Gobble, Let's

Gay of A Certain Age - Idle a While UPDATED!

Hi!  I'm not avoiding you!  I'm in Idyllwild at 6000+ feet elevation and the WiFi in the cabin is spotty at best.  Because of that, I'll have to  say hi, & update as I can.  Right now, I can get anymore pix to upload, so I'm gonna give you a dry post and update with pics later.

At the last minute, muh DAB, Dennis and I decided to spend Thanksgiving week in a little cabin in the woods, followed by a weekend in the Palm Springs desert.   I certainly could use the time away, because I felt like I was really busy and I spent my last day in Los Angeles helping my friend Geoff move back to L.A., which included unloading his DoJo Fit Gym stuff into his storage space- you know free weights, kettle bells and shelving units....

It also included fighting off the advances of over-amorous dogs.

Here is Mayhem knocking me over...

I may have also gotten a boyfriend out of it...

But that's another blog entry...

Anyway, it felt good to have breakfast with muh DAB, Dennis, 

Load up the his pup, Enzo,

And hit the 10 all the way to Idyllwild!

We found Idyllwild to be nice, quiet, and very restful! 

Both of us were ready for four days in this little cabin in the woods,

Because, as a Gay of A Certain Age, I know that sometimes a major holiday calls for getting away from everything and everyone to relax, revamp and refuel.

I had a couple of really restful nights.

The only thing that weighed on my mind was the spotty wifi!!

Gay of A Certain Age - Old in New York

Boy Howdy, did I have a nice time in New York!  Even though it felt like I flew in, saw 5 shows and flew back 2 days later, I knew that 60 hours is plenty of time to do that.  At least it used to be!  Maybe it's that I didn't get as much sleep as I needed, although I got a good amount.  I never used to feel this jet-lagged before.  Granted, this trip was one day shorter, but I stayed one night longer.  My IN on Thursday at 4:00pm, OUT on Sunday at 8:00pm  sure feels a lot nicer than my IN on Friday at 4:00pm, OUT on Monday at 7:00am.  I guess that Friday with no matinee to get to helps in recovering from the early morning flight out of LA.   The morning flight out of JFK was no nap in the park, either.   When I got home from LAX a little before noon, I thought to myself, "I have the whole rest of the day!"  Then unwillingly fell into a sleeping heap on my big chair until after 5:00pm, feeling groggy the rest of the time before I went to bed at 11:30pm.  Sad.

Despite the lack of sleep and rushed feeling, I had a great time seeing shows, hanging with muh DAB, Rich and meeting up with new LA to NY transplant Matt Crabtree.  THAT'S ALL I DID!

Also, my Fitbit, (which I now keep in my pocket all the time to avoid wrist-rash) was very happy.  My best day was over 13,000 steps!  And since nobody's been flooding up my email and text space with questions demanding to know, I'll tell you! I really enjoyed FALSETTOS

and NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812!

Other than that, I spent a lot if time people watching.  People can be very interesting, if you give them a chance...  

See?

As a Gay of A Certain Age, who love to have his theatre trips, I've learned that I need that open day after flying to recover and fully enjoy my shows and not feel rushed enough that I can plan to get more friend visits in.  I don't think I'll be doing much Friday flying in the future.

Gay of A Certain Age - The Geek At The Door

Today I had another double header.  I brunched with Richard and new LA to NY transplant, Matt Crabtree, then Rich and I headed to the theatre to catch our matinee of FALSETTOS

I'll admit that I was a little trepidacious going in, since I had seen the original Broadway production in 1992.  I'd seen a few productions since, and each one of those got worse and worse.  This one turned out to be a pleasant palate cleanser; it was delightful.  There were a few changes that made the show better and I really enjoyed the staging.  The biggest change I felt was that in this production, Marvin comes off much more selfish and somewhat of an asshole in Act 1, which makes his second act transformation much more remarkable.  I liked the entire cast, so I got lucky on this one.

In between shows, I did some more people watching...

Then I was off to pop into my seat to get ON YOUR FEET!

I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this show, but I really enjoyed it, especially the dancing.  The rhythm got me and I was bouncing in my seat.  Of course, I probably would have enjoyed it much more if I didn't have the girl & her huge boyfriend on one side of me, both sloshing ice cubes back and forth in those GODDAMN PLASTIC SIPPY CUPS they now allow people to bring into the theater.  There's no more hooch! Get over it! Ya se acabo! Stop making the ice go back and forth!!  Of course, they got refills during intermission so that I could endure more ice in an empty cup for the rest of the show.  On the other side I had Tia Tencha with a folding fan that she would fan her self with for three seconds, then loudly tap her face with it ALL THROUGH THE SHOW.  Other than that, I had a truly delightful time.  After the show I went over to the stage door to say ,"Hi", to Yassmin Alers, who is in the show.  We don't know each other very well, but I know her well enough to congratulate her on the show she is in and for doing a fabulous job!

