, about the true story of an HIV-positive man who goes off his medication because he can’t afford the cost. “I got nearly a quarter-million in funding for this project, which, I think, is more than we spent on two seasons of EastSiders,” says Williamson. The rest of his cast has also experienced bumps in their careers. Guarino will soon star in the upcoming Showtime series I’m Dying Up Here as an eager L.A.-based comedian working through the world of stand-up. Van

ALEX DEAN

ince its debut nearly four years ago, EastSiders has not only become a sensation among gay viewers but has attracted a much wider audience. The series focuses, mainly, on the shaky relationship of Thom and Cal—a couple ruptured when a third party—Jeremy, portrayed by Matthew McKelligon—becomes a mainstay in their coupling. We follow the two men, along with their friends and family, as they make sense of their lives. Think of it as a gay take on Girls; it’s filled with self-destructive and unhappy characters working through their problems as best as they can, and there’s no guarantee they’ll better themselves or grow through the process. “I’m attracted to self-destructive characters because I don’t think you see a lot of gay men afforded that nuance,” says Williamson, who, along with creating the series, plays Cal. “I think it’s important you see something other than a ‘coming out’ story, or a gay character overcoming hardship. I don’t think that reflects a lot of our experiences.” It’s important to Williamson that the show remain outside the purview of traditional TV funding. He sees EastSiders as part of a wave of shows born from the internet that better reflect the gay experience than mainstream series. The independence offered from non-traditional programming—which is less concerned with ratings and more focused on regaling an audience with a tale—has allowed the show to bloom and become the hit it is today. Williamson is also a fan of other gay web series, remarking, “If you can name a gay web show, I probably watch it. I think it’s important that we support each other.” EastSiders was initially filmed while Williamson was still a student at UCLA. “I called upon all my friends and acquaintances to make this show happen. I begged, borrowed and worked out everything so I could film those first two episodes,” he says. The core cast was culled from Williamson’s friends. Stephen Guarino—who plays Quincy, a party promoter, in the series—met Williamson through Kit’s husband, John Halbach, who also stars in the series. “They were working a moving van job in New York, and they clicked,” says Williamson of how the two originally connected. Wu, who plays perennial partier and lost soul Kathy on EastSiders, met Williamson in an acting class. “It’s funny,” she says, “I met most of my friends through that particular acting class, or through my sister, who works at the RAND Corporation. So my friends are all actors or scientists.” Even though Wu has since made a career out of comedic roles, her turn as Kathy in EastSiders was her very first playing a funny character. “I knew her personally, and I knew she was really funny, but I don’t know if she thought she could do it,” says Williamson. Wu herself says tackling the high-energy Kathy was both rewarding and a little terrifying. “You learn a lot in school about how

your guide to the EASTSIDE The characters of EastSiders have fun on, well, L.A.’s East Side. Here are some of series creator Kit Williamson’s favorite spots in and around Silver Lake, from scenic views and local watering holes to some of the neighborhood’s best restaurants

ALEX DEAN

Hansis, who plays Thom, was nominated for a Daytime Emmy three times for his work on As the World Turns, and this year snagged a fourth nomination for his work on EastSiders. (The series itself was also nominated, for Outstanding Daytime Digital Drama Series.) Interestingly enough, Hansis is one of the few people involved with the project who wasn’t previously one of Williamson’s friends. “I think they had casted nearly everyone except Thom,” says Hansis, “and Kit asked a friend if he had anyone right for this part. My name came up, and we met for coffee. We clicked, and I got the part.” Given its subject matter and means of distribution, it’s easy to say EastSiders is an unlikely incubator of talent, or that the show is exactly the kind of production that allows actors to show off their skills. “I never thought of myself as a comedic actress,” says Wu, “but look where I am now.” EastSiders also sets itself apart with its approach to gay characters, usually given small roles in mainstream productions. The clichés are easy to spot—a gay man is either flimsy and funny or tragic and self-destructive. But this series allows its characters—both gay and straight—to work through their problems and come to terms with their self-destructive behavior. The leads drink too much, too often, and often feel unmoored from society. This might be the show’s legacy. We’ve become used to sophisticated L.A.-based dramedies about men and women working through their issues and not always succeeding. You’re the Worst, Casual and Togetherness each explore the experiences of straight men and women as they make a name for themselves on the east side of Los Angeles. Exploring the deep and complicated history of gay men and women in the same area—one that is now subjected to rising housing costs and is extremely attractive to new transplants—is new to the medium, and a topic well worth exploring. Still, the approach and subject experience pushback. “One of the criticisms I get when people tell me they aren’t fans of the show is that these people are trainwrecks,” says Wu. “But I also think, they’re allowed to be who they are! You don’t get to see a lot of gay characters work through their problems.” Williamson thinks that we may expect too much from the characters on the show. “They’re not supposed to be role models at all,” he says. “They live their lives, make mistakes and more. I try not to sit in judgment of these characters.”

