from the associate publisher Coming off such a successful Come Out With Pride Orlando we here at Hotspots Central are so excited what this season is going to bring to theCentralFloridacommunity. In this month’s issue we have 3 exciting interviews: The first is one of our cover models Nick Lazzarini , who was the winner of “So You Think You Can Dance” Season 1. Along with bestie and coowner of Shaping Sounds, Travis Wall, brings their new show “After The Curtain” to the Straz Center in Tampa. The second is with Sean Thompson who stars as Raoul in “Love Never Dies,” the sequel to “Phantom of the Opera,” which will be playing at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando, and finally we sit down with country legend Shania Twain to discuss the new album, health issues, her love of the gay community, and how good it is to be performingagain. In addition to all of this we feature our popular columns: What’s Hot, which tells you all the fun things to all month long; Hot Bodies which gives great tips on how to get and stay in shape; Around Tampa Bay with Any DeMilo which features some of the hottest pics around the Bay area and beyond, as well as picture pages from Orlando Pride. We also have a feature on Metro Wellness’ 25 years of community service, and one on Eric RollingsannouncinghisbidforCommissioner. There are so many exciting things happening in Central Florida, and we can’t wait to share them with you, our readers andadvertisers. WishingeveryoneawonderfulThanksgivingSeason! Sincerely,
Scott Holland Associate Publisher
Central Florida Edition November 2017
Publisher/Marketing Director Peter Clark Peter@HotspotsMedia.com
Vice-President Peter Jackson PeterJ@hotspotsmedia.com
Associate Publisher Scott Holland Scott@HotspotsMedia.com
Accounting Richard Paull Richard@HotspotsMedia.com
Art Director Maria Espinal Maria@HotspotsMedia.com
Cover Photo By Matthew Murphy
Graphics Graphics@HotspotsMedia.com
Frank Mendez
Sales Team Charlie Meyers Charlie@HotspotsMedia.com 586-899-4197
Brittani Acuff Brittani@HotspotsMedia.com
National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 • sales@rivendellmedia.com
Feature Writers Scott Holland | Chris Azzopardi Brett Yancey | Tom Bonanti
CONTACT US Central Florida Office: 813-253-9107 11 N. Summerlin Ave., Suite 210 | Orlando, FL 32801
D’anne Witkowski
Photographers Tony Fowler | Snap Out Loud!
South Florida Office: 954-928-1862 5090 N.E. 12th Avenue | Oakland Park, FL 33334 Fax 954-772-0142
Amy DeMillo | Pat O’Rourke
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Brett Yancey
Logistics
Info@HotspotsMedia.com • HotspotsMediaGroup.com Facebook.com/HotspotsCentralFlorida Hotspots Central is published by HOTSPOTS MAGAZINE OF FLORIDA at 5090 N.E. 12th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinion of HOTSPOTS MAGAZINE or any of its staff. Publication of the name or photos of any living person or organization in articles or advertising in HOTSPOTS MAGAZINE is not to be constructed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person or organizations. All copy, text, display, photos and illustration in the ads are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized, have secured proper written consent for the use of names, pictures, and testimonials of any living person, and Hotspots Magazine may lawfully publish and cause such to be made. Advertisers automatically agree by summiting said ad to indemnify and save blameless the publisher from any and all liability, loss and expense of any nature out of the publication. The deadline for Hotspots Central is the 20th of every month at 5pm. In the event that an ad is excepted after deadline, the advertiser agrees by submitting such an ad to indemnify and save blameless the publisher from any andallliability,lossandexpenseofanynaturethatarisefromanyerrorthatmaybemadeinsaidad. Allrightsreserved. Reproductioninpartorinwholeofthispublicationwithoutwrittenpermission isstrictlyprohibited. Hotspotsisaregisteredtrademark.
on the inside
Central Florida Edition November 2017
Interview with Sean Thompson “...I am the first to do it (Raoul) in ‘Love Never Dies’ in America, so it's a bit freeing. I think it would be more pressure if I was stepping into Phantom.”
