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boiMAG

3700 N. Halsted St. #2-S Chicago, IL 60613 773.975.0264 Editorial: boieditorial@aol.com Advertising: boiads@aol.com EDITORIAL Mike Macharello: Production Rick Karlin: Editor layout & design Titanium Graphics, Inc. advertising Freddie: freddie@boiMAGazineChicago.com Dave: dave@boiMAGazineChicago.com National, Rivendell Media: sales@rivendellmedia.com photographerS Oliver Aguilar Eamonn Sexton Iggy Munoz, Candymoon Photography COVER Sara Andrews & The 2013 Continental Court (photo frame) editorial contributors Gregg Shapiro, Ace Magyar, Harry Taint, Anita Taylor, boiMAG ONLINE

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Ultimate in drag

More than thirty years before RuPaul held her first drag race, Jim Flint created the Miss Continental Pageant, and it is still considered to be the ultimate female impersonation pageantry system in the world. Through the years, the competition for the title has seen performers pull out all the stops. Those attending the contest can expect to see anything from 12’ boa constrictors and panthers to a bevy of chorus boys and back up dancers in the queens’ talent routines.

The gowns are all show-stoppers in their own right. The performers strut their stuff in gowns that range from some of the top fashion and costume designers in the industry; from Bob Mackie, Prada, Burberry and Vivienne Westwood to thrift store finds.

The first Miss Continental Pageant was held in Chicago over Labor Day weekend in 1980 with the crowning of then relatively unknown Baton entertainer Chilli Pepper. Chilli has since become an icon in the art of female impersonation and has entertained across the country.

As the quality and variety of the contestants began to emerge, Mr. Flint saw the need to expand the scope of the competition and, in 1990, the first Miss Continental Plus Pageant was held for “larger” beauties. Shortly thereafter, Flint added the Miss Continental Elite and the Mr. Continental contests.

The Annual Miss Continental Plus and Elite Pageants are held during the Easter holiday weekend, also in Chicago. The Miss Continental contest

is held annually over Labor Day Weekend in Chicago along with the Mr. Continental Pageant.

Attendance at The Miss Continental Pageant has grown every year, with advanced reserved tickets for the final night’s competition normally selling out within hours.

This year, as usual, the annual Miss Continental Pageant, and the more recently added Mr. Continental, will be held Labor Day Weekend in Chicago. The Annual Mr. Continental Pageant will be held on Friday and Saturday evenings Aug. 30 and 31 at The Baton. The Miss Continental Pageant will be presented at The Vic Theater on Sunday and Monday, Sept. 1 and 2. To purchase your tickets or for contest information, call 312.527.9338 or go to www.thebatonshowlounge.com/ ContinentalPageantry.html.

Celebrating the Art of Female Impersonation for 40 Years 1980: Chilli Pepper 1981: Heather Fontaine 1982: Tiffany Arieagus 1983: Chena Black 1984: Cherine Alexander 1985: Maya Douglas 1986: Tandi Andrews 1987: Dana Douglas 1988: Kelly Lauren 1989: Lakesha Lucky 1990: Chanel Dupree 1991: Amber Richards 1992: Mimi Marks 1993: Monica Munro 1994: Cézanne 1995: Lady Catiria 1996: Paris Frantz 1997: Tasha Long 1998: Michelle Dupree 1999: Tommie Ross 2000: Danielle Hunter 2001: Candis Cayne 2002: Yoshiko Oshiro 2003: Erika Norell 2004: Erica Andrews 2005: Domanique Shappelle 2006: Victoria Le Paige 2007: Necole Luv Dupree 2008: Tulsi 2009: Armani Stevens 2010: Mocha Montrese 2011: Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington 2012: Sasha Colby

boiMAG

DIVALISCIOUS An issue devoted to divas without a mention of Kit Kat Supper Club and Lounge? Unthinkable! After all, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who can decide which of the restaurant’s offerings is more delectable; the cocktails, the food or the performers, each and every one diva worthy.

So, what better way to celebrate the divas, the food and the fabulous cocktails by pairing them up? Here are our choices for a three-course prix fixe of fabulousness.