oing forward, Williamson is pleased the show is reaching a wider audience, but he’s adamant that any creative decisions reflect what he thinks works for the series and its characters. “I don’t want anyone telling me what they think should happen. I want to stay true to the roots of the show,”

Echo Park Lake

“There’s a beautiful view of the cityscape, and there’s also a cute breakfast place on the water called The Boathouse,” says Williamson. “My favorite is the cheddar grits with poached eggs.” 751 Echo Park Ave.

Faultline

“I love any bar with life-size Tom of Finland cutouts on the wall,” he says. “We shot two episodes here, actually. The first was when Thom and Cal get confronted by Quincy and Douglas, and for Quincy and Douglas’ breakup scene.” 4216 Melrose Ave., faultlinebar.com

Mohawk Bend

“This one’s personal for me, as I waited tables and bartended here back in the day. We shot the scene where Cal’s mom Valerie gets wasted and harangues Thom in front of the fireplace in the back dining room.” 2141 Sunset Blvd., mohawk.la

Local

“This is a great breakfast and lunch place that I regularly keep office hours at when I’m in L.A. because it’s walking distance from our apartment,” says Williamson. 2943 Sunset Blvd., localsilverlake.com

The Mattachine Steps

“They have an incredible view of the Silver Lake Reservoir, and have an important place in LGBT history because they lead up to where the Mattachine Society was formed in 1950,” he says. 2355 Cove Ave.

he says. The third season, which he is currently penning, is going to reflect the more intimate nature of the first season. “I want to go back to the original focus on Cal and Thom, because I think there’s a lot to explore there,” says Williamson. “We expanded the show in its second season—which was great, and we featured a lot of amazing actors—but I think the core of the series is those two men.” He’s still trying to find funding for the next part of the series, and it will most likely reflect the last season—released via LGBT cable network Logo as six half-hour episodes—at least in format. “I loved opening up this world. It gave us a lot of opportunities I didn’t think we’d ever have,” says Williamson. “And most of your favorite characters will return for the third season. I think.” According to Williamson, at least four episodes have been written, out of a planned 10. “It begins with a road trip with Cal and Thom, which I think will be great,” he says. While Wu isn’t sure where the series will go—though she admits she’d follow it anywhere—she pitched an idea to Williamson about her character’s future. At the end of Season 2, Kathy, an actress, is working a non-union job as a member of Cats. “Wouldn’t it be great if Cal and Thom try to see one of her performances while on the road, and it turns out she’s not a cast member?” Wu says. “That she’s been lying the whole time?” She also links this story development to Kit, mentioning, “I think he put me in Cats because I hate that show, and also, I hate cats.” As for the future of the series’ newer additions, Guarino is hoping Season 3 affords his character, Quincy, some much-needed growing up. “I think Quincy’s going to get more serious about [Belli’s character] Douglas as the series goes on, but that’s up to Kit,” he says. “Quincy’s getting to an age where he feels like he should get more serious about life. I think a lot of men go through that stage, sooner or later.” Like everyone taking part in the show, returning to EastSiders means a lot to Guarino. “I really hope it expands its audience now that you can stream it. It’s a low-budget project, but we all enjoy taking part. I think it’s a great match for Netflix,” he says. While the series continues to move forward, its cast members are more than eager to flesh out the next batch of episodes. While Guarino isn’t sure where his character will go, Hansis is hoping Thom figures out his life. Williamson thinks there’s still a great spark between Cal and Thom, though who can say where it will lead? “I want to see where they end up,” says Williamson. “Who knows?” AUGUST 3, 2016

THE WORLD OF BILLY MASTERS From left: RuPaul, Jennifer Holliday, Loretta Devine, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Carol Channing, Chris Meloni

