THE RAGE MONTHLY MAGAZINE - MARCH 2022

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MARCH 2022

CODED: THE HIDDEN LOVE OF J.C. LEYENDECKER BRINGING THE LEGENDARY QUEER ILLUSTRATOR’S STORY TO LIFE

TCM HOST DAVE KARGER IT’S ALL ABOUT OSCAR, ALL MONTH LONG

EVENING UNDER THE STARS CELEBRATING PALM SPRINGS’ PREMIER FUNDRAISING GALA

GOING FOR THE GOLD THE WHO, THE WHY AND THE NOT-SO-GAY OF THIS YEAR’S ACADEMY AWARDS

LIFESTYLE

EVENTS

FASHION

ENTERTAINMENT

NIGHTLIFE

COMMUNITY

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PUBLISHER Jay S. Jones jay@ragemonthly.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Brad L. Hart brad@ragemonthly.com EDITOR editor@ragemonthly.com ART CONSULTANT art@ragemonthly.com COPY EDITOR Ken Williams DISTRIBUTION Pride In Media

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bill Biss, Chris Carpenter, Brad Hart, Steven Ing, Scott Leonard, Lisa Lipsey, Tim Parks, Tony Reverditto, Freddy Saluna Cutter Slagle and Andrew J. Stillman

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www.rage.lgbt | MARCH 2022

MARCH 2022

VOLUME 15 ISSUE 10

CONTENTS 10 LGBTQ COMMUNITY EVENTS 12 LGBTQ COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT EVENING UNDER THE STARS 14 HOLLYWOOD FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION...

ACADEMY AWARDS PREVIEW 18 THEATRE BRIEFS 22 TV SPOTLIGHT TCM’S DAVE KARGER AND 31 DAYS OF OSCAR 26 FILM SPOTLIGHT CODED: THE HIDDEN LOVE OF J.C. LEYENDECKER 30 RAGE RECOMMENDS MARCH TO A NEW BEAT 34 STREAM QUEEN 38 FITNESS www.rage.lgbt| MARCH | MARCH2022 2022 88 www.rage.lgbt

lgbtq community

by brad hart

CATHEDRAL CITY LGBT DAYS March 25-27

California’s first Pride celebration of 2022 will bring together celebrities, artists, media and community leaders for a weekend of entertainment, music and unforgettable experiences. Festivities will kick off with a Friday Night Block Party and a Del Shores comedy show at Coachella Valley Rep. Lance Bass will host Saturday’s musical entertainment lineup, including performances by O-Town, Ryan Cabrera and LFO. One of the weekend’s highlights and most anticipated events will be the annual LGBT Days’ Parade of Beds and Bed Race on Sunday morning. cathedralcitylgbtdays.com

LEZ FEST — AT LAST!

April 2-3 Comedy, music, community — a weekend extravaganza at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Renberg Theatre. Saturday night’s lineup will feature a courtyard cocktail hour with a no-host bar, followed with entertainment

by Jackie Loeb, Karinda Dobbins and Nina Goldin. The Under the Stars After Party will include dinner and a dance party with DJ Tish. Latin Lesbians Take the Stage on Sunday with Mimi Gonzalez, Gwen La Roka, Renee Santos and Nina Goldin. It will be followed by a VIP hosted reception and a meet-and greet with all of the weekend performers. lalgbtcenter.org/theatre

PRIDE NIGHT WITH THE ANAHEIM DUCKS Wednesday, March 23

OC Pride will again team up with the Anaheim Ducks for an LGBTQ community night at the hockey arena. A silent auction will feature items such as a special Pride-taped, autographed hockey stick. And you’ll want “pregame” it in your seats before the puck drops to cheer on the Ducks players as they warm up with rainbow-wrapped hockey sticks in support of the You Can Play Project, which works to ensure the safety and inclusion of all in sports – including the LGBTQ athletes, coaches and fans. Additionally, keep an eye out for two of Orange County’s favorite drag artists when they ride along on the Zamboni at the end of the second period. prideoc.com

HAIRSPRAY Wednesday, March 16

It will be movie night with Filmout San Diego as the nonprofit resumes its monthly screening series with John Waters’ classic 1988 cult film Hairspray starring the one-and-only Divine. Hairspray was a dramatic departure from Waters’ earlier works, intended for a much broader audience. Hairspray’s PG rating is the mildest one a Waters film has ever received; most of his previous films were rated X by the MPAA. The film, set in 1962 Baltimore, revolves around self-proclaimed “pleasantly plump” teenager Tracy Turnblad pursuing stardom as a dancer on a local TV show and rallying against racial segregation. filmoutsandiego.com

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QUEEN OF THE NIGHT April 2-3

Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) will be joined by guest stars Brian Justin Crum and LA Opera’s rising star Alaysha Fox for QUEEN of The Night. The concert will feature the greatest hits from the legendary band Queen. This long-awaited rock extravaganza is mixed with opera and high-energy dance numbers performed by the chorus.

“We’ve been trying to have Brian Justin Crum join us for the last three years, and it has finally happened! Anyone who’s seen him on America’s Got Talent knows that he’s got a monster voice, and in the Queen canon, he has very few equals,” said Lou Spisto, GMCLA executive director and producer. “His speaking his truth on one of the biggest shows on television seen around the world was huge for the LGBTQ community, and that makes his appearance with GMCLA even more significant. Alaysha Fox is part of the incredible LA Opera and a rising star in the opera world who just keeps winning important vocal competitions. We can’t wait to introduce her to our audience. Brian will join the chorus to sing lead in several of Queen’s songs and Alaysha will join in beloved arias — when they come together with GMCLA for Freddie’s ‘Barcelona,’ we will raise the roof in Royce Hall.” gmcla.org

LOS ANGELES LEATHER PRIDE March 20-27

This year’s Los Angeles Leather Pride theme will be Dark Angel, chosen because Los Angeles is the City of Angels. According to varying religions and mythologies, angels are winged supernatural beings who act as guides, warriors, messengers, healers and protectors of humanity. Then, there are the angels who are considered the fallen. Vilified by some and loved by others, the rebellious spirits guide human beings into temptation and introduce them into the dark and “forbidden” aspects of humanity like sex.

Thus, they became known as Dark Angels. Leather Pride’s weeklong schedule will include the Mr. LA Leather Contest, a meet-and-greet party and the Off Sunset Festival. The LA LA Leather Opus III Concert will feature classic and original film music performed in gear by members of the Los Angeles leather community in the tradition of the beloved “Classic Meets Fetish” concerts held in Berlin. losangelesleatherpride.com

UNBREAKABLE Saturday, April 2

Join MenAlive for the Southern California premiere of Broadway composer Andrew Lippa’s latest choral masterwork, UNBREAKABLE. The experiences of literary giant Gertrude Stein, trans-rights activist Sylvia Rivera and the African American civil rights leader Bayard Rustin are among the faithful and often unsung stories that make up this 14-movement choral work that spans 120 years of LGBTQ history in America. This moving and ultimately triumphant tribute to the power of a community that cannot be broken, as the chorus recalls, “where we’ve been, what we’ve endured, and who we are today.” This free concert will take place at Meng Concert Hall at Cal State Fullerton. ocgmc.org

DRAG TAKEOVER AT THE BELLY UP

Tuesday, March 29

The North County LGBTQ Resource Center and Pride by the Beach invite you to their third annual drag show fundraising event. LGBTQ history will be made when San Diego drag legend and North County resident Chad Michaels and his fellow drag queens take over on the Belly Up Tavern stage in Solana Beach. Joining Michaels will be well-known SoCal drag queens Dolly Levi, Trinna Modele, Paris Sukomi Max, Naomi Daniels and Jimmy Sherfy. Frenemy duo Kickxy Vixen and Mariam T will host. Premium seating will offer Pride swag, a Drag Takeover T-shirt and a reserved cocktail table. All proceeds benefit Pride by the Beach 2022 on June 11. pridebythebeach.org

MARCH 2022 | @theragemonthly

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community spotlight

by jay jones

FUN, FOR A GOOD CAUSE! Evening Under the Stars has grown to become one of the premier events in the Coachella Valley’s fundraising/social season with up to 1,500 guests. The gala is the largest annual fundraiser for AAP – Food Samaritans, a nonprofit that provides nutritional support for lowincome people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses.

“Over the past 27 years since Evening Under the Stars began, it has not only raised funds and increased awareness of our mission, it has also featured many significant and world-renowned performers,” said Mark Anton, AAP executive director. “Early galas were intimate

affairs at private estates in Palm Springs, but over time this fantastic evening of community spirit and entertainment generated such an overwhelming demand that it is now held on the spacious grounds of the O’Donnell Golf Club in downtown Palm Springs.”

This year’s gala will take place on Saturday, April 30 beginning with a sunset cocktail staged against a backdrop of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains, regarded as one of the most festive cocktail receptions of the season. A short awards program will recognize a few inspirational honorees, followed by dinner, dancing and live entertainment.

TIME TO BOOGIE

2022 HONOREES

Over the years, the Evening Under the Stars stage has featured a wide variety of fabulous and famous performers including Gladys Knight, Lily Tomlin and the cast of Laugh In, Cyndi Lauper, Mary Wilson, Pink Martini, The Go-Go’s, Barry Manilow, Bea Arthur, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, and the iconic Village People.

This year’s featured entertainment will transport guests back to the heyday of disco. Get ready to boogie down with the First Ladies of Disco, comprised of Linda Clifford, Martha Wash and Norma Jean Wright (formerly of Chic), plus two surprise guest artists selected especially for this event. It will be an extraordinary musical journey of the most iconic soul, pop, R&B, and dance songs to have ever topped the charts, led by the hitmakers of their time.

“These artists’ collective careers span several decades, and their music includes an incredible variety of on-your-feet, chart-topping smash hits. Together, they have sold millions, and audiences around the world are on cloud nine when they finally get to see and hear these amazing performers that made our youth so much fun!” Anton said.

Nelda Linsk will receive the Jeannette Rockefeller Humanitarian Award. She has been a long-time friend of AAP — Food Samaritans and was a close friend of Jeannette Rockefeller. For many years, Linsk has encouraged others to be philanthropic by giving not only to AAP, but to many more charities. It is her strong belief that our quality of life is affected by what we give back to our communities.

Linsk is iconic, respected, and deserves the accolades.

Geoff Kors and James Williamson will receive the Gloria Greene Inspiration Award. When asked about Geoff and James, Anton said: “Leading by example, taking action, and motivating others are what Geoff and James do on a daily basis. They are judicious with their words, actions, and behaviors. They care deeply about their leadership and communication process and style, and the influence they have. They understand their special role, and accept it with grace, compassion, and care. Always willing to listen and analyze, ponder, and give considerate thought to issues or concerns, these fine gentlemen are shining examples of people who strive to make a difference and live by their convictions.”

G. Aubrey Serfling will receive the inaugural Community Leadership Award. Anton said that honoring Aubrey is the easiest decision he has had to make all year: “From the moment he took the helm at Eisenhower, Aubrey gave that organization his warm heart, and it showed in every interaction I had with him. We are so very pleased to have the opportunity to thank him for all his hard work in our community.”

Patricia L. Grundhofer will receive the inaugural Community Impact Award. Although she could hardly be described as an “unsung hero,” Anton said that Grundhofer is receiving accolades she so thoroughly deserves for the way she has been stepping up to help over and over in our community. In November, she was the presenting sponsor of National Philanthropy Day in the Desert, and no one better exemplifies that event’s theme: “Change the World with a Giving Heart.”

For tickets and more information, go to aidsassistance.org

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NATIONAL WOMEN & GIRLS HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY

March 10 is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This day is focused on increasing awareness, promoting conversations, and recognizing the work being done to reduce HIV.

El 10 de marzo es el Día Nacional de Concientización sobre el VIH/SIDA para Mujeres y Niñas. Este día se centra en aumentar conciencia, promover conversaciones y reconocer el trabajo que se está realizando para reducir el VIH.

Get Tested.

Hacerse La Prueba.

Know Your Status.

Conozca Su Estado.

VISIT US AT WWW.RIVCOHIVAIDS.ORG OR CALL US AT (951) 358-5307 VISÍTENOS EN WWW.RIVCOHIVAIDS.ORG O LLÁMENOS AL (951) 358-5307

Get Treated.

Reciba Tratamiento.

hollywood

by tim parks

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION THE WHO, THE WHY AND THE NOT-SO-GAY OF THIS YEAR’S OSCARS

ith the Sunday, March 27 date of the 94th annual Academy Awards looming large, akin to the Gay Super Bowl, some questions arise, aside from who will win. First, will this year’s telecast be better than last year’s tepid attempt to stage the annual ceremony during COVID-19.

It sucked, and not in a good way, mmmkay? Will a return to having hosts — Wanda Sykes, Amy Schumer and Regina Hall — help streamline that endeavor? But the biggest one seems to be “where’s my gays?”

There’s a lack of LGBTQ inclusion, save for the amazing Flee, nominated in three categories: Best Animated Feature, International Feature Film and Best Documentary Feature. There’s Ariana DeBose’s historic nomination as the first queer person of color nominated for an acting award in West Side Story. And bisexual actress Kristen Stewart is up for her portrayal of Princess Diana in Spencer, along with the not quite Brokeback Mountain aspects of The Power of the Dog as Best Picture.

But that’s all folks.

Still, there are plenty of reasons to tune into ABC and watch who will snatch them trophies. Here’s a look at this year’s for your consideration nominees.

W

PICTURE IT, HOLLYWOOD 2022

I imagined CODA was about two independent people who must learn to rely on each and be “codapendent” during Ireland’s Great Potato Famine.