content: • What’s Hot Central Florida • Hot Bodies
this month’s features: • • • • •
hot shots •Come Out With Pride Parade & Festival •Come Out With Pride Kick-Off Party • Around Tampa Bay with Amy Demilo
“After The Curtain” Eric Rollings “Love Never Dies” Metro Welness Shania Twain
What’s HOT ...everything you need to plan your month
by scott holland
“After The Curtain” is the second show for the eclectic dance company, conceived and choreographed by Travis Wall, and tells the story of Vincent, a man fighting to find his creative voiceafterthedeathofhisonetruelove. You can catch “After the Curtain” for one night only, on Thursday, November 9 at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. To purchase tickets, which startatonly$39.75,gotoStrazcenter.org Travis Wall will dance the part of Vincent and will be joined on stage by shaping sound founding partner Nick Lazzarni, the Season 1 winner of the Fox reality show “So You Think You Can Dance.” A nativeofMountainView,California,Nickgrewupand trainedintheSanFranciscoBayArea. Nickplaysthe part of Leo, Vincent's brother and sometimes tormentor, who malevolently reveals Vincent's
deepsecrets. Dancing with shaping sound for the first time is Michael Dameski, the 2014 winner of the Australian version of So You Think You Can Dance. Michael dances the role of Jude, a spectral alter ego to Vincent, who taunts him throughout the show as Vincent struggles with self-identity in a time when suchthoughtswereleftunrecognizedorunrealized. Also new to shaping sound: Denver native Barton Cowperthwaite who both joyously and tragically dances the role of Sebastian, the ill-fated lover. Many know Barton from the Lifetime original film "Center Stage: On Pointe". Barton recently understudied the role of Jerry in the National Tour of An American in Paris; Michael Keefe (Clyde) from Westwood, Massachusetts, who trained at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts; and Riley Kurilko (Swing) from Lake Forest, California and a graduate of the OrangeCountySchooloftheArts. Returning to the company are Mia Dilena (Ellenore) from Toronto and a graduate of The Ailey School in NYC and jay Jay Dixonbey (Edwin) from Detroit and creative director at Power Dance Company in West Bloomfield, Michigan. They both were featured in shaping sound's first show Dance Reimagined. They all are joined by longtime shaping sound alumni and favorites Chantel Aguirre (Lily), Channing Cooke (Associate Choreographer and Swing), rory freeman (Luther), Kate Harpootlian (Rose) and another Toronto native Lindsay Leuschner(Vera). The dance company shaping sound was established in Los Angeles in 2012 by Travis wall and partners Nick Lazzarini, Teddy Forance and Kyle Robinson. Thecompanyisanevocative It was a pleasure to sit down with Nick Lazzarini for thisexclusiveHotspotsinterview.
At what age did you start dancing and how did that come about? I started dancing at the age of 5. My mom was trying to get me to play soccer and all I could do was watch the dancers. She asked me what was going on in there and I said I don't know, but I want to do that. I havebeenindanceeversince.
When did you know it would be your career? I kind of always had a sneaking suspicion I would be a dancer when I grew yup. I pretty much was all in when I was 12. At that age I was on a local kids TV show and home schooled and when I was 19 I moved to LA tocontinuemycareer.
Take us back many years ago, how did it feel to win “So You Think You Can Dance?�
Nick Lazzarini It was pretty incredible when they called my name. When you are on the show and you are in this bubble, so you don't really know what's going on outside the bubble. It was the first year of the show, so we didn't know what to expect and it was very stressful. At the end, it was just me and my bestie Melody so it really didn't matter who won. Now that I look back on it, I havetoadmit,itwasbetterthatIwon.
When and how did you become friends with Travis? Travis and I met each other at a national dance competition when he was 9 and I was 12 and we were competing against each other. I remember thinking Travis was an awesome dancer and we became friends. When we were teenagers we went to see the movie Anchorman, and we thought it was the funniest movie we have ever seen. From that day on webecamebestfriends.
When did you, Travis and your partners decide to create the dance company Shaping Sounds? It was our brain child in 2011. Travis was choreographing for the first time on SYTYCD, and he hired all his friends. It was such a collaborative production that we decided how do we make this happen every day, and that's when we decided we
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
hot shots photos by brett yancey
Come Out With Pride Orlando Parade & Festival
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 November? Readmoreandfindout!
Friday, Oct 27 Southern Nights Orlando presents #FlexFridays' “Nightmare on Bumby Halloween Party” with Halloween
Costumes encouraged, as they invite everyone to enter their Halloween costume contest and win $1000 in cash and prizes (no toy weapons allowed). Doors open at 9pm with no cover before 11p.m. for 21 and over (18+ welcomed). The night will also feature drag shows at 11p.m. & 12:30a.m. with Roxy Andrews, Maya Andrews, Tasha Long & Chevelle Brooks with DJ Ants and DJ Walter Winstonspinningallnight! Chhoy Sutimek presents Miami Dream Boyz Halloween Costume Party at Fuego Fridays at Southern Nights Tampa. They will also feature a $500 cash and prizes Halloween costume contest. The night will also feature performances by Latin diva's: Angelique Padro AKA Lady Janet, Michelle Hernandez & Jasmine Jimenez, and music by DJMikeElBori. The Dr. Phillips Center in association with Live nation present the band Chicago who performs at in the Bob Carr Theater. Hailed as one of the "most
important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era" by former President Bill Clinton, the legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago, came in at #9, the highest charting American band in Billboard Magazine's recent Hot 200 AllTime Top Artists. And Chicago is the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six consecutive decades. Tickets start at $50.50, and are available at DrPhillipsCenter.org. You can also catch Chicago on Monday October 30 at the Van Wezel in Sarasotta . To purchase tickets gotoVanWezel.org Ten time GRAMMY-Award,
three time Latin GRAMMY-Award winning rock icon and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Carlos Santana and his band SANTANA will bring The Transmogrify Tour to Tampa's AMALIE Arena at 8p.m. Tickets start at $66.25 and are availableat:Aamaliearena.com.
The Flamingo Resort presents a Halloween costume contest party with
Saturday, Oct 28
Tuesday, Oct 31 The Parliament House features Orlando'sbiggest costume contests
You've seen them on the hit TV show, “So You Think You Can Dance.� Now you can see your favorite dancers in person when the Top 10 Finalists perform live at the Hard Rock Live Orlando at 8p.m. The all new tour, features finalists Dassy, Kaylee, Kiki, Koine, Lex,
Logan, Mark, Robert, Sydney and Taylor plus All Stars Jasimin Harper and Marko Germar. The high energy dance tour will highlight your favorite numbers from Season 14 plus new surprises. Tickets start at $47.50. You can also catch them performing at the Van Wezel on Friday, November 3, where tickets startat$36. The Parliament House features Orlando's biggest costume contestswith$5000incashtothe best costume! Footlight Players take to the stage at 10p.m. in the theatre. DJ Brianna spins till 3a.m. Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. 18+Welcome!!
$3,000in cashand prizes with the winner getting $2,000 in cash. Sign up at the Cabana Stage at 10p.m. with the show hosted by Iman and the Blu Theater players at11:30p.m.
with $3000 in cash to the best costume! DJ Brianna spins till 2a.m. Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. 18+Welcome!! Mary Horror Picture Show at Hamburger Mary's Ybor. Join the fabulous staff at Hamburger Mary's on Halloween for a Rocky Horror Picture Show viewing at
7:30p.m. There will be an audience judged costume contest and other goodies throughouttheevening. Southern Nights Orlando's #Twisted Tuesdays presents a Monster's Eve, a Halloween Party where Halloween costumes are encouraged (no toy weapons allowed). Doors open at 9p.m., but you have to enter through side door. Their costume contest will be at 1a.m., and they will also feature Karaoke in the
show bar, and a talent contest at 12a.m. No Cover before 11pm for 21andover(18+welcome).
Wednesday, Nov 1 Join the Southern Nights Tampa crew for So You Think You Can Drag Semi Finals 7 Deadly Sins Theme, hosted by Jade Embers and Gia Banks. Watch all of the previous winnerscompeteandentertowin a $250 cash prize plus a booking forSwank Saturdays! Nocoverfor 21andover(18+welcomed).
Thursday, Nov 2 Living comedy legend, John Cleese, is heading to The Straz for a live and truly unforgettable evening of conversation and audience Q&A. Only absurd and/or ridiculous questions are requested, please. John will tell stories of his life and career, and you just may finally find out the air-speed of an unladen swallow. Before John walks his way on to the stage, the excitement will build as the audience will get to watch Monty Python and the Holy
Grail in its entirety on the big screen starting at 7:30p.m.. Don't miss your chance to see the man who has achieved nothing short of comedy royalty in this thrill-ofa-lifetime evening. Tickets start at$55.
Friday, Nov 3 Southern Nights Tampa presents their monthly NeiBEARhood Takeover, with this month's theme being #Daddyissues. The night will feature DJ JB Burgos and a 12a.m. performan ce b y Bearonce Bear (Anthony
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Chiocchi). The Flamingo Resort presents, direct from Season 9 of “RuPaul's Drag Race,� Trinity Taylor at 11:30p.m. The show will also feature: Kathryn Nevets, Ashlee T Bangkx, and Conundrum. Trinity will also do a Meet & Greet after the show. TimberlyDJJBBurgos
place at Southern Nights Orlando. The time has come to finally Crown the #ODRL season 4 Winner!!
Saturday, Nov 4 The annual Pride in Business Awards Gala takes place at Rosen Shingle Creek from7:30p.m.-11p.m.
special sponsor only pre-dinner reception, and an awesome after party.
Presented by Wells Fargo, the annual Pride in Business Awards Gala is hosted by Come Out With Pride and MBA Orlando to highlight the Orlando community's stellar performers in business, leadership and service. Awards are presented by distinguished community leaders during an incredible full course dinner and fabulous entertainment. The Gala also includes a silent auction, a
Wednesday, Nov 8 Miracle of Love's signature fundraising event, Project Red takes place at the Parliament House from 7-10p.m. and infuses art, fashion and talent while bringing awareness of HIV/AIDS and the services of the agency. It is an art experience with a collaboration of artists working in diverse mediums expressing their interpretationofthecolorred. Orlando Drag Race Live Finale takes
Doors open at 9p.m., with event starting at 10:30 p.m. presented by Kitana Gemini and hosted by PePe. Admissionis$10.
