from the editor I would like to start off this month's Hotspots Central with a heartfelt thank you to Mike Halterman whose herculean effort helped make Hotspots Central the success it is today. Mike has moved on to greener pastures and we will miss his charm and wit at HotspotsMediaGroup. GoodluckMike! This month, we are proud to bring you tons of information about the happenings across Central Florida. Read about Barcodes eighth anniversary celebration and a chat with the neighborhood bar's owner David who tells us what we can expect from theirbiganniversaryparty. Perhaps the biggest event this month in the Central Florida LGBT community will be Tampa Pride which will take place in the heart of Ybor City in Tampa. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever, and it will be extra special to the Hotspots Central Family as our very own Publisher/Marketing Director Peter Clark and his husband, Cleto Buren, are recognized as the Grand Marshal Couple for this year's parade. This Pride festival will kick off the Pride Season here in CentralFloridaandwehopetoseeyouthere.
Central Florida Edition March, 2017
Publisher/Marketing Director Peter Clark Peter@HotspotsMedia.com
Vice-President Peter Jackson PeterJ@hotspotsmedia.com
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Editor Ian Maloney Ian@HotspotsMedia.com
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on the inside
Central Florida Edition March, 2017
Interview with Blake Hammond Nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Something Rotten!”comes toTampa with three principal castmembers direct from Broadway.
content: • • • •
From the Editor Genre Latino Hit List Need wood What’s Hot Central Florida
• • • • • •
Barcodes Anniversary Disney’s Little Mermaid Central Florida Fair Tampa Pride Something Rotten Winter Party
this month’s features:
hot shots • City Side • Liquid Tampa • Quench Bar • Southern Nights Tampa • Out for Business • The Center Orlando
What’s HOT ...everything you need to plan your month
hot shots
Quench
Bear Night
photos by tony fowler
City Side
Tampa Pride Fundraiser
Barcodes: Orlando's neighborhood gay bar celebrates
8 years of business by Scott Holland
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Barcodes (4453 Edgewater Drive, Orlando), a neighborhood bar in the Orlando neighborhood of College Park, will celebrate their eight anniversary on Saturday, March 11. In preparation of the big event, we chatted with David, who owns the bar with hislifepartnersRaymond.
How long have you and Raymond been together and how did you meet? We met about nine years ago at Sawmill Campgrounds. I like to joke with my friends that our first date was no dinner, no kiss and no lube, but it wasloveatfirstsight.
What did the two of you do before you opened Barcodes? I owned a motel on Singer Island and Raymond was adistrictmanagerforaconveniencestore.
What made you decide to open Barcodes and how did you pick the name? I had been self-employed since 1974 and I decided I
wanted tostay self-employed. Raymondwanted us to open a business together. Shortly afterward, friends of ours told us there was a bar for sale. When we looked at it, it was so run down that we were horrified, but we decided to take a shot at it. We originally leasedthebuilding. But,ayearandahalflaterwewere able to purchase it which allowed us the ability to do a lot of upgrades. I honestly don't remember how we picked the name, but we did do an exhaustive search beforedeciding.
caps, and all types of “personal supplies.” The Store is open the same hours as the bar; seven days a week fromnoontill2a.m.
What do you attribute the eight years of success to? Basically, our loyal clientele. We try and do a lot of marketing etc., but without the loyal clientele we wouldn'tbehere.
Owners,Raymond&David
“
... without the loyal clientele we wouldn't be here.”
What should the Orlando residents expect when they come to your anniversary? We are celebrating by giving away numerous items hourly starting at 9 p.m. Some of our fabulous prizes include; a two night stay at Flamingo Resort in St. Pete, a two night stay at Parliament House in Orlando, numerous "novelty" items from our store as well as items from our beer vendors. The grand prize will be $500cash.
How has the bar changed over the years from your original concept? I would say our clientele remain consistent. It's a neighborhood bar where everyone is welcome. We still do a lot of charitable events, and we are so happytohelpthecommunitywelove.
You mentioned some of the upgrades that you and Raymond have made. What are some of the improvements that you are most proud of? We made the bar smoke free after we did a survey and had a 95 percent positive reaction from banning smoking inside the bar … even from smokers. It made a huge difference on the cleanliness on the bar and the wear and tear on the equipment. Even the electric bill went down 20 percent! Everyone in Orlando was shocked about what happenedonJune12,asitnotonlyhappenedinour community but in a gay bar. Just like everyone else, we were in shock too, so we decided it was only appropriate to paint the building as a memorial to PulseandtokeepOrlandostrong! Last May, we did major renovations to the outside of the building including fencing, lighting, sound system, and seating. The patio has always been a popularspotforourguests,itisevenmoresonow.
How did the Store inside of Barcodes come about?
What's ahead for Barcodes?
We started the Store about six months after we opened and it has caught on very quickly. Recently we added Andrew Christian underwear and they are flying off the shelves. We also sell T shirts, baseball
We try not to think too far ahead and live in the moment. When we see an opportunity we try to execute and move fast. Right now, we are just enjoying whereweare.
