As a nod to the upcoming Halloween season, meet another famous resident from Bangor, Maine, other than the city’s infamous writer. One who has fascinating ties to Carrie and Pet Cemetery. Introducing a pioneer of New Queer Cinema, filmmaker and actor, Todd Verow.
PHOTOGRAPH BY JAMES KLEINMANN
You grew up in Bangor, Maine. What do you miss about it there? The beauty and the strangeness—there is a reason why Stephen King lives there. Did you ever interact with King? Yes. My father is a politician, and Stephen is a big Democratic-Party supporter, so I’ve been to his house several times, and I went to high school with his children. My high school is the one that Carrie was based on, and my classmate started the real Pet Sematary. If you had to live somewhere other than New York, where would you live? Probably somewhere in Maine. What’s special about New York that most people aren’t aware of? That it’s a great place to wander. If you had an unlimited budget, what kind of film would you make? A period-piece horror film.
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A man pursues his sexual obsessions to their darkest and most dangerous extremes in this gay-themed drama based on a novel by Dennis Cooper.
What performer would you love to work with? Willem Dafoe, because he’s fearless and sexy. What film director do you admire? George and Mike Kuchar, because they make movies all by themselves, and did it for the fun of it—and they didn’t care whether they ever showed anywhere. What’s the sexiest film shoot that you’ve ever worked on? Frisk, because it was a blast. What’s your favorite film? The Shinning. Can a film go too far, such as in, for example, Salo or A Serbian Story? No, because real life always goes farther. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? Working in a paper mill. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As someone who made films on his own terms and never cared about money. What do you want to live long enough to see? The end of the patriarchy. Will you ever retire?No.
What’s the weirdest question that a fan’s asked you? “Can you mail me your shit?” What’s your guilty pleasure? Dynasty. What’s your favorite band? New Order. What’s your fondest childhood memory? Summers at our camp. What were you like in high school? A party animal. What’s your favorite quote? “I love doggie chow,” from Showgirls. Have we reached the point where there are too many people in the world? We reached that decades ago. What other celebrity did you act like a “fan” around?Catherine Deneuve. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Vegan pizza in Paris. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? India. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older?That nothing really matters, so relax.
What did you learn from your parents?To love unconditionally. Who’s your favorite performer? Prince. What’s your best characteristic? Quiet. How do you enjoy spending your time? Watching movies. What celebrity do you have crush on? Erik Estrada. Who do you admire?Fassbinder. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be?Warhol. Where would you go in a time machine? To 1977. What would your last meal be? Indian food. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A violin. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A wolf. Who are you closest with?My hubby. What would your autobiography be called?Just Call Me Scott. What’s on your bucket list? To travel more. Where can we see you? On Instagram, on Facebook, on Vimeo, or just on the streets of New York City!
Scandals had their first annual Mizz Scandals contest on Saturday, July 6. The event—which rivaled, if not surpassed, the Mr. Scandals’ contest in attendance—saw five queens competing for the title. The categories under question were daywear, evening wear, and presentation (which consisted of an on-stage impromptu question). At the end of it all, Savannah native Verandah Lanai was crowned the inaugural Mizz Scandals. Local entertainer Jennifer McClain and the winner of the 2019 Voice of Scandals contest, Scott Galens, each performed a couple of numbers. The contest was judged by six locals from the industry, including Shawn Palacious, A.K.A. Kitty Meow, and Miss Sharde L. Ross.
The former restaurant/piano bar The Grille in Wilton Manor’s had their grand re-opening weekend on Friday June 28 and Saturday June 29. The venue, now re-branded as Tropics Grille—in tribute to the longstanding popular venue, Tropics, which used to occupy the same space—saw large crowds over both days. The venue will continue to have live music, and the popular two-for-one menu that Tropics used to have on Tuesday was moved to Monday. The venue was bought by the owners of the local gay country bar, Scandals Saloon.
Frank DeCaro has interviewed them all, from Mel Brooks to Robin Williams to Bea Arthur. But on the heels of his new retrospective book about drag, what old job did DeCaro have that he said was a “real” drag?
PHOTOGRAPH BY ERICA BERGER
If you had to live somewhere other than New Jersey or Los Angeles, where you would live? I wish we still had a Manhattan apartment. When I’m in New York City from morning until night—which happens a lot—there’s never anywhere to nap in the afternoon. I miss that. What’s special about L.A. that isn’t common knowledge? Not everyone knows that the best underground drag theater in L.A. is literally underground. It’s at the Cavern Club Celebrity Theater in the basement of a Mexican restaurant called Casita Del Campo in Silver Lake. I’ve had more fun there than the law allows. What’s the “interview that got away”? Liberace. When I get to hell, I hope he’s the first person I see. Which interview is most special to you, and why? Mel Brooks, because he’s my comedy idol. And at the end of our chat he said, “No bullshit. I really enjoyed this.” My hour with Robin Williams was pretty special, too. We compared our ridiculously hairy arms, and he said, “You’re wearing the Quest for Fireopera gloves, too!” I loved talking with Bea Arthur, too. She swore like a sailor, just as I hoped she would.