Thursday, Nov 9 Travis Wall's Shaping Sound: After the Curtain takes place at the Straz Center for the Performing Center at 8p.m. Under the artistic direction of Emmy Award winner, Travis Wall, and co-created with Nick Lazzarini, Teddy Forance and Kyle Robinson, Shaping
Sound is an electrifying mash-up of dance styles and musical genres brought fully to life on stage by a dynamic company of contemporary dancers. In After the Curtain, these visual musicians return to The Straz to dazzle audiences as they tell the story of a man fighting to find his creative voice after the death of his one true love. Heartwrenching, breathtaking and ultimately uplifting, this is one dance show that audiences will remember forever. Tickets start at $39.75. For more information see the feature in this month's Hotspots Central with an exclusive interview with Nick or go toStrazCenter.org The Flamingo Resort presents
and breaking hearts. Set in modern-day Los Angeles, this original musical explores the joy and pain of pursuing your dreams. Show time is 8p.m. with ticketsstartingat$35. The Parliament House presents another one of their famous themed parties entitled:
Brotherhood of Bears Weekend 2017 from today until November 12. Some of the major events scheduled are: Dra Queen Bingo, Underwear Night, Meet the Bears, Country Line Dancing, Cigar & Whiskey Social, bears in Drag, Bears Pool Party, Glow Party and the Flamingo's famous Sunday T dance.
Saturday, Nov 11 The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts presents La La Land in concert. Experience the original musical film like never before with a live symphony orchestra! Winner of six Academy Awards including Best Original Score and Best Original Song, La La Land tells the story of Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress, and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a dedicated jazz musician, who are struggling to make ends meet in a city known for crushing hopes
Candyland. The night will star international DJ sensation Kidd Madonny and direct from South Florida,TPLords. Direct from Broadway, Adam Trent, the breakout star of the world's best-selling magic show The Illusionists, brings his signature brand of magic and illusion to the Straz Center for this 90-minute spectacle. Produced by the same creative team behind The Illusionists brand, Adam Trent's production is an immersive entertainment extravaganza of magic, comedy and music perfect for the entire family. Don't miss the next generation of magic!Ticketsstartat$35. Saturday, Nov 18 The Parliament House presents, direct from Season 9 of “RuPaul's Drag Race,” Valentina, with the Footlight Players. They will also feature a VIP/Photo opportunity for$20.
Tuesday, Nov 21 TIGLFF presents The Death & Life of Marsha P. Johnson at Hillsborough
Community College - Ybor Campus. When the beloved, self-described “street queen” of NY's Christopher Street was found floating in the Hudson River in 1992, the NYPD called her deathasuicide. Protests erupted but the police remained impassive and refused to investigate. Twenty-five years l at e r , A c a d e m y A w a rd nominated director and journalist David France examines Marsha's death—and her extraordinary life—in his new film. Showtime is at 7:30p.m. with a$15admission. The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts presents Love Never Dies: The Phantom Returns fromtoday until November 26. This story of boundless love, full of passion and drama, follows Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, one of the most successful musicals of all time, whichhasnowbeenseenbymore than 130 million people worldwide and is the winner of over 50 international awards.
The ultimate love story continues in Love Never Dies, Andrew Lloyd Webber's spellbinding sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. Tickets start at $34.25. For more information see the feature in this month's edition of Hotspots Central, including an exclusive interview with one of the main actors, or go to DrPhillipsCenter.org
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
around tampa bay
The Newly crowned Miss Florida F.I., Kalah Mendoza, surrounded by her new king, Mr. Florida M.E. Antonio Edwards, Miss Florida F.I. at Large Angelica Sanchez, and the 4 owners of the Miss Florida F.I. Pageantry System.
Former Mr Gay USofA Jeffry Kelly and Newly crowned Miss Gay USofA at Large Kenya M Black.
Amanda Drhod looking bootiful.
Speaking of Miss Florida F.I., the community came out to support the girls!
By Amy DeMilo
Gogo Boys at the Honey Pot meeting in the locker room!
around tampa bay
Josh serving it at
Bradley’s on the 7th.
Magic Mike at Hamburger Mary's St Petersburg.
Southern Nights Tampa-style!
My Barbra, Michael Cavo the newly crowned Honorary Miss Florida 2017.
by brett yancey
Eric Rollings Announces Bid For
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Orange County Commissioner District 3
On the morning of Thursday, October 19th, Eric Rollings stood in front of a mixed crowd of press and supporters at the Orange County Administration Building to officially announce his bid for the Orange County Commissionerseatindistrict3. Rollings, who currently serves the public as the Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor, filled the appropriate paperwork with the Orange County Supervisor of ElectionsearlierinOctober. Although Rollings filled to run in 2020, his political campaign may start a few years earlier. Rollingsishopingtofilltheseatof Pete Clarke, who announced that he is running for Orange County Mayor in the 2018 election. If Mr. Clarke does follow through with his bid to run for Orange County Mayor next year, he would have to resign from his current district 3 commissioner seat at the end of June, leaving Rollings just
under six months to reach out to over 200,000 residents that reside in the district. Rollings stated that he chose to be the first one out and about to try meeting with all the residents in the district to hear their concernsandideas. Forty-nineyearoldRollingshas been a resident of Orange County forthepast28yearsandcurrently works as a real estate agent with Mainframe Real Estate, located in the Downtown Orlando area. A longtime Democrat, Rollings has focused his activism on LGBTQ issues and Environmental policies. He was elected as the Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor back in 2014. Rollings is also the longest serving member on the Community Development Block GrantProgram. Rollingshopesthathecanwork on many different issues that are concerningtohim. Hehopesthat this will also give him the
opportunity to work with various local officials to give all residents of Orange County a better quality of life, regardless of their political affiliations. Rollingshasaproven track record himself as the current Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor Hehasbeeninstrumentalingetting OrangeCountytobanfrackingand has also raised awareness of the dangers that polystyrene or Styrofoam containers pose to the environment. If elected, Rollings would be the first openly gay Orange County Commissioner. Other openly gay politicians in Orlando and the surrounding Orange County area include Patty Sheehan, who currently serves as City of Orlando District 4 Commissioner, Wes Hodge,whoservesasthechairman of the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee and Lew Oliver, who serves as the chairman of the Orange County Republican ExecutiveCommittee.
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of a major West End musical being given a complete makeoverforsubsequentproductions. Lloyd Webber said he knew about five minutes into seeing its first run-through that he and the new production team had achieved something special. “I have the great joy of being able to say that I think this production is probably the finest one I could ever,everhopefor.” The year is 1907. It is 10 years after his disappearance from the Paris Opera House and The PhantomhasescapedtoanewlifeinNewYorkwherehe lives amongst the screaming joy rides and freak shows ofConeyIsland. Inthisnew,electricallychargedworld, hehasfinallyfoundaplaceforhismusictosoar,buthe has never stopped yearning for his one true love and musicalprotégée,ChristineDaaé.
“Love Never Dies” Comes to Orlando by scott holland photos by joan marcus
A
Andrew Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies will make its premiere at The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, November 21 – 26, as partofaNorthAmericanTour. Described by Chris Boyd in The Australian as “The best thing Lloyd Webber has written in the quartercenturysinceThePhantomoftheOpera”. Directed by Simon Phillips (Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical) with new set and costume designs by Gabriela Tylesova, choreography by 2011 Astaire Awards winner Graeme Murphy, lighting design by Nick Schlieper and sound design by Mick Potter, the show is one of the few instances
Now one of the world's finest sopranos, Christine accepts an invitation to travel from Paris to New York to perform at a renowned opera house. Christine's marriage to Raoul is suffering at the hands of his drinking and gambling and they desperately need thefinancialrewardsthatAmericacangivethem. In a final bid to win back Christine's love, The Phantom lures her, Raoul, and their young son Gustave, from Manhattan to the glittering and glorious world of Coney Island - not knowing what is instoreforthem. Direct from the highly successful production of Love Never Dies in Hamburg, Germany, Gardar Thor Cortes will portray the man behind the mask, 'The Phantom,' with Meghan Picerno as 'Christine Daaé,' Karen Mason as 'Madame Giry,' Sean Thompson as
'Raoul,' Mary Michael Patterson as 'Meg Giry,' and Casey Lyons and Jake Heston Miller sharing the role of 'Gustave.' The trio of Phantom's henchmen include Katrina Kemp as 'Fleck,' Richard Koons as 'Squelch,' Stephen Petrovich as 'Gangle,' Gardar Thor Cortes is appearing with the permission of Actors' Equity Association. The Producers gratefully acknowledge Actors' Equity Association foritsassistanceofthisproduction. It was a pleasure to sit down with Sean Thompson (Raoul)forthisexclusiveHotspotsInterview.
IwassteppingintoPhantom. But there is pressure because I am such a big fan of Phantom, and also because Raoul 10 years later is a very flawed character. I have to take him from a loving character to a flawed character. In my performance, I need to explain how he has gotten to this bad place, and there is definitely pressure in doingthat.
Phantom is so iconic, how does Love Never Dies differ or does it? Storytelling wise, the original is dealing with heroes and villains. This show humanizes the characters. WeevendelveinthePhantomshumanity.
Sean Thompson At what age did you begin singing/acting? I always was doing plays in grade school…Christmas plays, etc. so acting was always sort of there. I fell in lovewithMusicalTheaterbecauseIlovedthemovies like Grease and Rocky Horror Picture Show. My High Schoolwas casting forJekylland Hyde and I decided to try out for it when I was a sophomore and the rest is history.
What was your first Professional/Paid gig? My friend's mom runs a children's theater company in Delaware county Pennsylvania called “Stages of Imagination,” and they needed someone to fill in for 3 performances during their run of the play “Three Moons for Tomorrow,” and she hired me. I got paid $60ashow,soImade$180.
Other than this show, what role has been your favorite to play and why? Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard, as I have played him a few times in different theaters and I love it. He is a very interesting character and he is the quintessential Film Noir, and a flawed character. The last time I played him it was opposite Glen Close…sothatitself,wasAMAZING!
What should the South Florida audiences expect out of this touring company of “Love Never Dies”? A lot! Within the principle cast you have an opera star form Iceland, and a very well-known Broadway star: Karen Mason. Expect the unexpected. It's the kind of production that is spectacular: the sets, the lights and costumes are amazing. And on top of it all you have a new glorious score by Andrew Webber. Andrew Lloyd Webber told me himself that may be hisfavoritescorehehaseverwritten.
What's your fantasy role? The Phantom in the Phantom of the Opera. Need I saymore?
