By Lynda Sturner****You never know what’s going to happen in Ptown. It’s buy your ticket and expect the unexpected. Last night (July 16) I started my evening off seeing one of Broadway’s most wondrous voices, Judy Kuhn, with Seth Rudetsky at the Art House.
She sings songs from Les Miserables and Chess and they both told great theatre stories. My favorite number was “Do You Love Me” from Fiddler on the Roof. Both actors and singers, Kuhn and Rudetsky turned the number into one monumental and poignant love story.
And just when I’m thinking it can’t get much better, Beth Malone, Kuhn’s friend and fellow actor in Fun Home, leaps up on stage and they do “I Know Him So Well” from Chess. Malone had just closed in Angels in America and come to Ptown the very next day to see Kuhn perform.
It was one of those evenings I’ll always remember. That’s Ptown, Cabaret Lovers!
The Bears have left town and the woman are moving in. It’s Girl Splash Week (July 17-21). Along with the bonfires, whale watching, Schooner Sails and the lesbian beach, here is the Cabaret scene for the women. For info and more detailed events: ProvincetownForWomen.com
Suede, “The Diva With a Difference,” is a blow your mind kind of singer. With her rich powerful voice, she sings jazz/pop and naughty blues with a grab your heart passion that makes you want to dance. She’s a musician, singer, stylist, trumpet and guitar-playing wonder. Women grab your tickets before you even unpack. Tuesday, July 17 @ the Paramount Room in the Crown and Anchor. She’ll also be back for Women’s Week in October.
Judy Gold at the Art House Thursday @ 9 and Friday @ 7:30, through the August 31. Comic, writer and producer, she makes you laugh so hard you might do things you don’t want to do. From her HBO specials to her critically acclaimed Off-Broadway one-woman shows, The Judy Show My Life as a Sitcom (Outer Critics Circle Nomination) and 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother (Glaad Media Award), Gold‘s television credits include, Showtime’s “I’m Dying Up Here” and Netflix’ “Friends from College.” She also won two Emmy’s for writing and producing “The Rosie O’Donnell Show.”
Poppy Champlin in Poppy’s Poppin’ N Rockin” Comedy Show at the Pilgrim House – July 18 – 20. You can throw anything at her and she turns it into comedy. From her Showtime special “Pride: The Gay and Lesbian Comedy Slam” to winning Funniest Real Woman on the “Joan Rivers Show,” Poppy became a staff writer on Fox’s “Show Me the Funny” and is a favorite on Atlantis and Olivia Cruises. She’s also a very funny lady.
Girl Splash Idol @ the Crown & Anchor – July 18 with Suede, Karen Williams and Vickie Shaw. It’s a contest. Your choices – perform or watch!
Highlights of Girl Splash Week – July 17-21
Vickie Shaw Comedy Show
Karen Williams Comedy Show
Susan Westenhoefer VIP Experience
Poppy Champlin
Events
Over the Rainbow Bingo – Crown & Anchor Friday 4pm
Libations Schooner Sail – Wednesday July 18 – Mac Millan Pier
Happiness Hour – 4pm all week Pied Bar
Sunset Dune Tour and Beach Bonfire – Arts Dune Tours Thursday 6-9:30pm
For a complete list of events go to www.Girl-Splash.com or
Call (508)246-2080
Tickets available at the Fire House – 256 Commercial Street
Both men and woman can enjoy must-see Jimmy James in DIVAS ARE FOREVER! at the Pilgrim House. He’s famous being Marilyn and now he‘s added Liza, Judy, Billie, Eartha and the best Bette Davis ever. Every night but Wednesday thru September 3. Don’t let the 10pm time slot deter you. He’s worth the wait.
After Woman’s Splash comes Family Week. July 28-August 4
Although Family Week is not about Cabaret, I mention it because it’s once again an example of who we are in Ptown. Families walk up and down crowded Commercial Street with strollers, baby bottles and hats. There is always someone crying as parents try to put sun lotion on a reluctant child. They bond at the LGBT beach at Herring Cove and swim in the pool at the Ptown Inn. It’s a very special week in a very special town.
According to Ptown’s Chamber of Commerce, “Family Week in Provincetown is the largest gathering of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer identified families in the world. The 2018 fun Family Week will include more opportunities to build community and get empowered on today’s issues. From sunrise to sunset, Family Week offers activities and events for your entire family. Each day will be filled with programming options for individual age groups and activities that are designed for everyone.”
For details and listings, log on to www.familyequality.org//www.colage.org
And now back to Cabaret where everyone gets a turn.
Showgirls at the A-House with Ryan Landry. It’s the kind of show where there’s a long line to the men’s room and never a wait for the ladies room. It’s a contest for best performance. So, find your drag persona, dress up like a diva, bring your music and try your luck. You can also be an audience and hoot and holler. There is an added bonus. If you’re new to town, Laundry invites the performers playing in Ptown for a short preview of their shows. This is an excellent opportunity to know which shows speak to you. There’s nudity and raunchy language, but it’s all in fun and loyal audiences come back week after week. If you like songs such as “Me and Julio Down by the Dick Dock,” this show’s for you!
Excited voices ask what is Ryan Landry doing this summer and when can I buy my tickets? Not only does he do Showgirls, but he writes, produces and appears in a new show every year. This year it’s Brokelahomo! a twisted take-off on Oklahoma and Brokeback Mountain. Landry rewrites lyrics from familiar songs and along with his long time troop of players, The Gold Dust Orphans, has you screaming in the aisle at Fisherman’s Hall. Both shows run through September 10. Be sure to check my listings for show times.
Next time you’ll hear from me will be August when Ptown really sizzles. There’s still time to make reservations, hop on a train, bus or boat or drive your car.
See you on Commercial Street. Be sure to say “Hi, La La!”
The Best Is Yet to Come!
