(OUTview NW) RE-view: Bob the Drag Queen takes center stage and Sparkle Leigh and Abby Roads shine in Peaches Christ's 'Legally Black'!

by MK Scott

The SIFF Egyptian Theatre had a full house on Thursday, April 6 for the stage show and parody, Legally Black, written and directed by Peaches Christ and produced by Qurb Productions. As usual, Peaches gave her star, RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8 winner, Bob the Drag Queen, room to shine.

As Peaches Christ said in her March 31 interview with the Seattle Gay News, she created this show for Bob at the suggestion of the Seattle producer Jimmy Scarpello.

This production was wonderful!

Local queen Sparkle Leigh sparkled and shined in the role of Professor Stromwell made famous by Holland Taylor in the movie Legally Blonde. Several other local performers made cameo appearances, including Mahlae Balenciaga, (the delicious) Mackenzie Miller, Isabella Extynn (out of drag as the UPS man), Fraya Love, La Gaviota, Strawberry Shartcake, Kristie Champagne, and Stacey Starstruck.

Abbey Roads was picture perfect as the defendant, Anna Nicole Smith (yes, Anna Nicole) - I heard later that she borrowed Drew Paradisco's breast plate to enhance her assets.

PODCAST: (It's FAB w/MK) Striking a Pose with Slam, Ted Allen, and Michael Airington!

Welcome to It's FAB with MK Scott.

This month I have some great chats with some old pals, as well as a new interview with a man I have adored since 1990 as one of Madonna backup dancers on the blond ambition tour and his memorable kiss with a fellow dancer in Truth or Dare, Slam, who was subject in the "Strike a Pose" currently on LOGO and being screened around the country.

I also speak with Ted Allen, one of the fab 6 of Queer Eye for the straight about the 26th annual dining out for life but first, my friend and occasional contributor Ester Goldberg aka Michael Airington on bringing Paul Lynde to Ballys on the Las Vegas strip.

Dining out for life is happening on Thurs, April 27th. Please check out their site for more information. www.diningoutforlife.com and follow on Twitter: @DineOut4Life #DiningOutForLife

(OUTview AMERICA) EXCLUSIVE: Strike a Pose: An interview with Salim 'Slam' Gauwloos!

by MK Scott

The documentary Strike a Pose was a huge fave at Three Dollar Bill Cinema's Twist (the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival) last fall and this week returns to the Northwest Film Forum (April 5) before its big premiere on Logo TV on Thursday, April 6 at 9pm ET/PT. The film catches up with seven young male dancers - six gay, one straight - on Madonna's controversial 'Blond Ambition World Tour' in 1990 and her subsequent Truth or Dare documentary, as they unwittingly become icons for Gay rights and sexual freedom. Twenty-five years later, the dancers reveal the truth about life during and after the tour and the significance of their courageous but harrowing journey to, as Madonna sings, 'Express Yourself.' The critically acclaimed documentary, from filmmakers Ester Gould and Reijer Zwaan and the Emmy Award-winning Logo Documentary Films, was an official selection at the 2016 Tribeca, Berlin and Hot Docs film festivals.

One of the most memorable of the dancers is the gorgeous Salim 'Slam' Gauwloos. Born in a small Flemish town by Belgian-Moroccan parents, 'Slam' made an impression in Truth or Dare by kissing fellow dancer Gabriel Trupin - the first Gay kiss ever to be shown in a major movie. It is only recently that he has come to see what both the tour and Truth or Dare have meant to people around the world: 'We helped the world to come out of the closet!' he has said. In the more recent documentary, Strike a Pose, Slam comes out as Poz. Slam chatted with me earlier this week about his journey and as a Muslim with a green card what he thinks of the political climate.

(OUTview NW) INTER-view: Peaches Christ and Bob the Drag Queen present 'Legally Black' at the Egyptian April 6th!

by MK Scott

She's back! and this time the incredible Peaches Christ is bringing Bob the Drag Queen (fresh from the Hater's Roast tour that hit the Moore Theatre last Sunday) for a brand new show, 'Legally Black,' billed as a hilarious all-new live stage show parody of the hit 2001 comedy Legally Blonde that starred Reese Witherspoon as ditzy sorority girl Elle Woods who stole our hearts quicker than you can say 'bend and snap.' This time, the drag queens take over and the theme becomes 'Never judge a queen by her wig color.'

