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from the publisher
Central Florida Edition January 2019
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on the inside
Central Florida Edition January 2019
Michael Bublé “I don't think I ever fell out of love with making music or being a creative person; I just think I knew it had to be put aside. “
content: • What’s Hot Central Florida • Hot Bodies • Hot Advice
this month’s features: • Michael Bublé • Les Misérable • Gasparilla Invasion & Parade
hot shots • Cristoph’s Tampa • Southern Nights Tampa • Around Town with Amy Demilo • Southern Nights Orlando
What’s HOT ...everything you need to plan your month
what’s hot By Harry Demasiado
everything you need to know
to plan your month
W
Welcome to the What's Hot Column, where we feature countless events in the Greater Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and surrounding areas. This is also your connection to activities and events by local LGBT+ Organizations. Continue reading on to learn What's Hot this New Year, well at least in January!
Join Stonewall Orlando as they welcome 2019 with their Inaugural Guilty Pleasures New Year's Day
Tuesday, January 1 Disney Springs Town Center presents Kingdom Hearts III Experience - A one-of-a-kind, limited-edition experience featuring the chance to be one of the first to play a demo of the new game, a special Keyblade exhibit featuring life-size replicas directly from the upcoming game, largerthan-life art inspired by characters and worlds from the game, and more. Now through January 29, admission is free.
Party. Taylor B. & James C will be behind the bar for this special occasion serving up cocktails. Tommy Mot will be bringing in some friends and new Stonewall DJS rocking the day away along with surprise guest DJ's. Tako Cheena will be serving up the food so come hungry. Free admission, and free parking, It all starts at 11am! Saturday, January 5 The Parliament House proudly presents New Year’s
REHAB as their first party of 2019. Footlight Players at 10pm & 12am along with DJ Brianna in the Disco till 3am. Monday, January 7 Wilde Lexus Sarasota & ABC 7 in association with the Van Wezel present Something Rotten, “Broadway's big, fat hit!” (New York Post). Set in 1595, this hilarious smash tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, two brothers who are desperate to write a hit play. When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel
set out to write the world's very first Musical! With its heart on its ruffled sleeve and sequins in its soul, Something Rotten! is “The Producers + Spamalot + The Book of Mormon. Squared!” (New York Magazine). Show runs till January 8. For Tickets and Information at: Vanwezel.org. Wednesday, January 9 Dr. Phillips Center in association with AEG present Diana Ross. In a remarkable career spanning over 50
years, Diana Ross has proven herself the consummate music artist as well as one of the most iconic female singers of all time. For Additional information and Tickets Drphillipscenter.org. Friday, January 11 Southern Nights Orlando Welcomes Bob The Drag Queen, winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8 (18+ Welcome) with drag shows at 11pm & 12:30am featuring Roxxxy Andrews, Maya Andrews, Tasha Long, & Sassy Devine! (Don't worry if you can't make the show, she will also be at Southern Nights
Tampa the following day Saturday, January 12) Amor & Southern Nights Tampa present international Dj Nina Flowers, as they take you on a Journey! Doors open at 9pm with admission $10 before 10pm, and $15 after. 18yr+ welcome. The Amway Center proudly presents Billy Joel. A Songwriters Hall of Famer, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Tony Award-winner (“Movin' Out”), and six-time Grammy Award-winner (“Just the Way You Are” – Record of the Year and Song of the Year, “52nd Street” – Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance and “Glass Houses” – Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance) including the prestigious Grammy Legend Award. For additional information and tickets gp to: amwaycenter.com 98.1 Salsa y Más, DJ Frankie G Productions and Fuego Night Club present Freestyle meets Salsa. Performing live all their Freestyle and Salsa hits are George Lamond & Brenda K
