Tony Tony Tony has done it again!
It might have been the 2 bottles of wine or approximately 8lbs of cheese that I consumed, but last night’s Tony Awards left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling all over. That feeling is still there this morning, so maybe it was actually the Tonys. It’s one of those I’m-so-proud-to-live-in-a-city-that-has-this-much-art-to-offer-even-though-I-can’t-afford-to-see-any-of-it feelings. The way I feel when I stand at Lincoln Center and am awestruck that in 100 feet in three directions is some of the world’s best opera, ballet and symphony. 100 feet in the the 4th direction is a homeless man peeing on a carriage horse. Yay New York!
But enough about homeless piss … the Tonys! I am very proud to say that I won my Tony Awards ballot, getting 22/26 of the awards correct. A complete list of the winners is on the American Theatre Wing’s website. Since you are no doubt curious, I’m going to tell you some of my favorite moments of the show.
My favorite performance was from The Book of Mormon, which won 9 awards, including Best Musical. This show is achingly funny and this number was amaze-balls (it’s a technical term).
And how darling was Daniel Radcliffe in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying? Very. I have yet to see this production, but had heard from some he couldn’t sing it. False. Also, there are bespoken men dancing, which I’m really okay with. The folks at my Tony party stopped in their tracks when Ellen Harvey started singing (about 2:15 in the video). Love her and I’m very concerned about her ankles.
Another favorite moment was the “host-off” between Neil Patrick Harris and Hugh Jackman. It’s not in the video, but it started with Jackman calling NPH, “Neil Patrick Harrison.” Judging by NPH’s response, I don’t think this was planned. Anyway, their song was a delightful 4-minute double entendre.
The opening number was a hysterical homage to the current state of Broadway proclaiming that the theatre is, “not just for gays any more.” Neil Patrick Harris proves he’s king and the song includes some cameos from Stephen Colbert and Brooke Shields (who later recovered from her enormous blunder) among others. Note: limit yourself to one glass of wine before a performance, or maybe just don’t have six.
The one weak spot in the evening was the Spiderman performance. What a snoozer. They could have cured a disease for what this musical has cost its producers. Instead, it looks as if they’ve created one.
All in all, the Tony Awards broadcast did exactly what it’s supposed to do. It made me want to sell my body so that I can afford to see more theatre. Inquire below.
Thank you for being a friend
Sad news this week from eonline. Songwriter Andrew Gold died last week in his sleep. Gold suffered from renal cancer. Don’t know who he is? Andrew Gold gave us one of the most memorable and oft sung television theme songs … Thank You for Being A Friend from The Golden Girls.
Thank You for Being A Friend is perhaps the only theme song from a TV show that I don’t fast-forward through while watching re-runs. And that is saying a lot considering that I watch at least one episode of The Golden Girls everyday. Seriously … every day.
Gold’s passing makes me miss the show – and the women – even more. What’s happened to a theme song? And, what’s happened to a nice well placed song in a TV show. No one did it better than the girls.
Miami! Miami! -Don’t take your eyes off of Sophia. Ma’s got moves. Or just one really.
Who can forget Sophia and Dorothy as Sonny and Cher. This is how you win an Emmy, folks.
There will never be another you
I’ve been asked a lot recently in interviews that I’ve done for my book who (if anyone) should play Elizabeth Taylor if there were going to be a movie about her life. It’s a fair questions and a game I love to play. I’m a fan of casting my friends as this or that actor in imaginary or actual movies. I, for instance, would have to be played by a young James Spader – sans the chest hair.
James Spader
While casting myself is easy, I am no Elizabeth Taylor. She was successful, while alive, at preventing a movie being made of her life. When rumors that movies were being made of her life would pop up, she often said (most recently via her twitter account), “No one is going to play Elizabeth Taylor, but Elizabeth Taylor herself.” Well, that was while she was still with us. Since her death on March 23, 2011 of congestive heart failure there have been talks of a possible biopic. It has been widely reported this week that the excellent biography Furious Love –which chronicles Taylor and her 5th and 6th husband, Richard Burton’s love affair– has been optioned for a film by Paramount Pictures as a future directing project for Martin Scorsese.