RUPAUL GETS ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE EMMYS, THE ORIGINAL DREAMGIRLS REUNITE, A ‘DOLLY’ RUMOR DEBUNKED About That Enema... Many of my older readers never thought they’d see a drag queen with a TV show—with the exception of Milton Berle and Benny Hill. A more recent generation thought they’d seen it all when RuPaul got a show. In fact, most of the Logo network centers around him. How do you top that? By making history with an Emmy nomination as Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program. Not only did Ru get a nomination, but he was nominated alongside Jane Lynch (Hollywood Game Night), Tom Bergeron (Dancing with the Stars), Ryan Seacrest (American Idol), Steve Harvey (Little Big Shots), and Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum (Project Runway), officially making it the gayest category in Emmy history. RuPaul, who once notably said, “I’d rather have an enema than have an Emmy,” is likely a long shot, but what an honor to be nominated. “I dedicate this Emmy nomination to outsiders everywhere,” he said. “Brave souls who stick to their dreams and make the world a more colorful place.”

musical, Ralph sang “Gonna Be My Time”—which was replaced on Broadway by “One Night Only.” Later, Holliday sang the slow version of “One Night Only,” which was followed by the disco version sung by Ralph, Devine and Sharon Brown (who was a replacement Effie on Broadway and on tour). Without question, one of the highlights of the night came when Kenny Lattimore explained how seeing the show made him realize that his ambition of being a singer was not a dream. “When I first saw you, I said, ‘Oh my, that’s a dream,’” Kenny sang to Ralph, which led to a performance of the full scene. With this one moment, Ralph showed her brilliance as not only an actress but as a human being. Individually, we’ve heard these ladies sing songs from the show, but this little scene was one of the few times the audience got an idea of the magic the musical delivered 35 years ago. The sold-out event raised money for Ralph’s DIVA Foundation and The Actors Fund. It should go without saying that some extended footage can be found on my site.

A Dream of a Reunion Inaugurating the newly renovated (well, still-beingrenovated) Ford Ampitheatre was a reunion of the original cast of Dreamgirls—Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine and Jennifer Holliday—on July 10. This special evening, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the show, was produced by Chris Isaacson of Upright Cabaret. The show started with a bang as each lady entered to thunderous applause and immediately launched into the title song, earning the first of many standing ovations. Alas, aside from the opening, the original trio only sang together on “Family,” which closed the show. On the positive side, Holliday sang all three of Effie’s solos, while Devine sang Lorelle’s “Ain’t No Party” and “Listen” from the film. Since Deena doesn’t really have a song in the

Jenifer on Safari Someone who wasn’t at the anniversary was Jenifer Lewis, who played Effie during one of the pre-Broadway workshops of Dreamgirls. Since the Black-ish star is on safari in Africa, she couldn’t sing “The New Girl”—a song originally sung by Michelle in the dressing room scene when she’s confronted by Effie. Before Lewis became the African Queen, she recorded the song, and we are thrilled to bring you her rendition exclusively on my site.

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A ‘Dolly’ Rumor Shot Down Sometimes those of us in the media use the power of the press to persuade producers. I can think of two instances where I wrote about something hoping to make it happen, and in both cases, I was successful (no, I will not tell you the details). But sometimes

such attempts are ludicrous, such as a recent item by our sister-in-gossip Cindy Adams—you know, the one with that bun on her head. I think her bun was on a little too tight when she said that Carol Channing had been approached to fill in for Bette Midler during matinees of the upcoming Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly! In Adams’ defense, she did say that it was an improbable rumor and one which the producer and publicist had denied. And then Channing spoke out: “At no point has the topic of my filling in on matinees been discussed, with either the production company or with Bette. In fact, I find the very suggestion to be an insult to Bette.” That is the ludicrous part? That Bette would need someone to fill in at matinees? Because the idea of the 95-yearold Channing playing Dolly again is so plausible (though I’d love to see it). Who Needs a Cold Shower? Christopher Meloni certainly doesn’t mind attention from the gays. One fan recently Tweeted, “@Chris_Meloni: I finished the Oz series two days ago and I’m depressed about it (especially with the end of your character). how to handle?” Meloni accommodatingly responded thusly: “Take a shower and pretend I’ll be joining u” To help get you in the mood, we’ll show you every inch of him in the shower on my site. When RuPaul’s dreaming of an enema, it’s definitely time to end yet another column. You can get an expanded version of this column—with photos— at BillyMasters.com, the site that always goes deep. Although we didn’t have room for an “Ask Billy” question, you can always send your queries to me at Billy@ BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before Meloni passes me the soap! So, until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

