(OUTscene NW) RE-view: Balagan's Les Miz is a Labor of Love!

Hobson as Valjean / Photo Credit: Jeff Carpenter

by MK Scott

Les Misérables, the musical based on the novel of the same name by French poet and playwright Victor Hugo, was the first show I covered, back in 1991, when it was on its first National Tour. I was producing and hosting a Public Access show in Portland, and did an entire special on this iconic show. I attended the show and loved every moment of it. I saw it again in 2000 when it played at Seattle's 5th Avenue theater and then of course the movie was spectacular.

This Time I saw a more down-sized version this past weekend at  Capitol Hill's Erickson Theatre in Seattle, produced by the folks at Balagan Theatre (Yes, the folks that knew of the talent of Jerick Hoffer, before the rest of us fell in love the talents of Jinkx Monsoon).

If you felt the emotion and the power from the Movie version, you will no doubt be moved by all the action from a few feet away.

(MOVIE FREAK) "For a Good Time, Call..." - Interview with Jamie Travis and Katie Ann Naylon!

by Sara Michelle Fetters

For a Good Time, Call… bills itself as a comedy about two young women living in New York who inadvertently find themselves the owners of a successful phone sex line. Starring Lauren Miller, who also co-write the script, and Ari Graynor, the movie caused a minor stir when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this past January, immediately drawing comparisons to last summer’s hit Bridesmaids even if thematically the two pictures couldn’t be more dissimilar.

For a Good Time, Call actress Ari Graynor, director Jamie Travis and actress & co-writer Lauren Miller © Focus Features

I had the pleasure to sit down with director Jamie Travis and co-writer Katie Ann Naylon to talk about the film during their brief trek to Seattle. Here are some of the highlights from that conversation.

(OUTscene NW) RE-view: Legendary Neil Diamond Plays the KEY and is "So Good, So Good, So Good"!

by MK Scott

This past year, I have covered some of the best Singer/Songwriters from the world of POP. From Melissa Manchester to most recently, Paul Williams. The heyday was the 1960's and 70's, but there is one that is truly the King and Packs arenas every time.

Take a little Sinatra, add the admiration and charm of Elvis plus the symbolism of Jimmy Buffet you get the longevity of Neil Diamond (Every song written by him).

Diamond, (71, but looks and acts like he is 51) performed this past Monday at Seattle's Key Arena. It was a sell out for a performer in the business for over 50 Years.

(OUTscene NW) RE-view: Portland's Darling, Schneiderman, goes Back to her roots for Seattle Appearance!

Schneiderman, seemed more comfortable at the Piano.

by MK Scott

Hard to believe that it has been over a year since I last saw my old HS Pal, Stephanie Schneiderman perform, Live. I try to see her perform any chance she visits Seattle or I visit her native Portland.

Once again, Schneiderman came to Seattle (this past Thursday) to open for an artist at the Triple Door. (The last time was for Dan Reed in January 2011).

What took so long? Well, she got Married to NW Fave, Tony Furtado and recorded a New album going back to her roots as an acoustic, Folk artist by recording Live at Portland's Old Church backed by 45th Parallel String Quartet, Roxy Consort Choir and many guest musicians including  Furtado on the baritone ukelele, Hanz Araki on the low whistle and more…. the CD features acoustic versions of Rubber Teardrop, Dangerous Fruit and (Dirty Martini's) Tea and Revenge.

(OUTscene NW) SIFF 2012: MK chats w/ Director Russell Brown about "White Camellias"!

by MK Scott

One of the World Premieres playing at the 2012 Seattle International Film Festival was Russell Brown's "White Camellias" starring Cybil Shepard and David Burtka (Yes, NPH's Hubby). The story is a melodrama that revolves around an artist in her early 60s (Cybill Shepherd) who throws a Spanish-themed dinner party (Planned by David Burtka and BF, Peter Paige) in the hopes of rekindling the great love affair of her youth. A passionate woman who fills her home with poetry and paintings, Annie is a genuine romantic which also leaves her vulnerable to disappointment and occasional delusion. As the evening progresses, her expectations of love transform as she faces painful truths about her past and present. Fueled by the strong words of her favorite poet -- Federico Garcia Lorca -- Annie will redefine her vision for the future and her definition of happiness over the course of this dark night of reckoning. I chatted with Brown in-person earlier today.

(OUTscene NW) 5th Avenue Theater Responds back to Re-views of Racism in 'Oklahoma'!

Scatliffe

The 5th avenue Theater has responded to Mixed RE-views of their current 'Oklahoma' and every major outlet (Including OUTscene) felt the casting of 'Jud' with a African-American Man was inappropriate, Racist, and stereotypical.  The 5th Ave had sent a statement and invitation to discuss this issue: The 5th Avenue Theatre will host panel discussions and a Town Hall meeting to engage audiences about the portrayal of race in its current production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Called “provocative” by the Seattle Times, this new production features an African American actor as the antagonist, sparking vigorous discussion among audiences about racism both in 1907 (when the musical is set), and in society and the arts today.  