While I want everyone to know about the life of Liz, the thought of a movie being made of her life makes me cringe a bit. Her life is easy to sensationalize – not that it wasn’t sensational. My fear would be that filmakers would choose to focus only the many marriages and the somewhat odd behavior in her last few decades rather that the work and life of a truly gifted actress, a tireless philanthropist and a caring mother.
Casting the role of Elizabeth Taylor will be no small feat. I feel that the biggest mistake would be to choose someone solely based on looks. Elizabeth Taylor never acted sexy … she was, plain and simply, sex personified. I’m reticent to offer suggestions, but here they are:
1. Angelina Jolie. Jolie is already on deck to star in director David Fincher’s Cleopatra remake. And she knows a thing or two about scandal having been part of the break-up of a famous Hollywood marriage just as Elizabeth Taylor was with Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds.
Angie and Liz ... they both like horses.
Everyone, calm down.
Adele!
Hi! I’ve not contributed to YourItList since approximately 1964, but I’m back! Get excited.
- Celine Dion – she is amazing after all.
- Justin Timberlake – now that he’s an “actor” I don’t guess this is likely to happen.
- Dolly Parton – it’s coming on June 28th! Before the apocalypse(s)!
- En Vogue – but I’m probably Never Gonna Get It.
- Charlene – without her, I’d have never been to me.
And since it seems that I’m writing about music, I have to tell you … not that you asked … that I’m getting quite tired of this “Lady Gaga is trying to be Madonna” thing. It’s getting old and I have other things to think about … like the Tony Awards or what I’m supposed to watch until 30 Rock and Modern Family come back. Anyway, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about it; probably too much time. If you like Lady Gaga, listen to Lady Gaga. If you like Madonna, listen to Madonna. If you like them both, well, then you have good taste and you should carry on.
Gaga vs. Madonna
Lovely Catfish
So. I saw two films this week. At the theater. I like to live large you know. And while I am no film critic and I am just plain critical, so here goes.
The first movie I saw, Lovely, Still, stars Ellen Burstyn, who in my opinion is one of the most underrated American actresses. Did you see The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood? Come on. Lovely, Still also stars Martin Landau who I swore was Walter Matthau. Turns out he’s not. Elizabeth Banks who is best know for her Overshoppe.com (see below) commercials and who I have a total sister crush on, plays Burstyn’s daughter. WAIT! … can you imagine if Ellen was my mother and Elizabeth was my sister? I’d die. Dead.
I was drawn to this tiny indie film 1) because it was on New York Magazine’s approval matrix in good company with my friend Rachel Shukert’s Everything is Going To Be Great and 2) the trailer to Lovely, Still had me skipping down the halls of my office with delight. I love love. #gay.
The actual product was a bit more disconcerting. I won’t spoil the barely believeable twist, but I was none too pleased. And, there are these odd dream sequences that would be been better placed in Contraception, that horrible movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and that girl from Juno. Weird dreams aside the cast is really quite perfect and Ellen Burstyn in particular is lovely, still. (you see what I did there? … I worked the title of the movie into my critique of it. I believe that would be two entendres … you’re welcome.)
The next movie that I saw I’m going to go ahead and say was the best movie I’ve seen all year. Seriously. I got a call from my friend Teddy yesterday asking me to see some movie called Catfish at midnight. On the Upper West Side. Midnight. I’m too old for that, kids. I fully expected to fall asleep.
You must go see Catfish. I’ll go with you. I was told by Teddy not to watch the trailer, so naturally I did. But when I started playing it I thought it was an ad for that Facebook movie, so I stopped watching. Turns out, that it actually was the trailer. I’m not selling it, I know. It’s a documentary about a New York photographer who meets someone online through one of his photographs. I shouldn’t say anymore. It’s equal parts funny, touching and very surprisingly and successfully suspenseful. Please go. Then call me. If you want to watch the trailer, it’s here.
