Always Serving
 
Pizza   Onion Rings   Fries   Cheese Sticks   Mushrooms
 
Beer    Wine    Full Liquor
 
Every Day's an Occasion at Stonewall Neighborhood Bar!

 
741 W. Church Street
Orlando, FL   32805
 
407.373.0888

     

 

This is an invitation to ALL Central Florida artists to participate in a unique holiday project experiment.  Given the current state of the economy, many of us are finding it challenging enough just to make ends meet, keep a roof over our heads, and food on our tables.  The giving of gifts only adds to the stress of the upcoming holiday season.  So, it is in that spirit that we invite you to participate in the Orlando Artists Holiday Project 2009.

 

This is it in a nutshell: We've set up a space at WANZIE.com  that will serve as host to the project. The idea is to pool all of the local talent and create as many holiday performances as possible, contributing to the overall project.  What we're talking about here is electronic files, be it audio, video, or graphics arts, all uploaded to the main library.  Once you've made a submission to the library, you'll have total access to the library and be able to download other pieces for your own use.  The thought is that you could select from a collection of holiday songs, radio plays, monologues, videos, podcasts, artwork, and create your own multimedia CD or DVD, suitable for gift-giving.  We want graphic artists to contribute their works for cover-art.  We want singers, actors, anyone and any idea that you can think of, to participate. The more involved, the better the overall project.

 

But we'd also like to use this opportunity to thank our audiences who find their way to the theaters, clubs, galleries, and other entertainment venues, for their continued support.  While participating artists can gain access to the library and create as many different collections of holiday performances as they like, the library will not be accessible to anyone else.  This gives you exclusive time to provide unique gifts for your family, friends, and colleagues. To thank our audience members, we'll post one download online for free, each night beginning on Dec. 11th (the first night of Hanukah), and right through to Christmas Day. Then, on the morning of December 25th, the library will be open to all our arts supporters as a special gift of appreciation.  We would like to get as many of the celebrated holidays represented, so please share your own personal holiday celebration.

 

The website is ready to go, and we'll begin uploading files on Monday, November 30th. Once you make a contribution to the library, you'll gain access for your own viewing.  Some of you may already have holiday recordings, in which case you need only upload it or them to participate.  There's no limit on how much you may participate. There's a message board where you can communicate with others in the community, share ideas, find fellow artists or technical folks, and more.  If you can help record, post your email.  If you need other actors, make a note in the message board. All participants will be able to participate in the project.  We've posted links to script libraries as well, where you can find radio play scripts, perfect for audio recordings.  Just about anything that you can think of.  Check it out and share your ideas.

 

http://wanzie.com/holiday_project_2009

 

The more participation - the better the project!  Please pass this information and link to your fellow artistic friends.

 

Contact Rich Charron (rich@WANZIE.com) if you have any questions or concerns.

 

Check out the website and get started today!

 

Imagine Wanzie narrating the Dickens' holiday classic while all the stars of the show (some living, some dead) refuse to completely divest themselves of their Hollywood and Broadway personas.

 

Inappropriate in manner and dress, the egocentric celebs attempt to portray Dickens-era Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Jacob Marley, and the ghosts of Christmases past, present, and future.

 

Imagine
Liza Minneli
as
Tiny Tim!

 

Savor
Barbara Streisand
as
The Ghost of Christmas Future!

 

Picture
Marley Matlin
as
Cratchit

 

Dream of
Jake Gyllenhall

 

as
SCROOGE!

 

And you begin to get the idea.

 

This most unique and downright hilarious production is being billed as - 

 

"A Dickens - Inspired
Celebrity Cavalcade
Holiday Spectacle"

 

 

But what happens when one of the spectacle's advertised headliners* is a no-show and the talent agency sends an un-rehearsed aging Broadway legend as a last minute stand-in who arrives just seconds before the Footlight Theatre curtain rises on  

 

Will Wanzie be able to narrate the show AND direct the confused stand-in at the same time?

 

And how do confetti-throwing Rip Tailor and Muppet Miss Piggie fit into this period piece?

 

What happens when the celebrity performers start competing for the spotlight during the musical numbers?

 

Wait!

 

Musical numbers?

 

Yes - MUSICAL NUMBERS!

 

We told you - It's a SPECTACLE! 

 

The answers to above questions will only become known to you when you attend

coming to the Footlight Theater just in time for the PH's Annual Light Up The Courtyard event, on Saturday, December 5, 2009, with additional performances on Saturdays, December 12, 19, and 26at 8 PM.

 

There will also be a Special Industry Night Performance on Monday, December 14, also at 8 PM.

 

In addition to the many living and dead celebs, such as Babs, Lucy, and ELVIS, all of whom will be appearing in the show, this production also exploits the talents of

 

CAROL LEE    MISS SAMMY

 

GIDGET GALORE

 

WANZIE       DOUG WHITE

 

And Master Puppeteer
DOUG BA'ASER

 

"God Help Us, Every One!"

 

Tickets are now on sale ($12 Saturdays / $10 Monday) for all show dates, exclusively for WANZeGRAM subscribers. 

 

Select-A-Seat NOW, ahead of the formal announcements in the print media, by logging onto the WANZIE.com Online Box Office.

 

This production is sponsored through the generosity of David Dorman - REALTOR ® To The Stars - Advertising Patron of Live Theater in Central Florida - And Program Underwriter for Wanzie Presents guest productions at the Footlight Theatre.

 

 

 

This show is being produced in association with D Squared Productions, an Orlando-based, full-service event production company which specializes in corporate events and shows, atmosphere characters, mascot and costume design and fabrication, theme park entertainment, set design and construction, stilt walkers, dancers, and now - live theater! 

 

*The misspelling of the names of certain living celebrities in the above article concerning Wanzie's GLITTERING STAR STUDDED A CHRISTMAS CAROL are intentional due to legal reasons.  Please be advised that all advertised celebrities are subject to impersonation and/or change without notice.

 

 

 

 

A TUNA CHRISTMAS 
 

Seminole Community College
Fine Arts Theatre
100 Weldon Boulevard
Sanford, Florida  32773
Thursday - Saturday
December 10, 11, & 12 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 13 at 2 PM.
General $12 / Students & Seniors $10:  407.708.2040
 
 

FOOTLIGHT LOUNGE ANNUAL HOLIDAY SING-A-LONG:

 

 

 

Now Playing Nightly Through December 30 

Times:   5:00 PM     6:45 PM     8:15 PM
 

Performances are FREE with regular Epcot park admission
 
 
MICHAEL ANDREW SWINGIN' CHRISTMAS 2009:

 

 

Michael Andrew, The Atomic Big Band, and the Park Avenue Dancers 
Friday, December 18th at 2:3 PM & 8:30 PM
Saturday, December 19th at 4 PM & 8:30 PM
 
The Plaza Theatre
425 N. Bumby Ave.
Orlando, FL 32803-6027
407.228.1220
 
COMEDY WHERE?HOUSE Holiday-Time Reunion Show
Comic improvisers who were all displaced from their comedic jobs when that 'Island of Pleasure' place closed down an attraction having something to do with a Warehouse and Comedy. They'll all be there at the Footlight Theatre to entertain and involve you during this yuletide season:

 

The Comedy Where?House Show
At The Parliament House Resort
 
Sundays, Dec. 20, 27, and Jan. 3 at 6 PM!
 
The Footlight Theatre
410 N. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, Florida   32805
 
Admission:
 
December 20:
Only $10 PLUS an unwrapped toy for Toys For Tots
 
December 27 & January 3:
$15
 
Select-A-Seat Tickets will go on sale through the WANZIE.com online box office beginning Friday, December 11 at 6 AM
 

 

A Christmas Carol:

 

 

 

Theatre Downtown's Annual Production
A traditional staging of the full-length script adapted from Dickens' classic novel.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
 

November 27 - December 21
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays: 8 PM
Sundays, November 29, December 6, 13, & 20: 2:30 PM
Final Performance - Monday, December 21: 8PM
 

Theatre Downtown
2113 N. Orange Ave
Orlando, Florida   32804
$18 Adult/$15 Student & Senior:
407.841.0083

 

 

Wanzie,
 
I REALLY want to go on your cruise in April 2010.  However, I can't seem to find a roommate.  Do you know of any spinsters out there who want to go but don't yet have anyone to share a stateroom with?  I need to get away for awhile. I've been designing poster after poster with no end in sight!  By the way...who designs the posters for your shows?
 
Thanks!
Drew Sizemore
 
 
Dear Drew (And Attention THOMAS FINCANNON),
 
I will certainly put the word out that you are a single would-be WANZeGRAM group cruiser justifiably wanting to avoid paying the huge "singles supplement" by rooming with a like minded individual in order to make cruising as a single an affordable proposition.
 
As far as my posters are concerned, with regards to the current Christmas Spectacle, I believe Drew Drew This!
 
Wanzie
 
 
 
Dear Subscribers (And Attention THOMAS FINCANNON),
 
If you are interested in joining me aboard the world's largest cruise ship for our group sailing in April - but don't have a travel companion to qualify for the double occupancy rate - by all means write and tell me so, and/or contact Drew Sizemore ASAP, and make arrangements to share a cabin with one of The Parliament House's most involved employees who many of you may also recognize as the House Manager/usher for most shows at the Footlight Theater.
 
You may contact Drew by email:  dsizemore76@aol.com
 
See you onboard!
 
Wanzie

 

"We want to thank everybody for voting for us in the last Wave Awards for the Greatest Straight Ally to the Local LGBT community.  It was an honor to receive 2nd place.  Congratulations to our friend and candidate for Orange County Mayor, Commissioner Linda Stewart, on her first place win."
- Jack & Margo Dixon

"I'd rather be strongly wrong than weakly right."

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.

HUNTING FOR SARAH PALIN
By Jack Dixon
 
 

While I was in Alaska recently, I couldn't resist going to Sarah Palin's hometown of Wasilla, just a short drive from Anchorage.  I wanted to see if I could spot Sarah, or at least a moose.
 
Coming into town, you see the famous "Welcome to Wasilla" sign:

 

Next, I stopped by the visitor's center looking for Sarah:

 

Note, the visitor's center was closed.  I guess they don't get many visitors during the winter.
 
Next, as a result of her famous Katie Couric interview, I knew that Sarah was an avid reader, so I went by the library to see if she was there:

 

Note, it was closed, too.  I guess she doesn't read much during the winter.

 

So, next I headed over to the Chamber of Commerce.  Surely she would be there.

Note, it is the "Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce;" I didn't observe a lesser one anywhere on my travels.  On the more panoramic view of the center, you will notice that the Chamber of Commerce building is a converted railroad depot.

One cannot also help noticing that the Wasilla railroad sign is substantially crooked.  I guess sign verticality isn't high on the maintenance list for "Greater Wasilla."  Anyway, the Chamber of Commerce was also closed, and Sarah was not there, either.

 

So, I gave up looking for her and went to the espresso drive thru:

I never did see Sarah...Maybe next time. 

 

I was in Alaska for 7 days and never saw a moose either, nor was moose on any menu in any of the restaurants at which I dined.  I suppose half-term quitter Governor Facebook and the First Dude have eaten them all.  I did eat reindeer twice, so as a result, Christmas Eve toy deliveries will probably be delayed while Santa tries to find replacements.

 

The high temperature while I was in Anchorage and Wasilla was 7 degrees.  I later moved north to Fairbanks where the daytime temperature was a balmy 12 degrees below zero with nighttime temperatures hovering around 21 degrees below zero.  So, if you intend to visit Alaska in the winter, don't forget to take your swimming gear.

 

Oh yes, I should also mention, I visited several book stores shortly after Sarah's new book was released, and saw no one buying it.  Let's see, what was the name of the book, "Altered Reality"?

 

Jack Dixon is an Orlando-based Rocket Scientist who often takes advantage of money-saving last minute Expedia deals to travel to out of season points of interest. Jack would like all subscribers to note - "My wife Margo, the - Official WANZeGRAM Photographer - was not with me in Alaska, so I should get credit for taking the pictures." 

 

 

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.

 

THEATER - RENT

 

A List of Coming and Ongoing Attractions, which are not featured elsewhere in your current WANZeGRAM

 

ONGOING / NOW PLAYING

 

I am pleased as punch to report that once again I was honored to receive the WAVE (Watermark Award for Variety & Excellence)naming me ORLANDO'S FAVORITE SPIRITUAL LEADER 2009.
 
I was also both shocked and pleased to win the Award for ORLANDO'S FAVORITE GLBT BLOG, which is, in part, attributable to everyone who helps me get this gram into your in box and posted online every week. So this award I share with Val & Gary Bungart, Jeff Kern, and Rich Charron, whose idea it was to launch the WANZIE.com web site and to start sending out the weekly WANZeGRAM to begin with. I love and appreciate them all.
 
WATERMARK - Central Florida's GLBT newspaper, presents the annual awards in accordance with votes cast by its readers.
Look for complete coverage of the awards, from party photos to profiles of winners, in the upcoming 16.24 issue of Watermark, on newsstands starting right after Thanksgiving.
 
I would like to offer my congratulations to other WANZeGRAM subscriber/friend winners in our immediate area here in Orlando who walked off with first place trophies:
 
Greatest Unsung Hero
Jeff Horn
 
Favorite Local LGBT Writer
Billy Manes, Orlando Weekly
 
Favorite Place for a First Date
Funky Monkey Wine Company
 
Favorite Upscale Restaurant
Funky Monkey Wine Company
 
Favorite Local Non-Bar Hangout
Pom Pom's Teahouse and Sandwicheria
 
Favorite Local LGBT Annual Event
Come Out With Pride
 
Favorite New LGBT Business
Stonewall Neighborhood Bar
 
Favorite LGBT Happy Hour
Stonewall Neighborhood Bar
 
Favorite Place for Karaoke
Stonewall Neighborhood Bar
 
Favorite Local Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor
Tony Edge
 
Favorite Local Hotel/B&B
EO Inn

Best Local Spa
EO Inn

Favorite Local Realtor
David Dorman, Century 21
 
Favorite Local Florist
Forever Young

Favorite Local Bookstore
Urban Think

Favorite Framing Shop/Place to Buy Art
Framing of Central Florida

Favorite Casual Restaurant
Hamburger Mary's
 
Favorite Restaurant for Breakfast/Brunch
Brian's
 
Favorite LGBT Bar/Club
Parliament House
 
Favorite Cruise Bar
Parliament House
 
Favorite Local Bartender/Server
Steven Watkins, Stonewall
 
Favorite Local Drag Performer
Miss Sammy
 
Favorite Local Stage Performer
Doug Bowser

Favorite Local LGBT Dancer
Blue

Favorite LGBT Comedian
Jeff Jones
 
Favorite Music Venue
Hard Rock Live!

Most LGBT-Friendly Local Workplace
Walt Disney World

Local I'd Like to See in a Watermark Centerfold
Doug Bowser...
 
...And so you shall see Doug as a centerfold model! Pick up the next issue of WATERMARK due out today or tomorrow (just a tad late due to Thanksgiving), and you will see that on the heels of his win, Doug was whisked away to a photo shoot where he did, indeed, pose for the Centerfold of this week's issue of WATERMARK.
 
In this week's issue you will find a more complete listing of all the winners, as well as several up-close and personal mini-interviews or articles spotlighting select winners.
 
In Central Florida the WAVE Awards were presented in a beautifully posh Park Avenue venue, hosted by Carol Lee and Jeff Jones. The event was attended by a virtual glitterati of local so and so's:

 

 
Photos courtesy of Margo Dixon - official WANZeGRAM Photographer

 

A good time was had by all.
 
Thanks go out to Watermark owner Tom Dyer, and manager Rick Claggett, and the entire Watermark staff for producing such a lovely event.
 
I am pleased to report that there were no riots this year when I received my Spiritual Leader Award.
 
(Happy Birthday, VAL) 
 
(Give a DIVA-mat to the Diva on your Christmas-gift list this year) - http://beckyfisher.net/divamat/

 

I'm WANZIE and That's All I Wrote!

 

 email me