NO BULLIES: Spirit Day and the NOH8 Campaign

10.19.12 is GLAAD Spirit Day, a day when people of all backgrounds join in support of LGBT youth, and unites against bullying and hatred in all of its forms.  I think the pictures and images below speak for themselves.  Click on them to enlarge them and/or to see them as a slideshow.  Also, please take a moment to visit the NOH8 Campaign website - a link is provided below.

Wear your purple proudly!  No one - gay, straight, black, white...NO ONE - deserves to be bullied.

Adam Bouska - Founder of the NOH8 Campaign

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Nick Adams

Ann Harada

Joel Grey

Idina Menzel

Taye Diggs

Audra McDonald and Will Swensen

The Cast of Bare

Wicked's Eden Espinoza and
Kendra Kassebaum

Please visit the NOH8 Campaign: www.NOH8Campaign.com to purchase photos, find out how you can join the campaign and to see more than 28,000 photos.

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Jeff

National Coming Out Day: Bare Comes Out

The tag line for the revival of Bare is "Everyone Has a Secret."  But being gay doesn't have to be.

October 11 is National Coming Out Day, and the theatre community is out in full force (no pun intended). They've been Tweeting, taking pictures, and, perhaps most importantly, sharing their own stories of coming out.  I wish that when I came out such support was available.  Not that it is ever easy, no matter how much support there is.  It is not something to take lightly.  If any of you took the opportunity to come out today, congratulations!  If you still aren't sure about how or when - or if you know someone who is struggling - take your time and give it lots of thought.  Just remember... you are not alone.

To commemorate the occasion, the cast and creative team of the upcoming revival of Bare spoke about their own "coming out," including director Stafford Arima, choreographer Travis Wall, book writer and lyricist Jon Hartmere, and cast member Taylor Trensch (Peter).  Another cast member, Casey Garvin (Zack) tells a poignant story of how Bare was a part of his own coming out.

Missi Pyle, who plays the nun in the show, calls herself a "straight ally," a growing and very important movement of people who identify themselves as straight, but decidedly pro-equality and there to support the LGBT community.  Members of the Broadway community who are straight allies include Steve Kazee, Audra McDonald, Will Swensen, Celia Keenan-Bolger, and John Ellison Conlee among many others.  Like I said, no one is alone.

Here's that video from Bare, followed by another video from the same event (courtesy of Playbill) in which Jason Hite (Jason) sings "Role of a Lifetime" from the show.  Impressive and heartfelt.

If you are struggling and need someone to talk to, click HERE.

For more information on Bare, click HERE.

Thank you to all of my friends, straight and gay, who support me and love me for everything I am.  Right back atcha!

Before you go...

• ...have you VOTED in this month's THEATRE POLL? CLICK your answer on the poll in the left column!
• ...have you ENTERED TO WIN tickets to CHAPLIN?  CLICK the CHAPLIN icon at the top right of the blog!

Jeff

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Comments? Questions? @jkstheatrescene (Twitter); jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com (Email); or leave a comment below and check a box!

TheatreScene Chat: An Interview with Claybourne Elder, Part 2

The first part of this interview with Bonnie and Clyde co-star and rising star, Claybourne Elder was (and continues to be) one of the most popular entries ever since JK's TheatreScene started nearly three years ago.  Click HERE to read Part 1.  I am so pleased to bring you Part 2!  Today, he talks about his first meeting with Stephen Sondheim, growing up Mormon and gay, and his upcoming gig as a "punk rock" Pippin.  Plus, he answers more of your questions!  Thank you, readers, and thank you, especially, to Mr. Elder!


Jeff Kyler: In a relatively short period of time, and with just two shows, you have had quite a range of Sondheim experiences.  You starred in a Moises Kaufman directed regional production of Into the Woods.  Much was made of your being a bare-chested Wolf, and that your encounter with Little Red was sexually charged!  When she touched your abs, it was pretty hot…   And you also starred as Michael Cerveris’ boyfriend in Sondheim’s latest revision of Bounce, Road Show.  Working directly with Sondheim is a musical theatre fan’s dream.  What is he really like?  How did working directly with him influence your work then and since?


