'The Golden Gays', this fall's runaway hit Drag Musical Spoof and Tribute is back in 2010 with their first tour. The elderly girls jaunt will begin with a grand reopening of the show at the Meta Theatre (Melrose and Fairfax in Hollywood) January 22nd - January 30th. The Fab Five men in gals clothes then take the ribald musical parody to a brand new 200 seat venue in Palm Springs at the Temple Isaiah Pavilion on Alejo for one weekend only February 5th, 6th and 7th. After a two-week rest of their tired old bones, the girls will perform their little hearts out to attendees in South Beach at the Colony Theatre on Lincoln Boulevard. All the original cast members of the show expected to make the trip barring any unforeseen health issues prominent with this vulnerable demographic. The Miami Dates are February 26th, 27th and 28th 2010.
John Patrick Trapper's Drag Musical Comedy Spoof "The Golden Gays" is the story of four men who have not been able to release their obsession with the third most popular sitcom ever and see the same therapist to try and work through the problem. Unfortunately, the therapist (played by drag illusionist Aaron Barrera) has his own obsessions with various television icons. Next comes some incredibly funny advice from a well knows sitcom figure from the 70s and 80s (voiced over by Marla Gibbs, the original Florence from the Jefferson's). The result is the new Fab Five moving on up into a deluxe tenement in Miami where they emulate the lives of the girls with some seemingly counter productive input from their therapist. As they work through the issues, they occasionally come to breaking points that are found in the lyrics of some colorful parodies of their favorite show tunes (and your too if you love Les Miserable, Kiss me Kate, Guys and Dolls, Pippin, Mame or Priscilla, Queen of the Desert).
While spoofing the famous show is nothing new, critics have hailed this version as a wonderful tribute to the actors and writers who made the show famous. It sets out not only to bring them back to life, but also to share some trivia about the show and the people involved through song and spoof. Great care was taken in presenting all four of the original actors comedic abilities and multi-dimensionality. This is the story about four men who love the Golden Girls as much as the
biggest fan in the audience does. That's why it works.
John W. McLaughlin who won accolades as Damien, the bitchiest of the four who obsesses about Dorothy returns to the show where he will continue to channel the late Bea Arthur's comedic skills. David Romano will assist by throwing out comedic zingers as Samuel (Sophia) while
John Downey III (Blaine/Blanche) will keep the revolving door of the new homestead as a passageway for many men (all played by the dreamy Ron Velasco). When he manages to figure out whom he is supposed to play in the therapeutic role-play, Robert Glen Decker, who also
doubles as the shows musical Director plays Roger/Rose. The ensemble is topped off perfectly by nationally known comedian Julia Lillis who plays all the female roles.
The show opened at a the Cavern Club Celebrity Theatre, a cabaret space in Silver Lake Los Angeles this past September where it played to over sold houses for three weeks and went on to an extended run at the Complex Theatre on historic Theatre Row. Although the show was
well received, the creative team has gone back to the script and done some rewrites that should leave audiences even more pleased with the storyline.
The Meta Theatre is an adorable space in the Melrose district of West Hollywood where many well-known actors and shows have gotten their start. The newly created space will be unveiled in the beautiful ballroom in the heart of downtown Palm Springs at the Temple Isaiah
Pavilion located on Alejo Avenue. The Miami show is being produced locally and co-sponsored by The Miami Gay Men's Chorus. Shows in all three cities will donate some of the proceeds to gay related charities.
Tickets and more information can be found on the website www.thegoldengays.com
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