Gregory G. Allen's Blog, page 3

Adding to the Boys and Bands on Broadway

I recently blogged about shows doing out of town tryouts before getting ripped apart by New York critics. Last night a show opened that pretty much got shredded by them. Some shows, for some reason, have people sharpening knives before it arrives...especially people on a certain theater forum. Gettin' the Band Back Together has been worked on for years and did their out of town tryout in New Jersey...which makes sense for a show about 40-somethings in New Jersey reliving their high school days by reviving their old band. Yes, it's an original musical. No, it's not totally an original story. But as a writer...I can attest that not many ideas ARE original. Boy meets girl. Boy loses girl. Boy wins girl back has been told over and over.

The creative team behind this show also came to NY when there were numerous shows with either band or boy in the title. So it instantly causes confusion when discussing it. Then the lead producer is also the book writer. So that makes critics sit up and get ready to give the man a lesson in their review.

Here's the thing: I enjoyed myself when I saw the show last week. And I truly expected to hate it because of what I was reading and hearing. Yes, there are holes in the story. Yes, it feels like the women are there just for the men to gain a prize. Yes, there is a Jewish rap song. But there is also a lot of comedy. Some true heart for anyone who has tried to chase after something in life. And some hum-able songs. I stood in the lobby prior that night
listening to the cast album being piped in and thought: I actually like this music. So I'm not sure why people felt the need to tear it apart. I've seen some other shows already this season that I have NOT blogged about simply because I can't find anything nice to say about them.

I can with GTBBT. John Rando has turned what maybe should be an off-broadway show into a fun night for tourist: and let's face it - a LOT of tourist go to the theater. So the fact they talk to the audience first and cast members hand out rice krispy treats at intermission and this show uses (like every other show on Broadway now) confetti to show it's truly a party...so be it. It's giving the audience what they want. Much like the Oscars are planning with the Popular Film category this year. Sometimes what critics like and what audiences like are two different things. I'm not the target audience for this show...but this gay man can appreciate the bro-humor being thrown around in it and yes, I live in NJ so I laugh at some of the inside jokes. 

The cast is wonderful. They are committed 100 % to these characters...as loosely as they may be drawn. But an average audience member does NOT sit and evaluate character development or the fact the lead guy is missing his 11 o'clock number. Writers, composers, theater-insiders...we do that. 

So if you want to go out to dinner, get your drink on, and then go see a fun, easy show where you don't have to do much thinking...I'd pick Gettin' the Band Back Together over some other things currently playing. Just my 2 cents.

America Needs Dave

Sometimes it is great to see a show playing out of town before it hits Broadway in NYC. Creative teams get a chance to see what works, what doesn't before bringing it to NY for critics to rip apart. Back in the olden days, ALL shows would play out of town first. Luckily Arena Stage in Washington, DC still acts as a place for shows to work out the kinks. In the case of Dave the Musical, I hope they don't TOUCH the man playing Dave before it comes to NYC.
Based on the 1993 film with Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver where the president has a stroke and a look-a-like is put in his place, the musical has much more material in today's world to play into their story. Dave is now an Abe Lincoln obsessed history teacher who loses his teaching job and does small gigs as a presidential impersonator. Once the philandering president has a stroke while cheating on his wife, Dave must fool the country, and the first lady, all while balancing the president's agenda and his own moral compass. 
I am a huge fan of the movie and love what the late Thomas Meehan and Nell Benjamin have done with this book. They've plopped it right into 2018 with tweeting presidents and a divided country. Director Tina Landau has approached this piece (rightfully so) completely different from her last hit Sponge Bob The Musical and has created a show that makes you feel as if you're walking through the halls of the West Wing. 
I love the musical Next to Normal written by Tom Kitt, but his musical score on this show leaves me feeling "eh".  At intermission, I was calling the score serviceable and saying I'd be fine had it only been a play. Act II had more songs that seemed to stick with me...though some of the First Lady's songs sound like trunk tunes from Next to Normal. Mamie Parris is wonderful on all of her songs and could sing the phonebook and I'd be good. It's also great seeing Douglas Sills in such a wonderful role of the dastardly chief of staff...especially after his last thankless role on Broadway (which I won't mention here as I didn't like that show).
This show rest on the shoulders of the man playing Dave/Bill Mitchell. Same face, very different men. A juicy tour-de-force role for an actor to jump through hoops switching back and forth before president Mitchell has a stroke. Drew Gehling is absolutely marvelous. Many know him from Waitress on Broadway, but man this guy must stay with this show and let his career take off even more. He's Jimmy Stewart, insert favorite leading man here, and excellent comedian all rolled into one. His earnestness is palpable from the stage. Adorable as a guy getting to 'play' being president. And moving on some of the moments that call into question the morality of it all. This is why I started with the creative team NEEDS to keep Drew attached to this project.
There are some other things that should be addressed before it moves and hopefully they will learn that from this out of town run. An awkward moment of wondering if we should stand for the National Anthem (even though the singer is poking fun) and an act 2 dream sequence that needs to be replaced with a meaningful song for Dave about his favorite president....not to be visited by past presidents which takes the show in a completely wrong turn.
That said...I enjoyed this show more than some that I've seen in New York the past few years. Perhaps the score would grow on me in time, but for now - the direction, book, and lead actor made it all worth my trip down to our nation's capital to see it. Perhaps I relate a little too much as I'm an Abe Lover too. 