Claybourne Elder: The first time I really sang a whole song for Mr. Sondheim was after I had gotten cast in Road Show off an equity chorus call (make sure you get there and sign up early y’all!). The Public asked me to sing at a fundraiser they were having at someone’s house in the village. I gladly agreed and rehearsed ‘Talent’ from Road Show, not expecting much. When I arrived at the beautiful little brownstone tucked away on a street I didn’t know existed, I realized that this wasn’t just a little wine and cheese party in the lobby of a theatre. I sound checked and got dressed up and waited around for things to begin. When I stepped on the stage, I saw not only Stephen Sondheim beaming up at me, but also Moises Kaufman and a slew of other folks, creating a “who’s who” of the theatre community. I decided that it was probably best to just look above everyone’s heads and went ahead with the song.  It was actually then that Moises thought of me for his production of Into the Woods, but that’s another story. Our first day of rehearsal was just after the concert and I walked up to Sondheim that first day, determined to get the first awkward conversation out of the way. And boy did I succeed. In the awkward part. I walked up to him, palms sweating, and reached out my hand. He smiled politely and took it, and I said “Um…er…a….wh…. Thank you.” My eloquence was impeccable. I was so embarrassed that I turned around and walked away. (Laughs) He is a delightful and very warm man and no one to be nervous around and I know that now, but it took a while for me to get used to it.




Into the Woods at Kansas City Rep - "Hello, Little Girl" (w/Dana Steingold as Little Red)/ "Agony" (w/Brandon Sollenberger as Rapunzel's Prince)/ "Finale" - The Company


JK: I have read that you were raised Mormon.  Was/Is your family supportive?


CE: You know, I was really lucky to have a really supportive and strong family. And a big one. I have 7 siblings. We’re really close and they’ve always been great to me.


JK: Speaking of being Mormon, have you seen The Book of Mormon?  As someone who is on both sides of that fence, what do you think of the show?  Is it fair and just silly?  


CE: (Laughs) Confession: I haven’t seen The Book of Mormon. I was working on One Arm when it opened and then it was impossible to get tickets and then Bonnie and Clyde opened and then so many other shows had opened that it just wasn’t on the top of my list anymore. Plus, by now I’ve been told so much about it that I feel like I’ve seen it. But YES, I know, I must get myself into that theatre somehow!

Elder's work with Kansas City Rep: (Top to Bottom) 

Into the Woods (with Dana Steingold); Cabaret (with Kara Lindsay); 

Cinderella (with Kara Lindsay) and Into the Woods (with Brynn O'Malley)

JK: With several of your contemporary Broadway and screen actors (Jim Parsons, Gavin Creel, Rory O’Malley, Cheyenne Jackson, Zachary Quinto, etc.) now coming out or openly gay, do you think a lot of the stigma of being out is gone or going away? Has it impacted your ability to get seen for certain roles?  

CE: I feel really strongly about calling myself an actor/artist first. 

JK: With all of the news lately about bullying and gay teen suicide and the like, and all of the politics surrounding marriage equality, how do you feel about the political clout of such groups as Broadway Impact and the It Gets Better campaign?  Are you a part of the movement?


CE:  I think that Broadway Impact is a fantastic group and what they’ve done to raise awareness is awesome! I’ve never done any work for them, but I hope to in the future.  [Also,] I haven’t been involved directly with It Gets Better, but I think what they’ve done is really incredible, too.


JK: What advice might you offer to a young man or woman struggling with their sexuality, who might also be looking to a career in entertainment?  


CE: I would say that gay, straight, bi, young, old, leprechaun, space alien or tiger – if you want something bad enough, work your ass off and it will happen.   

JK: Last question!  In the months since Bonnie and Clyde’s closing, what have you been working on?  When will we be seeing you on the New York stage again?  How about TV or film?


CE: Since Bonnie and Clyde closed, there has been a whirlwind of readings, concerts and auditions. There has been some movement towards TV, some toward new Broadway experiences… I think I’ve done 9 readings so far this year. But as I’ve said before, I love developing new work, and I look for projects that I can really bring something to. And a lot of times, those projects aren’t the biggest (or highest paying) ones! (Laughs)  But what I wanted most of all for the spring was to take a little break. My feet had hardly touched the ground in three years, and I really needed some time. Plus, it had been so long since I’d visited home, that my mother was ready to come to New York and drag me back. My next out of town run is something I’m REALLY excited about and is already proving to be a challenging and exciting task…I’ve been working on a new conceptual version of Pippin that is performing at the Kansas City Rep this fall. A.R.T. is also presenting a pre-Broadway try out of a circus-y Pippin, but this is a stripped down, actor/musician version that Eric Rosen, the director, affectionately calls "Punk Rock Pippin." Its going to f***ing rock!