Rather, I was pleasantly surprised at the unexpected delight of a movie.

I figured since it dealt with a hearing young woman (Emilia Jones) with deaf parents and brother (Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur and Daniel Durant), that it might be on the heavier side of things. However, while there is a lot of heart, there is also laugh-out-loud humor in the tale of underdog Grace trying to decide between her dreams of being a singer or remaining as the bridge that links her family to the world of the hearing. Streaming on Apple TV+.

The divisive Don’t Look Up was a film that people either loved or hated; I was in the former category about the political spin doctoring

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about a comet on course to destroy Earth. Add in some jabs at contemporary culture, coupled with unnominated performances by Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence and Cate Blanchett, and you have what some consider an Oscar dark house in the running. Streaming on Netflix.

Dune has three S’s going for it: scope, spectacle and sandworms that look like bungholes. While none of its hot male cast of Timothée Chalamet, Jason Momoa, Oscar Isaac and Josh Brolin were nominated, the film is light years ahead of the much-derided 1984 effort. On demand.

King Richard is the cinematic antithesis of star Will Smith’s alter ego of The Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff’s first hit song, circa 1988, “Parent’s Just Don’t Understand,” as it chronicles the determined father of tennis royalty Venus and Serena Williams going to great lengths, along with his wife (Aunjanue Ellis) to make sure that is the end game for their family. On demand.

Guillermo Del Toro’s stylish film noir Nightmare Alley was a box office failure for some strange reason. The moody and visual remake of the 1947 film stars Bradley Cooper as a drifter who happens upon a carnival and learns a new skill set as a mentalist, guided by David Strathairn and Toni Collette. But he heads for greener pastures with carnival performer Rooney Mara and

meets up with femme fatale Cate Blanchett. Streaming on Hulu and HBO Max. Sorry folks, but The Power of the Dog can be rated “O” for overrated. With 12 nominations, I was expected to be blown away by its grandeur and felt pretty “meh” by the end. This one thing that this blend of Westerns and family drama revolving around secrets had going for it was male nudity. Streaming on Netflix.

The remainder of Best Picture nominees weren’t yet available on demand, as of this writing. So, here’s a rundown of their plots and such.

Drive My Car is the story of an aging widowed actor who needs someone, well, to drive his car. It’s right there in the title! The Japanese drama was a surprise entry in the Oscar race and will be streaming on HBO Max on March 2.

The rest of the films are period pieces. No, that doesn’t mean they’re about a group of women whose menstrual cycles link up. Rather, they encompass different decades.

Steven Spielberg’s remake of the musical West Side Story details the Romeo and Juliet aspects of Tony (Ansel Elgort) and Maria’s (Rachel Zegler) love in the 1950s, igniting a powder keg between rival gangs the Sharks and sing it with me, when you’re a Jet, you’re a Jet all the way.

Belfast is a quasi-autobiographical effort from actor/director Kenneth Branagh, set in his childhood against the backdrop of the tumultuous late-1960s Ireland. See, this column can entertain and inform in case you thought the titular city was in America or something. You’re welcome!

Licorice Pizza details two San Fernando Valley youngins, played by Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman, as they grow up and fall in love in 1970s Southern California.

SHOULD WIN: Out of the six films I viewed, CODA remains my favorite.

KEEPIN’ IT REEL

It has often been the case that playing reallife people equates Oscar gold in recent years, with Rami Malek winning as Freddie Mercury

in Bohemian Rhapsody and Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland. And this year’s acting nods are jam packed with such examples of life imitating art.

First up is Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz in Being the Ricardos. He gives an affable take on the real-life counterpart of one of TV’s most put-upon husbands, with recreations of the songs “Babalu” and “Cuban Pete” that Ricky performed at the Tropicana on I Love Lucy. And the film highlights that he was nobody’s second banana.

Streaming on Amazon Prime.

Andrew Garfield brings the manic energy of late Rent composer Jonathan Larson to life in the musical biography tick, tick…BOOM! He convincingly highlights Larson’s fervent wish to make something of himself, on the cusp of turning 30, as he treads the fine creative line of doing what you must in order to do what you love. Streaming on Netflix.

I have always admired Will Smith’s career trajectory of being a rapper-turned-sitcom star-turned-bankable box office draw and now three-time Oscar nominee. Smith shows that the ball is in his court in King Richard — that’s a tennis reference, right? — as he hits all the right notes, showing off his flair for both the comedic and pathos.

First off, what I have to say may come as a shock coming from a gay man, but I love me some Nicole Kidman. Yet, I wasn’t convinced by her take on TV’s most famous redhead, Lucille Ball. Have you picked your jaws up off the floor, yet? You have. Good, let’s proceed then.

In Being the Ricardos, she is challenged with playing Lucille Ball, showing her tougher behind-the-scenes side. I half-expected her to say, “Don’t f**k with me fellas!” during a boardroom scene, ala Faye Dunaway in Mommie Dearest. Her portrayal has received mixed reviews, with director Aaron Sorkin explaining in interviews that he didn’t want a dead-on impression of the beloved actress, so in that spirit I’d say she nailed it. Somebody drank his Snapple today.

On the other hand, Jessica Chastain in The Eyes of Tammy Faye is uncanny in her version of Tammy Faye Bakker; even if there were times, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the late, great Jan Hooks’ take on the fallen PTL Club host during a Church Lady skit on SNL. Who could have made me make that connection? Could it be . . . SATAN? This joke sponsored in part by the year 1987. Streaming on HBO Max. Kristen Stewart’s acting range has more, ahem, bite since her Twilight days. Yeah, I said that! In Spencer, her turn as Princess Diana is captivating as she adeptly conveys the fragility and loneliness of being royal currency is outlined in the “fable from a true tragedy” biopic. Streaming on Hulu.

J.K. Simmons rounds out the acting recognition as Best Supporting Actor in Being the Ricardos – sorry Nina Arianda as Vivian Vance. His William Frawley is a saltier real-life curmudgeon of his TV persona and even threatens to want to kill a 7-year-old actor being accused of being a Communist. I think he babysat me as a kid.

Meanwhile, Aunjanue Ellis effectively portrays Brandi Williams, the family matriarch in King Richard, and the scene where she reads Will Smith to filth is Oscar worthy all on its own.

MARCH 2022 | @theragemonthly

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THE REST OF THE BEST

Benedict Cummerbund, err, Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Phil Burbank in The Power of the Dog was a hard pill to swallow, as he is easily one of the most unlikable characters in recent film history. Even though his character softens a bit about three-quarters in, and more is revealed about why he’s an a-hole with a capital A, it doesn’t help erase the image of him whipping a horse in the face at the film’s beginning.

Denzel Washington takes on Shakespeare for the Apple TV+ film The Tragedy of Macbeth and brings a quiet ferocity to his titular role.

Award show darling Olivia Colman headlines The Lost Daughter with an effortless range of emotions shown through mere facial expressions.