Starr backed by Orquesta Mambo Lebron. Featuring DJ sets by Frankie G, Baron Lopez, Blazer One, Baby D & Benny Velez. Doors open at 9:30pm with show time 11:30pm sharp. This is an 18+ event, and for additional information and tickets go to: Fuegonightclub.net. The Annual Orlando Home and Garden Show returns to I-Drive for its 11th year at the Orange County Convention Center . This is a premier show talking about things that are related to home accessories, kitchenware and bathroom ware. This international expo will facilitate the home owners and buyers by giving them an opportunity to have a direct conversation with the landscapers and gardeners of the contemporary times. Orlando Home & Garden Show will bring into lime light the importance and value of various kinds of home improvement ideas and techniques. By attending this expo the home owners and buyers can also understand the significance of all kinds of home accessories and kitchens and bathroom accessories, architecture & designing, and hand, machine & garden tools. For tickets, which start at $9, or additional info go to: Showtechnology.com Saturday, January 12 Crawl With Us in association with the Bars and Nightclubs of Ybor City present the “Onesie Bar Crawl” featuring Kelly Days Firehouse Tavern, Flynns Retro Bar, Bad Monkey, Big Easy, Boneyard, Dirty Shame, Southern Nights Tampa, Bradleys on 7th,
Honey Pot, Coyote Ugly Saloon, The Bricks, Tampa Bay Brewing Company, Brass Tap, Double Decker Pub, First Chance Last Chance, Gaspars Grotto, James Joyce, Reservoir Bar, Tequilas and many more. Presales are only $10 till day of the event, and $25 day of. For additional information and/or tickets go to: Crawlwithus.com/tampa Sunday, January 13 The Van Wezel Foundation presents Air Supply. Graham Russell & Russell Hitchcock have been singing together for over 40 years and this season
they return to the Van Wezel to share some of their famous hits including "Lost in Love,” "All Out of Love,” "The One That You Love,” "Sweet Dreams,” "Making Love Out Of Nothing At All," "Goodbye,” "It's Never Too Late" and “Dance With Me.” Showtime at 7pm. For additional information or tickets go to: vanwezel.org. Tuesday, January 15 The Tampa Bay Times in association with The Straz Center present Les Misérables, which is Cameron Mackintosh's new production of Alain Boublil and ClaudeMichel Schönberg's Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an
unforgettable story of heartbreak, passion and the resilience of the human spirit. Featuring the beloved songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck. Show runs till January 20th. For additional Information or tickets go to: Strazcenter.org. Thursday, January 17 Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando & AGoldPhoto Pet Photography along with Orlando Brewing present their annual Pet Photo Shoot Fundraiser. Adam from AGoldPhoto uses photography to tell stories of adoption, rescue and highlight various animal welfare issues. The goal of the photos is to bring traffic to his website, but once you are there, you'll learn something too. His unique approach to working with animals allows him to showcase the pet's personality in ways most people haven't seen. Event runs from 5-7pm and shoot start at $50 per pet with $35 of that going to the Shelter. For additional information and to schedule your timeslot go to: Agoldphoto.com. The Van Wezel presents Linda Eder, one of the original stars of Broadway's Jekyll & Hyde, Linda has one of the greatest voices of our
time, and her diverse repertoire spans Broadway, standards, pop, country and jazz, making her one of America's most beloved singers and dynamic live performers. Showtime at 8pm, with tickets and more info available at: vanwezel.org Friday, January 18 Southern Nights Tampa presents “Surge Fridays” with International DJ Sensation Kidd Madonny, spectacular décor, sexy Go-Go
dancers and much more. This is an 18 event with doors opening at 9pm and no cover till 10pm. Saturday, January 19 The Parliament House presents RuPaul's Drag Race Season 10 alum Blair St Clair with shows at 10pm & 12am with the Footlight Players.