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
hot shots
Southern Nights Tampa
Saturday Nights
photos by russ martin & mike halterman
Liquid Tampa
Frenchie Davis
what’s hot everything you need to know
to plan your month
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Hello, Hotspots Central readers! Welcome once again to the What's Hot column, where we keep you in the loop with lots of important nightlife events in Tampa Bay, Orlando, and points in between. We're also your connection to many activities and events organized by local LGBT service organizations and chambers of commerce. Want to know What's Hot in March? Read moreandfindout!
Wednesday, March 1 MBA Orlando brings you their Monthly Networking Mixers (First Wednesday of every month), this
month held at Edge Factory. (7111 Grand National Dr. #100 Orlando, 32819) The Networkers feature Hors D 'Oeuvres, Cash Bar, Individualized Networking Member Minutes: an opportunity formemberbusinessestopresent their elevator pitch at the Mixer, and Speed Networking: the first ten members to sign up at each mixer get an exclusive chance to network with each other, group speed dating style. This is a great way to get to know your chamber, its members and what MBA Orlando is all about. Admission is free for all members and only $20 forguests. Freefall Theatre (6099 Central Ave, St Petersburg) presents Red Velvet running through March 26. For more information call 727498-5205
Thursday, March 2 Sarasota Film Festival presents
G2H2 (Gay Guy Happy Hour) from 5:30-
8:30 p.m. at the Starlite Room (1001 Cocoanut Ave Sarasota, 34236). The night will feature a $10 cover which includes appetizers, 50/50 raffle, door prizes and live entertainment by thePlumpSisters. Central Florida Fair will open today and remain open until Sunday, March 19. The fair opens at 4 p.m. on weekdays and at 10 p.m. on weekends. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. This year, The Central Florida Fair presents 90s R&B sensation Tony, Toni Tone at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, rockers Puddle of Mud on Friday, March 10 at 7
p.m. and the 6th Annual Orlando Caribbean Festival which gets kicked off at the fair on Saturday, March 11. For more information about the Central Florida Fair including performance tickets, entrance to the fair, and a complete schedule of events, visit thematCentralFloridaFair.com Dunedin Lanes (405 Patricia Ace, Dunedin) presents Pride Bowling (The First Thursday of every month) from 10 p.m. -2 a.m., with $10 unlimited Cosmic Bowling, and $5 for non-bowlers. This is an 18+ event and features a fabulous Drag Queen show at midnight starring Jocelyn, Monica andAmy.
Joey's Show Will Go On is a docudrama film about long-time Tampa Female impersonator Joey Brooks. The film will be featured at the Gasparilla International Film Festival at 9:45 p.m. at Theater 1 - PPK/Contender Studios Theater (1600 E. 8th Ave, YborCity). Wena's Nightclub and Show Bar presents Jade Jolie, of RuPaul's
Sunday, March 5 The Flamingo Resort presents
a benefit for one of their own, Alexis Dela Mer, Miss St Pete F.I. at Large at 7 p.m. The benefit is to raise money to send Alexis to Miss Florida F.I. at Large and will featureentertainersandraffles.
Drag Race tonight and on night March4
Friday, March 3 The Parliament House presents “Werk Queen” with your hosts from the hit web series “Hey Queen”
Jonny Mcgovern and Lady “Red” Couture. This will be an evening of hilarious
song parodies, gay ditties, dragtastic lipsyncs, stand-up comedy and behind the scenes dish. Taking place at the Footlight Theater at 8pm. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Phouse.ticketleap.com
revealing never before shared s e c re t s a n d t a l e s o f inconceivable antics! Tickets start at $25, and a limited number of VIP packages are available and include the best seats in the house,aMeetandGreetwithCary Elwes and a signed copy of his best-selling book, As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the MakingofThePrincessBride. Parliament House presents their yearly Mardi Gras party and the annual Parade Spectacular featuring Mardi Gras Queen and King, Trinity K. Bonet and Axel Andrews.
Saturday March 4 The Straz Center presents The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes attheCarolMorsani Hall. Fans of The Princess Bride join the heroic Westley (actor Cary Elwes) in a behind-thescenes look at life on and off the set of the iconic film. After a screening of the movie, Elwes engages in a moderated discussion on classic scenes,
Tuesday, March 7 The Straz Center presents Something Rotten! showing until March 12 at Carol Morsani Hall. With 10 Tony nominations including Best
Musical, SOMETHING ROTTEN! is a “big, fat hit!” (New York Post). Set in the '90s – the 1590s – this hilarious smash tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom (Tony nominee Rob McClure and Broadway's Josh Grisetti), two brothers who are desperate to write their own hit play while the "rock star" Shakespeare (Tony
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
nominee Adam Pascal) keeps getting all the hits. 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 “Broadway's funniest musical comedy in at least 400 YEARS!” (Time Out New York). Tickets startat$31. The Dr. Phillips Center presents Disney's The Little Mermaid fromtoday until March 12. In a magical kingdom fathoms below, we meet Ariel, the little mermaid who is
(first Tuesday of every month) from 8 p.m. -11 p.m. The night will feature all your favorite high energy skating songs with DJ Greg Anderson and an all-new houroflatenightfunk.