Also, it stars this guy, who I am a little bit in love with. He may call me as well.
Yes, that's a retainer.
The Kid
Read it
Dan Savage writes the sex column, “Savage Love,” that appears in newspapers across the country. It’s a wonderful forum on politics and relationships (a recurring joke throughout the show) but Savage is at his best in his two books that document the relationship between he and his partner lover boyfriend husband and their decision to adopt a child, their son D.J.
In the off-Broadway show Savage’s story (adapted for the stage by Michael Zam) is strong but the music (by Andy Monroe) falls so very flat. I don’t remember a single song from the show, and there were many. In fact, I left The Kid singing songs from another show. The cast, however is really delightful and more importantly brings Jill Eikenberry to the stage. Remember her? From LA Law?
Jill!!!
She plays Savage’s mother and has the one song in the show that could be memorable. But it’s not. She’s still amazing. Give her an award.
Bottom line: read his books. Both The Kid and his follow-up The Commitment. And, what the hell. See the show too. And watch the New York Times video of it. And spay and neuter your pets.
8 is enough
As I predicted, the news of the Elizabeth Taylor/Jason Winters engagement proved to be false. The star tweeted today that the rumors surrounding the couple, “simply aren’t true.” She added, “Jason is my manager and dearest friend. I love him with all my heart.”
Well, that solves that. It’s nice to see that she can still get us all excited.
Taylor
We love you, Elizabeth Taylor!
The Whole Nine Marriages
Multiple sources such as Perez and Us Weekly are reporting that Dame Elizabeth Taylor is going to, for the ninth time in her 78 years, be getting married. The alleged groom-to-be is Jason Winters, manager to Janet Jackson.
Elizabeth Taylor
I’m not certain that I believe this just yet, but it would certainly be in keeping with tradition. The star’s last marriage construction worker Larry Fortensky was right around the time of the release of her fragrance White Diamond. She’s is releasing Violet Eyes this month and what better way to get her (and it) some press.
No one better than Taylor knows how to use her public image for the benefit of a product; her scandals made movie studios (and her) millions of dollars. A nice little marriage could, without a doubt, get Violet Eyes in the news.
If she marries Winters it will be her 9th marriage and her 8th husband. This would also be the longest time Taylor has gone without a husband since the age of 18 when she first married Hilton Hotel heir Nicky Hilton, grand-uncle of Paris & Nicky Hilton.
Neither Taylor nor Winters has confirmed any of this. If it does turn out to be true, I bet that we will hear it here first.
NBC goes Golden
In honor of the most joyous news that America’s sweetheart, Betty White will be hosting Saturday Night Live on May 8th if decided to curate some of my favorite Betty moments.
Betty and the girls on safe-sex
Here’s a clip from a Golden Girl’s rehearsal. I’d punch my mother of have worked on this show.
I’m always up for a good St. Olaf story. I was devastated to learn that this was a fictional Minnesota town. I’d planed to retire there. Old Space Needle …
And the winner is …
Coffee! For being the only thing that kept me awake during the 7-hour snooze-fest that was that 2010 Oscars.
The hosts, the ceremony, the presenters, the clothes … trite, trite, trite, trite. I’m never one to shy away from snark, so here goes:
Most of the dresses left me wondering if there was an open call for the Featherduster in the Broadway tour of Beauty and the Beast.
Zoe, you’re a lovely girl, but this dress. We almost saw your goods as you were walking down the steps to present the award.
Zoe Saldana
Who wears short shorts?
We wear short shorts!
The folks over that New York Mag’s The Cut are reporting today about a disagreement between Joe Zee of Elle and Marie Claire’s (and It Books’s) Nina Garcia.
The topic: Shorts in the workplace.
Joe Zee: “I love the shorts trend.”
Nina Garcia: “But short shorts, for the office, I still don’t think it’s okay.”