This is an 18+ event with general admission $10, and VIP admission $25, which includes reserved theatre seating for the midnight show and photo opportunity after the show. DJ Brianna spins till 3am. Join Friends, family and your four-legged companions at the 3rd annual St. Pete Beer and Bacon benefiting Pet Pal Shelter from 12pm - 8pm at Vinoy Park. This event will feature 100+ craft beers (37pm), option to sample from 15+ Craft Spirits & Cocktails, 60+ bacon dishes from 15+ food vendors, live music from 4 bands, games, prizes & tons of fun. Sample & vote for your favorite brewery. For more information & to purchase tickets, go to StPeteBeerandBacon.com. Monday, January 21 Join Orlando Downtown Recreation Center and GayDodgeBall.com as they host their first welcome all $5 pick-up game. All skill levels are welcome and everyone is encouraged to make new friends and have fun playing dodgeball. GayDoodgeBall.com has the largest Gay Dodgeball League in Florida. This is an 8 week league, with 8 Teams Maximum, with 13-20 Players a team. More info: GayDodgeball.com/orlando.html Tuesday, January 22 Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando presents Hamilton,
which is the story of America's founding father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation's first treasury secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton is the story of America then, as told by America now. Show runs till February 10, in the Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. For additional information and tickets go to: Drphillipscenter.org Friday, January 25 Southern Nights Tampa presents “Surge Fridays” with DJ Twisted Dee, sexy Go-Go dancers and much more. This is an 18 event with doors opening at 9pm and no cover till 10pm. Orlando's Hard Rock Live presents TLC in concert. They scored nine top-ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including four number-one singles "Creep", "Waterfalls", "No Scrubs", and "Unpretty". The group also recorded four multi-platinum albums, including CrazySexyCool (1994) which still remains the only album by a female group to receive a diamond certification from the Recording Industry
Association of America. The Ultimate Flashback Friday starts at 8pm. For tickets which start at $33 or more info go to: hardrock.com/live/locations/ Orlando. Sunset Events & Disco Donnie present Steve Aoki at the Ritz Ybor. After years of relentless touring, EDM producer, promoter and label owner Steve Aoki is now recognized as one of the most exciting live performers in the world. Doors Open at 10pm for this 18+ event. For tickets or more info go to: Theritzybor.com Saturday, January 26 The world famous Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest is today and tomorrow. For the full line up go to: Gasparillapiratefest.com The VanWezel Foundation & Hyatt Regency Sarasota
present “The Empress of Soul” Gladys Knight. This seven-time Grammy winner has enjoyed #1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television and live performances. Hits include: ”You and I Ain't Nothin' No More”, “Midnight Train to Georgia”, “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”, “If I Were Your Woman,” and “That's What Friends are For.” Show time is at 8pm. For additional information and
tickets go to: Vanwezel.org Amor & Stonewall Orlando present: The Miss Orlando Universo Latina USA Reunion with show time at 12am starring: Chris Sant Lorans featuring Sasha Fiercee (Miss Orlando Universo Latina USA 2017) Rakell Riviera (Miss
Orlando Universo Latina Usa Plus 2018) & Gucci Michelle Reyes (Miss Universo Latina USA Plus 2018) alongside the Dynasty Girls Norma FisVernaza , Bella Fis & Spiidey Montalvo. With sounds by Johan Mateo Quintero, Kraig Matthews & Franklin Cruel, the doors open at 9pm.
most influential artists of his time and a true ambassador of Latin music and culture. He has had 25 Billboard chart hits, sold over 12 million albums worldwide and has been recognized with countless standard gold and platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America. Doors open at 7pm. For additional information and tickets go to: Amywaycenter.com Tuesday, January 29 Bank of America Broadway at The Straz and Tampa Bay Times present A Bronx Tale. Broadway's hit crowdpleaser takes you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s where a young man is
Sunday, January 27 The Amway Center presents Marc Anthony in his Legacy Tour. Anthony is one of the caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he'd love to be. Bursting with high-energy dance numbers and original doo-wop tunes from the songwriter of Beauty and the Beast, A Bronx Tale is an unforgettable story of loyalty and family. Academy Award winner Robert De Niro and Tony winner Jerry Zaks direct this streetwise musical – based on Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri's story that The New York Times hails as “A Critics' Pick!
The kind of tale that makes you laugh and cry.” Show runs till February 3rd. For Additional Information and Tickets go to: Strazcenter.org Thursday, January 31 IMG Artists present We Shall Overcome: A Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. In this thrilling, emotional tribute inspired by the words of Dr. King, producer and musical director Damien Sneed showcases repertoire from across the African-American music traditions that have electrified generations of civil rights activists and
defenders. Pulling together a concert of works by Nina Simone, Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, Wynton Marsalis and more including traditional gospel, modern gospel, jazz and Broadway tunes, Sneed interweaves these musical flashpoints with King's impassioned oratory from recorded historic speeches. The end result is a stand-up-andcheer celebration of one of America's greatest heroes. This event takes place at the Straz Center, Tampa. Show starts at 8pm, with tickets starting at $25 at Strazcenter.org
Email WhatsHot@HotspotsMedia.com to have your event considered for “What’s Hot.”