— A D V E R T I S E M E N T—

AUGUST 3, 2016

PALM SPRINGS Fri. | July 22 JOSHUA TREE: MYSTERY AND MYTH Ace Hotel and Swim Club

Environmental writer/photographer Chris Clarke discusses the national park and the plants that grow there, starting at 7 p.m. Free but RSVP needed. acehotel.com/palmsprings Fri. | July 29 CARNIVAL CABARET Oscars Café and Bar

Beloved drag queen Gypsy hosts a show featuring Liza, Cher, Barbra, Bette, Judy, Marilyn, Dolly, Dionne and more, performed every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. carnivalcabaret.com

Mon. | Aug. 1 ‘80S NIGHT Retro Room Lounge

Get “Into The Grove” and wear your “Sunglasses at Night” to “Relax” cause “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” at this weekly ‘80s dance night, starting at 7 p.m. retroroomlounge.com Thu. | Aug. 4 LIPSTICK SHOW Copa Nightclub

Famed local queen Bella da Ball hosts this weekly drag show, starting at 8 p.m. copapalmsprings.com

Fri. | July 29 BOYS NIGHT OUT Wang’s in the Desert

Thu. | Aug. 18 FULL MOON PARTY Ace Hotel and Swim Club

From 3-10 p.m., enjoy happy hour specials ($3 wine, $4 well cocktails, $5 margs) and a DJ out on the patio. wangsinthedesert.com

A drumming circle, dancers, music and card readers are all part of the monthly full moon festivities, starting at 7 p.m. acehotel.com/palmsprings

VIEW FROM THE TOP The best view of Palm Springs isn’t from a poolside chaise but from the cliffs of Chino Canyon, and this summer, you have even more opportunities to experience it By Stephan Horbelt

ince 1963, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has provided desert locals and tourists alike with unparalleled views of the Coachella Valley. Eighty passengers can squeeze into one of the rotating tram cars, traveling by cables along the cliffs of Chino Canyon to the Mountain Station sitting at an elevation of 8,516 feet. Now through September, Palm Springs visitors have more opportunities than ever to stand on top of the world, thanks to the Tramway’s summer schedule. As you might imagine, the valley’s best views are afforded early in the morning and in the cool of night, when the shops and restaurants of the city below twinkle in the distance. On Fridays through Sept. 2, the tram will open two hours early at 8 a.m. On Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 3, evening hours have been extended as well, with the last car up at 9 p.m. and the last car down at 10:30, allowing guests to spend an extra hour traversing the San Jacinto State Park. Should you get hungry, Peaks Restaurant and Pines Café will stay open until 8:30 and 9:30 p.m., respectively. “With the increasing popularity of outdoor activities, our summer hours program gives everyone additional time to both escape the desert heat and enjoy our pristine Alpine forests,” says Tramway VP of Sales & Marketing Nancy Nichols. 52

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WHAT ABOUT THURSDAY? QUICK, TWO-DAY WEEKEND jaunts to the desert are popular among Angelenos, but making the trek out on a Friday after work leaves you missing one of the area’s most popular weekday gatherings—Thursday’s Palm Springs VillageFest, a shopping, dining and entertainment extravaganza (more than two decades old) that sets up shop on world-famous Palm Canyon Drive. An old-fashioned street fair that brings out thousands, set up between East Amado and West Baristo, VillageFest welcomes more than 200 local vendors to sell their wares to locals and tourists. Decorate your L.A. palace with art, photography, antiques and even handmade products from Vietnam. Splurge on jewelry—for yourself or your trusty four-legged companion. Binge on homemade ice cream tacos, BBQ, fudge and paella, or take some raw local honey back to the city with you. In addition to the pop-ups on the street, many local businesses stay open late on Thursday nights to accommodate those who come out to shop, nosh and people-watch. VillageFest takes place every Thursday, with hours of 7-10 p.m. through September. —S.H.

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SECOND PLACE in MAGAZINE DESIGN at the 58th Southern California Journalism Awards

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