31 minute read
KAMERON ROSS
AGT’S COUNTRY GENT
BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ
COUNTRY MUSIC SINGER KAMERON ROSS MADE AN IMMEDIATE IMPRESSION AS HE STEPPED ON THE STAGE OF AMERICA’S GOT TALENT. While many television viewers may have been taken with Kameron’s chiseled jawline or Texas tight jeans, Simon Cowell was taken with his voice. Cowell asked Kameron to stop mid audition and sing acapella … to which he did, quickly becoming a fan cherished AGT sweetheart. The road to America’s Got Talent wasn’t easy.
Y’all I’ve been at the auditions for some time now. Since I was 16, I auditioned for Nashville Star, American Idol, X-Factor, The Voice, and America’s Got Talent. Three or four years before me getting cast for AGT I made it to a call-back audition for them. They tell you that if they want to move forward with you then you’ll hear from them, but if you didn’t hear from them then you were not chosen. So, after my call back audition, I thought it went so well I sat by my phone anxiously. Checking my email every second hoping I would hear from them. Well, I didn’t. The next year I was asked to send in an audition video, and I said no. I was tired of getting my hopes up after so many years of getting no, no, no. Then the year I got cast I went through a lot of family situations with multiple family members getting cancer and multiple family members passing away over a course of a couple of years. Going through that you realize life is way too short not to go for your dream and do what makes you happy. So, I auditioned again for AGT and tried chasing that big dream one time again. I remember getting the call right before Christmas saying that I’ve made the show! Hanging up I went through so many emotions. I yelled with excitement, hugged my partner, smiled so big, and busted into the happiest tears.
TV audiences and social media instantly responded to his debut episode. Besides his voice, what was his winning factor?
As you could tell from my audition, my mama raised me well! Always answering yes/ no sir/ma’am. Always respect everyone and treat them like you would like to be treated. I think that was clearly displayed on my AGT audition with me saying “yes, sir” to Simon, and him correcting me a handful or more times to call him Simon. Then following up with “we’re friends now” so I can call him by Simon. [laughs] Also, seeing that I’m human. I’m passionate about my music and my dreams.
Because of COVID, Kameron would perform for the judges in an empty theatre. Without the energy of a live audience, he had to command the room isolated on stage. This wouldn’t be the first time Kameron had felt isolated in his career. He started singing at the age of eight, after being inspired by attending his first live concert with the diva herself, Shania Twain. He would go on to perform at local country music concerts, put out his first album, and open for The Band Perry and Miranda Lambert. It was around that time that his sexuality was beginning to form. Once he came out, the phone stopped ringing. An industry that had once embraced him and his Texas-style had left him isolated and alone.
I would be lying if I said that taking a step back from my music career didn’t affect me. There were countless nights where I thought I just threw everything away that I had worked so hard for. However, at that moment I and my happiness were most important to me. I didn’t
want to have to deal with the acceptance of me coming out to everyone and then also have the pressure of the country music industry making me feel like I shouldn’t come out or that I was going to be shunned from the industry for being gay. In those moments my mental health and happiness were what’s most important.
I do not regret coming out at all. Truthfully, I have had my moments thinking how things would have been if I wouldn’t have come out to everyone or was just closeted. Then I quickly bounce back to thinking that’s not the life I wanted or want to live.
To make matters more intense, his personal coming out had its own complications.
It’s long and kind of sad. I lost my country music career. Lost a lot of friendships. My mom took it very hard, and I lost contact with her for a bit. But at the end of the day, we found each other, and we love each other so much. She has been keeping grandbabies (both of my dogs) while my partner and I have been traveling. I am glad to have her and my family in my corner when I need them.
Despite the struggles with his career and family, his love of everything Texas and country music is unwavering.