hot shots photos by tony fowler
Sticky & Sweet Party Cristoph’s Tampa
By Chris Azzopardi
Y
"You're my first. Be gentle with me. Can we start with, like, a foreplay thing
where you can just take it easy on me? Some gentle licking perhaps, and then we'll get into the heavy stuff." And so my interview with Michael Bublé, who has almost made me forget he has a wife, Argentine actress Luisana Lopilato, begins. Returning to music with a new heart-emojititled album called love that he will support on a world tour in 2019, Bublé – who introduces himself by that mononym when he rings me directly – spoke openly on a variety of topics, including the difficulties of being a public figure amid familial distress, atoning for his “sexist” Christmas song and doing his part to support the LGBTQ community.
It's sweet that this album uses the heart emoji for its title, though the gay community certainly wouldn't have argued with you naming your album using the eggplant emoji. Oh god, I wanted to use the eggplant. You have no idea.
You fought for that. I did. I had long conversations about it. And you think I'm joking. I've already said this a million times when talking to my friends: They were like, (in a deeply bro voice) “Why didn't you use the eggplant?” and I'm like, “Oh, I would have.”
Did you intend for the album to be a Band-Aid for our divisive times? Yeah, it's funny that you just said that: I've actually said that in private. You know what, man, obviously everything I've gone through
has everything to do with this record and what I want to put out to the world. I had different names that I'd come up with, but there was nothing that really explained the record and the concept as well as just one word could. The record is about love, but it's not simply about romantic love. It was really a record that was kind of my theory on this word, this emotion that has so much range. When you hear it you think, “Oh god, romantic and lovey-smovey,” but there's so many different things that happen with that word. “When I Fall in Love” is such a beautiful track and people say, “Oh, it's so romantic.” It is romantic. But for me, it's really sad. As I put myself into the character of that song, I thought about a guy sitting at the bar at 4 o'clock in the morning, drunk, looking over at another couple, wishing that he had that because it hasn't happened for him. It's very unique in that way. It's a very sad song about longing. I could go on through the whole tracklist. They all have a story for me.
Did you personalize any of the songs? I wanted to do the best I could to be as personal and honest in the storytelling, in becoming the characters for the song, but at the same time give the audience a way to be able to hear and have their own opinions.
If I want to use this album to get a guy to fall in love with me, which song do you suggest I play to make him swoon? Honestly, I think “La Vie En Rose” (a duet with jazz vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant) is incredible because when I did this song my concept was to build a mirror of the relationship I had with my wife. It was me going to this foreign land with someone who didn't speak my language and having this kind of dance of love with them. I felt like there were these two characters and one is singing to the other, where I was singing to her in my language and my culture and she was answering in hers. Though we were on this path together, we were still apart; and by the middle of the song we have this beautiful dance together, this incredible night, and by the
morning we were walking through the streets of Paris. I have sort of assimilated to her culture and I am singing in her language, and I loved that because that's exactly what happened in my life.
I don't think you thought you'd be recording music again after your 5-year-old son, Noah, was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2016, days after our last conversation. But I've heard you say he's holding up and is in remission. Was creating this album more cathartic than past albums? I don't think I ever fell out of love with making music or being a creative person; I just think I knew it had to be put aside. The part of being a public person, that part I didn't know if I was
Being a public person is having a responsibility sometimes to show that kind of love and that kind of support and to step out there and to do that.” ready for. There are always reminders every time you go out and people speak and you're trying to move on with your life or yourself and your family. At first, there were always these reminders of it and so it was hard to just move on. I made a promise to myself that it would be organic and that it would be joy and it would be blissful – and if it ever becomes what I consider work, or egotistically driven, then I would step away. But I never fell out of love with making music. You know, I'm having to leave the family and stuff for little bits, and if I do then it has to be for the right reasons.
Harder than usual to leave the family right now? No, it's not. When I do something, I know that there's a great reason for it. We can make more money and we can make more music and we can make more this and more that, but it's time – you can't make time. I wanna make sure I'm spending time doing what I love and that it's all worthwhile.
You talked about being an LGBTQ ally in our last interview. Why did you decide to express your compassion and advocacy for the LGBTQ community at that moment in your career? I don't know if it was about that moment. I
think I had an opportunity to speak with you, and I felt like it was a really good chance to say how I felt. Now more than ever I think it's important for me to just be honest, and it's what I believe. It's part of who I fundamentally am, how I was raised. And it's about equality. It's simple. That's it.
I wish it were so simple. When we last spoke, Trump hadn't been elected, and a lot has changed in the last couple of years politically. How are you feeling about the way this administration has treated the LGBTQ community and other marginalized groups? I don't… (pause)... it sounds crazy, but after what I've been through, I really promised myself that I would try not to get into – and when I say “get into,” I just didn't want to be a part of negative things. So I stopped reading things. I stopped reading things about myself. I stopped reading things that made me feel badly.
what you said but they'll remember how you made them feel.” I can't stop the politicians or stupid, uneducated people from thinking and saying and doing stupid things, but I can make a stand, I can talk to you, and when I'm with groups of friends or I'm in public places or when I'm with people who I think can use that sense of love and education, I can open my mouth and tell them how I feel. And one at a time, you can change the world like that. Listen, I've gone through too much not to feel this way. I just feel this way really strongly. I also think it's important – it's really easy for someone selling something, an artist, to say that they support or love the gay community; I just think it's a different thing to say it than to do it.
When we spoke in 2016, you told me you had plans to get involved with the Harvey Milk High School in New
...the things that make you different are what makes you special.”
I really, truly feel like more than ever in my life actions speak much louder than words do and how you treat people is – it's funny, a friend heard me talking to my son. My son was going to his first day of kindergarten and he saw me kneel down to my boy and I said to him, “Noah, I just want you to know that” – and it sounds like a cliché, but I said, “You treat people the way you want to be treated, kid.” I said, “If you're kind to people and you're good to people, life will always be OK for you.” And I got up and I walked away and my friend said to me, “They may not remember what you did or
York City, but then, of course, you had to tend to your family. Do you plan on picking up where you left off? As a matter of fact, (my publicist) Liz (Rosenberg) and I have spoken many times and talked about the plan that we have. We have a plan (that involves) the Hetrick-Martin Institute (a NYC-based professional provider of social support and programming for LGBTQ youth and host agency for the Harvey Milk High School). To start, I just wanted to go. I wanted to go and just let people know they had my support. Young kids who have been bullied and haven't
felt comfortable have a place to go, which is just disturbing in the first place, that in 2018 they didn't. There wasn't an environment where they felt they could be who they are. Listen, I can't get into the details. I can't.
You can't get into details about the project? Not those details, but within my family there are things that I can't really speak to that have made this even more pressing for me. It's because it's not my story to tell. But I'll just say that within my family these are the same issues that every family has. I wouldn't and I couldn't talk about something so personal. Definitely, I just know there needs to be advocates. Being a public person is having a responsibility sometimes to show that kind of love and that kind of support and to step out there and to do that. It's not an edgy f*cking thing to do. It's not.
“It's not always going to be like this.”
In light of the holidays, you do realize your gay fans would've gone wild for a version of “Santa Baby” by you that was actually called “Santa Baby,” right? (Laughs) Yeah, exactly. Instead of “Santa Buddy.” I think I used “Santa Baby” in one of the lines.
You did. I should've gone full.
I mean, a straight man can shop at Tiffany's. (Laughs) Yeah, no, you're right. It's funny: When I did that song, I tried to put it into my perspective and modernize it. I changed words; I asked for a Rolex or Mercedes or things I would want. The best part about it is: I get to sing those kinds of songs now in my life, and if I do concerts and I wanna add a Christmas song, then you know what? I can amend it and I can sing “Santa Baby.”
For some public figures it seems so. Why? Because what – half of the audience doesn't buy your records anymore? Well, that's fucking stupid, isn't it? Then you gotta ask yourself if you want half of those people buying your records in the first place, and what's really important to you. Because if you're gonna tell people that you know what's important or that you've had an epiphany in your life that you know what matters then, again, actions speak louder than words, don't they?
