December 22, 2018January 8, 2019 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Events

HAMILTON

As the heir-apparent to Les Miserables in tone, if not musical style, Hamilton is everything that you thought it would be, and more. You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, and then you’ll cry some more.

SHADE-O-METER RATING

5 OUTTA 5 WERKS: “10s ACROSS THE BOARD – LEGENDARY STATUS”

What’s Hamilton? It’s the smash Broadway musical that tells the story of one of America’s Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton. It swept the 2016 Tony Awards with 11 wins, including one for Best Musical. But really, who doesn’t know this show? What’s the Au-Rene Theater? It’s the main theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. It holds about 2,600 people, and it has three levels. How was the venue? Elegant. The foyer is spacious.

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How was the parking? They have valet, or you can park in the garage for $12. The garage is about a block away. We also found a parking lot for $10 that’s a couple blocks away. It’s across the street from the Museum of Discovery and Science. This parking lot is a hidden gem, as there’s no line to enter it—you just pull right in. Fabulous! Does the venue serve liquor? Yes. How were the drinks? They were fine. We got one each. They measure the pour with a jigger, though, so you don’t get a drop extra. A double costs about $20. Does the venue serve food? They have some finger food. How was the food? We didn’t get any.

Where were the seats? Row V in the orchestra. How much were the tickets? $272.75. And if you think that’s a lot, they’re even more on Broadway. As a comparison, in the 1970s the ticket price for the Liza Minnelli vehicle, The Act, caused a stir for being too high. And what was the top price for that show, you might ask? $25. Was the show sold out? Yes. And if you’re think about seeing it, I wouldn’t wait to get tickets. I looked, and even the last show only had about 10 tickets left that weren’t re-sale ones. And these unprecedented sales aren’t just happening in South Florida. The first stop of the first national tour—there are now two national tours running simultaneously—was in San Francisco, with a run of about five months. The entire run sold out in 24 hours after it went on sale.

How was the show? The show started with an un-egalitarian audio notice from King George III, with him telling you to enjoy “my” show. The show then began with the famous “Alexander Hamilton” number, which foreshadowed the events of the show and of Hamilton’s life (think the “Ballad of Sweeney Todd” from Sweeney Todd). From there, the show moved to the year 1776. But to get full enjoyment from the show’s first few numbers likely requires knowledge of the score. It’s when the Destiny’s Child-ish Schuyler sisters appeared that the show really picked up for the uninitiated. And it never let up until the end. The entirety of the show vacillated between Hamilton’s private and public life (although dramatic license was taken with both). Regarding his public life, one saw how Hamilton rose all the way from an orphaned immigrant with no money to become the first Secretary of Treasury, only to be killed in a duel by Vice President Aaron Burr. His private life saw equal tragedy with the death of his first child and first son in a duel defending Hamilton’s honor, and a period of estrangement from his wife because of a sex scandal. The acting and singing from the performers in this tour, monitored the “Phillip Tour,” was fine. But the original Broadway cast, they ain’t. A standout performance came from Jon Patrick Walker as King George III. And although his performance was in contrast to Jonathan Groff’s Broadway take of the king as icy and unhinged, nevertheless, Walker’s version was resplendent with pomp, circumstance and rolling r’s. And when the end of the show finally came (the running time is just short of three hours), it was not bombastic. To the contrary, it featured an economy of craft, as all good works of the stage or screen should have, and left the viewer wanting more. The curtain call consisted of one line of actors—including Mosieur Hamilton—instead of individual bows, which could be considered a nod to the democratic predilection of America’s Founding Fathers.

How was the crowd? They were into it, but their response did not equal the popularity of the show. It’s possible that some were emotionally overwhelmed at the end. It’s also possible that some of the audience consisted of season subscribers, who may not be familiar with the work. What could have improved the show? Some of the dialogue was inaudible during some of the parts, which can be a problem with large booking houses.

What was surprising about the show? Spoiler alert: If you want to be completed surprised by the show, don’t read any further. Oh, where to begin? One, I had no idea that the show utilized a double rotating stage—otherwise known as a concentric stage—with one stage rotating within another. The show’s choreography capitalized on these mechanics for maximum dramatic effect, probably even more so than with Les Miserables’ famous rotating stage. And two, it’s a requirement of both tours that they not only have the concentric stages, but they must be able to duplicate the original Broadway choreography and lighting design. Beyond the quality of the music and the lyrics, if there was one standout, it was the combination of the choreography, lighting and staging. I have never seen those theatrical elements used as effectively in the theater as they were in this show.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 S.W. 5^thAve., in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The show runs through January 20. There are also a limited number of lottery tickets that are available online two days before each show for $10, in commemoration of the “ten-dollar Founding Father.”