Is there a lot of pressure stepping in to the character of Raoul? I am the first to do it in “Love Never Dies” in America, so it's a bit freeing. I think it would be more pressure if
For more information about Sean catch him on Instagram.com/oneseanthompson. Tickets for “Love Never Dies,” which start at $34.25 are available at the Dr. Phillips Center Box Office, or by going to DrPhillipsCenter.org. For more information, please visit www.loveneverdies.com. Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
25 Metro Wellness To Celebrate 25 Years of Community Outreach
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Starting a non-profit agency is never easy. Many people will tell you that it can “never happen”” or “it won't survive”. I'm sure the founding members of Metro Wellness heard those exact statements from critics when they were looking to start a community outreach center for persons living with HIV. Now, twenty five years later,withactivecommunitycenter locations throughout the Tampa Bay area, Metro Wellness provides premier comprehensive HIV services and medical care, social activities, classes, support groups, counseling, health and fitness programs, youth programs, substance abuse programs, older adult programs, behavioral health servicesandfreeHIVtesting. What started as one community center in 1993 has turned into a massive non-profit organization that currently serves four counties in the Ta m p a B a y a re a a n d a p p r o x i m a t e l y 15 , 0 0 0 individuals annually with direct services and/or case management. It would take more pages than what we offer in this current issue but we would like to highlight some of the
by brett yancey
amazing accomplishments that Metro Wellness has provided to the Tampa Bay communities overtheyears:
LGBT Welcome Center – 2227 2235 Central Avenue St Petersburg, FL 33713 Founded in 2014 and located next door to the fabulous Metro Thrift & Gift Shop, St. Petersburg's LGBTQ+ Welcome Center is an inviting community space for locals and visitors. The Welcome Center also functions as local LGBT coffee house, where you can meet friends, study, hold meetings, enjoy first dates, read a book, and participate in enriching programs.
Metro Thrift & Gift Shop - 2235 Central Avenue St Petersburg, FL 33713 Opened in 2014, 100% of store profits are used to support ongoing HIV/AIDS programs and services and provide purchase certificates for hundreds of people with HIV in the Tampa Bay area. Virtually every purchase or donation that you make can have a direct impact on people and/or
families affected by HIV/AIDS in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. All accepted donations aretaxdeductible.
New Building Purchase in 2016 – rd 3251 3 Ave N St Petersburg, FL 33713 With over 47,000 square feet under one roof, Metro Wellness has plans for this massive building. These plans include spaces for events, various support groups and programs, HIV testing, case management, counseling, and offices for staff. Their targeted completion date is October2018. Overthepastyear,ithasbeenan amazinghonortomeetthestaffand learn of their amazing work through outreach programs and services offered at Metro Wellness and I wish them another 25 years of success!! Inclosing,I'dliketoendwithaquote by founding board member, Robert Pope: “It is an honor to be part of an organization that offers and provides service that continues to enhance the quality of life. Always rememberthebeginnings.”
For more information on Metro Wellness, visit their website at metrotampabay.org Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
hot bodies by tom bonanti
The Most Important 10 Minutes of your day
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There's no doubt that watching your diet and keeping physically active are two of the best things you can do to stay healthy. Monitoring what you eat is hard enough, so how are you going to manage cramming and hour of exercise into an already busy day? What if I told you that there's overwhelming evidence that exercising for just 10 minutes a day can make a real differenceinyourhealthandfitnesslevel? In the past, doctors, trainers and fitness enthusiasts have offered varying opinions on how best to lose weight, build muscle and increase stamina, etc. Yet they all seem to agree that a combination of sound nutrition, weight training and cardio is the best overall way to get the job done. But the question remains, “How do you accomplish all this with an already jampackedlifestyle? According to a 2017 study by Dr. Timothy Church and associates at The Laboratory of
Workout #1 • 50 jumping jacks • 15 body weight squats • 15 pushups • 15 reverse lunges per side • 15 triceps dips (using a chair or bench) Repeat these movements 3 times with no more than 20 seconds rest between cycles.
Preventive Medicine at Louisiana State University, just 10 minutes per day of regular and challenging physical activity can benefit everybody, from the most sedentary couch potato to the weekend warrior who is craving to do more. Using High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), you can work severalmusclegroupsatonce,tapintoyourbody's fat reserves for energy, and elevate your metabolism for hours on end! In Church's study of nearly 500 subjects, participants reported some super results. While most dropped unwanted inches and pounds, several others reported a lower resting heart rate, increased peak oxygen consumption levels, and a reduction in bad cholesterol(LDL)levels.
HIIT workouts are typically 10 minutes long and you can do them anytime of the day. Many require little space and no equipment. They can be performed in the morning when you get out of bed, at work next to your desk on break, or at night as you walk the dog. You can design your own workoutsorgoonlinetofindlotsofexamples. Here are two 10- minute HIIT workouts that are sure to get the blood flowing, melt away pounds, andkeepyourmetabolismrevvedforhours!