(OUTscene NW) RE-view: The American Classic, 'Oklahoma' at the 5th Ave Theater becomes a statement of Racism!

by MK Scott

Rogers and Hammerstein are American Treasures and 'Oklahoma' is an American Classic and was meant to pay homage to the early Settlers of the state of Oklahoma and a Love Triangle.

This production at Seattle's 5th avenue Theater, had the Elaborate set and the dancers (The Fab Team from Spectrum Dance Group) and I am all for a Mixed cast in some shows. But like My RE-view of 'Billy Elliot', a Mixed cast is not appropriate in this case.

Was this susposed to be about inclusion or a statement of Racism?

(OUTVIEW @ 3) OUTview Turns 3 TODAY!

MK, Taylor and Wang in 2011

Dear Fans!

Today MARKS OUTview's 3rd Anniversary and 2012 is shaping to be the Best of the Best and Big changes ahead!

Adams in 2009

OUTview began in 2009 on Q-Radio and my first Podcast was on the exploding Sex Scandal surrounding Portland Mayor, Sam Adams and then an equal mix of politics and Entertainment and branched out on its own by Late 2009 and has created one of the very few Multi-media Outlets to focus offering a broad range of information on politics, pop culture, gay culture, media, entertainment, issues, Soaps, Funny, Health, Fashion, and Business.

OUTview Online: BEST of OUTscene in 2011!

 In the next 3 days we say goodbye to 2011. The following are the TOP INTER-views and RE-views by our amazing Team for OUTscene America and NW based on the amount of page views from our readers, some may SHOCK you!

 INTER-views

Photo/Scott

#1 (OUTscene America) Film Director Sabine Bernardi on “Romeos” a feature film about love, a transgendered man, and identity for all!

#2 (OUTscene America) INTER-view Duncan Jones (Son of Bowie) on Directing his new Film, 'Source Code' !

Photo/Kauer

#3  (OUTscene America) Adrian Ryan 's Exclusive with "It Gets Better" Co-Creator, Terry Miller!



#4  (OUTscene  America): What a Sissy....A Revealing Moment with Francois Sagat!


#5 (OUTscene America) SUPER's James Gunn and Rainn Wilson!

(OUTscene America) MK welcomes Q. Allan Brocka Home, and asks about EO5 and the future of 'Rick and Steve'!

by MK Scott
OUTscene Special

Q. Allan Brocka Returned Home this Past weekend to premiere his latest 'Eating Out 5: Open Weekend'. Q, who grew up in Tacoma and attended University of Washington even returned in 2006 to film 'Boy Culture'.

EO5 is Q's return to the Director's Chair for the first time since 2007's EO2 and he talks about how this installment is different and if his LOGO series, 'Rick and Steve will ever Return?

(OUTscene NW) Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival Closes Announces Winners of Jury and Audience Awards

The Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (SLGFF) ended its 16th run October 23 with the announcement of its Jury and Audience Awards.  Produced by Three Dollar Bill Cinema, and known for offering the best in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) cinema, this year’s festival presented over 150 features, documentaries, local films and shorts. 

“The festival was extremely successful in showcasing outstanding LGBT cinema,” said Jason Plourde, Programming Director for SLGFF.  “Audience members have been raving about the amazing films they’ve seen and appreciate the diverse stories and issues these films presented.”

(OUTscene America) MK catches up with Casper Andreas about 'Going Down in La La Land' @ SLGFF 2011!

by MK Scott
OUTscene Special

Back in August, I met up with Actor/Director, Casper Andreas in New York for dinner and a Broadway show and had a Fabulous time. Just over 45 days later, I am welcoming Casper back to Seattle for the first time since June 2010.

I chatted with Casper about his latest film, 'Going Down in La La Land', his first film set in LA (Not NY) and how his character takes a dark turn as Porn director turned Meth addict. The role is riveting and the director has assembled a cast of cameos with OUTscene favorites, Bruce Vilanch, Alec Mapa and Jesse Archer.

(OUTscene America) MK welcomes the Legendary Melissa Manchester for the 'Dirty Girl' Premiere at SLGFF!

by MK Scott
OUTscene Special

Back in 2004, The legendary Melissa Manchester performed for Audience of the Seattle Men's Chorus' Holiday Concert. I sat in the front row and met her after the show and hoped for the chance to interview her in the future. Well, the time was now as I heard that Manchester would be making a return to Seattle as a special guest featured in the upcoming film, 'Dirty Girl'. It represents the essence of the legend herself and even makes a cameo in the film.  I had the chance to ask about the film and her emotional feelings about working with such gay icons as Peter Allen.

