 Since comparison is violence, there’s no other performer in the world like Taylor Mac. This divinely decadent doyenne of drag has set up shop at Here Arts Center, running two shows in repertory for the rest of the month: a self-examination of what it means to be a man while coming to terms with a dysfunctional family in The Young Ladies of…; and, a madcap mélange of musical hits from his multiple theater pieces directed by our own David Drake and entitled The Be(a)st of Taylor Mac. Like a rare voice of sanity in the wilderness of homogenization, Mac dares you to think for yourself while experiencing something new in his theatrical explorations of the human condition. His work is distinctly gay though heterosexuals seem to enjoy it, too. But who cares about them? Treat yourself to an artist who is fearless, ferocious, and fabulous and doesn’t really give a damn whether or not you agree. Step outside your comfort zone and into the newly renovated (and air conditioned!) Here for an evening of subversive drag that’s as entertaining as it is provocative. I guarantee you’ll fall in love with him, too.
 Speaking love, have you heard Cheyenne Jackson strips to his boxer shorts in the Summer Stars production of Damn Yankees? That’s only important if a flawless physique and chiseled perfection factor into your ideal leading man, but Jackson doesn’t stop there. His sensitive portrayal of Young Joe Hardy in this revival of Richard Adler & Jerry Ross’s classic 1955 musical about a man who sells his soul to the devil for a chance to beat the New York Yankees is the heart and soul of City Center Encores! second summer entry following last summer’s Gypsy. Jackson, along with the superb Randy Graff as Joe’s wife, Meg, brings sumptuous depth and tenderness to the ballads “A Man Doesn’t Know,” and “Near to You” with his rich, soaring tenor voice that will leave you breathless. And perhaps a bit moist. Headlining as Mr. Applegate (the Devil) and his cohort Lola are Sean Hayes (Will & Grace) and Jane Krakowski (30 Rock), who are both superb in difficult roles that have long been identified with Ray Walston and the legendary Gwen Verdon. Backed by a glorious 25-piece orchestra, Damn Yankees is a joy, but be warned: this is an old-fashioned book musical from the mid 1950s. The libretto creaks a bit and many scene changes are ‘in-one’s’ in front of drop curtains. But the original Bob Fosse choreography is fantastic and the chance to see Hayes, Krakowski, Jackson, Graff and company having fun is priceless. Batter up! N
The Be(a)st of Taylor Mac plays through August 2 at Here (145 Sixth Ave, 212-352-3101). Damn Yankees plays through July 27 at City Center (130 W 55th St, 212-581-1212).
CD REVIEWS
OPENINGS/PREVIEWS
|
Fresh Fruit Festival The Algonquin Theatre, 123 24th Street (btwn S Park/Lexington Aves), 212-352-3101, freshfruitfestival.com— This annual showcase of LGBT performing arts presents a wide variety of new works, showcases, concerts and discussions to New York’s gay community. Festival runs Jul 11–27. See website for complete show listings and times. $5–$25.
|
CLOSINGS |
| November Ethel Barrymore Theater, 243 W 47th St (Broadway/Eighth Aves), novembertheplay.com— David Mamet’s farcical new play starring Nathan Lane is set days before a major presidential election and raises issues involving civil marriages, lesbians, American Indians, presidential libraries, questionable pardons, and campaign contributions. Tue at 7pm; Wed-Sat at 8pm, Wed and Sat at 2pm and Sun at 3pm through Jul 13. $46.50–$99.50. |
The Gay Stage
|
Arias with a Twist at Here Arts Center, 145 Sixth Ave (@ Dominick St), here.org— Queer performance treasures Joey Arias and Basil Twist unleash their epic imaginations to conjure a modern fantasy as Twist’s signature magic envelopes Arias’ legendary voice, transporting us to unpredictable worlds that could only be found in one of downtown's last enclaves for bohemian New York style. Weds–Sats at 9pm, Fris at midnight and Suns at 8pm through Aug 31. 9pm; $35–$50.
Bash'd at The Zipper Factory 336 W 37th St (btwn Eighth/Ninth Aves), 212-695-4600, thezipperfactory.com— This Gay Rap Opera—winner of a 2008 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding NY Theater—chronicles the tale of Jack and Dillon; two star-crossed lovers who must cope with the reality of hatred when one is brutally beaten. Mon, Thus and Sats at 8pm and Fris at 8:30pm and 10pm through Aug 30. $55–$75.
Damn Yankees New York City Center, 130 W 55th St (btwn Sixth/Seventh), 212-581-1212131— Sean Hayes, Jane Krakowski, Cheyenne Jackson and Ana Gasteyer star in the Encores! production of this classic Broadway musical a man who sells his soul to the Devil for the chance to help his team win the pennant race against the Yankees. Tues 7pm, Weds–Fris at 8pm, Sats at 2pm 8pm, Suns at 2pm and 7pm July 5–Jul 27. $25–$110.
The Heat is On! The Club La MaMa Etc, 74A, E Fourth St (Second Ave/Bowery), 212-475-7710, lamama.org— La Mama’s Experimental Theatre Club presents this monthly cabaret extravaganza hosted by Michael Burke and featuring songsters, puppets, clowns, drama queens and even flute beat boxers. Expect plenty of skin, sassiness and even some fire. 8pm; $15.
Hot! festival Dixon Place, 258 Bowery (Houston/Prince), 2nd Fl, 212-219-0736, dixonplace.org— This annual celebration of queer culture brings some of the best homoerotic workshop performances to this intimate Lower East Side hotspot. Festival runs through Aug 30. $0–$15.
This is Burlesque Corio, 337 W Broadway (Grand St), 212-966-3901, corionyc.com— Bodacious beauties and sultry singers take center stage as downtown “King of Comedy” Murray Hill hosts neo-burlesque star Angie Pontani of The World Famous Pontani Sisters and nightly special guests to deliver a stage show like no other in an intimate lounge atmosphere. Thus–Sats at 8:30pm. $25. |
Broadway's Queer
|
Gypsy St James Theater 246 W 44th St (Seventh/Eighth Aves), 212- 239-6200, gypsybroadway.com— The legendary Patti LuPone is Mama Rose in Arthur Laurents own staging of his immortal classic about an overbearing stage mother. Mons–Sats at 8pm, Weds and Sats at 2pm through Oct 5. $42–$117.
The Little Mermaid Lunt-Fontanne Theater 205 W 46th St (@ Broadway), 212-307-4747, disney.com— Disney’s animated classic about a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel who longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above comes to life. Tues–Sats at 8pm, Weds and Sats at 2pm and Suns at 3pm through Nov 23. $51.50–$121.50.
[title of show] at Lyceum Theater 149 W 45th St (btwn Sixth Ave/Broadway), 212-239-6200— Fabulous gay actors Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen bring their self-analyzing musical—about making a musical—to Broadway with the original cast and a smattering of hilarious original songs. Mons–Tues, Thus–Fris at 8pm, Sats at 3 and 8pm and Suns at 3 and 7pm; $26.50–$111.50.
Xanadu Helen Hayes Theater, 240 W 44th St (Eighth Ave/Broadway), 212-239-6200, xanaduonbroadway.com— Douglas Carter Beane’s hit stage adaptation of one of history’s most famous cult film bombs. Boys night every Wednesday featuring pre-show reception and $69 tickets. Tues–Suns at 8pm and Weds and Sats at 2pm through Sep 7. $41.25–$111.25. |
|