The Barrows Reunited!  Claybourne Elder with Melissa van der Schyff

(Left) At the 2012 Drama Desk Awards and 

(Right) At the CD Release Party for the OBCR of Bonnie and Clyde

JK:  Well, before we finish, here are a few more questions from readers of JKTS! (Thanks to The8rGeek , Jillian P., and ElderCunninghamCT!)

1.  What is the very first thing you do when you wake up in the morning and the very last thing you do before going to sleep?

CE: Try to stop my dog from licking my feet. He sleeps under the covers at the bottom of the bed (yeah, I’m that guy!) and every night and every morning tries to lick my feet and I hate it.

2.  Favorite ethnic food?  Favorite carry out food?  What do you order at Starbucks?

CE: I love Indian food, mmmmm naan. But I also love smoothies. Come on, who doesn’t love a good smoothie? Starbucks is usually a skinny vanilla late. Go ahead and make fun. Unless I’m there in the morning for a coffee, that’s my normal Starbucks treat. 

3.  Plain or Peanut M&M’s?  Mounds or Almond Joy?

CE: Peanut, come on. That’s like asking would you rather have milk or chocolate milk? A Kia or a Porsche? Diamonds or rocks? Almond Joy. 

4.  Dream role - play?  Dream role - musical?

CE: The one that hasn’t been written yet! Or anything by Bill Finn.

5.  One actor, director or writer you most want to work with?

CE: I’ve always wanted to work with Walter Bobbie.

6.  Glee or Smash character you most identify with?

CE: Glee? Smash? Isn’t that an emotion and something you do to spiders?

7.  Celebrity you have met that left you the most “star struck”?

CE: Meryl Streep. Hands down.

8.  Technology that you can’t live without?  Technology you wish didn’t exist?

CE: I love to hate my phone.


Thank you for your time, Clay!  And all my best with your kick-ass Pippin!  I'm sure I speak for all of my readers when I say that I can't wait to see your next big show!

Jeff
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@jkstheatrescene (Twitter); jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com (email), or comment below (Blogger)

OUT Magazine's Most Eligible Bachelors: The Broadway Boys

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO VOTE IN THIS MONTH'S BROADWAY POLL

AND IN THIS WEEK'S ROUND OF "HOT AND HOTTER."  

LOOK TO YOUR LEFT FOR ACCESS TO BOTH!

OUT Magazine has come up with its list of the 100 most eligible bachelors.  It probably isn't too big of a shock to know that the New York theatre scene is well-represented on this list of gay celebrities.  But I have to admit that I am shocked at some of the guys on this list.  Why are they "eligible"??!!   (Note to Wesley, Kyle Dean, Jonathan, Nick and Rory: I'd be thrilled to have even one date... you don't have to marry me!)


The full list can be found HERE.  And vote for your favorite bachelor by clicking the "VOTE NOW" link on any of the 100 pictures!

Here are some of the Broadway guys on the list:

Nick Adams (A Chorus Line, Priscilla Queen of the Desert)

Clay Aiken (Monty Python's Spamalot)

Gavin Creel (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hair)

Matt Doyle (Spring Awakening, Bye Bye Birdie, War Horse)

Jonathan Groff (Spring Awakening, The Submission)

John Benjamin Hickey (The Normal Heart, Love! Valour! Compassion!)

TR Knight (Noises Off, A Life in the Theatre)

Tom Lenk (Rock of Ages)

Seth MacFarlane (The Normal Heart)

Kyle Dean Massey (Xanadu, next to normal, Lucky Guy)

John Cameron Mitchell (Hello, Again, The Secret Garden, Hedwig and the Angry Inch)

Rory O'Malley (The Book of Mormon, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee)

Wesley Taylor (The Addams Family, Rock of Ages)

Zachary Quinto (8, Angels in America)

Other Broadway Boys not pictured: John Waters (Hairspray, Cry-Baby), Lance Bass (Hairspray), Mo Rocca (Spelling Bee, Don't Quit Your Night Job), Patrick Healy (Theatre reporter for The New York Times), Russell Tovey (The History Boys) and Randy Harrison (Wicked)

As of 8PM on February 23, 6 of the top 10 vote getters are Broadway Boys!  #2: Clay Aiken, #4: Nick Adams, #5: Randy Harrison, #6: Zachary Quinto, #8: Jonathan Groff, and #10 Tom Lenk.

