WANZeGRAM Title
 
2009 Wave Award Winner for Favorite LGBT Blog

Friday, March 12, 2010

   
 

Dear WANZeGRAM Reader,

 
If you woke up this morning and had ready access to safe drinking water, you are better off than one third of the people on this planet.

If troubles are getting you down, just stop and take stock of all the wonderful gifts we in this country have right at our fingertips.
 
 
No need to turn your world upside down looking for treasures.

You need only turn on a faucet to know you are fortunate.
 
Happy Friday!
In This Edition
Box Office Quick Links
Stuart Milk to Endorse Linda Stewart
Leslie Jordan to Return to PH
Celebrity Roast of DOUG, March 29
Special WANZeGRAM Outing to See SHOT GUN
In our Box Office!
Tchotchkes Big & Small
We've Got Mail!
Short Takes
My Two Cents
The World in Brief
Coming Attractions
Now Playing
Theater/Venue Quick Links & Numbers
A Note from Wanzie
Quick Links
Wanzie and Doug's Movie Review
 

Hydrate often.  
And be grateful you can.

 
Box Office Quick Links:

   

Stuart Milk To Visit Orlando In Support Of Linda Stewart
 
Orange County Commissioner Linda Stewart will receive the endorsement of activist Stuart Milk at a series of events planned for late March.  Stuart Milk is the nephew of Harvey Milk, the slain, openly gay, San Francisco City Supervisor who was the subject of the 2008 biographical movie, Milk.  

 

Milk is a national activist who advocates for equality on behalf of the LGBTQ community, and promotes the legacy of his late uncle. He recently formed the Harvey B. Milk Foundation that works with governments around the world to promote equal rights for LGBTQ citizens.

 

In 2006 Commissioner Stewart supported Orange County's non-discrimination ordinance that added sexual orientation to the list of factors businesses could not use to discriminate against individuals seeking loans or home ownership.  In addition, she recognizes that if our region expects to attract Fortune 500 companies, Orange County needs to respect diversity in our community.

 

Commissioner Stewart's campaign for Mayor has a diverse support group that touches every community in Orange County. Her support is independent of race, religion, income, or orientation.  She believes that as the next Mayor, she must represent and be accessible to everyone.

 

Stuart Milk will headline events on Saturday, March 20th that will include a private reception and an evening community fundraiser to benefit the Stewart campaign.  The endorsement of Stewart is the first Milk has ever made for any candidate outside the state of California. Milk's trip to Orlando will be solely for the endorsement of the Stewart campaign, and not for benefit of any other campaigns or foundations.

 

"As a person who comes in contact with so many people from around the country, I know that to truly serve a large and diverse community, we need leaders who will listen to all voices and make decisions that respect the rights of everyone.  After spending time with Linda Stewart, I can clearly see how well she would fulfill that mission as the next Mayor, "Milk said.

 

 

 

 

Leslie Jordan - ONE NIGHT ONLY - All New Show
 

Tickets On Sale Today

LESLIE JORDAN 

  

Tickets Now Available Exclusively for
WANZeGRAM Subscribers - In advance of announcement in any other publications!

Reserve your seats today for 

The Parliament House & Wanzie Presents
Leslie Jordan's All New
FROM WHENCE I CAME

The Footlight Theatre

Sunday, March 28, 2010 

 Beloved Emmy Award-winning actor/comedian LESLIE JORDAN returns to one of his favorite stomping grounds, ORLANDO, to kick off his latest stage show, aptly titled Leslie Jordan's ALL NEW-FROM WHENCE I CAME. Jordan continues to regale captive audiences by dishing the dirt with his many celebrity encounters and delving into a never ending well spring of salacious stories, both personal and professional, as he did with such recent stage triumphs -- ensemble pieces SOUTHERN BAPTIST SISSIES and A SORDID AFFAIRE, along with his classic solo turns in LIKE A DOG ON LINOLEUM, MY TRIP DOWN THE PINK CARPET (soon to premiere off-Broadway for a 12 week run at the Manhattan Theatre in NYC), and LESLIE JORDAN - FULL OF GIN & REGRET.

 

His numerous memorable television and film appearances define the Jordan canon. A career pinnacle came with his first Emmy for his recurring role as the caustic, camp, BEVERLEY LESLEY on the ground breaking NBC comedy WILL & GRACE.  In feature film he made his mark with his indelible classic portrayal of the delusional but endearing Tammy Wynette-obsessed character BROTHER BOY in SORDID LIVES, a role which he reprieved in Logo TV's version of the film, SORDID LIVES, THE PREQUEL.