With Kathryn Cole in this bikini of tropical flowers what other cocktail can we think of other than Hawaiian Punch Out, a combination of vodka, island passion liqueur and sour? The only dish that can stand up to this dish is Shrimp Cocktail with a sweet and spicy horseradish cream Aurora Sexton is going green, so why not start things off with a Key Lime Pie martini; vodka, Licor 43, lime, pineapple and cream? Let’s continue on the green theme with Kit Kat Salad, a mixture of romaine and baby spinach with slices of apple and sugared almonds in an apple cider vinaigrette.

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In her animal print sarong, Traci Ross looks sa’right in her sarong, so let’s head to Africa for Jungle Martini; vodka and creme de menthe and then continue with Chicken Satay in a coriander-cardamom marinade served with spicy coconut peanut sauce and wasabi cream.

Madam X marks the spot in basic black, so what else to order but the Black Widow Martini, vodka and black Sambuca? With a look this smokin’ hot, only the Bacon Truffle Mac & Cheese; smoked bacon, cheddar and Parmesan cheese, truffle cream, topped with crunch bread crumbs, will do.

Our cover girl Sara Andrews is tutu much, and we need to order a Queen of Hearts Martini; vodka, Amaretto, cranberry and 7-Up to cope.

For our meal, we’ll head to the brunch menu because only the spicy Chilquiles; corn tortilla chips, Mexican chorizo, salsa verde and two fried eggs will put out this fire.

Traci Ross is a peachy (wet) dream and all I can think of is a Peach Cobbler Martini; vodka, peach liqueur and a dash of OJ. For dinner, let’s continue the color theme and order seared salmon atop angel hair pasta, served with lemon cream and haricot vert.

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Handbag ensemble members Ed Jones, Alex Grelle, Elizabeth Lesinski and David Cerda are standouts in this large cast of characters. Jones, in particular, is a laugh-riot as he plays Mildred Natwick’s role in the film.

Michael John Lea, another Handbag newcomer appears as Mitchell Brenner/Rod Taylor. Rounding out the cast are Daniel Sappington, Phil Caldwell, Alex Fisher, Jamie King, Steve Love, Leslie Ruettige and Margo Chervony.

Hell in a Handbag’s “The Birds” runs through Sept. 15. Tickets are $19-$35, for more information, call (800) 8383006 or go to their website at www.handbagproductions.org.

Hell in a Handbag Productions

Remounts “The Birds”

Hell in a Handbag’s, “The Birds” is not just a campy musical parody of the classic Hitchcock film, but a look inside the mind of newcomer Tippi Hedren played to perfection by Handbag newcomer, Catherine McCafferty) , as she makes her acting debut in a film

by Alfred Hitchcock.

The character is guided by author and American social critic Camille Paglia, with a touch of David Lynch thrown in for good measure. The script by David Cerda and Pauline Pang, delivers the full parody/homage treatment audiences have come to expect.

In addition, the audience is playfully immersed in the show as “invited guests of Mr. Hitchcock” to watch filming on location near Bodega Bay (our own Lake Michigan). The environmental staging at the Coach House on Berger Park on the shores of Lake Michigan makes this a unique experience.

Tippi Hedren to Appear in Benefit Performance of Hell in a Handbag’s Production of “The Birds”

Tippi Hedren, the star of the film version of The Birds will make a personal appearance at the Saturday, Sept. 7 performance of Hell in a Handbag’s parody of Hitchcock’s film.

The appearance is for a benefit for The ROAR Foundation/Shambala Preserve.

Tickets for event are $150 and include a pre-show reception with the star, tickets for the play (which will include a cameo by Tippi Hedren) and a special post show talk and Q & A with the actress/activist.

In addition, fans may bid online for a walk-on role with the legendary actress and animal activist. The bidding starts at $400. Go to handbagproductions.org for more details. boiMAG 13

FILM

Reel Advice Wreckage

By Gregg Shapiro

Based on the harrowing true story of a family that survived the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in Thailand, The Impossible is as difficult to watch as you might imagine. Marina (Naomi Watts, who earned an Oscar nom for her performance) and Henry (Ewan McGregor) arrive at a beach front resort with sons Lucas, Thomas and Simon. The next day, while at the pool, a massive wall of water engulfs the grounds, wreaking havoc, separating families and resulting in considerable casualties.