fabulous prizes include; a two night stay at Flamingo Resort in
Thursday, March 9 Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber of Commerce presents “Health & Wellness Panel Dinner” at The Centre Club in Tampa's Westshore at 6:30 p.m. Hear from their panel of medical experts, in collaboration with Florida Wellness, on various health and wellness topics especially tailored to our community. Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for nonmembers. To purchase tickets or fo r m o re i n fo g o t o : DiversityTampaBay.org/event2459527
St. Pete, a two night stay at Parliament House in Orlando, numerous "novelty" items from their store as well as items from their beer vendors. The grand prizewillbe$500cash. The Flamingo Resort presents a Studio 54 party featuring DJ
Ybor City Barbering Company (2409 E 7th, Tampa) presents a RuPaul’ Drag Race Season 9 ViewingPartyfrom7p.m.-10p.m. tired of flipping her fins and longs to be part of the fascinating world on dry land. Joining her are Sebastian, Ariel's crabby sidekick; Ursula, the evil sea witch; Triton, King of the Sea and the handsome and human Prince Eric. Based on the Disney animated film and hit Broadway musical. Tickets start at $33.75 and can be purchased at DrPhillipsCenter.org United Skates (5121N Armenia Ave, Tampa) presents Pride Skate
Johnny Cruz, and they invite you to be a part of the show and dress in your best 80's outfit. Showtime will be at 11:30 p.m. with Iman as hostess and featuring the Blu TheaterPlayers.
Saturday, March 11 Barcodes Orlando in College
Park, will be celebrating their eighth anniversary. They will be giving away numerous items hourly starting at 9 p.m. Some of their
Monday, March 13 The 13th annual Miss Gay North USofA Classic Pageant will take place at 8 p.m. (registration at 3 p.m. and interview at 4) at the Parliament House. The night will star Michelle St Johns (Miss Gay North USofA Classic 2016), Nancy Taylor (Miss
Gay USofA Classic 2016) as well as Tommie Ross, Anita Mann, Misty Knight, Tina Devore, Amy
Friday, March 17 The Flamingo Resort celebrates
Saint Patrick's Day with a fabulous show featuring hostess Ashlee T Bangkx and starring Kenya Black, Iman and Isaiah Sanchez Hilton.
Saturday, March 25 TAMPA PRIDE 2017 with the theme Demilo, Chelsea Delray, Ginger Manchester, Chevelle Brooks and Sierra Nichols as well as Emcee Darcell Stevens. For more information contact Bobbie at 260-615-9803.
"Community Super Heroes" includes the Festival Expo starting at 10 a.m. Over 150
Night Club and both Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer doing the emotional presentation in front of Centro Ybor. Grand Marshals are former Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner and community leader Joey Brooks. The Grand Marshal Couple is H o t s p o t s M e d i a Publisher/owner, Peter Clark and partner, Cleto Beuren. "Recognized
Thursday, March 16 Premiere Travel, Carnival Cruises, and Florida Cane Distillery present Hotpsots Central's “Out For Business� (Central Florida's
Newest LGBT Business Mixer) at Dapper Duck (28 South Orange Avenue) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. There is no admission and everyone gets a complimentary cocktail and small bites. Come mix and mingle with other b u s i n e s s p ro f e s s i o n a l s . Somebody will win a fabulous prize!
vendors at HCC Parking Lot and on 8th Ave between 14th and 18th Street in historic Ybor City; Tampa pride Tribute to the Community, at Noon honoring the historic Key West eight color rainbow flag, Tampa Bay Rainbow Marching Band, Honoring Orlando pulse victims with First Responders and an invite to both the owner of Pulse
LGBTA Community Supporter Award " winners are former Tampa Mayor Sandy Freedman and retired Ybor City Development Corp manager Vince Pardo. Tampa Pride Diversity Parade at 1 pm with floats, celebrities, c o r p o rat i o n s , c h u rc h e s , organizations, and walkers as the 160 units march down the famous 7th Ave. through the
GaYBOR District. Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
March ushers in the return of the Central Florida Fair which will open on Thursday, March 2 and will remain open until Sunday, March 19. The fair opens at 4 p.m. on weekdays and at 10 p.m. on weekends. It is closed onMondaysandTuesdays. The Central Florida Fair was founded in 1910 by a group of community leaders who sought an outlet to celebrate the agricultural industry in Orlando and its surrounding counties. With an average annual attendance of 250,000, the Central Florida Fair successfully continues its mission to preserve and enhance the agricultural, cultural, educational, and historical legacy of Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Brevard, and Volusia Counties, known collectively as “Central Florida.� It is the largest not-for-profit fair in Central Florida and among the top five largest fairs in the state. The Fair is centrally located just minutes from downtown Orlando on 87 acres with ample free parkingandaLynxBusstopatthemainentrance. At the annual Fair, Visitors and residents alike will
enjoy scores of rides through the exciting Midway, from stomach dropping thrillers for adrenaline seekers to Kiddie Land for the youngest riders, the Central Florida Fair delivers clean family fun for everyone! In addition to the traditional rides and fair food, the 11-day event will celebrate the accomplishments of local residents awarding nearly$200,000inprizemoneytoexhibitorsin: Creative Arts — with nearly 3,000 handmade items in over 200 categories, including Fine Arts, Needlework,andCrafts&Hobbies Food Arts& Sciences — a feast of baked goods, canned fruits, decorated cakes, and decorative touches for the home, plus dozens of daily chef demonstrations on a state-of-the-art kitchenstage
Horticulture — lush displays of flowers and foliage, plus information on gardening, water conservation,landscaping,andmore FFA — local middle and high school chapters present educational booths on landscaping, animal husbandry,veterinarycare,andmore 4-H — this leadership-building organization presents a year's worth of youth activities in informativeboothsandcreativecontests Livestock — featuring over 2,000 cows, horses,sheep,hogs,goats,chickens,andrabbits Entertainment — over 100 groups featuring 800 singers, dancers and musicians on three stages The Fair further supports the community by distributing thousands of free tickets to underprivileged children, as well as opening the Fairgrounds early one weekday for school groups and chaperones to enjoy the exhibits and entertainmentforfree.
