Pilot Alan Purwin with Cruise posted on Instragram on August 24, 2015, in Amazonas, Colombia.

A plane crash during the shooting of Tom Cruise’s movie Mena killed two and seriously injured a third person on Friday night in Medellin, Colombia. American film pilot Alan David Purwin and Colombian Carlos Berl were killed. American pilot, Jimmy Lee Garland, was severely injured and hospitalized in Medellin. Local authorities believe that bad weather caused the twin-engine Aerostar to crash against the Alto de la Clarita mountain. A Universal spokesperson said in a statement;

“An aircraft carrying crew members crashed while returning to Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellin following production wrap on the film ‘Mena’ resulting in two fatalities. Further details are not available at this time. On behalf of the production, our hearts and prayers go out to the crew members and their families at this difficult time.”

Purwin was founder and president of L.A.-based Helinet Technologies, which provides aerial surveillance technology to law enforcement and government agencies. He had worked on films like Transformers, Pearl Harbor and Pirates of the Caribbean and was recently featured in Variety‘s video about aerial photography (below) Purwin spoke of his efforts to “de-risk” as much as possible when working in dangerous conditions.

The film, directed by Doug Liman, started shooting late last month in Colombia. Cruise plays Barry Seal, the American pilot who worked for Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar before he became a spy for the Drug Enforcement Agency. The film also stars Jesse Plemons, Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Wright and Caleb Landry Jones.

Cruise with members of the Columbian Military Forces in Araracuara, Columbia

The crash

(via Variety)

The post #Breaking: Alan David Purwin & Carlos Berl Killed in Plane Crash Filming Tom Cruise’s Latest Movie appeared first on World of Wonder.

Snap! A non-profit organization called Planting Peace just erected this billboard in Kim Davis’ hometown of Morehead, Kentucky. The message is pretty simple. If Davis is going to use Biblical rhetoric to justify her opposition to same-sex marriage, she might want to take a closer look at how else marriage has been redefined in relation to the book’s sacred teachings. Aaron Jackson, president of Planting Peace, told The Huffington Post;

“The intent of this billboard is to expose how the anti-LGBT movement is selective in what rules to follow and how they choose to define ‘traditional’ institutions or values.It’s important and relevant to call this out, because the actions of Kim Davis and the messages from the anti-LGBTQ movement are not simply about a political or religious debate. There are LGBT youth across the world who are taking their lives at an alarming rate because of these messages from society that make them feel broken or less than. We have to meet hate with love, intolerance with compassion. Our message to our LGBT youth is simple: You are loved, valued, supported, and beautiful. There is nothing wrong with you, and we will stand by you. You are not alone.”

Planting Peace is also the organization behind The Equality House, the rainbow building that sits in direct opposition to the Westboro Baptist Church compound. Hey Kim, it’s 2015 and I hate to break it to you but the Bible was written by man and things have changed in the last 200 years. What does it say about adultery, btw?

For more info on Planting Peace, go here.

More than 125 people flooded the front lawn of the Equality House across the street from the Westboro Baptist Church’s headquarters

(via Huffington Post)

The post #DontHaveaCow!: Kim Davis Is About To Get a BIG FAT SURPRISE In Her Hometown! appeared first on World of Wonder.

A web series featuring Marco Morante of Marco Marco, one of Los Angeles’ hottest designers, in the weeks leading up to not only one, but two runway shows across the country. The series provides an unfiltered view into the drama, the fashion, and the passion that go into Marco Marco’s Spring/Summer 2016 gender-bending collection.

The post Get Into the Marco Marco 2016 Spring/Summer Collection! appeared first on World of Wonder.

Annie Duke
Ben Savage
Fiona Apple
Frank Marshall
Geri Jewell
Jacqueline Bisset
Jean Smart
Jeffrey Ross
Joe E. Tata
Niall Horan
Peter Cetera
Randy Jones
Stella McCartney
Tyler Perry

The post September 13: It’s YOUR Birthday, Bitch! appeared first on World of Wonder.

September 13, 1948– Nell Carter was a series of contradictions & conundrums: Black, Southern, Jewish, Lesbian, Right Wing Conservative. Carter was a giant talent in a tiny (4’11’’), if expansive frame. Those contradictions in Carter’s personality made her a unique performer. She possessed a little girl voice that was capable of belting to the rafters. An exponent of soul & blues in the tradition of Dinah Washington & Bessie Smith, she could be heartbreaking doing a ballad such as Mean To Me.

Carter had mischievous sense of comedy that she used in both her singing & her acting. Despite her girth, she was light on her feet. In the classic TV special Baryshnikov On Broadway (1980), she shimmied & shuffled, holding her own with the famous dancer to Honeysuckle Rose.

Carter first achieved fame with her Tony winning performance in the musical revue of songs by & associated with Fats Walker Ain’t Misbehavin’ (1978), where she stopped the show nightly. She also won an Emmy Award in 1982 for her performance on the special TV Broadcast of the Broadway musical.

Carter got in to cocaine during the run of Ain’t Misbehavin’. She later claimed that at one point, she was spending $2000 a day on drugs. In the mid-1980s, her pal Liza Minnelli personally accompanied Carter to rehab at Hazelden in Minnesota. Carter got clean, & she later said:

 “Thank God I got help. God & Liza Minnelli.”

Carter was cast as Effie in the original 1981 production of Dreamgirls. She left the production before rehearsals began to take a role on the soap opera Ryan’s Hope. We all know how that turned out.

Carter’s starred for 6 seasons playing the “mammy” role to a white family on the off-putting, obnoxious & oddly popular sitcom Gimme A Break!. The cast included a young & closeted Rosie O’Donnell, who fought with Carter on the set.

During the 1990 run of the moppet musical Annie, playing Miss Hannigan, Carter attempted suicide. Even though she had been given a new musical number added to the score, she was distraught when ads promoting the show used a different actor, a white actor, as Miss Hannigan. The producers claimed that the commercials, which were made during an earlier production, were too costly to reshoot. Carter claimed racism:

 “Maybe they don’t want audiences to know Nell Carter is black.”

Carter lived a trouble filled life. Born Nell Ruth in Birmingham, Alabama, Carter began performing professionally when she was 11 years old on a weekly radio show in her hometown.

When she was 16 years old, Carter was raped & became pregnant, giving birth to a daughter who was raised by her aunt. She moved to NYC when she was 19 years old & found work as as a nightclub singer playing spots like Reno Sweeney’s & The Village Gate.

Carter expressed interest in having more family, but she experienced 3 miscarriages. She tried to adopt on 2 occasions, once the young woman changed her mind & once there was an attempt by extortionists. In 1989, with her career in an upswing, she was able successfully adopted 2 baby boys within months of each other.

Carter was dogged by drug & alcohol addictions, 2 divorces, & she twice had brain surgery to remove an aneurysm. During that time Carter learned she had diabetes. In the late 1980s, her brother died of HIV complications. Troubles aplenty, Carter twice declared bankruptcy.

Carter had just begun rehearsals for a revival of the musical Raisin, when in January 2003, she took her final curtain call, taken by diabetes, heart disease, & heartbreak. She was just 54 years old. When she left this world, her friends & family were surprised to discover carter had just $200 in her bank account. They were further shocked to discover that Carter had been living as a closeted lesbian for more than a 15 years & that custody of her daughter & 2 sons had been left to her partner Ann Kaser.

The Husband & I saw Carter in Ain’t Misbehavin’ twice, on Broadway & on tour. Her performance was astounding in skill & charisma, & her vocals were hair-raising. I remain a very big fan.

The post #BornThisDay: Actor, Nell Carter appeared first on World of Wonder.

The news reports are heart-breaking. We see European countries being lectured daily about their failure to take in Syrian refugees, but Saudi Arabia – which has taken in ZERO to date – has 100,000 air conditioned tents sitting unused. This enormous network of deluxe tents, located in Mina, are only used a week of each year (this month, btw) by Hajj pilgrims. Amusing Planet reports;

“For the rest of the year, Mina remains pretty much deserted.”

The 24 x 24′ tents were permanently constructed by the Saudi government 20 years ago and were upgraded in 1997 to be fire proof. They are divided into camps with both kitchen and bathroom facilities and could provide shelter for almost ALL of the 4 million Syrian refugees that have been displaced by the country’s civil war which, was exacerbated by Saudi Arabia’s role in funding and arming jihadist groups.