Her turn as the likable, yet up to some shady brown expletive, Leda Caruso highlights why she’s been nominated for three Oscars since 2019, winning that same year as Best Actress in The Favourite. Streaming on Netflix.

Rounding out the hopefuls is Penélope Cruz as a woman entangled with a married man, which results in her becoming preggers in Parallel Mothers.

SHOULD WIN: Smith for King Richard and Chastain for The Eyes of Tammy Faye.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Ciarán Hinds’ first Oscar nomination for Belfast is a long time coming in terms of his 40-plus-year career, while CODA’s Troy Kotsur is the first deaf male actor nominated for an Oscar.

Three co-stars from The Power of the Dog are nominated in the supporting roles. Kodi Smit-McPhee and Jesse Plemons are vying for Oscar gold for Actor in a Supporting Role, with Smit-McPhee getting the nod for his sensitive portrayal, and Plemons as the on-screen brother to Cumberbatch. Plemons’s off-screen partner Kirsten Dunst is also being recognized in the supporting field, and that brings us to the ladies who lent their cinematic support.

I have loved Dunst since she made her film debut in 1994’s Interview with a Vampire, but my favorite early work from her is in 1999’s Drop Dead

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Gorgeous, which is so wrong it’s right. In The Power of the Dog, she does a solid job as Rose Gordon, who is waging a not-so-secret battle with the bottle.

Jessie Buckley plays the younger version of Olivia Colman’s character in The Lost Daughter, a harried young mother who feels suffocated by her life. She proves to be the yin to Colman’s yang with echoes of Colman’s subtleties.

Dame Judi Dench snagged her eighth Oscar nomination, for Belfast, but has only won once for 1998’s Shakespeare in Love. West Side Story’s Ariana DeBose is an Oscar newbie.

SHOULD WIN: Should DeBose win, it would mean that she and the original Anita (Rita Moreno) would take home the statuette for playing the same character. And if Kotsur gets the gold, he would join co-star Marlee Matlin as the only deaf Oscar winner; she won for 1986’s Children of a Lesser God.

DIRECTOR

The filmmakers in the running to take home the coveted statue include Steven Spielberg for West Side Story, Ryosuke Hamaguchi for Drive My Car, Paul Thomas Anderson for Licorice Pizza, Jane Campion for The Power of the Dog and Kenneth Branagh for Belfast.

SHOULD WIN: Campion for The Power of the Dog, for which she is the only female director to be nominated twice in this category in Oscar history going all the way back to 1994 for The Piano.

CUT. PRINT. THAT’S A WRAP! It wouldn’t be Oscar season without snubs: The biggest is Lady Gaga in House of Gucci, who was nominated for a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award but got no Oscar love. Surprisingly, there were no gay riots reported upon news of her being ignored by the Academy! At least Razzie Award nominee Jared Leto, and that horrible Super Mario accent, didn’t get a nod. Until next time, that’s all the news that’s fit to print.

Tim Parks has been a freelance writer for 21 years, a columnist for 16 years, and part of Team Rage since 2009.

He is the award-winning author of The Scheme of Things, available on Amazon.com.

theatre

by brad hart

THE ARTIFICIAL JUNGLE Point Loma Playhouse will present a revival of the final play by the legendary master of camp, Charles Ludlam. The brilliant comic suspense thriller will be staged from Friday, March 25 through Sunday, April 10.

The scene is set in a pet shop on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, with the owners living in the back of the store. Chester and his mother are overly devoted to each other, while wife Roxanne is deeply unhappy with her lot in life. A two-bit grifter, looking for a new score, arrives and disturbs the shaky equilibrium. All the emotions are there in this pulp fiction parody, lust, greed, guilt, double-entendre, silliness, ventriloquism and, ahem, murder.

Ludlam grew up in Queens, New York, not far from the heart of gay America and Greenwich Village. At 24, he founded the Ridiculous Theatrical Company, where he wrote, directed and performed in almost every production for the next two decades, often with Everett Quinton, his life partner and muse. Renowned for drag, high comedy, melodrama, satire, precise literary references, gender politics, sexual frolic and a multitude of acting styles, the Ridiculous Theater guaranteed a kind of biting humor that could both sting and tickle. Ludlam continued working until almost the day he died of PCP pneumonia in 1987, just three months after his AIDS diagnosis. He was 44. pointlomaplayhouse.com

CLOSER THAN EVER

TONY YAZBECK Broadway triple threat Tony Yazbeck will bring his signature style to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, offering up a little song, a little dance and a whole lot of joy. This intimate evening of musical favorites will entertain and transport you to a different time.

Since his Broadway debut as a newsboy in the 1989 revival of Gypsy, the quintessential song-and-dance man has continued to land coveted roles and garner critical acclaim — including a Tony Award nomination for the leading role in On the Town (2014). Most recently he was seen on Broadway in Flying over Sunset, playing Cary Grant.

With just the right balance of masculinity and vulnerability, Yazbeck creates a spellbinding one-man show, inviting audiences to join him on an honest, emotional journey along life’s ups and downs as told through the lyrics of classic show tunes, new standards and dazzling tap dancing.

Yazbeck will make his Segerstrom Center Cabaret Series debut from Thursday, March 24 through Saturday, March 26 in the Samueli Theater. scfta.org

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Coachella Valley Repertory will continue its season with Closer Than Ever, a musical revue directed by Ron Celona, with music by David Shire, lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and musical direction by Scott Storr.

Performances will take place through Sunday, March 20 at the CVRep Playhouse in Cathedral City.

Closer Than Ever explores the private song vault of Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire, and is filled to the brim with the brilliance of these musical giants. It’s a nonstop exploration of everyday struggles in the modern world. Songs contain themes about aging, midlife crisis, second marriages and role reversals with parents, as well as satirical jabs at Muzak, working couples and unrequited adoration. The revue contains no dialogue, and Maltby and Shire describe this show as a “bookless musical.” Each song is a unique story told by a new character, taking audiences not only into their songbook but into the minds of the individuals facing these completely relatable challenges. cvrep.org

WATER BY THE SPOONFUL Somewhere in Philadelphia, Elliot has returned from Iraq and is struggling to find his place in the world. Somewhere in a chat room, recovering addicts keep each other alive, hour by hour, day by day. The boundaries of family and community are stretched across continents and cyberspace as birth families splinter and online families collide.

In this new Cygnet Theatre production of a fearless, groundbreaking play that won the Pulitzer Prize for Quiara Alegría Hudes (In the Heights), worlds virtual and real unfold, challenging our notions of family, forgiveness, community and courage. Water by the Spoonful will be performed from Wednesday, March 23 through Sunday, April 24 on Cygnet’s stage in Old Town San Diego. cygnettheatre.com

EVENING UNDER THE STARS

FIRST LADIES OF DISCO

Saturday, April 30, 2022 The O’Donnell Golf Club, Palm Springs 5:30 Cocktails – 7:30 Dinner & Awards

• Festive Cocktails • Dazzling Silent Auction • Heavenly Dinner • Inspiring Awards • Groovy Dancing

Honoring Nelda Linsk – Jeannette Rockefeller Humanitarian Award Geoff Kors & James Williamson – Gloria Greene Inspiration Award Patti Grundhofer – Community Impact Award Aubrey Serfling – Community Leadership Award

Festive, elegant attire encouraged. Be creative!