This year, The Central Florida Fair presents 90s R&B sensation Tony, Toni Tone at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, rockers Puddle of Mud on Friday, March 10 at 7 p.m. and the 6th Annual Orlando Caribbean Festival which gets kicked off at the fair on Saturday, March11. For more information about the Central Florida Fair including performance tickets, entrance to the fair, and a complete schedule of events, visit them at
CentralFloridaFair.com. Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
Tampa Pride: Community Super Heroes Celebrating the LGBT Community in Centro YBor by Ian Maloney
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Tampa Pride is a celebration of all of the obstacles our community has overcome throughout our history. It is our chance to celebrate being free of persecution, persecution that still plagues GLBTA people all around the world. This year, the Central Florida LGBT community and her allies will kick off the pride season on Sunday, March 25 with a parade and festival. The celebration will take place in Tampa's GaYbor neighborhood, which serves as the de facto home of the LGBT community inTampa. This year's parade and street festival will be bigger and better than 2016. Organizers have additional capacity for parade floats and entries, and have promised to add over 80 percent more booths. They have also added new stages and entertainmentforyourviewingpleasure! In addition, the street festival is moving back to 8th Avenue! Food and entertainment also will also be available at Centro Ybor as well as the HCC parking lot area (northeast corner of 15th street and 8th Avenue). The Street Festival and entertainment begin at 10 a.m., followed by a special Pulse Tribute
called Tampa Pride Tribute to the Community will take place at noon on 7th Avenue in front of Centro Ybor. The tribute will feature the famous Key West Rainbow Flagthatisover100feetlong.
The Tampa Pride Diversity Parade kicks off at 1PM from Nuccio at 7th Avenue (traveling east to 20th Street). This year's Grand Marshals are; former Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner and local Community Leader Joey Brooks. The special Grand Marshal Couple is Hotspots Media Group owners Peter Clark and Cleto Beuren who have been together more than 30 years. The parade will also feature the New 2017 Miss Tampa Pride is Miss Kenya B. Black. I asked Peter Clark about being chosen as the Grand Marshal Couple and he told me: “Cleto and I are so honored to be chosen as the Grand Marshal Couple for this year's Tampa Pride. I never imagined when I met my husband over 30 years ago that we would be here,
but I am so glad to have him by my side as we watch our children and grandchildren grow. I am proud of the company that we have built together and of our commitment to the LGBT community here in Tampa and across Florida. I would personally like to thank Carrie West and the other organizers of Tampa Pride who work so hard all year long to bring this amazing eventtogether.� Tampa Pride will recognize the community with the presentationofthe LGBTACommunityLeadersAwards which will be presented to former Tampa Mayor Sandy Freedman and retired Ybor City Development CorporationManagerVincePardo. For more information, visit them online at
tampapride.org
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A spectacular new production of Disney's The Little Mermaid kicks off at The Dr. Phillips Center For the performing Arts on Tuesday March 7 for a limited six day run. Featuring the critically acclaimed work of Director Glenn Casale, this beloved tale of a young mermaid's coming-of-age adventure is told like never before. Casting includes Diana Huey as Ariel and Matthew Kacergis as Prince Eric, with Broadway's Jennifer Allen as Ursula and Steven
Blanchard as King Triton. Melvin Abston, Connor Russell and Jamie Torcellini round out the cast as Sebastian,FlounderandScuttle. This timeless Disney musical is based on the hit animated 1989 Disney film The Little Mermaid, which was loosely based on the Hans Christian Anderson tale. The show follows headstrong Ariel, no longer content to live on the ocean floor under her father, KingTriton'srule.
