Pride weekend is starting to fade and as I dive back into the work week it occurs to me I need to throw up some of the bits and photos from the week that was too full of work and fun to sit around and post.
I suppose my Pride week began lat Thursday with ACT's Out with ACT night and special Pride reception.
On my way to meet Kevin at the theater (he was just getting out of his dance class), he sent me the following text: "Come to Union Square... I have something for you to lick."
There are many things I love about SF. Not the least of which is the sponsored "just because it's fun" stuff that pops up all over. Crossing Union Square to meet Kevin, I passed a free jazz/swing concert with dance lessons and groovy people. It's easy to forget during June there are non-Pride events too.
If I hadn't been in a hurry, I would have joined in.
Turning around, I got a clue as to what Kevin spied for my licking pleasure.
Which, of course, I obliged.
ACT's Pride month performance was Tis Pity She's a Whore. I was hoping for a more modern piece as ACT is so laboriously period-heavy. But no--yet another antique with language so dense it's difficult to follow what the hell is actually going on. And I can't imagine the difficulty the actors have in learning these lines. (And as I mentioned earlier, the best line wasn't even on stage.)
Aside from the Old English vocabulary and style, the play had some stellar points, not the least of which were the superb performances of the leads. And the cellist on stage was as dramatic a character as could be hoped for and really made the work work. On the downside, the play featured two of ACT's stock performers who no matter what play or role they are cast in, they always play the same character. The first two or three times you see them in something, it's forgivable. Now it is almost a nightmare whenever they come on stage. It's distracting and painful to watch.
One is such an over-actor he makes Jim Carrey look subtle. In Ace Ventura, Pet Detective. He has one trick: over-size the role and play it loud and as a caricature of a homosexual fop. In his first scene on stage, Kevin and I groaned. Kevin then whispered to me, "Well, at least he hasn't done this bit yet (indicating big sprawled arms with limp wrists)." I replied, "Give it time."
It took less than five seconds.
The actor we refer to only as Big Daddy was back too, and was equally distracting in his one-trick role. Which I imagine isn't so much "acting" as "being himself"-- same old slow southern drawl and tone of impatient disdain.
I hate to write negative reviews, especially of those who are trying in earnest, but I just don't see how these two keep getting roles? Kevin was turned down for a role for being a few years too old. One of these guys must be pushing 50 and was cast as the romantically awkward teenager. WTF?
A pleasant turn on the boards was the return of Rene Augesen and Sharon Lockwood. Particularly welcome were the performances of the male leads Michael Hayden and Michael Earle Fajardo. Hayden (nice legs!) totally sells the crazy in the final scene. Fajardo's performance was strong, and only distracted by his handsomeness. Both actors play those bedsheet scenes with a heavy dose of looking hot.
As is customary at Out with ACT nights much of the cast joined the reception afterwards. As the Pride night too, the upper levels featured more food and drinks but Kevin and I never made it past our usual court. Charming on stage and off, Kevin and I enjoyed some quality time with Michael Fajardo (Kevin I'm sure wanted much more 'quality' than 'time' with Michael) and Susan Gibney. Love to Susan.
Susan Gibney, Wilson Hardcastle and Kevin Koberle
Susan Gibney, Wilson Hardcastle and Michael Earle Fajardo
Pretty Pretty Kissy Face and Darren
A very special surprise was running into Rob Forni. Rob and I have been running into each other at parties and bars for about a decade. He's one of those characters that pops into my life from time to time and always brings merriment. Shouts to Rob.
And a final thank you to the always engaging Randy Taradash, and the delightful caterer who sponsored the event Christian Hardy.
You gotta love a guy whose card reads: "Chef, Patissier, Cardiologist." I wonder if he ever confuses his chef's jacket for his lab coat. It might be awkward for the patients. Or perhaps, just tasty.
Thursday was yet another Pride function, this one sponsored by the Kimpton group at the Hotel Monoco. There were some new friends as well as some of the usual faces, including my favorite ugly duckling who needs to swim on down my lake (no photos of Duckie. He hasn't figured out he's a swan yet).
Afterwards, Shilpa, Pee Dee and I hit the new Indian place in the Castro. Wow with the tasty. And it got the very very good rating from our local expert in all cuisine Indian. Yelpers Shilpa and Pee Dee are giving it rave reviews. I'll just give a shout out to the owners here.
Go visit the new Kasa. It's awesome. These guys know what they are doing. They decided to serve just a few items, and then do them very, very well.
And thank God all plates come with raita. I'm a delicate flower when it comes to Indian spices. The chicken tiki is just right for me. The tikka masala got highest ratings around the table, but it made me break out into a sweat.
I just want to leave y'all with one last image: Anita Cocktail getting a foot massage.
What can be said?
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