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Drag celebrates the fabulous current and historical influence of drag, and its talented and inspiring performers.
Who’s your dream interview? I want to write a first-person piece called, “My Year of Living with Cher.” What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened during an interview? When I was doing my satellite radio show, Alan Arkin came on to promote his memoir, and then—when the red light went on—he decided he didn’t want to talk about it. His publicist was mortified. Other than Bob Mackie, who’s your favorite designer? I wrote about fashion for many years, and I adored getting to know Gianni Versace, the man as well as the designer. He was very funny and very big-hearted. Franco Moschino was a hoot, too. I shouldn’t pick only Italians, so, while I’m namedropping, I’ll say that Karl Lagerfeld and Jean-Paul Gaultier were always pistols to chat with. But, yeah, Bob Mackie will always be my favorite. The book he and I did together in 1999 is a real treasure. Other than RuPaul, who’s the most important drag queen, and why? The brilliant playwright and actor Harvey Fierstein has done so much to not only entertain audiences, but also to educate them. Thanks to him—and Mama Ru—drag queens can be more authentically and gloriously themselves. He’s a true LGBTQ icon and activist, and I love that we’re pals.
PHOTOGRAPH BY ERICA BERGER
Which drag queen is the most underrated? More people need to know about the great Charles Pierce. He was an amazing female impersonator whose signature bit was Bette Davis and Tallulah Bankhead reading each other to filth. He’d do them both at the same time! He’d say things like, “You’re so old, you need moisturizer or wood filler!” It was genius. Do you think that drag is too commercial now, or is that a good thing? No! I love how mainstream drag is now! It’s about time everyone got with the program. But, thank heaven, there’s also plenty of subversive drag for the snatching, too. You just have to look harder to find the really wigged-out stuff—but you should! Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? My two-day stint at Burger King. It was a real drag. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As someone who was really funny and really smart and a really good kisser. What do you want to live long enough to see? Me, back on TV on a regular basis! Will you ever retire? No! My work is too fun to ever retire. Plus, there’s this pair of Gucci glitter sneakers… What’s the weirdest question that a fan ever asked you? In high school, a classmate asked if he could paint my nose. Not on canvas, my actual nose. He was not a fan.
What other celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? I was star-struck when I said “hello” to Michelle Williams last week at a Fosse/Verdonevent. She’s so fantastic as Gwen Verdon that I was in awe just to breathe the same air! What’s the last thing that you looked at online? My latest “Drag Moment of the Day” post! I post them every day at @frankdecaroshow on every social media platform but Scruff. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Hawaii. And the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. What’s your favorite movie? Imitation of Life—the 1959 Douglas Sirk version. What drives you crazy? A lack of curiosity, poor grammar, and bad teeth. Not necessarily in that order. Do you like zoos? I like a good sample sale. They can be a real zoo. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That the only way isn’t up, it’s forward. What did you learn from your parents? My mother always said, “Nobody’s better than you, and you’re no better than anyone else.” She was right. Who’s your favorite performer? Elton John. What’s your best characteristic? That the littlest things can bring me total joy. How do you enjoy spending your time? Laughing. What celebrity do you have crush on? Idris Elba. I’d like him to you-know-what me in half.
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If you’ve ever fantasized about feasting on Frank Sinatra’s Barbecued Lamb, lunching on Lucille Ball’s “Chinese-y Thing,” diving ever-so-neatly into Joan Crawford’s Poached Salmon, or wrapping your lips around Rock Hudson’s cannoli – and really, who hasn’t? – hold on to your oven mitts!
Whom do you admire? My husband, Jim Colucci. He’s the author of Golden Girls Forever, and just a swell guy. And my drag mother, Bruce Vilanch. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? Divine. Where would you go in a time machine? The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on March 29, 1989. I want to be in the room when Rob Lowe and Snow White sing their duet together on the Oscars. What’s your favorite recipe? Bucatini pasta with garlic, anchovies, and breadcrumbs. It’s my best dish, although my chocolate chip cookies with pecans and Heath Bar chips rock, too. What would your last meal be? A double Shack Burger, fries, and a Concrete from the Shake Shack. What are you afraid of? Stupid people in positions of power. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A kazoo. Who are you closest with? My husband, my dog, and my “wife.” What’s on your bucket list? Seeing the Taj Mahal and the Sydney Opera House in person. What’s your greatest regret in life? Not learning to tap dance or speak fluent Italian—yet. What’s something secret about you that people don’t know? I find doing laundry extremely satisfying. Where can we see you? On my social media platforms, on my website, and at book signings!
The pre-Stonewall kick-off party—called, Our Night Out—was at the Crystal Ballroom at The Manor last Friday. This was the event’s second year, which saw bigger crowds than the inaugural year. The event saw several pop-up performances, including various aerial acts, before the main show began. The show was headlined by Todrick Hall, and featured performances from the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, as well as a dramatic recreation of stories from people who were at the Stonewall Riots. The event was co-produced by the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, the Stonewall Nation Museum & Archives, and Island City Stage, and it went from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Key West had their annual gay pride celebration, called Key West Pride, last weekend. The festival saw several events throughout the weekend, including an afternoon pool party at Bourbon St. Pub with singer Pepper MaShay, a Stoli craft cocktail contest—with celebrity judges, Lance Bass, Bruce Vilanch and local celebrity, Sushi—and street vendor fair. The parade—which, in the tradition of Key West, was whimsical—was on Sunday at 5:00 p.m.