 

Actor, author, activist are but a few of the many dimensions on display through his innate story telling abilities chronicling his astonishing life and career.

 

This one-night-only performance of Leslie's all new show is scheduled for March 28 at 8 PM at the Footlight Theatre at the Parliament House Resort.

 

Tickets are on sale today, in advance of all other publicity, which kicks in on Friday. So take advantage of this special advance notice and select your seat today through the WANZIE.com on line box office.

 

Also, if you have not yet purchased your tickets for the newest Wanzie-penned play - 55 WEST - remember you can order tickets for multiple events at the same time and pay only one transaction fee.

 

 

NOTICE: All three of Leslie's previous appearances at the Footlight Theatre were SOLD OUT events. To avoid disappointment,  advance reservations are strongly encouraged. 

Leslie Jordan's ALL NEW - FROM WHENCE I CAME brings the popular entertainer back to one of his personal favorite venues, the FOOTLIGHT THEATRE at the PARLIAMENT HOUSE RESORT.  "Audiences here just seem to get it...me, my humor, angst and all.  I suppose it comes from y'all being Southern boys, too," Jordan quips with that unmistakable, naughty twinkle in his eye.
 
Leslie Jordan's All New
FROM WHENCE I CAME

ONE NIGHT ONLY / ONLY AT THE PARLIAMENT HOUSE

SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 8 PM

Tickets: $43


 Now On Sale
Exclusively through the WANZIE.com
On Line Box Office:

Select-A-Seat Now!

Come Help Roast DOUG in Celebration of his 50th
 

You may know him as actor Doug Ba'aser, or as friend Doug Bowser, or as movie reviewer, just DOUG from the Philip's Phile, or as Opal Locksdale. You may be close to him, not so close to him, or only know him from his work on stages and in dinner shows and theme parks throughout Central Florida. But no matter how well you may or may not know the man, you will surely not want to miss seeing him roasted, Comedy-Central style, in celebration of his 50th birthday.

 

Wanzie will serve as Roast Master, and Comedian Jeff Jones will have the coveted final slot/shot at lampooning and lambasting the multifaceted and unique individual that is Doug whatever-his-last-name-is.

 

In order to maintain an element of surprise for Doug, we have chosen to NOT list the 8-person panel of roasters, but you can be certain, roast Doug they will. And of course, Doug will get the final word.

 

Doug was asked to personally select the charity he wishes the event to benefit. He has chosen the Valencia Community College scholarship that is available to a gay or lesbian theater student, which was created in memory of Doug's dear friend, Paul (Miss P) Wegman.

 

A minimum donation of $10 cash-at-the-door / or a check ($10 or more) payable to The Paul Wegman Memorial Scholarship Fund at VCC is requested by all who attend.

 

All donations made at the door will be for general admission only.

 

Reserved seating is available for a donation of $25, and may be arranged only through the WANZIE.com online box office.

 

100 % of the proceeds from entry donations will go to the charity.

 

The Celebrity Roast of Doug will take place on Monday, March 29th at 8 PM in the Footlight Theatre at The Parliament House Resort.

 

 

WANZeGRAM Outing to See Dynamic New Play:
 

SPECIAL WANZeGRAM OUTING

To attend
SHOTGUN
as a group

 

Thursday evening, April 1, 2010 

 

A fully staged and costumed production of John Biguenet's gripping, post-Katrina play set in New Orleans featuring Dennis Neal, Barry White, Brandon Rogers, Chantal Jean-Pierre, and one of Orlando's finest acting talents - Russ Blackwell, under the direction of David Lee.

 

Enjoy a Specially Arranged WANZeGRAM Subscriber Discount:

 

 SAVE $18

Off regular ticket price!

 

Pay only $20 for your $38 ticket

Offer valid at this one performance only, and only if you book as part of the WANZeGRAM group.

 

SIMPLY DIAL 407.447.1700
Reserve for the Thursday, April 1 Performance

Ask for discount code WANZeGRAM

 

Offer valid while seats remain available, and by reservation only.

 

WANZeGRAM group discount is NOT available through the website - only by phone.

 

This event is selling fast.

 

All seats are assigned on a first call - first served basis 407.447.1700

 

Mark your calendar and save the date:

April 1, 2010

to save $18!

 

Meet at 6:30 PM for pre-show cocktails at Savoy! 

Advertisement
 

Wanzie to co-host annual
Easter Bonnet Parade & Auction
 Event with
Darcel Stevens

  
 
 

Now on Sale in our Box Office!

