foxy

Thank you for posting your blog. I enjoyed reading it. It captured a lot of what the Pines and Provincetown have to offer. Personally I prefer Fire Island because it’s closer but not having cars is really wonderful. It’s not an easy place for day trippers as there are few hotel accommodations and house renting is incredibly expensive which is why many people don’t get to visit. But that makes it less crowded. The fact that it became a sexual paradise became more important for a while that it’s a natural paradise. To spend some time there can be life changing. I need to go back.

I started going to Fire Island before the AIDS epidemic hit. I would rent a house with my husband and we’d invite a few good friends. Unlike many of the people who went there we were not there for the sex but for the magnificent beach. I was usually having a cup of coffee walking on the beach at dawn when many others were staggering back to their houses. Most of the time we never left the house after dinner and would enjoy sunset from our deck and mostly be in bed before midnight when most people were getting ready to go out. We did always go to the afternoon tea dance which was great fun. Fire Island may be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I do pine for it.

My post about drag queens has been taken much more seriously than I intended. As a bit of an explanation the other night I was looking for a movie to watch on the various streaming services I subscribe to. It seemed every movie I found with gay characters, drag queens seemed a big part of the story. So I thought as I scrolled “I’m getting so tired of drag queens”. That’s it folks. Nothing more, nothing less.

I started renting a house at the Pines over 45 years ago. I went mostly for the beautiful beach which was of course filled with beautiful men. A lot went on. I haven’t been back in several years. Curious to know if anyone here spends time out there and what things are like these days? I’ve been reading this book which brings back a lot of memories both good and sad.

I would suggest you reread my post and you might see I never said I didn’t like drag queens. There was no expressed or implied hatred towards drag queens because I don’t hate them. I simply said I was tired of them. There’s a very big difference. I regret you misunderstood my post.

I have nothing against drag queens. I respect the amount of work that goes into it. I realize there are many talented people who perform as drag queens. I’ve seen my share of Drag Race. But it’s just not who I am as a gay man. I really have no desire to dress up and impersonate a woman. If someone wants to do that it’s fine. Go ahead. I just feel like it gets too much press but I suppose that’s because it’s so obvious. I think gay men are so much more than putting on a dress. Do we always have to be clowns to get attention? Yes, yes I realize there’s more out there but honestly I’m just so tired of drag queens

Today I saw the ABT production of this ballet at the Lincoln Center Metropolitan Opera House. Choreography by Alexi Ratmansky and music by Aram Khachaturian it made for a fun and quite sexy production.

At the Met Museum today I saw the second part of the new fashion exhibit. Men’s and women’s dress from the 18th century to the present installed in period rooms of the American Wing. History buffs might enjoy seeing clothes owned and worn by Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln.

This may sound silly but rocks and minerals are often valued (like so many things) by how pretty they are. Of course there are minerals that are valued by their rarity but most amateur collectors just go for eye appeal. You might find a local club or rock hound who can help you out.

If you were a Michael Jackson fan you’ll love this show. I was never a real fan myself but this show changed my mind. Myles Frost who plays the adult Michael is astonishing. The dance numbers are breathtaking. There are some incredible bodies on stage.

Two new films I really enjoyed. They couldn’t be more different but both compelling. Drive My Car is 3 hours and is not a fast paced film but worth the time if you just settle into it. It won lots of awards and deservedly so I think.

Beautiful show of many paintings by Winslow Homer both oils and some superb watercolors. Known primarily as a marine painter but this show has many early works painted after the Civil War.

City Center has announced that it’s acclaimed production of Into The Woods is moving to the St. James Theater June 28 for an 8 week run. Good news! There are a few changes to the cast but the new actors are equally as talented. I look forward to seeing this a second time.

The Palm Springs Art Museum is a gem of a museum. I’ve always enjoyed their exhibits and that it does a little of everything. Art, science and just fun stuff. It’s a great way to spend a day.

OK

I didn’t see Ethel Merman in Gypsy but I did see Angela Lansbury in the role in 1974. When she did the number Together Wherever You Go the audience went wild and literally stopped the show. It was, I think, the only time I ever saw that happen. The cast just stood there while the audience kept screaming. It was strange since it’s not exactly a major number. After a few minutes the audience calmed down and to everyone’s surprise they did the whole number all over again. The audience went ballistic. Angela Lansbury just stood there laughing. It was one of those crazy theater moments.

I saw the show today. I’m happy to report that Beanie was much better than expected. Is she Barbra? No. But no one is. Still she brought a sweetness to the role and she ended both acts with a pretty rousing version of Don’t Rain On My Parade. She’s got a good voice and perhaps is growing into the role. It’s not a great show but that’s more a problem of the book. I’d recommend it if you just keep your expectations at medium.

It’s on my to do list of shows to see.

I’d love to see it again also. NPH stepped in for Christian Borel so maybe he will do the role this time? Maybe if Lucky sees it again he might change his mind about the show? It was such a good production.

This afternoon I saw the final performance of Into The Woods at City Center. A brilliant production of a brilliant play with a brilliant cast. Neil Patrick Harris, Sara Bareilles, Gavin Creel, Heather Headley, Ann Harada, Denee Benton to name just a few. The best thing I’ve seen in years. I had a very good seat for this sold out production. Every number was a sitting ovation.

Wonderful new exhibit on this Matisse masterpiece

The Biennial is on right now at the Whitney. My favorite part of the museum is usually the view from the balconies overlooking the city and the Hudson.

In Madrid I spent 4 hours in the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Nice cafe. 4 hours in the Reina Sofia. Guernica is still staggering. 12 hours in the Prado in two days. Today 4 hours in the Guggenheim in Bilbao. The Richard Serra installation is astounding. My feet hurt but worth it. The food in the Basque country is phenomenal.

Also seeing it mid-May. Thanks for your review even though it wasn’t a rave. So maybe with a little time Beanie will improve. On the other hand when I’m not expecting something great I can enjoy the good parts that you’ve pointed out. Opening night is April 24 so we will see what the paid critics have to say. Or maybe we don’t.

I’m still trying to learn to appreciate his work. The show sounds interesting and worth seeing. The $45 admission charge a little steep. Astounding what his paintings are selling for these days.