I don’t think I have ever met a human being who doesn’t like any of the following- Pita, Gyro or Hummus. How could you not, they are all freaking delicious? With the ever growing trend of quote unquote “down the line” joints, where you order as you go down the line, one place in Chelsea seems to take that concept and put a fresh spin on it. [Read more…] about Hummus & Pita Co Review – Fun, Fresh & Yummy
Theater Review: “The Anthem”
It’s difficult for source material to be taken seriously in a theatrical setting (or any setting for that matter), when a disco ball is present. It’s even more challenging for sincere points to be made when the costume designer shrouds the cast in sparkling silver bodysuits. To add insult to injury, the giddy Reynolds wrap clan jump around on stage, singing and dancing about the evils of individuality, backed by accompaniment tracks which sound like they were produced in a basement on a 1985 Casio keyboard.
This is The Anthem, a new off-Broadway musical which recently opened at the Lynn Redgrave Theater. The self-billed, “radical retelling of Ayn Rand’s classic novella” tells the story of dystopian leaders, Pandora (Jenna Leigh Green) and Tiberius (Randy Jones) who are hell-bent on criminalizing anyone with individual thought. It is a world where fashion is forbidden, books are bad and romance is wrong.
The Director, Rachel Klein, notes that she wanted to bring a feeling of Hunger Games and Xanadu to the piece. This would work if it a had a consistent tone. Yet it never finds it’s footing. If it is meant to be campy, it needs to be more pronounced. If drama is intended, it’s too over-the-top.
Metal poles on the corners of the stage allow for some impressive displays of athleticism by some incredibly competent cast members, but these do nothing to add to the story. It’s almost as if the director randomly said, “Hey! I feel like this show needs some circus acts”- and no one questioned it. Impressive? Yes! Relevant? Not really.
The theme of a repressive police state is by no means a new concept, but it can be extremely effective and haunting, as evidenced in Brooklyn by Theater for a New Audience’s current production of The Killer. Here however, reflections from the disco ball blind audiences to the fact that this show is just an irreparable mess.
The Anthem plays through July 6th at the Lynn Redgrave Theater, 45 Bleecker Street. For tickets, call 866-811-4111, ovationtix.com, or visit the box office. Don’t say you haven’t been warned.
Anti-LGBTI “Propaganda”
The Russian Fe
deration outlawed openly advocating any speech “propaganda” in relation to LGBTI topics as propaganda that could damage society. In the wake of this neighboring countries now seem to be following suit. Kyrgyzstan has introduced a similar bill in parliament that would criminalize the promotion of homosexuality. Like in Russia, if passed citizens in Kyrgyzstan could face up to a year of imprisonment for advocating LGBTI issues.
Is this a new wave of anti-LGBTI sentiment, evolving into anti gay propaganda, as long as gay people keep it to themselves they are law abiding citizens?
“The sponsors of this bill define ‘non-traditional sexual relations’ as ‘sodomy, lesbianism and other forms of non-traditional sexual behavior,’” according to the organization. “They justify the amendments as necessary ‘to safeguard and protect the traditional family, human, moral, and historical values of Kyrgyz society.’”
Kyrgyzstan already has a hostile climate towards the LGBTI community and with the potential of this ‘draconian’ bill being put into effect, things look darker for the Kyrgyz LGBTI community. According to the bill those convicted of violating the law would face up to six months in prison and a fine of 2,000 to 5,000 som ($36 to $91). For repeat offenders the maximum sentence would be a year in prison and a fine of up to 6,000 som ($110).
In other ex-soviet satellites, the Ukraine considered such a bill but it was not passed, Moldova repealed a ‘gay propaganda’ law last July, a month after it was enacted and a similar bill is pending in Lithuania.
It appears the ex-soviet sphere is in a decline of human rights and equality for LGBTI communities with ever tightening restrictions on their livelihoods and social-inclusion. So far the Russian Federation has met little to no political opposition regards its law which removes certain human rights and freedoms from a minority of its population.
Will the old Soviet Union reunite under an anti-LGBTI “propaganda” law?