Joining them is Abbey Roads, Mahlae Balenciaga, Mackenzie Miller, Sparkle Leigh, Isabella Extynn, Fraya Love, La Gaviota, Strawberry Shartcake, Kristie Champagne, and Stacey Starstruck.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Fanstastic Z's 'Bad Panda' is Really Good, Yes, Really!

by MK Scott

Listen to this scenario, 2\two pandas have mating issues, and things spice up when the male panda is seduced by a crocodile. Ok, you expect this camp from Fantastic Z theater, but what "Bad Panda' is, is good and not to be missed.

The 90-minute play by Megan Gogerty and directed by Kate Huisentruit delves into the argument of straight relationships as for pro-creation and what truly makes a family.

In the animal world there are issues about conservation and same sex attraction as well.

Gwo Gwo and Marion (Richard Sean Glen and Helen Martin). are two mating pandas and are dreaming of having a family. Unfortunately, Gwo Gwo's equipment doesn't seem to working but when he meets flamboyant Chester (the incredible, Michael Ryan Blackwood), Gwo Gwo has no problem in connecting with Chester in a natural way.

When Marion discovers the truth and goes missing, she later returns insisting she has delivered a baby panda. The audience is unsure if the baby stuffed panda is real or imaginary.

As Chester slithers in and out of the den, Marion and Panda-like Chester start as Hostile to slowly creating a bond as Gwo Gwo becomes more crocodile and grows up in the same process.

Fantastic Z "Bad Panda" continues through Aril 8th at Theatre Off Jackson through April 8th. For tickets or information visit them online at www.fantasticz.org.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Spectrum Dance Theater's 'Rambunctious' series shines light on 'The Immigrants' !

(Jazzy Photo)

by MK Scott

Seattle's prestigious Spectrum Dance Theater lead by nationally-celebrated choreographer Donald Byrd addressed the current topic of 'Immigrants' last week in the third iteration of their 'Rambunctious' series.

The dances, all choreographed by Donald Byrd, are set to music composed by American classical composers who are Americans but not native born. The production focuses on immigrants coming from Mexico, the Middle East, Cuba and China, places that America has sometimes been at odds with or that are part of the current debate on immigration.

The music and costumes, as well as the movement, tell the story.

(It's FAB: w/ MK Scott) Rise UP with Dustin Lance Black Plus Charles Busch and Nick Verreos!

Welcome to It's FAB with MK Scott. This is an Epic Oscar show with Dustin Lance Black (Milk, Oscar for screenplay) about his new mini-series, 'When We Rise' coming ABC on 2/27 for 4 nights.

Also we have fashion guru and author, Nick Verreos and being red carpet ready and the iconic Charles Busch on his new Cabaret show coming to LA's Rockwell on 3/13 and 14.


 Also we close out our show listen again to Audra Day and Rise up you voices, watch Video Here: https://youtu.be/lwgr_IMeEgA 

 Check Out items we endorse at our Amazon Store; http://astore.amazon.com/fabpodcast-20

Twitter: @mkscott206 
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Its-FAB-w-MK

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Sarah Rudinoff is a Triumph as Lisa Kron in 'Well' at Seattle Rep!

Sarah Rudinoff as Lisa Kron in “Well” at Seattle Rep. (Alan Alabastro)

by MK Scott

Sarah Rudinoff is a Seattle treasure as is writer/performer, Lisa Kron is beloved on a national level and with the production of 'Well' currently at the Seattle Rep, ii is triumph, even though getting there is little confusing.

I had thought this was a one woman show at first with Rudinoff (as Kron) talking to the audience and then we are introduced to her mother, Ann (Barbara Dirickson).  (Kron's mother, not Rudinoff's).


Kron, the Tony-winning lyricist and book writer of musical “Fun Home” (the Lesbian musical), first made her mark in solo performance, and she starred in both the off-Broadway and Broadway productions of “Well.”

We learn that Lisa a directing a play and Ann wants to know what it is about. It is autobiographical, and claims it is not about her over-bearing mother. But is it really?

(OUTview AMERICA) INTER-view: Screenwriter and director Brian O'Donnell on AKRON, One of the most inventive Gay coming-of-age films ever is finally out on DVD and VOD!

by MK Scott

At the 2015 Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival I was thrilled to see a new coming of age film about two Gay college students who are conflicted by a family secret. (This was in my Top 5 of the best films at the 2015 SLGFF.)

What I found was an inventive tale of two Gay lovers with no coming out issues, no health issues or small community conflicts, it is a simple story of two families that dealt with a family tragedy and how it will affect the family now that old wounds resurface.

The film synopsis from the AKRON website reads:
Benny and Christopher, college freshmen, meet playing football and begin a relationship. They fall in love supported by their family and friends. As their love for each other grows, a past tragic event involving their mothers comes to light. This revelation tests their own love and Benny's close-knit family.

Throughout this reflective love story, with the beauty of rural Ohio as its backdrop, Benny travels an emotional journey that examines both his own feelings and his family's ability to come to terms with the past. AKRON is a sensitive and unique independent film that puts a progressive, Midwestern spin on a classic family drama.

So I was doubly thrilled to have a chance to speak with writer/director, Brian O'Donnell by phone.

(SHOWCASE) Broadway Composers Team Up to Raise Money for Beaverton High School Spring Musical!

By MK Scott

If you have lived in Portland for the past 40 plus years, you may have heard of the late great musical theater director, James N. Erickson, who was a staple at the Lakewood Center as well as the now defunct Portland Civic Theatre, Sylvia’s Class Act Dinner Theatre and the Musical Company. Plus he produced Breakfast with Santa for Meier and Frank for over 30 years.

Erickson was also the head of the Beaverton High School Theater Arts Department for 29 years from 1970 to 1999, and was an enduring mentor for many of Portland’s thriving theater scene from Jay Horenstein, Greg Tamblyn, Dale Johannes, and John Oules to Broadway stars such as Brooks Ashmanskas and Shoshanna Bean.

After Erickson’s retirement in 1999 and sudden death in 2004, the Beaverton High Drama Department struggled for over a decade up until last year, when Shannon Dery stepped up to lead a new generation of theater (and queer) students.

To gain some support, I contacted my celebrity friends and was able to get Olivia Newton-John to do a small shout out to ask people to help save the school’s 2016 production of “Grease.”

We raised over $3,000, and as a bonus, many alumni that hadn’t visited their high school in decades came back and pledged their support for Erickson’s successor.

So how do we top Olivia Newton-John? It was luck that Beaverton chose Terrence McNally’s adaptation of the classic film of “Catch Me If You Can,” which made its world premiere at Seattle’s famed Fifth Avenue Theater, which I have a connection to. They encouraged me to get in touch with the composers, Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman (Hairspray), who agreed to record the shout-out — and totally surprised me with a cameo by the king of Broadway himself, Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton)!

We need volunteers and contributions to give these kids the professionalism and the support that only the legacy of Erickson can provide.

Check out our Campaign video at www.gofundme.com/support-bhss-musical-fund.

(OUTview NW) Olivia Newton-John presents smaller acoustic concerts in Everett and Tacoma Feb. 16 & 17!

by MK Scott

After a sold-out show at Snoqualmie Casino this past August, Olivia Newton-John returns to the Northwest next week for a smaller acoustic-style show to promote her newest album, Liv On. Joining her for the concerts are her two dear friends, Amy Sky and Beth Nielsen Chapman, who appear on the album with her.

The shows will be held on Feb 16th (8-10pm) at the Historic Everett Theatre (2911 Colby Avenue, Everett - http://www.historiceveretttheatre.org/) and on Feb 17th (7:30pm) at the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, Tacoma's Pantages Theater (901 Broadway, Tacoma - http://www.broadwaycenter.org/)

In the following excerpt of an interview I had with Olivia Newton-John last summer, Olivia talks about her newest album, Liv On. (The full interview appeared in the August 19, 2016 edition of the SGN.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: It was an 1980's Party with all-new Nu Shooz and Animotion at Everett's Historic Theatre.

by MK Scott

While the 1990s was the era for Seattle music (Nirvana, Pearl Jam), it was Portland in the 1980s that was the birthplace of three incredible bands. I am talking about the legendary sound of Quarterflash (headed by Pat Benatar-like Rindy Ross), the percussion-heavy Dan Reed Network (headed by dreamy Dan Reed, with a Jon Bon Jovi-like smirk) and finally the Pop/R&B/Funk style of Nu Shooz (led by Valerie Day with husband, John Smith).

