Hello LilyOnTheLam.Com Readers:
I just returned from a theater weekend in New York City which also coincided with Gay Pride weekend. So you might say it was a gay theater weekend! I was very happy to hear of the SCOTUS decision on marriage equality - emphasis on the word "equality." I don't know how one can justify a legal system where not all citizens are given equal rights and protections under the law. So score one for equality for the LGBTQ community.
I joked that for the start of my theater weekend that I spent "Gay Pride Weekend with a Front Row Seat with a Queen!" I indeed was in the front row for the spectacular Dame Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth in "The Audience."
Since I am woefully ignorant of British Prime Minister History other than Churchill and Thatcher, I was very excited that in my Playbill was a card with the background information on all the Prime Ministers under Queen Elizabeth. In case there is a test later, I will be prepared! (Prepared to get a D+.)
I highly recommend the play "The Audience." There was actually one moment where I had a tear in my eye - but I am also overly emotional at times too.
The next night I was supposed to see Vanessa Hudgens star in the musical "Gigi." I'm not a Vanessa Hudgens fan and I have never seen any of the "High School Musical" franchise, but I haven't seen the musical "Gigi" in decades and that is why I bought my ticket. Sadly the reviews were not good and the show closed early. I received a refund and I believe it was God telling me a better show was in my future.
And God was correct because in my eyes, a much better opportunity did come along!
For the record, one of my many ridiculous obsessions is the reality competition show "RuPaul's Drag Race." Ever since a childhood friend introduced me to the glamazon once known as "Starbooty" many decades ago, I have been in love with all things RuPaul Charles. However my real obsession didn't kick in until I forcibly invited myself to accompany a fellow #RPDR fan to a live show at Ritz Ybor for RuPaul's Battle of the Seasons. In this show, I was able to see several "RuPaul Drag Race" contestants up close and personal.
To add more fuel to the fire of my obsession: I have been trying to exercise more since I have an overwhelming love of all things sugar, fat and starch.
(And as I type this, my youngest cat - Rufus T. "Chibby" Chibs is giving me a shady side eye with a "Um yeah, that's an understatement, Tubby!" sneer. WHY ARE CATS SO MEAN? And yes, I am eating instant mac and cheese processed food stuffs as I type this - but what does that have to do with anything?)
OK back to the topic ... due to my love of all things terrible for me, I started working out more. As part of my increased exercise program, I have been trying to walk 5 - 13 miles a day.
Newsflash: Walking this much is incredibly boring for me. I do see some lovely water views and floral arrangements, but I could do without the overly friendly senior citizens who want to stop and chat me up with their life story. I will say that since I started wearing my "RuPaul Drag Race Season 6 Winner" Bianca Del Rio's "NOT TODAY SATAN" t-shirt, a lot less seniors want to chat me up. But I have a feeling they are making the sign of the cross as they walk past me. To entertain myself I have been listening to RuPaul's Podcast while I walk, which has made me even more OBSESSIVE about all things RuPaul and all things RuPaul Drag Race. Yes, I know I have ISSUES.
Of all the drag queens on RuPaul Drag Race, one of my absolute favorites is Jinkx Monsoon - season five winner. Well when Gigi the Musical fell through, I discovered that my beloved Jinkx was putting on a sequel to his/her previous show "The Vaudevillians." This one was called "The Vaudevillians: Bringing Up Baby" with Jinkx Monson as a pregnant Kitty Witless and Major Scales as her husband.
What's more comical than a funny musical drag queen? A funny, musical, PREGNANT drag queen. I ordered a VIP ticket faster than you can say "more mac and cheese please!"
The show - at the Laurie Beeckman Theatre- was beyond fantastic. Any show where you get to see a drag queen give birth on top of a piano while you're eating peppered shrimp with a side of risotto balls is a GOOD SHOW in my book!
Now I will admit that I may have possibly mentioned on social media that I love Jinkx Monsoon so much I want to skin her and wear her as a coat ... but when my "in person meet and greet" occurred, I was a BABBLING IDIOT! I gave up drinking for a year (actually 13 months, but who is keeping track?) so I cannot even blame a cocktail for acting so bizarre. I gave Jinkx my STALKER EYES and both Jinkx and his real life self Jerick Hofer, gave me a look of fear in return. But God bless that talented drag queen, he wrapped an arm around me (have you ever been pressed up against the bosom of a pregnant drag queen?) and posed for several pictures. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE YOU Jinkx Monsoon! (Season Four- RuPaul Drag Race Contestant Latrice Royale, you're next on my bucket list!)
Last, but NOT least, for my big gay theatre weekend in NYC was my SIXTH (yes, SIXTH) time seeing my favorite musical of ALL TIME -- "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." This time starring Glee's Darren Criss. Ms. Toledo and I had first seen Darren Criss in "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." He was good in that show but he really brought it home in Hedwig.
Because I was also in the front row for Hedwig, I had some very up close and personal moments with Darren Criss as he dropped to the stage and did the worm - as he faced me - a mere 2 inches from my face. I also received a high five from him. Another patron was "motorboated" by Darren Criss in his role as Hedwig. Her name was Brie and Darren Criss referred to her as a stinky cheese and left her with a chestful of glittery eye makeup.
My absolute favorite Hedwig is still the creator and originator - John Cameron Mitchell.
On July 22 2015, Taye Diggs takes over the role from Darren Criss. Another one of my favorite RuPaul Drag Race contestants Alaska Thunderf*ck 5000 will also be doing a show in the city around the same time. I'd like to see both shows but I am a bit burnt out on NYC weekends. This has been the summer of travel for work and for fun and frankly it's nice to stay home once in awhile!
But the one thing that NEVER lets me down whenever I travel to New York City is the BIZARRE overheard conversations. I was staying at The Cassa Hotel and Residences - which was fabulous. I highly recommend! The staff was so friendly. The room clean and modern. The location could NOT be beat. Win-win-win! And it's near The Sofitel Hotel, so my deep desire to always eat French-style meals was satisfied by the Restaurant Gaby there. Plus Alex Guarnaschelli (or however you spell it)'s restaurant BUTTER is in The Cassa (midtown location). Any restaurant named Butter is good by me! (My inner Paula Deen is SO HAPPY!)
Side Note: Butter Midtown just opened a really gorgeous outdoor "secret garden." Check it out and have their lobster roll while you're out there soaking up the sun!
Anyway, I was walking from The Cassa to Gaby Restaurant to start my day with an infusion of decaf cappuccino, French bread, ham and brie.
As I was walking, I heard two gentlemen talking as they walked past me.
Guy One (who I assume was commiserating about a recent woman he dated) said: "I mean, she has nice tits and all ... it's just the third one that is the problem."
Guy Two diplomatically frowned with an appearance of empathy and just shook his head in response.
New York City, you never fail to disappoint me with those eye-popping overheard conversations! Thank you for another great theater weekend - and a happy belated Pride weekend to all my readers!
I just returned from a theater weekend in New York City which also coincided with Gay Pride weekend. So you might say it was a gay theater weekend! I was very happy to hear of the SCOTUS decision on marriage equality - emphasis on the word "equality." I don't know how one can justify a legal system where not all citizens are given equal rights and protections under the law. So score one for equality for the LGBTQ community.
I joked that for the start of my theater weekend that I spent "Gay Pride Weekend with a Front Row Seat with a Queen!" I indeed was in the front row for the spectacular Dame Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth in "The Audience."
Since I am woefully ignorant of British Prime Minister History other than Churchill and Thatcher, I was very excited that in my Playbill was a card with the background information on all the Prime Ministers under Queen Elizabeth. In case there is a test later, I will be prepared! (Prepared to get a D+.)
I highly recommend the play "The Audience." There was actually one moment where I had a tear in my eye - but I am also overly emotional at times too.
The next night I was supposed to see Vanessa Hudgens star in the musical "Gigi." I'm not a Vanessa Hudgens fan and I have never seen any of the "High School Musical" franchise, but I haven't seen the musical "Gigi" in decades and that is why I bought my ticket. Sadly the reviews were not good and the show closed early. I received a refund and I believe it was God telling me a better show was in my future.
And God was correct because in my eyes, a much better opportunity did come along!
For the record, one of my many ridiculous obsessions is the reality competition show "RuPaul's Drag Race." Ever since a childhood friend introduced me to the glamazon once known as "Starbooty" many decades ago, I have been in love with all things RuPaul Charles. However my real obsession didn't kick in until I forcibly invited myself to accompany a fellow #RPDR fan to a live show at Ritz Ybor for RuPaul's Battle of the Seasons. In this show, I was able to see several "RuPaul Drag Race" contestants up close and personal.
To add more fuel to the fire of my obsession: I have been trying to exercise more since I have an overwhelming love of all things sugar, fat and starch.
(And as I type this, my youngest cat - Rufus T. "Chibby" Chibs is giving me a shady side eye with a "Um yeah, that's an understatement, Tubby!" sneer. WHY ARE CATS SO MEAN? And yes, I am eating instant mac and cheese processed food stuffs as I type this - but what does that have to do with anything?)
OK back to the topic ... due to my love of all things terrible for me, I started working out more. As part of my increased exercise program, I have been trying to walk 5 - 13 miles a day.