Hotspots Central Exclusive Interview by Scott Holland Becca Orts, Marco Ramos, Robbie Roby, James Shackelford, Brian Steven Shaw, Momoko Sugai, Brenna Wagner, Michael Wordly and Brittany Zeinstra. It was a pleasure to sit down with the lead Diana Huey who plays Ariel for this exclusive Hotspots Interview.
Convinced she'll only find happiness on land, she sets off to find a world where she belongs, battling a cruelseawitchandfindingtruelovealongtheway. The film earned three Academy Award nominations and fourGoldenGlobenominations,winningtheawardsfor Best Song (“Under the Sea”) and Best Score in both ceremonies. The soundtrack won the Grammy Award for Best Album for Children and the Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack Album for A Motion Picture, TelevisionorOtherVisualMedia. The Broadway production appeared in 2007 under Director Francesca Zambello. In 2012, Director Glenn Casale was invited to re-imagine the show, making significant plot changes, introducing aerial elements and featuring a new set design by Bob Crowley that emulates a pop-up book. Casale's changesarereflectedinthisproduction. This stellar cast is joined by Brandon Roach as Flotsam, Frederick Hagreen as Jetsam/Prince Eric Cover, Allen Fitzpatrick as Grimsby and Dane Stokinger as Chef Louis. Also swimming under the sea are Kristin Burch, Venny Carranza, Lisa Karlin, Michael McGurk, Amanda Minano, Taylor Niemeyer,
Were you always a performer, even as a kid or when did it start? I always grew up doing the arts…dancing and singing. I got into theater when I was in middle school, and I neverstopped. Myfamilyknewfromtheageof3.
What was your first professional/paid gig? My very first real gig was my senior year of college as I did a show called “Rodgers And…” It was a cabaret review of the Rodger and Hammerstein musicals. Martin Charnin was in the room. The University I attended did not allow us to do shows out of school, but I got special permission and I got the job on the spotanditwasveryexciting.
Other than Ariel, what has been your favorite role to play and why? For me it's definitely Kim in Miss Saigon. It was the mostrewardingpieceoftheaterformetodo.
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“...expect a really good time as you get to see and hear all your favorite songs from the movie. It is an expanded story, but we get to delve into each character more.” You are a Helen Hayes Award Winner for Best Leading Actress for Signature Theatre's Miss Saigon. How amazing was it to win that award and how has it helped your career? I won it for my first job outside of Seattle. It was huge, and doing that show convinced me to permanently leave Seattle and move to New York. I totally stepped outside of the box, but that show gave me the confidence. It was a huge changing point for me. So yes, it helped my career because it convincedmetogoforit.
What should the Central Florida audiences expect from this production of the Little Mermaid? I think they should expect a really good time as you get to see and hear all your favorite songs from the
movie. It is an expanded story, but we get to delve into each character more. But all the songs were written by AlanMenkinsoit'sthesamefeel. Also, in this touring version we are flying in harnesses to simulate swimming. It is so much fun. It's done by “Flying by Foy” who did Peter Pan and Wicked and they are amazing. On Broadway they were on Roller Skates, but now we fly and it gives a much better and realisticfeel. Disney's The Little Mermaid plays at the Dr. Phillips Center from March 7-12. Tickets, which start at $33.75 are available at the DrPhillipsCenter.org or at the Box Office (445 S. Magnolia Ave. Orlando, FL 32801) Monday–Friday:10 AM–4 PM, and Saturday 12 PM–4 PM. Fpr more information call 844.513.2014 For more information on Diana Huey, go to
DianaHuey.com
hot shots photos by russ martin & mark & carrie
Hotspots Central Out for Business
Hamburger Mary’s Pub House
The Tony winning musical “Something Rotten!” makes its debut in Tampa
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The completely original new musical Something Rotten!, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Aladdin), with music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner and Tony A w a rd n o m i n e e W a y n e Kirkpatrick and Golden Globe Award and Tony Award nominee Karey Kirkpatrick and a book by Tony Award nominees Karey Kirkpatrick and best-selling author John O'Farrell, comes to the Straz Center's Morsani Hall March 7-12 as part of the Bank of America Best of Broadway Tampa Bay series also sponsored by the Tampa Bay Times.
Cast member Blake Hammond >>>>> chats with Hotspots
Hotspots Central Exclusive Interview by Scott Holland
This hilarious new musical comedy tells the story of brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, two playwrights stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star Will Shakespeare. When a soothsayer foretells the next big thing in theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, the Bottom brothers set out to write the world's very first MUSICAL! With the most singing, the most dancing and the most gutbusting laughs on Broadway, it's something wonderful ... something for everyone ... It's Something Rotten!, “the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years” (Time Out New York)! Nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Something Rotten!” comes to Tampa with three principal cast members direct from Broadway: Rob McClure as Nick Bottom, Adam Pascal as Shakespeare and Josh Grisetti as Nigel Bottom. The touring cast also features Maggie Lakis as Bea, Blake Hammond as Nostradamus, Autumn Hurlbert as Portia, Scott Cote as Brother Jeremiah and Jeff Brooks as Shylock.