I could go on and on about all the things I love about Texas and being a Texan. I love that we can’t make it through one sentence without saying the word “y’all” or dropping a “g” off the end of the word when you say something like “how y’all doin?” That’s a very Texan thing to do. I absolutely LOVE the countryside of Texas. I know most people probably say this about their state but by golly, it’s beautiful out here! I grew up spending time and working on a ranch. I had a job as a ranch hand and outside of music that’s probably one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. I have a big dream of owning my own ranch out towards Del Rio or San Angelo, Texas. When I tell y’all it’s simply breathtaking out there, I mean it! Also, this is about to sound super Texan of me, but when you’re on the road all the time you LOVE a good Buc-ee’s! It’s like a gas station/ store/food place heaven. The food is amazing, there are always cool things to buy, the beaver nuggets are something you’ll get hooked on, and the restrooms are always super clean, LOL.
And country music? I think it’s the way every country music song tells a story. Some songs can move me to tears every single time I hear them, and I think that’s special. In other genres, I will find music that I love and can move dance to. But there is something about the storytelling in country music that is just amazing.
The country music industry has experienced a boom in out gay musicians. TJ Osborne of the Osborne Brothers is the latest to come out with Lil Nas X, Ty Herndon, Brandi Carlile, and Brandy Clark, among others, representing our community. Has homophobia in country music changed?
I would say there is less homophobia nowadays than there was 5 or 10 years ago. However, when you start to think about it more, how many gay country music artists are being played on mainstream radio, nominated or winning award shows like the Academy of Country Music Awards? There really are not many if any at all. We’ve still got work to do but I’m up for the challenge. I’m ready for my ACM award, CMT award, Grammy, and more!
Beyond Shania, his other musical inspirations run the gamut.
One of my all-time favorites is Dolly Parton. She is Dolly and does not give a rip what everyone thinks about her. She’s a huge LGBTQ community supporter and she just reminds me of my grandma. When it comes to my different music styles, I’ve been influenced by artists like Hank Williams and Keith Whitley. Having that old-school soulful sound at times. The older I’ve gotten I’ve been influenced by some newer artists like Lizzo. Lizzo being her true authentic self. Expressing and embarrassing herself in every way possible. Posting whatever she wants on social media. Also H.E.R., you want to talk about one heck of a talented artist ... my goodness! From her lyrics to her voice, to her looks is just amazing. I also am influenced by my heritage, being part Mexican. I love reggaeton and Spanish music. I don’t speak Spanish and might not know what is being said, but I love it!
Kameron has capitalized on his natural good looks and hours in the gym by incorporating skin into his social media and music covers. He isn’t afraid of his sexual appeal overshadowing his music.
Attractive men are all over the internet and around every corner. I don’t mind showing some skin or posting a gym selfie because I know that people that love my music are going to love it whether I play in a turtleneck, shirtless, or an open vest.
Kameron has also been very open about his relationship. For the last two years, he has been dating another hottie from reality TV, Netflix’s Sugar Rush baker Lio Botello.
We met through my good Judy, Alyssa Edwards! I am so grateful for that! She had a Labor Day pool party that we were both at. There were a lot of people, and I never really got the chance to connect with him. A few weeks later we
were both out again, I was with Alyssa, and she screamed his name when she saw him going into the same club we were in. She introduced us again after she noticed me noticing him. I laid eyes on him that night and haven’t stopped since.
As social media proves time and time again, being revealing about your relationships can sometimes have a detrimental effect. Did Ross have any trepidation about sharing that aspect of his life?
I’ve had people tell me from the industry and from reality TV that displaying my relationship on social media could have a negative effect on my career. That I should “want to appeal to as many people as I can” - I don’t agree. They also think I should worry about the thirsty people that would try to come after my man after linking over to him from me. However, I have a very healthy and great relationship with my partner. I have no reason or desire to want to hide my relationship. He is my biggest supporter, and I am his. We balance each other in a way that most wouldn’t understand. You find someone that has the same dreams and drive that you do. We encourage each other every day to be the best version of ourselves. Some nights we spend hours and hours working on my music, some nights I am washing dishes after his baking. We have dreams and we are willing to put in all the work to make them a reality.