Inside My Crazy Process

I'm lucky to have a group of creative friends to bounce off ideas, point out things wrong in my projects, lift me up when I'm feeling useless, assist me along my creative journeys.
There are times when I think I'm not accomplishing things and for this Aries...that's very important. I look at other creative endeavors people are doing and wonder why I can't get mine into the hands of people to help make things happen. Then I remind myself: people won't find you sitting in your living room. We must MAKE things happen by putting ourselves out there. Submitting our work. Sharing what we're doing with as many people as possible.
That's what I'm doing with my latest passion project. On January 1st, I wrote on Social Media that I wanted something to happen with my project Hiding in Daylight . 7 months ago, I wasn't sure where that would lead - but it has. I'm proud of where I am with it now. I'm excited what's to come. Due to the subject matter, I know there is a clock ticking on this project. I HOPE that clock ticks the other way, but we never know when it comes to social injustice and inequality what can happen. I do know I want to share this story in as many mediums as possible to get the LGBTQ community (and those outside of it) talking about what is happening within our group today. My hope being we all pay attention, take action, so that a dystopian tale about life AFTER a gay purge will never take place.
So when I'm feeling inept in my process, sometimes it's great to reflect on what IS happening and the amazing people assisting that dream.
To the friends who gathered around my table last fall to read the first draft of this project - thank you.
To all the theaters, community centers, random LGBT people around the country who have read the one act play version of the play while deciding if they can use this play as a tool - thank you.
To the groups who have used it as a reading to start a conversation in your own area (NJ, Florida, Texas) - thank you.
To the amazing WOW FILMS who said in January they really wanted to do the short film version of this play and over the months we've managed to put together producers & financing, and are now in pre-production to shoot in September - thank you.
To those executive producers who believe in this story - this mission and jumped in with financing to get us started - thank you.
To those continuing to make a tax deductible donation towards this film as there will be more cost in post production and getting this film into festivals - thank you.
To groups considering the solo version of the play as a strong way of telling this story (I'll be doing it myself later this month at an event at SAGE in NYC) - thank you.
There is much going on with this project and much more than can (and I believe WILL) happen and I'm grateful to each person that helps along the way. Sometimes we need to be the instigator to make our art happen. It just takes one person to believe in us to take us to that next step. But if you never put it out there, you'll never connect with that person and you'll never know.

Six Month Report

Nov 2016 & June 2018I can't believe it's been six months since I started this weight loss/fitness/get healthy journey. Some days it feels it's been a lot longer and others, I feel it was just Christmas yesterday and I was petting my Santa belly.
I figured it would be a good time to blog about the good, bad, and ugly of this journey. I'm always quick to throw in the disclaimer that I've tried this before and failed, but I honestly believe things are very different this time.
1) I lost weight quickly. Almost too quickly at 10 pounds a month for 4 months. 2) I've hit a plateau. The past two months I've been sitting around 47/48 pounds lost. Scales won't change. Clothes feel different due to my exercise, but the scales are not my friend.3) Every day is a battle for me. I've had food issues my entire life. It doesn't change just because you decide to do something like this. So yes, while social media may appear all is great when I post photos - it's tough.4) Speaking of social media: yes, people losing weight/transforming their bodies take lots of selfies. Sorry. It's part of it. I understand those that talk about me behind my back or just stopped following me. I have theory we do that for a few reasons (or at least my reasons):
We can't believe the difference and want to inspire others.We can't SEE the difference in the mirror and need comparison shots to see for ourselves and to motivate us to keep going.We're damn proud of the changes and yes...there may be some bragging involved. (If I looked like "insert hot actor here" - I'd probably run around butt naked!)
5) The fact the scales stopped moving meant I added more cardio (calorie burning) to my routine. Hoping that would get those scales to move. The past two weeks I've often doubled my 5k powerwlk to a 10K.6) Yes...I cheat. Most people on a diet/change in eating plan do. If they say they're not: chances are they are lying.7) I'm still obese. Thank you for the comments about being so slim, but according to the BMI Chart, I need to lose another 15 pounds to just be in the overweight category. (However, there is this new smart calculator that says I'm already overweight as they take more things into account and not just height/weight.) So my goal now is OVERWEIGHT & not obese! ;-) 8) I feel BETTER than I've felt in years. I feel healthier. I have tons more energy. I don't run out of breath climbing a staircase. 9) Notice you've yet to see me in a photo shirtless. There is a reason. Lots hiding underneath the clothes. Lots I still need to tone & handle with working out...which leads to... Before with Amazingly Supportive Hubby10) The next phase: joining a gym. I was petrified just walking in the place this week. But I managed to do an hour long spin class...and survived. The today, I had an hour with a person trainer and I have to say: it was amazing! Now I get why gym people seem like they are part of an endorphin cult. I left today feeling high as a kite...and yes: joined the gym and signed up to have more sessions with Rob. (I can already feel I'm gonna be sore...but it's a good sore!) Like any relationship you develop, working with a trainer HAS to be the right fit: and this was. Rob is a cool guy just a little younger than I am that completely got what I'm trying to accomplish. Worked me really well this first hour and talked to me the whole time so I'd forget I was working out. We learned about each other and I felt completely comfortable in his exercise arms. (Wait...that sounds really weird, but you know what I meant.) We talked about our families, hobbies - and even a personal favorite of mine: Vodka. Who else can say they do that with their personal trainer? :-)  Thanks, Crunch Gym! Thrilled to add you to the next leg of my journey.

And for all of those friends being so supportive of me when they see me or see one of my many selfies....I truly appreciate it. It takes a village to turn this couch potato into something that resembles his former self. Let's see what the next six months will bring. 

My 2018 Tony Award Picks

Here we go again…the Broadway Super Bowl is this Sunday and I have my picks for the big theater game! I looked back on my blogs and noticed I didn’t review as many shows. I’ve seen all the musical contenders (and some of the plays), but unfortunately I wasn’t very blown away this season by what was offered; so I chose to stay silent. But still – my picks for the upcoming Tony Awards. (Apologies for the lines running through this. Wrote it in WORD & did a cut/paste. No time to fix it now.)