Workout#2 (you'll need two 3-5 lb. dumbbells and an exercise ball) • Run in place for a full minute • 15 squats with the exercise ball against the wall holding 5lb. dumbbells • 15 dumbbell overhead presses • 15 alternating front lunges curling 5 lb. dumbbells as you lunge • 15 dumbbell flat bench chest presses with dumbbells Repeat these movements 3 times with no more than 20 seconds rest between cycles.
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 Tom trainertomb@aol.com or call or text (954) 557-1119 to learn more about his services! Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
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by chris azzopardi
C
Contrary to popular belief, some things do impress Shania Twain. The country-pop icon and paragon of leopard print has great admiration for her LGBTQ fans, who she says have become guiding lightsinherownlife. Twain's inspiring story is one of survival, from her childhood hardships while growing up in the small town of Timmins, Ontario, where she raised her three younger siblings after her parents died in a car accident in 1987, to her 2009 divorce from Robert “Mutt” Lange, producer of Twain's 1997 crossover behemoth “Come on Over”. The best-selling country album of all time was a game-changer with an impressive track record – 40 million copies sold globally, 50 weeks atop the Billboard country charts over three years, 11 singles released – that Twain stillchampionsinthefemale-artistarena. Fifteen years after dropping her last juggernaut, 2002's “Up!”, Twain, 52, is again demonstrating slay status to her legions of loyal, boot-stompin' queer fans. Even a neurological voice disorder called dysphonia couldn't keep the genre subverter, who oncethoughtshe'dneversingagain,fromrecording her long-overdue fifth LP, “Now”. Released in September, Twain wrote every song, and her shiny résumé got even shinier when the album instantly seized the No. 1 spot on the Billboard albums "and" countrycharts. Country-pop's comeback queen was an open book during our recent conversation, speaking passionately and candidly about her LGBTQ activism at the onset of her country career in 1993, having to “agree to disagree” with those who aren't pro-gay, and bringing drag queens and Bud-guzzlin' brostogetherwith“Man!IFeelLikeaWoman!” But, also, you don't get Shania Twain on the phone without reminiscing on 1998's "VH1 Divas", when Twain shared the stage with an epic mix of icons – Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Gloria Estefan – for one of the most legendary, gay-lovednightsindiva(andhair)history.
Do you have enough leopard print gloves to go around for all the gays to partake in celebrating your comeback? (Laughs) I should make them, right? What do you thinkwouldbethepreferredfabric?Silkor…?
Velour. Yeah,like,velvet.
We need a million of those by tomorrow. But first, Shania, after all these years, how do you explain your connection to the LGBTQ community? I can't really explain my connection in any sort of theoretical way to anyone. But I would say my intentions are to inspire and connect with people, to be relatable then and now. I think that it is what resonates – we relate to one another, we relate to struggle, and then surviving struggle and celebrating who we are and what we are and appreciating that as a community of people regardless of what it is. Just celebrating together to the anthemic nature of some of those songs, and on thisnewalbumthereareseverallikethataswell.
Is there something specific you hope to convey to LGBTQ audiences with this album? Surviving against the odds. A song like “I'm Alright” – just that statement there and telling yourself, “I'm alright. I've made it through. I've survived.” And with afist-in-the-airattitude,withconviction.
What was your introduction to the gay community? I work with a lot of gay people and they're just a part of my almost daily family world. So, they're just part ofmy friendsandmy community. Iguessmorewhen I started to become successful, I was really surrounded by more creative people, and there are somanycreativepeopleinthisindustrywhoaregay, bothmenandwomen. Itjustbecomesthenorm.
During some of your rough patches, did you get any sage advice from your gay friends? Oh, I get good advice from gay friends all the time! (Laughs) I think more than anything I'm inspired by the spirit of where the gay community is right now and that conviction to be who you are. I love standing up for that. It's just so important to be
transparent and open about who you are andtonothidebehindfear.
Have you clung to that sentiment as a way to push past your own personal pain? Completely! I mean, my whole transition into whereIamnowinthismomenthasbeenfacing fears and taking that leap of faith myself, and thatwouldbemyadvicetoanyoneoutthere. A gay person who has been living behind their fears and then makes that courageous decision to start living as who they really are andstoppretendingandembraceit– ittakesa lotofcourage.
“...we relate to one another, we relate to struggle, and then surviving struggle and celebrating who we are and what we are and appreciating that as a community of people regardless of what it is.” For me, I've just learned that there's no time to waste. You need to take that leap and be who you are, and we're in a society now that is makingiteasier. Westillhavealongwaytogo, buttherearealotmoreoutlets. But the gay community – and minority communities in general – are always fighting. I have a song on the album called “Swingin' with My Eyes Closed” and it's a fun party song, but the true depth of the song is about even when you can't see what is in front of you, you still have to move forward. You can't move backwards; you gotta keep moving forward and fighting for that freedom to exercise independenceandcourage.
