Bear Bones

Bearing in Mind by Kevin Thomas 

Here's a few quick notes on some long running shows -

ALTER BOYZ - Is one of the longest running off-Broadway musicals and it's a great little 90 minute show, making fun of boy bands and religion. The cute boys certainly have gay appeal.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fsL3VCQsBWU

AVENUE Q - This certainly doesn't need to rely on star power as the cast is mostly puppets. I first didn't want to see a show with puppets, but it is riotous, won best musical in 2004. It is not a puppet show for kids as the songs include "It's okay to be gay," "The internet is for porn" and "We're all prejudice a little."

http://youtube.com/watch?v=PJCU4xf5IJE

CHICAGO - A really good show, but it's run it's course. Now it just features TV stars to draw in an audience. Rent the movie instead.

A CHORUS LINE - Currently with Mario Lopez, which is reason enough for me to see it with those sexy dimples.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez2PzF3YcEE 

CURTAINS - Tony winner David Hyde Pierce is about to leave the production, so see him while you can. This is a nice old fashioned musical about murder and theatre. It is the last show that the famed writing team of Kander & Ebb did before Fred Ebb died. These guys wrote the music and lyrics to "Cabaret," "Chicago," "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and everything Liza Minnelli has sang.

HAIRSPRAY - Still a good show to have fun with - but if you're in New York, you should try something new as this is often touring these days.

I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE - An Off Broadway fun show, more of a review and aimed at heterosexual relationships, it's still a good time at the theatre. Lots of the songs dealing with the beginning and ending of relationships are relatable.

JERSEY BOYS - A hot ticket still in New York as it won the 2006 best musical Tony. Still, this might be wait when it comes to your town as this tours a lot as well.

LEGALLY BLONDE - Cute and fun but the movie's better. But if you want something very light, then this is it.

THE LION KING - A great show for adults and children. The songs are wonderful and those costumes and sets really take you away.

MAMMA MIA! - Never a fan of this show, others do love it. But now, I think it's best to wait for the Meryl Streep movie!

MARY POPPINS - This really is a nice family show and does well at keeping up with the tradition and majesty of the movie.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - One of the best shows I've ever seen, I unfortunately think the show has lost its luster.  I saw it a few years ago and it seemed more like a college production. But I hear the Las Vegas production is fresh.

RENT - A groundbreaking show that will leave Broadway any minute. So see it now. It features American Idol's Tamyra Gray.

SPAMALOT - This is one of the funniest shows I've ever seen, based upon the movie "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Most of the original cast is gone, but this is one of those shows that doesn't need a star to make it a good show.

WICKED - One of the hottest tickets still on Broadway, this is a good show, but I personally never loved it the way others do. Presently, you normally can't get half priced tickets.

And sometimes if you can't make it to Broadway, Broadway comes to you. These shows are currently touring or found a home in a theatre outside of New York:

SPRING AWAKENING - Last year's best musical will be coming to your town soon.

25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE - Is a very quirky, cultish little musical.

INSIGNIFICANT OTHERS - A "Tales of the City" type of story, also taking place in San Francisco, this charming production is trying to become a long-running San Francisco production, now at the Pier 39 theatre. A fun musical tale of gay and straight friends, with such whimsical tunes dealing with someone being "Gay or Straight?" as well as too hung or hairy.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=a4lO-XFhiDU

See you on the aisle!

Kevin Thomas of San Francisco's Hotel Mark Twain offers tidbits and tips on restaurant, shows, hotels and travels - all from the bear's point of view.

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If you’re like me, you plan a big trip for months – cashing in frequent flier miles, researching hotels online and packing the steamer trunks with every possible outfit scenario should a white party spring up on your travels to Everest base camp.  One must be prepared.

And if you’re like me – you wait until the very last minute to look for your passport.  Ah, the passport – your key to undiscovered worlds and a constant reminder of how much weight you’ve gained since 2002.  Damn, where is that thing?  Oh, and the night before your big adventure – not a good time to find out that puppy expired six months ago.  Assuming you can find it.  Why would it possibly be in with the cockrings?  Oh right – never mind.