Newsflash: Walking this much is incredibly boring for me. I do see some lovely water views and floral arrangements, but I could do without the overly friendly senior citizens who want to stop and chat me up with their life story. I will say that since I started wearing my "RuPaul Drag Race Season 6 Winner" Bianca Del Rio's "NOT TODAY SATAN" t-shirt, a lot less seniors want to chat me up. But I have a feeling they are making the sign of the cross as they walk past me. To entertain myself I have been listening to RuPaul's Podcast while I walk, which has made me even more OBSESSIVE about all things RuPaul and all things RuPaul Drag Race. Yes, I know I have ISSUES.
Of all the drag queens on RuPaul Drag Race, one of my absolute favorites is Jinkx Monsoon - season five winner. Well when Gigi the Musical fell through, I discovered that my beloved Jinkx was putting on a sequel to his/her previous show "The Vaudevillians." This one was called "The Vaudevillians: Bringing Up Baby" with Jinkx Monson as a pregnant Kitty Witless and Major Scales as her husband.
What's more comical than a funny musical drag queen? A funny, musical, PREGNANT drag queen. I ordered a VIP ticket faster than you can say "more mac and cheese please!"
The show - at the Laurie Beeckman Theatre- was beyond fantastic. Any show where you get to see a drag queen give birth on top of a piano while you're eating peppered shrimp with a side of risotto balls is a GOOD SHOW in my book!
Now I will admit that I may have possibly mentioned on social media that I love Jinkx Monsoon so much I want to skin her and wear her as a coat ... but when my "in person meet and greet" occurred, I was a BABBLING IDIOT! I gave up drinking for a year (actually 13 months, but who is keeping track?) so I cannot even blame a cocktail for acting so bizarre. I gave Jinkx my STALKER EYES and both Jinkx and his real life self Jerick Hofer, gave me a look of fear in return. But God bless that talented drag queen, he wrapped an arm around me (have you ever been pressed up against the bosom of a pregnant drag queen?) and posed for several pictures. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE YOU Jinkx Monsoon! (Season Four- RuPaul Drag Race Contestant Latrice Royale, you're next on my bucket list!)
 |
| Latrice Royale |
Last, but NOT least, for my big gay theatre weekend in NYC was my SIXTH (yes, SIXTH) time seeing my favorite musical of ALL TIME -- "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." This time starring Glee's Darren Criss. Ms. Toledo and I had first seen Darren Criss in "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." He was good in that show but he really brought it home in Hedwig.
Because I was also in the front row for Hedwig, I had some very up close and personal moments with Darren Criss as he dropped to the stage and did the worm - as he faced me - a mere 2 inches from my face. I also received a high five from him. Another patron was "motorboated" by Darren Criss in his role as Hedwig. Her name was Brie and Darren Criss referred to her as a stinky cheese and left her with a chestful of glittery eye makeup.
My absolute favorite Hedwig is still the creator and originator - John Cameron Mitchell.
 |
| I have seen 4 of the 5 Hedwigs - sorry Dexter's Michael C. Hall - I missed ya! |
On July 22 2015, Taye Diggs takes over the role from Darren Criss. Another one of my favorite RuPaul Drag Race contestants Alaska Thunderf*ck 5000 will also be doing a show in the city around the same time. I'd like to see both shows but I am a bit burnt out on NYC weekends. This has been the summer of travel for work and for fun and frankly it's nice to stay home once in awhile!
But the one thing that NEVER lets me down whenever I travel to New York City is the BIZARRE overheard conversations. I was staying at The Cassa Hotel and Residences - which was fabulous. I highly recommend! The staff was so friendly. The room clean and modern. The location could NOT be beat. Win-win-win! And it's near The Sofitel Hotel, so my deep desire to always eat French-style meals was satisfied by the Restaurant Gaby there. Plus Alex Guarnaschelli (or however you spell it)'s restaurant BUTTER is in The Cassa (midtown location). Any restaurant named Butter is good by me! (My inner Paula Deen is SO HAPPY!)
Side Note: Butter Midtown just opened a really gorgeous outdoor "secret garden." Check it out and have their lobster roll while you're out there soaking up the sun!
Anyway, I was walking from The Cassa to Gaby Restaurant to start my day with an infusion of decaf cappuccino, French bread, ham and brie.
 |
| My perfect breakfast! |
As I was walking, I heard two gentlemen talking as they walked past me.
Guy One (who I assume was commiserating about a recent woman he dated) said: "I mean, she has nice tits and all ... it's just the third one that is the problem."
Guy Two diplomatically frowned with an appearance of empathy and just shook his head in response.
New York City, you never fail to disappoint me with those eye-popping overheard conversations! Thank you for another great theater weekend - and a happy belated Pride weekend to all my readers!
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