(OUTscene America, INTER-view) MK's Exclusive with the 'Bod of Broadway', Nick Adams!

by MK Scott

OUTscene Editor

Fresh from my East Coast Tour I wanted to share my Exclusive Interview with Broadway Star, Nick Adams. Adams, who is known as the 'Bod of Broadway' took some time to speak with me right in front of the Broadway Palace Theater and home to 'Priscilla, queen of the desert, the Musical' in NYC. Nick was wearing a tank to show off his famous BIG Guns and he confessed he wouldn't mind being the 'Broad of Broadway' for as long as the show runs.  

(OUTscene NW-PRE-view) This weekend Some are Sparkles, some are Gaga, some are just Bent on having a Gender Fantasy

Compiled by Alley Hector, QPDX

Friday

Bent featuring Kaj-Anne Pepper’s GenderFantasy – Bent is always a good time. And yesterday’s DJ profile introduced you to one of it’s creators, Roy G Biv. But this week is extra special because you’ll get to see a sneak peek of the talented and homo-performance-contest-winning Kaj-Anne Pepper‘s upcoming show GenderFantasy. Pepper describes it as, “…extreme glamour…a dance pageant exploring physicality, sexuality and power in a post-gender fantasy…The show will feature interactive photo-booths; striking visuals; surreal drag performances; video installations…” The final piece is set to debut this December and you can keep track of the GenderFantasy process and progress on their blog: http://genderfantasy.wordpress.com.

(OUTscene NW): MK Mourns the loss of Mentor, Father and Friend!

Judge ASH

by MK Scott

Was sadden by the the news of the recent death of a legendary figure in the Portland Arts and Legal community, US Magistrate, Don Ashmanskas. Who was he? He was by far one of nicest and fairest people you could meet. 

I first met Ashmanskas through his son, fellow High School alum and future Broadway star, Brooks Ashmanskas (Fame Becomes Me, Promises Promises, plus parts on All My Children and Julie and Julia). I soon became to respect the man as a brilliant Judge. Portland Radio Host and Prosecutor Marc Abrams, who co-hosted a 2009 OUTview Podcast on Don't Ask-Don't Tell, told me that Judge Ash was one of the best Judge's he ever encountered. 

As a Father and Arts Patron he was very supportive of Brooks' path to Broadway stardom. His wife (and Brooks' Mom) died in 2008 and was once the chair of the Beaverton Arts Commission.

OUTscene: (INTER-view) MK's Exclusive with Broadway Star, Adam Jacobs of 'Lion King' and the New 'Aladdin'!

by MK Scott

OUTscene Editor

Seattle just recently hosted the 1st and I hope many tryouts of a Broadway Bound Musical. This time was Disney's Aladdin (Which was reviewed last week). This week I had a chance to chat with the star of the show who plays 'Aladdin', Broadway star, Adam Jacobs.  Now that the tryout is over, what's next for the hunky star and the future of the show? 

Check out the Full Interview below plus video: 

(OUTscene America RE-view): Cattrall shows no glamour—and shows it well--in ‘Meet Monica’!

By Ryan Burr

OUTscene Staff

The life of Samantha Jones (played by Kim Cattrall) in the Sex and the City series and movies is one of indulgent sex and a pricey lifestyle. In “Meet Monica Velour,” releases this week on DVD, Cattrall reveals the sad life of someone who used sex just to pay the bills, and after decades have passed, she is in low demand.

She is challenged to jumpstart her life, shedding the “has-been” existence and rebuilding her family life. The catalyst? A dorky, lanky 17-year-old (Napoleon Dynamite-look-alike) whose bedroom is enshrined with pictures and images of Monica during her heyday.

(OUTscene America EXCLUSIVE) MK Chats wth an Overwhelmed, Casey Abrams on the IDOL Tour!

by MK Scott

OUTscene Editor

Last week on the IDOL Tour,  I chatted with the Gorgeous, Stefano Langone, so this week, I switched gears for the Quirky. Multi-talented, and Bearish, Casey Abrams. I do admit I was a little nervous about this one since I was unsure of what Casey would do next! The Full interview is below:

(OUTscene America EXCLUSIVE) MK welcomes Stefano Home, as Langone welcomes his Gay Fans!

by MK Scott

OUTscene Editor

As promised I sought and went after the gorgeous Seattle based, Idol season 10 finalist, Stefano Langone and personally welcomed him back to the Seattle area (He grew up in Kent, WA). Just as gorgeous in person as Kris Allen (My 2009 Exclusive). Just as Gay-friendly as Siobhan Magus (My 2010 Exclusive). Stefano was a joy, not because he is the FULL Package (Looks and Voice) but like, (2007's) Blake Lewis, has made Seattlites Proud. The Full interview is below: