POLITICS: Should Wu resign?

In the middle of last year’s campaign, Oregon Rep. David Wu sent a picture of himself wearing a tiger costume to his staff members. The Democrat ended up winning the election—handing him his seventh term—but the tiger picture and other strange revelations have led to calls for the Congressman to step down. Seven staff members resigned over concerns with Wu’s bizarre behavior, and now the GOP and one of the state’s largest newspapers have joined the call for his resignation. Wu has admitted to seeking medical treatment and counseling after a stressful campaign, but has no plans to leave office, the AP reports.

Oregon’s second-largest newspaper called yesterday for Wu to step down over his “lack of candor” and the fact that he was not “forthcoming about his medical treatment.” A newspaper from Wu’s district (Which includes MK's hometown of Beaverton)  will publish a similar editorial claiming that Wu “is becoming an embarrassment,” and the state Republican Party chairman says the people in his district “deserve to have a congressman who's completely focused on serving them.” In a statement, Wu said he regrets his “unprofessional and inappropriate” behavior, but his spokesperson says he will not resign and is still planning to seek reelection.

OUTscene (RE-view) Portland's own Darcelle and Poison perform a Staged Reading of Steel DRAGnolias!

by MK Scott
OUTscene Editor

I was delighted to get a personal invite from Portland's Gay Theater pioneer, Don Horn. I have known Don for nearly 20 years and we reconnected at Darcelle's 80th Birthday bash this past November.

I was reminded that this was just a Staged reading and not a Full performance. All the performers (Including Darcelle) performed OUT of Drag but still wore the key accessories that made them the characters.

Steel DRAGnolias is a gender-bending tale of friendship, love, loss and wigs set in steamy Chinquapin, Louisiana. Six southern "ladies" come together to trade advice and hairspray in this parody of one of the classics of the American stage.

With the cattiness and bitchfests, I felt like a little cockroach listening in. Michael Stone played two roles, Shelby,  who dealt with the 'terrible' disorder of SBS (Sudden Bitch syndrome) and the newly created twin brother of Sheldon.

Others in the cast included, Poison Waters as Truvy who's catch phrase was "Child"; Kam Sisco as (the always 19 yr old,) Annelle; Timm Mcbride as Clariee (I am so rich); Gary Cash as M'Lynn (She wants a boob job)and Darcelle as (the Sharp tongued) Ouise.

Don announced after the performance, that he hopes to a Full Production with Drag in the coming year.

OUTscene: (NEWS) VOTE for Stephanie Schneiderman and others for the 2011 Portland Music Awards!

I wanted to share some great news about my old High School Pal and Lilith Fair Star, Stephanie Schneiderman has been nominated as BEST Female artist for the 2011 Portland Music Awards a Grammy-style awards show celebrating the best of the Portland music scene, which honor artists, venues, record stores, radio stations, and others supporting Portland music.The event will be held on Jan 28 at Crystal ballroom. Voting Ends on Friday, December 31st.

Please Vote for Stephanie, and while you are at it, VOTE for Dan Reed for the Legend award (Because he is a Legend)!

OUTscene: MK's coverage of Darcelle XV's 80th Birthday in Portland!

By MK Scott
OUTscene Editor

On Tuesday, I traveled down to Portland to attend the 80th Birthday celebration or a NW Icon. Walter Cole, aka Darcelle XV, is a true pioneer and is one of the oldest (still working) female impersators in the country and still owns Darcelle XV club.  As I grew up, Darcelle was always vocal and a true leader of  the community. Walter (as Darcelle) even attended my Aunt's wedding to her partner over 25 yrs ago.

I attend her 78th birthday 2 years ago, and wanted to be there for this milestone. Over 400 people attended with a list of Portland's elite including Poison Waters, Mayor Sam Adams, Former Mayor Tom Potter, Michael Allen Harrison (Performer), Don Horn (Theater Pioneer), John Oules (Our House), and MORE!