Tickets available at aapfoodsamaritans.org or 760-325-8481

Harold Matzner

Presenting Sponsor

Presenting Media Sponsor

Major Sponsors

Media Sponsors

Wade Endowment Fund; Steven Anders, Trustee

Sponsors as of 1/13/22

theatre

by brad hart

ROMÉO ET JULIETTE Join San Diego Opera for the grand and sweeping retelling of one of the most tragic love stories of all time. He’s a Montague. She’s a Capulet. Despite years of bloody conflict between their warring families, Roméo and Juliette fall instantly in love. Their passionate love fans the flames of hatred between the two families and drives these young lovers to their heartbreaking deaths. Experience the heady rush of rebellious first love in Gounod’s sumptuous adaptation of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy.

A cast of young stars will bring the operatic adaptation of Shakespeare’s beloved play to life, including tenor Pene Pati as Romeo and soprano Nicole Cabell as Juliet, both making their debut with the opera company. Baritone Yunpeng Wang as Mercutio and mezzo soprano Sarah Coit as Stephano will also debut locally. San Diego Opera principal guest conductor Yves Abel will bring his mastery of the French repertoire to lead the musicians for these performances, and stage director Matthew Ozawa will add his unique visionary style to the stage.

Sung in French with English translations shown above the stage, Charles Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette will be at San Diego Civic Theatre on Saturday, March 26; Tuesday, March 29; Friday, April 1; and Sunday, April 3. sdopera.org DID YOU KNOW? Romeo and Juliet was written by William Shakespeare circa 1597. French composer Charles Gounod

wrote music to the story of Romeo and Juliet to turn it into an opera in 1867, the year of the Universal Exposition in Paris, where it was met with great success. Gounod composed 12 operas in his career, but only Faust and Roméo et Juliette achieved fame and are still being performed today.

ANN Tough as nails. Funny as hell. Emmy Award winner Holland Taylor (The Practice, Legally Blonde, Two and a Half Men) will bring the legendary Ann Richards to the Pasadena Playhouse stage in this dynamo Tony-nominated performance that captures the fire, heart and brains of Ann herself. Written and performed by Taylor, ANN is pure entertainment — an uplifting tribute to this courageous leader, dedicated mother, loving grandmother and legendary personality.

Texas Governor Ann Richards had a heart as big as the state from which she hailed, a wit to rival the greats, and an enduring passion for fair play. Always ready with a laugh out loud zinger or a telling observation, this superstar in Texas politics ultimately became a national figure and a vividly remembered force of nature. Neither partisan nor political, this richly imagined play reveals a complex, colorful and captivating character whose capacity to inspire us all burns even brighter today.

After successful runs across Texas, in Chicago and in Washington, D.C. — and ANN’s triumphant season at Broadway’s Lincoln Center — Taylor will present the long-awaited West Coast premiere from Tuesday, March 22 through Sunday, April 24 at Pasadena Playhouse. pasadenaplayhouse.org

EL BORRACHO The Old Globe Theatre is staging another world premiere play this month. El Borracho by Tony Meneses (Guadalupe in the Guest Room) and directed by Edward Torres (world premiere of the acclaimed The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity) will run through Sunday, March 20 in the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre located in Balboa Park in San Diego.

In El Borracho, Raul is ill. He drinks, because he always drinks, just like el borracho on the lotería card.

In his final months, Raul moves in with his ex-wife, who swore she’d never see him again, and their son, who’s longing to connect with his father at last. Developed as part of The Globe’s 2020 Powers New Voices Festival, Meneses’s vibrant dramedy follows one family’s journey to come together so they can finally say goodbye.

“El Borracho tells a story of family that sweeps from recrimination to redemption, suffused with music, vibrancy, and a great, great deal of love,” said Barry Edelstein, the Erna Finci Viterbi artistic director.

“Playwright Tony Meneses celebrates his Mexican American heritage as he brings it center stage and fuses it with forms we’re familiar with in American drama, forging something special that we’ve not seen before.

The play’s characters are fresh and brilliant, and director Eddie Torres has assembled a company of actors and designers who breathe life into them and their story with immense talent and skill. They will launch our 2022 season in our intimate Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre in a beautiful way.” theoldglobe.org

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tv spotlight

by bill biss

TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES’

DAVE KARGER ALL ABOUT OSCAR, ALL MONTH LONG

O

n Turner Classic Movies (TCM) there is the “Hollywood Name,” the “Dark Alley Man,” the “Silent Type,” the “Bombshell” and the “Dapper Dave.” I’m not talking movie characters but my nicknames for the five hosts of the classic film channel. So, it was truly a joy to talk with host Dave Karger about the return of 31 Days of Oscar, which for the first time on the network is all film winners of the coveted award all month on TCM, and the 2022 Oscar season plus some Oscar history along the way.

It’s a distinct pleasure to speak with you about TCM and 31 Days of Oscar. Thank you for taking the time.

Nice to meet you as well, Bill!

The COVID pandemic and the new-fangled option of home streaming motion pictures loomed large over the motion picture industry over the past two years. Like the old dialogue, “Who’s gonna pay for it, how about that?” What is your take on where the film industry is at in 2022?

I think COVID has forever changed the movie business, for sure. From now on, I’d say going to a movie theatre to see a film is going to be the exception for people, not the rule. Between Netflix, Amazon, HBO Max and TCM, of course, almost anything you could want to need to see is available for you at home. But I do think that certain types of films, like superhero movies or horror films, will continue to draw big audiences to theatres.

Let’s talk 2022 Oscar nominees briefly. I don’t have a crystal ball but just my gut feelings. Best Picture: West Side Story. Best Director: Ann Campion. Best Actor: Benedict Cumberbatch. Best Actress: I would love if Nicole Kidman won as I think she did a tremendous job of

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portraying Lucille Ball. And I’m just giving a “shout out” for Kirsten Dunst and Maggie Gyllenhaal to win as Supporting and Adapted Screenplay, as I’ve loved their talents since Mona Lisa Smile. Dave, in your opinion, who are you betting on for those categories and nominees?

I do think it’s going to be a big night for The Power the Dog. I expect Jane Campion to win for Best Director and Adapted Screenplay, and I also think it will win Best Picture, although Belfast does have a shot to upset it. In the acting categories, my bets are Will Smith, Nicole Kidman, Kodi Smit-McPhee and Ariana DeBose.