Saudi Arabia claims it has taken in 500,000 Syrians since 2011, but almost all of them are legal immigrants who moved there for work. Lebanon has taken in 1.3 million refugees – more than a quarter of its total population. Seems like this part of the world –where the crisis is happening and has the MOST space and resources– is doing the LEAST to help their own people.

However, the Saudi government HAS offered to build 200 mosques for the 500,000 migrants a year expected to pour into Germany.

(via Info Wars)

The post #RefugeeCrisis: Millions Are Homeless While These 100,000 Air-Conditioned Tents Sit EMPTY in Saudia Arabia… appeared first on World of Wonder.

You may have heard, this week was a milestone for England’s Queen. In her 63 years and 7 month reign, Queen Elizabeth II has seen 22 LGBT rights passed into law in the land and to celebrate her long reign, Gay Times asked three of the UK’s most popular queens about this Queen.

“I’ve gotta tell you, I really am in love with her. Her energy! And actually, I saw something on US television recently about her, and it just made me love her so much. You know, there’s a reason she’s the longest reigning queen! She was obviously born to it, but she does the job so well, and I think she does it so elegantly, that I’ve got all props for the Queen of England.” –RuPaul

“Erm.. gurl! You’re not the only Queen in the world, answer when I show up at Buckingham Palace you fucking bitch. I rang that bell the entire time. I nearly died. Di – get it? Awkward.” –Bianca Del Rio

“Uh.. change your hair up a little bit. I think Michelle Visage would back me up on that one! Stop wearing grey hair! [laughs]” –Drag Race UK Ambassador, The Vivienne

Well, RuPaul is always a positive force, so…

And Buckingham Palace released this official photo of Her Majesty to mark the occasion by photographer Mary McCartney via Instagram. Let’s hope she makes 100. Her mum did!

(via Gay Times)

The post #QueensontheQueen: RuPaul, Bianca Del Rio & UK’s The Vivienne Talk About THE Queen appeared first on World of Wonder.

This FINAL EPISODE of Damiana Garcia’s sketch show “Pretty Things” Season 2, co-starring Amanda Barrett, features the Treble & Timbre music video “Always A Bad Girl,” the conclusions to “Neverwill,” “Popcorn” and “Mulberry Commons,” the sketch “The Tutor Strikes Again,” plus “Hairbox Thrillers,” “Sugar & Pepper” and “Magical Dancer Sighted on Sunset Blvd.” Be sure to subscribe to the “Pretty Things” YouTube channel so you don’t miss any of our future episodes, or when we start posting Season 1 online, as well. Thanks so much for watching!!!!

The post Watch Now: “Pretty Things” Episode 11 – Season Finale! appeared first on World of Wonder.

Amy Winehouse
Andrew Lincoln
Ashley Roberts
Ben Cohen
Carmen Kass
Dan Cortese
Faith Ford
Jessica Brown Findlay
Joey Heatherton
Katie Lee
Kimberly Williams- Paisley
Melissa Leo
Michelle Stafford
Morten Harket
Nas
Ryan Sutter
Sam Neill
Zoe Caldwell

The post September 14: It’s YOUR Birthday, Bitch! appeared first on World of Wonder.

September 14, 1978– I am not personally acquainted with Ben Cohen, but I think I should be.

Cohen is the straight father of 7 year old twin girls. He is also a fearsome former rugby player, a 6’ 3’’ powerhouse 2003 World Cup winner, the second highest scorer in English history. Since leaving sports, Cohen devotes his energies full-time to the Ben Cohen Standup Foundation.

In 2000, his father Peter Cohen, the brother of 1966 World Cup winner George Cohen, died after being beaten while coming to the rescue of a man being bullied in the nightclub he owned. After his father’s death, Cohen started his foundation to combat bullying of all types, most especially including of people who might be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation is the world’s first organization dedicated to combating of the long-term, damaging effects of bullying, & funding those doing real work to stop it. I don’t doubt his efforts. His StandUp Foundation helps increase awareness & makes a difference in the lives of young people who are particularly vulnerable to the hate.

Cohen:

“I believe that every person on this planet has a right to be true to themselves, to love, be loved & to be happy.  That’s what we all want.  I am in a privileged position to be able to spread some important messages across the globe & that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’m passionate about standing up against homophobia & feel compelled to take action.  It is time we stand up for what is right & support young people who are being harmed.”

