Acts of Love: An Evening of One Acts

Be sure to catch "Call Me Adam" participant and Planet Connections Award Winner Mark Jason Williams premiere his new show "Acts of Love: An Evening of One Acts" at Planet Connections Theatre Festivity from May 31-June 22 at the Culture Project (45 Bleecker Street).

One of Mark's pieces, "Smiles to Saturn" features a character with aspergers and the show is raising awareness for people with developmental disabilities this year.

I saw Mark's show, "The Other Day," at last year's Planet Connections Theatre Festivity and was very moved by it. Mark is a rising playwright who knows how to touch your heart and soul. I would recommend supporting new playwrights and checking this show out!

Click the showtime below to purchase tickets! 

Thursday 5/31/12 – 6:00pm

Sunday 6/3/12 – 4:00pm

Wednesday 6/6/12 – 7:00pm 

Friday 6/8/12 – 4:30pm

Thursday 6/14/12 – 9:30pm

Friday 6/22/12 – 8:00pm

For more on Planet Connections visit http://planetconnections.org and for more on Mark Jason Williams be sure to visit http://www.markjasonwilliams.com!

Mr. Gay World USA 2012 Auditions

Are you a gay man who has dreamt of being known to the world? Ever want to participate in a "Miss America" style contest? Well, now all your dreams can come true with "Mr. Gay World USA" competition and reality show.

The US leg of the "Mr. Gay World" audition competition will be taking place in 2012 in NYC, which will also be transformed into a reality show on the event. On January 21, 2012, gay men from across the country are invited to come audition in the New York area to be a finalist in the Mr. Gay USA competition--with callbacks on January 22nd. The auditions will be used to select the top 20 finalists, all of whom will be invited to compete in the first round of the competition before 10 men will be eliminated. The remaining 10 men will be invited to move in to NYC-JC Guest Suites, January 27 - February 4, for a weeklong competition that will ultimately lead to the selection of Mr. Gay USA 2012.

This year, TV personality and founder of Mr. Gay USA, Jarl Haugedal, has teamed up with film producer and television personality, Michael Billy, to turn the week long competition in to a reality series that will capture the daily contests and the process for selecting the man worthy enough to be called Mr. Gay USA 2012.

Each day, the finalists will be put to the test to show they have what it takes to represent the US, participating in a variety of challenges--from runway competitions, to cooking contests and political debates--as Haugedal, Billy and other special guests serve as judges. The judges will be looking for the man who shows an interest in the world and people around him; displays patience; has a compassionate and considerate nature; embraces change, or things and people different from his own frame of reference, experience, or cultural background; can articulate his thoughts and conduct an intelligent conversation; has a basic innate charm and sparkle; and has poise and is secure with himself. Ultimately, one man will be announced the winner of Mr. Gay USA and sent to South Africa in April 4-8, 2012 to represent the USA in Mr. Gay World.

All men interested in attending the Mr. Gay USA auditions on January 20 and 21, 2012 should go to www.MrGayWorldUSA.com and fill in the RSVP form. For additional information, contact Press@MrGayWorldUSA.com.

Hedda Lettuce: Lettuce Rejoice 2011

Be sure to catch the talented and comedic genius Hedda Lettuce in her annual holiday show "Lettuce Rejoice" at the Metropolitan Room in NYC December 17, 18, 21, 23, and 28 at 7:30pm!

I attended Hedda's hilarious show last year (click here for my review of Lettuce Rejoice 2010) and am really looking forward to this year's edition! With a combination of comedy and music, Hedda will entertain the audience with holiday favorites and some original songs that are sure to become classics. Some favorites include, ‘Here Comes Tranny Clause,’ about a mean tranny that ruins Xmas; the classic song, ‘Sleigh Ride’, in Hedda’s hands, turns into a gay mans quest for sex on Grinder; and ‘Do You Hear What I Hear’,' is now, ‘Do You Think That He’s Queer,’ about a fag hag desperately seeking a sexual relationship with a gay man. If that wasn't enough, Hedda has created a demented homage to the recently departed Amy Winehouse!

So come celebrate the holidays with comedy, talent, and song Hedda Style! The Metropolitan Room is located at 34 West 22nd Street (between 5th & 6th Ave). Showtimes are December 17, 18, 21, 23, and 28 at 7:30pm! Tickets are $22 + 2 drink minimum. Click here for reservations or call 212-206-0440!

Bobby Cronin and Friends 12/19/11

Come celebrate the holidays with award winning composer/lyricist and fellow "Adaumbelle's Quest" participant Bobby Cronin and some of his talented friends in a fun and laid-back holiday concert at Don't Tell Mama's on Monday, December 19 at 9:15pm!

With just a piano and guitar, join Bobby, LaQuet Sharnell ("Lysistrata Jones," "Memphis"), Jennifer Dinoia ("Wicked," "We Will Rock You"), Gerard Canonico ("American Idiot," "Spring Awakening"), Katrina Rose Dideriksen ("Hairspray," "Things to Ruin"), Brian Gallagher ("Chix6"), Jenn Furman ("Wicked" National Tour), Tricia Tanguy ("Marvelous Wonderettes"), Marissa Rosen ("My Big Gay Italian Wedding"), David Gordon ("Daybreak"), Brett Teresa, Ashley Dawn Mortensen, and Nicole Hietter

Piano duties shared by Bobby Cronin and William Demaniow 

Directed by Johanna Pinzler

Don't Tell Mama is located in the heart of NYC's Theatre District at 343 West 46th Street (between 8th & 9th Ave) Click here for tickets ($15 + drink minimum)--RESERVATIONS STRONGLY SUGGESTED!

Gavin Creel: Noise

Two-time Tony Award Nominee, Co-founder of Broadway Impact, and fellow "Adaumbelle's Quest" participant Gavin Creel along with Robbie Roth have just released an all-new, original single, “Noise,” to raise funds and support for marriage equality across the country. The song, about refusing to stay silent, standing up for what you believe in, and making some “Noise,” is now available for purchase on iTunes. All sales from the single go directly towards "Broadway Impact."

Check out the video below which was created by Gavin, Robbie, and fellow "Adaumbelle's Quest" participant Andrew Kennan-Bolger: