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on the inside
Central Florida Edition December 2017
Interview with “The Book of Mormon” PJ Adzima “I don’t think you can find a more hillarious night at the theater, and an abundant amount of heart. It really is a one of a kind experience...”
content: • • • •
What’s Hot Central Florida Around Tampa Bay Hot Bodies Queens We Love
this month’s features: • 2017 Holiday Gift Guide • Orlando Ribbon Project • “The Book of Mormon”
hot shots •Halloween Tampa •Halloween Orlando •Halloween St. Petersburg
What’s HOT ...everything you need to plan your month
By Scott Holland
It's amazing how quickly the years go by, and once again the Holiday Season is upon us. I have compiled a list of 18 reasonably priced items that I believe will be a hit with your loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of Central Florida a wonderful Holiday season and a happy New Year!
Clothing Drag Queen Merchandise Dragqueenmerch.com It is the "official" store for the queens you see on their website. DragQueenMerch offers a turnkey solution to drag queens to be able to have an online merchandise store which enables them to offer official products to theirfanbase. Amanda LePore by Micah Souza T-Shirt$30. A m a n d a L e Po re p h o t o sublimated T-Shirt; photo by JosefJasso$40.
Jack Adams / jackadamsusa.com Founded in 2010, Jack Adams is an underwear and activewear brand that's defined by the man who wears it. They appeal to the athletic man withamasculinestyle. Nautical style Newport Swim Brief /$53 A sports cut swim brief with an Aussie style contoured lose front pouch. The pouch includes a small inner pocket to cradle your jewels and keep it in place as you swim. Sexy, lightweight and quick-drying swim brief. Made of 90% Polyesterand10%Elastane.
Triumph Boxer Racer /$59 They invite you to hit the beach this season in their latest Jack Adams swimwear range. Made in Europe using finest microfiber fabric“Microsense”, feels like velvet. Sexy and quick-drying. Styled with a loose-fit front and a more comfortable wider waist finish. Made of 90% Polyester and 10% Elastane.
Barefoot Bubbly – Pink Moscato (750ml-Pricesvarybutpickuplocallyfor$7.97) Tickle your toes (and your nose!) with this deliciously sweet champagne which releases aromas of red tree fruit and fresh berries. A creamy finish collides perfectly with candied cherriesandsweetcitrusmakingthisthesweetest champagne we offer. Pairs well with with some cheeseandsweettreatslikepeachsorbet.
Liquor / Spirits
Central Coast Callie Collection –Chardonnay (750ml– Pricesvarybutpickuplocallyfor$17.99) Light straw in color, our 2015 Central Coast Pinot Grigio brings a bouquet of melon, citrus, pear, and flinty mineral notes. With honeydew, ripe melon, mineral, and citrus flavors, this medium-bodied winehasasubtle,cleanfinish. (openernotincluded)
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Health & Beauty
Zue Beauty zuebeauty.com To the South American indigenous tribes, Zue meant “the origin of life,� and today they embody this spirit by connecting and improving lives around the world. Zue is a company dedicated to giving back to our planet and people. Along with crafting quality, vegan, skin care products, they work with multiple social and environmental projects. With every purchase, Zue shares a portion of the proceeds with the partners that they support.
Purifying Facial Cleanser refreshes and balances your skin while gently removing impurities and traces of makeup and oils. Skin is left feeling revitalizedandsmooth.4oz Daily Facial Moisturizer is formulated to help protect skin's natural oils and preserve its hydration throughouttheday. 1.8oz-$28.99
Novex Coconut Hair System Novexhaircare.com Coconut Oil Shampoo (10oz $7.99), Conditioner (10oz $7.99), Leave in Conditioner (10.5 oz $7.99), and Conditioning Hair mask. $5.99– $16.99. This system is enriched with the purest Coconut oil from Brazil and Vitamin E. It is ideal to revive dry, rebellious and frizzy hair. While maintaining the natural moisture, prolonging for much longer the smooth and straight effect. Coconut oil is a natural substance extremely nourishing and moisturizing. It has a high concentration of elements that strengthens the hair structure leaving it protected and resistant to external agents. Novex is the most known Brazilian hair care worldwide and it can be found in over 45 countriesin6differentlanguages.
Addicted to Americana by Charles Phoenix (AvailableNationwide$29.95) Raised on a used-car lot, Charles Phoenix was destined to become the Ambassador of Americana. This riotously colorful book, replete with Charles's collection of vintage Kodachrome slides, celebrates his lifelong quest to unearth thebestofclassicandkitschyAmericanlifeandstyle.
Books
Becoming AFI – 50 Years inside the American Film Institute (SantaMonicaPressHardcover/$27.95) JeanPickerFirstenbergandJamesHindmanprovideacandid look at how this remarkable organization brought together aspiring filmmakers, educators, and artists who helped AFI become the foremost national champion for moving images asavibrantartform. DRAGS Dragbook.com Publisher: KMW Studio; $75 PLUS $10 S&H) is a photo series documenting drag queens and drag kings from New York City, shot by director/photographer Gregory Kramer. Presented in the style of classic fashion portraiture, the collection features legends – and up-and-coming legends – in glamorous black and white, full-length studio portraits. Inspired by Irving Penn, each photo brings out the spirit of the performer through subtle pose, gesture and facial expression.
Cds / DVDs remarkable, timeless work, from the beautifully judged protestsongsPrayingForTime and Mother's Pride, to the intimate Cowboys & Angels, via the autobiographical Freedom! '90. This was music George Michael felt truly committedto. George Michael – Listen Without Prejudice Vol 1/ MTV unplugged (AvailableNationwide;PricesVary)
The Reissue of The Late George Michael's Iconic album, 'was George's second solo album. Arranged, produced and almost completely written by George himself, it eloquently confirmed him as a pioneering, agenda-setting artist. Without Prejudice Vol. 1 remains a
Logan –The Movie DVD$18.99 In the near future, a weary Logan (Hugh Jackman) cares for an ailing Professor X (Patrick Stewart) in a hideout on the Mexican border. But Logan's attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are upended when a young mutant arrives, being pursued bydarkforces.
War for the Planet of the Apes DVD$18.99 In this thrilling, climactic chapter of the Planet of the Apes saga, Caesar (Andy Serkis) and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel (Woody Harrelson). But after suffering unimaginable losses, Caesar resolves to avenge his kind, pitting him against the Colonel for a final showdown that willdeterminethefutureoftheplanet!
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hot shots photos by tony fowler
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what’s hot everything you need to know
to plan your month
H
Hello, Hotspots Central readers! Welcome once again to the What's Hot column, where we keep you in the loop with lots of important nightlife events in Tampa Bay, Orlando, and points in between. We're also your connection to many activities and events organized by local LGBT service organizations and chambers of commerce. Want to know What's Hot in December? Readmoreandfindout!
Friday, Dec 1 Grammy and Golden Globe winner and Academy Awardnominated Lady Gaga is a one-of-a kind artist and performer. She has amassed an outstanding 30
million global album sales and 150 million single sales, making her one of the best-selling musicians of all time. Catch her in her Joanne World Tour at the Amalie Arena at 7:30 pm with tickets starting at $46 at AmalieArena.com. N e i B E A R h o o d Ta k e o v e r presents “Hung By The Chimney With Care” at Southern Nights Tampa. The night will star DJ JB Burgos, and feature a 1 a.m. Santa Toss and sincethisisaJocksandSocksevent a clothing check will be provided. They also invite you to bring an unwrapped toy and you will receive afreedrink. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story,” which tells the true story of Buddy's meteoric rise to fame, from the moment in 1957 when 'That'll be the Day' hit the airwaves until his tragic death less than two years later on “The Day the Music Died”. The show continues the incredible legacy of the young man with glasses, whose musical career spanned an all-too-brief period during the golden days of rock & roll.
Featuring over 20 of Buddy Holly'sgreatesthits,Buddyissure to “send you out of the theater on an unstoppable high” (The Boston Globe). Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story plays today and December 5 at 8p.m. with tickets starting at $36 at VanWezel.org
Saturday, Dec 2 The Parliament House presents their annual “Light Up The Courtyard,” which is a free courtyard event featuring Central Florida Sounds of Freedom and thearrivalofSantaClaus. The Flamingo Resort presents
“Light Up Flamingo, a Dr. Seuss Christmas,” with special performance by The Mistletones at 9:30 and 10:30p.m. at the
bringing us wildly popular hits such as “How Do I Live,” “Can't Fight the Moonlight,” and “You Light Up My Life.” The Tour will include a mix of holiday classics, Rimes' greatest hits and songs from her new criticallyacclaimed album, Remnants. Tickets start at $51 at VanWezel.org. Cabana Bar Stage. There will also be a drag show at 11:30p.m. with hostess Iman and featuring the FlamingoBluTheaterPlayers.
Sunday, Dec 3
China Soul: The Martial Artists and Acrobats of Tianjin, People's Republic of China takes place at the Straz Center at 2p.m. Get ready for jawdropping Shaolin Kung Fu. Prepare for breathtaking feats of gravity-defying acrobatics. Expect a magic stunt or two. In this dreamy, fantastical recreation of the soul of China, The Martial Artists and Acrobats of Tianjin transport audiences to another world – where everyone juggles, plates and carpets spin on sticks and we catch a glimpse of the rarely seen great Icarian acrobatic performance. Tickets startat$35atStrazCenter.org. Grammy Award®-winning LeAnn Rimes makes her Van Wezel debut with her Today is Christmas Tour 2017 at 7p.m. Rimes is an internationally-acclaimed singer and award-winning songwriter
Monday, Dec 4 The Flamingo Resort presents Miss Rainbow 411 Continental Elite hosted by Esme Russel and Jocelyn Summers. Doors open at 6 p.m. with pageant starting promptly at 7p.m.. The categories include Interview, swimwear, evening gown, talent and Q&A, and the night will be honoring Fontasia L'amour, the current reigning Miss Continental
Elite. Formoreinformation,email J o n J u s i n o a t : Jon@FlamingoFLA.com The Parliament House presents MissGayOrlando honoringKennedy Davenport. Thecategoriesinclude Presentation (Tis The Season), Talent (7 minute max) and Evening Gown. The $100 contestant entry fee (registration is 2 pm) includes a free hotel room (night of pageant). Pageant starts promptly at 9 p.m. andadmissionis$12.
Tuesday, Dec 5 The Dr. Phillips Center for the Per forming Ar ts p re s e n t s Paramore, who were formed in Nashville in 2003. Since then, Paramorehasgrownupinsidethe brutal beast of the music industry, surviving media storms, industry sexism, and soap-opera worthy drama for nearly 15
years. Still calling Nashville their home, the band mates spend most their days and nights sitting on the porch together laughing or crying... reminiscing, d a y d re a m i n g , o r t r y i n g desperately to just stay present. The concert is at 8p.m. and tickets start at $38.50 at DrPhillips.org. The Book of Mormon comes to the Straz Center for the performing Arts from today until December 10 with tickets starting at $63.75 at Straz Center.org. It then travels
about an hour to the east coast of Central Florida and will be featured at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from December 12-17 with tickets starting at $39.25 at DrPhillips.org. This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jimmy Fallon of "The Tonight Show" calls it "Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal." It's The Book of Mormon, the nine-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical.
Thursday, Dec 7 Join G2H2, Beadle Media and www.sarasotaOUT.com as they celebrate the Holiday Season in STYLE at Sophie's at Saks Fifth Ave. Located on the 2nd floor of
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Saks Fifth Avenue in The Mall at University Town Center, Sophie's features a delightful bar with views into the kitchen and a luxuriously intimate dining room. Its outdoor terrace bar and lounge offer a relaxing atmosphere in the shade or in the sun! Tevent takes place from 5:30-8:30p.m., and the $10 cover includes Passed hors-d'oeuvres, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and a Toy Drive.
Center for the Performing Arts.
It's an evening of holiday songs and outstanding drag performances with your favorite queens. All ages welcome. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. There will be a 20minute intermission. Get tour info or tickets which start at $41.20atDragFans.com. th ASAP presents the 14 annual
Tampa Bay AIDS Walk + 5k Run at Vinoy Park in downtown St Petersburg. Registration is at
Friday, Dec 8 The worldwide icons synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment – the Harlem Globetrotters, will bring their
show to Amalie Arena in Tampa at 7p.m.as part of their 2017 World Tour. With star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson,Hi-LiteBruton,Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm – plus female stars TNT Lister, Ace Jackson and Hoops Green– theGlobetrotters'showis unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. Saturday, December 9Tickets start at $23 atAmalieArena.com.
8a.m., with the 5k run starting at 9:15a.m, and the walk starting at 9:30a.m.. For more information or to register, go to: events.empathhealth.org. The Parliament House presents
records, present their “98° at Christmas” tour, supporting their first full-length holiday album in 18 years. Tickets start at $56 at VanWezel.org
Tuesday, Dec 12 The ultimate love story continues in Love Never Dies, Andrew Lloyd Webber's spellbinding sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. The year is 1907. It is 10 years after his disappearance from the Paris Opera House and the Phantom has escaped to a new life in New York. In this new, electrically charged world, he has finally found a place for his music to soar, but he has never stopped yearning for his one true love. Love Never Dies is a dazzling new production, which takes audiences on a thrilling rollercoaster ride of intrigue, obsession and romance. Be seduced by the beautiful, sometimes magical and poetic, sometimes joyful, and occasionally melancholic score.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Ultimate Blacklight Party. Monday, Dec 11 98° is bringing the Van Wezel a little extra warmth this holiday
Don't miss this magnificent continuation of one of the world's greatest love stories as it makes its premiere in Tampa. Love Never Dies plays at the Straz Center through December 17 with tickets starting at $40 at StrazCenter.org.
Saturday, Dec 9 Murray & Peter presents A Drag Queen Christmas – The Naughty Tour, starring contestants from RuPaul's Drag Race on VH-1, performing live on stage and rocking the catwalk at the Straz
Thursday, Dec 14
season at 8p.m.! The quartet,
Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons and Justin Jeffre, who have sold a staggering 10 million
The Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber of Commerce presents their annual Holiday Party at Quench Lounge starting at 6:30p.m. Attendees will receive 1 drink ticket and there will appetizers. Admission is free for
members (please RSVP) and $10 forguestsofmembersand$15for all other guests. They will also be collecting unwrapped toys (not mandatory) that will be donated to John Hopkins All Children's Hospital. The Tampa Museum of Art invites everyone to join them for the
Pride & Passion 2018 Kickoff Party
thematic elements found on Witness. Each ticket purchase for “Witness: The Tour” also includes a pre-order for “Witness: The Album.” Tickets start at $45.75 at AmalieArena.com.
Saturday, Dec 16 The Parliament House will be th celebrating the 40 anniversary of “Saturday Night Fever” with beats by DJ Brianna, Joanie and Rob Devoit. They will also be giving a
astonishing acts, soaring acrobatics, gravity-defying feats, elaborate production numbers and illusions that will leave you mesmerized. Experience this 2hour theatrical phenomenon BroadwayWorld hails “The Perfect Holiday Gift…a show that everyone will enjoy... colorful, festive, imaginative, inventive, and thoroughly entertaining." Tickets start at $51 at VanWezel.org
Friday, Dec 22
Amalie Arena
is thrilled to
Cirque Musica Holiday presents “Believe” at 7:30
announce that
between 6-8p.m. Please RSVP to Bernadette.Casey@tampamus eum.orgorcall813-421-8368.
Friday, Dec 15
Katy Perry Witness World Tour hits Amalie Arena at 7:30p.m. With Witness, Katy reflects on the changes in her own life and in the
world around her, delivering songs that both challenge and inspire. The singles released thus far – the Platinum-certified “Chained to the Rhythm” featuring Skip Marley and the follow-up single, “Bon Appétit” featuring Migos – hint at the breadth of the musical and
way a NYE VIP package to the best discoattire.
Thursday, Dec 21
Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the 2017 season with its 10th Anniversary National Tour, a critically-acclaimed holiday stage extravaganza that is a cirque spectacle, Broadway musical and family show all in one taking place at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall at 7p.m. Filled with over 300 imaginative costumes, 20 world-class
p.m.. This all-new show will be performed with a live symphony orchestra. This is a fun-filled familyholidayevent featuringthe cast of Cirque Musica together with all-time favorite holiday songs performed by a live orchestra. Cirque Musica is a concert and visual experience where audiences journey into a world of high-flying adventure w i t h a m a z i n g a c ro b at s , aerialists, hilarious hijinks and holiday cheer, too! The show
blends the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of t o d a y ' s g re at e s t c i rc u s performers with the sensory majesty of the greatest holiday music of all time. Tickets start at $25atAmalieArena.com. A true Van Wezel favorite, A Christmas Carol, produced by Nebraska Theatre Caravan, returns with their lavish, full-scale Broadway-style production at
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7p.m. A spirited ensemble of 23 performers bring the enduring tale of redemption to life on a magical set. Timeless carols such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Away in a Manger” are interwoven within thestoryofatight-fisted,middleclass merchant Ebenezer Scrooge and all the beloved characters from Dickens' 1843 novel. Bring the whole family to this holiday classic! Tickets start at$16atVanWezel.org
Saturday, Dec 23 Orlando Ballet's holiday classic The Nutcracker returns for a
one-hour performance for a young audience, with activities for children in the lobby before the show. Combine this experience with the Nutcracker Tea! The show takes place at the Dr. Phillips Center at 11a.m. with ticketsstarting$15.
Tuesday, Dec 26 Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando presents Andrew Lloyd Webber's School of Rock at the Dr. Phillips Center form today until December 31. Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into a g u i t a r - s h re d d i n g , b a s s slapping, mind-blowing rock band. “I laughed. I cried. I rocked! They've taken the movie to a whole new level!” – Jack Black. This high-octane smash features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, all the
original songs from the movie and musical theater's first-ever kids rock band playing their instruments live on stage. Vanity Fair raves, “Fists of all ages shall be pumping!” Tickets: start at $34.25atDrPhillips.org
WISHING YOU A HAPPY HOLIDAY AND A PROSPEROUS 2018!
around tampa bay
by amy demilo
Newly crowned Heart of Florida, Monica Moore crowned by Dana Douglas.
No BUTTS
about it... Everyone needs a Locker Room break!
Amanda Drhod
loves Mickey Mouse.
Carlos dips into the Honey Pot looking like a bounty hunter!
Iman at Michaels on east in Sarasota for the “Let’s Make America Gay Again” fundraiser.
500,000 Ribbons & Counting: What began as a simple roll of rainbow ribbon and a box of pins has grown into an international movement by brett yancey
W
When the events of the Pulse Nightclub Massacre unfolded, Ben Johansen woke up startled by his husband Tim Vargas, who was the President of the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida's Board of Directors at the time. They rushed immediately to the Center, as many did that day, and Tim immediately sprang into action, leaving Ben to handle the incoming community and media. Johansen could never imagine what he did next would turn into an amazing movement that has helped many people cope with the Pulse aftermath and other acts of hate towards various communities. “Ijustfeltkindofemptyinside,”Johansensays. “I felt like I needed to do something. Since my husband was the president of the board, I had to do something that brings awareness to everything that was going on. So I ran to the craft store and bought one roll of rainbow ribbon, one roll of black ribbon, andaboxofpins. Iwasmakingthemforpeoplewho were volunteering at The Center or people who worked at The Center, and as people came in, they would say, 'Hey, where'd you get your ribbon?' I said,
'I'm making them.'” In the blink of an eye, the Orlando Ribbon Project was born to always help th remember the 49 victims that were lost on June 12 , 2016. Almost eighteen months later, Johansen is celebratingamilestone:500,000ribbonshavebeen createdandsentallovertheworld. Since he started the Orlando Ribbon Project, Johansen has received requests for ribbons from all aroundtheworldwheretheyhavebeenphotographed and seen all over various media outlets. Notable people who have worn the ribbons include HRC President Chad Griffin, Gabby Giffords, Lance Bass, Alec Mapa, Belinda Carlisle, Ernie Hudson, Steve Grand, Sharon Gless, Alice Cooper, Jamie Lee Curtis, Alan Cummings, members of the Clinton family and variouscontestantsfromRuPaul'sDragRace. In addition to the ribbons, The Orlando Ribbon Project also offers t-shirts, bumper stickers and other various items that are sold at Johansen's costume store in Orlando. While some money received is used for supplies, all other money has been given directly to The GLBT Community Center
in Orlando. Johansen has always stated that the ribbons are available to anybody that requests them and has credited the hundreds of people who have showed up throughout the past eighteen months at his business or at The GLBT Community Center in Orlando, wanting to volunteer their time to help create the ribbons. Without them, many efforts of the Orlando Ribbon Project wouldn't bepossible.
For more information about The Orlando Ribbon Project or to request a ribbon, visit them online at orlandoribbonproject.com or visit their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You may also donate to their cause through their website.
Johansen asks that everybody who requests a ribbon to wear them on June 12th of every year to remember and honor the victims of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy.
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
hot bodies by tom bonanti
Quit Stalling and Grow!
T
The main reason most guys hit the gym is because they want to get strong. During the first year or so of training you will gain strength and size and these noticeable results will keep you psyched and coming back for more and bigger gains. The stress you place upon your body, the hormonal changes that occur and the rush you get from working out will keep you motivated. But inevitably your body will adapt to the increased activity until you reach what is known as a plateau. It happens to every athlete, bodybuilder and fitness enthusiast. Here are a few things you can do to overcome those frustratingstallingperiods. First, have a plan. Going to the gym can be fun, at first. But like every serious activity in life, you must have a blueprint, a plan for your fitness training if you're going to succeed and secure gains. Discern which days you're going to work out and schedule gym time into your day like
conference calls, business meetings and doctor's appointments. Research and study workout programs on line. Keep a journal of your workouts. Take measurements- body fat%, BMI, and girth measurements- initially and every 2-3 months to chart progress. Take an honest look at your body and lifestyle and set goals for yourself. Train to achievethosegoals,greatgoals,yourgoals!
Second, make sure to include important multijoint movements in your training sessions. Here I'm referring to squats, dead-lifts, military presses and flat bench presses. Performing these or some variation of these exercises safely and with a challenging weight, you can stimulate muscle growth, increase firing rate of muscles, and increase testosterone and growth hormone in your body. More than likely you'll cut some extra body fataswell!
muscle group of the body using exercises, movements, and stretches that will help you achieve a strong, symmetrical physique. Don't be afraid to train a little harder and a little extra those muscle groups that lag behind.
Fourth, don't forget to rest. Muscles grow bigger and stronger not when you're pounding them in the gym, but when you give them time to rest and recover. Don't be afraid to take a day or two off from the gym each week!
