This year, I've had the opportunity to see a number of concerts, musicals, cabarets, plays, etc. Listed below are the top five performing arts events that I've seen this year.
Coming in at number 5 is Whizzin'!, a new take on the classic The Wizard of Oz. In this version, Dorothy hailed from a trailer in Hyannis, Massachusetts and lived her weed-growing aunt and uncle. In this version, a virginal Dorothy suffered from some rather embarrassing urinary problems and didn't have ruby slippers, but ruby panties. Filled with lots of comedy and some great songs, Whizzin'! was a trip and one of the best productions by The fab troupe, The Gold Dust Orphans, who previously spoofed The Golden Girls and mounted a full musical production of Cleopatra. Bravo to the Orphans and their fearless leader Ryan Landry for continuing to entertain legions of fans.
At number 4 is the amazing Jimmy James. On my third visit to Provincetown back in September, I was walked along Commercial Street and saw that Jimmy James was still performing in town. I went in to a buy a ticket and met Jimmy's assistant Mick, one of the nicest guys on this planet. Mick gave me a comp ticket and then the next night, I went to see Jimmy James along with my friends Bill, Jim, and Vernon (aka Lady Di). I was speechless by night's end. Jimmy is just a fabulous performer, expertly singing in the voices of divas like Cher, Barbra, Diana Ross, Bette Davis. I can't wait to see Jimmy again. And like Mick, Jimmy James is one of the nicest guys around.
In third position is the amazing Dina Martina. I discovered Dina back in August 2006 and have become a Dina groupie. Dina is just indescribable. She usually wears too tight, too small clothing. She sports quite a cameltoe. And she mangles the English language worse than George W. Bush. But Dina, most of all, is funny as hell with her own takes on classic songs. Check her out here singing "The Greatest Love of All." I love Dina though I may never forgive her for embarrassing me in front of her New York City audience by pointing out the I was looking up her skirt at her "lady parts". How could I not when she was sitting on stage in a tiny mini-skirt with her legs wide open?
And coming in at second is the True Colors concert that we saw in Atlantic City back in June. What an unbelievable concert that lasted something like four hours. Featuring performances by my fave band of all time, The B52s and Cyndi Lauper, and a comedy routine by Rosie O'Donnell, the night was just unforgettable, truly the best concert I've ever seen.
And, finally, in first place...
Wicked, the best musical I've ever seen. Based on the popular Gregory Maguire novel, Wicked tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West (Elphaba) and Glinda the Good Witch. The show is just amazing. From the beautiful, towering set, to the fab costumes, to amazing performances, to the beautiful music. I was touched and mesmerized from start to finish. I was fortunate enough to see the show three times this year: in March with friends Deb and John; then a few days later with my mom, sister-in-law Janet, niece Keri, and Eric; and then in July by myself. I still remember clasping hands with Deb during the song "For Good"...wanting to get up and boogie during "Dancing Through Life"....being in awe during "No One Mourns the Wicked"...feeling the triumph of "Defying Gravity". Wicked...the best musical ever!
There were lots of other highlights in 2008, including another favorite drag queen Miss Richfield 1981. Check out Miss Richfield and Cashetta on a cruise as they encounter Pepe.