I’m truly pleased that 31 Days of Oscar is back. How did the five of you plan on who hosts which film and do you round-table together based on genre, categories or favorite Oscar-Winning films? Personally, “I’ll take musicals for $200, Dave.” How does this hosting process work?

The 31 Days of Oscar schedule is all devised by our brilliant team of programmers. One of my timeslots is Monday evenings, which this year will feature winners from the first decade of the Oscars, from 1929 to 1939. It’s fascinating to see what kinds of films won Oscars that early on, often visual spectacles like war films or musicals.

“ALL OF US AT TCM HAVE BEEN SO PLEASED TO HEAR, ESPECIALLY OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, HOW MUCH THE NETWORK IS A COMFORT TO THEM. SO MANY PEOPLE TELL US THAT THEY HAVE THE CHANNEL ON ALL DAY LONG.”

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Let’s get in the time machine and spin the dial to 1952. What imagery and circumstances of that year’s Oscar ceremony rings a bell with your knowledge of film history? Five Oscars were awarded to The Bad and The Beautiful, yet The Greatest Show on Earth won for Best Picture of the Year. As hokey as Charlton Heston’s acting was, I will always love Betty Hutton and Gloria Grahame in TGSOE. She makes me laugh and smile every time viewing and enjoyed her so distinct talent. Glad Gloria won best supporting actress for The Bad and The Beautiful. No nomination for Lana Turner as best actress but Kirk Douglas got one for best actor . . . huh!

Well, that as you may know was one of the early televised Oscar ceremonies, so the glamour quotient was certainly heightened. I’m not sure The Greatest Show on Earth stands the test of time as a deserving Best Picture winner, and it is bizarre that The Bad and the Beautiful won so many Oscars without a Best Picture nomination. And I’ll never understand why Singin’ in the Rain only managed two measly nominations. I can only guess it’s because An American in Paris had done so well just the year before.

Wow, that’s right. As it relates to Turner Classic Movies and programming, and this is just my thought, maybe go into the times

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of these films and why it changed from “motion picture musical or comedy” and “best dramatic score” to “original score” from The Academy over the years? I have collected film scores for 50 years now, from Lost Horizon to Giant. Thoughts on this category for the awards?

It’s been so interesting to see how the original score category has evolved over the decades. And these days so many adventurous scores are often in the mix thanks to composers like Nicholas Britell, Jonny Greenwood, and Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. This year I expect Hans Zimmer to win for Dune, which would be his first Oscar win in 27 years.

It’s been a pleasure. If you will please tell Alicia Malone I have a crush on her and the very best to the rest of your crew at TCM. Also, if there is anything else, you’d like to say about yourself and your love for classic films, now is your chance.

All of us at TCM have been so pleased to hear, especially over the last two years, how much the network is a comfort to them. So many people tell us that they have the channel on all day long. We’re so glad to be able to keep people company!

31 Days of Oscar kicks off on March 1 on TCM. tcm.com/31days

Bill Biss has been writing since 2000 about the people who create magic in music, film and book. His knowledge of the entertainment business has even impressed gossip columnist Liz Smith. He has been a member of Team Rage since its inception in 2007.

film spotlight

by chris carpenter

CODED Many have never heard his name, but our community owes a debt to artist J.C. Leyendecker. Born in 1874 in Montabaur, Germany, Joseph Christian Leyendecker was a German-American illustrator considered one of the preeminent American illustrators of the early 20th century. He was also openly gay to a degree unheard of at the time.

Leyendecker is best known for his poster, book and advertising illustrations; the trade character known as the Arrow Collar Man; and his numerous covers for The Saturday Evening Post. Between 1896 and 1950, he painted more than 400 magazine covers during what is considered the golden age of American illustration. No other artist, until the arrival of Norman Rockwell two decades later, was so solidly identified with one publication.

Leyendecker died in 1951.

One commentator had this to say: “Unlike Rockwell’s celebration of traditional family values, Leyendecker’s two hyper-masculine, square-jawed, all-American icons of Thanksgiving — a Puritan and a football player — eye each other like two men cruising a gay nightclub with a strict and peculiar dress code.” In doing so, the artist contributed to an idealized image of gay men that endures to this day.

A new, Oscars-shortlisted documentary short film about him is now streaming on Paramount+. Coded: The Hidden Love of J.C. Leyendecker was directed by award-winning gay filmmaker Ryan White (Ask Dr. Ruth, Serena,

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WANTS TO OPEN YOUR EYES The Case Against 8). Out actor Neil Patrick Harris provides narration as the voice of Leyendecker.

It won the grand jury prize for best short documentary at Tribeca Film Festival as well as a special recognition from the GLAAD Media Awards.

director ryan white

White was honored by Queerty two years ago as one of “50 individuals who are leading the nation toward equality, acceptance and dignity for all people.” He recently chatted via email with The RAGE Monthly about his latest film.

When and how did you first learn about J.C. Leyendecker?

I made a series for Apple TV+ in 2020 called Visible: Out on Television, about the history of queer representation throughout television history. It began with the Army-McCarthy hearings in 1954, which was the first time the word “homosexual” was ever said on television. It was in the research of that storyline that my team discovered this period that predated McCarthyism where there had been quite a bit of LGBTQ progress, especially in New York.

We learned about this prominent artist of the time named J.C. Leyendecker, but his storyline didn’t fit in Visible. So, I always wanted to return to his story, and making a short film allowed me to do that.

What spoke to you most or inspired you most about his story?

All of my films have been character films.

Although Leyendecker has been dead for 70 years, I see Coded as a character film as well.

Even by today’s standards, his artwork is very homoerotic. I was fascinated that this man was doing this subversive work 100 years ago, and I wanted to know more about him. It also felt like his legacy had been somewhat forgotten, and I wanted to know why.

How did your documentary come together artistically and/or financially?

Short films are tough to get financed and made, but I had a great team of partners who all recognized the importance of telling Leyendecker’s story. My editor Rejh Cabrera

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worked tirelessly to cut the film and find the right emotional tone. Danny Madden was the incredible animation director who brought the visuals alive, and my longtime composer Blake Neely brilliantly scored the film inspired by the music of the 1920s.

I really liked your approach in showing how Leyendecker’s life and work have influenced modern-day LGBTQ artists. How did you decide to take that approach?

We always wanted to tie the past to the present in the arc of the film.

Leyendecker’s artwork paved the way in many ways for the more overt queer imagery we see in advertising today. So, we decided to explore a couple more modern-day storylines like Subaru and trans model Jari Jones to highlight the ripple effects of Leyendecker’s legacy. We also wanted the film to be somewhat of a cautionary tale that history repeats itself. We can’t pat ourselves on the back and say we’ve reached the finish line; Leyendecker’s life story is a prime example of how quickly progress can be ripped apart.

While your film sadly didn’t make the final nominations for this year’s Academy Awards, it was a finalist in the Best Documentary Short category. How did it feel to make it that far?