Strip House Brings Tasty Steaks & So Much More
Strip House- Not Just Your Average Steak Joint My Friends
With the exceptions of the vegetarians and any algorithm of the sort, Steak has to be one of the best foods on the planet. There is such a variety in how many ways that it is prepared that you are bound to find at least one or two ways to cook it, marinate it and enjoy it to your hearts content. But what happens when you take that idea and elevate it, surround it with a bunch of fascinating sides, and finish it with some impressive desserts? You get Strip House, located in the heart of both midtown and Greenwich Village. The midtown location, opened for about two years, was nice enough to host myself and a guest last night and we got to taste the array of flavors that truly make going to Strip House quite the unique experience if I do say so myself. Here is a little more about Strip House as a whole. [Read more…] about Strip House Brings Tasty Steaks & So Much More
Theater Review: “Under My Skin”
If you feel like you’ve just sat through a 90 minute sitcom at the off-Broadway play Under My Skin, there is good reason: This cute, frothy piece was penned by veteran TV writers Robert Sternin and Prudence Fraser, writers and producers of television’s Who’s the Boss and The Nanny. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though the piece does have occasional jokes when a laugh track could be handy.
Kerry Butler stars as Melody Dent, a Staten Island mother and caretaker who is working for egomaniac Harrison Badish III (Matt Walton). After a fatal ride in the company elevator, both of their lives are taken and they find themselves in heaven. They are greeted by Angel (Diedre Friel), a sassy, tough talkin’ gal who agrees to put the two back on earth. Things don’t go as planned however and she ends up mixing up the bodies so that Dent is living inside Badish and vice versa.
The premise is nothing terribly original . In the eighties, a slew of movies in this vein were prevalent: Vice Versa, Like Father, Like Son, 18 Again, and Freaky Friday. Yet the story moves along at a brisk pace on Stephen Dobay’s polished set and the ensemble plays the material with some quality laughs.
Under My Skin plays at the Little Shubert Theatre, 422 West 42nd street between 9th and 10th ave. through June 8th. For tickets, visit www.telecharge.com or visit the box office.
Partnered & Open Relationship Guys on Gay Apps- Yay or Nay?
It is hard to believe that I have been in the gay community for ten years now and have developed quite an understanding of the vast differences and similarities that bring us together but also tear us apart. An issue that remains controversial in our community is the foundation of open relationships and why they seem to cause a lot of stress for single men as well as the ones in the relationships (not all, but some). What tends to increase that is the ever growing presence of men who are partnered or in open relationships on these apps that make it tougher for single guys, like myself, to weed out the ones who just want you in the physical form and find the ones that are genuinely single and want to develop something with you outside of the Smart Phone world that we live in. The thing is that there are many different sides in which how you can process this theory that has many valid points. Take a look below at the several
“Gay apps aren’t dating apps, they are hookup ones so anyone should be able to be on there.”
For some, if not many, this is the case. Apps like Scruff, Jack’d, Growlr and Grindr can be designed for that kind of behavior. Yet others, like myself, can see it as that but also as a way to meet friends, dates and even network with someone for whatever reasons possible. So it should be free reign for all, per se.
“I get really fed up with always getting hit on by partnered or guys in an open relationship, that’s not how I want to be viewed is just a side thing.”
This is something that I myself have dealt with. Most recently I was talking to a guy who kept wanting to hang out with me only to tell me later on that he was concealing a near seven year relationship with someone. I was furious to be lead on that way. There are still a good amount of guys who use these things in hopes that they will find someone, and unless you are open to being just a hook up buddy with someone who is already dating someone else then it really sours the whole “app” experience in the first place. Some people, as my friend Pete put it, want to find someone who inspires us to delete those apps and just focus on that one person, which is something that I agree with.
Then there are the ones who believe this question in the first place is true judgement-
“I’m a firm believer that if you have a kitchen, you shouldn’t eat out at restaurants.”
“I guess my major point is that I’m a firm believer in minding your own business and not telling other people how to live their lives….”
“I’m a firm believer that if you have a toilet, you shouldn’t poop outside on the street.”
“Isn’t this a bit like saying “if you’re a couple, you shouldn’t be going out to the bar(s)?”
These were all responses to a quite harsh post that I put on my own personal Facebook about the ever presence of both partnered & open relationship men on these apps. Granted, if it came off as judgement then so be it, but there is a difference what I perceive to be an opinion versus what is a judgement, which is two different things.