After a lengthy hiatus from the world of Pop/Funk and Soul (to raise a family and play other styles of music) Valerie and John have revived the original Nu Shooz sound. The husband and wife team are back on the road as part of the Super Freestyle Explosion Tour with their live eight-piece band, Shoo-Horns, and are playing shows for the first time in 25 years.

(OUTview NW) As a first-time marcher, the Seattle Women's March was an uplifting experience!

 by MK Scott

 On January 21, 2013, the country had lots of excitement as President Obama was sworn in for his second term. The inauguration was held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and most felt the dark days were over.

Four years later to the day of that historical moment, on January 21, 2017, another history-making day happened and it wasn't Donald Trump's day, it was a day of The People and what a swell time it was.

While the national Women's March on Washington was taking place in the other Washington, other cities including Seattle marched (actually walked) 3.6 miles from Judkins Park to Seattle Center.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Hometown girl Megan Hilty earns standing ovation at Benaroya Hall with Seattle Symphony Pops

by MK Scott

It was a full house at Benaroya Hall this past Saturday, January 14th, when Bellevue-bred turned Broadway and TV star, Megan Hilty, returned to Benaroya Hall for the first time since 2010, when she was the guest artist in the Seattle Men's Chorus' 'Holiday Glee' concert. This time she was invited by guest conductor Steven Reineke (from the New York Pops) for the Seattle Symphony Pop series.

The energetic Reineke led the full symphony with a montage of musical songs featuring Blondes, before introducing special guest, Megan Hilty (wearing a blue ball gown) singing Loesser's 'Luck Be a Lady.' The theme of the concert actually was 'Luck Be a Lady: Megan Hilty Sings Sinatra and More.' The seven-months pregnant, Hilty, 35, showed off her baby bump and announced she was expecting a boy to join her two-year-old daughter, Viola, due in March.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Latrice Royale takes center stage and Willam and Abby Roads shine in Peaches Christ's 'MISTER ACT'!

by MK Scott

The SIFF Egyptian Theatre had a full house on Thursday, January 12 for the stage show and parody, 'Mister Act,' written and directed by Peaches Christ and produced by Qurb Productions. As usual, Peaches gave her star, Latrice Royale, room to shine.

As Peaches Christ said in our January 6 interview in the Seattle Gay News, she had created this show for Royale, at the suggestion of Willam who also had a part in the show.

Local queen Abbey Roads was picture perfect in the hysterical role made famous by Kathy Najimy (in the movie version of 'Sister Act') as 'Sister Abbey Roads Najimy.'

Several other local performers made cameo appearances, including Sylvia O'Stayformore (as Sister Sylvia Lazarus), Aisha Oni, Sparkle Leigh, La Gaviota, Fraya Love,  Isabella Extynn, and Strawberry Shartcake.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: 'Woody Sez' bring Song and Protest to the Seattle Rep!

(Michael Doucett)

by MK Scott

You may have never heard of singer and songwriter, Woody Guthrie, but certainly have heard his songs that became folk anthems. Does "This Land is your Land" ring a bell?

In a concert style musical, Woody Sez, currently at the Seattle Repertory Theater, showcases parts of Guthrie's life through music.

In the backdrop of the dusty plains, during the great depression of the 1930's, Guthrie uses songs to protest like many of contemporaries from Dylan to Springsteen, and becomes a folk hero and pioneer.

(OUTview AMERICA) EXCLUSIVE INTER-view: NW native and rising star Angus MacLane on theater, animation and Finding Dory!

by MK Scott

I am always in awe of local people who have achieved success. The Pixar film, Finding Dory was a summer hit and it was co-directed by Northwest bred, Angus MacLane.

MacLane and I were raised in Beaverton, Oregon and we both attended Beaverton High School and owe our success to one man, our mentor and drama teacher, James N. Erickson. Other big names came from our theater program as well, including Broadway stars Brooks Ashmanskas and Shoshana Bean, NPR's Ari Shapiro, and Out Magazine writer and actor Jesse Archer.

