For years I selfishly wished that Neil Patrick Harris were queer. I had a big crush on him during the Doogie Howser years, and ever since then I've followed his career, hoping that one day he'd tell the world. That day came just a short while ago. Another name in the limelight added to the list. Score one more for us.
But it isn't just the selfish part of me that is happy. It's the side of me that wishes more people on television and in movies would stand up and affirm their queerness louder and prouder. We live in such a plugged-in culture. Today, anyone with a recognizable face who says they are queer is heard louder and in more places than ever before.
Even in our own lives, it is vital to be who you are at all times. In my book, that means coming out to the people with whom you work, your family, and all of your friends. Not the easiest thing to do, but it's necessary in my opinion. We have to fight to win all the little battles in life that we can. That way when the big ones come, we're ready.
And on a lighter note, if you want to see something truly terrifying, google David Hasselhoff at the Baywatch DVD release party. He's very Jack Nicholson as The Joker. Presumably without the back-alley surgery. Of course Pam Anderson looked splendid, but I could hear Traci Bingham's shirt screaming under the pressure of her gigantic bosom. Some secrets of Victoria's shouldn't be shared with the public. I'm certain she suffers from chronic back pain.
Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Philippe broke up. Truly sad because I thought they made one of the cutest couples out there. However it does mean Ryan is single. And I am single. I can wish, right?
Last night I saw Barbra Streisand. It was such an incredible show that I can hardly believe I was there. She looked fabulous, she had a fabulous set, and she had the boys of Il Divo joining her from time to time. Not to mention a 45 piece orchestra that was so on point, I couldn't tell if it was live or Memorex.
Casually talking before the show, I joked that I'd love to hear her sing 'Children Will Listen' from Into The Woods. Would you believe she sang it? She also sang a personal request I had of 'Happy Days Are Here Again,' which blew me away.
It was a very theatrical playlist, covering everything from South Pacific to, of course, Funny Girl. We didn't get to see the Bush gag because the actor wasn't around, but instead she sang a quick rendition of 'Stoney End' which made my co-hostess Amy Matheny beam from ear to ear.
The most interesting facet of the show was how much she interacted with the audience. There was no 'her vs. us.' We were all together, just hanging out while she sang a few songs and told tons of stories. It was the kind of show you wish never would end and will never forget. She's still a mega star, and everyone there enjoyed watching her shine.
With you in 4/4,
Peter Mavrik
peter@windycitymediagroup.com