Kameron has big plans post-COVID. His live performances are starting to book up, including a California live performance debut at Oscar’s in Palm Springs, and he is hitting the market with remix versions of his music.
I absolutely love country music, but my musical interests are not limited to country. I love EDM, pop, reggaeton/Latin music, R&B, and so much more. Why limit myself to just country? Why not explore other genres but keep my country roots? We are human and we evolve. Much like that, so does our music. For example, Kacey Musgraves’ new music keeps her country roots but has some pop, Latin, and more influences.
His dreams for the future are unabashedly country.
I hope I own a ranch with my partner, we have all my albums displayed to remind me of the hard work we put in. If there is a cow involved, I would love to own a calf, a Red Braham to be exact.
And his wish for the LGBTQ community is gentlemanly.
I want every single one of us to feel loved and accepted. That feels like it should be simple and not be this big wish, but we have so much work to do to get them there. I am
ready for it though! ■
You can find everything Kameron Ross at KameronRoss.com Performance Alert: If you are in Palm Springs, Kameron will be performing on the outdoor stage at Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs on October 15th. Visit www.oscarspalmsprings.com for tickets!
SIP AND INDULGE
HAND-CRAFTED COCKTAILS FOR THE CRISP DAYS OF AUTUMN
CURATED BY MICHAEL WESTMAN
WHILE THE PREMADE COCKTAIL SPACE TRADITIONALLY HAS BEEN SEEN AS A CHEAP THRILL, On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails (ontherockscocktails.com) is changing perceptions by creating a new ready to serve craft cocktail category. On The Rocks™ cocktails are made with high quality spirits and natural ingredients, and come in 375ml, 200ml, and 100ml bottle sizes. Just pour over ice and enjoy!
THE OLD FASHIONED
Staying true to the original recipe, the Old Fashioned is bold and simple using Knob Creek® Bourbon Whiskey, bitters, cane sugar, orange, cherry, and lemon flavors.
THE AVIATION
A throwback to the era when airplanes were brand new. This classic gin cocktail, The Aviation, is crafted with Larios London Dry Gin, and flavors of dry cherry, lemon, and violet.
THE MAI TAI
As the old tiki adage goes, ‘what one rum can’t do, two rums can.’ Blended with light and dark Cruzan® Rum and a unique blend of flavors of orange, pineapple, orgeat, and coconut for the perfect Mai Tai.
THE COSMOPOLITAN
A wildly popular drink, The Cosmopolitan, is a simple cocktail with a big following. Often referred to as ‘a cosmo’ this cocktail blends Effen Vodka, flavors of cranberry, triple sec, lemon zest, and lime.
JALAPE„O PINEAPPLE MARGARITA
The perfect drink for those who share our love of all things hot. The Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita uses a flavor combination of pineapple and triple sec married with Tres Generaciones plata tequila and the heat from the peppers.
THE MARGARITA
One of the most recognizable and sought after cocktails in the world, The Margarita offers a perfect balance between tequila, tart lime flavors and triple sec. This margarita is set apart from the crowd with Hornitos® Plata Tequila.
Cruzan® Black Strap Rum is a mixologist favorite! Featuring robust licorice and molasses flavors that add an exotic element to your tropical favorites. Its most popular pairings include flavors such as lemon, lime, ginger and pineapple. Mix up a cocktail or two and relax by the fire!
CRUZAN AUTUMN SPICED PUNCH
Ingredients:
• 8 parts Cruzan® Black Strap Rum • 8 parts Cruzan® Aged Dark Rum • 16 parts blood orange juice
Instructions:
Combine rum and blood orange juice. Serve over ice in a tumbler. (Serves 6)
CRUZAN BLACK & PINEAPPLE
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Build over ice in a highball glass. Garnish with a cherry.
And for an Autumn treat with some other Cruzan® rums –
THANKSGIVING RUM COCKTAIL
Ingredients:
• 1 part Cruzan® Vanilla Rum • 1 part Cruzan® Aged Dark Rum • 2 parts pumpkin pie puree • 1 1/2 parts hot water • Chantilly cream (1/4 tsp vanilla extract, 2 parts heavy cream shaken until whipped)
Instructions:
Combine pumpkin puree and hot water and stir until well mixed. Add rums and then top with chantilly cream. Finish with fresh grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick garnish.
Hornitos® was boldly born in 1950 in honor of Mexican Independence Day. It all began in Jalisco, Mexico with founder, Don Francisco, a man who wasn’t shy about taking chances to make great tequila. From creating reposado before it was even a word, to revolutionizing the agave cooking process, to standing up to the Mexican government and setting new standards for tequila - it became Hornitos’ tradition to break tradition, all in the name of bettering tequila. Make a pitcher for your fall celebrations and enjoy!
HORNITOS PALOMA
PITCHER (serves 16)
Ingredients:
• 1 bottle (750 ml) Hornitos® Plata • 32 oz ruby red grapefruit juice • 16 oz simple syrup • 32 oz club soda
Instructions:
Build in order over ice in a large pitcher. Stir. Pour into tall glasses and top with soda. Half salt rim optional. Garnish with a swath of grapefruit peel.
REPOSADO MARGARITA
PITCHER (serves 16)
Ingredients:
• 1 bottle (750 ml) Hornitos® Reposado Tequila • 16 oz lime juice • 8 oz agave syrup to 16 oz water
Instructions:
To prepare your Reposado Margarita for a large gathering, combine ingredients in order in a large ice- filled pitcher. Stir. Garnish glasses with a lime wedge. Salt rim optional.
HORNITOS TEQUILA ZARZA
Ingredients:
• 2 parts Hornitos Reposado Tequila • 1-part simple syrup • 1-part fresh lemon juice • Blackberries • Float: DeKuyper Creme de Cassis Liqueur
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients, excluding liqueur. Shake well. Strain and serve over crushed ice in a rocks glass. Float liqueur on top. Garnish with fresh blackberries.
Pinnacle Vodka recently launched its low-calorie innovation named Pinnacle Light & Ripe, in two refreshing, fruitforward flavors of Apricot Honeysuckle and Guava Lime. Crafted with natural ingredients, Pinnacle Light & Ripe provides a light and flavorful taste with no sugar and fewer than 75 calories, making it the perfect, refreshing sipper. Cocktail lovers can have it all without compromise, as the vodka line strikes the ideal balance between bold flavors and quality ingredients.
Ingredients:
• 1.5 parts Pinnacle Apricot Honeysuckle • 3 parts unsweetened green tea • .25 oz (½ Tbsp) honey • 2 peach slices • soda water
Instructions:
In a highball cocktail glass, gently muddle peach slices and honey. Add Pinnacle Light & Ripe Apricot Honeysuckle, green tea and ice. Stir to combine. Top with soda water and garnish with additional peach or apricot slices.
CELEBRITY CHEFS BRING FLAIR TO THE LAS VEGAS STRIP
FOUR MUST-VISIT FOOD AND BEVERAGE SPOTS IN SIN CITY
BY PAUL ZAHN
WATCH OUT CELINE DION, CHER, AND DONNY & MARIE - SOME OTHER POPULAR STARS HAVE BEEN MAKING A SPLASH IN SIN CITY. OVER THE PAST DECADE, SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN THE CULINARY WORLD HAVE FLOCKED TO THE LAS VEGAS STRIP TO OPEN SOME OF THE COUNTRIES MOST RENOWNED DESTINATION EATERIES. These chefs have brought innovation, creativity, and indulgent offerings to Las Vegas - helping to elevate the Las Vegas experience for tourists. From brunch to happy hour to dinner options - we rounded up the best of the best for filling the stomach and feeding the soul on the Las Vegas Strip.