It is the funniest show I have ever been in, so expect tons of laughs. Our producer, Kevin McCullum, calls it “The Make America Laugh Again Tour. Rounding out the ensemble are Lucy Anders, Kyle Nicholas Anderson, Kate Bailey, Daniel Beeman, Brandon Bieber, Mandie Black, Nick Rashad Burroughs, Ian Campayno, Pierce Cassedy, Eric Coles, Drew Franklin, Juliane Godfrey, Leah Hofmann, Kristie Kerwin, Ralph Meitzler, Patrick John Moran, Joel Newsome, Con O'Shea-Creal and Tonya Thompson. The award-winning design team of Broadway veterans includes Scott Pask (scenic design), Gregg Barnes (costume design), Jeff Croiter (lighting design), Peter Hylenski (sound design), Josh Marquette (hair design), Phil Reno (music direction / conductor), Glen Kelly (arrangements), Larry Hochman (orchestrations), Steve Bebout (associate director), and casting by Telsey + Company/Bethany Knox, CSA. It was a pleasure to sit down with Blake Hammond for this Hotspots Exclusive interview:
Were you always a performer, even as a kid or when did you get “the bug”?
I performed as a kid for my mom on the fireplace, but I started doing theater late in High school. I then
studied at the University of Texas in Austin in the theater program. I was lucky enough to go there on scholarship.
What was your first professional/paid gig?
My first paid gig was when I did summer stock in university. I was 19 years old.
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Other than Nostradamus, what has been your favorite role to play and why?
I have two favorites. The first is when I played Edna Turnblad in Hairspray on Broadway. This was so great because it was my first time on Broadway and what a great part to play. The other one was The Adams Family where I played Uncle Fester. It was really fun to play a 10 year old boy in a 35 year old's body. I got to be a kid every night.
What is your Fantasy role to play?
I have to say I would love to sing the songs of Jean Val Jean from Les Miserables, but it's not the type or role I am usually cast in.
You have received L.A. Critics, Carbonell, Chicago After Dark and Indy Soap awards. How does it feel when you get these awards and does it ever get less nerve racking?
“The Make America Laugh Again Tour.� Also, the cast of this production are absolutely lovely. They are bunch of fun people, and I think it shows on stage. Something Rotten! will play the Straz Center's Morsani Hall, March 7-12. 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 $31-$83, 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. Handling fees will apply.
No, it does not get less nerve racking. Ithink awards are interesting because it's hard to say who is the best, but I must admit, it is fun to hear your name being called.
What should the Central Florida audiences expect from this production of the Something Rotten?
It is the funniest show I have ever been in, so expect tons of laughs. Our producer, Kevin McCullum, calls it
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Winter Party is a weeklong festival of iconic dance and social events, produced to raise critical funds for the LGBTQ community. This year, experience DJs ROSABEL at the Beach Party, the return of WE Party, a special edition VERVE Afterhours, and an all-new locationforthePoolParty! Founded in 1994, the original Winter Party featured just one event, a dance party on the sands of South Beach. In the years since, Winter Party has grown into an iconic weeklong celebration featuring dozens of events and drawing crowds by the thousands from around the globe. Their method is part genius and part magic. They feature an amazing mix of people, music, entertainment and international DJ talent, in the exhilarating, worldclass venues of Miami Beach. Get ready to PLAY HARD. Things kick off on Wednesday, March 1 as the National Hotel hosts the official opening of the Welcome Center. You can pick up your tickets there, shop for swag, and have a few drinks with the people whomakethepartieshappen. From Thursday, March 2 through Tuesday, March 7, Miami and Miami Beach's hottest nightclubs will be taken over by the thousands of partiers who will comeouttohelpraisemoneyfortheNationalLGBTQ TaskForce.
Some of the highlights of the weekend include: Heat Friday,March310p.m. to7a.m. ClubSpace(34NE11thST.,Miami) Every year, Friday night at Club Space is an iconic part of Winter Party Festival. This year organizers are stepping it up a notch. The all-new Friday night party HEAT is produced with Hilton Wolman Events. DJ Nacho Chapado makes his Winter Party debut alongside DJ Alex Acosta on the Space Terrace, with DJ Deanne all night in the Space Basement. Three world-classDJs,onesizzlingMiaminight. Bethere!
Under One Sun Saturday,March412p.m. to6p.m. Deauville Beach Resort (6701 Collins Ave, Miami Beach) Under One Sun Pool Party is one of the most popular Winter Party events. This year, organizers are
moving it to one of the largest pools in Miami Beach, the Deauville Beach Resort! Move to the rhythm-inducing beats of Winter Party alumni and fan-favorite DJ Dan Slater. Get ready for DJ Kitty Glitter, making her Winter Party debut! Take to the ocean-side pool with a sea of friends and fellow festival goers; this will definitely be one of the most memorable pool partiesoftheyear!