Best Play"The Children" by Lucy Kirkwood
"Farinelli and the King" by Claire van Kampen
"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two" by Jack Thorne
"Junk" by Ayad Akhtar
"Latin History for Morons" by John Leguizamo While I’m not seeing it until next month – I’m going with Mr. Potter on this one.Best Musical "The Band's Visit"
"Frozen"
"Mean Girls"
"Spongebob SquarePants: The Musical"I’m pulling for The Band’s Visit. I get it was too artsy for many that saw it, but in this case…I want art to win out over commercialism. (Too harsh?)Best Revival of a Play"Angels in America" by Tony Kushner
"Edward Albee's Three Tall Women" by Edward Albee
"Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh" by Eugene O'Neill
"Lobby Hero" by Kenneth Lonergan
"Travesties" by Tom StoppardI have a feeling it’s the year of the Angel. Best Revival of a Musical "My Fair Lady"
"Once on this Island"
"Rodgers & Hammersteins' Carousel"I really want Once on this Island to win…but I think it will go to the fairest of the ladies.Best performance by an actor in a leading role in a playAndrew Garfield, "Angels in America"
Tom Hollander, "Travesties"
Denzel Washington, "The Iceman Cometh"
Jamie Parker, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child"
Mark Rylance, "Farinelli and the King"I think NY may think Hollywood in this category (plus it’s an amazing role) so I’m saying Andrew Garfield.Best performance by an actress in a leading role in a playGlenda Jackson, "Edward Albee's Three Tall Women"
Condola Rashad, "Saint Joan"
Lauren Ridloff, "Children of a Lesser God"
Amy Schumer, "Meteor Shower"Miss Jackson if you’re nasty.Best performance by an actor in a leading role in a musicalHarry Hadden-Paton, "My Fair Lady"
Joshua Henry, "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel"
Tony Shalhoub, "The Band's Visit"
Ethan Slater, "Spongebob SquarePants The Musical"I saw them all and each definitely have much to offer, but Harry Hadden-Paton gave me a Higgins that I didn’t know existed. REALLY want him to win.Best performance by an actress in a leading role in a musical Lauren Ambrose, "My Fair Lady"
Hailey Kilgore, "Once on this Island"
Lachanze, "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical"
Katrina Lenk, "The Band's Visit"
Taylor Louderman, "Mean Girls"
Jessie Mueller, "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel" So many names in this category and I saw them all. In my opinion, a few don’t belong…but no need to be catty. I really want to see the youngest in the bunch take home the trophy. Go, Hailey Kilgore!Best book of a musicalItamar Moses, "The Band's Visit"
Jennifer Lee, "Frozen"
Tina Fey, "Mean Girls"
Kyle Jarrow, "SpongeBob Squarepants: The Musical"Shocking to some that know me, I’m saying Kyle Jarrow for creating a clever book that speaks to young and old.Best original scoreAdrian Sutton, "Angels in America"
David Yazbek, "The Band's Visit"
Kristin Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, "Frozen"
Jeff Richmond and Nell Benjamin, "Mean Girls"
Various artists, "Spongebob SquarePants: The Musical" While I really like how all the various artists of Spongebob pulled off a coherent score (thank you Tom Kitt) – I’d like to see David Yazbek win for a truly unique sounding score.Best performance by an actor in a featured role in a play Anthony Boyle, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two"
Michael Cera, "Lobby Hero"
Brian Tyree Henry, "Lobby Hero"
Nathan Lane, "Angels in America"
David Morse, "Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh"My guess is Mr. Lane will be taking home another Tony.Best performance by an actress in a featured role in a playSusan Brown, "Angels in America"
Noma Dumezweni, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two"
Deborah Findlay, "The Children"
Denise Gough, "Angels in America"
Laurie Metcalf, "Edward Albee's Three Tall Women"For me, Laurie Metcalf can do no wrong & deserves this after losing another job this season.Best performance by an actor in a featured role in a musicalNorbert Leo Butz, "My Fair Lady"
Alexander Gemignani, "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel"
Grey Henson, "Mean Girls"
Gavin Lee, "SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical"
Ari'el Stachel, "The Band's Visit"This is tough as I have some truly favorite people in this category (and some new favorites after this season), but Alexander Gemignani was my favorite part of this revival and I loved what he gave us. Best performance by an actress in a featured role in a musical Ariana DeBose, "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical"
