Davis Gaines Performed an Intimate Cabaret at the Abbey

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On June 1st, Terry and I went to Double Standards, an intimate Cabaret by Davis Gaines at The Abbey (100 S. Eola Drive Orlando, FL).  Davis is best known for being the longest running phantom for Phantom of the Opera in LA. He often returns to perform in Orlando. Double Standards, featured unique and compelling song pairings, bringing fresh and unexpected takes on familiar standards from The Great American Songbook.

It was a relaxing evening of music with the audience sitting at round tables sipping wine. The pianist, Carol Anderson was amazing, Mark Neuenswander was on bass and Keith Wilson was on Drums. There were standard show tunes and old classics like Over the Rainbow. I respect Davis’ singing voice but often felt like some expressiveness was missing in his face, like LA had ironed away some of his soul. Regardless, he is a consummate performer, although he was quite fazed by the sound system being a bit off. He was unable to hear himself sing on stage. I’ve sketched him a number of times over the years, so you could say I’m a consistent fan.

Terry and I went out for Mexican food afterwards at Mucho Tequila And Tacos (101 South Eola Drive Orlando, FL). There was a huge confusing selection of margaritas. It seems Mexican restaurants are learning from Starbucks where you need to be an expert to get a drink. My fist choice turned out to be a bathtub sized drink, so I had to downsize. Terry wasn’t pleased with her food, but my Chimichanga was just fine.

The Lady’s of Eola Heights take the Abby by Storm.

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I went to a dress rehearsal for The Ladies of Eola Heights at The Abbey. I contacted Beth Marshall who plays the part of Pearl. This is the first time in a long time that she wasn’t producing or directing a show. She felt a bit at ease just being an actor rather than worrying about the overall production. Beth introduced me to the director Kenny Howard who thankfully knew of my work and was enthusiastic to have me sketch. He warned me that none of the actresses would be wearing make up. The set wasn’t finished yet as well, still needing a railing near the steps and a blue wall behind the center archway.

This is an original play written by Michael Wanzie. The estranged Locksdale sister reunited at their family home, in the historical Eola Heights neighborhood of Orlando, Florida, to plan their daddy’s funeral. It seems fiery-tongued Ruby (Blue Starr) dressed in a hot red zebra stripe dress, has taken to loose living and hard drinking, while older sister Opal (Peg O’Keef) has become a born again Christian. Matriarch Pearl (Beth Marshall) has gained weight and  had a Home Shopping Club addiction. In the opening scene Beth drove onto the set with one of those motorized scooters with an oxygen tank. It was a hilarious moment as she tried to parallel park it next to the dining table while Ruby waited.

As the sisters interacted for the first time in years, their dark past surfaced and it became clear that they are all dealing with their horrible past in their own ways. Each scene is punctuated by an appearance of their brother (Miss Sammy) who danced down stairs in gorgeous gowns to light hearted show tunes. His way of coping was to live in a beautiful fantasy world as a woman. Although the sisters are all polar opposites, they come together to bury their past.

The show is as funny as it is touching, a comedy with serious themes that take the audience on an emotional roller coaster ride. I was laughing out loud throughout the show and yet identified with themes that affect many estranged families. The abuse that surfaced at the heart of the show happens all too often in Central Florida.  I had a friend who couldn’t cope with that past. Don’t miss this locally grown gem.

The show runs July 10- July 28 at the Abbey (100 S. Eola Drive Orlando, FL) tickets are $30 to $45.

Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody

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Spank! is playing at the Abbey through March 23rd. On February 20th, Terry and I went to a performance. The place was packed with voracious women dressed in leopard print and zebra stripes. The cougars were on the prowl. Two muscle bound men, their pecks gleaming, stood at the door, welcoming all that entered. I suspect most of the 3 or four men in the audience were gay, waiting in anticipation for some bondage and fun. I hadn’t read ‘Fifty shades of Gray’, but I knew about, as did Terry. Any straight single guys out there, why aren’t you going to see this show? It was a riot, and who wouldn’t want to be in a room full of women screaming for more sexual innuendo?

On the night Terry and I went, the role of Tasha was played by the swing, Sarah Hester Ross. She did a great job playing the young innocent who is swept up by Hugh, (Robert Stack‘s) sexual advances. Andrea Canny played EBJ the sex starved middle aged author who creates the hot scenes as they are performed using her laptop and some imagination. She was great at keeping the audience participation going. As one woman shouted out from the back row, Andrea shouted back “Yes darling, have another drink!”

As EBJ described Hugh’s dark brooding character, he stood in the spotlight with a black cape, his back to the audience. He turned around semi dressed as batman. He wore black underwear with the Bat logo spot lit on his crotch. His bare shaved chest took the audience by surprise, they went wild. Hugh often strutted in slow motion with a sexy James Bond demeanor. The light always chiseled out his muscles. I don’t know many straight guys that look that good, I need to work out. While Tasha just wanted to talk and learn all she could about Hugh, he just wanted what any man wants, plenty of hot steamy action. EBG wrote a scene in which the two couldn’t have sex, by placing them in hang gliders. Hugh was up to the challenge, swooping in behind Tasha and mounting her glider from behind while she delivered a monologue. It was hilarious. I was laughing so hard that I couldn’t catch my breath at times. I heard Terry laughing just as hard.

Tasha walked into the audience looking for a straight guy to interact with. I tucked my head down into the sketch hoping not to be picked. She found a another straight couple and asked the guy some advice about how big an object might fit into her orifice. He raised his arms and spread them wide. “Oh my, she shouted back. that is the size of snow skis. We are going to need some lube!” Though the play is organized into definite scenes, there is plenty of audience interaction like this keeping things lively. Although there is plenty of leather and lace, the sexual acts are pretty tame and obviously staged, but that makes them all the funnier. Tasha finds Hugh’s tooth brush and when he catshes her with it, he demonstrates how to use it to hilarious cheek stretching effect.

This is definitely the funniest show I have seen in a while. You single guys have to wake up and smell the roses. This is the most uninhibited and fun romp in town right now. Don’t miss out. Mark your calenders men. The ladies are already attracted to this show like moths to the flame.

Coupled: The Game Show & Game Night

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On June 15th, Terry and I went to The Abbey, (100 South Eola Drive, Orlando, Florida 32801) to see Coupled: The Game Show & Game Night. This event was founded by Kristen Walmsley-Manieri who runs the “Great Dates” blog with the help of Curtis Earth Entertainment.

Coupled began with a hilarious interpretation of the classic he said, she said Newlywed Game, the event invited six couples to compete on stage for prizes as they demonstrate how well they REALLY know each other. Curtis will be mixed in trivia throughout so audience members had a chance to win some fabulous prizes too. Terry seemed to know the answer to every trivia question, but she was never picked.

Contestants were chosen at random just before the game started. One question for the guys was, “What celebrity would your partner give you a pass to spent one evening with?” One contestant’s answer was, “I’m not stupid enough to answer that question.” The couples did seem to know each other rather well. From dream jobs to imagined luxuries they got answers spot on. In one round, couples stood back to back holding red and green paddles. A true or false question was asked and a red paddle raised meant false and green was true.

Immediately following the ninety-minute show, classic board games (Sorry, Connect Four, etc.) were set up at tables throughout this posh venue so you and your sweetie can continue the fun well into the night. In addition, there were open games of Twister, Musical Chairs, and Dance Freeze on the dance floor. Terry and I went across the street for Mexican food at Mucho’s Mexican Bar (101 East Eola Drive Orlando FL). Several contestants were at the next table.

Mark Your Calendar! Coupled: The Game Show & Game Night is returning to The Abbey on Saturday September 14th at 7:00pm. Tickets are $10. Expect lots of prizes, drink specials and more fun than you could ever imagine having on date night.

RAW Elevations

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0n July 11th, I went to RAW “Elevations” at The Abbey (100 S Eola Dr #100  Orlando, FL). Once a month, RAW showcases local Art, Fashion, Film, Performing Art, Photography, and Accessories. There is a dress code, so I put on my best cocktail attire. The Abbey was already packed when I arrived. I pushed my way through the crowd to look at all the art and decide what I should sketch.

I liked Tyler Ackom‘s art which was right near the entrance. I found a leather seat right next to the fake fireplace and I got to work. The crowd was so thick that I seldom got a complete glimpse of the work, but I pieced it together by always shifting my gaze. Tyler’s work is a representation of Art and Music combined into one. He uses everything he can find from computer parts to wood, bamboo, plastics metals, ceramics and anything that would make the piece look cool. I imagine he must have quite the cluttered studio.

A young woman asked if she could sit in my artists stool which I had sitting next to my leather chair. She had high heels on and and her feet were killing her. There really wasn’t anywhere else to sit in the place. The bar was full and everywhere else was dominated by art.  Tyler’s aunt took an interest in my sketch and she photographed it in progress several times. Leggy models walked through the crowd presumably from a fashion show on the stage. For some reason Batman was there as well posing for pictures. By the time the sketch was done, I was exhausted from trying to look through the crowd. Leaving, I bumped into Parker Sketch, Shannon Holt and William IwasReallynothing seated outside which was really the only place where you could carry on a conversation. I showed them my sketch and expressed my frustrations in trying to get it done. They seemed to like the colors, and looking back, it isn’t half bad.

Mark your Calendar, the next RAW Event at The Abbey is called “Translations” and it will be Thursday September 5th at 8PM. Tickets are $10.

RAW Artists Orlando Presents…Marvel

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On April 4th, I went to The Abbey (100 South Eola Drive, Orlando, Fl) to check out the talent at RAW Artists Orlando presents…Marvel. There was a line to get in that snaked around the corner into a parking garage.

A recording of Britt Daley‘s “One and Only” was pulsing through the room. “Awesome!” I thought. “They really are showcasing the best local talent.” However, Britt wasn’t on stage that night. Musical acts included Live Hart, Cure for Caska, and Judy Tribune. One performer who sang while I was sketching was so far off key that I cringed.

The artist that caught my eye was this body painter named Nix Herrera. He used stencils and an airbrush to create intricate lettering and designs.  It was really stunning work. The model, Sierra Missed, had a proud and regal expression the whole time. She was enjoying the attention.

Artist, Jean-Claude Rasch introduced himself.  I had met him before at one of Parker Sketch’s art critiques. I remember Jean worked on Plexiglas and the paintings would have different coloring if lit from behind. He was set up in the same spot where Parker Sketch had been set up the month before. Jean’s work had more than a passing resemblance to Parker’s work incorporating splashes and pop culture imagery.

Last time I went to a RAW event I was dressed a bit grungy, walking in with a baseball cap the bouncer reminded me to take off. This time, knowing cocktail attire was required, I wore a suit and tie. I just had to keep the tie from flopping down onto the palette. You have to be over 21 to get in and tickets were $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

RAW:Artists Orlando Presented DISCOVERY

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RAW events are multi-faceted artistic showcases. Each event features a film screening, musical performance, fashion show, art gallery, performance art and a featured hairstylist and makeup artist. These artists are all local, hand-picked talent who have been chosen to feature at RAW. RAW’s mission is to provide up-and-coming artists of all creative realms with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity so that they might be seen, heard and loved. RAW educates, connects and exposes emerging artists in 64 artistic communities nationwide (and counting!) through monthly showcase events.

I was working to 9PM on February 7th and I wet straight to The Abbey, (100 South Eola Drive, Orlando, Florida), from work. When I arrived, the place was packed. This was definitely the most crowded RAW event I had been to. I scouted around to find a spot to sketch from. There was an unoccupied couch and I made a mental note to return to it if I didn’t find a better sketch location. There was a motorcycle behind the sound guy but I didn’t get a great look at it with the crowd pressing in. With so many artists exhibiting their work, there were only narrow isles to move around in.

I returned to the couch only to discover it was art for sale. It was splattered with paint and glitter. I decided to stand next to the “Art Couch” to draw. Parker Sketch was working on several paintings of cocktail glasses. He works in series applying paint thickly. Of course any time someone expressed interest in his work, he would be drawn away to take on the role of salesman. He had a tip jar out full of bills. It’s exciting to see so much interest in art from the night club crowd. Artist Matthew Sutton stopped to talk to me. He said I should set up a booth. Matthew’s work was traditional pencil renderings, pen and ink and marker work of comic book super heroes. He probably does well at Comic Con. Ashley Rolfe one of the RAW promoters noticed me working and said hello. It was the first time I met her in person. I usually check up with her every time a RAW event is coming to  Orlando. As I was packing up to leave, there was a fashion show taking place on the main stage. It was getting late, time to get home.

Musical Mondays, The Abbey

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Terry and I went to the Abbey for Musical Mondays. It was a cold walk from the car. Temperatures were going to drop down to the 30s, and in Orlando, that is big news. There weren’t many people there when we arrived. Kelly DeWayne Richards, Orlando’s Piano Man, was trying to get the piano audio connected to the sound system. He introduced me to Emily at the bar and I recognized her but I couldn’t figure out why. I ordered a beer and found a tall table with a good view of the stage while Terry was in the bathroom. Amanda Chadwick arrived and she and Terry sat in one of the cushy leather sofas in front of the stage. While the place was pretty empty, Terry got up and sang, “Soon or a Later.” I placed her in my sketch as she held her glasses and tried to read the lyrics. The stained glass ceiling slowly changed colors from cool blues to hot reds.

Kelly called up Emily from behind the bar to sing. She sang, “Someone Like You” by Adele and suddenly I realized I had heard her sing before. She has a strong, silky, emotive singing voice that just bowled me over. Her full name is Emily Heffelfinger and getting to listen to her perform was a treat. I can’t believe a talent like that works the bar. As Kelly said, “She’s a great singer and she mixes a mean martini.” Kelly gave her a hard time and jokingly she shot him the finger.

Sharon and Kelly stood at the microphones and sang a moving rendition of, “The Rose.” The place slowly filled and singer after singer got on stage to sing. Some kept their hands tightly tucked in pants pockets while others clutched the microphone. Some voices were shy and tentative while others belted out the lyrics. Musical Monday is a great way to kick off the week. The festivities start at 7pm so I’d suggest having dinner downtown at a nice restaurant and then have a musical nightcap at the Abbey.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

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Jeremy Seghers invited me to sketch the dress rehearsal for Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Abbey. I was excited because Joshua Eads-Brown who plays Hedwig had agreed to let me sketch as he put on his make up. When I entered the Abbey, a rock band was warming up on stage. I didn’t know where the dressing room was but, I assumed it had to be back stage. When I tentatively peaked around the back curtain, I practically ran into Joshua who was wearing a knit cap over his hair and not much else. His whole body seemed to be covered with a white dust. The stage manager took me back to the dressing room.

Janine Klein who plays Yitzhak was working on getting her hair tied up. She was dressed as a man. The dressing room was cramped. I stood right behind Janine as I sketched Joshua’s metamorphosis from a man to a woman. He had a bright pink zebra patterned makeup case and open pans of color were scattered on the counter before him. The face makeup was applied thickly. He darkened under his jaw line and boldly accentuated his cheeks with Alizarin Crimson. He put crimson and blue around his eyes then bright red lips outlined in black. His lips and eyes sparkled. The fingers of white gloves draped over the counter’s edge. Janine was getting into a leather jacket and Joshua delicately used an eyeliner brush to give her a mustache and goatee. She became handsome and rugged while he became gorgeous. Large fake eyelashes, the wig and a red white and blue gown finished the transformation. She slipped on the star shaped sun glasses and went on stage.

The dress rehearsal was delayed because a guitar player hadn’t arrived yet. I used the time to block in a second sketch. Hedwig came out wearing a large red white and blue cape. He raised his arms and on the inside of the cape, the words, “Yankee Go Home”, “With Me!” was emblazoned.

The show is staged as Hedwig’s musical act in which he tells his life’s story. He was born in the divided city of East Berlin. A U.S. Soldier falls in love with Hedwig. To get out of East Berlin, a sex change was needed. As he put it, “You must give up part of yourself for love.” The operation is botched leaving an “Angry Inch.” The soldier leaves Hedwig after a year for a man. Recovering from separation she form a rock band called, “The Angry Inch”. She meets Tommy Speck and they write music together. Tommy never accepted Hedwig and he leaves her taking all the songs becoming a very successful pop star.

Yitzhak was a cross dresser. Hedwig insisted he must never again wear woman’s clothes if they were to be together. He would have to give up that part of himself. All her life Hedwig searched for her other half. She couldn’t find anyone who could make her whole. The revelation is that she needed to accept herself. Once she did that she was whole again. We can’t fall back on others to complete ourselves. In the final scene Yitzak came out on stage dressed in a gorgeous black gown with a slit reveling her left leg. She was resplendent and whole. The audience went wild.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is being performed at the Abbey through January 23rd. Check the website for dates and times. This musical will blow your socks off!