I wonder if Wesley and Kyle Dean would do better with these pictures:

   

I'm just sayin'...

Jeff
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OUT Magazine: Broadway Love Stories

Broadway favorite and perennial magazine cover boy Neil Patrick Harris has made the cover of yet another magazine.  This time, though, it is part of a celebration of love stories and the impact of marriage rights for gays and lesbians, and the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell," as presented in this month's issue of OUT Magazine.

In the issue, there are 26 such love stories presented with people from all walks of life - actors, artists, writers, even a pair of recently out military men.  These are people who are in long-term, committed relationships which have survived during times of oppression, and who are now freer to express their love and commitment to each other in their workplace and in their lives.

Within the stories, there are three that should have particular resonance for Broadway fans, and I feature them here.  But to get the full scope of this romantic and politically important issue, click HERE to see more and to get information on the full issue of OUT Magazine.

DENIS O'HARE (ACTOR) AND HUGO REDWOOD (INTERIOR DESIGNER)


Tony Winner Denis O'Hare (Assassins, Take Me Out, Sweet Charity) discusses why getting married as quickly as possible after it became legal in New York.  The couple also discusses why their family includes foster children.  Click HERE for the full article.  Photo by Martien Mulder.

BILL T. JONES (DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER) AND BJORN AMELAN (SCULPTOR)


Tony Winner Bill T. Jones (Fela!, Spring Awakening) and his partner talk about a second chance at love after the loss of a partner, and how two diverse creative careers can combine both in culture and in love.  Click HERE for the full article.  Photo by Martien Mulder.

NEIL PATRICK HARRIS (ACTOR/HOST) AND DAVID BURTKA (ACTOR)


One of Broadway's best friends and frequent Tony Awards host Neil Patrick Harris (Cabaret, Assassins, Sweeney Todd, RENT) and his Broadway actor partner David Burtka (Gypsy) talk about their engagement to be married, why they are waiting and what life is like as America's most famous gay parents.  Click HERE for their cover story and even more photos.  Photos by Matthew Kristall.

Jeff

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It Gets Better, Doesn't It?

Today is Spirit Day at It Gets Better.  As a show of hope and unity, they are encouraging suppoters of LGBT youth to wear purple.

As the National discussion about bullying in general, and the bullying of gay teens continues, we continue to take steps forward and steps backwards on the quest to full acceptance of everyone's differences.  There have been several events this week related to that very subject, and not too surprisingly, the theatre community is a part of it all.

Step Forward:  Actor Zachary Quinto, star of stage (Angels in America, 8) and screen (TV: Heroes, Film: Star Trek) came out this week.  When a celebrity publicly identifies him or herself as homosexual, the hope is that by living a more honest life in the open, it will encourage others to do the same.  And in this case, good has come from bad.  Mr. Quinto explained that part the impetus for his "coming out" was the tragic suicide of gay teen Jamey Rodemeyer.  They had something in common, too; they have both created video messages for the It Gets Better Campaign.  That fact makes the young teen's death even more sad.  Quinto himself admitted that that link made it even more crucial for him to go to the press to make his lifestyle announcement.  All of us, of course, hope that by living an open and honest life, that being gay will become that much more "business as usual" and commonplace.  And by making it more "normal," the hope is that closeted gay people will come out instead of being bullied and taking their own lives.  And so, with another famous actor out, perhaps his brave admission will make it that much easier for even one more person.  Perhaps the life and death of bullied teens like Mr. Rodemeyer will have not been entirely in vain.



Zachary Quinto and Christian Borle in the recent
 off-Broadway production of Angels in America 


Another Step Forward:  Long time supporter of The Trevor Project, Daniel Radcliffe, star of Broadway's How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and the Harry Potter film franchise and producers of the revival held a benefit performance of the show on October 6th, where a portion of ticket sales, as well as the proceeds from a post-show auction of memorabilia were donated to The Trevor Project.  That organization provides a 24/7/365 crisis hot line and suicide prevention programs for LGBT youth.  Their efforts raised over $15,000, and, thanks to Givenik.com, you can still contribute.  A portion of each H2$ ticket purchased at that site will be donated to that very worthwhile organization.



A Step Backward: And lest we remain too pleased with ourselves, the very reason why continued awareness and programs aimed at youth - high school students particularly - need to continue, and frequently, happened at just such an event in Hartford, Connecticut.  A pair of local organizations sponsored a presentation of the role-reversal musical, Zanna, Don't!, and when a scene in the show had two male cast members kissed, a group of students protested by walking out of the presentation.  They were identified as members of the football team (they were wearing their jerseys), and it is pretty clear it was planned by at least some of them, as the school had notified all students, parents and faculty of the content in advance, and students who objected were not required to attend.  (A more detailed explanation of the entire situation can be found HERE.)  Talk about irony.



These organizations sponsored the Hartford, CT
production of Zanna, Don't!


A Possible Step Forward?: The above situation is EXACTLY why the folks over at Glee need to continue and finish the Karofsky bullying/closeted athlete storyline.  Many gay teens who are struggling look to the show for relief and acceptance.  (Jamey Rodemeyer and recent Canadian suicide victim, Jamie Hubley, both publicly said that the show offered them hope.)  And I'm willing to bet at least one of those protesting football players is struggling with it himself.  Please keep helping.  Bring back Karofsky... we could all learn a lot from him.  All of us: gay athletes, athletes and others learning to accept gays, and ultimately, all students understanding and accepting each other no matter what.  Glee can, and should, be a new step forward.

In the meantime, let's celebrate two theatre-related steps forward!

For more information:
http://www.givenik.com/
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
http://www.itgetsbetter.org/



Jeff
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Out's Counterpoint to Newsweek

Still seething from the whole Newsweek gays-can't-play-straight brouhaha, I did find some comfort this week over at Out.com, the online site for the print magazine, OUT.  I found much to be positive about, especially as a theatre lover.

First, the April Issue featured on the cover and inside as well Jesse Tyler Ferguson, best know to national audiences for the hit series Modern Family, but better known to Broadway fans as Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.  Yes, I know he's gay playing gay, but it is nice to see some positive coverage (and if you aren't familiar with Out, just because you are gay and successful doesn't mean they will be nice to you...).

POWER 50: #20: Scott Rudin's God of Carnage

POWER 50: #5 Adam Lambert in Wicked

Then, the magazine listed their "Power 50" which is a ranking of the most influential LGBT people in the US (and the world).  Of the Broadway-related:  #20 is Scott Rudin, producer of this season's A Behanding in Spokane and Fences, which earned him his 22nd Tony nomination.  He has won 6 times: Passion, Copenhagen, The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?, Doubt, The History Boys, and the soon to close God of Carnage.  #7 is Neil Patrick Harris, for hosting the Tonys, being a TV star in How I Met Your Mother, and his activism for gay rights.  And #5 is Adam Lambert, whose stage credits include the LA production of Wicked.

Richard Chamberlain in Spamalot

Rupert Everett (with Angela Lansbury) in Blithe Spirit

Sir Ian McKellen in Amadeus

T.R. Knight in Parade

POWER 50 #7 and "Playing it Straight:

Neil Patrick Harris

Cynthia Nixon in Rabbit Hole

In their own direct response to the Newsweek mess they made a list of actors who "Play it Straight."  Of the list, these Broadway folk made the list: Richard Chamberlain (The Sound of Music, Breakfast at Tiffany's, My Fair Lady, and the national tour of Spamalot), Rupert Everett (Blithe Spirit) , Ian McKellen (on Broadway 6 times, including Amadeus, for which he won the Tony), T.R. Knight (Noises Off, the LA production of Parade), Neil Patrick Harris (Cabaret, Assassins, RENT, Sweeney Todd, Proof) and Cynthia Nixon (The Real Thing, Angels in America, and her Tony winning performance in Rabbit Hole).

And finally, the June/July Issue will feature the 2010 Hot List, which has Broadway favorite (Spring Awakening and Glee) Jonathan Groff at #3, and at number 1, Les Cagelles, from the smash hit revival of La Cage aux Folles!

Hot List 2010: #1: Les Cagelles from La Cage aux Folles

2010 Hot List: #3: Jonathan Groff

Whether these folks are gay playing straight or gay and successful in a straight world, it doesn't matter.  What does matter is that they are being celebrated for their achievements.  Congratulations to all!

(Photos from Out Magazine, Playbill Online and Getty Images.)

Comments?  Leave one here or email me at jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com.
Jeff