TAPAS ’TIL YOU TAP OUT AT BORDER GRILL’S LIMITLESS BRUNCH
BORDER GRILL @ MANDALAY BAY
LGBTQ Advocate and Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger has fully embraced the indulgent nature of Las Vegas. Border Grill, a modern Mexican eatery at Mandalay Bay that she owns with Chef Mary Sue Milliken features seasonal fare that is conscientiously sourced. The restaurant recently revamped an already mouth-watering list of limitless brunch menu items. Feniger decided she wanted to take that indulgent vibe up a few notches but keep the restaurant aligned with her sophisticated take on dining. “When we first started this, we felt like we were competing with buffets in Vegas,” she shares. “We felt like we can do a similar thing but make the food to order so it’s fresh, interesting, doesn’t sit in a steam table and we get to have a chef cook it fresh. It also comes out at different times so it’s not everything piled on one plate,” she continues.
The expanded menu at Border Grill features everything from short rib hash, diablo fried chicken, lobster cachapas, and more. Feniger’s menu also includes a variety of brunch libations including two of her favorite drinks. “I love, love our Cafe de Lola with rum or Kahlua,” she shares. “I also love mezcal so the El Mezcalero rocks. You get the smokiness of the mezcal, the tang of the passion fruit and a bit of sweetness from the coconut. Or give me a spicy bloody Maria or two,” she says with a laugh. Feniger sought to really create a warm, indulgent atmosphere following a tumultuous time in the world. She says, “We wanted to have that killer menu that would make people feel nurtured and fed - even overfed! Nothing more comforting than hanging out, eating, drinking, and relaxing after an exhausting year and a half.” Clearly it is working for Feniger - Border Grill has been voted best brunch on the strip for several years.
THE HAPPIEST HOUR IN A COCKTAIL GARDEN FIT FOR A QUEEN
VANDERPUMP COCKTAIL GARDEN @ CEASARS PALACE
Reality star and restauranteur Lisa Vanderpump personifies indulgence with a fabulous flair. The British expat and LGTBQ advocate shot to fame on the hit Bravo show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills where she showcased her food and beverage hot spots PUMP and SUR in the heart of “Boys Town” in West Hollywood. When Las Vegas came knocking for a taste of LVP in the form of a cocktail garden, she answered. “It is such an honor that Caesars Palace asked us to partner with them on this venture - we were thrilled to become part of the Caesars Family,” said Vanderpump. “We have created a unique, decadent space with a majestic feel where guests can relax in a sexy garden oasis. From the design and ambiance (featuring the incredible Nick Alain lighting, fixtures, and furniture) to the selection of light bites and cocktails, I am proud of what we created and hope everyone will enjoy the experience as much as we do,” she added.
Guests can sip through the menu during happy hour while enjoying the stunning indoor patio featuring an al fresco-style garden with 16-ft. olive trees and eccentric lighting fixtures. The LVP experience includes a cocktail list that focuses on craft cocktails with tongue-incheek names. Lisa’s sassy stamp is clear on her sumptuous libations like The Checkmate Bitch: Stoli hot vodka, Chacho jalapeno vodka, fresh pineapple, grapefruit liqueur, vanilla citrus, angostura bitters and pink peppercorns. Other options for include the Please Her, Caesar!: Vanderpump vodka, Rosé Champagne, blackberry, elderflower, lemon, aquafaba and the Matcha Matcha Man: Vanderpump vodka, matcha, fresh mint, lemon, ginger liqueur, aquafaba. The menu also features light bites to balance the boozy beverages. Vanderpump Cocktail Garden even features a list of delicious drinks to end the night with their ‘Naughty Nightcaps’ portion of the drink list.
Las Vegas loves Lisa Vanderpump so much that she is opening a new outlet, Vanderpump à Paris at the end of 2021. We say Oui Oui to more LVP in Sin City.