There couldn't be a better time for a song like that. In 2013, you tweeted about the Supreme Court overturning the Defense of Marriage Act, saying, “Congrats to everyone celebrating equality today in the U.S. #loveislove.” Why is it important for you to take a stand on gay rights and other LGBTQ issues? Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
I just feel very saddened by any kind of oppression in our society in today's day and age. I mean, it's so negative. Equality should be a no-brainer, automatic, all the way around. We need to have mutual respect all the way around. Supremacy of any sort is just poison. I just feel like we're not above each other in any way and mutual respect and an admiration for an individual's abilities, talents, heart, commitment – I mean, what does that have to do with any minority status that we might be labeled with today, whatever that may be? Certainly, I know thatgaysfeelthat.
How does it feel knowing that your songs “Forever and For Always” and “From this Moment On” have probably been the first dance at a number of same-sex marriages? Awww! That's lovely. It's so lovely. But love is beautiful, and music is very much a part of our lives andmonumentalmomentsofourlives.
Because country music has long been deemed conservative in its views, could we speak as openly as we are now about LGBTQ issues at the beginning of your career? Imean,Idid. Youknowwhatthisis really about? This is about proequality,thisisaboutpro-mutual respect. And if you're really for those things in life, then why would there be any boundaries? Why would you side where there are? Why wouldyoudrawalinethere?
In the country community, I think it comes down to the fear of potentially alienating conservative fans.
whatever it means to them, and that breaks down barriers.
How do you reflect on your gender-bending style, when you donned menswear, in that video? Iliketohaveasenseofhumorabouteverything,especially thingsthatcanhavealotoftension. Asonglike“Man!IFeel LikeaWoman!”justsmacksitdeadforme. Theaudience issue is not something I worry about. I'm respectful to my audience and I appreciate them for relating to my music regardlessoftheirpointofviewonwhateveritis,whetherit's politicsorsocialissues. I'mnotheretojudge.
Tell me about the first time you encountered a Shania drag queen. I went to an imposter show in Las Vegas and it was incredible. You brought up the country world and maybe how that might be more conservative, but it's funny, three of the artists that were in the show were myself, Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton. I thought that was so wonderful. It's like, “OK, we're country artists, and we're in there!” Any artist that is, on a visual level, very expressive would make a greatimposternightsubject!
“You can't move backwards; you gotta keep moving forward and fighting for that freedom to exercise independence and courage.”
I think everybody has the right to their opinion, and that I would never argue with. That is a huge part of freedom of speech and mutual respect, having the right to your own opinion. If you're not pro-gay, then you're not pro-gay, and we just have to agree to disagree. I would never get into a fist fight with somebody who didn't agree. I just think that would be counterproductive. So, I think we all have to respect eachother'sopinionsontheseissues. But, listen, with a song like “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” – and this is, what, 20 years ago? – I'm over that come a long time ago. A lot of straight men sing “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” just for the sheer entertainment of it. So, I think songs like that have been great, maybe, contributors to bringing us together, if not for anything than just for the common denominator of music and owning that for
What is the one thing a queen cannot go without if they truly want to feel like Shania Twain? Probably something leopard print, and I would say a top hat. Theboots,forsure!
For gay men everywhere, 1998 was one of the best years as it was the inaugural “VH1 Divas”, the best and most iconic. It doesn't get any better than you, Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin and guest performer Carole King. Of them, who are you still in touch with?
Mariah Carey. Celine Dion. We still cross paths – it's great. I always like tocatchMariahwhensheislive,andCelinetoo. Itwassucha wonderfulgroupofladies,reallyterrific.
Who most lived up to the diva title during the show? I think Mariah had the biggest hair, so probably her. (Laughs)
You were second, I think. Iwas!Isaid,“OK,IgottalookatMariah'shair. Iwantto try for it to be as big as hers,” because she has this naturally big, amazing hair. So I'm like, “Come on, let's go for it. I know Mariah's gonna have bigger hair than me, so I'm gonna go for it and have fun with it.” She has that hair that I want, that naturally big hair withthisgorgeouswaveandthoseringlets.
When you all performed “Natural Woman” as your encore, I
wasn't sure who was stealing the spotlight: Mariah's hair or Aretha.
usesherbrain,soit'slovelytowatchher.
(Laughs)Iknow!NobodycankillAretha'sspotlight.
Lastly, how many costume changes can gay audiences look forward to when you hit the road?
If you did another “Divas”, what other diva would you want to sing alongside?
(Laughs) How many would a gay audience find ideal, doyouthink?
Rihanna, for sure. She's just so awesome. I love her voice; I never get tired of it. Never, never. And we hear it so much on the radio, right? She's every second song on the radio and I just never get tired of it. Even with “Love on the Brain” – I mean, it just doesn't get better than that. So, she'd definitely be onmylist.
I'm hoping for you and Taylor to team up – our two countrygone-pop queens. Taylor would be a good one. She'd be a must on “Divas”, for sure. She's awesome. She's such a great creative person and a super songwriter and really
At least 15. (Laughs) Whoa. OK, that is a friggin' high demand. I'dhavetochangeeverytwosongs!
As long as you bring out the iconic ensembles, no harm, no foul. Gottahavealittleflashbackmomenthereandthere, yeah!
As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Reach him via his website at www.chris-azzopardi.com and on Twitter (@chrisazzopardi).
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