Knowing what Noah has gone through, has the feeling of loving your kids no matter who they are, which we discussed in 2016, intensified in the last couple of years? No, it was always the same. I could tell you the truth: I never had to find that perspective, I always felt that way. And I think I'm very lucky because I really do think that came from the way I was parented. I really do think I was very lucky to be raised in a family that was so open and liberal and loving. I just think they were always so unconditionally loving – not just toward us children, but toward our family. Again, clichés, but I just tell both of my boys now that they're old enough to understand: “You know, boys, the things that make you different are what makes you special.” What's amazing to me about that school and wanting so badly to go to that school is, I just feel so strongly that the difference between a child and an adult is only life experience. An adult's life experience is, “It's gonna get better. This isn't how it has to be, and this isn't how it's going to be.” So for me, it's really massive to be able to meet kids and to say publicly – really:
A straight guy singing “Santa Baby” is the progress we need. F*ck yeah. You're right, you're absolutely right. It was sexist of me not to.
I'm looking forward to your live rendition of it. I'll do it for you. That's a promise. I promise I'll do it for you even if it's not fucking Christmas.
Even if it's the middle of summer? You think I'm kidding, but you shout it out and I promise you I'll get it done. Madison Square Garden, f*cking done. As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Reach him via his website at www.chrisazzopardi.com and on Twitter (@chrisazzopardi).
hot shots photos by tony fowler
Southern Nights Tampa Toys for Tots
By Scott Holland
C
Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, returns to Tampa Jan. 15-20, sponsored in part by The Tampa Bay Times. This much-anticipated engagement comes to the Straz Center's Morsani Hall direct from a celebrated two-and-a-half year Broadway engagement. With glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking production of Les Misérables, which broke box office records during its pre-Broadway tour, has left both audiences and critics awestruck, cheering “Les Miz is born again!” (NY1). Cameron Mackintosh said, “I'm delighted that after a four-year absence this glorious
production is once again touring the major cities across North America and is more spectacular than ever.” Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Featuring one of the greatest scores of all time, with thrilling and beloved songs including “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars," “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” “Do You Hear the People Sing” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Along with the Oscar-winning movie version, it has now been seen by more than 130 million people in 44 countries and in 22 languages
around the globe. Les Misérables is still the world's most popular musical, breaking box office records everywhere in its 33rd year. It was a pleasure to sit down with Mary Kate Moore who plays Fantine for this exclusive Hotsptos interview:
When did the performing bug take a hold of you? In High school was the first time I was in a musical as I did Hello Dolly my freshman year. That anxious adrenaline rush you get before you go on stage got me and I knew I wanted this to be my career.
What was your first professional/paid gig? In college I worked for Lyric Theater of Oklahoma and I did a production of “Spring Awakening.”
When did you know it would be your career? Mary Kate Moore
I think probably when I was cast in my first union job, which was Fiasco Theater's production of “Into the Woods.” Before I was a member of Actors Equity I wasn't sure it was going to happen for me.
How did you get cast in in Les Miz? I first auditioned for the show in April of 2017, for an ensemble role. I did not get the job and was a little disappointed. About 2 weeks before rehearsals started in August of 2017, I got called back again and I got cast in the ensemble of the show, and understudied Fantine. I did that for 6 months, and then our Fantine didn't want to stay. They reauditioned me again, and I got the job. I found out 2 or 3 days after my 27th birthday in March of this year that I got the role. I have now done over 300 performances.
Is there a lot of pressure to play this iconic character? I think when I first started there was pressure, but
we are really lucky with this company that everyone is so supportive and we all recognize the responsibility we have for this production. Since we are all up there together we can focus on the story and it feels gratifying and wonderful.
Besides this role, what has been your favorite role? When I did “Into the Woods” I was an off stage standby and I had to know 3 parts at any moment. It was so fun to go anytime because each time I played a different character. But my favorite role was the Bakers Wife.
What's your dream/fantasy role? Well, I recognize that I like very dramatic roles, and I think someday, maybe 10 years down the line, I would like to play Mother in “Ragtime.”