December 18, 2018December 24, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Events

JERRY HALLIDAY AT THE PUB

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By Mike Jeknavorian

Puppeteer Jerry Halliday debuted his new gay puppet, Twinky Boy, at The Pub in Wilton Manors last night. After flirting on the fringes of gayness with his characters for many years, Halliday, who’s now a South Florida resident, decided to make the dive into full gayness with his latest creation. And a labor of love it was, as the puppet took over two years to make. Check out some pics of Halliday’s packed show, which was MC’d by local singer, Doug Blevins.

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December 18, 2018April 7, 2020 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Events

SCANDALS TURNABOUT 2018

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By Mike Jeknavorian

Scandal’s hosted their first turnabout, since re-opening last October under new owners. Bar manager Alex Amarosa emceed the event, which featured a mix of live singing and lip syncing. The turnabout, which saw perfect weather under the night sky of Fort Lauderdale, took place in the outdoor area of the venue. It went from 8:00 p.m. to approximately 10:30 p.m.

December 10, 2018December 18, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

JUSTIN FLIPPEN

With his landslide victory in Wilton Manors last month, Justin Flippen is now in the elite category as the mayor of the second city in the country to have an all-gay commission. Hear what’s on Flippen’s mind, in his first interview since his historic win.

Where did you grow up? I’m a proud Broward County native. I lived in Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coconut Creek, and Wilton Manors all at different stages of my youth. If you had to narrow it down, what do you like most about living in Wilton Manors? The people and my neighbors. What’s something that’s special about Wilton Manors that’s not commonly known? We have foxes and bears. One, the four-legged mammal. The other, the two-legged people kind (laughs). What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? Six Flags Atlantis. Other than Wilton Manors, where do you hang out in South Florida? I love nature, so I’m often in the Everglades and Big Cypress National Preserve. What’s your claim-to-fame? I’m not sure I have fame to claim, but I’m proud to be local born-and-raised and now the local mayor of the most progressive city around. Which political accomplishment is the most special to you? Besides being elected mayor by the people in one of the most decisive city elections in Wilton Manors’ history, officiating a group/mass-marriage ceremony of couples on Valentine’s Day at city hall when marriage equality was recognized was pretty special.

What was the most exciting event that you ever attended, and why? The first inauguration of President Barack Obama in January 2009. To attend it was an inspiring and a uniquely-American experience that I’ll never forget. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? My first job as a shipping clerk. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As a man who did all the good he could for all the people he could, in all the ways that he could, and for as long as he could. What do you want to live long enough to see? Humanity no longer dependent upon non-renewable resources and brave enough to live cleaner and greener. Should “straight” conversion therapy be banned? As a survivor of such so-called conversion therapy, and based upon research and medical experts, yes. The practice has been banned on minors in Wilton Manors and all of Broward County. What’s the weirdest question that a constituent’s asked you? “What do you think about the ghost haunting our old city hall?”

What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Leonard Nimoy. I got a picture doing the Vulcan salute with him! What’s the last thing that you looked at online? I Googled the ancient pyramids of Caral, Peru. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Jerusalem. What’s the last thing that you watched on TV? Madame Secretary or Murphy Brown. What’s the craziest thing that you ever did? Night snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii with giant manta rays. What’s your favorite book? The Bible, Living History by Hillary Clinton, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. What’s the best concert that you ever went to? Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Cher. Do you still have your childhood blanket or stuffed animal? Yes. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? Basic learning alone is not what makes one wise. Rather, wisdom comes with the righteous application of the knowledge that one has gained. And, of course, mom was right on a lot more than I thought.

What did you learn from your parents? How to be self-reliant and independent. How to take responsibility in life, but also to not take life too seriously. Honorable mentions include how to iron, clean, rotate my own tires, and do laundry. Who’s your favorite performer? Hugh Jackman, Leonard Nimoy, and Zachary Quinto. What’s your best characteristic? I would hope my sincere desire to do right by others. How do you enjoy spending your time? For leisure, I love seeing and experiencing our country and world, especially our National Parks. This year, I completed a bucket-list item. I’ve now visited all 50 states. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Henry Cavill. Who do you admire? Jesus Christ, my grandmother, and Eleanor Roosevelt. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? My younger brother, Nick. Where would you go in a time machine? Back to 2016 to warn people, to get more folks to vote, and to enjoy Obama as president one last time. What would your last meal be? Something Peruvian or Italian. What do you worry about? Not playing my lotto numbers the week they come in, and having Trump as President.