With his handsome looks, & hot bod, Cohen gets attention & he knows it, making it work. He is willing to pose shirtless for pictures & be a calendar boy to get his message out. The fact that he is a famous world-class athlete puts him in a unique position, particularly in the world of sports, for players & spectators.  Remember how closeted gay athletes still are, usually not coming out until after they’ve retired.

The general public seems willing to pay attention to straight people talking about the intolerance toward & injustices against gay people, more than when we make our own case.  Gay people need to be out of the closet to the whole world, stand up & be brave in the face of hatred, but a compassionate & influential guy like Cohen on our side doesn’t hurt.

For me, Cohen is a hero. He made the choice to shift his priorities from playing professional sports & earning a handsome salary, to adopting a cause not normally supported by someone who is straight.

Cohen:

“We’re on a very simple mission, to create awareness & support organizations & to affect & educate that next generation. We need to teach people to understand that homophobic & racial slurs & bullying is not right. & to be part of the impact is fantastic. I think that the most important thing about it is that I’m straight & promoting a foundation that’s anti-homophobia. I’m bridging the gap between gay & straight. I think straight people are more likely to listen when they see me breaking down stereotypes.”

Besides being a Gay Hero & Gay Icon, Cohen enjoys motorcycling, & spends most of his time with the twins. His farm in Northamptonshire keeps him busy with a variety of animals including horses, sheep & chickens.

Cohen split with his wife last year. He is now dating Russian professional ballroom dancer Kristina Rihanoff, his partner on Strictly Come Dancing, a sort of British version of Dancing With The Stars, in 2013. The British scandal rags have been all over this story.

Last year, Cohen participated in our own Portland Pride celebrations, making personal appearances & raising funds. I was unable to secure a visit from him, although I had invited him to The Husband’s shop Boys’ Fort to demonstrate how to handle his balls. I give Ben Cohen an A+ on the Steve Report Card.

“It is all about that next generation & teaching kids so they understand what gay means & the connotations of words like ‘homo’ & ‘faggot’, that whole understanding. Homophobia is in the same place that racism was 30 years ago. I think homophobia is still a problem everywhere. It is the last ‘ism’ – there are still traces of racism & sexism but there is further to go to stamp out homophobia.”

The post #BornThisDay: Rugby Player & LGBT Advocate, Ben Cohen appeared first on World of Wonder.

Caitlyn Jenner has been escaping to her Malibu pad, her sanctuary and the physical actualization of her new life. So the decor of her house is a big way of showing who she is, as our personal surroundings really reflect who we are. New York–based designer Lori Margolis, worked with Jenner on her new decor;

“Caitlyn always lived in beautiful houses, but designing them was Kris Jenner’s domain —Caitlyn wasn’t really involved. This time, she really wanted to put her personal stamp on the house.”

Cait confessed, “I had no idea where to start,” on a recent episode of I Am Cait, but she’s found her footing, going for an array of furnishings with California beachy vibe and just a touch of Hollywood glam.

Her favorite piece in the house is the huge 12-foot-long Homenature sofa, which was custom sized to fit her rather “statuesque”, 6’2″ frame —and to accommodate as many Jenners and Kardashians as it can hold.

“Caitlyn has been making so many physical and emotional changes in the past year. She wanted her home to reflect not just her sense of style but her journey. She wanted something soft and feminine but also something that has strength.”

Jenner likes the results of her decorating adventure;

“I think what this transition has done for me is that for the first time in my life I am able to express myself.”

Jenner with (from left) her friend Candis Cayne, interior designer Lori Margolis, and design assistant Lawson Taylor.

(via AD)

The post #RealEstatePorn: Caitlyn Jenner Starts Fresh with a Malibu Makeover appeared first on World of Wonder.

SPOILER ALERT: Last night’s finalé packed a pretty big punch. First the confrontation with ex-wife Kris Jenner, that had been teased all season. Caitlyn admitted.

“I was so disappointed in everybody. For 15 years of my life, I carpooled the kids every day. Sometimes I would spend three or four hours a day in the car. [It’s] a slap in the face when you don’t get invited to the graduation.”

Kris came back with;

“That’s exactly how I felt with the Vanity Fair article. It wasn’t malicious. I didn’t intend to hurt anybody’s feelings. But my feelings still weren’t healed.”

Caitlyn told Kris that the reason for their split was only “20%” about her gender identity…

“I did not leave you thinking I was going to transition. I didn’t know what I was going to do. I never thought I’d be here.”

In tears, Kris admitted…

“I know you said you haven’t gone anywhere and you’re still the same person. But sometimes they just miss having Bruce around. We all do.”

Drama! What the series (for some) had been missing. There was more… but all that ended with (what else?) a selfie. That was followed by a look back, with all Cait’s new trans pals. And then the moving renaming ceremony where Jenner was so grateful…

“It has been an amazing journey, and I’m seeing all of it come true. I’m in a great place in life and, for the first time, I feel like I fit in some place. Being my authentic self. Thank you.”

Like it or not, I Am Cait has extended beyond it audience and created dialogue in this country, if not worldwide. It has been mostly praised by LGBTQ advocates alongside Amazon’s Transparent and Netflix’s Orange is the New Black for contributing to a wider acceptance of the transgender community. But with non-hit ratings – will it have any future effect on the reality TV landscape? Rajiv Menon, cultural analyst at brand-strategy firm TruthCo, told TheWrap;

“I think that it signals the rise of more prestige offerings in the reality genre. We’ve been talking about this more broadly in TV with drama and comedy and the golden age of TV that we’re in right now. I think ‘I Am Cait,’ though not necessarily a ratings success, shows what an actual premium offering within the genre could potentially do.”

For the last eight years, E!’s biggest star has been Caitlyn’s stepdaughter Kim –a polarizing “TV character”, arguably with little cultural depth nor social consciousness. I Am Cait was an ambitious, socially conscious effort and it asked viewers in middle America to invite a transgender person into their living rooms –which earned the network kudos, if not viewers.

Rajiv Menon says;

“I think there are a lot of really good examples of prestige reality right now.”

HBO premiered its revival of Project Greenlight last night. The Ben Affleck and Matt Damon-produced series about filmmaking that last aired a decade ago on Bravo. Remember when that was an “arts channel”? Unlike, I am Cait, Greenlight brings a big entertainment factor, with the star power of Affleck and Damon. Watching I Am Cait could sometimes feel a bit like taking you “reality-TV medicine”.

Menon says that will not necessarily keep it from influencing future decisions by reality programmers, though;

“What’s really exciting about ‘I Am Cait’ is that even though it wasn’t a strong ratings success, it showed an opportunity for wider experimentation, which is really key to the rise of the prestige genre.”

Closing the series last night, Jenner appeared in a final video diary entry as no-frills as when the show premiered;

“I want to help people in my community. We have a long way to go, but at least we’ve got a really really really good beginning. And that makes my heart feel good.”

What if it doesn’t get picked up for season 2 and that was the last we saw of Cait’s show? Menon says;

“So if it does end up being a one-and-done series or a limited series, I don’t think E! should consider that a failure.”

Not at all. Sometimes, we need our TV medicine to get better, right?

(via The Wrap)

The post #IamCait: Did Caitlyn’s Season Finalé Change Reality TV? (Despite The Show’s Low Ratings…) appeared first on World of Wonder.

E!‘s I am Cait had a blockbuster series opener but ratings fell off week after week. But after the season has ended, has the show, along with Netflix‘sTransparent and Amazon‘s OITNB, changed the TV landscape forever? Canada’s new transgender TV sitcom, the first of its kind, sure hopes so. Created largely by trans people and starring a mostly trans cast, The Switch promises to tell trans stories in new ways –and be funny at the same time. Below, Producer Amy Snow as well as some of the stars talk about how this show might change the world, if given a a chance. Watch. (Uh, LOGO, are YOU watching?)

The post #LGBTV: Can Canada’s Trans-Sitcom, “The Switch”, Make It in America? appeared first on World of Wonder.

In 1983, Vanessa Williams, was the first
African-American Miss America

“I have been a close friend of this beautiful and talented lady for 32 years. You have lived your life in grace and dignity, and never was it more evident than during the events of 1984, when you resigned. Though none of us currently in the organization were involved then, on behalf of today’s organization, I want to apologize to you. … I want to apologize for anything that was said or done that made you feel any less the Miss America you are, and the Miss America you always will be.”

Williams responded;

“Thank you so much, Sam. So unexpected, but so beautiful. I did the best that I could, in my reign as Miss America, from 1983 to 1984.”

As for the pageant last night, Miss Georgia, Betty Cantrell, took home the crown this year. Watch.

Miss America (Miss Georgia) 2015, Betty Cantrell

(via New York Magazine)

The post #BetterLateThanNever: Vanessa Williams Gets An Overdue Apology From Miss America appeared first on World of Wonder.

rag and bone, ss15

Tonight, rag & bone is opening its Spring 2016 runway show with a FREE offer. With a tap of your Uber app, you’ll get the chance to score a seat for you and a friend. Start with a complimentary VIP ride to the secret Brooklyn venue (complete with a gift bag), and then sip and savor drinks and bites before the show. According to Uber…

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS
Open the app today, Monday, September 14, between 5:30 – 7:30pm in Manhattan below 59th Street, Brooklyn Heights, Dumbo, Fort Greene, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint

Enter promo code RBSS16 to unlock the special RUNWAY option

Request RUNWAY starting at 5:30pm

If connected, you and a guest will be picked up immediately and taken to the rag & bone Spring 2016 fashion show. Note: Demand will be high and tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis. Not all requests may be fulfilled.

Btw, this offer has nothing to do with The Wow Report or World of Wonder. Just thought I’d share. Good luck!

The post #NYFW: Want To Be Chauffeured to Your Seats at the Secret Rag & Bone Show Tonight, For FREE? Here’s How… appeared first on World of Wonder.

There’s stupid and then there’s BRILLIANTLY stupid. These Jerry-rigged contraptions get the job done in a pinch but some of them look pretty dangerous. Nevertheless, looks like where there’s a will and a need and a genius moron –there’s a way!

(via Sad and Useless)

The post #Duh: Brilliant(ly Idiotic) Inventions appeared first on World of Wonder.

Well, this is disturbing. RuPaul’s Drag Race season seven legend-in-the-making Miss Fame experienced a frightening situation at the big Marco Marco Fashion Show over the weekend. All was going well. Miss Fame was strutting down the runway, as rehearsed, when suddenly a man – who was not part of the show – jumped onto the runway and grabbed her hand. Guests thought he was part of the show but the stage manager realized he was not wearing a Marco Marco outfit and had security quickly pull him off the runway and kick him out of the show. Fame kept her composure and completed her walk. Photo of Miss Fame and her surprise catwalk partner below (t/y Len Evans!)

UPDATE: Courtney Act addressed the situation on Reddit today, saying “That guy was not suppose to go on stage. He’s a makeup artist from Style Fashion Week who thought it would be fun to totally ruin the show by walking on stage with Fame (and Fame was too polite to push him off). Everyone was so pissed off, I hope he is no longer employed by them.”

The post Marco Marco SCANDAL: Miss Fame’s On-Stage Encounter with a Stalker! appeared first on World of Wonder.

Tad Speegle
Tammie Brown
Chelsea Kane
Dan Marino
Dave Annable
Dina Lohan
Heidi Montag
Jessye Norman
Josh Charles
Oliver Stone
Prince Harry
Sophie Dahl
Tom Hardy
Tommy Lee Jones

The post September 15: It’s YOUR Birthday, Bitch! appeared first on World of Wonder.

September 15, 1924– Bobby Short, born Robert Waltrip Short, began performing as a child in Danville, Illinois. Self-taught on the piano, he was just 9 years old when he began playing in a saloon, but also at church & school.

At 10 years old, he played & sang for a private party at the Palmer House in Chicago. This gig got him an agent & more work in Chicago hotels & supper clubs. When he was 13 years old he received engagements in NYC clubs. Always a natty dresser, even as a kid Short was named on best-dressed lists. He had custom made white tails & an almost ankle-length wraparound camel’s hair coat.

He is a favorite of mine. I am feeling quite old, & never more so than when I am trying to explain pop culture from the 20th century to young people. Despite the fact that I am able to reference Rhianna, Taylor Swift & Drake, the kids today just stare dumbly, vacant eyed, & with a touch of disgust, if I try to explain to them the impact of Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Iggy Pop, or even The Clash on our cultural history. I am truly old hat, old fashioned, out-of-date, outmoded & worn out.

I am not really dismayed that they didn’t know Bobby Short. I didn’t expect them to. I am sure that few in my own circle of friends know of Short. Still, I just can’t get the kids to wrap their heads around the notion of nightclubs, supper clubs, or Café Society.

Short called himself a saloon singer, a moniker I would have happy to have lived with. His was my first choice for an avocation. His saloon, from 1968 until his final bow in 2005, was one of the most elegant in the country, the intimate Cafe Carlyle tucked in the Carlyle Hotel on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. There for 6 months each year, in a room where he was only a few feet from his audience, he sang & accompanied himself on the piano. I saw him perform there 4 times in the mid-1970s.

Short was so much more than cabaret entertainer. He was a NYC institution & a symbol of civilized Manhattan culture. In Woody Allen‘s films a visit to the Café Carlyle became an essential stop on his characters’ cultural tour. In 1976, Short sang & appeared in a popular commercial for Revlon’s perfume “Charlie.” Short appeared in Woody Allen’s film Hannah & Her Sisters. Allen later used Short’s recording of I Happen To Like New York for opening title of Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993).

Short attracted a chic international fan base that included royalty, film stars, sports figures, socialites & jazz fans. He also appeared in small roles in TV commercials & movies. In 1972, he performed the theme song to Merchant/Ivory’s terrific film Savages.

Short’s place as entertainer for high society overshadowed his significance as a jazz pianist, singer & popular song scholar. He dedicated himself to spreading an awareness of the African-American contribution to NYC musical theater. In Short’s roster of Greatest American Songwriters, were Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn & Eubie Blake, along with Cole Porter. He was most identified with the songs of Fats Waller who wrote Guess Who’s In Town?, Short’s signature piece.

Short had a bout of notoriety in May 1980 when Gloria Vanderbilt sued River House on the East Side of Manhattan, which had refused to sell her a million dollar apartment. She accused the management of racial bias because of her close friendship with Short. The landmark building’s board said it wanted to avoid ” any unwanted publicity.” A month later, she dropped the suit. Short generally stayed out of the fray but said:

 “I’m old enough to be sophisticated about these things.”

This phrase is my new motto.

Short never publicly came out of the closet,  but it was known among his friends, fellow cabaret performers, & even among of his fans, that he was gay. When asked why he hadn’t taken part in any of the Gay Pride parades, Short’s response was:

“I have a living to make! I can’t afford to march in the Gay Pride Parade.”

The post #BornThisDay: Musician, Bobby Short appeared first on World of Wonder.

Shaiman’s love for Poppins is DEEP!

Disney just announced it is developing a new original, live-action musical film featuring the beloved, Mary Poppins. Rob Marshall (Chicago, Into the Woods) will direct and the songwriting duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray, Smash) are on board to compose original songs and write a new score. It’ll take place in Depression-era London, some 20 years after for film and will draw from existing Poppins tales in the rest of author P.L. Travers’ children’s book series.

The ’64 film, starring Julie Andrews, took its story from the first installment in Travers’ eight-book series. The new project, which is NOT being developed as a sequel, will supposedly explore Mary’s further adventures with the Banks family. All are collaborating with the Travers estate and have already gotten support from Poppins’ co-composer Richard Sherman, who penned the original film’s famous songs like Chim Chim Cher-ee and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

Marshall, with producers John DeLuca, and Marc Platt are some of Hollywood’s A-list musical players. Marshall’s 2002 Oscar-winning Best Picture, Chicago, is largely credited with the resurgence of the modern musical. Shaiman and co-lyricist Scott Wittman are perhaps best known for writing the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical version of the John Waters film Hairspray, the TV show Smash and the score for the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical, which is currently playing London’s West End. Some of Shaiman’s film credits include Beaches, When Harry Met Sally…, The Addams Family, Sister Act, Sleepless in Seattle, The First Wives Club, In & Out, and South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut.

The duo are beyond excited. Shaiman announced the project on Facebook yesterday;

“Scott & I have been holding onto this secret for a month and I can finally now post the greatest link to the greatest news I could have ever imagined. For those who saw the video I made last year when I found an original LP, you know how much this means to me. I’m too farklemted to type any more right now…”

It’s a boyhood dream come true! There’s maybe only one word to describe the feeling; Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Shaiman (left) and Wittman at Disney’s Music Library pouring over Irwin Kostal’s handwritten score adapting the songs of the Sherman Bros.

(via EW)

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