Fifth, be mindful of your nutrition, especially your protein intake if you want to grow and get stronger. Whether you're building muscle, cutting fat, or both, you need the proper nutrition to help reshape, grow andsculptyourbody. Third, make sure to work at the things you're not fond of and you'll set yourself apart from the crowd. Ever notice those big guys who strut around on pencil legs with super developed upper bodies? Don't be one of them. Make sure and work out each
Tom Bonanti is a certified personal trainer and massage therapist (MA#40288) with his own one on one facility www.pumpnincgym.com in Ft. Lauderdale. Contact Tom trainertomb@aol.com or call or text (954) 557-1119 to learn more about his services! Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
Blending a familiar feeling of community, with a fresh sense of freedom and opportunity. At The Nolen, it’s all part of the plan. Make Clearwater’s hippest address your own.
thenolen.com • 727-308-4169
Love where you live.
Skyline Fifth. On the corner of hip and cool.
skylinefifthapartments.com 727.327.1444
hot shots photos by pat o’rourke
Halloween
Orlando
queens we
W
What was the first drag show you saw and tell me about the experience? The first drag show I went to was at Club Chambers in Tampa in the early 2000's. I didn't know that kind of entertainment existed, and I've always been in entertainment my whole life. Growing up in New York I was a backup dancer for *NSYNC city high and did a few TV appearances for nickelodeon. When I moved to Florida and I saw that you can do drag and makemoneyitmademereallyexcited.
When did you decide you wanted to do drag and when did you realize it would be a profession? After seeing the show at Club Chambers in Tampa in the early 2000's that's when I decided I wanted to do drag and wanted to make it my profession. I realized that you could make it a profession by watching these girls seven days a week on the stage, in a cast, inarealshow.
Who is your drag mother and who is your favorite queen other than your drag mother and why? I have a lot of drag mothers that I look up to so I won't name a specific one. I tend to grab my inspiration from all of them including Jocelyn Summers, Tandi Andrews, Tanisha Cassidine (may she rest in peace) andmanyothers.
What's your favorite number to perform and why? My favorite number to perform would have to be “Como La Flor� from Selena. She is my ultimate idol andIfeelmybestwhenI'mperforminghermusic
Nicky
Monet
by scott holland photos by charles wolf & j.d. casto photography (mrs. claus)
“...I realized that you could make it a profession by watching these girls seven days a week on the stage, in a cast, in a real show.�
What's the best thing that has happened to you in drag? The best thing that's happened me in drag was being told that my performance and persona was the reason why someone didn't go through with committing suicide. I inspired them to not go through with taking their own life. I have an amazing fan base that follow me religiously and I'm happy that Icouldinspireandprojectpositivitytomyfans.
What differentiates you from other Queens (Makes you Unique)? What makes me different from other queens is I can be booked for anything. I am a chamaeleon and if you need someone for a certain party it's me! I'm not even Spanish and I perform Spanish music at Latin nights. Also, I am a gymnast and not many queens know how to tumble on the stage in high heels, so I feellikethatsetsmeapartaswell,
What does the future hold? The future for Nicky Monet is very simple: I am going to continue what I'm doing, and let my business grow. I am hoping to open a store within the next five years with all of my goods. I sew and rhinestone every single costume you see me in, so my future includeshavingacostumebusiness.
For more information on Nicky Monet, or to book her, go to Facebook.com/NickyMonet Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
The Book of Mormon
Makes Two Stops in Central Florida in December by Popular Demand!
by scott holland
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Back by popular demand, The Book Of Mormon, makes2stopsinCentralFlorida:theStrazCenterfor the Performing Arts from December 5-10 and then totheDr. PhillipsCenterforthePerformingArtsfrom Dec12-17. The Book Of Mormon features book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. Parker and Stone are the four-time Emmy Awardwinning creators of the landmark animated series, “South Park.� Tony Award-winner Lopez is cocreator of the long-running hit musical comedy, Avenue Q. The musical is choreographed by Tony Award-winner Casey Nicholaw (Monty Python's Spamalot, The Drowsy Chaperone) and is directed byNicholawandParker. The Book Of Mormon is the winner of nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book, Best Direction, Best Featured Actress, Best Scenic Design, Best Lighting Design, Best Sound Design and BestOrchestrations;theNewYorkDramaCriticsCircle Award for Best Musical; five Drama Desk Awards
including Best Musical, the 2011 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album; four Outer Critics Circle Awards,includingBestMusical,andtheDramaLeague AwardforBestMusical. TheBookOfMormonfeaturessetdesignbyScott Pask, costume design by Ann Roth, lighting design by Brian MacDevitt and sound design by Brian Ronan. Orchestrations are by Larry Hochman and Stephen Oremus. Music direction and vocal arrangementsarebyStephenOremus. This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. Now with standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, The Book Of Mormon has truly become an international sensation. Show containsexplicitlanguage. It was a pleasure to sit down with PJ Adzima who plays Elder McKinley for this exclusive Hotspots interview:
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At what age did you begin singing/acting? I began acting when I was 8 years old when my parents signed me up for a summer theater camp for kids with The Hampshire Shakespeare Company. I took to it immediately and became obsessed with my time there. I was a handful as a kid, and to see something resonate so deeply with me was the answer to my parent's prayers. From then on I only hadonefix,andthatwastheater.
What was your first Professional/Paid gig? My first professional gig came because of that same camp funny enough. The Hampshire Shakespeare Company was producing Richard III the next summer, and asked me to come in and audition because of my time in their camp. I think that's where the bug really bit. I spent an entire summer surrounded by adults playing pretend, and it absolutely blew my mind. Suddenly this wasn't something I just did with other kids, it was something that people took seriously and I couldn't believe I wasapartofit.
dreams I never thought I'd be asked to play such an incredible part. I love every minute I get to spend in his signature blue tie, and my head still spins thinkingaboutthiswonderfulopportunity.
Is there a lot of pressure stepping in to the character of Elder McKinley? All of the pressure came from myself. The Mormon team is made up of the most talented, warm, and patient people I've ever met. It's everyone's objective to make you as prepared and confident as possible in taking over the role, and I was in the absolute best of hands. The pressures came from being hard on myself during the process, and the physical burden of dancing so hard your feet bleed. (That'spressureenough.)
Other than this show, what role has been your favorite to play and why? This is reading like a love letter to my Shakespeare roots, but I really wouldn't be here without them. I grew up performing Shakespeare every summer in very small supporting roles, and I branched out to other types of theater because of the love of acting it gave me. I didn't even start singing and dancing until high school, where musicals ruled the theater scene. My favorite roll came right before I left for college, when the same Shakespeare Company that introduced me to theater cast me as Hamlet in their 2010 season. I'm still amazed and humbled by that experience. That full-circle moment is something thatwillstaywithmeforever.
What's your fantasy role? Elder McKinley is and continues to be my fantasy role. I have dreamed of being in The Book of Mormon from the moment it hit Broadway, but even in those
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What should the Central Florida audiences expect out of this touring company of Book of Mormon? The Book of Mormon won 9 Tony Awards including Best Musical when it first debuted in 2011, and the show is just as fresh and fiercely funny as ever. I don't think you can find a more hilarious night at the theater, and an abundant amount of heart. It really is a one of a kind experience, and even better than I hopeditwouldbewhenIfirstdreamedofbeinginit.
PJ Adzima
Tickets to The Book Of Mormon, start at $63.75 at SrtrazCenter.org, and $39.25 at DrPhillipsCenter.org. For more information on The Book of Mormon visit: BookofMormonBroadway.com/tour Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
hot shots photos by tony fowler
Halloween
St. Petersburg