At the end of the day, we should all be on there regardless of what our relationship status, size, color, etc.
“There are hundreds / thousands + men on these apps. They are fully capable of making a decision of whether or not they want to pursue someone in an open relationship or not. And even if they do decide to pursue someone who is taken, there are many other guys on there. Blaming the difficulty of weeding out the guys who aren’t coupled, on those guys, is quite unfair. Especially when the purpose of these apps is defined by each individual user, for friends, dates, sex, whatever. And especially when we start relying solely on apps to meet people.”
The above, which was made by a friend of mine, has a good point to it. The main issue that I think all gay men face is this epic struggle of wanting their own opinion or viewpoint validated but at the same time this sense of community in the larger picture of things where we want to be even further validated by the world. So when it comes down to something like the types of men that should be on apps that some perceive to be about dating, some perceive to be about hooking up and some to perceive to be about all of that and in between, it really is all relative. It is up to each individual person to find that particular guy they want to develop something with, no matter what it is, and not let outside voices & what we see in the media influence what we ultimately want.
What are your thoughts on this issue?
Brandon Deyette on “Proxy”, Charlie Harding and More
It’s always good to be green and eager about something, which is the vibe and feel that I got when I recently sat down with director Brandon Deyette about his upcoming indie movie “Proxy”. The movie is set in three different locations, one being right here in the heart of Brooklyn, and talks about multiple stories from different characters manifesting in a small part of who Brandon really is. This project fell into my lap because one of the actors in the movie is my good friend Charlie Harding, who is taking on his first mainstream role (super proud FYI). I talked with Brandon about the “Proxy” movie as well as why casting Charlie was a blessing more than a controversy as well as what his biggest hopes are for this movie. Check it out.
Tell me about the movie “Proxy”. What inspired you to make it?
Without going into too much detail there were two phases to this script. I initially started writing it in 2005. I penned about 10 pages (and yes I mean penned) and left it alone. I was a young buck and impressionable. The version today is completely different than what was written 9 years ago.
About a year ago I came across the story while going through boxes after I ended a two year relationship. At that point in time I sat down at a computer and pretty much typed out 102 pages of a script. It was honestly a very cathartic moment in my life. It’s really a reflection of all the turmoil that was going on inside my head poured out onto the keyboard and somehow turned into “Proxy.” Each character, each story is truly a manifestation of a small part of me.
The film is more thematically driven and a character study rather than centered on a central plot. We, as an audience, observe these 3 stories through 8 lives and how they are intertwined by one man’s indiscretion. The point isn’t how they are connected but the mere fact that all of our choices ultimately influence so many other people’s decisions, actions, and lives in general.
Did you draw influence from other movies out there when making this?
Of course. I got an amazing compliment while looking at the rehearsal footage. Someone said, “That looks a lot like Lars Von Trier.” I almost cried since it is primarily based upon his and Thomas Vinterburg’s Dogme 95. Here is a link about Dogme 95 to spare you all the details about it but it’s fascinating: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogme_95While in graduate film school at Georgia State University we watched “The Celebration” (aka Festen) by Vinterburg, which won the 1998 Jury Prize at Cannes, and I was deeply moved by the narration of the story. The simplicity of the direction, cinematography, and lighting juxtaposed to the complexity of the acting and storyline really made me think twice about my approach to filmmaking and screenwriting overall.
There are also influences from Sofia Coppola, Woody Allen, Spike Jonze, Michel Gondry, Chris Cunningham, David Fincher, Lena Dunham, Vincent Gallo and, of course, Andrew Haigh. Here is a link to our pinterest boards we used for inspiration and such while choosing lighting, locations, looks, etc… It was a very fascinating process.http://www.pinterest.com/brandizza1/
In terms of filming where has this mainly been shot and why those locations?
The script is based in 3 locations: North Florida, Atlanta Suburbs and Brooklyn. We scouted all three places and were originally going to shoot the whole thing in Atlanta. But then we saw an apartment in Harlem that was PERFECT for the NYC scene that we had to change the story up just to fit the location.
The same happened with the North Florida location. We found the perfect house in Athens, GA. As an homage to my alma mater (University of Georgia where I did both my undergrad degrees) I changed the setting to Athens. I suppose that’s a benefit of being the writer, I can make those decisions on the spot.
