OutClique Magazine May 2023

Volume 7, Issue 6 May 2023

Beetlejuice Latrice Royale Island City Stage SFSO 25th Anniversary ArtServe Impact Awards World Aquatics High Diving World Cup

Steps on the Journey

Dear Readers, It’s hard to believe it’s already May. I hope that your 2023 is turning out to be as fantastic as mine.

No, life isn’t perfect. It never is. There are no easy answers to how things become what they are or how we become the people we are today.

Everyday is a journey. One step at a time. Life is an amazing gift.

Take time this month to reflect on the positive things in your life. The who, the what, the when, and the where although we don’t always know about the how.

As I look through the pages of this issue, I see colors, people, smiles, and sunshine.

We, at OutClique magazine, are glad that you have taken this time to spend with us. Take a few moments to see what our lives are like here in South Florida - a place for Everyone Under the Sun. May happiness be abounding.1 Dr. Steven2

1 Dr. Angela Easterday-Holder, former Chair and Professor of Music at Carson-Newman University and choir member Immanuel Baptist Church, Lexington, KY (www.ibclex.org) 2 Dr. Jane McEldowney Jensen, doctoral supervisor. Director of Graduate Studies, Educational Policy Studies & Education. University of Kentucky, College of Education. Dissertation title: Pediatrics education in an AHEC setting: Preparing students to provide patient centered medicine. A research study of ways that medical students learn patient centered medicine through their rotations in AHEC clinical settings.

OPEN DOOR. OPEN MIND.

Real Estate Bankruptcy Wills & Trusts Landlord / Tenant Probate & Estates Foreclosure Defense Business Transactions

Dean J. Trantalis, ESQ Attorney at Law 2301 Wilton Drive, Suite C1-A, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

954.566.2226 Dean@trantalis.com | TrantalisLaw.com The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not only be based on advertisements. Before you decide ask the lawyer to send you free written information about their qualifications and experience.

O UTC LIQUE Steven O. Evans, PhD

Publisher and Editor in Chief Steven@OutClique.com

Connie Evans

Chief Copy Editor Mother of the Publisher

Sach AD Group

Director of Graphic Design

Chandler Scott

Director of Social Media Assistant to the Publisher

Will White

Senior Associate Editor

Jason Eakin

Director of Distribution

Nick Coltharp

Sales Manager Distribution Manager

Rivendell Media

National Advertising

Denny Patterson

Senior Lifestyle Writer & Assistant Editor

John M. Hayden Writer

Stephen Lang

Director of Photography A publication of OutClique, LLC (954) 294-8560 www.OutClique.com www.Facebook.com/OutClique Info@OutClique.com OutClique, LLC is not responsible for statements or opinions expressed in advertisements or articles.

Fort Lauderdale New Police Station & Water Plant The first part of 2023 has been marked by significant progress on some major initiatives at the city, including a new police station and a new water treatment plant.

finalized plans to build a new water treatment plant — an important decision that will positively impact our city for generations to come.

Earlier this month, the City Commission approved the construction of a new police station. This has been in the works since voters approved a bond issue for the project in the spring of 2019. The current police station was built 60 years ago. It has grown out of date given the needs of modern law enforcement and is too small to accommodate the size of the city’s current police force. The police station cannot even withstand the impact of a major hurricane.

Like our police station, the existing Fiveash water treatment plant has reached the end of its lifespan after 70 years of use. The city spent the last several years researching our options of continuing to repair Fiveash or pursuing new construction. We also investigated what type of treatment system would make the most sense.

Shortly after the bond issue was approved, the city retained AECOM to design the new station. The police station will be three stories and will include a parking garage and indoor firearms range. It will be built on the existing site with the current building demolished at the end of construction. We have hired Moss & Associates to undertake the work. The plan is to break ground soon and move in by late 2024.

A month before the police station decision, the commission

We landed on a public-private partnership for a new plant as the best option to pursue. We are harnessing the talent of world-renown experts to build and operate a top-of-line plant that will produce crystal clear water that exceeds current drinking water standards. The new plant will be located next to our existing well fields at the executive airport with operations beginning in late 2026. We are excited to herald in this next era of Fort Lauderdale’s story.

Yours, Mayor Dean Trantalis

Content Courtesy of Mayor Dean Trantalis | Photo Courtesy of City of Fort Lauderdale

AHF to Convert Historic Insurance Exchange into Affordable Housing AHF, the largest global AIDS organization, under its Healthy Housing Foundation banner, has purchased the historic Insurance Exchange Building in downtown Los Angeles (318-320 W 9th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015) and will renovate it to create much-needed housing for the homeless and extremely low-income individuals. The building will be reborn as Angel Tower and becomes the 14th building AHF has purchased and renovated since October 2017.

“AHF is delighted to add the Insurance Exchange Building to our roster of affordable housing here in Los Angeles. We know firsthand the fight for affordable housing is fought one door at a time. This building offers the potential for 251 brand-new doors in its incarnation as Angel Tower,” said Michael Weinstein, president of AHF. “This also is the first commercial space that AHF will be reconfiguring as housing. The building’s ‘U’ shape lends itself well to adaptive reuse for housing as it makes it easier for our architects to ensure that all units created have ample windows for access to natural light and ventilation.”

Since 2017, when AHF first kicked off its housing program to address L.A.’s homeless and affordable housing crises, the Healthy Housing Foundation has spent more than $183 million purchasing and repurposing a variety of existing older and often historic residential properties throughout Greater Los Angeles. Some — like the King Edward, the Barclay, and the Sinclair — are majestic older hotels given new life. Others include a mix of efficient mid-century roadside motels and older hotels.

The sale of the 12-story, 1924 Insurance Exchange Building closed Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at a purchase price of $21,250,000. Once renovation is complete, AHF’s total number of affordable rental housing units across Greater Los Angeles will reach 1,666.

Content Courtesy of AHF

Philbrook, Tulsa, Oklahoma

The Queer South Spring Travel on a Budget We might still be in the midst of spring, but summer is just around the corner, and if you haven’t started making travel arrangements yet, you’d best get cracking.

The Philbrook Museum of Art, the Tulsa Zoo, and the Tulsa Botanic Garden are just a few of the attractions that visitors can explore.

Using a complex algorithm (sorry for the science-speak), we determined the most wallet-friendly travel destinations in the U.S. south.

Durham, North Carolina Durham has a growing LGBTQ+ scene, with several bars and clubs that cater to the community. The Pinhook is one of the most popular gay bars, offering a range of entertainment, including live music and drag shows.

Other popular LGBTQ+ bars include The Bar, which offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and Queeny’s, a neighborhood bar vibe with a library and podcast studio, late night eats, and cheap but delicious cocktails.

From there, we dissected the data—high school anatomy class style—and noticed a few cool trends. Notably, we saw some insanely affordable cities that are also key players in the Southern LGBTQ+ movement.

So, this year’s top value destinations for a Southern Spring ‘Gaycation’ are: Tulsa, Oklahoma Tulsa, Oklahoma may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of gay-friendly cities, but it is a city that has a lot to offer for the queer community.

With its growing LGBTQ+ scene, several bars and clubs cater to the community. Some of the most popular gay bars include Club Majestic, which offers drag shows, dancing, and karaoke nights and The Eagle.

In addition to its gay scene, Tulsa has many other attractions that make it a great destination for travelers.

18 | OutClique.com

A trip to Durham wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Cocoa Cinnamon, a popular local coffee shop that offers a range of coffee drinks, teas, and pastries. And while in town. visit the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, which offers a range of contemporary and modern art exhibitions. The museum is open until 5 PM most days.

Columbia, South Carolina Columbia also has several gay bars and clubs that cater to the LGBTQ+ community. One popular spot is PT’s 1109, which offers a laid-back atmosphere, karaoke nights, and drag shows. Other popular gay bars in Columbia include The Capital Club and Art Bar, which offers a range of events, including live music and art exhibits.

Raleigh, North Carolina Raleigh, North Carolina is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers looking for a vibrant and inclusive community.

The city offers a range of attractions and events, including festivals, gay bars, and cultural offerings.

Durham, North Carolina

Photo credit: Bryan Pollard / Shutterstock.com

One of the most popular attractions in Columbia is the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, which is home to a range of animals from around the world and offers beautiful botanical gardens to explore. Other popular attractions include the South Carolina State Museum, which features exhibits on the history and culture of the state, and the Columbia Museum of Art, which offers a range of exhibitions and events.

Raleigh also has a thriving bar and club scene. The most popular gay bar in Raleigh is Flex, which offers a variety of entertainment, including dancing, drag shows, and karaoke. Other popular LGBTQ+ bars in Raleigh include Legends, which offers a relaxed atmosphere and live music, and Ruby Deluxe, which offers a trendy vibe and creative cocktails.

In addition to its LGBTQ+ scene, Raleigh offers a range of cultural and historical attractions, including the North Carolina Museum of Art, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and the historic North Carolina State Capitol.

Columbia, South Carolina

Raleigh, North Carolina

Photo credit: Carolyne Parent / Shutterstock.com

Richmond, Virginia Richmond, Virginia is a charming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers who appreciate history and Southern hospitality.

This city offers a range of cultural and historic attractions, outdoor spaces, and a growing LGBTQ+ scene.

Richmond, Virginia

Photo credit: Joseph Perone / Shutterstock.com

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, Raleigh is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of LGBTQ+ culture in the South.

The most popular gay bar in Richmond is Barcode, which offers a variety of entertainment, including dancing and drag shows. Other popular LGBTQ+ bars in Richmond include Godfrey’s, which offers a variety of entertainment, including karaoke and drag shows, and Babe’s of Carytown, which offers a relaxed atmosphere and creative cocktails.

When it comes to accommodations, LGBTQ+ travelers can find plenty of welcoming options in Richmond. The Quirk Hotel is a boutique hotel that features a unique design and modern amenities. Other great options include the Graduate Richmond and the Linden Row Inn, both of which offer charming and historic accommodations.

Content Courtesy of Tommy Bergssen and Fagabond.com | Photos Courtesy of Shutterstock

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Lips Launches New Saturday Brunch Saturday afternoons in South Florida just got more glamorous! Lips Fort Lauderdale is launching a new Saturday Dragalicious Brunch hosted by the fabulous Nicolette, with co-hosts Daisy Deadpetals and Velvet Lenore. The in-demand event is building on the success of Lips’ Sunday brunches, offering more opportunities for locals and visitors to experience its unique brand of drag dining.

“For more than 15 years, we have been offering the best Sunday Dragalicious Brunch in town which is typically sold out,” said Yvonne Lamé, Lips founder and co-owner.

“Now, we are excited to add Saturdays with more great food and fabulousness!”

The Saturday Dragalicious Brunch at Lips Fort Lauderdale will offer guests a chance to indulge in signature cocktails and select unlimited libations plus a delicious brunch menu which includes chicken and waffles, grilled salmon cakes, eggs benedict, steak and eggs, cheeseburgers and more.

The highlight of the experience is an incredible show by the ladies of Lips delivering glitz and glam to the beats of Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Beyonce, Pink, Madonna, Nicki Minaj, and others.

Lamé added, "Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a fun weekend activity, our Saturday brunch is a perfect way to spend your afternoon.”

The all-inclusive package includes the show and a brunch entrée of your choice along with unlimited Mimosas or Bloody Marys. Reservations are required and the seating time is 1:30 p.m. Limited seating is available. Reservations can be made by calling (954) 567-0987 or visiting www. fladragshow.com/reservations.

About Lips Fort Lauderdale Six nights a week, and now Saturday and Sunday afternoons, Lips serves up delicious food and Las Vegas style drag entertainment. Lips is the perfect place for a bachelorette party or to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or even a divorce with an amazing cast of characters, including show hostesses Amanda Austin, Daisy Deadpetals, Nicolette, London Adour and Velvet Lenore. The fun never ends at Lips, with sister locations in New York, San Diego, Atlanta and Chicago.

Lips is located at 1421 East Oakland Park Blvd. in Oakland Park, about one-mile east of I-95. For more information about Lips, call 954-567-0987 or visit www.lipsusa.com.

Content Courtesy of Goodman PR | Photo Credit: TheDragPhotographer.com

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Rosie’s Bar & Grill

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media 26 | OutClique.com

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Pamala Stanley Pub on the Drive

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Georgie's Alibi Monkey Bar

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ALWAYS LOOK FOR A BETTER BUSINESS. BECAUSE THEY’RE LOOKING OUT FOR YOU. BBB® Accredited Businesses are committed to operating with integrity, honoring promises, and telling the truth. Makes you wonder why all businesses aren’t BBB Accredited?

Always look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal, because it’s looking out for you. That’s why it’s The Sign of a Better BusinessSM. Find a Better Business anytime at BBB.org.

Find a Better Business

Become a Better Business

Meet, Greet, Learn and Grow Resources for our Business Community If you are like me, you are relieved to be meeting with colleagues, networking and attending in person events.

Our business community is vibrant, creative and fun and there are many opportunities for you to connect in the months ahead. Here are a few options to consider.

Long Term Development: The Jim Moran Institute provides a 9-day training program for business owners who have been in business three years and have at least three employees. The Small Business Executive Program (SBEP) is ideal for CEOs, entrepreneurs, presidents of small businesses, and immediate successors of businesses. You will emerge a stronger leader ready to capitalize on business opportunities, implement best practice management, and turn challenges into a strategic advantage. Thanks to our supporters, this program is offered at no cost to the accepted participants.

The program begins on July 24 and runs through November. The full schedule and more information about the opportunity can be found at: jimmoraninstitute.fsu. edu/programs/small-business-executive-program/southflorida The Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) also provide programs and information to help start up and established businesses. One of the unique programs offered by the Florida Small Business Development Center (in partnership with Broward County Cultural Division and ArtServe) is the Creative Entrepreneur Development Program to help artists manage their careers more professionally and is delivered during oneon-one private consulting sessions and group training sessions.

For more information about the SBDC programs visit: www.floridasbdc.org/

Learning and Networking: The Small Business Leadership Conference will be held at the Lowes Orlando Sapphire Falls Resort June 19-21. BBB, SBDC and other organizations partner with the Jim Moran Institute to create one of the best conferences for small and medium sized businesses.

The SBLC offers: • Sponsorship & Networking Opportunities • 20+ Workshop Sessions • Dynamic Keynote Presenters You can learn more about the conference and register at: www.sblconference.com BBB hosts local events offering essential information for business leaders, networking opportunities and events like the BBB Business Conference and Torch Awards for Ethics. The BBB Conference and Torch Awards for Ethics will take place in our community. In addition to the educational workshops, local business leaders will have a chance to network to find new partners and customers.

The event concludes with the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics Luncheon and the award presentation.

If you have a business focused on the four C’s (Character, Culture, Customers and Community) you may want to apply. BBB’s panel of judges reviews the submissions, evaluates the entries and selects the winners announced at the luncheon. Information about the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics is available at: www.bbb.org/local/0633/torchawards/eligibility We are lucky to live in a wonderful climate and to have a strong, vibrant business community that appreciates and celebrates our diverse market. The organizations and leaders in southeast Florida included above are here to help you. Let’s make 2023 a big success.

Content Courtesy of Rod Davis, CEO BBB serving Southeast Florida and the Caribbean

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IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

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MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.  Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.  The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.  Have any other health problems.  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby.

Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed.

Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:  Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-thecounter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.  BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other.

Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION  This is only a brief summary of important information

about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.  Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.  If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and KEEP BEING YOU are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. © 2023 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0250 04/23

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Fuel for the Future Care Resource is encouraging South Florida to “Fuel for the Future”. Eating healthy can be tricky, so we’ve gathered some of the best tips to help you make your life more nutritious. Physical activity is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle, so, it’s important to focus on fueling the body to maintain long-lasting activity.

According to Gloria Cabral, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), “focusing on healthful plates can have long-lasting health benefits and reduce your risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. There are five primary food groups: vegetables, fruit, grains, protein, and dairy. Balancing your plate with these groups will help you eat healthily all day.”

Below are recommended healthy habits to stay on track in the road to greater wellness: HABIT 1: INDULGING COMFORT FOODS In response to stress, many people use food for emotional soothing. Often, these “comfort foods” are high in carbohydrates, sugar, and fat, which negatively impact our health in the long run.

Fix: Nutritious foods are more supportive for our behavioral health than comfort foods. If you’re feeling down, reach out to a friend or therapist. When you choose to indulge a snack, bake a healthy dessert with a loved one!

HABIT 2: BINGE-WATCHING To cope with sadness, boredom and loneliness, individuals have turned to television. These long periods of inactivity are often accompanied by snacking, causing individuals to overeat processed foods.

Fix: Practice digital mindfulness and limit the hours of television you watch each day. This way, you’ll have more time for other activities such as exercise classes, support groups, and personal hobbies that keep you connecting, instead of overeating.

HABIT 3: SET A MEAL SCHEDULE Due to our busy and productive lives, we sometimes neglect to eat or drink water, forgetting to meet our body’s needs.

Fix: It’s essential to keep a schedule that supports balanced eating. Some choose to eat a fresh breakfast that is low in sugar and salt. Others may choose to drink water shortly after waking up and eat only after a period of intermittent fasting. Whichever routine you choose, eat mindfully, and run your plan by a registered nutritionist.

The here and now presents an opportunity to reset. By meeting with Gloria Cabral, Registered Dietitian and primary care providers at Care Resource, community members can establish a nutrition plan that works for them, improve their eating patterns and overall wellness.

About Care Resource: Care Resource is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with four locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.

The health center provides comprehensive health and support services to address the full health care needs of South Florida’s pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations.

CareResource.org

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(305) 576-1234

Content Courtesy of Care Resource

Volux Changed my Life How this Revolutionary Dermal Filler Helped Me Achieve the Jawline of My Dreams I always wanted a chiseled face. I regularly look at guys with square jaws and wonder if I can shape my jawline into a more straight-angled look.

So I decided to do some research!

That’s when I discovered Volux, a revolutionary dermal filler designed specifically for men like me, aiming to create a more confident appearance by redefining the areas around the mandible. Unlike traditional fillers, this unique formula with cutting-edge technology is perfect for addressing my distinct facial concerns.

According to Dr. Ferdinand Cabrera at Genesis Health Institute, Volux is a non-surgical, minimally invasive injectable treatment that harnesses the power of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in our bodies. He says that our skin’s hyaluronic acid levels decrease as we age, leading to a loss of volume and elasticity. This filler replenishes these levels, lifting and contouring the face while smoothing wrinkles and fine lines.

I made an appointment with Dr. Cabrera and asked him

to tell me what sets Volux apart from other dermal fillers.

He related that is its advanced Vycross technology. This innovation combines low- and high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid to create a more stable, longer-lasting gel that integrates seamlessly with our skin’s natural tissues.

The result is a smoother, more natural-looking appearance lasting up to 18 months.

Volux is designed for men like me who want to improve their facial aesthetics without invasive surgery. Whether we’re seeking to redefine our jawline, enhance our chin, or reduce the appearance of deep nasolabial folds, Volux is the perfect solution. Dr. Cabrera said that ideal candidates for this treatment are men experiencing agerelated volume loss in the face, desiring a more masculine, defined facial structure, and wishing to avoid the risks and downtime associated with surgery.

I feel that Volux offers an innovative, long-lasting solution for men like me seeking to restore a youthful, confident look. I tried it, and I loved the results. Call Dr. Cabrera today to see what Volux can do for you. I’m glad I did!

Schedule a complimentary consultation with Genesis Health Institute, conveniently located in Wilton Manors.

Call 954-561-3175 or visit ghinstitute.com to learn more.

Content and photo by Baxter Martin, courtesy of Genesis Health Institute | Sponsored Editorial

How I Overcame The Vicious Cycle of Worry And Fear Do you ever get stuck in the vicious cycle of worry and fear in your life? As a published author of a managing fear book, I struggled with fear and anxiety for over 20 years.

Here is a brief summary of what I did to overcome the cycle of fear and anxiety in my life.

I got advice from the professionals: The first thing I did was to talk to various counselors since they know how to conquer fear and anxiety. Whenever I talked to the counselors, I would bring a notebook and take notes so I would not forget the advice that was given to me.

I became an expert on dealing with fear and anxiety: I did everything possible to learn as much as I could in removing my fears and anxieties in my life. I talked to professionals, read books, joined support groups, and learned from my experiences.

a habit to focus on the facts of my current situation and not on my negative thinking.

I was persistent: There were times I felt like giving up because my fears and anxieties were so powerful and I didn’t know what to do. I worried about what would happen and that just made my fears that much stronger. During those times, I would consult with a professional and I made it a point to learn from my experiences so that I would be better able to handle these situations in the future.

I did not make excuses: With a lot of practice, I became very good at reducing my fears and anxieties. I realized that the answers to my problems were out there, however it was up to me to find those techniques that would get my life back on track. Making excuses would not improve my situation.

I surrounded myself with helpful people: I made it a habit of surrounding myself with supportive people who understood what I was going through. This really helped me out when I was really struggling with my anxieties and stresses.

I realized that you can’t predict the future: I realized that there are always factors and circumstances that I cannot predict or anticipate that could make a difference in my stressful and fearful situations. A person may be 99% correct in predicting the future, but all it takes is that 1% to make a difference. The key is to focus on the present.

I learned how to manage my fearful thoughts: The key in getting the edge off of your anxieties is by managing your fearful thinking. Whenever I would get a negative and fearful thought, I would challenge that thought with positive statements and realistic thinking. I also made it

I made the choice to get better: You must make the effort to find the answers to overcome your situation. It will not always be easy, but you can overcome the cycle of fear and worry with hard work and a willingness to learn from your everyday experiences. It is important not to give up.

Author: Stan Popovich Stan Popovich is the author of the popular managing fear book, “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear”. www.ManagingFear.com.

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Mean Girls Don’t be jealous — Mean Girls can’t help that it’s so popular.

However, those three weeks stretched much longer than expected, leaving Broadway dark for 18 months.

But, do join the fun when this “so fetch” musical saunters onto the stage at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale, May 2-7, 2023, marking the end of its national Broadway tour.

“Fort Lauderdale was the last place we were all together before we could reconvene in October of 2021, so Fort Lauderdale is going to be very special for us in that regard,” he said.

The musical comedy is the mastermind of an awardwinning creative team, including director Casey Nicholaw (Aladdin, The Book of Mormon), composer Jeff Richmond (30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde), and writer Tina Fey (30 Rock and Bosssypants). The hilarious tale explores surviving high school cliques, navigating friendships and nemeses, and figuring out what it means to be true to oneself.

Carter has noticed that post-pandemic people are excited to see live shows more than ever.

Adante Carter, who plays Aaron Samuels, the most popular guy at North Shore High School said that it’s exciting to bring the show to Fort Lauderdale for its final chapter and that, in a way, it also brings the show full circle.

“Ironically, we were in Fort Lauderdale when we got the call to go home for three weeks while the COVID-19 pandemic blew over,” he said.

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“You can just feel that energy,” he said. “I think that is something that we were really deprived of and that we really missed. Sure, we had other awesome mediums to entertain us during that time, but there was nothing like theater. Yes, you can watch recorded shows but there is nothing like being in the actual physical space with people who are living and breathing and saying lines like 8 feet from you.”

For a kid who grew up watching the movie, Carter was shocked when he landed the role of Aaron.

“I owned the DVD and I’m sure there are scratches all over it because I watched it so many times. When it came

out, I was like ‘Oh man, I really gotta prepare myself for what high school will be like,’” he said. “I used it as, kind of, a guiding staple. But luckily, high school was nothing like that.”

Carter is also particularly proud to be part of such a diverse cast where the majority of leads are people of color.

“Our cast is breaking barriers and breaking stereotypes within the industry and it’s fantastic,” he said. “I really love that our Karen is played by a beautiful Black woman and that in the movie Karen is the stereotype of the dumb blonde. But, dumbness isn’t specific to one type of person.

We’re taking that stereotype and flipping it. A beautiful Black woman also plays Gretchen, our Regina is Egyptian and Columbian and I’m half Black. It’s just really cool.”

Carter, who has been with Mean Girls since the start of the national tour, has performed over 650 times as part of the cast.