Marina and Lucas not only survive but manage to find each other in the rapidly moving flood waters. Both are badly hurt but alive. At times, during their trek to higher ground and safety, the parent/child roles reverse as they take turns being the other’s caretaker.

They also help each other come to terms with the potential loss of the rest of the family. Following their rescue and a brief stop in a village, Marina and Lucas are whisked away to a hospital where she can get the medical attention and treatment she needs.

On the grounds of the ravaged resort, Henry, Thomas and Simon are still alive. Henry is determined to stay behind and search for Marina and Lucas. More than survival, the theme of separation and reunion is what propels The Impossible, exemplified by the scene at the hospital when Lucas is led to believe that Marina has died.

Devastatingly powerful, The Impossible is ultimately unfulfilling.

The fault lies less with the cast than with director Juan Antonio Bayona who seems to be struggling to keep

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his own head above water here. Bluray special features include audio commentary, deleted scenes and featurettes.

Wreck-It Ralph was nominated for an Oscar, but it lost to Brave. However, Wreck-It Ralph is actually, dare it be said, the better of the two movies.

It’s got the usual Disney messages of empowerment and finding strength from within and from those who love and care about you. What makes it so special is that it puts those ideas across with such imagination and energy that the experience feels new and fresh.

Ralph (John C. Reilly), a nine foot tall, 600-something pound video game character is a professional wrecker.

Repairman Felix (Jack McBrayer) is beloved by the other characters inhabiting his video game, Ralph is generally despised, in spite of the fact that he’s not a bad guy (as bad guys go).

After being excluded from the 30th anniversary party for Fix-It Felix (thrown after the video arcade closes, when all the game characters come to life), Ralph decides to go rogue and game jump (leave his game and go to another) in search of a hero’s welcome). Naturally, this creates all sorts of chaos.

On his journey of self-discovery, Ralph encounters fellow arcade outcast, a glitch named Vanellope (Sarah Silverman, who was born to voice animated characters). After a variety of mishaps, they discover that they have more in common than they originally thought. Teaming up to help each other (and battle evil characters), the pair make their way to a colorful and creative happy ending.

Bonus features on the Ultimate Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD, Digital Copy) include deleted and alternate scenes, video game ads (for the ones in the film), and a few featurettes.

BIG BITE

by Rick Karlin

Ann Sather in Andersonville is scheduled to shutter at the end of the year. Tom Tunney, who owns the breakfast and brunch chain, has sold the building that houses the Andersonville location, 5207 N. Clark, to a real estate and investment firm.

“After careful consideration, I decided to consolidate (with) our newest location at 1147 West Granville,” Tunney said.”

“Chicago Gourmet”, presented by Bon Appétit, takes place Sept. 27-29, in Millennium Park. The celebration of food and wine showcasing more than 100 of Chicago’s finest restaurants and chefs, as well as hundreds of renowned vintners, spirit makers, and premium breweries from around the world, kicks off with “Hamburger Hop”, from 6 to 9 p.m., and “Late Night Gourmet”, from 9 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Sept. 27.

“Hamburger Hop” invites the city’s top chefs to create the city’s best burger. The lively, interactive event is expected to draw a lively crowd of more than 1,000 and will feature a panel of celebrity industry experts who will judge the juicy entries. Bon Appétit Editor in Chief Adam Rapoport and Restaurant and Drinks Editor Andrew Knowlton will emcee the evening’s festivities.

“Late Night Gourmet”, the after-party held at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel will host chefs, VIPs, and Chicago’s hospitality elite with food, drinks, and music, carrying the revelry well into the night. Tickets for “Chicago Gourmet”, “Hamburger Hop” and “Late Night Gourmet” are available on their website at www.chicagogourmet.org.

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Deleece, 3747 N. Southport, is now offering a $25 three-course prix fixe menu offered every Monday and Tuesday night. Every week the menu features three different entrees to choose from, one of which is always vegetarian. Surprisingly, reports the staff, some weeks the vegetarian entrée is the number one seller. For more information, or reservations, call 773.325.1710 or visit their website at www.deleece.com.

Rick Bayless, the preeminent expert on modern Mexican cuisine, welcomes Alex Stupak of Empellon in NYC, Carlos Gaytan of Mexique and Jorge Vallejo of Quintonil in Mexico City, to present a two-day program giving food enthusiasts an opportunity to explore, taste, and celebrate the evolution of Mexican cuisine The event is presented in collaboration with the Kendall College Charitable Trust and the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

The two dining experiences include; “Mod Mex: The New Face of Mexican Food” on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Kendall College, which begins with breakfast and morning mezcal cocktails, followed by a program hosted by Peter Sagal, of NPR’s “Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me!” in which each chef individually describes and demonstrates his take on Mexican cuisine. The day will also include interactive presentations on wines from Baja and mezcal. At the program’s conclusion, guests will enjoy a walk-around tasting featuring the cuisine of each chef, along with beverages. Tickets for this event are $75 per person. The following evening, is “Mod Mex The Meal” at Bayless’ Frontera Grill. Tickets for the dining experience are $175 per person (all inclusive). Space is limited for both events. Go to their website at www.kendallfoundation.org for more info.

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BOI’S BEST RESTAURANTS AMERICAN___________

ITALIAN_________________

The Bagel 3107 N. Broadway 773.477.0300

Anna Maria Pasteria 4400 N. Clark

The quintessential Jewish style deli is the perfect spot for a corned beef or pastrami sandwich, some chicken soup, lox and bagels or a full dinner.

Chicago Diner 3411 N. Halsted 773.935.6696

This world famous vegetarian restaurant offers vegan and organic offerings. Organic beers, wine, and spirits are also available.

Byron’s Hot Dogs 1017 W. Irving Park Rd.

773.281-7474 1701 W. Lawrence 773.271-0900.

The place for classic Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches and the best French fries this side of paradise

Golden Nugget Family Restaurants

2720 N. Clark 773.929.0724. 2406 W. Diversey 773.252.8903. 1765 W. Lawrence 773.769.6700.

A great option for after bar dining as they are all open 24-7, and have free parking. Everything is housemade, known for fluffy buttermilk pancakes.

Halsted’s Bar & Grill 3441 N. Halsted

773.348.9696 This Boystown eatery serves up a wide array of tasty appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and popular comfort food items at very reasonable prices in a fun and inviting atmosphere.

Hamburger Mary’s 5400 N. Clark

773.784.6969. “Eat, Drink and be... MARY” at this fun and popular Andersonville restaurant which features a array of burgers and sandwiches, along with an interesting selection of tasty appetizers.

Horizon Café 3805 N. Broadway 773.883.1565.

This long-time popular Lakeview family restaurant serves up big portions of creative homestyle dishes as well as healthy fare at affordable prices. Breakfast served all day long.

Kit Kat Lounge 3700 N. Halsted 773.525.1111.

Providing the best of diva entertainment along with a full dinner menu,

Philly’s Best 907 W. Belmont 773.525.7900.

Authentic Philly cheese steak sandwich. Their meat is brought directly from Philadelphia. Also, medium crust pizza, oven baked grinders & fresh salads.

ASIAN__________________

Jitlada Thai House 3715 N Halsted |

773.388.9988 This quaint family-owned eatery features Asian favorites such as Pad Thai, pineapple fried rice, crab rangoon, pot stickers, tempura and spice curry.

773.506.2662. Owned by sisters who hail from the Basilicata region of southern Italy, this neighborhood gem creates homemade modern and traditional Italian dishes that are authentic & delicious.

Mia Francesca 3311 N. Clark 773.281.3310.

Hosting the coolest and hippest Sunday brunch crowd in Lakeview. Brunch here is loud, raucous and FUN! Great for dinner, as well.

Panino’s Pizzeria 3702 N. Broadway

773.472.6200. Panino’s has established itself as a Boystown favorite with its varied menu selections, including gyros and burgers, pasta entrees.

Piehole Pizza 3477 N. Broadway 773.525.8888

and their new location at 5001 N. Clark. From their hole to yours. Traditional pizza served in untraditional ways. 773.525.8888. Their “hole” is open Sunday-Thursday from 11am-midnight and Friday & Saturday until 3am. Grab it and go or have it delivered..

Delivering until late at night.

MEDITERRANEAN____

Gyro-Mena 905 W. Belmont 773.935.2600.

Augments the Athenian Gyros by satisfying the American desire to pick our own toppings! True Athenian Gyros is a choice of all natural non-ground meat (pork or chicken) stacked and cooked on a rotisserie.

Sayat Nova 157 E. Ohio 312.644.9159. Classic

Mediterranean-American fare served in comfortable surroundings Every Thursday night things get extra gay for the “Boystown in Downtown” party.

MEXICAN/LATIN__________

El Mariachi 3906 N. Broadway 773.549-2932

and at 3420 N. Broadway 773.549-7020. Quickly becoming one of the very best Mexican restaurants in the city, the focus is on using fresh, high-quality ingredients for its “south of the border” cuisine. Full bar featuring over 100 brands of tequila.

Las Mananitas 3523 N. Halsted St. 773.528.2109.

Traditional & regional Mexican dishes along with freshly squeezed limes for margaritas. Nice place to eat, drink and window watch people on Halsted St. Has a full bar & plenty of hardy dishes to satisfy any appetite. Serving the community for over 28 years.

More at www.boiMAGazineChicago.com Dining Link

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OVER THE BORDERLINE

By Gregg Shapiro

Borderline Music, one of the only dance record stores on Chicago’s North Side, is closing. After 13 years in Lakeview, owner Scott Jannush, who cites changes in the neighborhood’s demographics as a primary reason, will be shuttering Borderline at the beginning of September.

“The neighborhood has changed drastically and it is no longer my market,” Jannush told me. “In the past the gay community would come into the area to shop and dine, but that isn’t the case anymore. I’d say a majority of my regular customers have mentioned that they live up north now and are excited about the relocation,” he said.

Borderline’s in-store events were legendary, “That was always my concept from the beginning. In my business plan I wanted to do meet-and-greets and I wanted to do in-store performances.”

He lists Darren Hayes from Savage Garden as one of his favorite in store appearances, “He came in 2007 when he was promoting his solo CD. He performed five songs, I think. For me, because I was such a big fan, he was able to do that and there was a huge turnout. Lady Gaga was another one of them (early in her career).

At the time we didn’t know what was going to happen (in terms of her success) in the next six months. She was really sweet. One of the nicest people that we ever did an in-store with was Natalia Kills.”

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He plans to carry on the tradition of the in-store events in his new location.

“This store is only like 900 square feet.

What we have to do is break down half the store. We have to put half the CDs in the basement, take all the racks down to accommodate them to perform. I would love a space where I would be able to have more of those. So many artists love doing the meet-and-greet, and they want to perform, too.”

As he looks north (Uptown and Andersonville are both possible locations), he plans on keeping the store open until September. He’ll then spend a month or so revamping the store’s web site. “I would say that 60 to 70% of my sales are online, because we ship worldwide, and I have a store on eBay and Amazon and my site, borderlinemusic. com. With all three sites I do most of my business online. But, I want a brick-andmortar store, because you do reach more people. There is a demand for music, especially in the gay community, people still want CDs. I also offer all these other things. Rare imports, collectible items, the in-stores. There is a demand for an actual record store. There are very few record stores left in Chicago. People still want physical copies. As far as I know, I’m the only one carrying all new and imports.

You’re not going to find a rare import CD at Target or Best Buy.” Jannush is looking forward to a new start, “I just want to strip it and start fresh. I’m afraid people might not know I moved and come here in six months and see a different storefront and think I’m just out of business. I’m going to miss the fact that I’m known in Lakeview. It was great, I’m so glad that I started here. The neighborhood has changed and it’s time to change.

Until we move. 50% off of hundreds of titles and back catalog. I’ve been here 13 years, there is so much stuff. If people saw my basement, it’s insane. I have so much product and promotional stuff. The only thing not on sale is new releases from 2013 that we’re bringing in and can carry over to the new location.”

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by Gregg Shapiro You may not know Kady Z’s name yet, but you will. The daughter of none other than diminutive showbiz legend Pia Zadora, Kady (named for the character her mother played in the movie Butterfly) is a powerhouse in her own right. Like Kady, her full-length debut disc Ordinary Girl (Fraknwitch) is anything but ordinary. Propelled by an unstoppable dance energy, Kady, who co-wrote all 12 songs with Tone Def, embraces her inner dance diva on songs such as “Beautiful Disaster” and “One Million Pieces.” And who got made up by Raven and Jujubee on RuPaul’s Drag Race? That’s right, Kady did! I spoke with Kady about her first full-length album and more during the summer of 2013.

Gregg Shapiro: Kady, do you think that coming from a show business family that it was inevitable that you would become an entertainer?

Kady Z: I think so, for sure. My mom is really a huge inspiration for me. Being on stage with her as a little kid and seeing her perform and do her thing, it definitely inspired me to go into it. I’ve watched videos of myself performing from ages 3 to 8 and I didn’t have a fear or care in the world. Now, of course, it’s totally different. When you’re a kid you don’t have any idea of what you’re doing, really. You just do it.

GS: A few months ago, you appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race. What was that experience like for you?

KZ: At first they were like, “You’re going to be on RuPaul as a guest judge.” I thought, “Oh, awesome.” When I got there, they told me I was going to be in a girl pop group. I was like, “Wait, what? That’s cool.” Then they said I was going to be in drag. How does that even happen? I was really lucky because I was with Raven and Jujubee. They are so amazing and they were so fun. When they started putting makeup on me.. I’m a girl, I have shoes and stuff, you want to look girly and pretty.. they said, “okay, we’re

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going to make you look like a drag queen now.” I had so much fun and it was good to see Kelly (Osbourne). We were friends as kids. RuPaul is awesome, obviously. All my friends were really jealous [laughs].

GS: I’m really glad that you mentioned Kelly because on that show, you appeared alongside her and Vanessa Williams’ daughter Jillian Hervey, leading me to wonder if you ever cross paths or socialize with other progeny of people in the entertainment industry.

KZ: That’s true! I love that!

GS: Who is the mystery person that you are singing about?

KZ: It’s actually Rob Thomas (from Matchbox Twenty) because I had a huge crush on him as a kid.

GS: Have you ever actually met him in person?

KZ: I did meet him face-to-face and I felt like such an idiot [laughs]. He’s really nice and he’s so cool. But he doesn’t know, yet [laughs].

KZ: I’ve been good friends with a couple.

But we don’t really talk anymore. I used to hang out with Paris Hilton a lot.

At a certain point, you go in different GS: You make reference to a favorite Nick directions. I don’t think we’ll be seeing any Lachey song in one of your songs. To sex tapes of Kady Z in the future. what song are you referring?

GS: Kady, you co-wrote all of the songs on Ordinary Girl. How would you describe your role in that process?

KZ: I co-wrote them with Tone Def, who produced the songs. Basically, I write my thoughts and ideas and he writes his own ideas and he comes up with the track or a hook or whatever. We’ll work from there based on how we feel. We work off of each other. He’ll ask me if I like something and I’ll say, “I hate it” or I’ll ask him and he’ll say, “It sucks” [laughs]. Most of the time it’s pretty positive [laughs].

GS: What songs on the disc would you say are the best representation of who you are?

KZ: I think “Crush Gone Wrong,” which is about me being a stalker. It’s just fun.

I like to have fun and I like to make fun of myself. I think “Crush Gone Wrong” is really representative of me. Also, I think “Ordinary Girl” is as well, because it’s very introspective. I’m really proud of it and it’s a very colorful album.

GS: I’m glad you mentioned “Crush Gone Wrong” because it could be your “You’re So Vain.”

KZ: I love “What‘s Left of Me.” It’s one of my jams.

GS: Is it a song you would ever consider covering?

KZ: That’s so funny because Tone and I were originally thinking of covering it. But we went with the Robbie Williams song “Feel” instead, which I’m so happy we did.

GS: Because there is such a dance-music focus on songs such as “Drown You Out,” “Beautiful Disaster” and “One Million Pieces,” have you made any appearances at gay clubs?

KZ: Yes, I did. I performed at Ruby Skye last year and I sang “Beautiful Disaster” there.

It was so crazy and awesome. I performed at Mr. Black’s in Hollywood, which I think recently closed. Also, at a drag show in New York about a year ago.

GS: I haven’t been on an airplane since 1995, so I can relate to your reluctance to fly. How will you be getting to the various cities on your tour?