What are you afraid of? The rise of nationalism and the decline of patriotism. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A zampoña, which is a traditional Andean panpipe of Peru. There’s something mystical and spiritual for me whenever I hear it played. It speaks to my soul. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? Neither. Can I be a bear or an elephant instead? Who depends on you, and for what? The people of my city depend on me to serve them with my best, and nothing less. Who are you closest with? God, and a very select group of family and friends. What would your autobiography be called? Oh, I don’t know. Maybe, Flippen: Beyond the Bear Minimum. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Inspirational, pop and country, but not just when I’m upset. Latin beats and rhythm usually raises my spirits too. What’s on your bucket list? To visit all of the National Park sites in America. Of the approximately 418 sites, I’ve visited 291 so far. I’m also working on visiting every state capitol building. What’s something that you never told anyone else? Many of the answers in this interview. Where can we see you? At Starbucks or at city hall. People can also follow me on my Facebook and Twitter accounts.

December 3, 2018December 8, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

GARY KEATING

Gary Keating—the founder of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus—is back, and he’s better than ever. Take a peek at what’s on Gary’s mind, before seeing him this weekend in the chorus’ annual holiday show.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Swanzey, New Hampshire. It’s a wonderful, small town near Keene, in the southwest corner of state. What do you miss about it there? I do miss the seasons. Especially the Fall. How long have you lived in South Florida? Since 1979. Why did you move here? To do my master’s degree in music at the University of Miami. What part of South Florida do you live in? I live in Oakland Park now. But I lived in Wilton Manors for 17 years. What do you like most about living here? South Florida has been wonderful to me, both professionally and personally. It allowed me to come out and meet my husband of 36 years. It let me work to help thousands of people living with AIDS and to educate thousands of kids who didn’t get the disease.

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What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? I regret the loss of some of the classic, historic homes lost to high-rises on Brickell Avenue, and now in Broward. Where do you hang out in South Florida? I love my hometowns of Wilton Manors and Oakland Park. They remind me of small-town New Hampshire. What’s your claim-to-fame? I’m the artistic and founding director of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus. I also helped found choruses in Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa. Who’s your favorite composer? Sondheim and Palestrina. Who’s your favorite conductor? Jo-Michael Scheibe at USC. If you had to choose one, do you think that music or dancing could heal the world? Music. Everyone can join in without embarrassment! Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? All of my jobs have been so totally different, but there’s no regrets. I’ve done teaching, fundraising, marketing, artist management, running a performing arts venue, and running a symphony.

If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As someone who cared and loved and didn’t sit on the sidelines. What do you want to live long enough to see? All people in the U.S. treated equally, and veterans treated like the heroes that they are. Oh, and my nieces and nephew married, if that’s what they choose. Will you ever retire? Not likely! I hope the Lord still has things for me to do. What’s your guilty pleasure? A great Manhattan. What’s your favorite band? It’s still The Beatles. What’s your fondest childhood memory? Camping with my family. What were you like in high school? Involved, but shy. What’s your favorite quote? “Love the person you look at in a mirror first. Then you can love the world.” What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Nell Carter. She was amazing. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Facebook, to follow my family and friends, and to “like” their adventures and successes.

What’s the best place that you’ve visited? New York City. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That alienating anyone for whatever reason is a terrible thing! People need to feel accepted and respected. What did you learn from your parents? To be a hard worker, and to have total love and acceptance. Who’s your favorite performer? The great Leontyne Price. What’s your best characteristic? I hope that I’m caring and kind. How do you enjoy spending your time? With family, being around music, and anytime that I can be around horses. What celebrity do you have a crush on? I’ve had a lifetime crush on Pat Boone. Who do you admire? Barack Obama and Cory Booker. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? Selfishly, my auntie Irene Woods. She knew who I was long before I did! Where would you go in a time machine? To the night that I met my husband. It was magical.

What would your last meal be? A lobster with good clam chowdah. What do you worry about? That violence is a solution for anything. What are you afraid of? I experienced more loss working for an AIDS agency than anyone should in a lifetime. I’m afraid that too many Americans are experiencing that kind of loss today, especially those that are under 20-years-old. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? An organ. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? People see me as a sheep, but there’s a wolf in there. Who depends on you, and for what? My former students still do for support, and my friends do for love and support. Who are you closest with? My husband and my brother. What would your autobiography be called? I Tried to Live Life, Not Watch It Go By. What’s on your bucket list? More travel abroad. What’s your greatest regret in life? That I hurt people when I came out. Where can we see you? About town as a new realtor, and always with the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus!