Hotspots! March 3, 2022 (Issue 3705)

36th Year

Hotspots magazine is published alternate Thursdays (26 issues/year).

Jeff Sterling Chief Executive Officer Scott Holland VP - Operations/Associate Publisher ADMINISTRATION VP - Development | Jamie Forsythe Business Manager | Alyson omas Administrative Assistant | Ryan Isom DIGITAL & TV VP - TV & Digital | Darren Loli Digital Manager | Troy Maillis Special Digital Projects | Austin Rahn Events Manager | Jameer Baptiste ART & DESIGN Art Director | Frank Mendez Designer | Maria Espinal ADVERTISING Account Executives Anthony Verrico — (754) 333-0886 Nicole Covar — (754) 333-0889 NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chris Azzopardi | Tom Bonanti Maria Espinal | S. Elfman Mike Jeknavorian | Andreus Quinones CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Cedric Roberson | Dale Stine | Dennis Dean | Robert Hadley CELEBRITY HOST Shawn Palacious (“Kitty Meow”) LOGISTICS Cedric Roberson Copyright 2022, WMEG Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without written permission by the Publisher is prohibited.

Publication of the name or photograph or any person, living or dead, is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organizations.

HOW TO REACH US MAIN OFFICE The Sterling Building 2435 N Dixie Hwy., Wilton Manors, Florida 33305 Phone (754) 200-2979 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Call (754) 200-2979 x 625 or e-mail Classifieds@HotspotsMedia.com DISPLAY ADVERTISING Call (754) 200-2979 x 605 or e-mail Ads@HotspotsMedia.com

WHO WE ARE

WMEG Inc., is a Community Marketing and Events organization incorporating Hotspots magazine and Happening Out Television Network.

Our mission as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit is to promote South Florida, and especially Wilton Manors,as a welcoming LGBTQ+ destination through marketing and events. WMEG produces about 50 events a year, including the annual Stonewall Pride Parade and Festival in Wilton Manors. Other events include Art Walk on Wilton Drive and Vibes On The Drive. Visit WMEG.org for more info.

WMEG also manages the Sculpture Walk project which is responsible for the installation of sculptures in public spaces in Wilton Manors.

Watch Queer News Tonight streaming live Monday through Thursdays at 7 p.m. at HappeningOut.com

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OUR AUDIENCE Hotspots magazine is available at more than 300 locations from West Palm Beach to Key West and reaches an audience exceeding 300,000 monthly across our print, TV and digital network.

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• Print Magazine • Web Advertising • E-mail Marketing

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O N T H E INSIDE

Issue 05 - March 3-16, 2022

Cover Cover Model: Evan Peix

Cover photographed by: Dennis Dean DennisDean.com @DennisDeanImages

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Pix: Miss & Mr. Noche Latina | Feature: Dining for a Cause | Frozen, the Musical Comes to Broward Center | Names & Faces: Freddy Stebbins Feature: Leslie Jordan and Cheyenne Jackson | Feature: Brian Justin Crum Performs at WMBA Networker

Out with Scott / What’s Hot | Scott Holland’s Guide to Events Pix: Gay Ocho • Hotspots Hotties: Evan Peix • Feature: “Dear Queer Self” author Jonathan Alexander • Pix: AHF Presents a West Side Story Burlesque Show • Deep Inside Hollywood • Pix: Outlandish Presents Varla Jean Merman • Pix: Lit Bar • Hot Places • Hot Eats • Pix: Latinos Salud Gala • Hot Bodies • Hot Advice

MARKETPLACE ON PAGE 113

Miss & Mr. Noche Latina

Lips

Photos: Cedric Roberson

OUT WITH SCOTT

Latinos Salud

On Saturday, February 19 and Sunday, February 20, Latino's Salud presented their annual gala goes which went Al Fresco this year and split over 2 days for greater Covid protection. They had a great turnout on both days with fab entertainment!

On Sunday, February 20, Gay Ocho (Gay8) returned with a festival that was a busy as ever. Gay 8 featured live music, local vendors, dancers, DJ, Drag Queens, The Macho stage, and lots of entertainment. The event was free and open to everyone.

By Scott Holland

On Monday, March 21, was the 18th Annual Miss and Mr. Noche Latina Pageant (Official Preliminaries to the Florida F.I. And M.E. Pageantry Systems) at Lips - Fort Lauderdale with the theme of “Burlesque.” The night starred Velvet Lenore and Hamed Novva (Miss & Mr. Noche Latina 2020) as well as Melony Munro, and Gutavo Rodriguez Cruz (Miss, and Mr. Florida 2021/22), as well as many of the Noche Latina formers. There were 6 girl contestants and 4 boy contestants and let me tell you this was a battle and was a fabulous pageant. In the end, the new court is Calypso Monroe Lords and Javier Rivera.

On Wednesday, February 23, The Pride Center at Equality Park held a Black History Month Celebration that was dedicated to Bishop SF Makalani MaHee who passed in 2017. For those of you who didn't know Bishop he was a trailblazer and an amazing human being. He also gave the best hugs. Without saying a word, you knew he loved you from his

Gay Ocho

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hugs. Also at this event, Hotspots/Happening Out took the opportunity to present to Ujima Men's Collective a check for $1,358, which was the monies taken in at The Cookout: A Black History Month Fundraisey a few weeks earlier also at the Pride Center.

AHF

On Saturday afternoon the Gramercy in Coral

Miss and Mr. Noche Latina

The Gramercy

Gables presented their weekly Disco Drag Brunch (which they started a few weeks ago) hosted by Blamie. The show was fab and the food was outstanding.

On Saturday, February 26 Hamburger Mary's Wilton Manors presented 80's

Hamburger Mary’s WM

Teen Icon and vocalist “TIFFANY” performing live. She packed the house, and everyone had a blast!

Also, on Saturday, the Key West Business Headdress Ball Guild's Fundraising 38th Annual Headdress Ball, returned as a special Mardi Gras Edition at the Coffee Butler amphitheater. As usual this was an unbelievable show with spectacular headdresses. Congrats to winner Randell!

Hotspots Events! Check Presentation LeBoy

HotspotsMagazine.com | 11

WHAT’S HOT WHO•WHAT•WHEN•WHERE

By Scott Holland

Ronnie Marmo as Lenny Jaidynn DioreBruce Fierce Friday, March 4 Hamburger Mary's Wilton Manors presents, from season 7 of RuPaul's Drag Race, Jaidynn Diore Fierce during “Dinning With The Diva's” at 7pm and 10:30pm. If you can't make it tonight, Jaidynn will also be performing on Saturday brunch, Saturday night seating and Sunday brunch.

After being the first U.S. film festival to hold in-theater, in-person screenings in 2021 after a year-long quarantine mandate, Miami Dade College (MDC)'s acclaimed Miami Film Festival returns to present its 39th annual edition from today through March 13, in a hybrid format, with both in-theater and virtual presentations. Precious Gem Awards will be presented to Ramin Bahrani (2nd Chance, The White Tiger) and Ryusuke Hamaguchi (Drive My Car). Art of Light

Awards will be presented to inematographer Ari Wegner (Zola, The Power of the Dog) and composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer (The White Lotus). The 2022 Festival will celebrate more than 120 feature narratives, documentaries, and short films of all genres,from more than 35 countries worldwide. For more information, visit miamifilmfestival.com or call 305-237-FILM (3456).

Bill Maher will be appearing live at the Fillmore Miami Beach with an HBO Comedy Special taping today and tomorrow Saturday, March 5th! For tickets go to Livenation.com or call the Venue Box Office (305)673-7300 Saturday, March 5 The Pub presents iconic American Disco

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Bill Maher

Photo:Jaidynn Dior Fierce: wikimedia.org. - DVSROSS | Bill Maher - Flickr - Matt McClenahan

MAR 03 - 16

Compass West Palm beach presents “Drag Story Time” reading “My Princess Boy” read

by Lupita Hollywood. The event takes place at Rohi's Readery (600 S. Rosemary Ave, WPB) from 11am to 12:30pm.

Pamala Stanley

DJ Joe Gauthreaux

The 31st Annual Asian Culture Festival taking place at Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40th Street, in Miami today and tomorrow, Sunday, March 6 from 10am to 5pm. The two-day, fun-filled family event offers music and dance performances, demonstrations, arts and crafts, and a selection of authentic and delicious Asian cuisine with a variety of dishes from Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Iran, South Korea, Turkey, India, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Israel, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Vietnam, Mongolia and more. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. There is no entry fee for children under 6. Tickets are available at asianculturefestival.net.

Sunday, March 6 NSU Art Museum presents Fashion Icons: Anna Sui and Barbra Hulanicki in conversation from 2-3pm. This event is free with museum admission and totally free for members. Advance reservations are required, space is limited; RSVP at

diva, the one and only Pamala Stanley performing live at 8pm.

Hotspots Art Gallery with Dennis Dean (3500 NE 12th Avenue, Oakland Park) presents the March opening reception from 6-9pm, featuring works by Bryin Smoot, Jacki Rosen, Francisco Sheuat, Joel Shapses, Dennis Dean, and Pi Dugger. In addition, they will feature Franovik Designs with designers Francisco and Viktor Franovik.

The Eagle Wilton Manors presents the Red Party starring DJ Joe Gauthreaux from 9pm to 3am with the cover $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

NSU Art Museum

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Blamie Forret https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/1106679' Tuesday, March 8 Join comedy queen Blamie Forret at the new monthly event “Drag Out the Movies” at Savor Cinema (503 SE 6 Street, Fort Lauderdale) for an evening of laughter, cocktails and some of Blamie's all-time favorite films. Mark your calendars for the second Tuesday of every month with happy hour drink specials at 6pm outside in the courtyard, and showtime at 8pm in the auditorium. To kick off the series, the inaugural film will be the over-the-top comedy (“that caused a near riot at the Cannes Film Festival and won an Academy Award”) The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert; a smart, endearing road-trip comedy that was ahead of its time on LGBT issues. Admission is $8 for Fliff members and $10 for non-members and can be purchased at the door or in advance at Fliff.com.

Wednesday, March 9 The Key West Business Guild presents their March Mixer at Wine-o at La Concha from 5:30-7:30pm. Guild members $10, nonmembers $20. For more information, go to: gaykeywestfl.com.

City Place Doral Friday, March 11 Wine, dine and discover at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) during the 25th Annual Bank of America Wine, Spirits & Culinary Celebration. Enjoy a night of live entertainment, food, and fantastic silent auction packages as you help raise funds that will benefit the Museum's mission to connecting people to inspiring science. VIP access begins at 5:30pm and the Grand Tasting begins at 6:30pm until 10pm.

Highlights include delectable fare from South Florida's leading restaurants and a vast array of flavorful wines and spirits from around the world, as well as local craft beers. To purchase tickets, visit modsevents.org.

Saturday, March 12 City Place Doral is celebrating its 5-year anniversary as the crown jewel of one of South Florida's growing cities with a monthlong celebration in March. Throughout its 250,000 square feet of retail space in the heart of Miami-Dade County, City Place Doral will host live music, dancing, a block party, scavenger hunt, interactive games for the entire family to enjoy and beer and coffee samples for adults, and much more. Tonight, they will feature a block party at 5 pm,

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beach-garden-tourtickets Sunday, March 13th The Bears of South Florida presents a Pool Party from noon to 5pm at The Augustin Fort Lauderdale (1110 Northwest 7th Avenue). Capacity for this party is 100 guests, and they expect to sell-out very quickly. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at Miami Beach Botanical Garden eventbrite.com/e/ma rch-pool-partycomplete with sound truck and DJ, tickets-275193068877, will not be sold at interactive games for kids, a scavenger the gate. Ticket includes lunch. Bar & hunt and more. Each Saturday, guests can beverage service available - cash donations enjoy Music on the Plaza, from 6 – 9 p.m., accepted, and there will also be a 50/50 with a variety of music performances. raffle.

The 20th annual Miami Beach Garden Tour takes place from 10am-3pm. They will explore six beautiful, diverse, and private gardens in Miami Beach. Your day starts at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden where you'll pick up your guidebook for the Garden Tour. With addresses in hand, you are free to travel at your own pace to each location. After the Tour, join them back at the Garden for fun activities including the Miami Beach Garden Club's annual flower show where you can cast your vote for the "people's choice award." Stop by the Botanical Bar to sample their new signature cocktails and have a light bite.

Tickets: Non-members $45, Members $35 (members call for discount code) by going to EventBrite.com and search for miami-

Monster Jam is the most action-packed motorsports experience for families in the world and returns to Miami for an adrenaline-charged weekend at loanDepot Park today and tomorrow, Sunday March 13. Monster Jam, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, features world-class

Monster Jam

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athletes locked in intense competitions of speed and skill. For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to: MonsterJam.com Wednesday, March 16 321/Slammer presents their 15th anniversary celebration from 7pm to 1am with a member sponsored open bar and refreshments. They suggest you ride share or taxi as the parking lot will fill up quickly.

HOT this is

Bring home West Side Story on Digital March 2 and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and DVD March 15.

Acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg presents an inspired reimagining of the beloved musical West Side Story. The film that critics celebrate as “electrifying” (Alonso Duralde, The Wrap) and “a total triumph” (Matt Goldberg, Collider) has been nominated for 7 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress and 11 Critics' Choice Awards. West Side Story” tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. This reimagining of the beloved musical stars Ansel Elgort (Tony); Ariana DeBose (Anita); David Alvarez (Bernardo); Mike Faist (Riff); Brian d'Arcy James (Officer Krupke); Corey Stoll

321 Slammers (Lieutenant Schrank); Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino); with Rita Moreno (as Valentina, who owns the corner store in which Tony works); and introducing Rachel Zegler (Maria.)

Moreno – one of only three artists to be honored with Academy, Emmy, GRAMMY, Tony and Peabody Awards – also serves as one of the film's executive producers. Rejoice in the spectacular new choreography alongside the iconic songs – plus see astonishing allnew footage of Spielberg at work in documentary filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau's revealing “The Stories of West Side Story” – by adding 20th Century Keith Haring Studios' West Side Story to your musical collection. “

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Evan Peix Adds Guaracha Spice to Gay Dancefloors!

The Only Fans Star Presents Two Sexy Singles and Visuals, “Tu Si” and “Me Elevas”

By Scott Holland Photos By Dennis Dean Miami's own Evan Peix is injecting caliente Latino flavor into today's gay underground dancefloor with two energetic new singles, "Tu Si" and "Me Elevas." The songs are part of a music genre called "Guaracha," a sound that originated in Cuba and acclaimed for combining a rapid tempo with bold lyrics. "I was introduced to Guaracha two years ago while in Colombia," Evan explains from his Miami home. "A cab driver played Fumaratto's 'Me Provocas' and it literally threw me into a three-minute trance! I went into the studio to try my hand at Guaracha. That's when 'Tu-Si' was born." Written and produced by Evan Peix, "Tu Si" and it's follow-up single, "Me Elevas", are being distributed independently and are available on Apple Music, Spotify and all digital platforms. The videos are available on YouTube.

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Both videos echo the frenetic, sultry joy of the singles. Directed by Evan Piex and Jorgino Freire, many of the dancers, including Malik Delgaty, who poses with a ball python in "Tu Si," are models Evan regularly collaborates with on his OnlyFans page. "It's important for me that my songs and videos reflect the same Evan Peix that guys know from OnlyFans," Evan says. "For me, the singer and the social influencer are intertwined. Everything I create reflects my art and sexuality."

After dropping out of high school at 18, Evan moved to Miami with $500 in his pocket. "I found a room in Little Havana, Miami for $300 and spent the rest on protein shakes and a gym membership. I couldn't afford furniture, so I slept on a piece of cardboard."

He found a job bussing tables but wasn't very good at it. "I dropped more than one plate on the lap of an unfortunate diner," he recalls. A gym buddy suggested he try stripping and when he did, he found it to be, in his words, "easy as breathing". It was also very lucrative. He saved his first $60,000 and enrolled in audio engineering

school. "Fans are always surprised with how multifaceted I am," he continues. "I produce songs, create and edit videos, play instruments, dance, sing, tumble… give me a stripper pole and prepare to be amazed!"

It was a pleasure to sit down with our cover model directly following his shoot a couple weeks ago for this exclusive Hotspots interview: When did you start singing?

I started in the Mickey Mouse club of Bolivia. The version was called "Unitoons."

That show produced many children who went on to be stars. We released many albums growing up.

What was your first single?

"Tu-Si," and it came out 6 months ago.

When did you decide to sing professionally?

I always had it in me, and since my fans were asking for it, I jumped in all the way about a year ago.

As an artist how are you unique from everyone else in the industry?

I do "Only Fans" (@evanpeix) and I mix my sexuality with music. A lot of the models I work with are in my music videos. Plus

“I really envision myself helping others with my ‘Dreamer Project.’ This is a movement that I run that helps people be bold and accomplish their dreams despite upheavals...”

HotspotsMagazine.com | 25

following the filming of the music videos, we shoot part 2 for our adult sites.

What would be your ideal career?

I am living my ideal career thanks to all my fans. My career is simply being Evan Peix.

Describe yourself in three words? triple S: Sexual, Sensual & Smart or triple X :X-rated, Xplicit xtra smart Are you married or single?

So, single it tingles.

Describe your perfect man?

Someone who is supportive of me and who is goal oriented. I like the green guy that appears on the $100 dollar bill. He's probably not perfect but supportive.

What do you do for fun?

I love pole dancing. I have one in my living room.

What's ahead for you?

I'm a go getter and I love to encourage people to do so. I really envision myself helping others with my "Dreamer Project." This is a movement that I run that helps people be bold and accomplish their dreams despite upheavals. If anyone wants to help, go to: Gofundme.com and search for "Dreamer Project."

In addition, you can catch me performing my music at Palace Bar in Miami on Saturday, March 5 at 9pm.

For more information on Evan, visit EvanPeix.com or follow him on Instagram.com/evanpeix

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“Dear Queer Self ” Author Jonathan Alexander.

“I wish I knew now what I knew then!”

NOW

NYC 1995 “What surprised me most," says author Jonathan Alexander on completing "Dear Queer Self: An Experiment in Memoir" (March 14, 2022, Acre Books), "was my conclusion that it is not so much a matter of I wish I knew then what I know now, but I wish I knew now what I knew then! And can I have some of that back, please?"

While no one can turn back time, we can all revisit our past and glean a little wisdom, insight and even love from our younger selves.

In writing "Dear Queer Self," which is written in the second person and revisits the years 1989, 1993, and 1996, Alexander says, "I imagined striking up a conversation with my younger self who I discovered to be someone who needed far more care and concern than he got.

Can I provide it to him now? Obviously not, but I can shift how I feel about myself now by creating this 'fictionalized' situation in which I'm talking to my past self, encouraging him, loving him. In doing so, I tell my current self that I deserved the love I wasn't always getting as a kid, as a young man. And that maybe it's not too late after all to experience that love. No, I can't go back in time and care for my younger self.

But just talking to him reminds me how much he did deserve love. And that reminds me that I need–and deserve–it now too."

It is "conversations" such as these with our past selves that open the door to a fuller 32 | HotspotsMagazine.com

understanding of who we are now, even if at first, we are unable to immediately grasp the significance of these exchanges. For Alexander, it was only after writing The Creep Trilogy of memoirs ("Dear Queer Self," is the third), plus an additional memoir, "and sitting with them for a while," that he was able to hear what his younger self was telling him.

So how can the rest of us conjure up our younger selves for a little heart-to-heart? In Alexander's case, "I looked at old journals, old poems, some old writing I did about my father in my 20s," he says. "Old pictures are so important. Even buying a bottle of cologne I wore in my 20s was eye, er, noseopening. Memory is so triggered by smell. I spritzed some of that scent on me and was momentarily stunned by a flood of feeling from my 20s, from myself in my 20s."

A fun bonus: "Dear Queer Self" is divided in to three sections, each with an accompanying YouTube Playlist for the year discussed (1989, 1993, and 1996). Chapters are named after pop songs from those years, such as "Giving You the Best that I Got" by Anita Baker (1989) and "Who Will Save Your Soul" by Jewel (1996).

More about Jonathan Alexander and his books on the Jonathan Alexander page at popularpublicity.com, thecreeptrilogy.com and his website, the-blank-page.com.

By Romeo San Vicente say a prayer to the gods of manic mayhem and maybe we'll all get lucky.

In development right now: Gina Rodriguez in “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” the very first Pedro Almodovar TV series for Apple. The nowlegendary queer Spanish filmmaker has scored hit after hit at the arthouse, earned two Academy Awards, and will now branch out into television with this adaptation of his breakout '80s film, a wild comic farce about actors, terrorists and drugged gazpacho. No word

yet on which character Rodriguez (“I Want You Back”) will play, or who else will be attached to costar, but Almodovar will executive produce, and Noelle Valdivia (“Mozart in the Jungle”) is attached as both screenwriter and showrunner if and when the project moves forward to a full series order. See, that's what “in development” really means: a lot of crossed fingers. So cross yours and

Photo: rupaul.com

Gina Rodriguez is “On The Verge”

RUPAUL WILL HOST “LINGO” FOR CBS You can probably chalk this up to the current online “Wordle” craze, but America's most famous drag queen, RuPaul, is about to crash CBS's primetime lineup with an updated version of the vintage '80s series “Lingo.”

After multiple iterations of the game show – in which contestants guess five-letter words to fill a bingo-like grid – aired in the United States, and after versions in other countries have kept going strong for decades, CBS is ready to revive it for primetime later in the year.

It's perfect timing, and, as for centering RuPaul as the host, that's another no-brainer. He is, after the late Alex Trebek and alongside “Price is Right” vet Drew Carey, among America's most beloved game show hosts. Now, we

Photo: wikimedia

REGINA HALL AND STERLING K. BROWN 'HONK FOR JESUS' One of the breakout hits at this year's Sundance Film Festival was the debut feature from writer-director Adamma Ebo, “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.”

Produced by Daniel Kaluuya and Ebo's twin sister Adanne Ebo, the comedy is a satirical look — with its narrative roots in real life events — at big money megachurches and what happens when their empires threaten to crumble.

Sterling K. Brown (“This is Ivory Aquino Us”) plays the pastor of an anti-gay Southern Baptist megachurch whose own secret sexual life comes to

Photo: flickr

hope he hosts in drag but we're guessing he won't, most likely to insure that this show and “RuPaul's Drag Race” stay in their own lanes.

But honestly, it'll probably be because a properly flawless Ru look takes hours and Mr. Charles is a very busy man.

Lee Pace

light. As the scandal unfolds, his wife, played by Regina Hall (“Girls Trip”), has to push forward and rebuild or risk losing everything. Focus Features has picked up the film for distribution, probably sometime later this year.

While you're waiting for this comedy of religious hypocrisy to land gently in theaters on the wings of angels, check out the unnerving documentary “Jesus Camp” and its own closeted pastor Ted Haggard. Truth, it still turns out, is always stranger than fiction.

Jodie Foster Sterling K. Brown

LEE PACE AND AMANDLA STENBERG RUN SCREAMING WITH 'BODIES BODIES BODIES' For those of you late to the A24 scene, they're the film producers/distrib

utors who have built a reputation with horror films like “The Witch,” “Hereditary” and “Midsommar.” In other words, they deliver creepy arthouse titles that make some scary movie fans question the very definition of the word “horror.” But that all changes, maybe, at this year's South by Southwest Film Festival when “Bodies Bodies Bodies” hits the big screen. From Dutch actorwriter-filmmaker Halina Reijn (“Black Book”) and starring Lee Pace, Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova and Pete Davidson, it's about a group of rich 20somethings and a hurricane party where a game turns deadly and the body count grows. In other words, “backstabbing” is promised in more than one sense of the word and A24 is giving us a slasher movie.

And because it's from A24, it'll most certainly be one with great production values and an ambiguous ending.

We can't wait.

Romeo San Vicente is lobbying for another candy holiday in March.

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By Maria Espinal

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1. Gulfstream Park / Florida Derby 901 S Federal Hwy. • Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 954.457.6201 • gulfstreampark.com There's nothing like being at the Curlin Florida Derby, taking place on April 2nd at Gulfstream Park! Rub elbows with celebrities, television and film personalities as well as the industry's top horse owners, trainers and jockeys in a week-long celebration. The biggest race day of the year in South Florida, the Curlin Florida Derby is a showcase of the world's best horses and jockeys, who all are competing for the coveted title of Florida Derby Winner on their road to the Triple Crown.

Visit them online for updated information.

3. The Royal Poinciana Plaza 340 Royal Poinciana Way • Palm Beach, FL 33480 561.440.5441 • theroyalpoincianaplaza.com An iconic destination that serves as a jewel box oasis in the heart of beautiful Palm Beach, The Royal Poinciana Plaza stands today as one of Palm Beach's most treasured architectural gems. The property has been restored to its original mid-century glamour and includes a unique mix of luxury retail, fashion, dining and entertainment, along with amenities for both local and international visitors.

The property allows guests to enjoy events, gather with family and friends, sip a coffee, or shop.

2. Frost Museum of Science 1101 Biscayne Blvd. • Miami, FL 33132 305.434.9600 • frostscience.org • Daily 10am – 6pm The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a leading science museum dedicated to sharing the power of science, sparking wonder and investigation, and fueling innovation for the future. Located in the Downtown Miami area, the museum is divided into four buildings: the Frost Planetarium, Aquarium, and North and West Wings. Kids and adults can learn about the core science behind living systems, the solar system and known universe, the physics of flight, light and lasers, the biology of the human body and mind, and much more.

4. Las Olas Art Fair, Part II 620 E. Las Olas • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 artfestival.com Save the date for the 34th Annual Las Olas Fair on Saturday, Mar 5th & Sunday, Mar 6th, 10am-5pm, Free! This festival brings together longtime favorites with some of the newest names in the contemporary art scene. Las Olas Boulevard has everything for a wonderful evening out, or a relaxing day windowshopping and dining at one of the fabulous sidewalk cafes. On Las Olas Boulevard you will find a multitude of art galleries, eclectic boutiques, and dining options that range from Cuban-American cuisine to fresh seafood caught in the Atlantic Ocean.

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HOT Puzzle • Romance Parade DOWN

ACROSS 1 Peter Doyle's partner Whitman 5 “Spamalot” writer Eric 9 Caesar's postorgasmic claim?

14 “Firebird” composer Stravinsky 15 “Chicago” producer Meron 16 Movie based on “The Price of Salt” (“Parade”'s #2 of the Best LGBTQ Romance Movies of All Time) 17 Allies alliance (abbr.)

18 Where to find fine meats 19 "Great Caesar's ghost!"

20 Lesbian romance set in the Orthodox Jewish community (#18) 23 Get testy with 24 Units of stone size 28 Emergency road service org.

30 Pacifier 31 Mary's TV boss 32 Best Picture winner at the 2017 Oscars (#1) 37 Flies like a falcon

39 Diva's piece 40 Transportation for Liberace 42 Bear of the night 43 Fictional falcon's home 45 2018 film about a gay teen (#9) 47 Went down on 48 Road atlas abbr.

50 La mer, to Debussy 51 Play the temptress 53 Much ado about nothing, perhaps 58 Lesbian romance set in Queen Anne's court (#14) 62 Rice dish with nuts and fruits 65 Ingrid's _Casablanca_ role 66 Surfer's paradise 67 “My Own Private ___ “ (#12) 68 Lorca's half-dozen 69 Queen's "___ on Me" 70 Michael of “Miss Congeniality” 71 Send a message to 72 Features of Disney's Dumbo

>>>>>> To see answers, visit hotspotsmagazine.com/crossword 52 | HotspotsMagazine.com

1 Section for sax maniacs 2 From the top 3 Loads of 4 Cavalry unit 5 Where dat bottom took it?

6 A Scout may do a good one 7 Taylor of “I Shot Andy Warhol” 8 Peace Nobelist Wiesel 9 Top of the world and the bottom 10 Sue Wicks, for one 11 Constellation over Sydney 12 Stylish, '60s-style 13 Dottermans of “Antonia's Line” 21 Un-American idol 22 USMC barracks boss 25 It arouses in the bedroom 26 Bodybuilding-themed porn mag 27 Reformer Anthony 29 Able to bend over 30 Pilot's place 32 Lesbian parent pair 33 Take the soapbox 34 Lubricated 35 Part of NGLTF (abbr.)

36 Medical care co.

38 Nice affirmative 41 Where pirates land 44 The Riddler, to Superman 46 “Star Trek” navigator 49 Supporter of Spencer-Devlin 52 Affirmation member, often 54 Became erect 55 Sporty Mazda 56 Colette's “The ___ One” 57 Commits to another hitch 59 Balled hand for balling 60 Toward shelter 61 Auto engine type 62 It's a snap for Morgan Gwenwald 63 Lupino of “Women's Prison” 64 Troubadour's tune

Michael Goodman

Phil Cordell

Richard Gray

Dining for A Cause

Arts United Benefit at LIPS

By S. Elfman

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ArtsUnited is honoring South Florida's LGBTQ community leaders with style on Tuesday, March 15, with a spectacular dinner/fundraiser/show at Lips in Oakland Park.

Founded in 1999, the non-profit organization, dedicated to producing quality cultural programming that showcases the LGBTQ community, will also be celebrating its 23rd birthday.

“We first celebrated our 20th birthday at LIPS in 2019, then took a break due to COVID-19. This will be an annual event to celebrate what we have done in the past year and fund raise for our future,” said ArtsUnited president Chuck Williams.

Phil Cordell, Michael Goodman, Richard

Gray and the organization Our Fund are the honorees for the event and were chosen for their support of ArtsUnited.

“ArtsUnited is proud to recognize these honorees who champion equality and diversity in the arts and serve as positive role models in our community,” said Williams. “We are grateful for Lips and for the support of our members and patrons who help us fulfill our mission of sharing and nurturing LGBTQ artists' contributions in South Florida and beyond.”

Cordell, global head of lifestyle brands/new brand development of Hilton, is one of the nation's leading hospitalityindustry experts; Goodman, founder of GPR, is chair of the Florida Theatrical Association and is an executive committee board member for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce; Gray is the senior vice president of inclusion and accessibility for Visit Lauderdale; and Our Fund Foundation unites donors with organizations supporting the LGBT community.

Lips performer Nicolette will emcee the event, which will feature guest hosts Niki Lopez, Tedd Davis, Ryan Young and Michael Albetta. There will also be an appearance

by Michael Dean as Cher.

Nicolette

CELEBRATING ARTISTS ArtsUnited provides LGBTQ artists, in all genres of art – including visual, music, theater film and fashion – with opportunities

Michael Dean to showcase their work and network with other artists.

“We are unique in that we combine many forms of art,” Williams said. “We also do not limit our exhibitions to Broward County or one venue.”

“We are all-inclusive regardless of sexual orientation and we are all about creating opportunities for artists,” he added.

The non-profit started this year with an exhibit titled Art Vision 2022 at Gallery Six in Fort Lauderdale. In April, they will host their annual event, ArtExplosion, at the Arts Warehouse in Delray Beach.

“This is the first time for this event at Arts Warehouse, but the third year we will produce an exhibit in that space,” Williams explained.