Here are some passport tips you might find helpful -

Enjoy your travels and drop us an email from the little Internet Café where Papa Oso taught you how to say lube in three languages. 

You found a circuit party where?

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Bearing in Mind by Kevin Thomas 

So know that you have the ways to get the tickets. What should you see?

Here are some mini-reviews -

IN THE HEIGHTS
As mentioned earlier, it started Off Broadway. And that's always a good sign. That means it played at a smaller theatre and people liked it so much, it had to move to a larger theatre. This is a really nice story about a close-knit Hispanic community dealing with life's struggles, loves and journeys. In many ways, it's an old-fashioned tale with traditional Broadway style songs. But what gives it an edge, is the lead actor and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda also has some rappy, hip hop songs which was at first surprising to hear on a Broadway stage, especially right after a more traditional love ballad. So this show should please both the Broadway traditionalists and their friends who were kind of forced to go because "they don't like musicals." This show is very deserving of its 13 Tony nominations including Best Musical, Actor, Supporting Actress Olga Merediz (she was amazing) and Score.

http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/media.html
http://youtube.com/watch?v=DSTjRUMfOKI

PASSING STRANGE
At the Tonys, this will be "In the Heights" biggest competition for Best Musical. This show is more edgy with a big rock sound with a little gospel influence. It's also staged like the recent "Sweeny Todd" and "Company" in which the actors are also the musicians and the sets are very minimal. I am one of the rare people who hated the "Sweeny Todd" staging a few years ago. I was so disappointed in that show as it was hard to hear the romance of songs like "Joanna" when someone is walking on the stage blowing a tuba. In fact, I almost skipped "Passing Strange" for that reason. But I am so glad I didn't. Everyone in this show can really sing. And the songs were fresh, hip, funny and poignant. I didn't mind that our lead actor Stew was talking to us while playing the guitar. It felt right with this show. If you want to step out of the traditional Broadway musical zone, you should really check out "Passing Strange." This is the musical to see with people who hate musicals! It's part story, part rock concert and completely entertaining. Nominated for seven Tony Awards, it is a really strong contender with supporting actor Daniel Breaker. But Stew, nominated for 4 Tony Awards himself for all of his contributions to the show, should not go home empty-handed either. It's his life story, his songs and his show.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=RCDPPgmcbF0

XANADU
A fan of the movie, simply for cult reasons and not because I thought it was good, I was not that interested in seeing the musical version of the film as I am kind of tired of the trend of taking movies and turning them into musical. And the material here certainly wouldn't be worth of my $100 - even if half-priced! But when I went to Manhattan in January, I thought what the heck. I LOVED IT! I knew from the beginning when two of Zeus' daughters on roller skates were guys, I'd love it. And, since I hadn't read anything, I didn't know it would be so tongue-in-cheek. It makes fun of the movie and doesn't take it seriously at all. And our leading actress, Kerry Butler, who was great in  "Hairspray" and "Little Shop of Horrors" (and even on the soap opera "One Life to Live") was so funny with great timing (and voice) that I was blown away! I kept my fingers crossed that she'd be nominated for a Tony (and the best actress in a musical is the hottest category this year) that I jumped out of my seat when she was - and the show's also nominated for best musical. But I am so memorized by Kerry in this show that I even want her to win the Tony! But she's up against Patti Lupone in "Gypsy." Not to take away from the fact that Kerry carries the show, her supporting cast is also amazing, especially Mary Testa and Jackie Hoffman as her jealous sisters. Too bad they didn't get Tony nominated as well. And the score you already know. It's the same songs from the movie plus a few others from ELO and Olivia Newton-John.

http://www.xanaduonbroadway.com/sizzle2/

CRY BABY
Another John Waters movie that makes it to Broadway (like "Hairspray") is "Cry Baby." Nominated for best musical at the Tony Awards this year and I have no idea why. It's an okay show with some really good dancing. But it's no "Hairspray." And, "Young Frankenstein" is a far better choice for best musical, and that show was overlooked. If you must see "Cry Baby" please don't spend more than half price. This show doesn't have enough "Hairspray" qualities; in fact, it doesn't take long before it goes kind of limp.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=d3aephKPdiw

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
This is a far better choice for the best musical nomination over "Cry Baby." It's still not flawless, but it's really a lot of fun. It's taken liberties with the movie version but those only enhance the show for the live theatre. And this show as the cast of all casts - several popular stage performers - Roger Barth (from "The Producers" and  TV's "Desperate Housewives"), Andrea Martin (a Tony nominee for this show), Megan Mullally (a Broadway performer before she went to "Will & Grace") and Sutton Foster (Tony winner for "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and nominee for "The Drowsy Chaperone" and "Little Women"). Yes, the movie version is better but this is great fun and very much worth consideration.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=4stM89917zY

Most shows have websites, YouTube videos or MySpace pages.  See you on the aisle!

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Bearing in Mind by Kevin Thomas

So now you're ready to go to Broadway. If a show is very, very popular - usually happens when it first opens to rave reviews and tons of Tony nominations - you will likely have to pay full price - over $100 for a good seat. I assume the recent Off Broadway transfer to Broadway "In the Heights" will not have tickets at the half-priced ticket booth for a while as it just received 13 Tony nominations. If it loses most of the awards (it won't), then it's likely that tickets will be at the half-priced booth. But if there is a popular show you really must see, you should buy tickets in advance.

For a show to remain on Broadway, it really needs to fill the house. Musicals cost a lot more than plays. And, unlike a movie, if a Broadway show is a flop it loses money for the producers every week. Shows stay on Broadway due to good word of mouth and awards but more importantly than movies, the critics opinion. A recent show "Glory Days" closed on opening night due to poor reviews. I even remember a musical from several years ago, "Steel Pier," that was struggling but stayed on the boards for an additional month hoping it would win one of the awards from its numerous Tony nominations. I think it came up with zero wins and closed the next day.

There are rare occasions that the audience keeps a show running. This is usually with a non-cutting edge, middle-of-the-road show that they can sell and market to teens who will see it 20 thousand times or tour operators who will package a show for their tour group and they need a show name they can sell. Currently, "Grease" is doing very well. Wasn't well received by critics but it is a show everyone knows and doesn't hurt they had a TV reality show to find its stars. So a show like "Grease" can be easily marketed to a tour group for Iowa more than the current rock-with-an-edge show "Passing Strange" or the under-appreciated Boy George musical "Taboo" from a few years ago. I mean, how many senior old ladies from Iowa are going to come to New York to see a show about gender bending Boy George?

So that's enough of the background. Let's get our tickets.

The number one source for half priced tickets is TKTS. And while it's the best discount, it's not the only one.

The TKTS booth is temporarily on the 46th Street side of the Marriott Marquis near Broadway before it returns to its Broadway and 47th location. "Temporary" is quite a long time as it's been there almost a year now. There's two other things you should know about TKTS - neither are commonly known. First of all, there's a second TKTS booth at South Street Seaport, on the corner of Front and Johns Street. A plus about this one is it is open  continuous all day (the Times Square booth isn't open during the day when there is no matinee). And, I promised myself I would never share this secret, so please don't tell everyone! But since we're bears, this will really help. Here goes: You don't have to settle for any seat they give you at the booth. I ask for an aisle seat so I can overflow into the aisle instead of on the people next to me. I think about 80% of the time I get it! It's not always as good as a seat in the middle, but if I am sitting there for sometimes a three hour production, my comfort is paramount.

And besides TKTS, you can also sign up at theatremania.com, broadwaybox.com or goldstarevents.com and check for discounted tickets.They are free to sign up and Gold Star also features shows in other cities. And you American Express Gold Card holders, membership does have its rewards. You can check with Amex about getting discounts for shows.

Kevin Thomas of San Francisco's Hotel Mark Twain offers tidbits and tips on restaurant, shows, hotels and travels - all from the bear's point of view.

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Bearing in Mind by Kevin Thomas 

As one who keeps up with Broadway musicals, I thought I'd share some opinions on the current season, especially since the Tony nominations were recently announced.

I travel to New York a couple times of year to catch up on my Broadway (and Off Broadway and Off Off Broadway) musicals. Guess you can say I majored in Broadway at Gay University. Since ticket prices are so expensive, I thought I'd share some information about what you should see and how to get the best price for your tickets.

First of all, the difference between Broadway and Off Broadway, is not location - it's number of seats in the theatre. And while most of the big theatres are near Times Square, you don't need to look puzzled when you see that "Perfect Crime" isn't a Broadway show, yet it's near Times Square. It's just a smaller theatre.

And then when you see a great show like "Wit" or "Violet" from a few years ago and wonder why they never received Tony Award nominations, it's because the Tony Awards are for Broadway only.

The Drama Desk and Outer Critics League Awards include both Broadway and Off Broadway productions.

Kevin Thomas of San Francisco's Hotel Mark Twain offers tidbits and tips on restaurant, shows, hotels and travels - all from the bear's point of view.

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by Kevin Thomas

Kevin Thomas of San Francisco's Hotel Mark Twain will offer tidbits and tips on restaurant, shows, hotels and travels - all from the bear's point of view.

Kevin has worked in hospitality for over five years, offering special rates to bears. He studied film and theatre in school. He has written articles for "Film Month" and online reviews for reel.com. Recently, he has provided some movie reviews and restaurant tips for the listener's of San Francisco's Alice Radio.

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A few tips to make your travels bearable!

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Next time skip Motel 6 – why not try a locally owned gay bed & Breakfast?

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“There may not be a Heaven, but there is a San Francisco”

Ashleigh Brilliant (English Author and Cartoonist, b.1933)

Where does one begin when considering San Francisco? 

Whether it’s cruising South of Market, leading the way for gay marriage (ok, MA got it passed, but we tried it first), or sampling one of the many culinary delights that await you – San Francisco can make any bear feel right at home.
 

And if you need a little help, talk to Kevin Thomas of the Hotel Mark Twain – known for their special bear rate.  And no, although he is single, Kevin is not one of the amenities!!

"Ask for the BEAR RATE to any front desk hosts and they will receive a discount on their room, a gay pocket guide upon check-in and sometimes other little special promos bear companies give me. . ."   

Meet Kevin 

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Traveling Bears

• Agencies
• Camping
• Cruises
• Dining
• Essential Travel Guide for Bears
• Lodgings
• Transportation
• Tours

Fun Fact - Gay and lesbian travelers go on cruises three times per year, compared to once every three years for mainstream cruisers. 

COMMUNITY MARKETING, INC., "11TH ANNUAL LGBT TOURISM PROFILE,"

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Travel trip – You and husbear have just returned from a woofy weekend away and are making your way back to the long term parking lot.  Now, where is that damn car?  Sound familiar? 

Rather than give husbear another opportunity to remind you of your short term memory loss and all the implications of getting older - try this hint.

Before you leave, whip out the cell phone and take a picture of where you parked.  If husbear wonders what you’re doing, include him in the shot and tell him you just wanted to capture the start of your trip together. 

And you thought that little camera was only good for taking pictures of Mr. Stud at the pool with the skimpy Speedo.   That one you’ll have to explain on your own.

Woofy travels . . .

Bear Travel Directory

Bear Travel

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Sometimes, it seems like kayaking is another place where the shrimps get all the breaks. It seems like all the really cool boats are shrimp boats, designed for someone standing about 5'8" and weighing maybe 150 lbs. If you're much over that size, the selection thins out rapidly. There seem to be a lot of "extra small" boats on the market, but not many for those of us that fall into the "extra large" category.

Well, there are a few boats out there designed for the big guys and gals. Not many, but a few. I've put together this list of boats for big people. It's not complete, but probably does cover the majority of easily available "big guy" boats.

IF YOU ARE A FIRST-TIME BUYER, don't worry too much about getting the perfect boat the first crack out of the box. Get one that you can get into and out of comfortably.

Wes Boyd is a country newspaper editor from southern Michigan who's been paddling off and on for 40 years, mostly on inland lakes and the Great Lakes. His non-commercial hobby web site, kayakplace.com, has a lot of resources for the larger kayaker and much besides.

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There is nothing like waking up next to the cub in the great outdoors.  Here are a few tips to make your camping experience beary nice . . .

  
1.    Refrigerated dough — you know the stuff.  It comes in several varieties and they all taste good when cooked on a stick over a campfire.  The biscuit dough goes nicely with your Dinty Moore stew and you can't beat the Cinnamon Rolls dough in the morning with your coffee.  Chocolate Chip Cookie dough falls off the stick.
     
     
2.    Reserve your site online — http://www.reserveamerica.com allows you to reserve the good sites up to seven months in advance.  Many state parks are site specific so if you camp regularly at a park, take a drive with the campground map before you leave so you get the best sites next time.
     
     
3.    Get a big tent — It is worth a lot to not be crawling around on the floor trying to put on your shoes.  Be able to stand up.  Don’t forget to put a tarp under your tent to prevent stick and stones from hurting your tent.
     
     
4.    Bring a chair or two — Put one in your tent or right outside for those shoes.  Don’t get the wimpy chairs that fold up and collapse on you.  Director’s chair often support more weight and are more comfortable.
     
     
5.    Indoor-Outdoor carpet — Go get a remnant or a big piece and cut it to size.  Useful places to put it include right outside your tent to keep some of the dirt out of your tent and inside the tent.  I know one bear couple who have an oriental rug for inside their tent.  At the very least use a door mat and bring a broom to sweep out before you pack up.
     
     
6.    Get a decent air mattress (or two) — They make some pretty good air mattresses these days.  You can get a double high or stack two on top of each other to make it easier to get out of bed.  Aerobed makes a pretty nice mattress but will only use their special pump.  It is nice to have an alternate way to pump it up if the pump fails (speaking from experience)
     
     
7.    Top off the air mattress before you go to sleep - The mattress will stretch after it is first filled and the extra air will make you more comfortable.
 
8.    Space Blankets — If it is going to get cold, one of these under your mattress will help keep you warmer.  A blanket under you as well as over you will also keep you toasty.
 
9.    Bring a real pillow — Those camping pillows aren’t man enough!
 
10.   Really-refrigerated dough!

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I read recently about a woman who was humiliated by a Southwest gate agent and is suing Southwest Airlines. I am getting ready to go on vacation and don’t know if I need to buy two seats (which, I can’t afford!). What can I do to prevent something similar happening to me?

Worried in Washington

A little pre-planning goes a long way. Call the airline 24 hours before departure to see how crowded the flight is. If your particular flight is overbooked, and you fear a seat issue, maybe they can suggest an alternative flight. Sometimes leaving an hour earlier or later can make a big difference. If a different flight is not available, perhaps exit row seating or aisle seating would be more comfortable. You’d be amazed at what asking and being nice can get you.

Airlines, like Southwest, which board on a first come first serve basis are slightly more challenging. Get there as early as possible, so that you can get on early and try to get optimal seating. If there is a problem at the gate, try a manager or customer service. If the situation has gotten heated, try to get away from the gate area. The gate agent is busy, tired, stressed and trying to get you and the plane off on time. Most airlines have customer service counters within the terminals. They tend to be better equipped with challenging situations.

Remember, Mama always said, "You attract a lot more bees with honey, than you do with vinegar . . ."

For more travel tips

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 Benvenuti nella CASA DEGLI ORSI
 Bears and Breakfast

Let's see - The Italian countryside, the wine, the art, the big, burly, furry, Italian men. What's not to love?

Did we mention they serve breakfast? In the big kitchen of the house, a the typical Italian breakfast is served with milk, coffee, bread, butter, jam, salami, cheese and the exclusive of the house: THE FLORENTINE APPLE PIE.

Tell 'em The Complete Bear sent ya!

Bear Travel

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