Producers Amanda Ghost and Len Blavatnik for Unigram/Access Entertainment, Jordan Roth, and American Repertory Theater(A.R.T.) at Harvard University announced today that Gatsby, a brand-new musical stage adaptation of the legendary F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, will make its highly anticipated World Premiere at A.R.T. in 2024, and will be directed by Tony Award® winner Rachel Chavkin and choreographed by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh.
Gatsby will feature music by Florence Welch, the Grammy Award-nominated international rock star of Florence + the Machine and Thomas Bartlett, the Oscar and Grammy Award nominee, with lyrics by Ms. Welch, and a book by Pulitzer Prize® winner Martyna Majok.
Gatsby will be produced at American Repertory Theater by special arrangement with Amanda Ghost and Len Blavatnik for Unigram/Access Entertainment, and Jordan Roth, in association with Robert Fox. Hannah Giannoulis serves as co-producer.
American Repertory Theater (Diane Paulus, Terrie and Bradley Bloom Artistic Director; Kelvin Dinkins, Jr., Executive Director) at Harvard University produces groundbreaking work to catalyze dialogue and transformation. Tony Award-winning and nominated productions include Jagged Little Pill; Waitress; Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812; All the Way; The Glass Menagerie; Pippin; Once; and The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. Its revival of 1776, a co-production with Roundabout Theatre Company, is currently touring nationally. Learn more at AmericanRepertoryTheater.org.
Grammy-nominated international superstar Adam Lambert releases his highly anticipated new album “High Drama.” An album of inspired covers, “High Drama” marks his first release via his new deal with BMG.
The astonishing visual for “Getting Older,” a cover of the Billie Eilish song, is also out now. Directed by Heather Gildroy, the video shows Adam dramatically transformed, with the aid of prosthetics, into an older version of himself. Accompanied by current and past imagery of Adam’s life, the striking video personifies the lyrics of the track, exploring the complexities of getting older.
Executive produced by Adam himself, alongside production from the likes of Tommy English (Kacey Musgraves, Carly Rae Jepsen), Andrew Wells (Halsey, OneRepublic), George Moore and Mark Crew, “High Drama” showcases a diverse roster of songs ranging from the old to the new, held together by Lambert's once-in-a-generation voice. Previously released songs include “Ordinary World” and “Holding Out For A Hero,” while new tracks span from a dancefloor-focused version of “Sex On Fire” to the powerful focus track, “Chandelier,” a compelling rendition of the Sia hit.
“High Drama” kickstarts the next chapter in Adam Lambert’s solo career, and of course draws on his well-known penchant for HIGH DRAMA!
This year, The Supremes, to this day the #1 female recording group, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during this year’s 65th Annual GRAMMY® Awards. Mary Wilson was one of the original/founding members of the Supremes and was its only original member from their start in 1961 until its end in 1977. Mary, with the Supremes, achieved an unprecedented 12 #1 hits and 5 consecutive #1’s from 1964-1965: “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love,” “Come See About Me,” “Stop! In the Name of Love” and “Back in My Arms Again.”
To celebrate Mary Wilson’s birthday (March 6), “Soul Defender,” a previously unreleased single, will premiere on March 3 as a digital release by Sweet Feet via UMe at all DSPs, pre-save/pre-add HERE. The track was written by Billie Ray Martin (“Your Loving Arms”) and produced by the multi-talented Paul Brewer of Sweet Feet Music (Pet Shop Boys, Billie Ray Martin, Annie Lennox) and John Keenan (Beyoncé, Missy Elliott, Pet Shop Boys). There will be three versions – a radio edit, an extended dance mix, and an instrumental version of the radio edit.
“Growing up in the ’70s it was not hard to hear the Supremes and see them on TV,” says Brewer. “Although I grew up the son of a preacher and secular music was banned in our home, The Supremes and Mary Wilson always represented class and style, and also the music world I daydreamed to one day be a part of.”
The mastermind behind Sweet Feet Music, Brewer has been hugely influenced by Mary Wilson’s iconic voice. His Sweet Feet Music imprint had previously released Mary’s 2015 single, “Time To Move On.” “As a Supreme, Mary stood out to me. I was immediately connected to her beauty and grace. And hearing Mary's origin stories, it affirmed to me a church kid can make their dreams come true with hard work.”
“‘Soul Defender’ came together so beautifully,” says Jeanie Tracy (Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Michael Bolton). “To back Mary on these tracks, we brought together some of the best session vocalists in the business to create the precise sound Paul and John were looking for.”
The world mourned the sudden passing of Mary Wilson on February 8, 2021. “Soul Defender” marks the first release since Motown/UMe released The Motown Anthology,a project that Wilson had been preparing for release. It was the first-ever comprehensive overview of Wilson’s Motown discography (March 4, 2022) which boasts 38 tracks with nearly two dozen Supremes classics, as well as deep cuts, her acclaimed solo album, and never-before-heard songs (most in stunning new mixes).
The National AIDS Memorial announces that Bobbi-Angelica Morris, currently at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., and Joseph Taylor, at Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, are the most recent recipients of the Mary Bowman Arts in Activism Award. Now in its fourth year, the Award honors the life of Mary Bowman, the poet, advocate, author and singer who passed away from AIDS in early 2019 at the age of 30.
Funded through a generous multi-year grant from ViiV Healthcare, the only pharmaceutical company solely focused on HIV, the Award offers support to artist-activists who through their creative practice inspire individuals and communities, and make a positive impact in the fight against HIV/AIDS while advancing social justice. The awardees receive $5,000 each.
The Mary Bowman Arts in Activism Award recognizes the power of the arts to dismantle stigma and isolation, and bring people together in our shared humanity. Mary Bowman, an icon of hope and resilience, was born with HIV and lived out her experiences of growing up with HIV—and losing a mother to AIDS—through her art. As a young out woman of color, she was a dynamic, vital voice for the next generation of individuals living with HIV, willing and proud to speak of her own challenges beyond HIV. She was also a fierce advocate for other young people with HIV. The arts gave Bowman the platform and voice to channel her creative energy, her passion, her truth. She performed at the 2018 ViiV Healthcare Youth and Community Summit, inspiring leaders across the movement. This was one of many examples of how Mary used her voice and her art to build bridges and make a difference.
Activism through visual and/or performing arts harnesses the imagination to design campaigns, programs, events, narratives and strategies that provoke new questions and infuse meaning in the pursuit of more respectful ways of being, and to foster a more equitable, just society. The arts become a tool for combating stigma, providing insight into different lives and experiences that builds empathy and challenges our own implicit biases. Stigma, and all it entails—shame, isolation, embarrassment, prejudice, exclusion—remains among the most formidable barriers to fighting the AIDS epidemic. Through this Award, we hope to inspire art that develops appreciation, understanding and activism.
“During Black History Month, we are especially pleased to support poet and spoken word performer Bobbi-Angelica Morris and painter Joseph Taylor with our most recent Mary Bowman Arts in Activism Awards,” said John Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer of the National AIDS Memorial. “Bobbi-Angelica’s poetry and commitment is creating space for marginalized voices and intersectional identities to express themselves freely and creatively. “Joseph Taylor uses his artistic talent to uplift the voices within the Black community by visually amplifying their challenges and struggles while simultaneously illustrating their grace, heroism and power.” Both outstanding art activists honor the life, and the creative and changemaking spirit of Mary Bowman.
Bobbi-Angelica Morris stated, “The life and legacy of Mary Bowman have inspired me to stay true to the identities…that make me who I am today. As a form of expression and activism, my spoken word poetry often references different forms of oppression or traumas….I see this same mindset in Mary’s story, as she shared her artwork about personal experiences, inspiring others to live their truth.”
ViiV Healthcare has supported the multi-year program with more than $100,000 in funding to the National AIDS Memorial. In 2023, $5,000 awards will be granted to an additional two eligible artist-activists, and the Mary Bowman paid fellowship program that launched last year will also continue with our second fellow beginning this summer.
“This Award supports young artists and activists like Joseph and Bobbi-Angelica who use their creativity and unique perspectives to highlight our shared humanity, and to make change through their art,” said Marc Meachem, Head, U.S. External Affairs, ViiV Healthcare. “Like Mary Bowman, their work shows how culture can break down stigma and deepen connections with people to activate positive change.”
ViiV Healthcare recognizes the power of the arts to break down HIV/AIDS stigma and isolation, and the company proudly supports cultural programs that inspire individuals and communities in the fight to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. A beautifully-produced video tribute to Bowman, created by the National AIDS Memorial with support from ViiV Healthcare, captures that spirit and Bowman’s life and work.
Lauren Spencer Smith is set to have a landmark 2023. The 19-year-old singer songwriter from Vancouver Island, Canada shares the official video for her latest single, “Best Friend Breakup.” It’s an anthem for a falling out among best friends, an experience simultaneously so personal to Lauren and universally understood. In the video, Lauren is in her bedroom reflecting upon the best friend breakup she experienced. The visuals, directed by Boni Mata, complement the tone of the single with Lauren looking and sounding beautiful juxtaposed against the heartbreak she’s going through.
Lauren made her TV debut of “Best Friend Breakup” on The Late Late Show with James Corden — watch here.
Before “Rent”, there was "tick, tick… BOOM!" This autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning composer of “Rent”, is the story of a composer and the sacrifices that he made to achieve his big break in theatre. Containing fourteen songs, ten characters, three actors and a band, "tick, tick… BOOM!" takes you on the playwright/composer's journey that led to a Broadway blockbuster.
Vintage Theatre presents "tick, tick… BOOM!" March 17 through April 23. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Vintage Theatre is located at 1468 Dayton St. in Aurora. Tickets ranging from $20 - $38 are on sale by calling 303-856-7830 or online at www.vintagetheatre.org.
You might expect a band that calls itself YARN to, naturally, tend to spin a yarn or two. “That’s what we do, we tell stories, live and in the studio, truth and fiction,” singer/songwriter Blake Christiana insists. “We don’t always opt for consistency. There’s a different vibe onstage from what comes through in our recordings. There’s a difference in every show as well, you never know what you’re going to get.”
On their latest single “Cocaine Bear,” Christiana delivers a 70s country ballad about the unbelievable yet, true story of a bear that was found dead near a cargo of cocaine that went down along the Tennessee / Georgia border. Nicknamed Pablo Escobear, the story of the bear was first recounted by The New York Times in a 1985 article. Over the years, the story has also inspired much folklore as well as this song (written in 2019) and a film by the same name out this year.
MAP’s newest project, the Democracy Maps, tracks more than 40 laws and policies related to elections and voting. Democracy Maps are updated in real-time as legislatures across the country pass laws that impact voting, elections, and our democracy.
These are the Democracy Maps updates as of February 2023.
On Friday, March 3 PFLAG will honor Olympic gold medalist and LGBTQ+ activist Tom Daley with the 2023 George Takei Advocate Award during the iconic LGBTQ+ organization’s 50th Anniversary Gala event. That evening, PFLAG will also bestow honors on Big Freedia (Breaking Barriers Award) and Mondelēz (Straight for Equality in Business Award) at a spectacular event hosted by Amber Ruffin, featuring Tati Gabrielle (YOU, Uncharted), Eureka (WE’RE HERE), Rose Abdoo (HACKS), and more, with performances by Robin S., Evann McIntosh, Johnny Manuel, and VINCINT.
“From a very young age, I’ve felt a responsibility to use my platform to make a difference and over time, I've become more and more confident in myself as an LGBTQ+ athlete to do so. When I’ve been competing in countries where it’s illegal to be me, I’ve been so proud to stand on the podium and win medals knowing that I’m visible to the LGBTQ+ community watching in that area, showing that they’re not alone. I would not have had this resilience and determination if it wasn't for the visibility of other LGBTQ+ people like George Takei who shine light on the issues important to our LGBTQ+ community. I am so honored to receive this recognition from PFLAG. We've come so far, but in a time when people are trying to take away our rights, I'll continue to help make a difference to everyone in the LGBTQ+ community where I can ,” said Tom Daley, recipient of PFLAG’s 2023 George Takei Advocate Award.
The George Takei Advocate Award honors a person who uses their visibility to help advance PFLAG’s work to create a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. The award is named in honor of actor, social justice activist, social media mega-power, and New York Times bestselling author George Takei.
“I first met Tom in 2019 in New York. This was before he competed for and won his Olympic Gold Medal, before he was named to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, and before his powerful BBC documentary ‘Illegal to Be Me,’ but after he had become a parent. It was clear then that Tom knew his role would forever be to make this world a better, more affirming place for LGBTQ+ people and families,” said George Takei, a longtime supporter and friend of PFLAG. “I am honored to lend my name to an award from PFLAG National that recognizes the courage to advocate for LGBTQ+ people, and I am proud that Tom Daley will be the first to receive it,” continued Takei, who is currently in London performing in his show Allegiance.”
“Through his work to both raise awareness about disparities facing LGBTQ+ people and also to use his platform to reduce barriers to LGBTQ+ affirmation and safety, Tom Daley is making a difference around the world and in sport. PFLAG National is honored to recognize George Takei’s legacy, and we are proud to present Tom Daley with the first George Takei Advocate Award,” said Brian K. Bond, Executive Director of PFLAG National.
Olympic gold medalist and double World Champion Tom Daley is the most decorated British diver of all time and a global LGBTQ+ advocate. Shortly after the London 2012 Olympic Games, Tom Daley came out in a YouTube video that garnered global attention, adding his name to the very short list of openly-gay athletes. A multi-Commonwealth Games champion, Tom campaigned for LGBTQ+ equality at the games, ensuring all athletes feel welcome and safe, visiting Commonwealth countries with anti-LGBTQ+ laws for a BBC documentary Tom Daley: Illegal To Be Me. In A Commonwealth Games first, Tom walked in the flag ceremony carrying a Progress Pride flag alongside LGBTQ+ heroes in the Commonwealth, a sign to those in homophobic countries that they are seen.
PFLAG’s 50th Anniversary Gala celebrates a history of leading with love, and will bring together LGBTQ+ people, parents, families, advocates, allies, celebrities and business leaders at an incredible in-person event at New York’s Marriott Marquis on the evening of March 3. Serving on PFLAG’s 50th Anniversary Gala Honorary Host Committee are celebrated LGBTQ+ people and allies: Andrew Rannells, Audra McDonald, Chef Melissa King, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Justin Mikita, Kristin Chenoweth, Martha Plimpton, Matt Doyle, Nate Berkus, Patrick Stewart, Sunny Ozell, Will Swenson, and Wilson Cruz. For more information about PFLAG’s 50th Anniversary Gala, visit pflag.org/gala50.
Generations of readers have found themselves in a Judy Blume book. Her name alone launches a flood of memories for anyone who’s gripped one of her many paperbacks. For decades, Blume’s radical honesty has comforted and captivated readers – and landed her at the center of controversy for her frankness about puberty and sex. Now the beloved American author candidly shares her own coming-of-age story.
Emmy-winning filmmakers Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok trace Blume’s journey from fearful, imaginative child to storytelling pioneer who elevated the physical and emotional lives of kids and teens, to banned writer who continues to fight back against censorship today. Playful and poignant animations celebrate the magic and awkwardness of being young, while intimate conversations with acclaimed authors and artists reveal Blume’s profound impact on readers. Long-standing fans share open-hearted letters they wrote to Blume over decades.
With humor, sensitivity, and a healthy dose of adolescent cringe, Judy Blume Forever tells the story of the woman whose trail-blazing books changed the way millions of readers understand themselves, their sexuality, and what it means to grow up.
Denver's gay community is the 7th largest in the United States - and growing all the time! And the best way to reach them is by working with MileHighGayGuy –Colorado’s Best Gay Blog.
Back by popular demand, MOA announces the return of Cricket Cinema. This traveling theater has not put on a show since pre-covid times. The Museum of Outdoor Arts is calling Colorado artists who create captivating short films or animation under the theme of “Colorado Outdoors” for a summer of the Cricket Cinema touring the Denver Metro area. Enter by April 30th.
World of Wonder has premiered the trailer for their brand new Original documentary-series Click Boys, premiering exclusively on WOW Presents Plus on Feb. 27. Watch the trailer HERE.
This intimate and revealing 5-part docu-series follows LGBTQIA adult content creators who make their income through OnlyFans. We peek behind the curtain to show the real life triumphs and struggles of our Click Boys as they make a healthy living on the platform. For the first time these creators share details about their personal lives, discussing important topics like queer and cultural identity, body positivity, the business of sex work and sexual freedom.
Click Boys follows:
Matthew Camp: This former go-go dancer talks empowerment through sexual liberation and chronicles his day-to-day life as a super successful business-oriented erotic model.
Brock Banks: This proud Puerto Rican and self described 'short king' discusses sexual liberation, family life friction and the joys of moonlighting as a drag queen. Lance Charger: This silver stud "daddy" talks about his rise to fame during lockdown, overcoming body dysmorphia and finding harmony between corporate life and adult content creation.
Noah Way: This trans OnlyFans star shares his thoughts regarding stigma around sex, body positivity as a transgender man, and channeling creativity through art and sex.
Ty Mitchell: This erotic artist and intellectual reflects on the sacred balance between drag and sexuality and the transient nature of working in an online industry that could be gone tomorrow.
PFLAG celebrates 50 years of leading with love at a spectacular gala event in the city where it all started. The iconic organization—best known for supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people, parents, families and allies—was founded in March 1973. Fifty years later celebrity performers, presenters, and honorees will join PFLAG leaders, allies, advocates, and corporate leaders to celebrate PFLAG’s historic impact.
Honoring Tom Daley (George Takei Advocate Award) and Big Freedia (Breaking Barriers Award) and featuring Amber Ruffin (THE AMBER RUFFIN SHOW), Rose Abdoo (HACKS) Tati Gabrielle (YOU, UNCHARTED), Tituss Burgess (UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT), Eureka O’Hara (WE’RE HERE), TikTok Star Dylan Mulvaney, live performances from Robin S., Evann McIntosh, and many more!
At the milestone event, Olympic gold medalist Tom Daley will be presented with PFLAG National’s 2023 George Takei Advocate Award. This prestigious award honors a person who uses their visibility to help advance PFLAG’s work to create a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. The award is named in honor of actor, social justice activist, social media mega-power, and New York Times bestselling author George Takei. Recent recipients of the Advocate Award include Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Betty DeGeneres and George Takei.
The Lakewood Cultural Center and Performance Now Theatre Company present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” with shows running March 17 through April 2. This classic music theater production is a brilliant tale of the power of love with a book of songs that have stood the test of time.
The story of “Carousel” revolves around Billy Bigelow, a swaggering, carefree carnival barker who falls in love with and marries the sweet but naïve Julie Jordan. Their lives take a tragic turn, and Billy is given one chance to make things right. Richard Rodgers referred to “Carousel” as the favorite of his musicals with a score “more satisfying than any I’ve ever written.” “If I Loved You” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” underpin this stunning tale of hope, redemption and the power of love.
Performances of “Carousel” are offered on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased at 303-987-7845, Lakewood.org/LCCPresents or the Lakewood Cultural Center Box Office, 470 S. Allison Parkway (Wadsworth and West Alameda Avenue).