The Atlanta suburb location stayed the same. We contemplated moving to Detroit but it made more sense in the storyline to keep it in Atlanta. You’ll understand more when you see the film. I’d hate to give too much away.
Charlie Harding is a good friend of mine and a well known actor in the porn world who is transitioning into the mainstream world. Was there hesitation in choosing him for this film?
I’d be a liar if I said there wasn’t any hesitation. But I knew what I was getting myself into before we even started. For the role of Tristan I had auditioned many people in NYC, Atlanta and Miami as well as took video auditions from people around the world. There was a very specific look I was going for with this role and attitude that someone couldn’t just pretend to act like. It is this raw sense of confidence that I wasn’t able to find anywhere. When discussing with my boss about the casting process I said, “I had this dream last night and in the dream someone told me I should cast a pornstar for this role.” He said, “Interesting choice but it makes sense.”
Tristan really bares himself emotionally, which is almost like being completely naked on screen. So I put out a request on Facebook to my friends to see if anyone knew of any porn actors that may be interested in the role. I had several people approach me but none so much like Charlie.
When he came to audition he was so well prepared, more so than anyone else to be honest. It wasn’t his confidence that sold me, it was his willingness to adapt and take direction as well as his vulnerability that really got me. There is one scene where he breaks down and talks about love for the first time. This was that moment that he really captured my attention and I said, “we have our Tristan.”
In regards to the transition from porn to mainstream film, I think if you allow the negative stigma to be attached then that’s all you’re going to get. I believe Charlie sees beyond that and has such an eagerness to try new things I believe his audience, and the masses, are going to embrace this transition with open arms.
What does he bring to his role that will make people who know him from porn forget that image and truthfully see him as a mainstream actor?
MAN! The worst thing about this script is that there are so many twists and reveals that if I say too much then it’ll ruin the film. I’m going to be as vague as possible without completely alienating the audience.
There are two moments we see a different side of Charlie. I think due to his ability to get naked on set in front of so many people and expose himself that being as vulnerable as he was in this film became almost second nature. Actors typically struggle with removing the “self” and really diving into a character. Especially tapping into the parts of yourself that you may fear exist. Charlie did this effortlessly.
The first being when he hears, for the first time, one of the initial plot twists. While in rehearsal he always showed great restraint in fighting back his sorrow and building rage. But when we shot, it became such a multi-layered, complex range of emotions. I couldn’t pinpoint just one emotion but rather a great array. The entire cast and crew had to take a moment after that scene to acknowledge our own emotions and what came up. It was a very powerful moment for us all. You’ll know it when you see the film.
The second is when he discusses being in love. That tender moment we saw in the auditions went beyond our expectations. It’s so disarming to see this gorgeous, ripped, muscle man really show his softer side. After each take we’d all look at each other on set and say, “Awe… he’s so in love (with a fictional character).”
Would you consider casting him for future roles?
Absolutely. In fact, without giving too much away (I’m not that secretive, I promise) I am in the midst of developing a tv series this summer. One of the roles is written for Charlie. I mean, specifically for him. I think that’s all I’m going to say about that one. I don’t want to lead the cart before the horse.
What are you hoping your audience takes away from this movie after they see it?
My main drive in doing film is to entertain, inspire and educate. I want, no matter what I produce, for each project to generate discourse about the subject matter within the piece. In regards to this film, there are so many themes and seemingly taboo subjects that I would love for people to leave the cinema engaging in dialogue about the film. It discusses fidelity, monogamy, betrayal, lying, deception, love, dreams, expectations, fear, diseases, guilt, and most importantly hope.
The film doesn’t force any of my own beliefs upon people. In fact, for the most part, I sometimes disagree with what the characters say. Which was very odd writing something you truly don’t agree with. But that’s just it, the point is to not force a thought, belief, or idea down someone’s throat but to help facilitate discussion about the issues at hand.
I also hope they see a beautiful film that inspires them creatively. That the performances touch them and really cause a viscerally emotional reaction. Everyone can identify with at least one of the characters or at least knows someone with similar characteristics or in a similar situation. The identification can help connect the audience to the story and it becomes a personal experience.
Best case scenario in terms of this movies success… Go!
