Latest Fashion Trend:  I Can’t See You 

No, this is not an homage to Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen or even to my lovely “I don’t do anything” Lindsay Lohan, but this season’s latest craze:  Camouflage.  Just like the “Von Dutch” craze out of SoBe three years ago (thanks Ashton!)—but apparently, everyone is onboard.  With such people joining in as Gwen Stefani’s label L.A.M.B. and Old Navy, other companies such as American Eagle, INC and even footwear such as Converse and Marc Jacobs. One piece of advice—don’t over do it or we can’t see you!

Local Theatre Buzz

Please note: we have organized this by the date of the final performance. New additions this week are highlighted in Bold Red.

25 Questions for a Jewish Mother, through August 5th 

Judy Gold, Emmy Winning Comedian describes her experiences as a gay mother of two sons [big stretch—both her and her wife have two kids] and as the daughter of a quintessential Jewish mother.  The show opens Thursday, July 27^th and runs through August 5^th.  Performances are at the Kravis Center Rinker Playhouse at 701 Okeechobee Blvd, in West Palm Beach and for tickets or further information, call 561-832-7469. 

25 Years of Memories, through August 6th

The Broward Center will be hosting the 25^th anniversary tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats for seven performances from August 2^nd through the 6^th.  Tickets are $20-$58 and can be purchased at either 954*462-0222 or www.ticketmaster.com or www.browardcenter.org.   

The Last Hairdresser, through Aug 20^th  

The Last Hairdresser a Rising Action Theatre Company production by David Goldyn, Artistic Director will premier Friday July 15^th at Boom nightclub in Wilton Manors.  David’s previous production, Southern Baptist Sissies was amazing and intricate that made you laugh until it hurt.  Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30pm.  Tickets are $25 with group rates available and are available at Gaymart, right next to Boom.  For further information, call 954*567-8550.  To read my review of The Last hairdresser Click Here.

Beehive Found at Stage Door Theatre Held Over through August 20th 

It was brought to my attention that all of the costumes for Beehive were done by the one and only Maria from Zoo 14 on Wilton Drive.  A local fashion legend in our community, she has helped dress many figures—both male and female into one-of-a-kind creations.  This play is a definite Fashion Must-See to reminisce about and era that brought about social change, creativity, and freedom. 

Beehive, the 60’s musical sensation, will be at The Stage Door Theatre May 26^th thru June 25^th with big hair and bigger hits. 

The Stage Door Theatre is located on 26^th right across from Wilton Station in the Old Florida Seafood House Plaza.  For times and tickets, call 954*344-7765.

Click Here to read Stephen's review. 

Ella, through September 3rd

This is a musical about Jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald who invites her favorite musicians to play with her in 1966. This takes place at the Florida Stage which is located at 262 South Ocean Blvd, Manalapan.  Call 561*585-3433 or go to www.floridastage.org  for more information. 

Irma Vep in Coral Gables, through Sep 3^rd

The Mystery of Irma Vep a wonderfully crafted play with only two actors playing over 20 parts will be appearing at The Actor’s Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables July 12^th thru September 3^rd.  The Theatre is located at 280 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables and tickets can be purchased online at www.actorsplayhouse.org  or for further information call them at 305*444-9293. 

For Three Days You Can Light My Candle

Tickets are now on sale for Rent which will be at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts September 14^th thru 17^th.  Tickets are available at the theater Box Office and at www.ticketmaster.com .  You can also check out other shows at www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com  or at www.browardcenter.org . 

On the Auction Block

Holly Golightly on Sale at Christie’s 

The infamous black dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s” will be on sale at Christie’s in London.  Proceeds go to City of Joy Aid a charity that helps underprivileged children in India.  Hubert de Givenchy designed the dress and is expected to sell for at least $130,000.  Heritage Auction Galleries in Dallas boasts having the clothes worn by James Dean in East of Eden and Rebel Without a Cause.  If cinematic fashion history does not interest you, how about Marlon Brando’s annotated script from The Godfather?   These items and many more will be sold at auction on October 6^th and 7^th. 

Image released by Christie's (Ronald Grant Archive/Handout/Reuters)

$620,000 for Paul’s Guitar 

The first guitar that Paul McCartney ever touched, a Rex acoustic, sold last week for $620,000 to Craig Jackson of Palm Beach, a Beatles Enthusiast, at auction in London.  The guitar was once owned by school friend Ian James, who taught Paul his first chords back in Liverpool in 1957 when he was 15, and later that year he met John Lennon who was impressed with his abilities and helped form The Beatles.  Craig Jackson said, “Without this guitar The Beatles may never have existed.”   

Things on Display

Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale 

All this month (August), at the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale, there is FREE ADMISSION for ALL VISITORS.  This does not happen every day so take advantage of it! For more information call them at 954*525-5500. 

Arturo Rodrigues:  The Human Comedy through August 6th

At the Bass Museum of Art in Miami they are hosting Arturo Rodriguez:  The Human Comedy, which contains large-scale canvases with portraits of people with distorted heads.  The show will continue until August 6^th.  The Bass Museum is located at 2121 Park Avenue in Miami Beach.  You can go to www.bassmuseum.org or call 305*673-7530 for more information. 

Possessed:  Art of Haiti through August 19th

The Coral Springs Museum of Art is hosting a show called Possessed:  Art of Haiti that features such Haitian artists as Lionel Saint Elio whoc comes from Port-au-Prince and cobbles colanders, bike spoke and bottle caps into angels or branches.  The late Georges Liautaud fashioned burnished brass and recycled oil drums into mermaids.  Also on display are a wide variety of Voodoo flags and countless sculptures.  These works feature the craftsmanship of transferring commonplace metals and fabrics into art all while keeping with Haiti’s rich tradition of folklore and worship.  This show will be on until August 19^th at the Coral Springs Museum of Art that is located at 2855 Coral Springs Drive.  Call 954*340-5000 for further information or check them out on the web at www.csmart.org. 

Fausto Vinueza at ArtServe 

There are over 80 original works in oil, charcoals, ink, pencil, and watercolors to mark the 100^th birthday of the late Ecuadorian artist Fausto Vinueza.  Even though he was originally from Ecuador, he became a resident of Pompano Beach for more than 15 years.  ArtServe is located at 1350 East Sunrise Blvd in Fort Lauderdale.  Call 954*462-9191 for more information. 

Metro Pictures: Part 2 through September 17th

You may be wondering if this show has to deal with the Metro Golden Mayer Production Company…no.  Metro Pictures “refers to snapshots of the city” and that the works “define, interpret and/or reject the city.”  This show is wide open to interpretation and includes stuff like a set of musical vests that “only when two participants wear them…do the sculptures emit sound.”  The exhibit is on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art until September 17^th.  The Museum is located at 770 NE 125^th Street in North Miami.  You can either call 305*893-6211 or visit them on the web at www.mocanomi.org for further information.

West Palm Summer Sculpture Show 

Eaton Fine Art will be featuring works by Alexander Calder, Dale Hihuly/Dennis Oppenheim, Patrick Ireland, Mark di Suvero, and many others in their North and South Galleries.  This exhibit runs all summer long from 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday.  The Eaton Fine Art Gallery is located at 435 Gardenia Street, West Palm Beach.  Call 561*833-4766 for further information or contact them at www.eatonart.net. 

Titanic:  The Artifact Exhibit, Until October

This exhibit chronicles the journey of RMS Titanic from its design and construction through its fateful maiden voyage and sinking, to the scientific recovery efforts.   

The Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium is located on 3280 South Miami Avenue, Miami.  You can contact them at 305*646-4200 or www.miamisci.org. 

Home Decor

Homo Depot Wants You Prepared 

Just to let you know, The Home Depot is providing free hurricane preparedness classes 11am to noon every Saturday through September 30^th at all of their Florida stores.  The topics being covered will include Hot to Prepare for a Hurricane, The ABCs of Hurricane Prep, How to Protect Your Property from the Wind, and How to Build Our Family Disaster Supplies Kit.  For more information, call your local store or visit them on the web at www.homedepotclinics.com. 

Coming to Town

Please note: we have organized this by date of appearance. New additions this week are highlighted in Bold Red.

Mimi Does Miami, Friday, August 5^th 

Mariah Carey will be launching The Adventures of Mimi, her first US tour since 2003, Saturday, August 5^th at the American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami.  Tickets range from $19.50 to $129.50 and go on sale Friday, June 2^nd.  Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or 305*358-5885. 

Calling All Azzmastahs, Friday, August 11^th 

The one and only Margaret Cho will be in concert Friday, August 11^th at 8:30pm at the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne, FL.  LISP, the greatest gay rapper in the world, will be her Special Guest.  Tickets go on sale THIS FRIDAY [June 2^nd] at 10am so call the Ticket Office at 321*242-2219 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Melissa Etheridge Live Saturday, August 19^th   

New Greatest Hits CD “The Road Less Traveled” in stores now!

Tickets available at Ticketmaster locations or you can charge by phone:  305-358-5885 / 954-523-3309 / 561-966-3309 or www.ticketmaster.com. 

Mizner Park Amphitheater is in Boca Raton and this is a Fantasma Productions Concert Event.  For further information go to www.fantasma.com or www.melissaetheridge.com

Mary J. Blige, Friday, August 25^th 

Mary J Blige will be in concert Friday, August 25^th at the Bank Atlantic Center at 2555 Panther Parkway in Sunrise.  Her special guest will be Jaheim and will be singing all her greats—hopefully my favorite song Ain’t Gonna Cry from Waiting to Exhale, and anyone that knows me, knows how MUCH I love that song!  For futher Information go to www.ticketmaster.com. 

Her Hips Don’t Lie, Saturday, September 16^th 

Shakira and Wyclef have added a second show 7:30pm on September 16^th at the American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami.  Tickets are $19.50-$87 and you can get them through www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 786*777-1250. For more info about Shakira: www.shakiraheaven.com

The Chicks Will be in Town, Saturday, October 7^th 

John Mayer & Sheryl Crow, Wednesday, October 11^th 

Tickets are now on sale for John Mayer and Sheryl Crow who will be live in concert October 11^th at the Sound Advice Amphitheatre.  Go to www.livenation.com, www.ticketmaster.com , or you can call 561*966-3309 for more information.  If you are truly a fan, you can also go to www.johnmayer.com and/or www.sherylcrow.com as well.

I’m Verklemnpt, Saturday, October 28^th

Yes, the legendary Barbara Streisand will be performing Saturday, October 28^th at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sawgrass and will be having special guest Il Divo perform with her. Tickets are priced starting at $100 to $750 and VIP packages up to $1,800.  Much of the proceeds go to charities, one of which being The Streisand Foundation, which expects to raise millions from this tour.  Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com.    

Wine Time

The Naked Grape Opens Wine Bar 

This past Saturday, July 29^th, The Naked Grape Wine Company held the opening of their new Wine Bar and Lounge.  This incredible evening will included:  wine, beer, food, music, and the first drink was free!  The Hors d'Ouvres were prepared by Dakota Catering, and music by DJ Shane Woten who was really hot but if you don’t believe me just look at our pictures! So stop by and see Brian, Carmen, & Michael at The Naked Grape Wine Co. which is located at 2039 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. To view photos of this event, Click Here!

Damita Jo Wants Us to Clap [Our] Hands 

Miss Jackson is giving us another album and club anthem to love.  With her latest album “20 Years Old” due out September 26^th, her first single “Call On Me” already is being aired and is currently No. 15 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart and an over-the-top video was just released.  But hold out for Clap Your Hands because apparently, it will be the next big club anthem.  Look for her on The Oprah’s couch September 26^th and the “Today” show September 29^th.  For this album she teamed up again with the creative geniuses of Jimmy Harris and Terry Lewis, but also with rapper Khaia for So Excited, John Mayer with Get It Out Me and Stuck In the Grove.  Not bad for 40 eh?

Lance Ain’t Bi Bi Bi 

Famed band member Lance Bass of N’ Sync is….GAY!  Yes, proud day was had by all last Wednesday when it was announced around the world.  He states that he is in a “very stable” relationship with a reality show star Reichen Lehmkuhl from The Amazing Race.  He also stated that he didn’t want to disclose his sexuality earlier because he didn’t want to affect the group’s popularity. 

Happy Birthday Picasso 

All across Spain there are celebrations and exhibits marking the 125 birthday of Pablo Picasso and the 25^th anniversary of Guernica—perhaps his greatest masterpiece.  This year will be remembered as the year that Picasso, who left Spain in 1936 due to the Spanish Civil War and never returned, finally came home.  Two major and most important national museums, the Prado and Reina Sofia, are hosting major exhibits in Madrid.  There will be smaller shows in Malaga and Barcelona as well.  Picasso used his Spanish heritage in his work by using bold colors stealthfully by using yellow and reds [Spanish flag]. 

At the Museo Nacional del Prado (www.museoprado.es) for about $7.75 you can see such groundbreaking works like the Three Musicians, and La Vie, which have been in Spain for the first time.  While at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia  (www.museoreinasofia.es) you will see the national showcase for modern art including Guernica which shares gallery space with Goya’s The Third of May 1808.  Guernica, which is more than 26 feet wide, was Picasso’s response to the bombing of Guernica, a Basque town in northern Spain.  With Third of May 1808 that depicts Napoleonic forces firing point-blank on Spanish civilians—is poignant and moving.  Picasso was born in Malaga, down in the south along the Mediterranean, and at the Museo Picasso Malaga (www.mpicassom.org) it will have a yearlong tribute to Picasso:  Muses and Models from October 26^th through February 28^th.  The house that he was born in is now a museum, Malaga’s Ruta Picassiana (www.malagaturismo.com)  All for the man that changed the world’s vision. 

Prepare to Get an Earload of Ghosh 

This Saturday, at 7pm, prepare yourself for Pt. Suman Ghosh a he presents an Indian classical vocal concert at the Broward County Main Library Auditorium with the Association of Performing Arts of India.  The Library is located at 100 South Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.  Tickets are $15 and are available at 866*468-7630.   

Chicago Loves Warwick 

If you happen to be in Chicago any time soon, go on over to the Black Ensemble Theater for you will definitely get an earful.  At the Theater, they are performing Don’t Make Me Over (In Tribute to Dionne Warwick) which is a musical dedicated to the career of Dionne Warwick.  Ms. Warwick, 65, watched the show last Friday and received a standing ovation upon entrance to the theater.  The show features four actresses singing her hits including: Walk On By, Do You Know the Way to San Jose, I Say a Little Prayer, and I Know I’ll Never Love This Way Again.  When it was over, the visibly moved Warwick took to the stage thanked the cast and crew and “…for caring that much about me.”   

NYT Says Prada is #1 

This week The Devil Wears Prada was #1 Paperback Fiction book while being on the New York Times Best Sellers list.  If you have yet to see the movie, its about Andy, a booksmart college graduate who ends up being the Chief Editor’s Personal Assistant at a magazine similar to Vogue.  The book inspired the movie—but the movie sold out the book!  All I have to say is, “That is all.” 

Manga, Unibrows, and Google Oh My! 

Yes, this fall, Merriam-Webster will include more than 100 new words to the current dictionary and will feature such words as Drama Queen and supersize but also the latest science terms such as biodiesel (fuel from vegetables).  John Morse, president of the dictionary’s publisher says that he wants to include such words so that people go back to the dictionary and through scanning multiple media sources pick the words used most.  For more information about what words are being added you can go to www.merriamwebster.com/info/new_words.htm

The Unknown Weegee 

Running now at The International Center for Photography is Arthur “Weegee” Fellig’s work through August 27^th.  From the 1930’s through the 50’s, Weegee was one of the best known news photographers in the country specializing in capturing the sensational side of urban life: disaster, crime, and nightlife. There are 95 pictures and gives a good sense of his range and calls particular attention to his awareness to social problems related to class and race.  The International Center of Photography is located at 1133 Avenue of the Americas at 43^rd Street.  You can call them at 212*857-0000 or visit them on the web at www.icp.org. 

The History Boys 

This year’s Best Play and Best Direction Tony Award winning The History Boys is apparently madly enjoyable with Richard Griffiths and Steven Campbell Moore as schoolmasters with opposing view of history and education who battle for the hearts and minds of a group of university-bound students.  This show is at the Broadhurst Theatre at 235 West 44^th Street and you can call for tickets at 212*239-6200.

Get Closer to Dance 

Through August 12^th at the Joyce, you can catch the latest show of Pilobolus, which are three incredible programs from one amazing dance company.  Pilobolus dancers transport audiences with their physicality and illusion, unique partnering, and awe-inspiring athleticism.   Tickets are $42 and Showtimes are Monday through Friday at 8pm with two shows at 2pm and 8pm on Saturdays.  The Joyce is located at 175 8^th Ave at 19^th Street and you can get tickets at JoyceCharge at 212*242-0800 or www.joyce.org. 

Rita Wilson is Roxie Heart and Usher is Billy Flynn

The Grammy Award musical Chicago will have Usher playing Billy Flynn Rita Wilson starring as Roxie Heart now through August 6^th at the Ambassador Theatre on 219 West 49^th Street.  You can go to www.telecharge.com or www.chicagothemusical.com for more information or call them at 212*239-6200. 

Scotty Has Been Beamed Up 

James Doohan, the actor who played Chief Engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott in the original Star Trek television series passed last July at 85, will have a few grams of his ashes blasted 70 miles into space this fall from Southern New Mexico.  Space Services Inc., a Houston-based company, plans to have his and about another 100 others aboard their October 21^st “Memorial Spaceflight” that will also include Gordon Cooper, one of the original Mercury astronauts.

Photo by Steve Granitz - Image courtesy WireImage.com

Turbo Charge 

Turbo Charge is the latest in the “oops I really needed something” files but now don’t fret none…Turbo Charge is here.  You can charge your cell phone anywhere, anytime, worldwide by using a single AA battery in something the size of a mini-penlight.  With hurricane season approaching, maybe we should invest in something that can keep us connected—to things other than MegaPhone.  You can find one and more information at www.turbocellcharge.com.    

Who’s Your Favorite Fashion Accessory? 

This past week, Project Runway contestants had to do a custom dress for their models—both of them!  Yes, that’s right, both of them.  At the beginning of the episode they were given a selection of small and miniaturized canines and was told that they would have to come up with a story about the lives of the women they would be designing for and their four-legged companions.  Who was she?  What does she do? and finally—What is she going to do with the dog?  These were all questions that the remaining 13 contestants would have to solve through fashion.   

Contestants were given 30 minutes to sketch—using the dogs, and then off shopping at MOOD with a $150 limit.  After much deliberation and Bradley redoing his outfit THREE TIMES, contestants and their models hit the runway.  Uli, Germany via Miami, did what she does best—flowy halter dress with an asymmetrical hem all with a tropical flair and won yet sadly, my frumpy plausible Lesbian snowboarder Katherine and her slip dress were out.  What was funny was watching some of these dogs going down the runway and then trying to take their hats or clothes off on the way back—how mortifying!  One thing that irked me was that Keith did not design anything for his dog and even though it was part of the challenge and he was called on it, Katherine was still sent home.  And finally, Laura, Architect and New York mother of five, designed this amazing Chanel-esque suit with fur collar and poofy Pomeranian that grabbed me and said that that looks like something her friends would wear!  

Stay tuned, this week has a great upset with someone doing something that is clearly against the rules and gets them knocked off the show.  Carry on!