 
 
Opening Night Is This Saturday,

MARCH 13, 2010

 For

 World Premiere of latest Wanzie-penned comedy:

 
 Opening Night Tickets Include

POST SHOW MEET & GREET RECEPTION

In the pool bar

With Complimentary
Hors d' Oeuvres

And, as always - free club cover for the remainder of the evening

 

STAY FOR SPECIAL GUEST HOSTESS
CAROL LEE
Emceeing the 10 PM & MIDNIGHT
FOOTLIGHT PLAYERS FEMALE IMPERSONATION SHOWS

FREE WITH YOUR PURCHASE OF A 55 WEST TICKET

FOR THAT SAME EVENING - SATURDAY, MARCH 13!

 

SELECT-A-SEAT NOW

(All Dates On Sale)

 
 
 

 ONE NIGHT ONLY! 

GRAB A GOOD SEAT RIGHT NOW
For Leslie's
ALL NEW
SHOW
 

Select-A-Seat Now!

 
 

LOOK WHO'S GETTING SKEWERED!

 $10 entry donations accepted only at the door for general admission seating on a first come, first served basis

 

For a donation of $25 you may request a specific reserved seat through our online box office, for which you will receive a confirmation:

 

Select-A-Seat NOW!

 
 

SELECT YOUR SEAT IN ADVANCE FOR THE MOST EXCITING
PAGEANT OF THE SEASON!
 

 
NOTE: You may purchase on-line tickets to multiple shows at the same time and pay only one transaction fee.

 

 

Tchotchkes Big & Small

 
 
A free marketplace for WANZeGRAM subscribers:
Subscribers are invited to submit items you wish to offer for sale in this complimentary-listing section. Non-business listings only. The WANZeGRAM accepts no responsibility for/takes no active role in the private transactions between sellers and buyers. Listings must include an item header, brief description of item, price, your name, and a means of contact. (Pictures optional / posted at our discretion.) Garage sales may also be listed here free of charge. PLEASE NOTE:  we at the WANZeGRAM do not advocate or encourage the exchange of funds other than in person after the buyer has inspected the item on offer. This is a local market place for our Central Florida Subscribers. We reserve the right to limit listings. The WANZeGRAM does not endorse any particular listing/seller, and the WANZeGRAM warrants no claims. 

Submit A Listing 

We've Got Mail!
 

We at the WANZeGRAM are always just as pleased as punch to receive, post, and answer our mail in this public forum. But it takes two to play!  Send your email to WANZIE!

Short Takes:
"John Biguenet, who wrote SHOTGUN, was hired by the New York Times after Hurricane Katrina to report on the flood, New Orleans, and the recovery efforts to rebuild the city. He is from New Orleans...his story is amazing...his play is stunning. He is a novelist and playwright with international acclaim...a new friend, an amazing writer. An astonishing man."
- David Lee
 
 
Submit YOUR Short Take directly to WANZIE at michael@wanzie.com.Be sure to type "Short Take" in the subject line. Short Takes submissions must be received no later than midnight on each Tuesday, for inclusion in the following Friday GRAM.  A strict limit of 30 words maximum is imposed. You must provide your first and last name, which will be printed following your submission. Your name will not figure into your word count. All postings will be at the sole discretion of the management team at the lovely WANZIE.com World Headquarters, with offices inconveniently located in Melbourne, and Lake Mary, Florida.
My Two Cents:
 
BIG VICTORY IN KISSIMMEE!
By Mary Thomson Hunt

The Kissimmee City Commission voted [this week] to offer domestic partner benefits to its employees. The effort was led by the openly-gay and very courageous Commissioner Cheryl Grieb, and supported by all of the Commissioners except Art Otero. 
 
You may recall that Commissioner Otero previously had wanted to add "In God We Trust" to the Kissimmee logo in order to send a message, among other things, that Kissimmee loves God and hates gays.  Orlando and others pummeled Mr. Otero, and squashed his effort. 
 
Kudos as well to Equality Florida for assisting Commissioner Grieb, and working hard behind the scenes to make this happen. 
 
Below is a link to a video piece run by Channel 13, and the written article they ran on the story.  (That's Equality Florida's Joe Saunders, The Center's Michael Vance, and Vicki and me in the picture watching the proceedings.)
 
Thank you to all of you who wrote and called the Kissimmee Commissioners to encourage them to support this.  Do the same now to thank them.  Go to the Equality Florida blog at this link to sign on to a collective group "thank you":
 
http://eqfl.blogspot.com/2010/03/victory-in-kissimmee.html
 
You may also email the Commissioners directly at:
 
'jswan@kissimmee.org'; 'jgemskie@kissimmee.org'; 'cgrieb@kissimmee.org'; 'cirizarry@kissimmee.org'; 'aeotero@kissimmee.org'
 
 

"Everybody has a heart.  Except some people." 

-- Bette Davis 

 
Submit YOUR TWO CENTS: My Two Cents submissions must be received no later than midnight on each Monday for possible inclusion in the next Friday GRAM. A strict limit of 350 words will be imposed. Please submit your column directly to WANZIE at michael@wanzie.com and kindly type "My Two Cents" in the subject line.
World in Brief Title
 

PARTY - St. Patrick's Day with Wanzie & Miss Sammy

On Wednesday, March 17th - Forget about Beach Blanket Bingo. Wanzie & Sammy will not be handling the balls. Instead, they'll be having a ball creating a special St. Patrick's Day-themed happy hour party just for you!

 

St. Patrick's Day

Irish Spring Party Games

 

Hosted by

Miss Sammy & Wanzie

 

Lots o' great prizes

 

Special Prize For Best St. Patty's Day Attire!

 

St. Patty's Happy Hour Drink Specials

poured by

Taylor, The Illustrated Bartender

 

Featuring

Susan's Irish Potato Famine Nosh

Baked Potato Bar

Plenty of Complimentary Baked Potatoes

For you to customize to your liking

 

Choose from

Butter    Chives   Bacon Bits

Cheddar Cheese   Chili

&

Shamrock-green Sour Cream

Wednesday, March 17

6 PM - 9 PM

Video Bar / The Parliament House

 

World in Brief Line

 
THEATER - In The Heights
Broadway Across America presentation of 2008 Tony Award Winning BEST MUSICAL. IN THE HEIGHTS is a sensational new show about chasing your dreams and finding your true home. With an amazing cast, incredible Tony Award-winning dancing, and a thrilling Tony Award-winning score, IN THE HEIGHTS is an exhilarating journey into a vibrant Manhattan community - a place where the coffee is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. Experience the next chapter of the classic American story at this most joyous, exciting, and award-winning new musical. Find out what it takes to make a living, what it costs to have a dream, and what it means to be home...
 

Through March 14, 2010

Tuesday through Thursday at 8 pm

Saturday, March 13 at 2 pm & 8 pm

Sunday, March 14 at 1 pm & 6:30 pm

 

 

Carr Performing Arts Centre

401 West Livingston Street

Orlando, FL 32801

 

$37-$68

 

Box Office: 407.849-2000 

Or
 

  
 World in Brief Line
 

SPECIAL EVENT - Philip Seymour Hoffman

Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman will be appearing live on stage, Saturday, April 10 at 7:30 PM at the John & Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center. In an "Inside the Actors Studio" type of interview, Jim Helsinger will talk to Hoffman about his career in film, theatre, and new plays.

 

Individual tickets are priced at $50, $75, & $100 with some student tickets available at $25. For further information and ticket purchase: 407.447.1700 / www.OrlanoShakes.org

 

World in Brief Line

 

THEATRE - CITIZEN EVE

A reading,under the direction of Kenny Howard. In this fascinating play centered around the writing of the film All About Eve, Orlando actress and WANZeGRAM fav Becky Fisher will once again assume the persona of Bette Davis, which she so amazingly embodied in the critically acclaimed Me And Jezebel, for which Fisher won The Lillie Stoates Award for Best Performance by an Actress in the 1997 Orlando theatrical season. Other familiar actors appearing in CITIZEN EVE include Becky's own husband and gifted performer in his own right, Joe Swanberg, the fabulous Frank McClain, the talented Alan Finic, luscious newcomer Michael Ealy, brassy & sassy Meagan Maroney, the always delectable Heather Leonardi, sultry Katherine Skelton in the role of Marylyn Monroe, and our own Wanzie in the role of Charles Foster Cane.

 

It's 1950 and Joe Mankiewicz is toiling and troubling over the script of "All About Eve." Enter the supernatural, and things get even bumpier. Enter Bette Davis and, well...fasten your seat belt!

 

Citizen Eve

By Scott Bibb & Jerry Rice

Directed by Kenny Howard

 

Sunday, April 4, 8 PM

Friday, April 9, 7:30 PM

 

Only $5:

OrlandoShakes.org

 

This event is part of

 

 

April 2 - 11, 2010

 

PlayFest is a ten-day theater event packed with dynamic new plays and new play programming for anyone who loves great theater!