I reached out to Angus for an interview last summer, and we finally connected just in time for Finding Dory's DVD/VOD release.

(OUTview NW) How the New Years Eve Party at the Chihuly (in the shadow of the Space Needle) became one of the most exciting moments of my life!

by MK Scott

For the second year in a row I was lucky enough to attend the annual New Year's Eve Gala at Chihuly Garden and Glass (located next to the Space Needle at Seattle Center) with my boyfriend, Brian. As usual this was a high artsy affair and is clearly one of the best ways to celebrate New Year's Eve.

When we first arrived we kept our coats on because it was indeed a chilly night as we ventured outside to visit the outdoor glass garden. (By the time we'd arrived at 9pm, the always-enjoyable live glassblowing demonstrations from the Community Hot Shop had closed down.) We then came back inside, checked our coats and toured the museum's display of Dale Chihuly's work. It's an impressive collection.

After 10pm, the party officially moved into the Glasshouse ballroom, where there was live music from the Craig Lawrence Band, free appetizers and pastries, and a no-host bar. By midnight, everyone had received a glass of champagne as we waited and looked up at the Space Needle from the glass roof as we counted down to the start of 2017.

Watching the fireworks coming out of the Space Needle was an exciting moment and this year was by far one of the best displays I had ever seen.

After the fireworks Brian and I sipped our champagne to bring in the New Year and celebrate our engagement (Yes, Really)! .

This Article also was featured in the Seattle Gay News!

(MK SCOTT) Best of 2016 Plus MK's Favorite Interview(s) of the year!

MK w/ Light at GLAAD

by MK Scott

In 2016,  I got to chat with some Icons (Christ and Judith Light) as well as follow up with some of Faves (Biondi) and Some New Talent (Self, McKelligon and Bagnell) So here are the top 5 based on page views Plus My Favorite Interview(s) of the year.

1) Peaches Christ on "Who's afraid of Bianca Del Rio?"

2) Jake Biondi Previews Boystown Season 5!

3) MK poses with the Stars and gets the Scoop from the Blue Carpet!

4) MK's 'JOINT' Inter-view with the Stars of 'You're Killing Me"

5) MK's Exclusive Chat with Well-Strung's Edmund Bagnell

MK w/ Olivia

Plus My Favorites are always when it is just ME catching up with Pals and meeting new celebs. With My new podcast show, It's FAB, I get to do that.

This year I got to chat with old pals like Angus MacLane, Rob Shuter and Damon Jacobs as well some icons like Dolly Parton and Olivia Newton-John. Here are the Best:

1) The ICON show with Dolly Parton and Tab Hunter!

2) Hopelessly Devoted to Olivia and OITNB!

3) Shared Rooms w/ Bernadette Peters and Director, Rob Williams!

4) Holiday Special with Charlotte Rae and Rising Star, Angus MacLane (Finding Dory)!

5) Celebrating Pride with Martha Wash and Randy Jones!

(OUTview NW) Business Profile: Turgeon Raine celebrates 35 years of serving our community with gift ideas and future commitments!

by MK Scott

The holidays are for love and bling, and sometimes the love of bling, so this week we salute long time ally, Turgeon Raine Jewelers.

As their website states:

Founded in 1982 by two gem aficionados, Norman Turgeon and Jerry Raine, Turgeon Raine offers the discriminating jewelry buyer an unparalleled experience in taste, style and elegance.

Our remarkable collection of fine jewelry and gems is an ongoing collaboration of their combined experience of more than 70 years and their passion for exceptional diamonds, gemstones and jewelry design. In addition to original Turgeon Raine designs, you will find many of the top collections by international designers.

Our store, located in the heart of downtown Seattle, also showcases a major collection of engagement rings, wedding bands and a custom design shop with a staff of master jewelers along with a knowledgeable and friendly sales staff.

Complementing our collection of jewelry is an extensive inventory of watches by the world renowned, Patek Philippe ... displayed in its own in-store boutique.

In addition to perusing our website, we invite you to visit our store. Anyone who loves jewelry will enjoy Turgeon Raine as a visual treat for the senses.