Upcoming events after that include an exhibit at Bailey Contemporary Arts in Pompano Beach for June through August, another show at Gallery 21, Fashion Reaction fashion show in September, the Provocative Art Exhibition in Oakland Park in October, HATCH 1121 in Lake Worth in November and a collaboration with 9Muses Art Center in December.

DIVAS! Reservations are required for Dining with the Divas and can be made by visiting www.artsunitedflorida.com. Tickets are $60 per person which includes a three-course dinner and show. A cash bar is available.

“We hope this event will be sold out, so come celebrate our 23rd birthday,” Williams said.

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Frozen, The Musical

Comes to Broward Center for the Performing Arts

By Scott Holland

Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents Disney's Frozen. From the producer of The Lion King and Aladdin, Frozen, the Tonynominated Best Musical, will play an exclusive 2-week premiere engagement at The Au-Rene Theater beginning Wednesday, March 9, with performances playing through Sunday, March 20. Opening night is set for Thursday, March 10 at 8pm.

Heralded by The New Yorker as “thrilling” and “genuinely moving,” Frozen has joined Disney Theatrical Productions' megahit The Lion King on tour across North America, and the critics agree, “It's simply magical!” (LA Daily News).

“Disney's struck gold! Sumptuous sets, gorgeous costumes, and plenty of special effects to wow the audience!” raves the New York Post.

“With the magic, the dancing, and all those iconic tunes, Frozen was born to be a stage musical!” writes the Evening Standard. The Los Angeles Times declares “the North American tour is irresistible in its creativity and verve” and The Hollywood Reporter proclaims that Frozen is “thawing hearts from coast to coast!”

It was a pleasure to sit down with a member of our community, Kyle Lamar Mitchell (King Agnarr, Ensemble), for this exclusive Hotspots interview:

Were you always a performer even as a child, or when did it begin?

Yes, I have always been a bit of a character, and I have always loved making people happy and putting on a show. When I was 5 my parents got me a playschool mic and speaker and they encouraged me to sing

Kyle Lamar Mitchell

something. I continued to sing and put on shows after that. My father is a good singer, and my mother loves the arts, so it was natural for me. In 5th grade I was encouraged to audition for a school play, and I got the part. It was love at first sight.

What was your first paid gig…any amount?

I guess that would be at the Art Power National Touring Theatre Company where I played Lemuel in a show called “Four Score and Seven Years Ago.” When did you know entertaining would be your career?

I am not very good at many other things that people do. When I got to college I majored in literature, but I go to perform with my musical group, Shades of Yale, which showed me how beautiful music can be and how I could have a career in music.

Other than this role, what was your favorite role to play?

There are two. A childhood dream of mine was to be in The Lion King. When I was 10 years old, I was taken to see it by my mother and there is a moment in act 2 where Mufasa appears to Simba in a cluster of clouds. This scene shook me to my core and at that moment I turned to my mom and told her one day I will play Simba on Broadway and when I achieved that dream, it was magical.

Nicolette

“She is incredibly supportive, and family is the most important thing in her world, and that's where I get the love of family from.”

The second role was for a piece of work in NYC I debuted in. The show was called “Fing Hipsters” and the role Tomatoes. This role was so opposite from my personality, so it was a nice challenge as a performer.

What is your fantasy role?

I would love to play Paul in a revival of “Six Degrees of Separation.” I never saw the play, but I saw the movie with Will Smith and it's my favorite role of his.

Describe yourself in three words?

Luminous, loving, and Loyal.

What do you do for fun?

My mother will kill me for this, but over the pandemic I got into collecting Vinyl records. I even travel with a record player with me on tour, that I have been lugging through airports.

Are you Single or Married?

I am very much single.

What is the perfect guy for you?

I am looking for someone who can make me laugh and, they need to be able to laugh at themselves and not take themselves too seriously. They need to love themselves as Momma Ru says, “If you can't love yourself, how the hell are you going to love anyone else.” I also love food and cooking, so hopefully they are a foodie.

In addition, family is key. I have 2 nephew nuggets that are very important to me, and I have a phenomenal mother. One last thing, whatever he does for work, he needs to be passionate about it.

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In this interview, you have mentioned your mother a few times. Clearly you have a very close relationship. Tell me more...

Yeah, I do. Her name is Sandy, and she is pretty great! We are touring in Orlando now, and she is coming to visit. She came to see me in The Lion King 33 times, and she has already seen Frozen over 10 times. She is incredibly supportive, and family is the most important thing in her world, and that's where I get the love of family from. She was a single mother and held 3 to 4 jobs at one time. She taught us everything is possible if we put our minds to it and above everything

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else, she loves us to infinity and beyond.

Her motto is to always do more than was done for you.

What should our readers expect from “Frozen?”

I would say that a lot of people when they think of Frozen, including myself, think it's a kids show. While it's definitely a brilliant evening for children, it is so much more than that, it's an experience for everyone and is like no other. Given the state of the world we are in, many people feel isolated, just like Elsa does, but we are overjoyed to open up the gates to experience love and light with people all over the country. Our director has created the show for people who have never seen the film, so they won't feel lost. There are many songs from the move, but also many original songs. There is stunning stage craft, and the show is very funny and very witty. There are also over 300 handmade costumes. The performance by this cast is wonderful and I can assure all your readers they will love it!

For more information on the fabulous Kyle, go to Instagram.com/@kyle_Ley_lah Tickets are available at the Broward Center AutoNation Box Office, 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33312, browardcenter.org or by calling 954.462.0222. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling 954.660.6307. Ticket prices start at $30.50.

For more, visit frozenthemusical.com/tour Facebook & Instagram.

Cast photos by Deen van Meer

By Maria Espinal

Bourbon Steak Miami 19999 West Country Club Drive • Aventura, FL 33180 786.279.6600 • bourbonsteakmia.com Sun – Wed 6 pm – 10 pm • Thurs – Sat 6 pm – 11 pm Miami's acclaimed American steakhouse, famous for its signature butter-poached steaks and duck fat fries, Bourbon Steak is in a class alone. Sip and savor from a selection of more than 850 wines from its Wine Spectator Award-winning cellar, or order a classic cocktail. From wood-grilled Wagyu steak and Brussels sprouts to fresh lobster tail with truffle mac and cheese, indulge in one opulent dish after another at one of the best restaurants in Aventura. Making a reservation online is strongly suggested.

Serafina 926 NE 20th Ave. • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954.463.2566 • serabythewater.com • Mon-Thu 5pm – 10pm • Fri 5pm – 11pm • Sat 11:30am – 11pm • Sun 11:30am – 10pm This beautifully romantic, candlelit trattoria is nestled in Victoria Park on a gorgeous view of the Middle River. Serafina serves fine authentic Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Its doors open to the most irresistibly charming ambience and aromas of fantastic Mediterranean flavors. Save your appetite and taste for yourselves this mouth-watering celebration of food and fun! At Trattoria Serafina it truly is a beautiful evening. Whether it is pasta, fish or meat, Serafina has a dish for every one. Buon appetito!

Kaluz Restaurant 3300 E Commercial Blvd. • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954.772.2209 • kaluzrestaurant.com Sun – Thur 11:30am – 10pm • Fri -Sat 11:30am – 11pm Located on the intracostal and open daily for lunch and dinner, Kaluz is a Modern American Waterfront Restaurant, with breathless views from every table. They offer an extensive menu of Fresh Seafood, Hand-cut Steaks, Crisp salads, hand-pattied burgers and delicious made-in-house decadent desserts! Enjoy the South Florida Breeze outside or the modern design and waterway views inside. A Plantation location will be opening soon.

Ganache Bakery 306 S. Dixie Hwy. • West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561.507.5082 • ganachebakerycafe.com • Mon- Fri 8:30am – 3pm Come check out their grab & go menu to order carrot, banana salted caramel, red velvet or chocolate cupcakes or mini bunt cakes; chocolate, chocolate bailey's rum or coconut rum cakes or key lime tartlet, macarons or mini cannoli from their small bites menu. Also at Ganache, you can order your cake for a wedding, birthday party, baby shower, or any special event. They do offer gluten-free and vegan cakes.

By Tom Bonanti

EATING TO FUEL YOUR

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE & YOUR WORKOUTS Do you budget the time to prepare and eat a healthy breakfast, or do you skip breakfast altogether? Do you eat enough during the day to fuel your active lifestyle, or do you skip meals and feel tired and dragging as the day wears on? These are valid questions, since eating properly is just as important to your health as proper sleep and regular workouts.

According to ndings reported in the American Journal of Physiology: Endocrinology and Metabolism, eating 88 | HotspotsMagazine.com

rst actually helps the body burn more calories during exercise. This is just natural since you've got to have enough fuel to make any engine run efficiently! Not just that, but compared to skipping breakfast, eating breakfast 1-1 ½ hours before exercise increases the speed at which you digest, absorb, and metabolize carbohydrates even after exercising. In short, a substantial morning meal consisting of such nutritional gems as steel cut oatmeal, low-fat yogurt, milk, eggs, and fresh fruit will not only fuel ambitious

morning workouts, but it will also keep you burning calories more efficiently all day long.

Similarly, if you're exercising later in the day, it's just as important to eat properly throughout the day if you want to get the most out of your workouts. Whether you're exercising during your lunch break, or hitting the gym after work, you need the right nutritional plan. A substantial breakfast and healthy snacks every two hours should ensure that you will have enough energy to fuel whatever exercise you do during the day. Hint: a snack or light meal an hour or two before you hit the gym would be great.

Eating 15-30 minutes after your workout is just as important as fueling your body prior to exercising. During exercise, muscles use up stored glucose (called glycogen) and you'll feel shaky and tired.

Endurance sports such as running use up

more glycogen than resistance activities like weightlifting. Restoring the proper nutritional balance after exercise revives energy levels, reduces fatigue, and promotes muscle recovery. Protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats are needed to return the body to homeostasis.

According to research published in 2017, as few as 9 grams of milk protein may be enough to facilitate muscle building and recovery after exercise. Also, on the list of easily assimilated protein rich foods for post workout meals are Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, ker and eggs. I suggest a protein drink or shake consisting of about 30 grams of protein about 20 minutes post workout.

Healthy fats known as omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and tuna help boost the synthesis of muscle proteins and increase the size of muscle cells. Other evidence suggests that oil drawn from these fatty sh may ease muscle soreness following resistance training.

Don't be afraid of carbohydrates!

Consuming carbs as part of a post workout snack helps replenish depleted glycogen stores and boosts the immune system. Sweet potatoes, whole grains, and fruits contain high levels of healthy low glycemic index carbohydrates. Quinoa is a gluten free option usually consumed as a grain. It is high in ber and rich in protein (8.14/cup) as well.

Tom Bonanti is a certied tness trainer and massage therapist (MA#40288) with his own one on one gym in Ft. Lauderdale. Contact trainertomb@aol.com with questions or to set up a free tness consultation.

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By Mike Jeknavorian

Freddy Stebbins Stand-Up Comic

Freddy Stebbins, one of Miami's preeminent standup comics, will debut some new shows in South Florida this year.

But, like one of the characters that he impersonates, Walter Mercado, Stebbins discusses how experienced both joy and pathos on his path to notoriety.

What's your claim-to-fame?

I'm a professional standup comedian and a college professor. Some call me Miami's “Nutty Professor.”

Where did you grow up?

I haven't (laughs).

What's something special about Miami that isn't common knowledge?

Miami is one of the only major cities founded by a woman.

How long have you lived in South Florida?

It's a life sentence…

What part of South Florida do you live in?

I live in South Miami.

What do you like most about living here?

It makes every other city seem incredibly friendly.

Where do you hang out in South Florida?

At dive bars that have live comedy or bands, with family and friends, and on Biscayne Bay. What's your favorite restaurant in South Florida?

The Peacock Garden in Coconut Grove.

What South Florida venue do you miss that's gone?

The Orange Bowl.

If you had to live somewhere else other than here, where would you live?

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In the United States (laughs).

Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now?

A play-by-play announcer for Jai-Alai.

How did you perform during the quarantine?

I joined various zoom meetings and/or parties as a surprise guest, such as the astrologer Walter Mercado!

What's the best stand-up gig that you ever did?

I performed once at an afternoon “grand opening” of an LA Fitness. I did my act in front of 100 sweaty, exhausted people that were on stationary bikes or treadmills.

Making them laugh proved that I'm a professional (laughs).

What's the worst thing that ever happened to you onstage?

Someone told me to “break a leg” before a show. Halfway through the show, I tripped over the mic wire and actually broke my leg! I did three shots of Patron tequila and finished the performance. The leg took four months to heal, by the way.

Of all the comic festivals you've been a part of, which was the most special to you?

The 2017 Miami's Ultimate Comedian competition; I won it. It was a huge audience, I won $5,000, and I was named Miami's Best Standup Comedian.

Of all the characters that you do, which one is your favorite?

The legendary astrologer, Walter Mercado!

He's outrageous, he's very Miami, he has a great accent, and he allows me to improvise.

How did you come up with the idea to do historical comic lectures about Miami?

I love Miami's colorful history, and I wanted to teach people about it in a fun way.

What's the best TV show or film that you ever did?

A season on the Travel Channel's Get Packing. I got to be on national TV almost every day. It was fun while it lasted (laughs)!

What's your dream gig?

To be on Saturday Night Live.

Sophie's Choice: if you could make the same amount of money teaching college or being an entertainer, which one would you choose?

Teaching college, because it also allows me to do standup comedy in class.

What's the weirdest question that a fan has asked you?

“Is that your real hair?”

Will you ever retire?

No!

What's the last thing that you looked at online?

Grindr… but I swear that I'm deleting it!

What would your drag name be?

Miss Elona Musky.

What would your autobiography be called?

Lemme Tell Jou Somesing!

What's the greatest tragedy of your life?

After a performance late one night in June of 2008, I was the victim of a most brutal, premeditated, bloody, gay-bashing attack. I was hospitalized and endured years of pain and surgery to recover. To this day, the perpetrator has not been identified or caught. He was an anonymous person who had been stalking me at my shows. As Miami's first “out” standup comedian, I was publicly exposed to both supportive and antagonistic people. I have fully recovered from this traumatic event, and I'm stronger, prouder, tougher, and a more resilient person because of it.

What's something secretive about you that people don't know?

That I can be a very solitary person, and that I like country music (laughs).

Where can we see you?

My schedule is on my website—it's freddystebbins.com—but I'm delighted to announce that my 1960's Copacabana variety/comedy lounge show called Freddy & The Flamingos is back. My next Freddy & The Flamingos show will be on April Fool's Day at Bar Nancy in Little Havana. I occasionally invite some of Miami's best drag queens to perform with us in it. I'll also debut my new one man comedy/history show, Sentenced to Miami Without the Possibility of Parole!, on May 14. And if that isn't enough, in August I'm also starting my famous walking history tours of Miami again. But once a month, I'll give the tour as Walter Mercado, in full costume and character of course (laughs).

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Call Me Mentor Leslie Jordan and Cheyenne Jackson on What They’ve Learned from Each Other on the Set of “Call Me Kat”

By Chris Azzopardi

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Leslie Jordan and Cheyenne Jackson, co-stars in the Fox multicam sitcom “Call Me Kat,” are in separate locations on Zoom, tenderly admiring each other. As an openly gay actor, Jackson (“30 Rock” and “All Shook Up,” his first lead role on Broadway) affectionately acknowledges that Jordan, who's also openly gay, has been a mentor to him ever since he saw him as Beverley Leslie on “Will & Grace.”

Jordan, who admits he doesn't know how to respond to younger generations who praise him for paving the way for them, recognizes Jackson for being precisely the kind of actor Jordan is not.

Since January 2021, the “Call Me Kat” actors have come together weekly to make viewers laugh through a seriously unfunny and fraught time. The sitcom, which also features Mayim Bialik, as Kat, and Swoosie Kurtz, as Kat's mom Sheila, is now in its second season after premiering during the pandemic. As Phil, Jordan plays the gay head baker at Kat's cat café, while Jackson portrays bartender Max, Kat's former college boyfriend.

Recently, Jackson, 46, and Jordan, 66, got on Zoom to chat about shooting a sitcom during Covid, the potential for Jordan to get his first onscreen kiss, and why, during one episode, he moves so effortlessly in heels.

How much joy and levity has doing this show brought you during one of the most challenging times we'll ever experience?

CJ: It's brought a significant amount of joy and stability and escapism. I think that's really what we are all craving right now, because the world feels off of its hinges. To be able to go to work every day with five other people whom you adore and love and are inspired by, but also just to get to do something that is just

unabashedly joyful and happy… I mean, what other show at the end of it has a curtain call? An old-timey curtain call!

It's really just been such a gift. I know people overuse that phrase, but it truly has [been], being able to be home with my kids, go to work and then be home every day in time for dinner. I've only missed, maybe, two bedtimes this whole run. And when we have a week off, I definitely start to miss everybody and can't wait to get back.

What about you, Leslie? What has the show meant to you, especially as a source of connection during a time when it's been so hard to connect with people?

LJ: We had an amazing beginning because we were going to shoot the pilot and then the pandemic hit. We got to meet each other over Zoom. I don't think any of us really knew each other. I had worked with Cheyenne a couple times, but none of us were friendly-friendly. And all of a sudden during the pandemic, with the Zooms and getting things ready, they said, “The minute this is over, we're going back.” When people didn't even know if they were going to get jobs back, we knew what was ahead, we knew what was coming, and we just kind of bonded. And so by the time we got all of us together, we were just giddy. We just loved each other so much.

And it's been hard because this show should be in front of an audience. It's multicam, and it should be shot in front of an audience.

And we're aiming toward that, eventually.

But we haven't been able to have an audience. So we are doing comedy with very little laughter. We've had a director lately that screams at everybody and says, “Laugh!” Like those old camera men, they've heard it 20 times! You're not going to get a giggle out of any of them. So we just have to know that what we're saying is funny and that's that. It's been trying, but we have so much ahead of us, and I think this is a show that has some legs.

I read this article that what Fox was looking for with their pilot season was different kinds of shows [they] can pair with “Call Me Kat.” So it seems to me like they're going to build nights around us. And I just want it to

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go for a while. I'm at an age. I'm 66. I was thinking if it went as long as “Big Bang Theory,” I'd be like almost 80 [laughs] when it's over. I'll be ready to retire. I'd be so rich.

I have appreciation for the show's queer inclusivity, and I'm getting a real kick out of seeing Cheyenne playing one of the straightest men I've ever seen.

CJ: He'll walk over to me, and then he'll go, “Listen, girl,” after he's just been the butchest. [Laughs.]

What's it like being a part of a show that touches on some really important LGBTQ-specific topics?

LJ: You know, I feel so protected, I don't know what it is. I just feel like I'm [in] this cocoon because, you know, writers come, they go, this one in and out. But right now we've got some writers that came from “Will & Grace” and wrote my Emmy episode [Jordan won in 2006 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series]. So everything they write, I adore.

Listen, I've done some stinkers over the years. But every week the scripts just get better and better and better. And we're like, “Wow, they're touching on all kinds of topics.” They were whispering the other day that they want to give me an onscreen kiss. I said, “Oh lord.” [Laughs.] That'll be a first!

Who do you want to play that role, Leslie, is the question?

LJ: Well, we approached Rob Gronkowski,

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that football player. I'm making that up. We did not approach him. [Laughs.] I think he would be good, though; they should ask him. I've got such a crush on him. I don't even watch football, but I'm glued to that TV. I have an appreciation for one of the episodes this season that touches on lgbtq+ aging. Leslie, how did that bit about the unique experience of aging for lgbtq+ people make it onto the show?

Was that your doing?

LJ: People that think that as actors we have a lot of say, and maybe other actors do, but I don't particularly… I'm the kind of actor that I think writers love because I show up and just say their words [laughs]. And I learned a long time ago that stage is an actor's medium. Film is a director's medium.

TV is really a writer's medium. That's where you have wonderful, wonderful writers. And I know the process, that they sit around that table… “Will & Grace,” at one point, had 25 writers. Can you imagine? Twenty-five people sitting around the table, going over [a script] line by line by line. And then you show up, and the actors take off and then speak the words. I'm very reverent. You do your job. I'll show up and bring it to life. Just give me the words. So no, I had nothing to do with that at all. They came up with it. I just loved it.

CJ: First of all, I've never heard it put that way, the medium; that's really, really cool. I love to think of it that way, and I am of like

mind with Leslie that my job is to be a conduit.

I go in there, and I take what they give me and portray it. But so much of what they're writing now, especially our new additions that Leslie was talking about, I do believe they're taking from our own lives and who we are in the world. So when they give Leslie a monologue like he did in the car about [aging] as Max, I feel like crying as Cheyenne because Leslie's so brilliant, and Swoosie is so brilliant. The two of them together, I just love their dynamic.

Sometimes a paragraph or a scene or just a set of lines will just hit you in the guts, and that was definitely one where I thought it was a home run. And, yeah, I have to definitely remember, “OK, I'm Max right now.” [Laughs.]

Cheyenne, how do you get through a take without laughing when Leslie is in a scene with you, particularly that episode where he learns to ride a bike?

CJ: [Laughs.] Oh my god, oh my god. OK, so usually we have a lot of material to do, and I'm from the theater, and I love to prepare, and I love to be super solid on my lines. So when I get down there, if there's going to be a bike or Leslie doing his thing, I don't break. But with that particular episode — Anthony Rich directed, and it was really fast, and we have tons of rapid fire, and Leslie with the pratfall — it's hard. To keep us on track is tough.

Did you two first meet on the set of “American Horror Story”?

CJ: We were trying to figure this out the other

day. I think it must have been.

LJ: I think it was the day that we were shooting in a big theater and they had Trixie Mattel. She was on “American Horror Story” very briefly. You had the actor, and then you had the actor playing the actor, and then it went all… I couldn't keep up with it. But that I think is where we met.

CJ: But I've known who Leslie was forever and was a huge fan of “Will & Grace,” and I can quote all of his stuff, and I constantly do to him. It's one of the joys of this.

LJ: I just wish he'd butch it up a little bit sometimes when he's doing it. [Laughs.]

CJ: One of the biggest joys of this has been to get to to know Leslie on a true friend basis, because the queer experience in Hollywood is you have to have lived it to understand it. And I'm in my mid 40s now, and you know, I've been around a while. So I love to have mentors, and I love to have queer mentors. And Leslie has stories and advice and just so much wisdom. And sometimes, if I'm stuck on a line, I will go to him and say, “How do I make this funny rhythmically?” and he'll say like, “Hit that, hit that, and then just drop that.” It's just so intrinsic in him, whereas multicam is still new to me. So it's one of my favorite things, being on a show with you.

I'm sure Cheyenne is not the only person to have told you that you're a queer mentor to them. What is it like to hear that from other people in the LGBTQ+ community?

LJ: I mean, I don't get up in the morning and think, “The mentor has gotten up.”

[Laughs.] You know, when I got to Hollywood in 1992, West Hollywood was where I dropped anchor. Queers were everywhere, and I thought, “Wow.” And then the crisis hit — the AIDS epidemic, which I've seen so many parallels between this pandemic and the last one. I've been through it. I've been through a pandemic.

I was on the forefront of Project Angel Food when it got started. I was right there in the meetings when Project Nightlight got started. I was around, and I did my share, and I'm very proud of that. And

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sometimes I look back and think, “Own it.”

It's so hard for us. My boyfriend constantly says to me, “When someone compliments you, Leslie, you compliment them back.”

I'm working on that. I'm working so hard on that. Anyways, whatever. Where were we? What was the question?

You were just about to thank Cheyenne for what he said.

[Both laugh.] CJ: Nice, Chris.

LJ: And then sing his praises, which Cheyenne… he's trained as an actor. I marvel. I go over there, and he's got a script marked with stuff and I think maybe I should do that. But we all have our process. We all have a way in which we approach it. And his is to be admired, that's for sure.

CJ: Thank you, Leslie. We're all learning from each other.

LJ: You know what I am? I met this girl, and I said "When did you decide to become an actress?" She said, "Oh honey, I'm not an actress, I'm a depictress." I said, "You're a depictress, what does that mean?" She said, "I don't do that whole method-y thing. I just depict; then I go home." And well, OK, so maybe I'm a depictress.

[Laughs.]

Leslie, you can really work some heels. I know you've joked before that you came out of your mom's womb and immediately stepped into her heels, so is that why you are such a pro at dancing around in them on “Call Me Kat”?

LJ: [Laughs.] No, it's because I did drag when I was about 19. We would have drag parties and I was in my hometown; you couldn't get in the bars at 17. So we'd have these drag parties up at this doctor's house — this very wealthy doctor — and we would put together drag shows, and I was Miss Baby Wipes, that was my name. The sweet and petite Miss Baby Wipes. And I could work that stage. I'd do Tina Turner numbers and stuff, when they were all doing Barbra Streisand.

CJ: I knew that you'd be good in heels, but when we had that episode with heels the other day and you popped them on, he was like “bum, bum, bum, bum, bum!” It

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was amazing. I can't do that.

This cast is obviously very musical. And given that there's an actual stage right there on set, how much unprompted singing goes on behind the scenes?

Jackson: Mayim and I often find ourselves behind the pianos just playing, and Mayim is incredibly musical and plays a bunch of instruments, and I love that they write that into the show a lot. But I'd like to see Leslie have a musical moment.

LJ: I will hear Cheyenne and Mayim just sit down at the piano and sing and think, “Oh, that's wonderful.” I was on Reba McEntire's show many, many years ago and she'd do that. All of a sudden she'd start singing and it was like, “My god, that's Reba over there just singing.”

CJ: I want Leslie to do a number after his makeout scene.

LJ: With the Gronk!

Chris Azzopardi is the Editorial Director of Pride Source Media Group and Q Syndicate, the national LGBTQ+ wire service. He has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé.

His work has also appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi.

America’s Got Talent Alumni

Brian Justin Crum

Performs at the WMBA Networker on March 14

By Scott Holland 110 | HotspotsMagazine.com

BJC is an electrifying performer with a powerhouse voice. His career began on Broadway when he was just 18 years old. He moved to New York City to join the cast of “Wicked” and went on to perform in 'Next to Normal', QUEENS rock theatrical “We will Rock You” and Disney's “Tarzan" among others. It was in these years that he really honed in on his craft as a singer. In 2016, he appeared on America's Got Talent where he showcased his voice to a much larger reach. Some of his most memorable performances include Radiohead's “Creep” & Queen's “Somebody To Love.” These two performances alone garnered over 100 million views online. With a growing fan base invested in both his music and his roles in antibullying and LGBT efforts, BJC's star continues to rise. Brian recently played and sold-out multiple shows at The Bourbon Room & The Globe in Los Angeles, with his original show concept, "Reverie" featuring special guests such as Katya Zamolodchikova, Malachi, Vicky Vox, Astor Yang, and more.

BJC will be performing at the next WMBA Mix & Mingle on Monday, March 14 from 5:30-7pm at Hunters Nightclub. Tickets are almost sold out and I am 99% sure there will be no tickets available at the door, so to purchase your tickets go to WiltonManorsBusinessAssociation.com It was a pleasure to, once again, sit down with the very sweet and lovable Brian Justin Crum for this exclusive Hotspots interview.

“I heard form people all over the world after the show premiered and to this day has been the biggest life changer for me.”

Were you always an entertainer, even as a child? Or when did it begin?

I started performing when I was 6 years old in Community theaters around San Diego and never stopped.

What was your first paying gig?

“Fidler on the Roof” at the San Diego City Starlight and I believe I was 15 years old.

When did you know entertaining would be your career?

I remember very specifically when I was probably 15 or 16 and thinking I was good at this and thinking this would be my life.

You worked on Broadway quite a bit. What was your favorite role/production and why?

My favorite production was “Next To Normal” that won the Pulitzer Prize. My favorite roll I ever played was Joseph in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

What made you try out for AGT? I was living in LA, and I had a couple friends who had done reality TV before, but I was hesitant as I wanted to do it the oldfashioned way. Then I thought about it and said why not, and I went for it.

How was the AGT experience?

It was incredible and changed my life forever. Prior to me very few people had been openly gay on a reality show while they were competing, so it was something I

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definitely wanted to do. I heard form people all over the world after the show premiered and to this day has been the biggest life changer for me.

When you were on AGT, your mom seemed very supportive. Were you always close?

My mom was a single mom raising 3 kids and she has always been my biggest fan. I was just with her in San Diego, and we are closer than ever.

Are you single or married?

Very taken.

What makes him the perfect guy for you?

I have been with my partner for 4 ½ years.

We balance each other out so well. I am a free spirit artist type, and he is a businessman and is so emotionally intelligent and kind and generous. We have the perfect Ying Yang. In addition, he is so damn sexy!

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Boisterous, sensitive, and funny.

What do you do for fun?

I go out with my friends dancing. I also travel a lot and like to see the different cultures. I also enjoy working out.

What does the future hold?

I think the future holds a lot more performing and a lot more original music.

More traveling and maybe expanding my family. I am also planning a return to the Broadway stage. The future is bright, I feel it!

What should our readers expect from your performance at the WMBA mixer?

I am going to be performing a lot of the iconic songs that people have loved hearing me sing on AGT, but also some originals. I am also going to have a fun, sexy outfit on. In addition, after the performance, I will mingle with the crowd as I love my fans.

For more information on Brian follow him on Q/BrianJustinCrum

112 | HotspotsMagazine.com

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By Andreus Quinones

Dear Andreus, I met a guy on Grindr a few years back. He was from out of town, and we hit it off, so he started to visit me frequently. Something special developed, even though there was no spoken commitment. At some point though, because of distance, we both ended up in relationships with other people. Fast forwarding a couple of years, we are both single again, and have basically picked up where we left off. I have hopes for us, but he is still consumed with his ex. I feel helpless because I want to solidify what we have, but he is distracted by this toxic guy. I don't know what to do. Any suggestions?

Sincerely, Rafael N. Dear Rafael, However foolish it may seem sometimes; the heart wants what it wants – even at the expense of logic. I cannot give you any advice that would alter the situation, other than telling you to allow nature to take its course.

Everyone must go through their own process and come to their own realizations. If you interfere in that

“I have hopes for us, but he is still consumed with his ex. I feel helpless because I want to solidify what we have, but he is distracted by this toxic guy.” process, it may not help things turn out in your favor. It is human nature for us to be haunted by “what if,” and for that reason, you should allow him to deal with whatever situation is present in his life. Not to sound cliché, but if it is meant to be it will happen.

Dear Andreus, I recently found out that I have cancer. The prognosis is not that great, but there is a chance that I could pull through. The dilemma I have at this point, is that I do not want to tell my boyfriend. In the last two years, he lost his mother and father both to cancer, and I am afraid of what it might do to him if I tell him. There is a part of me that feels like he should know, but I want to save him the grief, since he is still grieving. Any thoughts on what I should do?

Sincerely, Ethan P. Dear Ethan, First let me say as a survivor, that there is always hope. Keep your head up, and always focus on the very best outcome. As far as your boyfriend is concerned, I would tell him. I know that it might seem difficult, and maybe even cruel, but he deserves to know. Imagine the amount of grief if something happened to you, and he found out afterwards. I am more than certain that he would feel cheated. Yes, it will be difficult for him to hear, but neither of you needs to take your journeys alone. Telling him might be just the medicine that both of you need to heal. Sending you healing vibes and well wishes.