A TASTE OF THE AMALFI COAST BY BOBBY FLAY
AMALFI @ CEASARS PALACE
Food Network darling Bobby Flay loves all things Italy. The chef and co-host of the Discovery Plus show Bobby and Giada in Italy loves southern Italy so much he decided to bring the full experience of the Amalfi coast to the Las Vegas strip with his new eatery, Amalfi. “Opening Amalfi at Caesars Palace has allowed me to showcase my passion for the Amalfi Coast and the fresh flavors the region is known for,” said Flay. “Our team has created an incredible experience that brings everything I love about the Amalfi Coast to the Las Vegas Strip, from the various seating areas to the coastal cocktails, to the fresh fish market to all the seasonal flavors we are showcasing on the menu. We have been blown away by the guests’ response already, making me incredibly proud and excited for all that lies ahead,” he added.
Upon entering the restaurant, guests are transported to the Amalfi coast with a design featuring a natural palette and touches of greenery, organic fabric, wood and stone and a colorful mosaic limestone floor. The main dining room features a large ceiling display of various wines and a bustling open kitchen. Guests can open up their palettes with an Amalfi Spritz - an updated and more sophisticated version of the Aperol Spritz featuring Selim Spumante, Cappelletti Aperitivo and soda water. Following a spritz or glass of prosecco, guests can indulge in flavorful and light antipasti like shellfish frito misto with Meyer lemon aioli and pistachio pesto or charred octopus with burnt orange pancetta. The focal point of Amalfi is the fresh fish and seafood display manned by a fishmonger who can share all the details about the fish featured. Guests can pick from the extensive selection including golden snapper, red snapper, black bass, branzino, Carabinero shrimp, among others. Then, guest can decide how they want the fresh fish prepared - grilled over charcoal or roasted al forno and served with the choices of Meyer lemon and capers, red pepper, and Calabrian chile pesto or salsa verde. Indulgent desserts like tiramisu and sorbets provide for the perfect finisher to a decadent dining experience.
Following a dinner at Amalfi, guests will love that Bobby loves all things Italy.
A CLASSIC STEAKHOUSE WITH A GANGSTER FLAIR
BUGSY AND MEYER’S STEAKHOUSE @ FLAMINGO
Bugsy and Meyer’s is the perfect spot for a taste of old school Las Vegas meets contemporary steakhouse. The name pays homage to Flamingo Hotel founders Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel and business partner Meyer Lansky, who opened the first resort-style hotel on the Las Vegas strip in 1946. The restaurant’s decor features bold and vibrant colors with an Art Deco flair designed by the one and only Jonathan Adler with help from Chicago-based Studio K Creative. The eatery features half a dozen experiences for guests - a patio and lounge, centerpiece bar, a raw bar, three private dining rooms, a main dining room and a speakeasy - The Count Room.
The indulgent steakhouse features an encased show cooler featuring the decadent in-house dry aged steak program. Guests can pick from a variety of hand-selected cuts include domestic prime, wet aged, dry aged prime, imported wagyu and more. Add-ons for the steaks include lobster tail, Alaskan king crab, foie gras, B&M scampi and Point Reyes cheese fondue. And what is a steak dinner without some over the top side dishes? Bugsy and Meyer’s has no shortage of indulgent sides like the truffle potato puree, lobster mac & cheese and The Heater - a potato with white cheddar, house sausage, and caramelized onions. The cocktail list features classic cocktails and several rum drinks - a favorite spirit of the 1940s. A favorite of guests is The Jungle Bird made with Cruzan black strap rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, simple syrup with a pineapple wedge and leaf. Following dinner, guests can enjoy desserts like The Big Apple, made with caramelized apples, soft caramel, hazelnut café crumble and a white chocolate yuzu mousse. Or skip the dessert and live your best Las Vegas life and order a nightcap or two from the build-your-own OldFashioned portion of the drink menu.
There will be no gambling with your taste buds at Bugsy and Meyer’s - you will leave feeling like the gangster that you are.
WELL, BROADWAY IS OFFICIALLY BACK AND, ONE BY ONE, NEW SHOWS AND OLD SHOWS ALIKE ARE OPENING DOORS AND RAISING CURTAINS. Of course, there remains the pesky issue of shows that were just beginning their runs in 2020 and never quite got their due, namely the nationally televised recognition of being honored as nominees for the Tony Awards. This slight will finally be corrected when the 74th Annual Tony Awards are presented at the legendary Winter Garden Theater - original home to Funny Girl, Follies, Mame and Mamma Mia! - on September 26th at 7pm ET, and broadcast exclusively on Paramount+. The trophies for Best Play, Best Musical and Best Revival will be presented on The Tony Awards Present: Broadway’s Back, airing immediately after and including performances from the nominated musicals as well as “beloved classics.” (The question remains ... when we theater queens reference these in years to come, will we call them “the 2020 Tonys” or “the 2021 Tonys?” Time will tell!) The Alanis Morissette musical Jagged Little Pill leads the pack with 15 nominations; Jeremy O. Harris’ enthralling Slave Play received 12, the most for any non-musical since Angels in America.
While Slave Play is sadly not scheduled to reopen (it concluded its limited run just prior to the pandemic), Jagged Little Pill (Broadhurst Theatre, open-ended) will resume performances October 21st. Competing Best Musical Tony nominees Tina (Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, openended) will once again ask “What’s Love Got To Do With It” on October 8th. Conor McPherson’s Bob Dylan musical Girl from the North Country (Belasco Theatre, open-ended) hadn’t been running long enough for the Tony voters to see it before the shutdown, but it starts up again October 13th to vie for next year’s prizes.
Adrienne Warren, center, stars in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. photo by Manuel Harlan
Todd Almondcenter and the cast of Girl From The North Country photo by Matthew Murphy
The long running hits are still flickering open in real time as well, with Aaron Sorkin’s bold theatricalization of To Kill A Mockingbird (Shubert Theatre, open-ended) starring Jeff Daniels beginning again October 5th. The popular Temptations jukebox musical Ain’t Too Proud (Imperial Theatre, open-ended) starts serenading “My Girl” again on October 16th. The longest running Broadway musical of all time, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera (Majestic Theatre, open-ended) sings more music of the night on October 22nd. South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s collaboration with Frozen’s Robert Lopez, The Book of Mormon (Eugene O’Neill Theatre, open-ended), is back November 5th. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Lyric Theatre, open-ended) will reappear November 12th, magically transformed into a single presentation from its former two-part self.
For those who prefer their special effects unplugged, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s improvisational hip-hop comedy musical Freestyle Love Supreme (Booth Theatre, through January 2nd) returns to drop some beats October 7th. Another show that had already closed pre-pandemic but has Sara Bareilles trodding the boards again now in her Tony-nominated role is Waitress (Ethel Barrymore Theatre, through January 9th) to serve up the love. The cast of Ain’t Too Proud photo by Matthew Murphy Celia Keenan-Bolger, left, as Scout and Jeff Daniels as her father, Atticus Finch, in Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird. photo by Sara Krulwich
Roe Hartrampf as Prince Charles and Jeanna de Waal as Diana in Diana the musical photo by Evan Zimmerman/Matthew Murphy
TL Thompson, Pete Simpson, Emily Davis and Becca Blackwell in Is This a Room photo by Sara Krulwich
Graphic for Thoughts of A Colored Man
Shows from 2020 that hadn’t yet officially opened to critics that now may continue their aborted preview processes include the musical adaptation of the blockbuster comedy Mrs. Doubtfire (Stephen Sondheim Theatre, open-ended) getting dolled up October 21st; the Princess Diana bio musical Diana (Longacre Theatre, open-ended) models the crown November 2nd with music by Bon Jovi’s David Bryan; and, most excitingly, London’s hit, the gender-bending revival of Sondheim’s landmark musical comedy Company (Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, open-ended) starring The Band’s Visit Tony winner Katrina Lenk with Broadway legend Patti LuPone importing her Laurence Oliver Award-winning rendition of “The Ladies Who Lunch.”