Renée Fleming, "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel"
Lindsay Mendez, "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel"
Ashley Park, "Mean Girls"
Diana Rigg, "My Fair Lady"I question this category BIG TIME – but I’m going with Lindsay Mendez.
Best scenic design of a playMiriam Buether, "Edward Albee's Three Tall Women"
Jonathan Fensom, "Farinelli and The King"
Christine Jones, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two"
Santo Loquasto, "Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh"
Ian MacNeil and Edward Pierce, "Angels in America" Thinking Harry Potter’s magic may bring a win to Christine Jones.Best scenic design of a musicalDane Laffrey, "Once On This Island"
Scott Pask, "The Band's Visit"
Scott Pask, Finn Ross and Adam Young, "Mean Girls"
Michael Yeargan, "My Fair Lady"
David Zinn, "SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical" There were some great musical sets this year. I think I’m going with Mean Girls simply because it was fresh and different. Scott Pask is on to something in what he’s delivering to an audience in 2018.Best costume design of a play Jonathan Fensom, "Farinelli and The King"
Nicky Gillibrand, "Angels in America"
Katrina Lindsay, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two"
Ann Roth, "Edward Albee's Three Tall Women"
Ann Roth, "Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh" Katrina Lindsay for another Harry Potter win.Best costume design of a musicalGregg Barnes, "Mean Girls"
Clint Ramos, "Once On This Island"
Ann Roth, "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel"
David Zinn, "SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical"
Catherine Zuber, "My Fair Lady"Catherine Zuber is serving up MAJOR Fair Lady glamour!Best lighting design of a playNeil Austin, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two"
Paule Constable, "Angels in America"
Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer, "Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh"
Paul Russell, "Farinelli and The King"
Ben Stanton, "Junk"Gonna say another Potter win for Neil Austin.Best lighting design of a musicalKevin Adams, "SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical"
Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer, "Once On This Island"
Donald Holder, "My Fair Lady"
Brian MacDevitt, "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel"
Tyler Micoleau, "The Band's Visit"I’d love to see Once on this Island take this and give Fisher & Eisenhauer another trophy.Best sound design of a play Adam Cork, "Travesties"
Ian Dickinson for Autograph, "Angels in America"
Gareth Fry, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two"
Tom Gibbons, "1984"
Dan Moses Schreier, "Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh"Tom Gibbons, Tom Gibbons. It won’t happen as this show closed las summer – but WOW! The sound was so powerful. Best sound design of a musicalKai Harada, "The Band's Visit"
Peter Hylenski, "Once On This Island"
Scott Lehrer, "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel"
Brian Ronan, "Mean Girls"
Walter Trarbach and Mike Dobson, "SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical"I often have a problem hearing musicals, but Peter Hylenski made it effortless for Island.Best direction of a playMarianne Elliott, "Angels in America"
Joe Mantello, "Edward Albee's Three Tall Women"
Patrick Marber, "Travesties"
John Tiffany, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two"
George C. Wolfe, "Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh"John Tiffany (as I’m thinking Potter may get a lot of love).Best direction of a musicalMichael Arden, "Once On This Island"
David Cromer, "The Band's Visit"
Tina Landau, "SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical"
Casey Nicholaw, "Mean Girls"
Bartlett Sher, "My Fair Lady"Michael Arden. I’ve decided I want to see anything where his name is attached.Best choreography Christopher Gattelli, "My Fair Lady"
Christopher Gattelli, "SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical"
Steven Hoggett, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two"
Casey Nicholaw, "Mean Girls"
Justin Peck, "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel"Justin Peck. Sublime.Best orchestrationsJohn Clancy, "Mean Girls"
Tom Kitt, "SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical"
Annmarie Milazzo and Michael Starobin, "Once On This Island"
Jamshied Sharifi, "The Band's Visit"
Jonathan Tunick, "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel"Tom Kitt – he created magic with SpongeBob.

Pride Month: Coming Out Again

P-Town Pride Lazer InstallationIt's Pride Month and I started it out by celebrating at P-Town's first ever Pride. What an awesome weekend we had up on the cape. Truly wonderful to see so many out and proud people. Then I return as SCOTUS brings down a ruling on the infamous bakery who wouldn't bake a cake for a same sex couple. That prideful feeling turned into one of sorrow. (Yes, many people have pointed out LGBT people STILL have their rights, but I'm fearful of this slippery slope and worry daily of discrimination and bigotry becoming the norm in America.)
All of this has been on my mind since working on my latest project,  Hiding in Daylight . More thoughts about pride, fighting for our rights, making sure we stay on top of injustice...and not being frightened in the process.

I was frightened several years ago. Right as my autism awareness children's book was taking off, I attended the LGBT Book Fair in NYC. There I met a publisher who had interest in a manuscript I had been shopping to other publishers...and this one didn't want me to rewrite the ending as others had requested! I was so proud of that book when he published it. However, I made the decision to publish under a pen name because my new career as "children's book author traveling to schools" was taking off. The book went on to win the 2012 New England Book Festival for Best Gay Fiction, a second place winner in the 2012 Rainbow Awards for Mystery/Thriller, and was chosen among the best in LGBTQ Lit for 2012 by the Indie Reviewer. Those were incredible moments for any author...yet it KILLED me that all of that was under a pen name and I couldn't share any of those wonderful accolades with anyone.
I continued writing under that name and had two more books published: all of which are LGBT books. 
I'm not hiding any more. 
Google Drake Braxton - he did pretty darn well for a few years. Though I haven't written anything as him since 2013, it's bothered me that I could never take credit for those three books - the award-winning Missing was (I think) the best thing I've ever written. All from a dream of losing my incredible husband and it twisted and turned into this VERY twisty book. 
So, I'm coming clean this Pride Month. Out of the closet one more time. No more hiding. It goes against everything I discuss now as I talk about equality and standing up for ourselves. If a school decides to not hire me as a speaker due to my writings for my own community - there is nothing I can do about intolerance. I'm proud of what I've written as Drake. (Two are no longer in print as that publisher closed down, but Dreamspinner Press still has  Destiny on the Tracks  based on a time travel musical I wrote back in the 90s.) 
I apologize to friends and reviewers that I duped. I appreciate those few who held my secret. I read countless comments of people trying hard to figure out who Drake Braxton was and the reviews/comments on Goodreads over that first book were polarizing. (He had a vocal social media presence for a while, but it wore me out trying to keep the split personality going. I even interviewed myself at one point. CRAZY to just keep my secret and divide my two worlds as a writer.) 
From here on out, I write as myself and who knows...maybe there is more Drake inside of me that has stories to share. I happen to believe he's had a little to do with Hiding in Daylight. 
For now, I no longer have to be stumped when people ask me how many books I have published. I constantly have to subtract out Drake's. It's 4 novels, 3 shorts, and 3 children's books. I'm damn proud of them all...and proud to be a part of the LGBT community.

The Boys Are Back In Town

It's been fifty years since The Boys in the Band opened in New York City on April 14, 1968. Exactly 1 year and 1 day before I was born. What an impact this show had on the gay community of its time. What an impact it has had on generations to follow. Though it ran for over a year and became a film, it never made it to Broadway. Until openly gay producer Ryan Murphy decided it was time for the 50th anniversary. I applaud playwright Mart Crowley for putting this community front in center as the main characters of a play in a time BEFORE the Stonewall Riots. This was uncharted territory and the man should be praised for opening doors for so many gay stories to be told and gay playwrights to give themselves permission to write about this community. For all of that, I'm grateful and completely understand why it was important to revisit history especially in 2018 when things in the LGBT community are not that great.

I also understand the casting choices for this production. Ryan Murphy loves his Out Hollywood boys and will use them over and over in American Horror Story or anything else he's working on. To see such openly gay star power on Broadway (and bringing in the audiences) is a huge shot in the arm for this industry and for the LGBT community. Jim Parsons. Matt Bomer. Zachary Quinto. ALL of that is absolutely amazing and should be congratulated and praised over and over.
And now for my actual review of the first ever showing of The Boys in the Band on Broadway brought to us by the always-working-director Joe Mantello. I left feeling upset and uncomfortable. For those that don't know the show (and if you are part of the LGBT community, you should as many famous quotes from this script are still part of the gay lexicon today), here's a little synopsis. Michael throws a birthday party for his friend Harold, but his "straight" college friend drops into the middle of it. Hilarity ensues, right? Well, you may feel that way at first. So much comedy and laughs to start us off. So many 'stereotypes' are shown from the community (however, they probably weren't stereotypes at the time: Crowley introduced the world to them). Then as more people drink, more nastiness comes out. And what we have is a room of hateful, self-loathing, nasty queens taking jabs at each other. That's pretty much the show in a nutshell. 
Mart Crowley & '68 castUnfortunately, I've met gay men like this in real life and I'll admit, gay men are different when alone with each other than in mixed company. (May be a reason I prefer mixed company.) Here audiences get to peel back the curtain and watch. However, there is no love between these friends (except through Emory played wonderfully by Robin De Jesus). Tuc Watkins also brings a subtle performance to the role of bisexual Hank who I believed truly loves his partner Larry played by Andrew Rannells (who I usually am not a fan of, but worked in this...except that he felt too modern). 
Mart Crowley & 2018 cast & producerMuch is debated if this shows holds up in 2018. Yes. It does. To many, it feels like it could be happening now. However the production feels lost between the past and the present. Parts seem like it's 1968 and then certain performances (as mentioned above) or the lavish set feels more Ryan-Murphy-does-American-Horror-Story-on-Broadway. It didn't all jell to me. I appreciated ALL of the performances (though some get lost more than others), but I wasn't sure everyone was in the same play. Zachary Quinto truly is wonderful playing Harold. I would never expect this cute man to be cast in the role of the pockmarked face queen upset on losing his looks. Because he enters the party already high, his cadence, his pace is all completely different from everyone else. And he stays in the place his entire time on stage - never being thrown by what is happening around him. Complete dedication to this part. 
And then there is Mr. Parsons. One of the nicest people it seems in the business. I've seen him play God, the lead in Harvey, The Normal Heart - all on Broadway. He's just this really nice guy who plays a variation of Sheldon Cooper when you see him. (Nothing wrong with that.) Except that Michael, excuse my French, is an asshole. He is a nasty, self-hating man who wants to bring everyone down with him as he drinks. Not the person you want to be with at a party. Yes, for some reason, people are drawn to his magnetism and stay friends with him. I completely understand why Jim Parsons was cast in this role. One: he will be the reason butts are in seats. Two: he's likable so audiences will warm up to Michael before he shifts in the evening. But that's NOT the character and he's simply miscast. I actually would prefer to see Parsons and Quinto switch roles. THAT would have made for a better suited match.
All of that said, I'm still not a fan of the piece nor was a fan of the film. I appreciate the significance of it all for my beloved community. But I want to see men celebrating who they are and not hating themselves for being gay. In 2018, I truly hope we've passed that point. Even if people in high places want to see us all back in the closet.  

Importance of the Older LGBT Voice

This morning I watched the Amazon Prime Series After Forever written by Michael Slade and Kevin Spirtas which just premiered April 24. This beautifully told story of life, love, and loss is all the more poignant because the main characters (played by Spirtas and Mitchell Anderson) are in their 50s. They've lived their lives. They missed the entire app dating scene. The world has changed so much in ten years that if you got married prior to that and would need to start over now, there is much to learn. This series is 8 episodes (each about ten minutes) and are wonderfully and smartly directed by Jennifer Pepperman. Using the device of mixing the present with the past, we get a well-rounded account of the couple's lives as well as those who are near and dear to them in their circle of friends. (I highly recommend taking he hour and and half and watching them all in one sitting...with tissues!) 
It reminded me of earlier this month when I had a read thru of my upcoming play  Hiding in Daylight  which has four gay and lesbian characters of an "older age". This led to a discussion with my actors about the importance of sharing those stories as we all bring our background, our years, our knowledge to any situation we're in. For my play, the longevity of their relationships are important to the plot of having to return to the closet after a gay purge in this dystopian tale. If the characters were just coming into their own in their twenties, it would be an entirely different dynamic. I'm sure I think more about age because I want to tell and see stories about people my age. I look back at the books I've written, even the film script I wrote on the book Missing, and each of those usually spoke to whatever age I was at in my life at the time. It's important to write what you know, but it's also important to see stories that give the full spectrum of the LGBT community. Call Me By Your Name did very well at the movies, in part because people could relate to both ages of the main characters. I also applaud Gerald McCullouch for doing the same thing when he does films like Daddy . Sure, the name is tantalizing to get people's attention, but the story is heartfelt and represents a huge section of our community.   
I spent my twenties going to gay pride parades in NYC, watching the SAGE group walk by, and thinking how nice it was they existed - but that I wouldn't need them for years down the road. I recently went to their website to learn more. Interesting that this fall they have an event to combine the younger and older in our community to hear stories from the older ones. We need to cherish those stories. We need to listen to our elders. We need to learn.
As a disclaimer, I'm not saying people in their 50s are old...far from it! But those voices (and older) are so important to be part of the fabric of LGBT story-telling. So thankful to people like Michael Slade, Kevin Spirtas, and Gerald McCullouch for putting those stories front and center.  

Lessons Learned From Weight Loss Journey

Nutrisystem Bears for each 10 lbs LostI've been here before.
Getting into that mindset to lose weight happens to me every 3-4 years. I get good at doing it during that time. I start the eating plan that works for me (that's Nutrisystem), I go down some sizes in the multiple size store hanging in my closet, and I start to feel good about it. Then about 6 months go by and I slowly head back the other way. 
That's my norm. I'm used to it and I think my body is as well.
10 lbs each month