KZ: Luckily, we are driving [laughs]. boiMAG 25

theater

by Rick Karlin

SCENE

GayCo Productions’ all-new revue “#GodHatesHashtags” is trending off the social media charts. Sketches and songs explore gay identity after hate, lesbian bar culture after the closing of T’s, the sanctity of Cracker Barrel after being desecrated by homosexuals, the inanity of social media sex profiles, the corporatization of gay rights groups, and the twerk-tinged wisdom of disregarded LGBTQ youth. “#GodHatesHashtags” opens Saturday Sept. 7 at 7:30pm. It runs Saturdays through Oct. 19 at Second City’s Donny’s Skybox. Tickets are $16 and can be purchased by calling 312-337-3992.

DrekFest is Stage Left Theatre’s annual, national search for America’s worst ten-minute play. Now in its seventh year, DrekFest is on a mission to expose bad writing for what it really is, damn funny. Stage Left is embarrassed to announce this year’s finalists, “Murder Most Foul, and Heinous, and Foul” by Joseph Keefe, “Mommy, Get Your Gun” by Jake Linquist (two-time Drekfest Grand Loser), “Brilliant Play by the Liberal Agenda for the Midwest, Which Will Appeal to Critics and Make A S***Ton of Money” by Kyle Martin and “F*** You, Janine, A Play Ruined by My Ex, Like Everything Else in My Life”

by Peter Papachronopoulos. Tickets available by calling Stage Left at 773883-8830 or www.stagelefttheatre.com.

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TimeLine Theatre Company’s “Best Musical!” will have a limited run at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North, from Oct. 2 through Nov. 6. The completely improvised musical enjoyed a soldout run at Porchlight Theater. Tickets are $20 and are on sale by calling 312.662.4562 or purchase them online at www.upcomedyclub.com.

“Center on Culture”, a new theater series coordinated by Center on Halsted, will begin this fall. The series begins on Friday, Sept. 20 with award-winning comedy and cabaret performance artist, storyteller and monologist, Miss Coco Peru. Miss Coco will appear at Center on Halsted’s Hoover-Leppen Theatre in two performances with receptions on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 20 and 21, beginning at 6 p.m.

The New York City-based, all-male, classical string and singing quartet Well Strung will follow on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18 and 19, beginning at 6 p.m. The Fall Series concludes with a special preview TimeLine Theatre Company’s production of Larry Kramer’s “The Normal Heart” at Stage 773 on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. For more information on the series and to purchase tickets, visit their website at www.centeronhalsted.org.

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre’s summer hit, “Cole Porter’s Songbook” at No Exit Cafe has been extended for two weeks, closing on Sunday, Sept. 15.

Performances during the two-week extension will be Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets (which include dinner packages at some price levels) are $29 - $59. Call 800.595.4849 or go to www.theo-u.com.

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in the know ... ON THE GO

Marching & Walking & Dancing You are planning on attending the March on Springfield for Marriage Equality on Oct. 22 aren’t you? ... At Touché, they’re holding a “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ Boot Fetish Party” on Aug. 31 to benefit AIDS Walk. The next day, Sunday, Sept. 1, it’s the bar’s annual jockstrap and underwear fetish party, followed on Monday by a Labor Day beer bust & cookout. Busy weekend for the leather crowd… Mary’s Attic’s Saturday night dance party hosted by DJ Oskar & John Murges is fueled by $2 Jello shots and $5 frozen slushies.

Hot Hot Hot The Mr. Continental preliminaries are being held at The Baton on Friday, Aug. 30, with the finale the following night at Park West. I have just four words; Sexy Guys In Swimwear, ‘nuff said. For beautiful men of a completely different persuasion, the Miss Continental pageant, the Miss America of female impersonators (but a lot more entertaining) is at The Vic on Monday, Sept. 2, Labor Day, giving new meaning to RuPaul’s words, “You’d better work!” and are taking over The House of Blues on Sept. 11. My favorites, the delightfully zany Pandora Boxx and and Alaska Thunderfuck are among those slated to perform.

Funny Girls The National Queer Comedy Search, sponsored by Absolut, will announce its finalists at a special party at Sidetrack on Wed. Aug. 28. Among the nominees is Chicago gal Sapna Kumar… Speaking of funny ladies, Margaret Cho will appear at The Chicago Theater on Oct. 19, and if you stop by Sidetrack on Aug. 29, you may just win tickets to her show….

Sissy Spastik is just cracking them up at Boom Boom Room at Dolphin on Sunday nights… And Amy Armstrong’s been cracking them up with her improv show at Hydrate. You can also catch a bit of her wackiness at her birthday show at The Royal George on August 21. See how neatly that all ties together.

New Now Hot Spots Rehab is out and it’s now M7 Lounge with 7 drinks for $7, 7 days a week. I think between the margaritas, martinis, mojitos, michelades/marys, mimosas and Miller Lite drafts, you should find something to whet your whistle. For those who like fresh meat, there’ll be amateur stripper contests every Wednesday. Paula Sinclaire will host a “Rainbow Cabaret” on Friday nights and if that won’t cause you to drink, I don’t know what will… Also, watch there’s going to be a big change going on in the ‘burbs. No, I’m not telling anymore.

Out of Their Element Equality Illinois’ “Out at the Sox” GLBT Pride Night on Saturday, Aug. 24 will be the first time on the south side for some of these folks, but they’re happy to cheer on our boys and support Equality IL. For tix info, go to http://eqil. org/sox.html... That same night, it’s “Into the Woods” a benefit for Lambda Legal, with summer cocktails, a gourmet picnic and entertainment, they won’t be roughing it. Check it out, www. lambdalegal.org/intothewoods... Do bears do it in the woods? You’ll find out as the West Suburban Gay Association (WSGA) welcomes members of many Chicagoland gay associations to its “All Groups Gay Picnic” on Sunday, Aug. 25, at Busse Woods Forest Preserve in Schaumburg. For more about this event, e-mail info@wsga.com. boiMAG 29

ASK ACE

... SEX & RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

Confused in Lyons Township I’m a suburban police officer, and I’ve been seeing a man I really like. I haven’t told the guys I work with that I’m gay, but they’ve started to ask questions when they met my “friend” because he’s a little flamboyant. Then, last week, there was a car accident and my boyfriend was involved, and he was in full drag when it happened. Now my coworkers are giving me grief. I really like this guy, but I’m upset that he didn’t tell me he did drag. He’s mad at me because I didn’t stand up for him when the officer handling the accident treated him rudely. I don’t know what to do.

Dear CILT, There are multiple issues you’re dealing with here, the fact that your boyfriend did drag is the least of them. Are you up to the task of coming out to your coworkers? If you’re outside of Cook County do you have civil rights protections? Even if you don’t come out, you can stand up for the rights of other gay people, including your “friend”. After you sort all that out, then you have to decide if you can cope with having a boyfriend who does drag. That’s a discussion you’ll need to have with him. I assume he didn’t tell you because he sensed that it would be an issue. There are many discussions to be had here, you just need to decide which ones you want to address first.

Generation Gap I am in my early forties and my problem is that I am only sexually

turned on by guys in the early twenties. However, I’ve yet to find someone in that age range who I find compatible. I have no interest in going out to the bars every night, listening to the music they want to listen to, or really anything they want to do. I’ve tried dating men my age and find that, while I have a great time, I’m just not sexually attracted to them. I guess what I’m looking for is a 40 year old in a 20 year old’s body, is that possible?

Dear GG, With modern medicine anything is possible. Seriously, not all men in their twenties are bar-flies who listen to EDM? Believe it or not, many are career driven, family oriented or homebodies.

Perhaps you’re looking in the wrong places. Where are you meeting these men? If you don’t want someone who goes to the bars every night, don’t go to bars looking to meet someone.

You might also want to address why you only find younger men physically attractive. These are issues that you might want to explore with a therapist.

On the other hand, I had a friend who dated a string of younger men, with whom he had little in common. When I asked him about this, he said, “Darling, if I want to have a conversation, I’d call a friend.

Market Days Advice I’m tired of seeing all the old guys walking around Market Days without shirts. Don’t they know how pathetic they look? What can I do to make Market Days a better experience?

Dear MDA You could stay home.

Ace Magyar has a BA in communications, a MA in sex therapy and a PHD in zoology. He is a registered couple’s counselor specializing in the GLBT community. Send your questions to ASK ACE at boieditorial@aol.com

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