One of my favorite Off-Broadway shows of recent years, Tina Satter’s mesmerizing docudrama Is This A Room (Lyceum Theatre, through January 16th) plays the big house September 24th. Another Vineyard Theatre production moving to Broadway in repertory with Is This A Room, Lucas Hnath’s equally acclaimed Dana H. (Lyceum Theatre, though January 16th) will share the venue from October 1st. Slam poet Keenan Scott II makes his Broadway playwriting debut with Thoughts of A Colored Man (John Golden Theatre, through March 20th) previewing October 1st.
A musical many theater fans feel got the short shrift when it opened on Broadway in 2004 (particularly when original leading lady Tonya Pinkins lost the Tony to Wicked’s Idina Menzel) is Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori’s Caroline, Or Change (Studio 54, through January 9th) resurfaces in a smash West End production with an Olivier-winning performance by Sharon D. Clarke on October 8th. Alice Childress’s rarely produced 1955 satire about race in show business, Trouble in Mind (American Airlines Theatre, through January 9th), arrives for its long-awaited Broadway premiere November 18th starring Tony winner La Chanze.
November 3rd marks the first preview of Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage’s new play, Clyde’s (Hayes Theatre, through January 16th), starring Uzo Aduba (Orange Is The New Black) and Ron Cephas Jones (This Is Us). And Lincoln Center Theatre presents its latest Broadway musical Flying Over Sunset (Vivian Beaumont Theatre, open-ended), directed by James Lapine, from November 11th.
Deirdre O’Connell in Dana H. photo by Craig Schwartz The cast of Fkying Over Sunset
There’s a lot brewing Off-Broadway now as well. At the top of my list are: Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 (Signature Theatre, October 12th - November 14th), a new take on Anna Deavere Smith’s groundbreaking depiction of the events following the police officers’ acquittal in the Rodney King brutality trial; Fairycakes (Greenwich House Theatre, October 14th - January 2nd), Douglas Carter Beane’s retelling of A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Trevor (Stage 42 Theatre, October 25th - April 17th), a musical adaptation of the Oscar-winning short that inspired The Trevor Project; and Selling Kabul (Playwrights Horizons, November 17th - December 23), Sylvia Khoury’s prescient exploration of Afghanistan post-pullout.
New York’s world class cabaret venues continue to thrive, providing intimate musical entertainment by unparalleled talent. This is nowhere more bountiful than at Feinstein’s/54 Below, where you can catch: Tony winner Laura Benanti (October 5th - October 10th), brilliant up-and-comers and Search Party co-stars Bonnie Milligan and Natalie Walker together (October 11th), RuPaul’s Drag Race vixen Alexis Michelle (October 14th and November 19th), Liza’s sister/Judy’s daughter Lorna Luft (October 21st - October 23rd), Bright Star star Carmen Cusack (October 22nd - October 25th), Johnny Carson’s favorite singer Marilyn Maye (October 25th - November 1st), Smash diva Megan Hilty (November 2nd - November 7th), cult favorite belter Linda Eder (November 11th - November 13th), Grammy nominee Mykal Kilgore (November 18th - November 20th), and South Pacific breakout Paulo Szot (November 24th - November 27th).
Birdland and the Birdland Theater
boast the incandescent Natalie Douglas (October 1st - October 2nd), jazz duo Tuck & Patti (October 12th - October 16th), viral impressionist Christina Bianco (October 15th - 16th), and a Jerry Herman tribute from the great Klea Blackhurst (October 20th - October 22nd). Weekly variety shows from Jim Caruso and Susie Mosher remain staples.
The Green Room 42 hosts a plethora of enticing stars, but special attention must be reserved for the original Tony-winning triple threat star of A Chorus Line, Donna McKechnie (November 11th-November 13th). ■ Lorna Luft
Danielle A. Drakes as Twilight Bey in Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992
Bonnie Milligan and Natalie Walker
Mykal Kilgore
Natalie Douglas Megan Hilty
Laura Benanti
Paulo Szot
Donna McKechnie Graphic for Selling Kabul
Alexis Michelle
