The South Florida LGBTQ community came together at The Pride Center in Wilton Manors last Thursday to mourn the passing of one of its brightest stars, photographer “Pompano” Bill Calcaterra. The memorial, which was co-hosted by former nightclub owner Toni Barone and Hot Spots owner Peter Clark, featured testimonial videos from people who were closest to Calcaterra. Speaking on video, nightclub owner Paul Hugo quipped that Calcaterra “touched” everyone that he came into contact with. Another amusing comment came from Michael Connell, co-owner of The Pub, who said that the “first time that he met Pompano Bill was at a high, upscale bar called the Ramrod.” The most outlandish commentary came from longtime-friend Joe Posa, and dressed as Joan Rivers, when he reassured the crowd that he met Pompano Bill at the “pearly gates,” but that he figured that Calcaterra would be “down there given all the people that he slept with.” Posa also impressed upon the crowd that we’re “waiting for all you old farts from Wilton Manors to hurry up and get here.” Despite the humor that came from some memorializers, Pomapano Bill was repeatedly characterized as an “incredibly generous” person whose lasting contribution was that he chronicled virtually the entire LGBTQ community in Broward County—from the 1990s to present—with his photography.
Joe Posa performed his one-man show, The Bitch Is Back!: Joe Posa as Joan Rivers, to a packed house at The Grille On The Drive this past Friday. And although most people are aware that there’s no shortage of Joan Rivers impersonators, none of the other performers are likely as proficient at imitating Rivers as Posa was. Through his own blend of alchemy, Posa captured Rivers—even down to her posture—to the point where there were moments that one forgot that they were seeing an impersonation and not the real deal. Nevertheless, impersonations are one thing; it’s another to be able to think in someone else’s persona. Mr. Posa successfully accomplished both. No doubt, the astute observer realized that they were witnessing two things at once in Posa’s performance: an impersonation, and a layer beneath, a skilled improv comic at work. If you missed Posa’s show, you can check him out at the Rrazz Room in Boca Raton on December 14. The show should be listed shortly. Manny Estralla accompanied himself nicely on the piano after Posa’s show.
Despite touring the country with his one-man show impersonating Joan Rivers, actor Joe Posa still has time to enjoy the “gayness” of Wilton Manors. But what kind of balls would he have for his last meal?
PHOTOGRAPH BY DENNIS DEAN
Where did you grow up? I was born in the Bronx, but I grew up in Thiells, New York, in Rockland County. How long have you lived in South Florida? For seven years. Why did you move here? After living in Manhattan for many years, and then in Boston with my husband Frank Ribaudo, we settled in our home in South Florida. What part of South Florida do you live in? In Wilton Manors. What do you like most about living here? The gayness! And of course, the weather. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? I so loved The Coliseum. Where do you hang out in South Florida? I love the many restaurants, and, of course, the clubs on Wilton Drive. What’s your claim-to-fame? I’m an actor, and I also impersonate Joan Rivers, Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli and Michael Jackson, to name a few.
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What’s your most cherished experience with Joan Rivers? Performing at an event in Houston with her but AS her. We then hung out in her dressing room and talked, and that was amazing. What’s the best role that you ever did? Of course, Joan! I was also Erica Kane on All My Childrenwith Susan Lucci, and Liz Lemon on 30 Rockwith Tina Fey. What’s your dream gig? I’m living it now performing my Joan Rivers tribute show, The Bitch is Back!, with Joan’s head writer, Tony Tripoli. We’ve taken it across the U.S. and Mexico! Other than Joan Rivers, what performer do you admire, and why? Barbra Streisand, because of her work ethic and her striving-for-excellence in the work. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? All of it prepares you!
WITH TINA FEY
How would you like to be remembered? Besides as a kind and generous human being, I’d say as a master of illusion in the art of impersonation. Will you ever retire? As long as I’m able, I will be onstage! What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked? The ole “where do you put it” question (laughs). What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Babs! What’s the last thing that you looked at online? A new wig (laughs)! What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? Besides having worked for nearly two decades with my shows in Provincetown, and loving it, I so enjoy working and being in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. What’s your guilty pleasure? A full-bodied red. What’s your best characteristic? My infectious laugh! Also, my compassion toward others.
PHOTOGRAPH BY DENNIS DEAN
What’s your fondest childhood memory? The morning of a “snow day!” What are you afraid of? The state that our great country is in. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That the days are long, yet the years fly by. What did you learn from your parents? Humility. What performer do you admire, and why? Joan Rivers. Not only was she the best in what she did, but she defied the odds and was a survivor. How do you enjoy spending your time? Being with my amazing husband. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? Joan Rivers, because we need her humor now more than ever! Where would you go in a time machine? I like being in the here-and-now. What would your last meal be? Being Italian, I’d have to say my husband’s pasta and balls!
What do you worry about? Our country, politically, and how we as a people are so divided on many levels. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? I’m a wolf in my work, yet a sheep when I chill. Who depends on you, and for what? My husband and my closest friends. They depend on me for positive words of advice. Who are you closest with? My husband, Frank Ribaudo. What would your autobiography be called? Me, Myself, and Her…What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Light classical. What’s on your bucket list? To be a talk-show host! What’s your greatest regret in life? I honestly feel that it’s all an amazing journey. What’s something that you never told anyone else? Well, I can’t tell you that. Where can we see you? At the Mizner Park Cultural Center in Boca Raton on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.!