Yay!

Before Yassmin stepped out, the stage door popped open and there was Andrea Burns, who gives a fantastic turn as Gloria Estefan's mother. and whom I also loved in IN THE HEIGHTS.  I couldn't let her get away without throwing some admiration her way.

It's always nice to get to tell folks how much I enjoy their work!

As a Gay of A Certain Age, I've seen a whole lot of shows on the Broadway and have been lucky enough to meet and talk to some of the people I have truly enjoyed on stage and so while I don't do it as often as I used to, I don't think I'll ever be too old to hang out at the stage door and pour some love for the people who have made me happy.

...I also learned that you can start to feel pretty old when you're going to revivals of shows that you've seen in their original run!

Getting Out - Blue State to Blue State

After completing my last show for Chico's Angels' November run...

I hopped a plane and headed to New York!  I needed a little break from the tension of the election madness and knew that a few Broadway shows would hit the spot.

I contacted muh DAB, Richard, and asked him to join me for a TKTS night.  That's the half price ticket booth and I've taken to doing that the day I fly in ever since I missed SOUTH PACIFIC because of a delayed flight.  That was $130 I didn't get back.  To be clear, I rushed home from my theater, got a few hours sleep, rushed to LAX, flew 5 hours, got in a cab, hit my resting place, rushed to Times Square, got out Tix, rushed to a quick dinner and rushed to the theatre to see FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

It beat out newer shows that were available because it is closing soon and I've never seen a big time production of it. (Not since April, anyway)  The performances were really good, but while the production itself was very good, it didn't offer any surprises or special thrills.   Richard & I had a fab time.

Today, I brunched with Richard, then headed to my Matinee...

I saw NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET of 1812.  It was delightful!  The Imperial Theatre has been remodeled to accommodate audience members on stage and bring the playing space further into the house, for a more immersive experience.  It reminded me very much of the For The Record productions that I've been enjoying for the past few years (Remember SCORSESE?)  As for the show itself, I enjoyed it very much and bought the Original Cast Recording as I left.  I didn't realize, of course, that the CD I bought didn't feature Josh Grobin and Denee Benton, whom I had just seen and were awrsome.  So I'll hold on to this one, but look forward to a Original BROADWAY Cast Recording.

I had three hours to kill before my next show, so I went over to the 42nd Street movie theaters, but nothing line-up time-wise (Really Marvel, super hero movies at 2 hours +? ( I don't mind when I'm not on a shedule))  So I went to Times Square to people watch...

Sometimes just watching folk ain't so bad, right?

Then, as I was walking around, I saw Hair & The City and decided to get a much need buzz.

I may be going to the theatre alone, but I'll be looking snazzy doing it!

Speaking of going to the theatre, I made it to my seat with plenty of Instagram viewing time before the start of this evening's show, THE FRONT PAGE

I came to this show despite my aversion to Nathan Lane- one of the ickiest people, ever.

I enjoyed the show and am glad I got to see a play this outing, I always try to throw a play in amongst all the musicals.  The performances were enjoyable, Jefferson Mays was very, very good and one of a number of stars that seemed too large for their roles.  With a huge, talented cast like this one, you can't go wrong and the show is worth seeing- especially because Nathan Lane doesn't come in 'til well into the second act!

I have one more day and two more shows and while I am seriously underdressed for the weather and haven't been hit on once, I feel great with my new head buzz and inspired by the shows I've seen.  My only regret is that I haven't seen many of my NY Friends- and even though I had about 3 hours to kill today, it all seems so crammed together.  I guess that's what coming in on a Friday, instead of a Thursday does to me, but I will make an effort to see some the New Yorkers I love.  It's not always so easy getting out! 

Gay of A Certain Age - Feel the Burn

The results of this election are so devastating to me and my friends in ways some people don't understand.  Sure, I 'm worried that this country elected a man with no experience in public office, with no real plans revealed, who is also a proud asshole.  I'm also worried about our economy, environment, foreign relations and my rights as a gay Latino, but we'll survive all that.  I'm not afraid of Donald Trump.  I'm afraid of his supporters.  Trump "played the game" well and won.  Using rhetoric and actual words from Adolf Hitler, he whipped voters up in a frothy tizzy and, despite displaying all time low behavior for any presidential nominee EVER, won.  Congratulations Mr. Trump.  Unfortunately for me and my kind, after the election is done, he's President and we're left with the fear, anger and hate he's stirred up.  If you're not concerned about this, you are a lucky individual because you have never had to worry about being beat up or murdered for being who you are, or even looking like you might be "other".  This win by Mr. Trump has emboldened those who revel in their hate and anger and look to oppress others.  These people who do harm with words like "Nigger", "Kike", "Faggot" or do their harm with fists, baseball bats or easily accessed automatic weapons.  Some do the same with their GOD.

I'm not crying because my favorite cheerleader didn't get to be class President, I'm upset that these people "know" they are in the majority and they aren't wrong to hurt us.  Hurt me.  Even though I live in one of the gayest cities in the world, I still can't walk down the street at night, alone, without worry that I'll be assaulted for being Gay.  Let's be clear, I'll never feel completely safe ANYWHERE, but if the election had gone the other way, I'd at least feel like I had someone on my side, discouraging hateful behavior and actions.  Now, with this group's candidate on top, it feels like the first day of open season on minorities.

I'm also not crying because a part of me feels like, as awful as this feels, maybe there is some spark in the debris.  I was pro Bernie Sanders early on.  I preferred him because of Hilary's ties to big money.  When Bernie's candidacy didn't pan out, I happily threw my support Hilary's way.  I never believed the smear campaign that started even before she & Bill left the White House and I figured, even if she's tied to big money, she's not threatening to take away my so recently earned rights.  She's not threatening to undo all of the progressive movement we've made in 8 years, despite Republican obstruction at the highest level.  That's not even taking into account her many years of experience.  Unless there was a Republican candidate who didn't echo the last 8 years of obstruction and not threatening my rights, she's my choice.  Then, Trump happened.  He came in like a drunk, rug wearing uncle at a wedding, who grabs the bride's pussy, gives the groom a wedgie, pisses on the dance floor and pukes on the wedding cake before writing "Just Marred" on the limo in shit with his fingers.  There's no one at that wedding who wasn't offended.  That wedding is our political system with the Democrat bride and Republican Groom (accompanied by his best man, Third Party Voter) and today all the guests are left eating puked-on cake while standing on the pissed-on dance floor.  ...And before he drove away in the stolen limo, he turned CARRIE red and set the place on fire with his breath.  A little bit of me feels like yelling, "Let the mother fucker burn!"  because maybe that's what we need.  Maybe we need the whole thing burned to the ground, and it will burn, so that amid the ashes and debris, a little spark will grow into a giant Phoenix of a political system, where the parties are truly concerned with the best for our country and are more united than divided.

Trump isn't really part of the republican party, and if Russians aren't pulling his strings, maybe he isn't tied to anyone, with no debts of gratitude to repay through legislation and relaxing of regulations.  What if he actually makes decisions based on what the people need and not what big money mandates.  What if he doesn't really intend on building that stupid wall or going after my rights.  The people who elected him can't really expect him to him to keep any of those promises he made, they knowingly elected a liar.  If he said all those things simply to get their votes, lying day to day on camera, with proof, not hiding the fact that he's a liar and they elect him anyway, what's to stop him from going against all of that and doing some good for our country?  Maybe he won't take us back to WWII Germany...

Maybe I'm just a naive optimist, or a lonely Gay who's in fear for his life clinging to any delusion. All I know for sure is, as a Gay of A Certain Age, this is the most anxious a Presidential election has made me, EVER.

Too Busy For Love - Broadway Via Waikiki

I'm not avoiding you!  I swear!  I would love to have gone to the movies with you to see the one about the strange doctor, but I've been crazy busy and it's still going.  I'm back in a dress and heels, surfing and solving crimes in CHICO'S ANGELS 5-0; WAIKIKI CHICAS.

During this November leg of our run, I've starting finding more fun stuff and our timing is getting really tight.  Plus, being carried around by hunky Duke ain't none too bad, neither! (at 10 pounds lighter since our last run, I might add!).  A full schedule of work, work meetings, rehearsals, double performance days and trying to sleep somewhere in between sure has me in a tizzy.

It's all worth it, because I love doing the show.  I also love when cute mens stay after for pictures...

I also love when Celebs stop by for a few chuckles... like Debbie Gibson!

And did I mention getting to play actor with Duke?

As enjoyable as it is, it still is exhausting.  We have two more shows on Wednesday & Thursday, then on Friday I jet out to NY to catch a few shows on the Broadway.  Sounds cool, but when I think I have to close a show, gather all my crap out of the theater and get it squared away at home before getting to bed for a very early 5 hour flight, I wonder what I was thinking.  I hope I don't fall asleep at whatever show the TKTS Gods have in store for me on Friday night!  I should be fine and rested enough to enjoy the other shows I have tickets for, including: FALSETTOS, THE GREAT COMET OF 1812, THE FRONT PAGE and ON YOUR FEET.

What with all this activity, when do I have time to meet someone and fall in love?
I look forward to giving that a try when my schedule clears up a little bit in November...

Until then, see you on stage!

Greetings From West Hollywood! - Halloween

I'm very glad that I did not give in to the lazies and stay in last night!

I ventured into the night alone, but found some nice guides...

More "costumes" from the boulevard to come!