Party favorite ROSABEL (DJs Ralphi Rosario& Abel Aguilera) will be on deck, pounding out the beats you will not be able to resist! If you do even one event this year, it better be this one. Grab your sunscreen, your favorite speedo, and we'll seeyouthere!
Energy Saturday,March410p.m. to7a.m. Score(1437WashingtonAve,MiamiBeach) Get ready to feel the ENERGY, the Saturday night main event with the ultra-talented DJs Micky Friedmann& Isaac Escalante on the main floor, and DJ Hannah downstairs! Two floors of world-class talent, one event so iconicitcouldonlybeWinterParty!
WE Party Sailor
The Beach Party Sunday,March51:00p.m. to8p.m. Sands of South Beach at Lummus Park (12 St. andOceanDr.) The Beach Party is the largest and most popular Winter Party event, the crown jewel of Winter Party. It's hard to describe the magic of dancing on the sands of South Beach with your chosen family, and thousands of new friends from all over the world! It's an experience you have to see to believe, and one you will never forget. For the first time EVER in 2017, Winter
Sunday,March510p.m. to5a.m. Copa Room (1235 Washington Ave., Miami Beach) Just when you think you've seen it all ... Winter Party with Masterbeat presents: WE Party Sailor! This legendary Sunday night event returns to Copa Room (formerly Mansion/Icon) for a party that you will not soon forget! Making their Winter Party debuts, DJs Binomio& Oscar Velazquez will keep you dancing all night long. This event is MASSIVE and not to be missed! Don't forget to takeoffonMonday! For a complete list of events and to find out about different ticket options that are available, visitWinterPartyat WinterParty.com.
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
genre latino hit list
con scrappy pérez
necesito un descanso de las vacaciones
Q
¡¨ Qué fin de semana he tenido! Le dije a mi camarero mi acento español se pone más fuerte mientras más tragos me meto, así que tiene que cerrarme la cuenta si piensa estar hablando con la señora que le limpia o el gato con botas. Bueno, pues a él se le olvidó completamente y me fui de la discoteca con la cuenta abierta, vestido con una camisa que estoy seguro no es mía y faltándome un zapato porque soy una princesa. Por ahí salí luciendo mi vestimenta de cenicienta emborrachada. Así mismo salí de la disco y me metí en mi taxi. Y cuando digo “taxi” me refiero a un carrito de compras que un mendigo andaba paseando y esa noche lo estaba empujando hasta por mi casa. ¡Realmente tengo que dejardebeber!
Bueno, parece que las vacaciones ya se acabaron, y puedo decirles, porque hay menos turistas y más estacionamientos dondequiera que voy. D u ra n t e l a s vacaciones, me tengo que chupar dos kilómetros para encontrar mi coche aparcado porque vivo en el lugar donde todo el mundo viene de vacaciones, Orlando. Cada vez que me meto a Grindr, lo que me salen son turistas que están visitando o los que están en los parques que me quedan cerca. No hay nada que diga "chica fácil" como el reunirse con alguien por primera vez en la habitacióndesuhotel. Pero lo que me pone más contento es saber que el frio ya se fue. ¿Y cómo es que se pone tan frio aquí en Florida? ¿No es
aquí que vienen todos los viejitos por que el clima caluroso les favorece? Los salvavidas y capitanes de barcos siempre le preguntan a la gente de donde son en vez de si saben nadar porque ellos bien saben el poder que nuestras aguas frías tienen para encogernos los huevitos. Aquí yo siempre puedo distinguir los turistas del norte y los que son de aquí porque a los turistas siempre los vas a ver en las playas con 60 grados de temperatura bañándose en el agua. Para ellos este es su verano…para mí esto esFargoenDiciembre. SoydelCaribe,demodoquees lo suficientemente fría para mí. Hace tanto frío que mantengo una imagen de un pulgar en mi teléfono cuando estoy pidiendo que me recoja un carro que esté pasándome por el lado, porque
me niego a quitarme los guantes que tengo puestos por el frio. Mi perro estaba tan helado y desesperado que lo he visto vistiéndose con los gatos del vecino para mantenerse más cómodo. Si yo fuera a ir de vacaciones, sin duda me volvería a escoger un lugar donde el clima es cálido, las playas son refrescantes y hay un papasito buenísimo vestido con una falda hawaiana sirviéndome un coco pelado. ¿A quien estoy engañando? Realmente no tengo el tiempo ni el presupuesto para ir de vacaciones cuando quiero. Unas vacaciones para mí es apagar mi teléfono y sentarme donde quiera (o en la cara de quien yo quiera) por dos días. Espero que sus vacaciones hayan sido mucho más emocionante que las mías. ¡Disfrutendeestenuevomes!
