This past year, Marvel had teenage Bobby Drake/Iceman (boy?) from the past, come out, in present day, with the “assistance” of past teen Jean Grey. The internet reacted, and, in general, the fans weren’t happy. This seemed like a move designed to garner gay money without actually having a gay character/storyline, especially since it could be easily changed back. Not too long ago, DC got into some hot water with fans due to not allowing Batwoman (who is a lesbian) to have a wedding, though DC has issued their own reaction to that. There’s been a rise in mainstream gay comic characters, and an explosion in the indie and online market. So, with New York Comic Con here, it seemed a great place and time to talk to some of the creators about where we stand with queer representation in the comic industry. [Read more…] about We’re Here, We’re Queer, and We’re Going to NYCC 2015!!
Music Review- My Favorite Things: The Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein
If you witnessed people rummaging through their purses or coat jackets on Friday, October 9th at Carnegie Hall, they were most likely searching for Kleenex to dry their tear filled eyes. The New York Pops, along with Essential Voices USA kicked off another season and were joined by Broadway talent, Sierra Boggess and Julian Ovenden who performed the most stirring version of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” I have ever heard. The song, from Carousel, was one of the many Rodgers and Hammerstein numbers heard that night. Conductor Steven Reineke sequentially represented every one of their musicals (even the flops) in a brisk, but wholly enjoyable evening of song.
Boggess, who recently starred in Broadway’s It Shoulda Been You and will soon be seen in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway show School of Rock, showed a playful and fun side in “The Gentleman is a Dope” from Allegro and “I Enjoy Being a Girl” from Flower Drum Song. Her more pensive side was on display in the obscure, but lovely “Everybody’s Got a Home but Me” from Pipe Dream.
Ovenden’s solos included “Oh! What a Beautiful Mornin’” from Oklahoma! , “Soliloquy” from Carousel, and “Some Enchanted Evening” from South Pacific. The stage and screen star, most recently seen on Downtown Abbey has a serviceable, but not terribly compelling voice. He is the type of singer who sings from the page, but not necessarily from the heart. One exception was his moving version of “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music, which is probably a good sign; Ovenden is set to play Captain Von Trapp in a live version of the beloved musical on ITV this December. Perhaps he was just vocally tentative, given the fact that he was a last-minute replacement for the previously announced Steven Pasquale.
Boggess on the other hand, has the “it” factor that thrills. Her impressive range is warm and exciting and fewer sopranos can match her fresh interpretations of these classics.
Judith Clurman’s Essential Voices USA also had their moments in the spotlight, first with “It’s a Grand Night for Singing” from State Fair and later with a cheeky, solo-flecked version of “There is Nothin’ like a Dame” from South Pacific. Both numbers, along with their occasional accompaniment of Boggess and Ovenden proved that they are worthy of their frequent appearances at the distinguished Carnegie Hall.
As for the New York Pops…it goes without saying that spending an evening with them is like visiting an old friend: inviting, surprising, and something to cherish.
For tickets and information on their upcoming performances, including a November 13th tribute concert to Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Dinah Washington, and other Sophisticated Ladies, visit http://www.newyorkpops.org/
The Dramatic Secret Worth Sharing
Two time Tony Award winning actress Judith Light has called The Drama League “One of the best kept secrets in New York City.” While the endorsement is no doubt flattering to its Board of Directors, it presents a great obstacle to host events when the secret is confined to insiders. Recently, The League announced its 2015 Fall Events calendar and the line-up is worthy of chatter.
Actors Christian Borle (Something Rotten!) and Max Von Essen (An American in Paris) kicked off the “Up Close Series” by offering moderated talks which explored the success of their musicals. This Wednesday, Oct 14 at 7 PM, the series continues with Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori. Kron and Tesori made Broadway history earlier this year as the first all female writing teams to take home Tony Awards for Fun Home. Theater reporter Kathy Henderson will moderate the talk. Next month, Julie White and Annaleigh Ashford will grace the center to discuss their star turns in the upcoming revival of Sylvia. That discussion will take place on Monday Nov. 16th at 7 PM ET.
There are plenty more activities happening this fall. Workshops and ongoing classes for the yoga lovers will inspire and stretch both mental and physical boundaries. Those with some extra coins in their purses and a desire for star-gazing can put Monday November 2nd on their calendars. Bernadette Peters will be honored that night at the League’s Centennial Gala. Michael Douglas, Gloria Estefan, Joel Grey, Norm Lewis, Andrew Rannells and many more are scheduled to appear at the posh Plaza hotel.
So Share the wonderful news of the Drama League with your fellow drama geeks, queens, and freaks. But buy your tickets before they sell out so that, as Sondheim once wrote, you’re more grateful and less sorry.
The Drama League is located 32 Avenue of the Americas. The A, C, E subway stop is located at the foot of the building. Information on all events at the Drama League, including membership can be found at: Drama League.
5 Great Scarves for Fall- A Manhattan Digest Exclusive
Temperatures are dropping and most of have started switching out our sundresses and sandals for sweaters and boots. And while all love our fall wardrobes, but it can be hard to find the right finishing touch as it gets colder. And that finishing touch is not always jewelry, but it can be a scarf. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 5 great scarves to finish off your fall outfit. All of these styles are currently trending, so you’re sure to find something that fits your fall look. And best of all, they’re all affordable! That means guilt free shopping for the season, whether you’re buying just one or quite a few.
Store: Zara
Price: $12.90
Why you’ll love it: This scarf isn’t as much a scarf as it is a neck sleeve. It’s great for anyone who is on the go and doesn’t have the time to wrap or tie a regular scarf. The basic knit snood, as they call it, just goes right over your head and you’re ready to go. Plus, it’s thick knit, so you’ll be able to snuggle your face into it and stay warm. Since it is just a plain knit, with no pattern or detail, it can be worn with absolutely anything.
“Striped Scarf”
Store: Forever 21
Price: $14.90
Why you’ll love it: It’s a large square with fringe on all edges, which makes it look good no matter how you put it on. For a level up from the snood above, this is another quick and easy option that only takes a minute to wrap perfectly. This one is lightweight, so it won’t be as warm as heavier scarves, but it is a great scarf for that in between weather when it is chilly, but not too cold yet. The simple black dotted pattern on a neutral color material make this a great add on to warm up a cardigan with jeans look, or to toss on with a dress and tights.
“BP. Autumn Plaid Scarf”
Store: Nordstrom
Price: $26.00
Why you’ll love it: It says so in the title, it’s an autumn scarf! The warm oranges with blues, reds, and yellow in the plaid pattern are reminiscent of pumpkin picking and latte sipping. This would look great with a sweater, jeans, and boots, or even a dress. It’s cozy, comfortable, and super cute.
“Collection XIIX Free Style Solid Loop”
Store: Macy’s
Price: $28.00
Why you’ll love it: This adorable loop scarf is another great on-the-go option. Just loop it twice around your neck and you’ve got a full, warm scarf to get cozy in. It comes in a few colors, and the fringe detail on the edge adds a cute and casual edge. This one is perfect for warming up your everyday look.
“Echo Roving Spacedye Wrap Scarf”
Store: Bloomingdale’s
Price: $68.00
Why you’ll love it: This wrap scarf is plain with an edge. It has a sewn on checker pattern with three colored lines along each side. The unique pattern makes it great for styling since it can look like a totally different scarf each time you wrap it up. You can show the three stripes without showing their intersection for a rounded, more continuous look. Or, wrap it where you can see where the stripes meet for an edgier, more squared look. The fringe detail on this scarf makes it great for casual wear.
So whether you’re looking for something easy, plain, or fun, there are tons of great scarves out there right now that you definitely want to get your hands on before winter rolls in. Love one of these? Just click the store name to shop!
Last Chance! Theater Review: THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE
“Fake it ‘till you make it” and “Be true to yourself” are the basic themes of The Legend of Georgia McBride, which has been playing a successful (and extended) run at downtown’s Lucille Lortel theater. This weekend, the make-up kits and glittery gowns will be packed away as the MCC Theater company prepares for their next offering, Lost Girls.
Georgia McBride tells an unorthodox tale of Casey (Dave Thomas Brown), an Elvis Presley devotee who spends his time imitating the King at Eddie’s (Wayne Duvall) run down dive bar in Panama City, Florida. The watering hole, called Cleo’s, isn’t attracting any customers, leaving Casey very little take home pay for him and his newly pregnant wife, Jo (Afton Williamson). Enter Tracy Mills (Matt McGrath), a family relative to Eddie who delivers more sass than a Gospelfest in Newark. She is joined by her sidekick, Rexy (Keith Nobbs). After Eddie decides to eighty-six the Elvis bit and spruce up the live entertainment with a Mills hosted drag show, a desperate Casey is left with little alternative but to follow suit…er..um….gown?!?! Instantly, he is transformed into an awkward, but eventually dazzling, Edith Piaf lip-sync princess.
Matthew Lopez’s wispy show, helmed with a light but able hand by Mike Donahue doesn’t break any new ground. Like drag-themed shows that have come before (Kinky Boots, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, Victor/Victoria, and La Cage Aux Folles), it sends the same Oprah-fied message of “living your best life.” Georgia McBride delves a bit deeper, however, and offers a rare glimpse into the lives and struggles of drag artists. The result is the same feel-good, aspiring feeling that its predecessors inhabit–with a little more perception and heart. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s blessed with a cast of Manolo Blahnik quality.
Anita Yavich’s showy costumes and Ben Stanton’s lighting add the perfect contrast to scenic designer Donyale Werle’s appropriately dingy set. Paul McGill’s choreography is the cherry on top of this faaaaaaa-bulous sundae.
The Legend of Georgia McBride runs through this weekend at the Lucille Lortel Theater, 121 Christopher St. For tickets and information, visit: http://www.mcctheater.org/
Legendary Bear Event Furball Hits Up Space Ibiza Tomorrow Night
Summer is over, the cold weather is here and we need all that we can to stay warm and cuddly. Why not go to one of the biggest bear events in the country where there will be enough furry cubs and bears to keep you warm throughout the night? This event, of course, is called Furball, which will be taking place tomorrow night at Space Ibiza starting at 10PM.
With so much going on this weekend, from Comic Con to Columbus Day parties ahoy, there is no better time then to settle into the spacious Space Ibiza with your fellow furry friends for some great music, sexy gogo boys (I’m one hehe) and debauchery all under one roof. The party is broken down into two levels. On the rooftop, you can unwind with some drinks while dancing to the beats of DJ’s Dave Hughes & Ryan Sky. On the main level, come chill and tip the gogo boys while jamming to DJ’s W. Jeremy & Kenneth Rivera. There will be amazing drink specials all night including Buckets of Beer, $6 domestic beer / $7 imported and $7 Boo Boo shots + special Furry Cocktail for $10.
Besides me, the three other hot gogo bears to keep your blood going are Zakh, Hamilton and Stephen. 21 and up to enter. $15 advanced tickets still available, check out the main site for more information. If you can’t do in advance it is $20 at the door. After spins in Chicago, Provincetown, Fire Island and New Orleans all summer – Furball finally returns home to NYC. So 500 plus hot bears, music, dancing and so much more. What more can you ask for? Stop by Space Ibiza tomorrow night and come see what all the fuss is about. Also come say hey to me!
Q&A with Top Italian Leather Handbag Designer Patricia Nash
As some of you may already know, there is an absolutely amazing premium leather handbag designer named Patricia Nash. Her products are not your run of the mill leather bags. They have beautiful detail, old world touches, and are built to last.
Patricia Nash had spent years designing for other companies like Disney, Warner Bros., Banana Republic, Express, and American Eagle- just to name a few. A challenge from a friend led to the launch of Patricia Nash Designs in 2010, which has received an overwhelming response with her products extending to stores like Macy’s, Dillard’s, Nordstrom, and various boutiques nationwide.
I am a proud owner of the Salerno Saddle Bag, and I can tell you that Patricia Nash’s products’ quality are like no other. The leather strap is so sturdy, and the bag itself is small and structured- great for a day out or daily use. The inside is perfect for orderly keeping of your wallet, phone, and planner. The structured sides are perfect- you’ll never go diving into the bottom of your bag again. Plus, there are two pockets inside that are perfect for keys, change, or other small objects you like to keep easily accessible. And, my favorite feature is the snap that secures the the flap to the purse itself. I accidentally sent the purse crashing down my steps, filled with my wallet, phone, pens, spare change, and various lip balms and absolutely nothing came out! It is absolutely the best snap closure I have ever experienced, which makes it perfect for clumsy folks like myself.
I was given the opportunity to ask Patricia a few questions, so here is what she has to say about her brand.
Your designs are not like anything else that we see today. They have such intricate detail that I have yet to see from any other designer. What are some inspirations behind your brand?
Patricia Nash: “My travels across Europe have provided many inspirations, including vintage shopping in Bologna, London, and Paris. I’ve developed friendships with people who share the same passion for vintage Italian leather bags as I do, and have been inspired by their collections as well as my own.”
You’ve accomplished so much with your brand in a short period of time. So, how does it feel for your career to be where it is now, and for you to do what you love everyday?
Patricia Nash: “Surreal! I am just humbled by the outpouring of women who reach out to me and share their passion for and loyalty with the brand with me.”
With such stunning and high quality products, I’d imagine that a lot of women appreciate your designs and your brand as a whole. What about Patricia Nash Designs really sets your products apart from other leather handbag designers?
Patricia Nash: “The old world craftsmanship and vintage vegetable tanned Italian leathers along with printed and tooled leather are unique to the entire market of handbags sold in the U.S.”
First of all, thank you to Patricia Nash for taking the time to tell us more about her one of a kind brand, Patricia Nash Designs.
The handbag shown in this article is the Salerno Saddle Bag in Florence.
Get your own Patricia Nash authentic Italian leather handbag and other great products like wallets, stationary, scarves, footwear, and more at patricianashdesigns.com
Theatrical Collision to Strike NYC’s East Village This Weekend
Robert Murphy and Jean Randich are looking at the city’s cultural landscape through a uniquely perceptive lens. Their brand new theater company, Collider Theater, is dedicated to telling stories that explore conflicts of cultures. “There are many art institutions that look at the cultural aspects, but we wanted to emphasize not how they connect with each other, but rather how they collide,” Murphy said. Although it sounds bleak, The Yale Drama school grad elaborated. “I feel if there is a focus on the company, it would be on objective observation because I’m more attracted to plays where questions get asked but are not easily answered. The idea is to bring up uncomfortable questions about how people get along with each other and then hand it to an audience to see how they handle it.”
This weekend , the fledgling theater group launches their inaugural production with the world premiere of Murphy’s play, Love, Sex and Death in the Amazon, setting the tone for the company’s theme of cultural miscommunication. The play, directed by Randich, tells the story of Marcos, a young man who has just passed away from leukemia. His partner, Walter, and Walter’s mother-in-law are forced to take a trip to the amazon to participate in a religious Afro-Brazilian ritual for dead spirits. “I have been telling people that the play is half true,” Murphy said. “My partner passed away from leukemia in March 2011 and there were some challenges with his mother during his illness. In October 2011, I took a solo trip to the amazon, so those experiences are basically where the impulses of the play came from.” The eight person play opens on October 10th and runs through October 31st in the East Village’s Paradise Factory.
Murphy is hoping that his new theater company will be able to produce at least one show per year. “We did a few Kickstarter campaigns which were very helpful and also raised some money from private donors. In the future, we may look to do a gala as well,” he added. For now, he’s pouring his energy and effort into opening weekend. “With so much theater happening in this city at once, it’s a little scary, but we’re hopeful—and it’s a lot of fun,” he concluded.
Love, Sex and Death in the Amazon opens October 10 and plays Thursdays – Mondays at 7:30pm through October 31 at The Paradise Factory at 64E4 (64 East 4th Street New York, NY 10003). Tickets are $18 and are on sale now via Brown Paper Tickets: lsda.brownpapertickets.com
Check out the brand new Haymaker Bar & Kitchen
It’s always nice when there is something new in the neighborhood to spruce up the environment, especially when craft beer is involved. Enter Haymaker Bar & Kitchen, which just opened its doors to the public two weeks ago on 29th Street between 7th and 8th. The surrounding area can be a little seedy as a lot of the bars have the word “dive” in front of them with the “Post Sports Game MSG” people coming to them, however Haymaker is the exact opposite.
Haymaker Bar & Kitchen, which used to be a barbershop, has been renovated to be very spacious, roomy and chic all under one roof. The dimmed lighting at night adds to a great atmosphere where you can have an intimate dinner for two or hang by the bar and have a nice get together with a bunch of friends.
Seeing as they are a craft bar they have an amazing line of drafts available at your disposal, as well as unique drink concoctions that are tasty and delicious. In rotation in their draft line are items such as the Gigantic Saboteur, which is Roasted malt and slight bitterness with chocolate and coffee notes. Chocolate and coffee not really what suits your needs? Maybe the Grimm Super Symmetry would work for you. What is in that? Coming from Brooklyn, is it Dry Hopped Gose with lemon zest, tart with hints of lemon, salt, grapefruit, and hoppy floral notes. Refreshing with a great zing to it. My favorite on this list is the Prairie Bomb, coming from Tulsa, Oklahoma. It is (13%) Imperial Stout, brewed with espresso beans, vanilla beans, chocolate, and Ancho Chile peppers. A bomb of flavors in your mouth indeed.
Haymaker goes beyond what you would typically get for your standard bar food and elevates it to another level in terms of taste and value. An amazing starter is the Baked Dry Chicken Rub Wings, with Haymaker Spice Blend, Lime, Sweet Chili and Crispy Garlic. Doesn’t need to be smothered in sauce to be a good wing, and this is a prime example of that. Cheese is always my good friend, so I would recommend going with the Pimento Cheese Spread, which comes with Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Cream Cheese Blend, and Crudité. The variety of cheeses mixed with the crudite really go well together. For their entrees, go with the Haymaker Burger (7 oz. Pat LaFrieda Beef, Caramelized Onion Jam, Vermont Farmhouse Cheddar on a Sesame Seed Bun) or the Braised Short Rib Sloppy Joe (Slow Braised Short Ribs on a Sesame Bun Made in the Classic Fashion). With a side of fries, both options will fill you up and leave you satisfied.
Haymaker’s is a simple concept upon arrival with a slam dunk exit when you leave. I highly recommend trying this place out next time you are headed to or leaving Penn Station and just want to relax with some good brews, food and friends. Check out their official site for more information.
Happy Eating Everyone!
Manhattan Digest’s 2nd Fundraiser Another Big Success!
Manhattan Digest held its 2nd fundraiser this past Friday night at Gym Sportsbar down in Chelsea. With the fear of Hurricane Joaquin (Phoenix) settling into New York that night, I was worried that a lot of people wouldn’t show up due to how bad the weather was going to be. Regardless, a ton of friends, family and friendly customers stopped by to donate, have some delicious cupcakes and submit their tickets in hopes to win some fantastic prizes.
Overall we raised hundreds of dollars for cancer research with even more donations coming in over the next day or so. That makes me extremely happy to know that doing something as simply as a fundraiser can hopefully save at least one life with the money that we raised.
I would love to thank everyone that showed up, as well as Serge Sterbois, Jerry Reilly and the Gym Sportsbar staff for their amazing job before, during and after the fundraiser. I would also love to give a shoutout to Tim de Iturriaga at Adonis Lounge for finding a host for the event (the handsome and wonderful Jason) who went out of his way to talk to every person who came down into the basement area about the charity. Finally, thank you to Huascar Aquino from H Bake Shop who generously donated a ton of cupcakes for everyone to devour and enjoy. Got so many amazing reviews from the cupcakes so let’s hope it drives in some new customers for him!
Finally, a big thanks to all the companies that donated generously for this event. This includes Krave & Kulture, Crunch Gym, Haru Sushi, Jacob’s Pickles, Best Barber in Hell’s Kitchen, The New York Beer Company, The Jolly Monk, Hotel Belleclaire, Otto’s Tacos, H Bake Shop, BKB Restaurant, Cantina Rooftop, Morton’s Grille and Bear Skn. My gratitude is endless and I really appreciate what each of you did, so thank you again!
Will hopefully have another one in early 2016. In the meantime, thanks to everyone again who participated and enjoy the rest of your weekend!