You may have seen Pose, the hit TV series about the ball room scene, but let’s not forget about the real house mothers please. Ladies and gentlemen, meet one of the longest-reigning mothers of them all—Mother Juan Aviance.
You were raised in Boston. What do you miss about it? It was an easier way of life when I grew up in Boston. So, if anything, that’s what I miss. Other than yourself, who was the fiercest voguer of all time? Well, to be fair, we’re all fierce in our own special way! What’s the most complex style of vogue? In vogue, it’s all pretty complex. For me, I tend not to vogue any particular way but my own. What D.C. venue do you miss that’s gone? Where it all started—Tracks. What politician were you the most excited to meet in D.C.? One time my house did a vogue show at a D.C. festival, and we met Mayor Marion Berry, so that was pretty exciting. What New York Venue do you miss that’s gone? Hands-down, the Sound Factory!
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What’s your favorite house song? The House of Aviance adopted theme song, “You Gotta Believe,” by Fierce Ruling Diva. Of all the collaborations that you’ve done, which was the most special to you? That would be an event that I vogued in starring Jennifer Hudson. She was kind, witty, and down-to-earth. Who would you kill to produce musically? (laughs) I wouldn’t “kill” anybody, but whoever’s ready and willing to be produced by David Ohana Aviance of Aviance Records, hit us up! How did you come up with your name? It actually came to mind one day while shopping for fragrances. The Aviance Night Musk commercial popped into my head, and I said, “That’s it… “Aviance.” If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? When that day comes, I’ll let the people have their say.
PHOTOGRAPH BY BAYARDO ALVAREZ AVIANCE
What do you want to live long enough to see? Peace on earth! Will you ever retire? I plan to but not sure if it will ever be a 100% retirement. What’s the weirdest question that a fan’s asked you? I’ve been asked, “Will you ever do drag or transition to be a women, since you’re the ‘mother’ of the house.” FYI, the answer is, “No!” How long have you been the “mother” of the House of Aviance? Thirty years! I founded the house in August 1989, so August 2019 is our 30th anniversary. What other celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Hmm… I’ve met many celebs, but I pretty much held myself together, or I’d like to think I did. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? All the Trump drama!
PHOTOGRAPH BY BAYARDO ALVAREZ AVIANCE
What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Unfortunately, I don’t travel much, but the few places that I’ve been I loved… San Francisco, Tel Aviv and Puerto Rico. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? To live each day to the fullest, cuz’ life is short. What did you learn from your parents? To live life with honor, compassion and integrity. Who’s your favorite performer? As a lover of the arts, it’s hard for me to pick a “favorite” anything. Let’s just say that I love a good performance when I see it! What’s your best characteristic? My compassion for others. How do you enjoy spending your time? I love lazy days at home watching TV and talking on the phone. I also love the beach, but being in New York City, there’s only a few months of summer, which sucks.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARTURO GUCCI GUEVARA
What celebrity do you have a crush on? Well he’s not a celebrity per-se, but I love me some Prince Harry! Who do you admire? Billy Porter. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? My Mom. Where would you go in a time machine? To the beginning of time. What would your last meal be? Tons of seafood… Please! What do you worry about? The state of the world today. What are you afraid of? Not being able to provide for myself. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A harp. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A wolf for sure!
PHOTOGRAPH BY BAYARDO ALVAREZ AVIANCE
Other than your house children, who depends on you, and for what? My friends and fans outside of the house depend on my guidance, advice, or just for me to sit and listen. Who are you closest with? God. What would your autobiography be called? Who Said Gay Men Don’t Have Children. What’s on your bucket list? To travel the world and teach vogue. What’s your greatest regret in life? I have no regrets! What’s something secretive about you that people don’t know? I’m a cry baby and a sucker for love stories. Where can we see you? Currently, I’m hosting a party at Christina Visca’s “Birdcage” every Sunday at Le Bain in the Standard Hotel. You can also see me on my website or at my pride party in New York City on Monday July 1!
Scandals had the finale of their first singing contest last Tuesday. The contest—which was called the Voice of Scandals—started with 12 contestants, with one contestant eliminated each week. Patrons were given one ticket per drink, even including a purchase of bottled water, and could vote for their favorite contestant. Scott Galens won the contest. The contest was co-hosted by general manger Alex Amarosa and lead entertainer Jessica Channing.
Scandals Saloon in Wilton Manors hosted their Mr. Scandals contest last night, with original Mr. Scandals John Mosca relinquishing his “crown” to winner Matthew Hermann. The crowed event, which was judged by six judges, saw five contestants competing for the title. Categories included casual cowboy, gymwear/swimwear, and formal cowboy. General manager Alex Amarosa was the master of ceremonies, with additional entertainment provided by Jessica Channing and Jennifer McClain.
