Central Florida Edition April 2019
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on the inside
Central Florida Edition April 2019
Spamilton
An American Parody is a musical parody of the Broadway show Hamilton, comes to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.
columns and features:
• What’s Hot Central Florida • AIDS Walk Orlando • Dear Evan Hansen
• Interview with Kyle MacLachlan
• Piff The Magic Dragon & Mr. Piffles • Hot Bodies—Perfect Abs? Here’s CThe Plan! • Spamilton—Comes to Orlando Cand Tampa
• Hot Advice—He Keeps Hinting at AWanting a Boyfriend
hot shots • Cristoph’s Tampa • Southern Nights Tampa • Taste of Pride St. Pete
What’s
HOT
...everything you need to plan your month
• Trophies are awarded to the Top Three Teams and Individuals who raise the most funds.
EVENT DETAILS _____________________ > What? AIDS Walk Orlando, a fundraiser to help spread awareness about HIV prevention. The Walk is 1.8 miles and includes two (2) laps around Lake Eola Park.
Grab your shoes & get your teams ready
for AIDS Walk Orlando
W
With a fundraising goal of $45,000 for 2019’s walk, AIDS Walk Orlando is a staple community event in the heart of Orlando that benefits the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida, Inc. in the fight against the spread of new HIV infections. Because of AIDS Walk Orlando, Hope & Help is able to continue offering Free Sexual Health Screenings for HIV, HIV Case Management, and Medical Support to thousands of people living with or at risk of contracting HIV.
> When? Saturday, April 27th, 2019 Registration, CheckIn, and Submission of Funds begin at 7:30am, The Walk begins at 8:30am
> Where? Walt Disney Amphitheatre • Lake Eola Park 195 N Rosalind Ave. • Orlando, Florida 32801
> Why? Proceeds from The Walk benefit the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida, Inc. to help prevent new HIV infections in Orlando.
> Who? Hundreds of community members, HIV activists and advocates, friends, families, local celebrities, and elected officials will participate.
> How? Teams and Individual Walkers make The Walk a success. Encourage your place of employment and worship to participate by walking with you or donating.
> Registration $25 Per Individual Walker $25 Per Team Walker *All registrations include a Free AIDS Walk Orlando T-Shirt.
DID YOU KNOW? ____________________ • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Florida Department of Health report that Orlando has the 2nd highest HIV/AIDS transmission rate in the nation and Florida is ranked 1st in new HIV and AIDS cases. • Join AIDS Walk Orlando to help raise awareness about HIV prevention and treatment options offered through Hope & Help. For over 30 years, Hope & Help has offered Free HIV Testing, Case Management for people living with HIV, and now primary medical care and infectious disease care with our brand-new health clinic! Every dollar you raise stays right here in Orlando to stop the spread of HIV.
Register now at www.aidswalkorlando.org and also discover tools to help make it easy for you and your teams to raise money.
Post's Peter Marks, Dear Evan Hansen opened at the Music Box Theatre to rave reviews on December 4, 2016, where its broken all box office records and struck a chord with critics and audiences alike. In addition to winning six Tony awards, Dear Evan Hansen has won numerous other awards, including the 2017 Drama League Award for Outstanding Musical Production and for the offBroadway production, two Obie Awards, a Drama Desk Award, and two Outer Critics Circle Awards and two Helen Hayes Awards. The show's original cast won a Daytime Emmy Award for “Best Musical Performance on a
Photos by Matthew Murphy
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Dear Evan Hansen comes to two locations in Central Florida: at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts from April 9-14, and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from April16-21. It is the winner of six 2017 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, features a book by Tony Award-winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy, Tony and Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman), and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal). Declared “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history” by the Washington
By Scott Holland
for an original cast album since 1961 – and went on to win the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. A Deluxe Album of the Grammy-winning cast recording, with six bonus tracks including “Waving Through a Window” performed by pop star Katy Perry, was released digitally by Atlantic Records on November 2, 2018. A special edition coffee table book authored by Levenson, Pasek and Paul, Dear Evan Hansen: through the window is now available, offering an in-depth, all-access look at the musical, including never-before-seen production photos and cast portraits, behind-the-scenes stories, and a fully annotated script by the authors. It was a pleasure to sit down with Stephen Christopher Anthony, who plays the Evan Alternate and grew up right here in Florida.
At what age did you begin performing, and how did it happen?
I started performing when I was about 10 years old. My mom encouraged me to audition for a show and I literally have not stopped since then. I did five5 shows that very first year. I then went to an arts middle school, and have been in musical theater since.
What was your first professional/paid role?
When I was 10 I was in the Secret Garden at Actors Playhouse on Miracle Mile. I then I did Summer Stock all through College and fresh out of Florida State I did “Catch Me If You Can.”
How did you get cast in this Broadway Across America production of “Dear Evan Hansen”?
Daytime Talk Show” for their April 2017 performance of “You Will Be Found” on NBC's “Today Show,” only the second Broadway show in history to win that category. The Broadway production recently celebrated its two-year anniversary with a special donation to the Smithsonian, where the show's iconic blue polo and arm cast will now be part of the permanent collection at the National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. The Grammy Award-winning Original Broadway Cast Recording of Dear Evan Hansen, produced by Atlantic Records, was released in February 2017, making an extraordinary debut on the Billboard 200 and entering the chart at #8 – the highest charting debut position
My agents reached out with the opportunity to audition, and after my first audition I went and saw the show. After seeing the show I did 8 rounds of auditions and I was in Miami visiting family when I found out I got the job.
Knowing the role of Evan won the Tony Award, is there a lot of pressure performing it?
There is a certain amount of pressure, but it's less about the award and more about that the show is a gift to the audience.
It's rare you do a show that is changing lives. So many people are able to find themselves in these characters.
Other than this role, what has been your favorite to play?
This is my favorite thing I have ever done, but I did love doing “Catch Me If You Can” as I loved playing a chameleon that got to blend in.
What is your fantasy role?
I would love to do “The Last Five Years.”
How did you meet your partner?
We were set up on a blind date four years ago, and we instantly broke out in nervous sweats. We sort of knew right away.
Is it hard to be apart?
It's very hard to be apart, as he is an actor also and travels. We try and meet yup as much as possible and see new cities together.
Are you looking forward to coming back to Florida?
Yeah, I can't wait as I am going to be staying in my home with my family and playing with my family dog. I am also so excited to go back to the beach.
What should our readers expect from this production of Dear Evan Hansen?
It is one of the most intimate experiences that I have ever felt as an audience member. Every person sitting in the audience can see themselves in some way on the stage. It's a show about healing and embracing yourself, scars and all, and making the most
of every day. I am so excited to be bringing this show back to my home state.
If you want to find out more about Stephen, follow him :Instagram.com/_StephenAnthony. Tickets for Dear Evan Hansen will be available at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts box office at 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, FL, or by calling 813.229.STAR or online at StrazCenter.org, and at the Dr. Phillips Box Office at 445 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL or by calling 844.513.2014 or online at DrPhillipsCenter.org. For more information, please visit DearEvanHansen.com
hot shots photos by tony fowler
Cristoph’s Tampa Bear Soup
Kyle MacLachlan
Is Like a Fine Wine
Comes to Outlandish Performance Series At Sunshine Cathedral By Chris Azzopardi
In Giant Little Ones, actor Kyle MacLachlan plays a gay divorced dad
named Ray Winter parenting a distant teenage son, Franky (Josh Wiggins), who's grappling with his own sexual identity. I repeat: Kyle MacLachlan, a gay dad. The 60-year-old actor's range knows absolutely no bounds, inhabiting diversi ied worlds and traversing genre, from comedy to drama, from soapy to supernatural. MacLachlan's irst major role was in David Lynch's 1984 adaptation of Dune (soon, Call Me By Your Name actor Timothé e Chalamet will be slipping into MacLachlan's stillsuit for the forthcoming remake) and two years later, in 1986, he collaborated with the screen auteur again on Blue Velvet, starring alongside Isabella Rossellini. But it was Lynch's early'90s cult TV series Twin Peaks that arguably made MacLachlan a marquee name (in 2017, he reprised his role as Agent Cooper in Twin Peaks: The Return). In his three decades in TV and ilm and on stage, MacLachlan has played a city of icial based on irst big-city openly gay Mayor Sam Adams, Fred Flintstone's boss, the guy who fucks Nomi Malone in a swimming pool, Riley's dad in Inside Out, Charlotte's husband on Sex and the City, Bree Van de Kamp's husband on Desperate Housewives, and because why the hell not: Cary Grant's ghost. Starring in writerdirector Keith Behrman's Giant Little Ones as Helpful Gay Dad was really just an inevitably, but for MacLachlan, Ray is a warm hug of a role he deeply feels is important. One that, as a parent himself, even hits close to home. Here, the actor talks about raising his son, Callum, much like Ray Winter does, gay fans who slip into his DMs and bears who love his rosé .
You've played dads before. But what about Ray spoke to you differently?
He had a journey in this as well, which I liked. It was really about the connection with his son, and at that age it's very dif icult and made even more challenging by the fact that the parents are separated. Under the circumstances, Franky just doesn't know what to think or what to say, and I like that (Ray) really hung in there. I think in the original draft he was maybe a little more demanding, and so we kind of softened that a little bit. There are still those issues, but it was really important to me to feel like Ray was there and he wasn't gonna go anywhere and to remain as non-judgmental as possible.
His presence is always felt, but he's able to give his kid space at the same time. I appreciated that he tells his son to focus on who you're drawn to and not what to call it, essentially letting him know that sexuality is a spectrum. How did that resonate with you?
That was a really nice piece of writing on Keith's part, I thought. Again, trying not to judge. Especially at that age, I remember for myself just kind of trying to ind where you it in, what you're good at, what you're not good at, who's your group. There's lots and lots of questions and insecurities that are masked by a false sense of identity or control or “I don't want to hear what you say, I've got it igured out myself.” The idea of just being present, it's the way I approach the relationship with my son, the not judging. I'm not going at it trying to make him into something he doesn't want to be.
You were the stepfather of a gay son, Andrew Van de Kamp, on “Desperate Housewives.” Who does the better job parenting a queer kid: Orson Hodge or Ray Winter?
(Laughs) Orson, bless his heart. You know, he had good intentions, and there was an understanding there at attempting to connect.
I don't think Orson was ever comfortable in that role. I think Ray is more conscious and he's a champion, in some ways, for anyone who's being judged. In this particular case, it's “hang on a second.” He's sort of about turning the page: “Let's look at this and what's really happening here.” I liked that. And he does it with an inner strength and a irmness, but it's not without a wry sense of humor, and that I liked about him too.
When were your eyes first opened to having an LGBTQ following?
I think it was probably with Blue Velvet, I guess. Thematically it expected so much of the audience and it told a story that was so unusual and so true. That sort of started it, but I think with the advent of social media, suddenly it's really obvious and present. And it's great.
How has it become obvious through social media?
Just through comments, and it’s fun to read and great to feel the support. And then because so much of it is built around David Lynch, there's a real shorthand just in terms of terminology and phrases, and because of David's visuals and his images and his dialogue, of course.
I have a friend who says Blue Velvet was responsible for his sexual awakening. Is that what gay fans tell you on Twitter?
(Laughs) Maybe not quite so personal! But you know, that's ilm. Film is all about experiencing something and having your eyes
about portraying the ghost of Cary Grant who gives advice to a gay Muslim man?
opened, and I think that ilm in particular was about that; the exploration of it and the themes of it were so interesting, and they hadn't really been dealt with that much.
What kind of attention did “Showgirls” get you from the LGBTQ community?
(Laughs) I don't think it found its camp niche until a little bit later. It had to go through the “Oh my god, this is perhaps one of the worst ilms ever made” reaction and then people sort of said, “I think it was, in a way, a guilty pleasure.” Then that began to grow, and there's a true hardcore following of it and that's really fun. I've never said, “Oh yeah, in fact, actually, that was the intention,” or, “Oh yeah, it's a great ilm” – it's not a great ilm. But it succeeds at a level that I think is still entertaining and fun. And why not? That's our business.
I was at a gay bar once and they were showing Showgirls on all the TVs. When you shot that film, did you expect for it to live on in the LGBTQ community like it has?
I think we all entered into the ilm – certainly, I did – looking at the creative side of it. So you had really talented people – (director) Paul Verhoeven, obviously – and I think his intention was to do something that was sort of hard and cutting-edge and exposé and I think it kind of got away from him a little bit and became something else that was unexpected. But at the same time, we've all embraced it and said, “This is where it went,” and I gotta say, the ilm was probably gonna have a much longer life because of how it ended up than if it hadn't. If it was a ilm that we intended to make, it would've been great and ine and OK, but now, it will live on forever.
Particularly at gay bars.
At least there! And midnight showings!
For 2004's rom-com Touch of Pink, what was special
It was really fun. First of all, just the research alone was great. Getting to watch all the ilms, reading up about him, who he was as a person and the business side of things in Hollywood and how he really, really created this persona, which I think he tried to get away from but it was what he was known for. So I loved the research of it. And the director, Ian (Iqbal Rashid), whose story this actually was, was so lovely and I see him occasionally when I'm in London. He's just a terri ic person and a very, very talented director, and I was lattered. He had actually seen me on the stage doing a new play with Woody Harrelson and I don't quite know how he got there from that performance (laughs), but he thought I'd be perfect. So that's a pretty big mantle to try to take on, and so we sort of softened that a little bit and said he's more the spirit of Cary Grant – he's not exactly Cary Grant. But I enjoyed stepping in those shoes and trying out that language and that kind of attitude and that whole thing. And it's got a beautiful message, and just the ending when he has to let go, it's very touching, I think.
In 2018, you were honored with a Dorian acting award by GALECA, the Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics, for Twin Peaks: The Return, and in 2009, Desperate Housewives received Outstanding Comedy Series from GLAAD. Is there something special or distinct about having your work acknowledged by LGBTQ audiences and organizations?
Yeah, those stories, if they can speak to a community and there's a resonance there, that's the goal of this. They should be universal, but I think that if there's a relationship that can be created then we're doing a good job; something that's worthwhile that creates an emotional response and a connection, that's really what you want. I mean, that's what I want.
Your played the mayor of Portland in Portlandia. Do you think that character would make a good mayor of Twin Peaks or Wisteria Lane?
(Laughs) He wasn't a really good mayor – but he was incredibly enthusiastic! I think that was the fun of it: He always got things a little bit wrong but they kind of ultimately ended up
OK, with the help of Fred (Armisen) and Carrie (Brownstein), certainly. But, oh god, at least it would be a lot of fun to have him as a mayor of any community, I think.
Why haven't we seen you in more openly gay roles?
(Laughs) It's a good question. You know, the work just kind of comes, and it's one of those things where once it sort of ilters through a little bit of whatever it does in Hollywood it inds its way into my inbox and you take a look at it.
Have there been gay roles you've turned down?
It's always about the quality of the material, so if it there was, it just wasn't worth telling.
But then you read something like Giant Little Ones.
And you know that it is a beautiful story. I had the reaction that everyone had: This is a story that needed to be told, and for any kids out there who are having this kind of “I don't know, I don't know” and they don't have anywhere to turn, it's like, well, we're not the answer, but we're at least an experience to say, “You're not alone.”
And a reminder to your own son that his dad is OK with whomever he becomes or wants to be.
In fact, he attends a school in New York and it's
...It had to go through the Oh my god, this is perhaps one of the worst films ever made reaction... all about that. It's all about the acceptance of everyone, and it's a wonderful thing to watch because that wasn't my experience growing up. Public schools, small town, very conservative. Not unlike the situation of Franky, there was a lot of “however tough you are” and “whatever sports you play,” those are your identi iers. It's nice that he's having a completely different experience.
In your spare time, you are a winemaker. Are gay men some of your most loyal rosé buyers?
(Laughs) I should hope so, for god's sake! Rosé is one of those crazy things: It just keeps expanding and people love it and now it's not just for summer anymore, it's not just for the Hamptons anymore. It can be year-round and, yeah, it's been really fun. And yeah, very supportive.
In a queer context “bear” means a hairy, chubby gay man, so it can't hurt that “Pursued by Bear” is the name of your brand.
You know, I was really going after the Shakespeare play, obviously, but yeah, not unaware and I thought, that's kind of funny. There've been occasions where I've met a few guys – bears, you know – and they've said, “Oh yeah, I've got this in my cellar.” And it cracks me up! I'm like, “Fantastic, I'm glad you like it.” Its good wine and it should be enjoyed.
As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in GQ, Vanity Fair and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi.
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After earning national acclaim as the standout star of NBC's America's Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Piff The Magic Dragon continues to win over audiences across the globe with his mythical mixture of wizardry, wit and sarcasm that ignites a oneof-a-kind comedy magic show you have to see to believe! Joined by his trusty sidekick Mr. Piffles, The World's Only Magic Performing Chihuahua, the dynamic duo perform nightly to sold-out rooms at his residency at the world-famous Flamingo Casino in Las Vegas in the newly renamed Piff the Magic Dragon Theatre. In addition to the residency, Piff along with Jade Simone, a genuine Las Vegas Showgirl, are currently performing across the US and Canada as part of their 2019 tour The Lucky Dragon which comes to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, April 4. It was a pleasure to sit down with Piff for this exclusive Hotspots interview:
Were you always a performer, even as a child? I didn't start as a child, but I got the bug at 15.
By Scott Holland
What came first Comedy or Magic?
Magic came first. However, I was always making funny remarks to people and then it eventually turned into a combo act.
What was the first magic trick and magician you ever saw?
I am pretty sure the first magician I saw was David Copperfield, and he was escaping from Alcatraz. I never knew what he did that he was in Alcatraz…LOL!
What was the first Magic Trick you ever performed?
I had a little box that had an orange ball in it and the ball would be there when you opened it and vanish when you opened it again. I am still closing with that trick to this day.
Do you have a mentor or mentors in the Magic World and why?
Penn and Teller have been a big part of my life for the last few years and have given mme a lot of material and help.
When did Mr. Piffles become part of the act?
In 2009, I thought the act needed a gimmick and Mr. Piffles was born.
How was it to perform on Americas Got Talent and Penn and Teller Fool Us?
I went on Penn and Teller in 2011, and I didn't fool them, but the clip went viral and I got offers all over the world to perform. I ended up getting a small part in a big show in Vegas. I liked it so much that I wanted to stay in Vegas so I went on AGT in hopes of winning and getting my own show. Even though I didn't win, my dreams came true and I got my own show in Vegas.
How exciting was it when you got the call that you were going to have your own residency and room at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas?
It's been amazing, we have been there for 3 ½ years now and they just renamed the theater the “Piff the Magic Dragon Theater.” It is such an honor!
What does the future hold for you and Mr. Piffles?
We are just about to release our first special that we have been shooting over the last year. We are both looking forward to that. Also, I want to tell everyone that we have a podcast called the Piff Podcast, at Thepiffpod.com. I would love your readers to check it out.
What should our readers expect from your show “The Lucky Dragon Tour”?
Well do you like a grumpy dragon doing magic, then come. If not come for the dog and stay for the dragon. In this tour we have a bunch of new tricks and some classic ones to please everyone.
Catch Piff, Mr. Piffles, Jade Simone, at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, April 4 at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $24.50 at StrazCenter.org. m or follow her on Instagram.com/Mhecker
hot shots photos by tony fowler
Southern Nights Tampa
Plastique of “Rupaul’s Drag Race” Season 11
hot bodies
P
Perfect six pack abs are desired by just about everyone. In reality, they're attained by only a few. Many believe that eating endless salads and doing sit-ups all daylong are all you need to get that sexy midsection. I beg to differ! You've got to have a plan that includes hard work, the correct exercises and good nutrition. Here's a strategy that may help you to be ready for swimsuit season! First, there are some bad habits you need to break and some good ones you must begin if you want results. 1. Quit starving yourself. This is not the best way to lose weight and get a flat stomach. Your body will only respond by storing fat more stubbornly, and your metabolism will tank, leaving you with low
By Tom Bonanti
Perfect ABS? Here’s The Plan!
water is a lot less calories than a doughnut. Now, here are a few surefire ab crunch exercises that will torch fat and sculpt muscle. Work abdominals 2-3 times per week, maximum, as you would any other major muscle group. Use 3 sets of 10-12 reps for each exercise.
Plank Crunches. Start in a traditional plank position with your forearms on the ground and you body perfectly straight. Bring your right knee forward toward your right elbow, then return to the plank position. Repeat by bringing your left knee toward your left elbow. That's one rep. energy. Instead, embark on a high protein diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Cut out saturated fats and focus upon eating low-glycemic index carbs that will give you the energy you need for those ab classes.
Bicycle Crunches. Lie on your back with your hands behind your head and legs raised and bent at 90 degrees. Alternate sides by bringing
2. Stop late night eating and mindless grazing. Consuming extra calories in such reckless ways will pack on pounds and inches in no time. Instead, begin the day with a healthy breakfast and eat smaller healthier meals and snacks throughout the day to avoid being ravenous at night. 3. Cut back on booze. Alcohol is empty calories (7 calories/gram) that do you no good and are stored as excess sugar and fat by your body. Instead, drink more water. Did you know that food cravings are often just a sign that you're dehydrated? A tall glass of
your right elbow toward your left knee, then your left elbow toward your right knee, building up to 60 seconds. Try and hold the crunch for a 2 count on each side to force a slower, concentrated movement.
Swiss Ball Rollout. Kneel on a mat with your hands on a Swiss stability ball. Keeping your back straight and abdominals engaged, roll the ball as far away from you as you can, then slowly roll the ball back to starting position. 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 with questions or to set up an appointment today!
hot shots photos by tony fowler
Taste of Pride St. Pete
Gypsy, Chicago, The King and I, and Assassins. It also makes fun of some of Broadways biggest names: Audra McDonald, Patti LuPone, Barbra Streisand, Bernadette Peters, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Carol Channing and Liza Minnelli. The show, directed by Alessandrini, had its first preview on July 19, 2016 and opened on September 8, 2016 at New York's Triad Theatre. Originally scheduled to run 18
Photos by Roger Mastroianni
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Spamilton: An American Parody comes to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts from April 9 through May 12, with tickets starting at only $30 at strazcenter.org Spamilton: An American Parody is a musical parody of the Broadway show Hamilton. Written by the creator of the Forbidden Broadway, Gerard Alessandrini. Spamilton also parodies several other musicals, including Camelot, The Book of Mormon, Sweeney Todd,
By Scott Holland
It was a pleasure to sit down with cast member Marissa Hecker, who not only grew up in Florida, but is a member of the LGBTQ community.
At what age did you begin performing, and how did it happen?
My parents were big theater nerds, so I listened to cast albums very early on, but I didn't start singing and dancing on stage until High School.
What was your first professional/paid role?
I t was during my freshman year of high school, and it was a regional production of the “Music Man,” and it ran for like 3 months. That show is what really sparked it for me.
How did you get cast in this Spamilton, An American Parody?
I just had graduated from CCM (University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music) in May and I moved to NYC. In September I started to audition, and I got lucky and got cast a few months later.
Does Lin Manuel and the other big wigs behind Hamilton enjoy your parody of Hamilton?
The original Spamilton ran off Broadway at Triad Theater, and all the original stars of Hamilton came to see Spamilton and they loved it. They have been very supportive!
performances, it was extended at the Triad until May 28, 2017. It moved on June 2, 2017 to the 47th Street Theatre, near the Richard Rodgers Theatre where Hamilton is presented. Don't miss this “convulsively funny” (The New York Times) parody from the comic mastermind behind the long-running hit Forbidden Broadway. After tearing it up in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, Spamilton: An American Parody fulfills its manifest destiny by conquering Tampa for a limited time only. The Huffington Post raves “you don't have to see Hamilton to have side-splitting fun at Spamilton.”
Other than this role, what has been your favorite to play? In College I got to play Fantine in Les Miz, and that was my favorite so far!
What is your fantasy role?
I have a few…I would love to play Lizzie in “110 in the Shade,” and I also would love to play any role in “Fun Home.” It's such an amazing show, so any role in that production would be phenomenal to play.
How do you find working in a touring company while being part of the LGBTQ community?
It's great, as the theatrical community is extremely accepting of the LGBTQ community. I felt the most myself, in a long time, with this cast.
Are you looking forward to coming back to Florida? Yes, I am looking forward to coming back….especially since I am in Boston right now and it's very cold.
What should our readers expect from Spamilton, An American Parody?
Expect 80 minutes of ridiculous theater parody. You will enjoy this show whether you have seen Hamilton or not. Its making fun but
also celebrating how Hamilton has changed the theatrical community throughout the world.
For more information on Marissa you can go to her website at: MarissaHecker.com or follow her on Instagram.com/Mhecker
= s p u k o o H
Visit www.squirt.org to hook up today
hot advice
By Andreus Quinones
He Keeps Hinting at Wanting a Boyfriend
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Dear Andreus, I have been hooking up with the same guy for a while. We met on Grindr, and it has always only been a sex thing for me. We have sex, and then he leaves. The last couple of times he has been hanging around and trying to be a bit more romantic with me. He keeps hinting at things like wanting a boyfriend, and needing a relationship, but I don't want that with him. I don't know what to do. I love the sex, but he is not the type of guy that I could have a relationship with. Help! Happily Single Dear Happily Single, There is no way to handle this situation other than being honest. If you want only a sexual relationship, then you need to tell him. Some people are not able to separate sex from their emotions, so they equate sex with love. You are obligated to be straightforward. The longer you do this, potentially the more emotionally involved he will become. Then instead of him being a little hurt that you don't want more, he will be crushed. It's always important to be direct about what you want from the beginning so nobody gets hurt.
Dear Andreus, I just got the opportunity of a lifetime. I got an amazing promotion at work, and the pay is outstanding. I have been waiting years for this, but there is a problem. It requires that I move to the west coast, and my partner does not want to go. I am so conflicted because I have really wanted this job and have been working towards it for at least 10 years now. I love him, and I don't want to leave him behind, but he is dead set on not moving. What am I supposed to do? Sincerely, Jason G. Dear Jason, First, congratulations on the promotion! Seems like you are struggling between two loves. Having worked so hard, you deserve to pursue your promotion. Is it possible that you and your partner can come to some type of arrangement? Maybe he can live part-time with you there or visit you a week out of every month. There is no easy way through this situation. You guys are going to have to sit down and really talk about this. If you two have a solid relationship, there will be a way to figure this out, so everyone at least gets some of what they want. Don't make any demands and don't give ultimatums. Just talk about it and ask him what he would do if he were in your shoes. I really hope it works out.