 

The complete schedule of events, the dates, times, prices, and ticket purchasing are all now available by logging onto

OrlandoShakes.org

 

ALSO

 

This is the final weekend for

HAMLET & ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL

 

Orlando Shakes / Margeson Theater

812 E. Rollins Street

Loch Haven Park

Orlando, FL 32803

 

$16 - $38:

 

407.447.1700

http://www.orlandoshakes.org

World in Brief Line

THEATER - The Fantasticks
Aaron Babcock directs this record-breaking musical, which features the song "TRY TO REMEMBER" (that kind of September). At the heart of The Fantasticks' breathtaking poetry and subtle theatrical sophistication is a purity and simplicity that transcends all cultural barriers. The result is a timeless fable of love that manages to be nostalgic and universal at the same time. Featuring; Adam Shorts Boarman, Lorelei Sandberg, Joe Schmerler, Doug Boarman Shorts, Wesley Speed, Larry Stallings, Charlie Stevens, and Dave West. 

February 12 thru March 13
Thursday, Friday, & Saturdays: 8 PM
Sunday Matinees - February 14 & 28: 2:30 PM
THEATRE DOWNTOWN
2113 N. Orange Ave
(At Princeton)
Orlando, FL   32804
 
$15-$18: 407.841.0083
NOTE: The first Thursday night performance all Theatre Downtown productions are priced at only $10 

Coming Attractions:

 

Upcoming events which are not listed elsewhere in this edition of your WANZeGRAM. Please note that only opening dates are indicated.  Some events may have extended runs. Please check with the venue for additional information.

 
A comprehensive listing of most performance venues in Central Florida, including web links and phone numbers for ticketing, may be accessed if you simply CLICK HERE
 

TONIGHT March 12 STOMP -King Center

March 15   CRAIG FURGESON - Hard Rock Live!
March 19  WINTER PARK SIDEWALK ART FESTIVAL - Park Ave/Central Park
March 26  LEWIS BLACK  Hard Rock Live!

 

April 4  LISA LAMPANELLI  Hard Rock Live!

Now Playing:

 
Ongoing attractions currently being presented which are not featured elsewhere in this edition of your WANZeGRAM 
 

Through May 3 - INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL - Epcot

Through April 17 - MARDI GRAS - Universal Studios

Through March 21 - WITHOUT A TRACE: Artists Imagine a World Without Us
- Orlando Museum of Art
Fridays 10PM - MAMA'S COMEDY SHOW - Sleuth's
Performing Arts Reservation Links & Numbers:
 
Our companion website - WANZIE.com - is pleased to host a permanent listing of Central Florida theatrical & concert venues, as well as most area performing arts companies, with phone numbers and web links for ticketing and reservations. If you are interested in any event listed in the sections directly above, you may quickly access venue/ticketing information when you CLICK HERE.
 
A Note From Wanzie:
 

As of this writing, I am officially endorsing Commissioner Linda Stewart for Mayor of Orange County.

 

 

 

And now Orange County Mayoral Candidate

 

I am also pleased to have included Commissioner Stewart in the dialogue of my newest play, 55 WEST.

 

I hope to see many of you at the opening night performance tomorrow night followed by a reception in the pool bar. Carol Lee is guest hosting the Footlight Players shows that evening.

 

Then I hope you will consider joining Miss Sammy and me for our special St. Patrick's Day party and games, which will replace Beach Blanket Bingo on Wednesday, March 17 at the PH.

 

BTW - Those new commercials for FUN SPOT amusement parks are enough to make me not want to ever go there.

 

Doug and I did go to see IN THE HEIGHTS, however. Great set - and the best touring cast I've seen at Bob Car in years! High energy and great singing, and extraordinary choreo from beginning to end. Highly recommend it.

 

Thanks to everyone who made my birthday so swell by coming out last Saturday night.

 

Much appreciated. 

 

Finally, I am delighted to invite you to visit our all new companion website, which just launched yesterday morning, dedicated entirely to the Footlight Theatre and Footlight Cabaret Lounge. The amazingly talented and incredibly giving Mr. Doug Fish created it all from start to finish, simply because he loves the venue - especially Sunday Piano Sing-A-Long/Open Mic Parties with Kelly Richards where Doug and his husband, Richard, have long assumed the roles of unofficial hosts. Not only did Doug design the new website, but he is also the talent behind the beautiful art deco make-over of both our theatre and the lounge. He's done an amazing job, and we at Wanzie Presents can't thank him enough.

And now I proudly give you...

www.footlighttheatre.com 

 

I'm WANZIE and That's REALLY All I Wrote!
 


 
Wanzie Signature Photo
 email me 
 
2009 Wave Award Winner for Favorite Local Spiritual Leader
 
 
Safe Unsubscribe
This email was sent to gbungart@gmail.com by michael@wanzie.com.
wanzie.com | 2709 Teak Place | Lake Mary | FL | 32746