Theatre on Oct. 17, 1990 running for 6,680 performances. The original U.S. national tour began in Nov. 1987 and visited more than 150 cities before closing in St. Louis, Mo. in 2006. Broadway audiences welcomed Les Misérables back to New York on Nov. 9, 2006 where the show played the Broadhurst Theatre until its final performance on Jan. 6, 2008. To date, Les Misérables remains the 5th longestrunning Broadway production of all time. Les Misérables will play the Straz Center's Morsani Hall, Jan. 15-20. Performances are Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Regularly priced tickets are $38$133 and may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at strazcenter.org.
What should our readers expect from the touring company of Les Miz? I think almost everyone knows the show, whether they have seen the original cast, the movie or listened to the music. This is the Les Miz they know and love just reimagined for our cast with new sets and incredible paintings from Victor Hugo. The characters are slightly re-imagined as well. For more information on Mary Kate Moore, you can follow her on Instagram.com/MKathrynmoore The original Broadway production of Les Misérables opened at the Broadway Theatre on March 12, 1987 and transferred to the Imperial
For more information on Les Misérables, go to: lesmiz.com
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The 2019 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest is scheduled for 9am to 9pm on Saturday, January 26, in Tampa and will feature the 102nd Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of the Pirates presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. The Gasparilla Invasion Brunch at the Tampa Convention Center provides the best view in town of the historic Gasparilla Invasion, as the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla sail up Seddon Channel aboard the Jose Gasparilla accompanied by a majestic flotilla, docking tableside at 1 p.m. at the Tampa Convention Center. The Gasparilla Invasion Brunch includes a buffet brunch with cash bar and reserved table seating for one of the most unique and colorful spectacles found anywhere in the world. Gasparilla Invasion Brunch (Adults: $115 plus tax, Child: $85 plus tax) and Brunch/Parade COMBO tickets (Adult COMBO $130 plus tax, Child COMBO $95 plus tax). Following another successful invasion by the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, the focus shifts to beautiful Bayshore Boulevard and South Ashley Drive in downtown Tampa. After successfully capturing the Key to the City
(once again), the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla celebrate with a victory parade that begins at 2 pm at Bay to Bay and Bayshore. The 4.5 mile Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates, which has been presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla annually winds its way along Hillsboro Bay into downtown Tampa, with over 140 units – featuring one-hundred three floats, three marching bands and over fifty participating social organizations (i.e. krewes). The Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates will travel from Bayshore into downtown Tampa. The Parade will cross into downtown over the Brorein Street bridge, turn north on Ashley Drive, and end at Cass Street and Ashley Drive in the heart of the Cultural Arts District in downtown Tampa. Reserved Gasparilla bleacher seating tickets are $45 in advance, (plus tax). For additional
information or to purchase Gasparilla Invasion Brunch, Reserved Gasparilla Parade tickets and/or officially licensed Gasparilla merchandise, please log onto GasparillaTreasures.com. Tickets can also be ordered over the phone by calling EventFest's Gasparilla Ticket Line at (813) 251-8844. A ticket representative will be available between 9 am and 5 p.m, Monday – Friday.
HOT TICKET EXPANDED IN 2019! Our Extremely Limited First Mate reserved chair seating has been expanded in 2019 to include the FIRST MATE SOUTH – located on the water side of Bayshore Boulevard, between Ardson and Carolina, and FIRST MATE NORTH – located on the land side of the parade route on Bayshore Boulevard, between Beach and Platt Street. This single row, chair seating provides guaranteed front-row fun at Tampa`s historic Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates. First Mate Seating Tickets are $60 per person (plus tax) in advance, and are expected to sell out well in advance of the parades again this year. Reserved Seating for the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch and Parade of the Pirates is limited and available on a first ordered, first reserved basis. All reserved tickets are assigned in the order they are received, therefore guests should order their reserved tickets early to best accommodate any seating preference they may request.
hot shots photos by harry demasiado
A benefit for the Trevor Project
Southern Nights Orlando 11th Annual Broadway Christmas
hot bodies By Tom Bonanti
Armed and Powerful:
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How To Make Impressive Gains With Your Arm Training
Most guys I know started lifting weights at an early age because they wanted an impressive set of guns, arms that is! Because that is pretty much a universal goal for anyone who hits the gym, I'd like to present a three-part series on how to build an awesome set of arms. This week let's consider some basic principles of effective arm training. In order to build your arms you need to work them twice a week using about two exercises for biceps (front of the upper arms) and three exercises for triceps (rear of the upper arms). I suggest 3-4 sets of 10-12 reps for each exercise. Triceps require greater effort and attention because they are a larger muscle making up nearly 75% of your upper arm
development. I like to super set biceps and triceps together on the same day. I separate arm training from back and chest training simply because if you really train maximally, your arms will be utilized and “tired out� on back and chest day and you'll only be giving them your second best. As with all muscle groups, train arms to fatigue and never to failure. This way you can enjoy the pump and avoid the tendonitis that comes from over-use. There are several biceps and triceps movements which can contribute to tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons) in the elbow. If tendonitis grabs you, decrease the amount of weight you're using or better yet, give arms a break and train legs and abs until the inflammation subsides. Be pro-active, ice your elbow, and rub it down with an anti-inflammatory balm before, after and during workouts. If pain persists for 10 days, consult your physician.
According to bodybuilder and author Robert Kennedy, there are four vital qualities that make up a great arm: 1. You need size. This includes thickness and roundness from the top of the arm near the shoulder to the bottom near the elbow. 2. You need good shape. This is largely hereditary. You are born with a certain amount of muscle fibers. You cannot increase the number of fibers, but through weight training you can make the ones you have thicker and stronger. To this extent you can shape or sculpt your muscles by the exercises you perform. 3. You need separation, the distinct delineation of the various muscles that make up an arm. 4. You need vascularity and definition. Here you're talking about lowering your body fat through diet and cardio as you progressively build quality lean muscle mass with an effective and challenging resistance training program.
Next, I'll talk about several exercises for building those biceps twin peaks. Until then, remember to be regular with your workouts, keep good form, eat well and sleep so that your muscles can grow!
Tom Bonanti is a certified personal trainer and massage therapist (MA#40288) with his own one on one facility www.pumpnincgym.com in Ft. Lauderdale. Contact trainertomb@aol.com or call Tom (954) 557-1119 to schedule a massage or training session today.
hot advice By Andreus Quinones
Cheating & Trapped “ I feel obligated to tell my friend, but he is so into him, that I am afraid he won't believe me. Should I tell him anyway or keep quiet?�
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Dear Andreus, My dearest and closest friend is dating a guy who is cheating on him. I have seen him on several occasions making out with people, and even saw him at one of the local baths in full action. Every time I see him doing something, he asks me to please not say anything. I feel obligated to tell my friend, but he is so into him, that I am afraid he won't believe me. Should I tell him anyway or keep quiet? Sincerely, Concerned Friend Dear Concerned Friend, Sometimes, well most of the time, people are blinded by love‌ or lust. You will always be able to see things on the outside that they cannot see. For that reason, there is a chance that you could tell your friend what is happening, and he get upset thinking that you are jealous or trying to sabotage his relationship. On the flip side though, when everything inevitably comes to the light and he potentially finds out that you knew and didn't say anything, you might lose your friendship. I would most certainly tell him. If you guys are that close, then eventually he will realize that it was in his best interest
Dear Andreus, After six years of being with the same guy, I want out. Things are not the same anymore, and I have tried everything I know how to save our relationship. He doesn't take responsibility for anything, and I am just not happy. We don't have sex, and he barely pays any attention to
me when we are home together. I have tried to tell him that I feel lonely, but he doesn't get it. I just don't want to hurt him by leaving. Should I stay or should I go? Sincerely, Trapped Dear Trapped, I cannot tell you whether to stay or to go. That is most certainly a decision that you must make for yourself. Only you know the extent of what is happening within your relationship, and if your heart is in it anymore. What I will tell you is that the whole point of being in a relationship is to be happy. If you are not happy with your partner, then maybe the first thing to do is to look at the things that are making you unhappy. Is it at all possible to work together with your partner to change these things? Each of you make a list of the pros and cons of your relationship from your point of view, compare them without prejudice or pride, and see if somehow you can work it out.
around tampa bay by amy demilo
Shontell, Amanda, Yvonne & Kylee (Miss Florida F.I. 2018/19) at Honey Pot.
Honeypot Locker room.
Amanda and Iman at Michaels on East Sarasota.
Jennifer Warner visits Tampa.
Tequilas 7th Ave.