house that night. I really have to stop drinking! Well, it looks like holidays and vacation time is over, and I can tell because there are less tourists and more parking spaces everywhere I go. During the holidays, I get to walk two miles to find my parked car because I happen to live where the world comes to vacation, the city of Orlando. Every time my Grindr app refreshes, I get hundreds of new faces who
I Need a Break from Vacation What a weekend I've had! I told my bartender my Spanish accent gets really strong the more I drink, so he needs to cut me off if he suddenly feels like he's talking with his cleaning lady, Guadalupe, or the Puss in Boots from Shrek. He forgot all about that, so I left the club with my tab still opened, wearing a shirt that I'm pretty sure I was not wearing on the way in and missing one shoe because I'm a princess. So here I am rocking the drunken Cinderella look on my way to the cab. And when I say “cab” I mean getting inside a shopping cart being pushed by a homeless guy who happened to be passing by my
are walking around Universal Studios (which happens to be seven miles from me) on their vacations and asking me to meet them at a hotel nearby. Nothing says "Pretty Woman" like meeting a guy for the first time in his hotel room. I went on a date with a guy once and we had a great time so I messaged him the next day for a second date. Unfortunately, he was already 1,000 miles away by that time. I wish he told me he didn't live here to avoid the two days that followed after of me crying over his picture and eating a tub of ice cream. What I'm most happy about is that the cold weather is
gone. What´s up with the cold weather here anyway? I mean, don't older people move to Florida because the hot weather is good for them?! In the winter, lifeguards and water craft operators are instructed to ask customers where they're from as opposed to "do you know how to swim?" because they know all about the nut-shrinking water temperature that we have down here in winter. I can always tell who's visiting from the north because they're the only ones taking a dip in the water at the beach in winter time. Our winter is their summertime... to me, it might as well be Fargo in D e c e m b e r I'm from the Caribbean so that little blast of cold is enough for me. It's so cold that I hold up a picture of a thumb on my phone when I'm hitchhiking because I refuse to take my mittens off. My dog was freezing too, and I can tell how desperate he was because I saw him wearing the neighbor's cats for warmth. If I were to go on vacation, I would definitely pick a place where the weather is warm, the beaches are refreshing and there's a shirtless hot guy in a Hawaiian skirt handing me a coconut. Who am I kidding? I don't really have the time or the budget to go on vacation whenever I want. A vacation to me is shutting off my phone and doing whatever the hell I want (or whoever for that matter!) for two days. I do hope your vacation time was a lot more exciting than mine. Have a great month!
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
need wood
by woody miller
H
Hey Woody, I'm 24, he's 18. The only thing that's stopping me from falling in love is his age. I find myself constantly lying about it to my friends. Am I crazy for thinking that dating somebody that young could actually work out? He's everything I want in a guy-- he's almost more mature than I am and has more goals and is more on his way to achieving them than I am. Yet, the age thing is always in the back of my head. Also, I'm worried that he's only holding on because I'm his 'first' and to top it off, I've decided to move to another city and he wants to come with me. Help! What should I do? --- Dazed and Confused
DearDazed: Look, if God had said, “LET THERE BE LIGHT!” and you were the one who hit the switch; you might have a point about the age spread, but come on! I've seen bowling pins stand further than your birthdates. Why are you so hunguponhisage?It'scharacter, notyears,thatdefinesaman. Speaking of character, I see a giant flaw in yours. By constantly lying about his age, you're basically telling him and the world that you're ashamed of him, that there's something wrongwithhim. How'dyoulikeitif he lied to his friends about your age? Would you feel accepted? Loved? Trusted? Supported? Stoplyingandstartbragging. As for him holding on to you because you're his 'first,' so what? The world is filled with high school sweethearts who lasted a
lifetime with their 'firsts.' I say make him a part of your relocation package. Leaving him because you're afraid the relationship won't work out is like leaving a job because you're afraidyoumightgetlaidoff.
Hey Woody! I'm a frustrated 19 year-old. I'm not into dudes my age at all—we just don't click. I'm always told I look and act like I'm in my mid-twenties, but once guys in their late 20's figure out how old I am they ditch me and tell me to go after somebody my own age. How can I convince these guys that I'm capable of having a relationship with them? ---Hey, 19 DearHey,19: The fact that these guys are passing you around like reefer tells me they aren't dumping you because you're too young; they're dumping you because you're too immature. Or because there's no chemistry, or they don't see you as marriage material. Or because, in pizza terms, they've pounded you into
dough, tossed you up high and shoved you into their trick oven. Theonemarked,“DONE.” Now, assuming that you're getting kicked to the curb because of your age and nothing else, it means that you're a whole lot more immature than you think. Here are a couple of things youcandototurnitaround: A. Invoke The “Three-DatesBefore-Sex” Rule. God, I hate this kind of chick-sh!t, but desperate times require desperate measures. By delaying sex, you'll weed out or at least minimize the players who just want to get into your pants. But more importantly, it shows selfcontrol—something 19 year olds arenotfamousfor. B. Share The Costs Of Dating. Don't let older guys pay for dinner. Go Dutch. It'll win you many points. Nobody wants to be their boyfriend's walking wallet. Spring for the occasional coffee or movie, too. Independence is another word for maturity. So is generosity. But then, so is sucking a softball through thirty feet of garden hose. Don't forget tospringforthat,too.
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT