Gay Proud Theatre Folk- Page 3

[Justice]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 5:26pm

Let's not forget HA and TC...It's like everyone in Spamalot is...well, if I say it, then I would be outting...

[eslgr8]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 7:30pm

Here's a bit of an elaboration of what I wrote in my previous post, for those who are interested:
Until I hear a reason for gay performers believing that being quietly out to their friends is sufficient or appropriate or worthy of my respect, then I will continue to feel that they are behaving out of fear (that they'll lose jobs/fans, etc., which places expediency above honesty and integrity) or shame (somehow feeling deep inside that no matter how out they feel in their "private" lives, they would be revealing to the outside world a kind of dirty secret). I used to be more supportive of non-out actors, but the more who do come out and continue not only to flourish professionally but find themselves becoming true heroes to their fans (Cheyenne Jackson, Denis O'Hare, and Christopher Sieber being the three most visible out leading men on Broadway at the moment), the less I can respect those who fear exposure. It's not about maintaining privacy. That would be to say, "I have a boyfriend but I'm not going to discuss the relationship," or "I'm gay but that's all you need to know about my personal life." That's what "private" straight celebrities do. No, for these essentially closeted performers, it's about hiding, about keeping secrets, and I find those this very different from keeping ones private life private.

[hushpuppy]

Posted: 6/27/05 at 12:10am

For those of you not familiar with the show, at the end of Act I of 'La Cage Aux Folles', Albin (Gary Beach) sings 'I Am What I Am', throws his wig off, and storms up the aisle of the theatre. At today's final performance, Gary sang 'our anthem' with such passion and such feeling that many of us had tears streaming down our faces. As he walked down off the stage Gary stopped by the fourth row and gave a man (whom we presume to be his partner) a big kiss before continuing his march up the aisle. The audience, already on its feet applauding, cheered even louder. My partner and I fell into each other's arms, sobbing. Composing ourselves, we made our way up the aisle towards the lobby. I walked alongside the man in question and quietly told him that what Gary did was the most moving thing I had ever seen in the theatre (true). He was very gracious, thanked me, and gave me a big hug. I was dying to ask him who he was but as both of us were still wiping tears from our eyes, I thought it best to just leave him alone at that point. Nevertheless, it was a spectacular moment.

[eslgr8]

Posted: 6/27/05 at 2:20am

What a beautiful beautiful moment that you witnessed. If only the above-mentioned non-out performers would follow Mr. Beach's inspirational example!

[cturtle]

Posted: 6/27/05 at 3:52am

wonderful story, HP!

[wildcat]

Posted: 6/27/05 at 8:36am

I'll bet that's the last time Daniel Davis buys tickets in the fourth row.

[Sporkie]

Posted: 6/27/05 at 9:21am

I listened to an interview of the Altar Boyz and at least one of them was def. gay, and talked about it briefly, but I got tem all mixed up, so I can't say who

[robbiej]

Posted: 6/27/05 at 3:28pm

Although I fully believe in being out as a performer, I simply don't think it's anyone's business to do it for them. The only people I support in outing are hypocritical politicians who work EXPRESSLY to prohibit the rights of gays and lesbians in this country. Do I think it's sad that they feel they can't be out? Yup. Would I encourage them to come out? Absolutely. Would I ever take it upon myself to reveal the information to the world? Hell no.