That’s a huge honor to be shortlisted! It’s hard to get buzz and attention on a short film, so the awards conversation definitely helps garner more visibility.

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Your documentary paints a rather rosy picture of the relationship between Leyendecker and model Charles Beach, but I’ve subsequently read accusations that Beach took advantage of his longtime partner. What is your response to these?

I would actually say our film doesn’t create a rosy — or any — portrait of their day-to-day relationship, because we don’t know enough about it. We had to rely on primary sources to tell the story because it’s a documentary, so it doesn’t allow a lot of room for conjecture. But I’m sure a 50-year relationship has plenty of room for drama and ups-and-downs.

I think that would best be explored in a scripted project though, where you have a little more leeway to write a character and fictionalize things.

If Leyendecker were alive today, what do you think he would be doing or concerned about as an artist?

That’s a great question. He was undeniably an advertising genius, so I like to imagine he’d be working for top brands and causes.

What are you working on now? Do you have any other LGBTQinterest projects in development or on your wish list?

I am making a documentary about a robot that “lived” for 15 years on Mars! As far as I know, she doesn’t identify as LGBTQ, lol. It will come out on Amazon later this year. I call my job “Career ADD” — it allows me to skip around from topics that are totally different from one another and keeps me on my toes.

Chris Carpenter has been writing about entertainment since 1996 and a member of Team Rage since 2012.

He is a founding member and vice president emeritus of GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics.

rage recommends

by bill biss

MARCH

TO A NEW

Beat IN CINERAMA

AprilMarch In Cinerama floats in like a fresh bouquet of a spring breeze.

April March’s beguiling voice lifts off with total success in the pure exuberance and energy of pure 1960s pop sounds. This pop music is both pre/post psychedelic but clear-eyed and sweet.

Her charming French voice is just as captivating when singing in English, and there is a groove that transports the listener to a different time and place. She is the perfect guide for such a musical journey. Her song “Californian Fall” is a lullaby for the magic of harmony in the canyons in the most creative music movement of the 1960s. “Down the Line” is just as fine with an essence of incense and guitar that is transcendental.

The arrangements and orchestrations are at times simple; at times complicated but never overbearing alongside April March.

It’s intoxicating to the senses with an ultra-modern vibe. Recorded in Paris and Glendale, California . . . imagine that March assembled a literally groovy set of musicians and guest artists including Brian Wilson to add their splendor to this spectrum of frothy fun. The results of In Cinerama by April March are simply c’est magnifique.

Available March 18

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OUT OF THE DARK: THE FILM NOIR PROJECT

Melissa Errico

Melissa Errico has portrayed Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady and numerous other leading roles on Broadway. For this concept album, released on February 18, the intuitive actress known for her beautiful voice steps into a setting of shadows and light. She chose a selection of songs most associated with film noir classics and strikes a match on the emotions to set the mood. There is usually a scene in film noir where a chanteuse takes to the nightclub floor and sings of lost love, old love and love gone wrong. Errico excels at this and captures all these lovelorn emotions in her own distinct way. Melissa evokes “The Bad and the Beautiful” and “Laura” and 15 other melancholy babies on Out of the Dark to a high degree. Available now

SAME HISTORY, NEW FEELINGS EP

Madi Diaz Swirling into strong emotional territory with the grace of a swan is the vocal quality of Madi Diaz. She can unabashedly pinpoint with her lyrics the perfect way to express herself succinctly. It is these attributes that stun the heart in both beauty and heartbreak. Through only four songs and the skill in which she presents them, the listener is reminded of a cascade of singers before her. Madi Diaz carries the musical torch further for artists such as Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt or Emmylou Harris. The four songs respectively also feature Waxahatchee, Natalie Hemby, Courtney Marie Andrews and Angel Olsen joining Madi Diaz in harmony. Her song “New Person, Old Place” is a favorite now, yet all four selections excel in their own individual way, and that’s thanks to Madi Diaz. Available March 4

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stream queen

by brad hart

MOON MANOR

STEAM! All aboard for the new contemporary Western Steam! now available on the LGBTQ streaming network Revry. The award-winning short musical film tells the story of the conductor of a tourist steam train who deserts his boyfriend for a wild night with a real-life outlaw.

Steam! Is written and directed by Jeffrey Simon, who also wrote the music and lyrics. The film stars Broadway actor Coby Getzug (The Book of Mormon, Spring Awakening), who is currently starring in the national tour of The Band’s Visit. Barrett Riggins and Liam Cronin are also featured. Producers David Hemphill and Matt Andrews created Steam! as a master’s thesis project at USC School of Cinematic Arts. It premiered at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival and won Best in Show.

“As a gay man, I have a complicated relationship with Westerns.

I love the sexy ruggedness of the cowboy/outlaw archetype, the phallic power of pistols and steam trains, but I have always felt unwelcome within the culture of masculinity perpetuated by the genre,” Simon said. “By making this a musical, I’m hoping it will be more inclusive to a queer audience without sacrificing what makes Westerns so exciting.” revry.tv

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Sometimes learning how to live is learning how to die.

Inspired by a “true-ish” story, Moon Manor introduces us to Jimmy on his last day alive. He has advancing Alzheimer’s, so he has decided to die like he has lived — with intention, humor and zest.

Jimmy will show his estranged brother, salt-of-the-earth caretaker, sharp-witted death doula, a novice obituary writer, a cosmic being and the guests at his FUNeral that sometimes the art of living just may be the art of dying. An exploration of what it means to have a “good death” and inspired by the life stories of 84-year-old lead actor James Carrozo, Moon Manor is the debut feature from female filmmaking duo KnifeRock and marks the first original score by Coldplay producers The Dream Team.

The filmmakers stated on the movie’s website that “the well was deep when it came to pulling stories from Jimmy’s life to write Moon Manor. Thus, Jimmy’s real anecdotes and memories are included in the movie, but the character of Jimmy is fictional and the story of his last day alive is fiction. The character and the actor do have one very important thing in common: a belief that death is something to be embraced, not feared, and a desire (if one is privileged enough to be able to make the choice) to have an intentionally designed death, surrounded by ceremony and loved ones.”

As an activist for LGBTQ and immigration rights, Carrozo has been acting, singing, dancing and doing comedy for most of his 84 years.

Moon Manor is Carrozo’s first feature film and fulfills his childhood dream of making a movie of his life. Debra Wilson, Richard Riehle, Lou Taylor Pucci, Reshma Gajjar, Galen Howard, Ricki Lake, Heather Morris, Gayle Rankin and Whitmer Thomas round out the cast.

Moon Manor is available on demand starting Friday, March 11. moonmanormovie.com

stream queen

by brad hart

THE ANDY WARHOL DIARIES

From executive producer Ryan Murphy and director Andrew Rossi, this breathtakingly expansive, six-part portrait of a legend chronicles the remarkable life of Andy Warhol from the intimate vantage point offered by the artist’s own posthumously published diaries. Beginning with his childhood in Pittsburgh, the series traces Warhol’s almost unbelievably diverse journey fluidly moving between mediums and through eras as an artist —both revered and reviled — director, publisher, TV producer, scene maker, celebrity and much more. While he was a larger-than-life figure, Warhol was intensely private regarding his personal life. This series truly reveals much about the very complex man through his own words — often in his own voice using cuttingedge AI techniques— and those who worked, created, and played alongside him from the subversive to the mainstream, from John Waters to Rob Lowe.

A limited documentary series releasing on Netflix Wednesday, March 9, The Andy Warhol Diaries deftly validates Warhol’s belief that the idea is not to live forever but to create art that will. netflix.com/andywarholdiaries

GIVE OR TAKE A man’s estranged father unexpectedly dies, so he goes home to Cape Cod and prepares the house for sale while sharing it with his father’s temperamental live-in boyfriend.

Director Paul Riccio’s heartfelt, award-winning comedy drama is now available on DVD and all digital platforms. The Breaking Glass Pictures film stars Dan in Real Life alum and two-time Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz alongside Jamie Effros (On), Joanne Tucker (The Report), and Cheri Oteri (Saturday Night Live).

Give or Take is the definition of a comedy with heart,” Riccio said. “It’s a detailed and authentic narrative, affording real depth to the regret, resentment and misunderstanding that can take shape around a loved one’s death. Led by the heart-wrenching performance of Norbert Leo Butz, Give or Take paints a compelling, moving portrait of a son’s journey to understand and accept the complexities of his father.”

Martin (Jamie Effros) is a pragmatist who has checked the boxes of an acceptable life yet feels disconnected, especially from his father, Kenneth, a distant man Martin could never figure out. Their relationship got more complicated when Kenneth came out after his wife died. For the first time, he was able to live openly and honestly as a gay man. He found love with a younger man, his lawn guy, Ted (Norbert Leo Butz), and they had been living together in Ken’s house on Cape Cod ever since.

When Kenneth dies, Martin goes home to sell the house while sharing it with Ted. Grieving, they circle each other, butt heads, and negotiate how to remember the different man they both loved, and the significance of what he left behind.

Give or Take premiered at the Woods Hole Film Festival and won the Audience Award for Best Feature. It has played numerous other festivals including Monmouth Film Festival, where it won Best Narrative Feature; Out on Film Atlanta, winning awards for Best Ensemble and Best Screenplay; Port Townsend Film Festival, where it garnered Best Feature; Out at the Movies, where is snagged Best Screenplay and Audience Award for Best Feature; FilmOut San Diego, where Butz took home Best Supporting Actor; and kicked off this year’s Provincetown Film Festival.

“Give or Take is that rare film that has mastered the job of tackling a serious subject in a heart-warming way,” said Richard Wolff, CEO of Breaking Glass. “This story is honest and light-hearted, but still delivers a powerful message about coping with the death of a loved one. We are thrilled to be bringing this story and amazing ensemble cast to North American audiences.” giveortakemovie.com

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fitness

by freddy saluna

ACHIEVING YOUR FITNESS GOALS HAVE NO FEAR, JUST THINK ABOUT IT AND PERSEVERE In Southern California, we’ve got all the hints that spring is almost upon us: tweeting birds, blooming flowers, budding trees, tank tops and shorts, trips to the beach, along with sunny 90-degree days followed by — ugh! — rain and 60 degrees the next. But hey, we accept it and roll with it, right? It’s that SoCal life!

Likewise, those of us who believe in resolutions revolving around looking and feeling better about ourselves (should?) probably accept that 60% of us have already quit by February 1. We should accept it and roll with it as easily as we say yes to that next adult beverage. Why? Because we forget resolutions about as quickly as we forget about last week’s COVID-19 recommendations. But I digress.

We’re not going to dwell on the 60% of us who wave the white flag; we’re going to focus on the roughly one-third who don’t. Now the question becomes: How do some of us make it through that first month and beyond?

OH, HONEY . . .

Are you ladies sitting down? They make it because they know they’re human beings! I know, that’s about as earth-shaking a revelation as Kim Kardashian’s . . . uh, well . . . anyway, we’re humans capable of thought. It’s within our grasp to decide, to make a choice, and to make up (or to change) our minds. Always.

Sadly, many of us forget to cut ourselves slack when me make poor choices. We beat ourselves up, frustrate ourselves, beat ourselves up more, and/or we just give up altogether; my clients and myself included! Yup, personal trainer and guilty, but still human. The 33% who push ahead also understand this, forgive themselves and move on.

I know, I know . . . “But Freddy, I’m always cutting myself slack and besides, I want shortcuts! I’m always tired and need the breaks.” Oh honey, I love you but I’ve got news for you. Having done this for 10+ years now, if you had taken that energy you spent looking for shortcuts or saving it on breaks and instead redirected all of it into creating a well-structured plan, you would have been at your goal already.

FAIL TO PLAN, PLAN TO FAIL For a job, it’s a career path, networking and/or new skills. For a house, it’s budgeting, sacrificing and saving. For a degree, it’s a calendar, assignments and tests. And for getting to work on time, it’s reverse engineering your commute; what does Google say about traffic? Crap, I gotta get gas, too! OK, I MUST leave the house by a certain time.

Every single one of these are goals. They are all SPECIFIC. They are all MEASURABLE. They are all ACHIEVABLE. They are all REALISTIC. And they all have some type of TIME component attached to them. They’re all SMART. You’re smart too because you’re a fabulous human capable of thought; after all you’re reading this aren’t you?

So, go ahead and eff resolutions, start TODAY. Do your 20-minute thought exercise, sketch it out on paper, then keep it top of mind by keeping it visible.

Between the clarity of your why and the discipline of your SMART goals/planning, you’ll start looking and feeling better in no time. I have no doubts.

Cheers!

SLOW DOWN But it’s OK, you’re still human! So be like that 33% of humans. Take advantage of your capacity to think and choose differently this time. Slow down and really think. If you truly allow yourself to be introspective for just a few minutes, to disconnect from our “always on” world and establish a solid connection between your conscious and your subconscious, you can make anything happen.

Ready? I give you permission to schedule 20 minutes to do this brain exercise TODAY. Think about your WHY. I know it sounds very cliche, but your “why” is critical when it comes to your need to improve your health and fitness. I say “need” because that implies a requirement to remain alive. Want a hint? “Health” needs to be in your why.

Now, think about a time where you really, REALLY wanted something: a job, a house, a college degree, even just wanting to get to work on time every morning. Think about it, dissect it, reminisce about it. What was involved?

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Freddy Saluna, ACSM-CPT, ΔΣΠ is the founder of Level One Training and Fitness. After 10 fabulous years, he finally “came out” as thatgaytrainer.com. When not training, he dreams of Vallarta or agonizes over analytics, TikTok and his geriatric cat, Sugar.