“I still get nervous and I think that just reminds me that I’m alive and that I care about this story that we’re going to put in the hands of people who have never seen it before,” he said. “It’s just really exciting. I think that the biggest joy I have in this job, in particular, is that I get to hear laughter every single night.”

And, this laughter is infectious.

“If you want to experience the joy of laughing with other people—strangers, friends, family—Mean Girls is the show for you,” he said.

Megan Fitzgerald Dunn, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Fitzgerald serves as the faculty advisor for Lambda Pi Eta. Her research focuses on offensive language and media, journalism education, and media effects.

Dr. Fitzgerald holds a PhD in Mass Communications from Florida State University, an MA in Journalism from Syracuse University, and a BA in Communication from Stonehill College. Email: mf821@nova.edu. Curriculum vitae: works.bepress.com/megan-fitzgerald

May 2-7, 2023 Broward Center for the Performing Arts

|

www.BrowardCenter.org

Author: Megan Fitzgerald Dunn, Ph.D | Photos Courtesy of Jenny Anderson

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the importance of mental health in our lives. It’s an opportunity to bring attention to the struggles that many people face with their mental well-being, especially those who identify as LGBTQ+.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, it is particularly important to pay attention to our stress levels. Stress can come from work, relationships, family, etc. There is usually not just one source of stress in our lives. Stressful situations or events can occur regularly, and it is critical to be aware of your stress sources to seek the help you might need.

Photo Courtesy of Manors Media Inc

In a study conducted by Ilan H. Meyer, Ph.D. in 2003, it was found that for people who identify as LGBTQ+, stress can impact them at a higher rate than their cis-gender, straight peers. Meyer also found that due to the study participant’s marginalized sexual identity, they were experiencing increased rates of stress known as distal and proximal stressors. Distal stressors are the discrimination and/ or prejudice that a marginalized individual experiences.

Proximal stressors are the expectation of rejection due to sexual identity, concealment of sexual identity, and internalized homophobia. All these stress symptoms can create biological responses. The biological responses to stress can result in headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and sleep problems to name a few symptoms. These

physical symptoms can result from a marginalized racial, sexual, or gender identity. As we consider the concept of intersectionality, the more marginalized identities we hold, the increased potential exists for stressors in our environment, such as facing prejudice, discrimination, or stigma. This stigma can also be internalized, which in turn affects our mental health. Depression and anxiety can result from daily negative remarks LGBTQ+ individuals hear in their communities.

In some instances, added stress factors can lead to substance use. For LGBTQ+ individuals, finding the first steps to take in tackling substance use disorder can be daunting. One of the most important components of sobriety is recognizing that addiction does not happen overnight. Substance use disorders are complex and require comprehensive, tailored treatment plans. Taking the first steps toward tackling substance use disorder is difficult but possible. With access to specialized resources specifically designed for LGBTQ+ individuals, people have the ability to begin their journey toward sobriety and better health.

With the right support, individuals can work towards a more positive and fulfilling future. SunServe, along with our partners at Project SOAR, have recently opened an LGBTQ+ sober home for our clients to use as a bridge while working on their sobriety.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please consider seeking mental health therapy. SunServe offers an array of mental health services that support the LGBTQ+ community. We have a specialized focus on meeting the needs of LBGTQ+ individuals through trauma-informed, affirming therapeutic modalities.

Given that there has been an increase in hateful rhetoric toward the LGBTQ+ community, especially trans and nonbinary individuals, it is important to monitor how these messages are impacting your mental and physical health. If you or someone you know could benefit from talking to one of our clinicians about their stress and how it is impacting their daily life, visit www.sunserve.org/contact or call us at 954-764-5150.

Author: Ryan Papciak, MSW, LCSW – Director of SunServe Mental Health Services

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Broward County Mayor Supports HIV/AIDS Fight At a time when HIV/AIDS has been pushed from the headlines and governments want to push research funding from their budgets, the fight for awareness continues. In South Florida, that fight is led by the World AIDS Museum (WAM), and they are getting backup from powerful local officials.

During the Rock the Ribbon event at the Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale, leaders called for unity on global health, while also pointing out that South Florida continues to be an epicenter for new HIV/AIDS infections. “I believe it was just the right touch of remembrance, emotion, and hope and inspiration for the future,” WAM Executive Director Terry Dyer told OutClique. “I think the event was absolutely beautiful. It was wonderful to have such a high attendance rate and the participation of our community agencies.”

One person showing support was Broward County Mayor Lamar P. Fisher, who told OutClique the cause is close to him personally and professionally. “I am charged to be the voice of our entire community. This event helps create awareness and reminds all that HIV has not gone away.

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Personally, my family has also been affected by AIDS and we have witnessed the importance of bringing awareness to the cause, as well as the impact education can have on families and community members.”

“Allyship is incredibly important on numerous levels. By having the mayor present at our World AIDS Day event, it was an opportunity for the city to show just how much they acknowledge and support everyone’s efforts,” Dyer said.

“We must band together to bring more awareness, provide education, and work collectively to end these issues.”

More than a million people in America are living with HIV, but one-in-seven don’t know their status. “Being a visible leader can help advance the cause of prevention and care.

As a leader, I have a unique platform to help everyone understand the necessity for advancement of prevention and care,” Fisher said. “This event was incredible, and it was my honor to be able to be a part of it.”

WAM is open all year at the ArtServe building in Fort Lauderdale. They provide rotating exhibitions detailing all angles of the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Author: John Hayden | Photo Courtesy of World AIDS Museum

Dining Out For Life Broward House

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World Aquatics High Diving World Cup Set for Fort Lauderdale USA Diving is excited to announce that it will host the World Aquatics High Diving World Cup in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on May 26-27, 2023.

The World Aquatics High Diving World Cup will see the world’s best high divers compete in the newly renovated state-of-the-art Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center. The venue, which boasts one of the highest diving platforms in the world, is a premier destination for global competitive diving, having hosted numerous international and domestic events since its opening in 1965.

World Aquatics approached USA Diving in February about the possibility of holding this event in Fort Lauderdale, and after much discussion, USA Diving stepped up to help make it happen.

“We are very proud to have the opportunity to host the world’s high diving stars in Fort Lauderdale,” said USA Diving President Lee Michaud. “I have no doubt the worldclass facilities and breathtaking location will provide the

perfect environment for the divers to perform at their best.”

“We’re excited to host this elite event in Broward County,” said Glen Allen, Vice President of Sports & Entertainment for Visit Lauderdale. “The Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center is a world-class venue that just reopened after an extensive renovation, and this will be the first event to use the 27-meter-high dive platform.”

The World Aquatics High Diving World Cup, the first international high diving event since the inaugural Abu Dhabi Aquatics Festival 2021, will see men and women compete in the 27-meter and 20-meter events respectively.

The event is open to all National Federations.

“We are thrilled to welcome the international diving community back to Fort Lauderdale. We are excited for the world’s best high divers to have the opportunity to experience our new facility, and we look forward to having this event in our city,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis.

May 26-27, 2023 Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center Content Courtesy of USOPC | Photos Courtesy of City of Fort Lauderdale

Miami City Ballet Gala

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Bouvèé Babble Drag is not a crime. Words that will ring loud and clear for the foreseeable future. But, as a drag artist relatively new to the scene, I am finding myself really inspired and motivated by the community I now call home.

When I first joined the drag world professionally in 2020, I had no intention of making it my full-time job. It really was “right time, right place” and I got very lucky. I also received a quick education in the vast landscape of drag and all that it is made up of. I was ignorant to say the least. I discovered the incredible worlds of trans-drag, bio drag, drag kings, bearded drag, comedy drag, stand-up

comedians who were drag queens, burlesque/boylesque drag, and the list goes on if you can believe it!

I was keenly aware of the drag pioneers that had graced the stage before me, some still paving the way for people like Miss Bouvèé. Names like Divine, Coco Peru, Lady Bunny, Miss Richfield 1981, Varla Jean Merman, and Marsha P. Johnson should ring a bell for many of you readers. When one looks at that list, it is no wonder that these artists were anointed as the warriors of our movements. Think about it, in almost every gay movement you research, there are the drag queens usually in front braving the brunt of the

hateful rhetoric thrown towards the LGBTQIA+ community, sometimes from within our own community.

Many of those queens, me included, use comedy as a tool to provoke thought. I also find the value in using music to unite and help others process the emotions they may feel from a bad day, a good day, or the societal views and normatives they may be struggling with. Drag is often shocking, big, loud, and usually a bit sparkly. So, to me, it makes sense why they make an easy target; but also, why they are so used to fighting back, and defending, with ease. I find this to be an essential part of my job as I continue my work forward. This community, the LGBTQIA+ community, is so rich in color and vibrance. It is my honor to fly our flag and help others understand why our contribution to society is essential.

Who cares if any drag queen knows her words and lyrics?

Think about that question. Let me pose something back to

the objective reader. When was the last time you routinely, equally, and proudly displayed your queerness in public, regardless of ridicule? I am just happy to be in the house with these amazing humans. Drag queens fight just by showing up. Drag is not a crime, it is an art. In fact, drag is action against oppression and it gives our audiences permission to be their fullest selves.

In closing, will this column always be about hot topics, political movements, or controversial topics of conversation; no. In fact, if you have something you would like me to write on, I would love to hear from you! Every month, I will also post on my social media platforms looking for topics as well as my 20 quick fire questions. The goal with these is to just answer, very briefly, your questions about me, my perspective, or fun facts with little to no explanation.

If you can’t choose love, choose respect.

Love, Miss Bouvèé

Lipstick lightening questions!

Q: Who is your favorite Drag queen?

A: Dame Edna.

Q: Last book you read?

A: Serial Showgirl by Daniel Crago.

Q: Choose one Broadway diva to dine with.

A: Carol Burnett.

Q: How do you decide your look?

A: A lot of times, the wig choice guides the rest.

Q: What is your real housewife tagline?

A: I am low maintenance. I just require a wing of the house for my drag.

Q: Coke or Pepsi?

A: Regular Pepsi, and Diet Coke. Don’t hate me.

Q: You routinely take your shoes off in your shows. Is there a “shoe off” o'clock, like tequila o'clock?

A: 90 minutes at least.

Q: When does Big Easy Queens, your film, come out?

A: Fall of 2023!

Q: How long does it take you to get ready?

A: Good days, 60 minutes. Rough days, 90+ minutes.

Q: Advice on clothing?

A: Custom is great if you can do it, but off the rack is equally as great. Read ALL the reviews for online vendors. Triple check sizes. Get a size chart made for yourself every year.

Q: Where do you buy your shoes?

A: Shoecup.com Q: Best places for gowns for bigger ladies?

A: Hebeos.com. Sizes up to 26, tons of color and cut options. Customization options too!

Q: What does a day off look like for you?

A: Streaming all the things and doordashing.

Q: Favorite spot in the whole world?

A: Bethesda Fountain, NYC (Central Park).

Q: How did you meet your husband?

A: OkCupid!

Q: Favorite movie of all time?

A: Fried Green Tomatoes.

Q: Favorite color?

A: Any gem tone. Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire Blue, etc.

Q: Least favorite color?

A: I dislike pastels. Period.

Q: Favorite song to sing?

A: I Am What I Am, La Cage Aux Folles.

Q: What is Miss Bouvèé’s full name?

A: Minnie Faye Bouvèé.

Follow Miss Bouvèé on instagram @missbouvee MissBouvee@gmail.com Author: Miss Bouvèé | Photo Courtesy of Timmy Wakefield

ChildNet Welcomes LGBTQIA+ Adoptive Parents The definition of what constitutes a family has expanded over the past twenty years, most notably to include the LGBTQIA+ community. Once, LGBTQIA+ parenthood generally came as a result of heterosexual relationships prior to coming out. Now fostering and adoption barely raise an eyebrow.

“Tanya and I tried, unsuccessfully, a huge heart break.”

However, the process can seem daunting and intrusive.

But there is help and guidance is available to same-sex couples who feel the call to expand their families. ChildNet helps find foster homes for children in Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

The Cohns took a required class to foster infants, went through a home examination and were approved once they fixed a fence in their yard. Cherie says she stayed up until midnight working to make the repairs. Shortly thereafter, 11-day-old Jett came into their lives. They fostered him for three years and, due to issues with the biological mother, had to fight to adopt him. Cherie wiped away tears when she recounted the story. “We fought with the mindset that he could go somewhere else. It was devastating, but it also empowered us more just to show that he’s part of our family.”

One of those families is the Cohn family. Cherie and Tanya have an amazing story of love and building an extended family, and shared it with OutClique. Before they met, Tanya had twins, London and Adelaide. Soon after, when the twins were about five, Cherie and Tanya met and on Mother’s Day they moved into Cherie’s.

Eventually they decided to grow their family. “We talked long and hard about various ways to have children. Not that our children weren’t enough, but we have more love to give,” Cherie said. Medical options didn’t work out.

With one relative living with them and other family in the neighborhood, they were already a very blended family.

“We started to consider fostering. We talked with the twins about what it is and what it would look like.”

Authorities agreed and Jett was home for good.

Growing Family While some may still raise an eyebrow at the idea of same-sex couples fostering and adopting, the Cohns say

they never felt any pushback. “ChildNet has been great,” Tanya said. “The caseworkers are very connected to the kids.”

Tanya says they worked within the system, and the system worked with them. “There was never that feeling that people were confused or taken aback or how to address us. Even in the courts, it was always very open.”

While Jett took three years to adopt, their next two children came much faster. They got a call asking if they would foster a newborn in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The child had no one by his side except for nurses and needed someone.

Cherie and Tanya were those someones. “We started going to the NICU. Not gonna lie, I was scared to death,” Cherie said. Asher was going to need a lot of love and even more care. “He was born not breathing, has a double-clubbed foot, they had to physically pry his fingers open just to get his thumbs out. He had to wear a splint on one hand, had hip dysplasia, and a device for his feet that were pointing the wrong way, and a feeding tube.”

Author: John Hayden

It sounds overwhelming, but it just took one visit to know these moms were ready. “I was like oh my gosh, are we sure we are okay to handle this? But we were hooked the moment that we held him.”

Asher was eventually brought home and the Cohn family thought they were complete. “We were getting rid of baby clothes, we just didn’t think it was going to happen again,” Tanya said. “I call it the add water, shake, and stir story.”

“We had let our license go, we were done. But the one exception that we had discussed was if a child was born by either biological mother, we would take them in.” At the end of 2022, that is what happened. Now about five months old, Baby Z became their second adoption in a year.

Today, the twins are 14, while Jett is five, and Asher is two. Tanya says they appreciate all the work ChildNet does, and says the case workers remember the kids, and even came to Asher’s birthday party. While they may be finished fostering and adopting, they will always be part of the ChildNet family and grateful for their family.

| Photos Courtesy of Cherie Cohn

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ArtServe Mental Health Exhibit Celebrates Emotional Wellness In an art exhibit entitled “Wellness Exhibition: Fostering Mental and Emotional Health—An Artist’s Journey Through Healing” that runs from April 14 to June 16, 2023, ArtServe will explore how artists apply various genres and mediums to convey different journeys of well-being, selflove and healing through their art. Admission is free to the exhibit..

ArtServe curated the “Wellness” exhibit from local artists’ submissions. Entries also were welcomed from both adults and students in the eighth grade through college.

“It’s long been known in medical circles that art is a highly effective form of therapy that encourages non-verbal communication and healing when people are often unable to speak for whatever the reason,” ArtServe executive director Jason Hughes said. “Exploring self-expression through the outlet of various artforms can create a safe space that helps many embrace and sort through their own personal difficulties.”

According to the American Art Therapy Association, there are over 5,000 art therapists practicing nationwide who provide services for individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative processes, applied psychological theory and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.

A solo exhibit entitled “Story of a Woman’s Journey” produced by Deborah Strelkow will run concurrently to the “Wellness” exhibit at ArtServe.

ArtServe inspires, supports and advances its diverse members, artists and community by promoting artistic development, education and prosperity through the exploration and presentation of the visual and performing arts.

ArtServe is located at 1350 E. Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

April 14 - June 16, 2023

Public Opening Reception April 21, 2023 ArtServe | ArtServe.org Content Courtesy of Pierson Grant Public Relations

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Lambda Legal in Fort Lauderdale For 50 years, Lambda Legal has fought for the full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, public policy advocacy, and education. On Sunday, March 26, 2023, the South Florida community came together at the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens for Lambda Legal in Fort Lauderdale to show their support for Lambda Legal’s work and honor the lifelong activism and support of Scott L. Bennett.

includes his instrumental work at McGraw-Hill, founding the LGBTQ Employee Resource Group and leading contributions to various local and national LGBTQ organizations including the NYC Pride Center, GLAAD, Empire State Pride Agenda, Our Fund, and, of course, Lambda Legal. He currently serves on the national board of SAGE, as the chair of The Our Fund Foundation, and is invested in supporting many other organizations both local and national. Lambda Legal was proud to thank Scott at this event.

Scott’s lifetime of advocacy, activism, and philanthropy

Lambda Legal continues to fight anti-LGBTQ+ attacks

98 | OutClique.com

across multiple states, including our continued work to remove policies preventing those living with HIV from enlisting in the U.S. Armed Forces, our challenge to Florida’s healthcare rule denying Medicaid coverage to transgender Medicaid beneficiaries, and our suit requesting state investigations of PFLAG families in Texas be blocked.

The Lambda Legal Southern Regional Office and Lambda

Legal in Fort Lauderdale Host Committee would like to thank everyone who attended and supported this annual gathering in the Gardens!

The Lambda Legal in Fort Lauderdale event featured a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception on the lush grounds of the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens and performance by vocalist and pianist duo, Victor Valdez and Rick Leonard.

Please save the date for the 20th anniversary of the Lambda Legal in Fort Lauderdale event on March 24th, 2024.

Author: Dani Alexander-Burk | Photos Courtesy of Jason Leidy at Middle River Arts Photography

OutClique.com | 99

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Beethoven & Brahms Bridging Musical Genius Guest Artist: Sergei Babayan; piano

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Symphony of the Americas 2022-2023 Season Finale Symphony of the Americas’ Artistic Director Pablo Mielgo welcomes special guest Armenian-American pianist, Sergei Babayan, to the stage for the Symphony’s 2022/2023 Season Finale, Schumann and Brahms Bridging Musical Genius. The performance will take place May 9, at 7:45pm in the Amaturo Theater at Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Prior to the performance, at 6:45pm, join Pablo Mielgo as he unveils his musical lineup for the 2023-2024 season during an “In Conversation With” Mielgo and Executive Director Steven Haines.

Babayan is one of the leading pianists of our time and has observed that making music should be open to surprises and spontaneous insights, allowing unexpected emotions to emerge and subtle shadings to evolve naturally. A Deutsche Grammophon exclusive artist; Babayan’s latest release, Rachmaninoff (DG 2020), received numerous awards, including BBC Recording of the Month and CHOC Classica. In 2018 he released his own transcriptions for two pianos of works

by Sergei Prokofiev with Martha Argerich, Prokofiev for Two (DG 2018).

Babayan has collaborated with such conductors as Antonio Pappano, David Robertson, Rafael Payare, Thomas Dausgaard, Tugan Sokhiev, Valery Gergiev, and Dima Slobodeniouk. He has performed with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, The Cleveland Orchestra, and is a regular guest at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Carnegie Hall, London’s Wigmore Hall, the Vienna Konzerthaus, and Munich’s Prinzregententheater, among others.

Symphony of the Americas program features Schumann & Brahms. The composers provide two worlds of romanticism through extraordinary musical vision and composition. From Schumann’s intimate approach to the orchestral richness and grandeur of Brahms, these two composers explore unique symphonic sounds, creating their own musical empires and repertoire.

The Program Robert Schumann – Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54 Johannes Brahms – Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98

May 9, 2023

Broward Center for the Performing Arts | www.SOTA.org

2023-2024 Subscriptions Open Summer 2023 About Symphony of the Americas Symphony of the Americas enters its 35th season in 2022-2023 under the direction of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Pablo Mielgo. The internationally-recognized artist from Spain, Mielgo, continues Symphony of the Americas’ commitment to serving South Florida’s multicultural population with diverse programming. Symphony of the Americas represents a cultural crossroads of music, ranging from classical to Broadway showcasing artistic excellence and globally-recognized guest artists.

Content Courtesy of Jan Mitchell & Associates |

Photo Courtesy of SOTA

Successful author, notorious name dropper and unapologetic social climber, Truman Capote, author of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood, loses his entire world in an instant after publication of a tell-all chapter in Esquire Magazine that betrays the trust of his nearest and dearest pals.

Baran-Bookman Productions in association with Empire Stage presents

Tickets $35

TRU

A play by Jay Presson Allen

From the Words and Works of Truman Capote

Featuring Charles Baran as Truman Capote Directed by Andy Rogow April 14 – May 7, 2023 Performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 5pm

TRU is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Empire Stage 1140 N Flagler Dr Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 For tickets visit: www.EmpireStage.com Or call 954-678-1496

Dining Out For Life Broward House

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media 106 | OutClique.com

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Margaret Cho is livid, and rightfully so. So naturally, she’s hitting the road with a new tour, Margaret Cho: Live & Livid. She’s coming to The Parker on May 18, 2023. Cho talked with OutClique about being back in South Florida, her professional resurgence, and all the issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community.

“There are so many things going on that are so unjust and so infuriating, I think the only way to deal with them is through laughter and trying to make sense of it through comedy,” she said.

Seriously Funny In the middle of a career renaissance, Cho should be having the time of her life. And she is. But her excitement and joy are tempered by attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community at all levels from street violence to state-sanctioned discrimination.

OutClique talked with Cho just days after several mass shootings targeting the Asian community. You could hear the grief and anger in her voice. “There’s so much at stake right now in terms of how we are going to stay alive. There are so many shootings.

Why do we have to have all these guns? People are getting killed all the time.”

She also railed against attacks on reproductive rights, education, and LGBTQIA+ rights in state houses. Cho expects to work all these topics into her show. “That’s the challenge but I’m up for it. There’s a lot to say in really coming to terms with our own

mortality. We’re at a crossroads and we’ve been here for a while. We’re not going to live through this if we don’t do something.”

Also look for Cho to take aim at the state’s governor.

“He has ‘Don’t Say Gay,’ so I’m not going to say DeSantis. I like to call him Puss In Boots.”

South Florida Fun “I love how gay it is! Florida is so gay to me.” Despite Florida’s peculiar politics, she’s still stoked to return to Fort Lauderdale.

“The governor doesn’t typify Florida. To me, South Florida is where Madonna had a house. It’s where all the DJs would come see me when I played South Beach. It’s its own kind of gay universe. It’s fashion, it’s sun, it’s Cuban food, it’s got a great Latino population. It’s a really diverse place and I love that.”

The fact that South Florida, and especially Broward County, is so pro-LGBTQIA+ adds another level to her excitement. “I love it! Even if it is a ‘blue bubble,’ there’s a lot to be said to our community.”

Speaking Her Mind For thirty years, Cho has made a career by saying what’s on her mind. From her Asian family to sex positivity to politics, nothing is off limits. She’s been a gay icon since she burst onto the scene in the 1990s and has completely leaned into the role.

After so many decades on stage and screen, most stars would be ready to retire or fade away. Not so for Cho. She’s been on a career upswing for years and the past twelve months highlight her journey.

She snagged two GLAAD nominations this year, one for Fire Island (Outstanding Film - Streaming or TV), and for her appearance on the Spirit Day episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show (Outstanding Variety or Talk Show Episode). She believes the awards will amplify her message. “It’s great and I’m really grateful to have those accolades. We have to figure out what we’re gonna do about all of this homophobic rhetoric out there.”

They’re so cute and the creatures are so adorable. It’s a lot of fun.”

This year she appeared on the Apple TV+ series, Helpsters. The puppet show embodies positive values including compassion, cooperation, and inclusion. Fans who have followed her for years would have expected any collaboration with puppets would involve something more along the lines of Avenue Q, and she agrees. “That would be great!”

She didn’t expect to have to be defending drag entertainment, but has a guess at why it’s under attack.

“Drag queens are a strange target. They’re the most joyful part of our community. Maybe that’s why they’re being attacked. They’re trying to attack us where our joy lives.”

But her guest appearance on Helpsters is just what she, and her followers, need right now. “I love Helpsters.

She also wowed fans during her appearance on the Netflix Is A Joke comedy festival special. Drop Dead Divas is also finding a new fan base from streaming audiences.

Cho has also recently popped up on LGBTQIA+ themed shows including The L Word: Generation Q and History of the World: Part II. Despite the waterfall of recognition, Cho is looking out for her fellow entertainers. “We need to protect our drag queens. That’s important.”

You’ll hear all about that and more when she returns to South Florida, a night she’s truly looking forward to.

“I haven’t been there for a long time and I’m looking forward to coming back and seeing everyone.”

May 18, 2023 The Parker www.ParkerPlayhouse.com

Author: John Hayden

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Cover and Cover story Photos Courtesy of Sergio Garcia

THURSDAY, MAY 18 • 8pm GET YOUR TICKETS NOW at ParkerPlayhouse.com WELLS HALL

Ticketmaster 954.462.0222 • Group Sales 954.660.6307 Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office & The Parker Box Office

Performances at the Broward Center and The Parker are supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation.

Niki Fridh Returns to Island City Stage for Tracy Jones May 18 - June 18, 2023

Island City Stage | www.IslandCityStage.org

Actress Niki Fridh is no stranger to South Florida’s local theater community, and we will see her as the titular character in Island City Stage’s upcoming production of Tracy Jones, playing May 18 - June 18, 2023.

This four-person play follows Jones, who is sort of going through a midlife crisis. Feeling unconnected to the world and the people around her, she throws a party for all the people named Tracy Jones that she could find. As she sits alone for over an hour, nursing her Diet Coke, wondering if anyone will show up, epic loneliness is about to be tested beyond anything she has ever imagined. The anxiety that she's already experiencing in life escalates.

Full of comedy and heart, audiences are in for another magical evening at Island City Stage. Fridh took some time to talk more about the show and her role with OutClique.

Denny Patterson: Let me begin by asking, how excited are you to perform Tracy Jones at Island City stage?

Niki Fridh: Very excited! First of all, I love Island City Stage. Andy, Marty, and Michael are wonderful people and wonderful to work with, and I love the script. I think it's hysterically funny and very touching. It's like a farce with heart (laughs). When Andy offered, he was like, I want you to read this play and tell me what you think. I’m thinking about casting you as Tracy. After I read it, I was like, oh my gosh. I love it. It’s challenging and fun. It’s been a while since I’ve worked at Island City Stage, so I’m excited to get back in there and work with that crew again.

Denny Patterson: Playing the title character, what are you looking forward to the most about this role?

Niki Fridh: I’ve read this show several times now, and each time I read it, I love it more and more. I think what I’m really looking forward to the most about playing Tracy is the challenge of it. There's a ton of physical comedy, and there's a lot of eating and drinking on stage. People are like, you eat and drink all the time in real life, but when you’re doing it on stage, it has to be very well choreographed. You have to keep up with it and keep it real, because this is a very realistic play.

So, I’m looking forward to that challenge, and I know I’m in good hands with Andy. He’s a great director, especially with comedy. I’m also looking forward to making Tracy as human as possible and understandable. I want people to connect with her and be like, I know exactly how she’s feeling. I think the script really lends itself to a lot of connection between the story, the characters, and the audience.

Denny Patterson: Have you previously done shows with a lot of physical comedy?

Niki Fridh: I’ve done physical comedy here and there before. It's been kind of spread out over my career, but I will definitely say it’s been a while since I’ve done this kind because I really feel like this show is a farce. There’s always a ton of physical comedy in a farce, so this is a role that I really have to pay attention to. The play isn’t like, oh, look at all the silly things we’re doing. That’s not what the play is about. It just happens to be set in this place where a lot of physical comedy is happening, and it’s very much realistic. It’s character driven.

Denny Patterson: What do you ultimately hope audiences take away from Tracy Jones?

Niki Fridh: Number one, I’m so happy that audiences are coming back to the theater after the pandemic. That was so hard for everybody. Theater makers, creators, artists, and audiences - we were all watching and doing Zoom readings, and it just wasn’t the same. So, I’m happy people feel safe enough to come back, and I believe this show is going to really connect with audiences because it’s all about finding connections in strange, unexpected places. Same with the characters and who they are. I believe audiences will laugh, have a good time, and enjoy themselves.

Denny Patterson: Have you always had a passion for acting and performing?

Niki Fridh: Yes! When I was a little girl, I was always putting on shows, singing, and dancing. If relatives were coming over, there was going to be entertainment (laughs).

I was living in Rockford, Illinois at the time with my family, and when I was around five, the local college had auditions for A Christmas Carol. They needed little kids to play ragamuffins, the poor little homeless children. My mom was like, you should audition for this. You're always singing, dancing, or putting on shows. So, I went to the audition, and I got cast as Ragamuffin #3, and even though I don’t have a ton of memories of it because I was five or six, that was kind of my first introduction into theater. It obviously had a huge influence on me. I did theater all throughout school, and in high school, that’s when it really ingrained in me. I knew it was a passion and love of mine because I had a wonderful teacher and I was always in shows. I didn’t want to go to math or history. I wanted to go to drama class!

So, yes, I’ve always had a very sincere passion for theater.

I’ve done some TV and commercials, but I prefer the theater. I prefer the live interaction with the audience, and even though you run the same show for three weeks, it’s never exactly the same because there are tiny little things that change, and every audience is completely different.

There's something thrilling and terrifying about getting up on stage and performing live in front of people.

Author: Denny Patterson | Photo Courtesy of Niki Fridh and Island City Stage

BROWARD CENTER PRESENTS

TUESDAY, MAY 9 • 8pm

Generously underwritten by Marshall and Beckie Weinberg

WELLS HALL

TICKETS at ParkerPlayhouse.com • Ticketmaster | 954.462.0222 The Parker Box Office • Group Sales 10+ | 954.660.6307

Performances at the Broward Center and The Parker are supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation.

SFSO performs at its new Miami Beach home at New World Center | Photo Credit: Michael Todd

South Florida Symphony Orchestra Closes Out Triumphant 25th Anniversary Season From anniversary reunion concerts with acclaimed musicians who helped launch its first concert 25 years ago, to thought-provoking musical premieres spotlighting Florida’s majestic beauty to backing alt-rock indie darling Natalie Merchant, the award-winning South Florida Symphony Orchestra has a rich history rooted deep in the community but far-reaching across the globe.

The Prologue – Scoring a Dream The dream began in 1997 when Maestra Sebrina María

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Alfonso founded the Key West Symphony Orchestra with the support of family, friends, and civic leaders interested in making live symphonic music accessible to the community. At that time, she was studying for her doctorate at the prestigious Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, one of the country’s most selective music conservatories, and was being courted to develop the Northeast’s burgeoning classical music scene. Instead, this fifth-generation Conch (born and raised in The Keys) chose to return home to her

Photo credit: Michael Murphy Photography Receiving a Diversity Honors Award from Stuart Milk of the Harvey Milk Foundation and Christopher Bates of Pride Center at Equality Park at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

beloved community to create an opportunity for them to have access to an art form she loves so passionately but did not have exposure to while growing up.

A fundraising concert performed in March 1998 led to the debut of a full orchestra in December of that year at the Tennessee Williams Theatre in Key West. The first Masterworks concert was performed by cellist Zuill Bailey playing Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto. Bailey went on to become one of the classical music world’s most lauded award-winning cellists, recently returning to perform with SFSO during its 25th anniversary season.

"I'll never forget riding my bicycle around town and meeting with those interested in having an orchestra in their

community, raising funds for a dream I was so incredibly adamant about actualizing. So many in the community thought it was a crazy idea to start an orchestra in The Keys. Others had never even experienced a symphony concert or listened to classical music before,” Alfonso shared. “The sold-out opening night concert was an incredible outpouring of love and music, packed with attendees with whom I spent my childhood. I will forever cherish the support I received from my family, friends, and everyone who helped this organization become what it is today.”

A Duo in Harmony President and CEO Jacqueline Lorber joined Alfonso in 2009 and the duo spent the next 13 years expanding

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Photo Credit: Steven Shires Photography

A triumphant 25th anniversary reunion with award-winning cellist Zuill Bailey who performed at the Symphony’s first concert.

Photo Credit: Andrew Meade

SFSO President & CEO Jacqueline Lorber and Music Director/Maestra Sebrina Maria Alfonso

Preserving Our Coral Reefs Grant Program | Photo Credit: Mary Martin

SFSO’s reach and impact throughout the mainland.

From its humble beginnings, the organization now has an operating budget of over $2 million. Lorber has been crucial to the organization’s expansion and growth. In 2015, Alfonso and Lorber also made their business and romantic partnership official by exchanging vows.

But, thankfully, the artistic quality of the music we put forth and the dedication and professionalism we inspire in everything we do speaks for itself, " said Lorber. "By living authentic lives of diversity and inclusion, shaped by our experiences and paired with a veritable United Nations of musicians who contribute to our narrative through expressions of their regional identity, we are creating a lasting legacy while expanding social, economic, and educational opportunities. The result is an enriched cultural landscape helping communities better understand themselves," she added.

Of the Top 20 U.S. orchestras, only two currently have women music directors, and only five serve as president or CEO. Alfonso and Lorber are among a small minority of women leading orchestras of any size in the country today.

"Having more women in artistic and administrative leadership roles within the nonprofit performing arts sector can stand to be improved upon. That's no secret.

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A Symphonic Journey In The Key of Success In this momentous 25th anniversary year, SFSO has hit several high notes with milestone accolades and achievements.

Inaugural “Sound of Success” Miami and Fort Lauderdale honorees at SFSO’s 25th anniversary gala | Photo credit: Steven Shires Photography

Preserving Our Coral Reefs Grant Program | Photo Credit: Steven Shires Photography

Its Fort Lauderdale audience doubled and Miami tripled, spurring the announcement of performances at the Michael Tilson Thomas Performance Hall at the New World Center.

With its state-of-the-art acoustics, cutting-edge media equipment and dramatic views of the iconic Miami Beach Art Deco skyline, SFSO’s growing Miami patron base enjoys an elevated musical experience and increased seating capacity. During its inaugural performance at the venue in November, SFSO was bestowed with a commemorative proclamation from the City of Miami Beach touting its artistic contributions. Previously, in Broward, SFSO had already leveled-up its performance experience by being named a “Partner in the Arts” for The Parker, managed by Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which had completed a stunning $30 million renovation in 2021. It was the first organization to be named as such.

Photo Credit: Andrew Meade SFSO Music Director and Maestra Sebrina Maria Alfonso

As a pioneer in its commitment to classical music for children in underserved communities, Alfonso has steadfastly championed giving back. Since its founding, SFSO’s signature music education program, Symphony in the Schools, has reached over 100,000 students and has provided more than $3.5 million in services and resources in the past five years. The curriculum utilizes thematic music education programming, including a “Power of Perseverance'' presentation highlighting impactful young people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds who strive to make a difference, and masterclass components that work with children side-by-side to improve musicianship.

For the first time in its history, SFSO received a National Endowment for the Arts projects award of $10,000 to

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Maestra Sebrina Maria Alfonso | Photo credit: Steven Shires Photography

further its educational initiatives. This grant supports “Preserving Our Coral Reefs,” a multimedia program led by music educator Donna Wissinger, that raises awareness about the plight of Florida’s 350+ mile-long coral reef, the environmental stressors that have created the precarious situation, and the future hope for survival that rests upon the concept of coral micro-fragmentation, a process discovered by marine scientist Dr. David Vaughan.

The program, set to an emotional score by composer Robert Kerr, was brought to life when the organization transported 850 Miami-Dade schoolchildren to the Miami Beach bandshell in February. And in April, its “Power of Perseverance” program reached 2,000 schoolchildren through a partnership with Broward County Schools’ Student Enrichment Through the Arts (SEAS) program.

In the fall, SFSO will have a BizTown storefront at Junior Achievement World, which educates young people about financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness and reaches every 5th-grade Broward County Public School student, plus multiple private and charter schools.

That’s 22K students per year. SFSO will be the first arts organization to participate in the program.

“A core mission of the Symphony is to provide children

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with access to classical music,” Lorber related. “In fact, our first concert was for children before we opened to the public at the Tennessee Williams Theatre 25 years ago. Back then, we transported hundreds of children by bus from up and down The Keys. And we never stopped. We have, however, improved and expanded exponentially. Our STEAM-based Symphony in the Schools and soon-to-be presence at JA World, will reach so many more kids, furthering our commitment to breaking down barriers, providing transformative programs, and inspiring a love of classical music in children throughout South Florida!"

More meaningful memories were created in April when SFSO celebrated regional arts and culture advocates who champion musical creativity and innovation as part of its inaugural “Sound of Success,” awards, part of its 25th anniversary gala to benefit its artistic, community engagement and education initiatives. And, capping off the year, Alfonso and Lorber were dually honored at Diversity Honors, the globally renowned soiree that benefits Harvey Milk Foundation and The Pride Center at Equality Park, exclusively hosted by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, for their efforts in transforming lives by living authentically and advancing inclusiveness.

Photo Courtesy of Andy Armano

Photo Courtesy of Keans Llamera Photography

A Segue to the Future While this season shone with brilliant firsts and heartfelt reunions, SFSO is now focused on wowing concertgoers with a renewed passion and dramatic program for its 2023/24 season.

Continuing its journey of musical excellence, SFSO is proud of its upcoming season featuring Beethoven, Brahms, Bernstein, Schubert, Stravinsky and more.

The season will feature audience favorites plus thrilling orchestra premieres by trailblazing African American female composers Florence Price and Jessie

Montgomery and the return of the must-attend concert of the holiday season, Handel’s glorious “Messiah” (a subscription add-on).

“We aim to excite and delight with some of the world’s most iconic works, including what many consider the greatest piece of music ever written, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, in celebration of the masterpiece’s 200th anniversary, Brahms’ arousing Symphony No. 1, Bernstein’s ode to New York City, Three Dance Episodes from the hit Broadway musical On the Town, and Stravinsky’s enchanting Firebird Suite,” Alfonso excitedly added.

The thrills begin at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale, with Schubert’s romantic Symphony No. 9 “The Great.”

Discounted subscription packages are on sale now and may be purchased by visiting https://southfloridasymphony.org/ or by calling (954) 522-8445.

South Florida Symphony Orchestra gives thanks to its patrons, partners and the public who have kept classical music flourishing.

Content Courtesy of Goodman PR

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Ain’t Too Proud The Life and Times of the Temptations Ain’t Too Proud - The Life and Times of the Temptations will make its anticipated Miami premiere at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County from May 9 – 14, 2023. Featuring the Grammy®-winning songs and Tony®-winning moves, Ain’t Too Proud is the electrifying new musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and unmistakable harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 top ten hits with 14 reaching number one and being voted the greatest R&B group of all time by Billboard Magazine in 2017. The rest is history - how they met, the groundbreaking heights they hit, and how personal and political conflicts threatened to tear the group apart as the United States fell into civil unrest. This thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal is set to the beat of the group’s treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and so many more.

After breaking house records at Berkeley Rep, The Kennedy Center, CTG’s Ahmanson Theatre and Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre, Ain’t Too Proud opened on Broadway in March 2019, where it continued to play to sold-out audiences and broke the Imperial Theatre’s box office record. The first national tour launched in December 2021 at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Written by Kennedy Prize-winning playwright Dominique Morisseau, directed by two-time Tony Award® winner Des McAnuff, and featuring the Tony Award-winning choreography of Sergio Trujillo, this dazzling production now brings the untold story of the legendary quintet to audiences across the country.

The 2022-23 Broadway in Miami subscription season is presented by Bank of America and Florida Theatrical Association in association with the Adrienne Arsht Center, along with support from Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

May 9 – 14, 2023 Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts | www.ArshtCenter.org Content Courtesy of the Arsht Center | Photo by Emilio Madrid

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ArtServe Recognizes Not-So-Ordinary People Making a Transformative Impact Every day in Broward County, not-so-ordinary people work without expectation catalyzing opportunities for others to ultimately converge, connect and thrive, particularly in the arts. When Fort Lauderdale’s ArtServe set out to capture how they create that impact, their stories were more rewarding than anyone had ever dreamed.

On Friday, May 19, 2023, ArtServe, one of the nation’s longest-standing arts incubators, will hold its inaugural “Impact Awards” from 6 PM to 9 PM to honor the most transformative and influential artists and arts supporters in local media, the community, business, and philanthropy.

“We quickly realized the common thread shared by our inaugural honorees is how they’ve gathered people to make a difference through the arts,” ArtServe Executive Director Jason Hughes said. “In South Florida’s creative industries, ArtServe affords all types of artists the opportunity to make an impact.”

Meet the 2023 ArtServe Impact Award winners here: “I’m Just Someone Who Learned Art at the Hardware Store” The same month COVID first struck, retired Lauderhill police officer Yvonne Pubien had just opened “Nailed It DIY Studio Fort Lauderdale,” part of a growing national franchise offering do-it-yourself hands-on arts and crafts projects, most of them wood-based.

“We never got the business benefit from the momentum of a grand opening,” Pubien recalls. As the company’s only minority female franchisee, she nevertheless forged ahead, pivoting to virtual classes and pre-packaged precut wood, paints and instructions she hand-delivered or shipped to attendees.

She quickly discovered that DIY’s typical northern themes like country barns didn’t have the same appeal in Broward County as they did elsewhere. She reached out to ArtServe artists to poll them on what type of images they thought were most representative of local culture. With the support of DIY’s corporate office, she worked with the

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Children’s Services Council of Broward on a more formal survey. Bolstered by the results, DIY quickly changed its product offerings to have a more diverse appeal, both in South Florida and nationwide.

Pubien didn’t think of herself as an artist, so when she opened her studio, she prepared by attending a free woodworking class at the local hardware store, where she learned to select and cut wood, use a stencil and apply paint. Now, she teaches others to do it.

“It’s always amazing to me that people who visit my studio come to learn from me and then they come back,” she said. “I’m not Picasso, but I can show them how to create something.”

From her years in law enforcement, Pubien knew how to connect with people and make a difference. Her growing arts and crafts studio was the perfect magnet to do it.

Since, she’s created a kids' summer art program, partnerships with the City of Lauderhill, an internship program with the School Board of Broward County, and programs with police departments and Broward County foster care services to empower young people. In fact, one foster teen went on to become a corrections officer thanks to the law enforcement connections she made at Pubien’s studio.

“A Kid From Nowhere” Goes From Dinosaur City to Fort Lauderdale Society There’s a reason Marc Martorana is the darling of Fort Lauderdale society. He can throw one heck of a party.

“I’m the man everyone wants to hire, but I’m not for hire,” he laughs.

A 20-year veteran director of blockbuster New York City events at cultural institutions like Brooklyn Museum and Metropolitan Museum of Art, Martorana was once the Gordon Ramsey of high-end party planning. Staging a flawless event, sparking the atmosphere and firing up guests to contribute to the cause-du-jour was his passion.

Now retired, Martorana soon found himself creating similar adrenaline with scaled-down versions of his former bashes, but for local Broward charities inside the sprawling Wilton Manors home he shares with his husband, Don D'Arminio, a Wilton Manors city commissioner.

A former actor who got his start in a movie called “Adventures in Dinosaur City,” later toured with Sesame Street and starred in a Dial soap commercial, Martorana ultimately opened a restaurant in New Jersey with his brothers. Through a job offer, he soon found himself amid the New York social scene.

“I’m just a kid from nowhere who landed a great job,” he smiled.

Photo Courtesy of Yvonne Pubien

Now living full-time in South Florida, he eschews any hint of profiting from his party-giving hobby despite the outpouring of gratitude and incessant pleas for him to go back into business full-time.

Photo Courtesy of Marc Martorana

“The whole idea is about giving,” he explained. “When I was 15, a priest told me to make my life count. I may be 60 now, but I still have a ferocious appetite to do things and I’m not slowing down at all. I wouldn’t change a thing!”

For his grateful recipient charities, Martorana’s luxe parties appeal to their donors and also save big-budget catering costs, while he gets the personal satisfaction of making a difference and reliving his former party mojo. Flawless!

“If You Don’t Want My Mother to Read It, Don’t Send It!” Dr. Steven Evans knows his LGBTQA+ magazine, Outclique, is popular at places like Aveda Spa at Macy’s and other corporate locations in part because of its familyfriendly content.

“It’s also because my Mom proofreads everything,” he laughed. “So if you don’t want my mother to read it, don’t send it!”

Evans, a Ph.D. who came to South Florida through a job relocation as a university curriculum consultant, grew up in Kentucky with a love of music born through his Methodist roots. He was an organist at three different churches and even created a hand-bell-ringing choir.

Ever-attentive to the arts, with a knack for budgeting and

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spreadsheets, and a keen sense of marketing, Evans noticed an opportunity in the local gay community music and entertainment media mix, leading him to create Outclique.

“We tell the stories of arts organizations—who’s doing the work behind the scenes, as well as on the stage,” Evans explained. “We create a personal touch about who’s who in talent.”

Importantly, he also packages advertising and promotional opportunities in a way that’s very attractive to organizations on an individual level, effectively positioning Outclique as an indispensable arm of their own staff.

Evans always tries to attend nearly every event he promotes.

“I try to take along people who have never been to a cultural event like the symphony,” he explained. “I sometimes take the arts for granted, because it’s always been important to me, but others have never even considered it. Just going to one event for the first time can change someone’s life for the better forever!”

Holy Cross Health Embraces Art to Create a Calming, Spiritual Sense of Healing The medical community has long known that both creating and enjoying art can help lower stress levels and treat a variety of illnesses, from Alzheimer’s Disease to heart trouble and depression.

For its The Dorothy Mangurian Comprehensive Women's Center at Holy Cross HealthPlex, Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale has embraced the healing power of arts and health.

Working with ArtServe over many years to curate a rotating perpetual exhibit of diverse local female artists throughout its expansive walkways, Holy Cross Health has successfully created a luxurious sanctuary feeling in the Women’s Center spaces by incorporating artwork with South Florida themes, landscapes and nature to impart a peaceful, tranquil sense of spirituality and healing.

The ongoing Holy Cross Health exhibit has been so successful, the hospital is considering similar rotating displays at its area clinics to help convey the same sophisticated freshness and elegant sense of peace.

132 | OutClique.com

Even more importantly, expanding its art program will help create a sense of community and belonging.

“Many think Holy Cross is only a Catholic organization, but we represent and treat people of all faiths and backgrounds,” Holy Cross Health President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Doyle said. “If we can express that diversity through artwork, that’s a great addition to our brand.”

Through strategic collaborations like its ArtServe partnership, and a commitment to being a personcentered, transforming, healing presence, the 557-bed Holy Cross Health offers progressive inpatient, outpatient and community outreach services and clinical research trials to serve as the community’s trusted health partner for life. Holy Cross Health also encompasses Holy Cross HealthPlex outpatient facility, urgent care centers and more than 40 Holy Cross Medical Group physician practices.

Twenty Years of Being the Spark In the face of budget cuts to local programs 20 years ago, a group of concerned private arts supporters created Funding Arts Broward (FAB) to help sustain cultural enrichment in Broward County by funding high quality visual and performing arts programs that are open to the public. Through members’ contributions, FAB creates a sustainable, expanding pool of funds to award as grants to eligible non-profit arts organizations.

“Our members formed a perpetual line of defense for the arts, generously giving nearly $5 million to local arts over the past two decades,” explained FAB Director of Administration Kat Sierra, who helps create space for her members to network and engage.

“ArtServe especially offers a lot of opportunity for collaboration and connection,” Sierra added. “Their socially impactful exhibits provide a community service through the arts, like environmental education.”

For its 20th Anniversary, FAB recently launched a rapidly growing capital campaign called “Be The Spark” seeded by a lead gift of $750,000 from FAB Founder Francie Bishop Good and David Horvitz. Funds raised over the next five years could significantly increase FAB’s grantmaking pool, thus expanding grants for arts education, collaboration and new works, and an endowment at the Community

“The arts are an ecosystem and Funding Arts Broward is one hundred percent committed,” Sierra said.

The Un-Bohemian Award-winning photographer Dan Perez had a tough time embracing his talent. In fact, it took him over 40 years.

Photo Courtesy of GENVAS Venetian Arts Society

Foundation of Broward. More than $1.7 million has already been pledged.

“As an entrepreneur, I’ve always struggled with the identity of being an artist and, for a while, I distanced myself from the bohemian part of it,” the former catering, sales and marketing professional recalls. “Over the years, working with ArtServe allowed me to identify myself not just as a businessman, but as an artist. They made it OK to merge art and enterprise.”

Perez, who initially dabbled in photography and video editing as a hobby, was quickly impressing video production professionals with his work. Soon, he was shooting and editing “one-camera weddings” and quickly graduated to higher-end “two-camera” weddings before effectively transitioning himself into corporate video productions.

“ArtServe supported me by showcasing my work and giving me the opportunity to present it,” Perez said, noting that ArtServe screened two of his earliest films, as well as a photography exhibition. "This organization puts artists first. I’m gratified that I can now use my abilities to help promote their work in turn.”

"As artists, we should look for opportunities to support one another," Perez said. "If there's something I can do to shine a light on other up-and-coming artists or art organizations like ArtServe through my work, then I'm happy to do it.

That's my bohemian side coming out."

May 19, 2023 ArtServe

|

www.ArtServe.org

Author: Jennifer J.H. Pierce

Photo Courtesy of Dan Perez

Competition for online visual supremacy is intense; being documented by a quality image or video can make a substantial career difference for artists of all kinds. To help, Perez frequently stops by ArtServe in between gigs, donating his photography for both events and artists.

SCENE: Reinvented

Taking you back to one of the most iconic night club experiences of all time!

Friday, May 19

6 - 10 pm

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Great Food Open Bar Music Dancing Celebrity Impersonators: Cher, Liza Minnelli, Andy Warhol Attire: Cocktail Retro Chic Proceeds benefit

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“Together We Shine” Tourism Luncheon

Greater Fort Lauderdale’s tourism industry takes center stage when Visit Lauderdale and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) Broward Chapter host the Together We Shine Tourism Luncheon on Thursday, May 11, 2023, from noon to 2 p.m. at the newly expanded Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

A highlight of this year’s event will be the Laudable Awards ceremony, as Visit Lauderdale recognizes seven exceptional individuals for their service and dedication to the tourism and hospitality industry. Nominated by their travel industry colleagues and ranging from hoteliers and tour guides to food and beverage servers, event managers, housekeepers and everyone else who plays a vital role in creating spectacular visitor experiences, the awards will recognize contributions of outstanding individuals who have gone above and beyond the ordinary in making Greater Fort Lauderdale shine.

Tickets for the 2023 Together We Shine Tourism Luncheon are $40.

For additional information or to register, please visit VisitLauderdale.com/TogetherWeShine.

May 11, 2023 Greater Fort Lauderdale

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Broward County Convention Center www.VisitLauderdale.com Content Courtesy of Pierson Grant Public Relations Photo Courtesy of Visit Lauderdale

Mummies of the World: The Exhibition The largest touring collection of mummified remains and related artifacts ever assembled is coming to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami on Saturday, May 27, 2023. Mummies of the World: The Exhibition will reveal the true lives of ancient people from all over the world, including Europe, South America, and Ancient Egypt. The exhibition will be on view through Monday, September 4, 2023.

Mummies of the World features the mummified remains of 40 real humans and animals and 80 rare artifacts from across the globe. The exhibition provides unprecedented insights into past cultures and civilizations. This compelling collection, presented with reverence and dignity, will enthrall with dramatic displays of the mummies and their personal stories. State-of-the-art multimedia stations will take you on a 4,500-year journey to explore the histories and origins of the mummified remains, as well as how they were created.

“This exhibition has proven to be one of the most popular exhibitions traveling the world. It has an engaging way of providing insight into the lives and cultures of these ancient people, which is important because these were real individuals with unique stories,” says Dr. Cassie Freund, director of science communication at Frost Science. “We like to say, ‘Inside every mummy is a story waiting to be told.’ Through modern science

and technology, their secrets are now revealed.”

Included in the collection are: •

•

•

•

•

MUMAB, the first authentic replication of the Egyptian mummification process done on a decedent body in 2,800 years.

Baron von Holz, a German nobleman found tucked away in the family crypt of a 14th century castle wearing his best leather boots.

The Orlovits Family, a mummified family discovered in a long-forgotten crypt of a small church in Vác, Hungary in 1994.

Shrunken heads from South America, typically associated with the Jivaro culture of Ecuador, where members of the group have traditionally shrunk the heads of enemies captured in battle.

Egyptian animal mummies including a cat, falcon, snow rabbit, lizard, weasel and fish.

The exhibition also highlights the scientific methods used to study mummified remains, including Computed Tomography (CT), DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating, all of which allow researchers to learn about the lives, histories and cultures of these ancient people and animals.

Mummies of the World: The Exhibition is presented by NEON and World Heritage Exhibitions, LLC.

May 27 - September 4, 2023 The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science | www.FrostScience.org @frostscience on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram Content Courtesy of the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science | Photo Courtesy of Elizabeth Ricardo Binding

WITH LEGACY GIVING, WE ENSURE THAT A DONOR’S EXPRESSED VALUES + WISHES ARE ALWAYS MET. THE OUR FUND FOUNDATION is South Florida’s LGBTQ community foundation.

We help individuals plan their estates, so that their philanthropic giving can continue for years—even generations—after passing away.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW THE OUR FUND FOUNDATION CAN HELP YOU ESTABLISH A LEGACY PLAN, EMAIL LEGACY@OUR-FUND.ORG.

1201 NE 26TH ST. SUITE 108 WILTON MANORS FL 33305 954.565.1090 | OUR-FUND.ORG

LIFTING UP SOUTH FLORIDA’S LGBTQ COMMUNITY

The Our Fund Foundation Community Foundation of Broward Grant Recipients 138 | OutClique.com

The Our Fund Foundation & Community Foundation of Broward was privileged to award $250,000 in grants for our joint LGBTQ+ Social Justice & Equity Fund. Please join us in celebrating the ACLU of Florida, Barry University, Equality Florida, Hued Songs, Museum of Discovery and Science, Ujima Men's Collective, World AIDS Museum & Educational Center, and the YES Institute - we are grateful for all our supporters & judging committee.

Content Courtesy of Pierson Grant Public Relations | Photos Courtesy of Our Fund Foundation

OutClique.com | 139

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Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida Songs of the Phoenix

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Latrice Royale Life Goes On Tour

Large and in charge, chunky yet funky, Latrice Royale is celebrating 30 years as the bold and beautiful drag artist we all know and love.

As one of the most prolific queens to compete on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Royale knows that it is crucial to use her platform for good. In her brand-new solo tour titled Life Goes On, which will stop at the Parker Playhouse on June 4, 2023, Royale weaves in the importance of supporting the art of drag along with her own life experiences. Letting nothing stand in her way, it's a story of resilience, heart, soul, and determination.

Audiences are in for an evening full of comedy, music, and narratives, and OutClique caught up with Royale ahead of her Fort Lauderdale performance.

Denny Patterson: You are on the road with a brand-new show called Life Goes On, which celebrates your 30-year mark in the drag business. How does it feel to hit that milestone?

Latrice Royale: It’s amazing! Who would have thought I'd be doing this for 30 years later? Something that started as a dare, and now it’s my livelihood. It’s my life.

Denny Patterson: That was my next question. Is Christopher joining you on the tour?

Latrice Royale: One hundred percent! He's my musical director, and we will be joined by two other band members.

Christopher has been very instrumental, pun intended (laughs), in helping me develop the show. He's been my sounding board and has encouraged me to try out new music, venture out of my comfort zone, and expand my repertoire.

Denny Patterson: Your last stop on a tour is Fort Lauderdale. Is that because this is where home is?

Latrice Royale: It’s home, baby, and I want it to be so dynamic because it is home and where I started. Now that there are literally two or three generations that have come since I've started, it's going to bring it all full circle. I just want my hometown to come, support me, blow it out, and have the most wonderful, fantastic evening.

Denny Patterson: What can audiences expect from this production?

Latrice Royale: This show is so necessary right now.

It’s always a labor of love when I put on my one-woman shows, but especially in the political climate that we're in right now, it is so necessary.I had no idea how it would be received until I did my first show in Oklahoma City, where they literally beat the walls and were screaming.

We had to hold for the opening song because I was receiving all the ovation! It was just amazing, and it was very special.

Denny Patterson: Of course, you became one of the world's most beloved drag queens after competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race. What are your thoughts about the show becoming so mainstream now?

Latrice Royale: Good and bad comes with everything, right? On the positive, we were trying to be seen, visual, and visible to the masses, and now we have it. You have to be careful with what you ask for because now they see us, and now we're getting pushed back. Now, they're trying to end what we do and call it all the nasty things. So, with anything, you have to have balance. I love the fact that we are global. Drag is everywhere, we are on award shows, we are getting Emmy Awards, and that's such an accomplishment. However, we now have a responsibility to make our art and craft knowledgeable to the people who are ignorant, and there are a lot of those. With anything, I lead with love first. I'm glad that we are where we are, but we have much more work to do.

Denny Patterson: Is there anything in particular you hope audiences take away from it?

Latrice Royale: Always with a Latrice Royale experience, my goal is to always uplift and inspire you to be your greatest and best self. I didn't know how wounded our people are, and they need a glimpse of hope and a better tomorrow. The show gives them that, and I’m very, very happy to be doing it with my husband.

Denny Patterson: What are some other future goals you hope to accomplish with your career and platform?

Latrice Royale: Like I said, I’m always evolving, and my biggest goals are to be on the big screen and Broadway.

In the meantime, I’m doing the work in between to get to where I need to be, and I think everything happens in its time. I’ve been here for 30 years, and I don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon!

June 4, 2023

Parker Playhouse | www.ParkerPlayhouse.com | LatriceRoyale.com Author: Denny Patterson

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Photo Courtesy of Eve Harlowe

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JUNE 18

Summer Shorts Returns with All-New Homegrown Edition Eight short plays by Miami’s best emerging playwrights City Theatre (@CityTheatreMIA) and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County (@ arshtcenter) are proud to present Summer Shorts: Homegrown Edition, a celebration of Miami’s best emerging BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) playwrights featuring eight refreshing and revealing ten-minute plays celebrating Miami’s homegrown talent. Set against the backdrop of the Magic City, these provocative and entertaining stories feature a cast of diverse, Miami-based actors under the vision of City Theatre Artistic Director Margaret M. Ledford. Summer Shorts: Homegrown Edition plays from June 8-25 in the Arsht Center’s intimate Carnival Studio Theater.

Summer Shorts: Homegrown Edition is the culmination of City Theatre’s inaugural Homegrown playwright development program. Homegrown aims to nurture, elevate, and promote Miami’s BIPOC writers by providing the time, tools, and training to create their own body of work to diversify the national theater canon.

“These fresh, funny, and locally sourced plays are every bit as good as previous incarnations of our Summer Shorts program, but with a welcome familiarity of recognizable places and faces of our South Florida region.” said City Theatre Artistic Director Margaret M. Ledford. “I am so pleased and proud to amplify the voices of our local talent from page to stage.”

A cohort of eight playwrights work with Homegrown Master Playwright Vanessa Garcia (@vanessagarciawriter) to engage in creative instruction, professional development, and creating new works for Summer Shorts: Homegrown Edition. Garcia is the author of The Amparo Experience, an immersive theater hit that People en Español called “Miami’s Hottest Ticket.” Other plays include Sweet Goats & Blueberry Senoritas, which she co-wrote with U.S. inaugural poet Richard Blanco and #GRACED, which premieres at the Arsht Center in 2023. She has also written for Sesame Street, Caillou and other shows.

“There is so much talent in Miami -- this program shines a light on that talent and helps launch it beyond the greater Miami area into the world,” said Garcia. “These are the voices that need to hit the mainstream and represent what it means to be American today. And they will, so all I can say is get ready!”

Summer Shorts: Homegrown Edition features works by local playwrights Joel Castillo, Ariel Cipolla (@arielonset), Chris Anthony Ferrer (@chris_anthony_ferrer), Sefanja Richard Galon (@zeph.void), Luis Roberto Herrera (@ fullsizedluis), Ivan R. López (@ilopez265), Phanésia Pharel (@phanesiapharel) and Lolita Stewart-White (@ lolitastewartwhite). The cohort was led by Homegrown Master Playwright Vanessa Garcia.

June 8, 2023 – Preview | June 9, 2023 – Opening Night | Through June 25, 2023 Carnival Studio Theater | www.ArshtCenter.org Content Courtesy of Adrienne Arsht Center | Photo by Gregory Reed

FLoatarama 4th Annual Flotilla Grab your sailor’s hat and get your boat shoes, FLoatarama will return to Fort Lauderdale in June for their fourth year, bigger and better than ever! What began as a group of friends celebrating Pride on their boats during the 2020 pandemic has grown into the largest Pride on Water in America, and a way of raising funds to support at-risk South Florida LGBTQ+ youth.

In 2022 FLoatarama awarded $50,000 in grants to 4 local non-profit organizations with programs focusing on at-risk LGBTQ+ youth, and plans for more giving, and bigger and better events in 2023!

The signature FLoatarama Flotilla will take place on Saturday, June 10, 2023, featuring fabulously decorated boats proudly cruising the New River and Intracoastal Waterway, with an exclusive experience for 400 celebrants on the magnificent 130-foot M/Y Catalina leading the fleet. FLoatarama is greatly honored that Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz will serve as Flotilla Grand Marshal.

FLoatarama 2023 is presented by Hunter’s Nightclubs Wilton Manors, a pillar of South Florida LGBTQ+ nightlife and philanthropy. Hunter’s will serve as the host for a Captain’s Party on Thursday, June 8th, a Welcome Happy Hour on Friday, June 9th, and Hunter’s team will staff the bars on the Catalina as part of an enhanced VIP experience.

In 2022, FLoatarama launched the FLoatarama LGBTQ Youth Fund to support at-risk youth in partnership with The Our Fund Foundation. That partnership ensures that the funds raised by FLoatarama will achieve their greatest impact in the community. In 2022 FLoatarama awarded grants totaling $50,000 to SunServe, Pridelines, South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble, and the YES Institute. In 2023, 100% of all ticket sales from FLoatarama will again go to support the FLoatarama LGBTQ Youth Fund.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, ticket & VIP package sales visit FLoatarama.org

Content Courtesy of Jeremy Collette

Beetlejuice It’s showtime! The Bank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale series and presenting sponsor Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, has announced that single tickets for the North American Tour of Beetlejuice are now on sale.

The edgy and irreverent Broadway smash hit musical comedy comes to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Tuesday, June 13 through Sunday, June 25, 2023.

2017 book) with an original score by Tony Award nominee Eddie Perfect (King Kong), a book by Tony Award nominee Scott Brown (“Castle Rock”) and Tony and Emmy Award® nominee Anthony King (“Robbie”), music supervision, orchestrations and incidental music by Kris Kukul (Joan of Arc: Into the Fire), and choreography by Connor Gallagher (The Robber Bridegroom).

Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, Beetlejuice is “Screamingly good fun!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!

Ghostlight Records and Warner Records released Beetlejuice – Original Broadway Cast Recording for digital download, streaming and on CD. The album is produced

by Tony Award winner Matt Stine, Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, Tony nominee Eddie Perfect and three-time Grammy Award winner Kurt Deutsch and has surpassed 250 million streams in the United States and 760 million streams globally.

Beetlejuice is directed by Tony Award® winner Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge!, Director of Warner Bros. forthcoming TOTO, the animated musical film adaptation of Michael Morpurgo and Emma Chichester Clark’s

Beetlejuice is based on the 1988 Academy Award®-winning Geffen Company motion picture presented by Warner Bros. and directed by Tim Burton. The smash hit comedy starred Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Jeffrey Jones, Catherine O’Hara and Winona Ryder with story by Michael McDowell and Larry Wilson.

For more information, visit www.BeetlejuiceBroadway.com.

June 13 - June 25, 2023

Broward Center for the Performing Arts www.BrowardCenter.org Courtesy of Broadway Across America Pictured (L-R): Isabella Esler (Lydia) and Justin Collette (Beetlejuice) | Photo by Matthew Murphy, 2022

Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida Premieres Disney PRIDE in Concert Something magical is coming! Join the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida for a spectacular new concert that celebrates LGBTQ+ life, love, family, and pride through the combination of timeless songs from the Disney songbook, curated video clips from the Disney vault, and the personal life experiences of local chorus members.

Featuring sparkling new arrangements, Disney PRIDE in Concert draws musical inspiration from iconic Disney films, including The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and Mary Poppins, to modern classics such as Coco, Zootopia,

Wreck-It Ralph, and the magical music of Disney Parks, all interwoven with universal storytelling themes stemming from the power of the diverse chorus community.

Under the baton of Artistic Director Gabe Salazar, the 170+ singing members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida will bring two incredibly magical concerts of Disney music for Pride month on Saturday, June 24 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 25 at 3 p.m. at the Parker in Fort Lauderdale. This family-friendly event will include

activities, games, costume contests, and more. Fun for kids of ALL ages!

“Disney has stepped forward to support the LGBTQ+ community, and this concert is another example of that,” states Mark Kent, Executive Director of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida. “Adults and children alike are

going to feel inspired and welcome. We are eager for families to know that the LGBTQ+ community is filled with wonderful and loving people.”

Disney PRIDE in Concert premiered in June of 2022 in Boston, and the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida is giving this memorable concert its Florida debut.

June 24 & 25, 2023 The Parker | www.GMCSF.org Tickets can be purchased at GMCSF.org and through Ticketmaster.

Content Courtesy of GMCSF | Photo Courtesy of Ginny Dixon Photographics

Photo Courtesy of Ginny Dixon Photographics

Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida When they raise their voices, they raise a community.

This month they’re raising their profile. Coming off the first ever Community Sing-Along at the end of April, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) is at the start of two very big months.

May of 2023 has the chorus out and about in South Florida, starting with the Tropical Wave concert.

“The concert explores the spaces of gender identity, love, and expressions of faith and how they can be connected,” Assistant Conductor Anthony Cabrera told OutClique. “The message: these three can be at peace with each other.” Best expressed in the words of the final song…"I've got peace like a river, love like an ocean, and joy like a fountain in my soul."

Sacred Space: Love, Identity and the Divine is Sunday,

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May 7,2023, at 6 pm, at Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 de Soto Boulevard, Coral Gables.

The show will explore several musical styles including modern choral works, accompanied and acapella, as well as some classical pieces with gospel, jazz, and musical theater vibes.

Fun & Goofy BINGO! On Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 6pm, the party moves to Hamburger Mary’s in Wilton Manors for Legendary Drag Bingo. “Let me tell you; they have "drag bingo" down to a fabulously fun science,” Kely Van Eaton, GMCSF’s VP of Community Relations said.

The popular Sunday Funday event raises funds for various South Florida groups. While drag entertainers

and the GMCSF are both known for music, Van Eaton says don’t look for any impromptu performances.

“No, no singing at this event, but maybe a little screaming! It's a good ol' fashion, fast-paced bingo night with bingo cards, colorful dobbers, winners, fantastic prizes, eating, drinking, and drag.” Van Eaton says it’s all part of being visible in the community. “We're all looking for more connections in our community, and Legendary Bingo is a place where all are welcome. You get to socialize with old friends and make some new ones, and if you're lucky enough, you'll walk away with a fantastic prize!”

South Florida has five major sports teams and all embrace the LGBTQIA+ community in one way or another. For the chorus, this event is a highlight of their calendar. “Every time we are invited to perform, we always have the best time because we get to sing, stay for the game, and have a fun night out. The crowd is extremely receptive and welcoming whenever we perform at a game.”

The chorus and Salazar say nights like this are key to their outreach and embracement from South Florida. “These types of events are so crucial for us as an organization, as well as for our community, and we hope that we will continue to represent the LGBTQ+ community at these types of events for many years."

Courtesy of GMCSF

Play Ball The chorus wraps up the month May 31, at the Miami Marlins Annual Pride in the Park Celebration. They will be on the field to sing the national anthem before the first pitch. "Singing the national anthem for professional

sports teams is always a highlight for the chorus,” Artistic Director Gabe Salazar said. “We have really enjoyed our relationships with these teams and look forward to performing every year.”

GMCSF.org Author: John Hayden

OutClique.com | 157

PERFORMED BY

JUNE 24 8PM & JUNE 25 3PM • THE PARKER TICKETS AT GMCSF.ORG DISNEY’S BELOVED SONGS REIMAGINED BY THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA IN A CELEBRATION OF LIFE, LOVE, FAMILY, AND PRIDE © DISNEY

HAMILTON National Tour | Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

Announcing the 2023-2024 Season of Kravis On Broadway The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is proud to announce its 15th season of Kravis On Broadway. The 2023 - 2024 Kravis On Broadway season showcases Broadway’s finest hits with a subscription package powerpacked with 23 Tony Awards among them. The 2023 - 2024 Kravis On Broadway eight show subscription series includes six West Palm Beach premieres featuring Broadway’s biggest blockbusters and the return of one of Broadway’s longest running musicals and an all-time fan favorite.

Kravis On Broadway subscriptions go on sale to the public on June 16, 2023. Become a Kravis On Broadway series subscriber by visiting kravis.org/broadway. Individual tickets are currently not available.

The 2023 - 2024 Kravis On Broadway series includes: Chicago | November 7-12, 2023 After 25 years, Chicago is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz, with one show stopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. No wonder Chicago has been honored with 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier

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Awards, a Grammy® and thousands of standing ovations.

As the show celebrates our 25th anniversary — you’ve got to come see why the name on everyone’s lips is still…

Chicago.

Mean Girls | December 5-10, 2023 Direct from Broadway, Mean Girls is the hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team, including book writer Tina Fey, composer Jeff Richmond, lyricist Nell Benjamin, and director Casey Nicholaw. Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.

New York Magazine cheers, “Mean Girls delivers with immense energy, a wicked sense of humor and joyful inside-jokery.”

Beetlejuice | December 19-24, 2023 It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz,

a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this netherworld, Beetlejuice is “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love and making the most of every Day-O! Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird | January 2-7, 2024 All rise for Academy® Award winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork. The New York Times Critic’s Pick To Kill a Mockingbird is “the most successful American play in Broadway history” (60 Minutes). Rolling Stone gives it five stars, calling it “an emotionally shattering landmark production of an American classic,” and New York Magazine calls it “a real phenomenon. Majestic and incandescent, it’s filled with breath and nuance and soul.”

With direction by Tony Award® winner Bartlett Sher, To Kill a Mockingbird — “the greatest novel of all time” (Chicago Tribune) — has quickly become “one of the greatest plays in history” (NPR).

Jagged Little Pill | February 20-25, 2024 Joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis, LIFE— everything we’ve been waiting to see in a Broadway show— is here in the exhilarating, fearless new musical based on Alanis Morissette’s worldchanging music.

Directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Waitress, Pippin, 1776) with a Tony® Award-winning book by Diablo Cody (Juno) and Grammy® Award-winning score, this electrifying production about a perfectly imperfect American family “vaults the audience to its collective feet” (The Guardian). “Redemptive, rousing and real, Jagged Little Pill stands alongside the original musicals that have sustained the best hopes of Broadway." (The New York Times) Tina - The Tina Turner Musical | March 12-17, 2024 An uplifting comeback story like no other, Tina - The Tina

Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll.

Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters. One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner has won 12 Grammy® Awards and her live shows have been seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history.

Featuring her much loved songs, Tina - The Tina Turner Musical is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd.

Six | March 26-31, 2024 From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the Six wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over! Six won 23 awards in the 2021/2022 Broadway season, including the Tony Award® for Best Original Score (music and lyrics) and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. The New York Times says Six “TOTALLY RULES!” (Critic's Pick) and The Washington Post hails Six as “exactly the kind of energizing, inspirational illumination this town aches for!"

Hamilton | April 10-21, 2024 Hamilton is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education. With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction

by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony®, Grammy® and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.

The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts | Kravis.org Content Courtesy of The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

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