What I hope/feel/believe is different in 2018 is I don't want to be on a diet. I want to change how I view food, how I view  getting up and moving, how I view healthy choices.
I'll be the first to admit I know that averaging 10 pounds a month of weight loss is fast. I do believe it will slow down now as I've hit the point where I usually shift, lose desire and head upwards. This time I've added much more cardio than in the past so I believe burning the calories is really adding to the rapid weight loss. (Now if I can just tone those muscles that are starting to show under the layers of fat.) I've started resistance band training as well and love the burn I get from doing it. 
Enjoy cardio even on really COLD days
I'm actually enjoying the journey more this time than ever before. I like getting outside to do my cardio. I like thinking about how my body can change by April of next year when I turn 50. And I really like the Nutrisystem food. I did, however, make the food last longer than a month as I will trade off eating it some meals and others I eat "regular food", making better food choices. I feel this will make it easier when I stop this plan and know what kind of foods, portions, and calories I should eat. 
5k Lincoln Tunnel ChallengeThis month has been great. I did the 5k last week on my birthday morning and was overwhelmed with feelings of all sorts of accomplishments on that day. My friends (and social media strangers) are very encouraging and supportive. Many people have suggestions and advice, but I tend to believe one thing doesn't work for everyone. Find what is best for you and go for it.
I'm also well aware of my size still. People are VERY kind telling me I'm shrinking and seem "so skinny" when looking at photos...Thank you! (Yes, I can actually see the change when looking at photos as well). But even I know I'm still considered obese on the BMI scale...so "skinny" is a long way to go.
Fall '17 - starting the cardioOne huge lesson I learned was I tend to turn to food when I'm down, depressed, upset - it's always been my go-to. This week I was low and wanted to turn to food, but stopped myself. The next day I felt so proud that I hadn't given in to it. I decided IF I want to eat something special that I 'miss', it should be enjoyed in a happy moment and not out of despair. Order it, cut it in 1/2 and then enjoy eating some of it VERY SLOWLY. (It actually worked for me and I didn't feel deprived.) 

December 2017 & April 2018






So it's onward on my journey. So much more work to go. (Trust me, you'd REALLY see it if I shared the shirt off 'before' photos.) We'll hold off on those until next year's blog. For now, we'll see what happens next and what I continue to learn. We're never too old to gain new knowledge. 

Why Turning 49 Hits Me More Than 50

Dad - late 40s
Most people dread the big 5-0. Instead, I've always been afraid of turning 49 (which happens this month on the 15th). That was the age my dad was when he had his first heart attack. Naturally - I assumed that would be my fate. I have his genes. I look so much like him. I've had weight issues my whole adult life...much like he did. But I also have tried to learn from him. Once I hit my 40s, I became more fearful. I even thought (on several occasions) I was having a heart attack. Luckily my doctor put that fear to rest with a Coronary Calcium Scan to see what kind of build up I have in arteries around my heart. (zero) 2017 Greg
Still...when 2018 hit and I knew 49 was looming in just a few months, I thought this was the year I really needed to take control. Sure...I've tried in the past...several times, but always head back the other way. I'm not saying that won't happen again...never say never - but....


Shrinking GregI've lost almost 40 pounds (which was the goal for my birthday). I've added more cardio than any time I've tried a diet plan in the past. I'm doing a 5k on the morning of my birthday and raising money for a great cause. I feel healthier than I have in a long time...and I try to not think about the fact that I got down to this exact same weight 4 years ago on my birthday. (Yes, I'm crazy and I have that kind of weight log.)  This is where it's always stalled in the past. This weight...this point on the scale, but I'm hoping for better results this time and want to continue losing, getting in better shape and who knows what potential I may have when I hit 50. Dad
50 isn't the scary one. It's the one in two weeks. It's the anxiety I've had that what happened to dad was bound to happen to me. But I'm changing that course. I'm taking control where my dad wasn't able to. Time, responsibilities, desire...I don't know what kept him from not wanting to help himself, but the last ten years of his life was full of heart disease and sickness. It was sad and hard for him. It was rough for those around him. It was entirely too young to deal with a body shutting down on you.
I don't want that.
I want to become that person who loves cardio and is sad when I miss it. I want to take pleasure in knowing I feel healthy and if I want to eat a cookie now and then, I'll just do more exercise to enjoy those moments in life. 
I have a feeling I'm going to love this birthday even though I've spent much of my adult life fearing it. 
Thanks dad. 
In a strange way, you inspired me to make this change. Feeling Free 2018 Greg