Well we plan on first submitting to Sundance at the end of August. Which is quite an aggressive timeline considering we just wrapped production. But it’s pretty straight forward so I can’t imagine it will take more than 3 months to complete editing, sound mixing and getting all of our ducks in a row.
THE IDEA is to submit to Sundance, get accepted and then be picked up for distribution. I’d love to have a theatrical release and then on multi-varied-media platforms (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Digital Download, DVD, a medium that hasn’t been discovered yet, etc…). I feel all of the performances are so strong that they are definitely contenders for some acting awards. People are really going to be blown away by this, especially Charlie’s performance.
I want to see “Proxy” as a profitable and award-winning feature film. And it will be.
Final thoughts for my readers?
We are doing an IndieGoGo fundraiser to help raise extra funds for sound mixing and festival submissions. For anyone that donates $100 or more and emails us at [email protected] to notify us that the donation was made on behalf of Charlie Harding, we will honor all perks specified on the site as well as have Charlie personally sign an “adult” photo of himself and send it to you. You can go to this direct link http://igg.me/at/proxythefilm/x or go to our website at http://www.proxythefilm.com Please like us on Facebook at proxythefilm2014, Instagram and Twitter @proxythefilm
And just so you know, this film features the acting debut of Sadako Pointer of the Pointer Sisters. She is original member Ruth Pointer’s granddaughter. She joined the group some years ago after her Aunt June passed away. She’ll knock your socks off. She’s incredible.
Best MC’s Of All Time- A Candid Discussion
Who Is The Greatest MC Of All Time?
Such as the endless debate of which came first, the chicken or the egg, is equal if not less than the debate over who is the greatest MC of all time in the hip hop game. Long talked about for almost thirty years now, hip hop heads from across the world have spoken their mind on who they personally think is the best for whatever particular reason they think it might be. Factors like longevity, impact, the ability to spit ill shit on a dime and overall persona are just some of the reasons why students of the hip hop university we all know and love claim why their personal number one is the best. So what happens when you get three eager and green students together to discuss this epic battle of King King in the hip hop world? [Read more…] about Best MC’s Of All Time- A Candid Discussion
Tryp Hotel In Times Square South- My Review
When it comes to lodging in New York City, the options are plentiful, luxuriating and for whatever price point you pay should leave you feeling happy that you stayed. You can stay at a hotel chain that is worldwide known or even one that is only local to the Manhattan area. I was lucky enough to find a bit of both in The TRYP Hotel, located at 345 West 35th Street between 8th and 9th Avenue, conveniently in between Times Square and Penn Station. TRYP, which is part of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, just celebrated its second anniversary in New York City, and is still the only TRYP location in North America (excluding one in Quebec, Canada). Already a hit overseas in Europe, TRYP Hotel sits conveniently adjacent and somewhat front and center of the trendiest parts of Manhattan, from Hell’s Kitchen to Chelsea, and packs a great punch with it in its hospitality, color, vibrant look and overall satisfaction that each guest gets.
The lovely people at TRYP Hotel were kind enough to let me stay one night and experience the hotel first hand. I was instantly impressed by the look and feel of it, including the beautiful decor of the lobby as well as the restaurant and bar which is located right when you walk in. As someone who is familiar with hospitality due to many of my peers majoring in it at my alma matter, I was very impressed with the speed in which I was taken care of yet at the same time was spoken to friendly & kindly by the staff who detailed everything about my stay and let me know of all the local hotspots and amenities that I would receive while staying.
The room itself was breathtaking. I stayed in one of their premium rooms, which took class and elegance to a whole other level. Upon my entry there was a beautiful white colored couch that turned into a relaxing sofa bed in case I had extra guests. The color scheme of the wood finish with the couch and the side table really gelled well overall with the feel of the room. The bathroom was edgy and hip, with a immaculately colored red finishing on the shower that complimented the black floors. The King size bed was truthfully fit for a King yet could fit three more people in it if need be. It was very comfortable and made it that much harder to leave the room and head out with my friends. The baby blue wall coloring mixed with the black curtains had a great vibe to it, and the black headboard was really charming with its writings about famous quotes about New York City itself (the greatest city in the world, etc). The great thing about this premium room is really not just the decor but the space in it as well. If its just one person it works, but if you have a bigger party you can find room for them and then some. Here is a little more information on the history of the TRYP Hotel decor.
The hotels decor was created by New York City-based designer Glen Coben of the Manhattan-based architectural and interior design firm Glen & Company. The design, which includes sustainable elements, exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood and tile floors, colorful accents and wrought iron screens, reflects the property’s central New York City location and the TRYP by Wydnham’s brand’s Mediterranean roots.
Additional hotel features include complimentary high-speed wireless Internet (huge plus for me as other hotel stays charge. Tisk Tisk) access in all guest rooms, high-definition flat-screen televisions with international channels, concierge services, business services, 24 hour fitness center and nearly 1,200 square feet of function space that can accommodate up to 70 attendees.
I got to speak with the general manager Verdell Ekberg, who was very instrumental in making my stay a very pleasurable one. He let me know a lot of key facts about this location, such as the median for who usually stays there happens to be the Generation X/Y group of people, furthering my belief that this is a place to stay at if you are young and hip. They are also in the process of expanding their North American presence, mainly in the United States, with new locations opening soon in Long Island City and Atlantic City. Something that I noticed TRYP Hotel does that he further talked about was that each employee’s name badge didn’t have what their exact job title was under their name, but what their ultimate passion was. For instance, one employee who I developed quite a liking for due to her warm presence and candor, had “fashion” under her name plate. What is great about this in my opinion is that it gives the people that work there more than just a job title but someone you can strike up a conversation with that goes beyond the norm. That to me makes TRYP even more unique than it already is.
Before I left, I was treated to their delicious breakfast buffet that is full of filling and yummy food, fit to satisfy anyone. Overall, I would rate this hotel a 10 out of 10 in my opinion for all the reasons listed above. This is a place that I would highly recommend staying at just to see what all my fuss was about. Take a look at the official site for booking info, as well as upcoming contests and specials that TRYP is having. It’s worth the stay, trust me.
TRYP Hotel
345 West 35th Street
212-600-2440
Theater Review: “Early Shaker Spirituals”
Allow me to offer full disclosure: While I consider myself to be well versed in drama and performance and have an insatiable appetite for all things of the stage, experimental theater is not within my scope of knowledge, nor one of particular passion. Ok. I can hear the gasps and feel the icy stares of disapproval! Settle down thespians and please don’t burn me the stake. After all, I am just one meagre reviewer who is entitled to his own opinion. Unless I encourage you to slap on a pair of Nike sneakers and join me as we follow comet Hale-Bopp, you can remain certain that my writing is nothing more than one person’s reflection.
Wooster Group, the famed experimental theater company, is currently providing audiences with a sliver of Shaker life with their record album interpretation of Early Shaker Spirituals, also the show’s title. The actual album is a 1976 recording of the United Society of Shakers from SabbathDay Lake, Maine. Shortly after it hit shelves, it rivaled Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” for Billboard chart topping placement. All jokes aside, these hymns of faith were sung by a quartet of staunchly religious women. The Shakers were primarily known for their beliefs in the second coming of Jesus Christ, shunning worldly pleasures, and a simple manner of living.
In this hour long performance, Cynthia Hedstrom, Founding artistic director Elizabeth LeCompte, Frances McDormand, and Suzzy Roche sit center stage, dressed modestly in plain dresses, and listen to the album through an earpiece. While the audience does not hear the recording, the actors can hear it-and they sing along with the music, imitating each vocal phrase through 20 of the album’s 40 songs. The staging is minimal and it is certainly void of any fanfare. Quite the opposite, actually, as the songs provide meditative and pensive reflection to an earnest and devoted religious sect. Later, the women are joined in song and dance by Bebe Miller and four hipsters, who perform upbeat and joyous versions of the spirituals. There certainly is beauty in sparseness and simplicity but that doesn’t always make for great theater. Under Kate Valk’s direction, the piece seems somewhat purpose-less, uninspired, and frankly, rather dull. While I admire the focus and concentration that it takes to pull this off, I couldn’t help but wish they were interpreting the Bangles 1985 album “Different Light.” If anyone needs me, I’ll be at home with my walkman singing along to “Walk Like An Egyptian.”
Early Shaker Spirituals runs through June 15th at 33 Wooster Street. All tickets are $25 and can be purchased at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/634543.