Nina, darling, I adore you, but I am afraid that I will have to respectfully disagree with you on this one. I’m a huge proponent of shorts in the work place. I don’t see the difference between wearing shorts and wearing a skirt. It’s especially more exciting for the men folk, whose clothes are already markedly more boring that our female colleagues, to be able to show some leg from time to time around the office … or anywhere else.
We’ve seen some great shorts already this year. I love where they are going with this. Thom Browne put together one of my favorite looks. Though in almost all of these cases, i feel the shorts could be shorter.
Thom Browne, Spring 2010
These Calvin Klein shorts are quite cute.
Calvin Klein, Spring 2010
And while I might draw the line at wearing this to work, you can believe I’d love to get my gams in these Dolce & Gabbana precious little pants.
Sadly for these models, none of them has legs as good as those seen below.
simple shorts with a simple broach
Moral of the story: If you got it, flaunt it. Wear the damn shorts to work. Sorry, Nina.
Betty White is a National Treasure..
and Other Reasons I Love Super Bowl Ads
No, I didn’t watch it. Shocking, I know. To be honest, until yesterday I thought that the Saints were a college team. Ps. They are not.
While I did not watch the game, I did stay up and watch the commercials on hulu.com. Here are my favorites.
Betty White = God.
And the boy she turns into isn’t so bad either.
Google made me weep with this one. I think that if Simon Van Booy were to write a commercial, it would be a little like this:
About the only happy holiday memory I have from childhood was watching National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, so it was fun to have a little visit with the Griswolds again:
And finally, this little kid is just too damn cute:
Show me your teeth
My ears have barely stopped ringing from the Lady Gaga concert last week and my love for her is far from abating.
There is a new video out for Teeth from her Fame Monster album. I’m not, scratch that, wasn’t really into the whole Vampire thing until seeing this. Suddenly I’m a convert.
I don’t know if it’s the official video, as I don’t see it on her website. I do know that it’s directed by Sergio Ceron, whose website is intense and slightly disturbing.
Thanks Gaga for this video; I’m sure the woman in the office next to mine already hates the song seeing as that I ‘ve played 60 times today.
boom.
Oh Gaga, how I love thee
… Let me count the ways
I was fortunate enough–cause I’m a free bitch, baby–to attend the Lady Gaga concert on her Monster Ball tour last night at Radio City Music Hall. 
As you can see from my photos (taken poorly with my camera phone) our seats were deliciously close, about 8 rows from the stage and just 2 behind Donald Trump. I could not have been more impressed with the show. It lacked the some of the over-production of other pop singers, because Gaga can, well, actually sing. Sorry, Britney, Madonna, et al.
As a concert it was not dramatically overdone. It had the usual killer lighting design and occasional pyrotechnic –she shot us all with a gun that looked as if it were emitting a high powered sparkler. There was also plenty of filler with video clips ranging from Lady Gaga getting a tattoo, to a handsome man vomiting what looked like Listerine on her. I don’t know why it worked, but it did. Her dancers were stellar too, and costumed such that there was a beautiful androgyny to them. Best of all, they never overshadowed her, perhaps because she was wearing costumes like this. 
I appreciate her efforts to put on a somewhat smaller scale show, she could have easily sold out the much larger Madison Square Garden. Instead, she chose to risk exhaustion and perform 4 shows in a slightly more intimate venue. Perhaps I’ve been drinking the Monster Juice, but I truly believe that she loves her monsters, her fans.
And she wants us to love her too. “Take my picture,” Lady Gaga begged of her monsters. She was ever so briefly coquettish as she lay on the stage and likened herself to Tinkerbell, “I’ll die if you don’t clap for me.” We do! Good Gaga, we do love you!
The only omission from the show were the McQueen heels that I somehow manage to mention in just about every post I write. Speaking of heels, I wore mine.
yes i did
Lady Gaga, I do want to be friends, I hope that’s okay.
Life in plastic …
… she’s fantastic.
Wonderful news from the land of Gaga. As you’ve very likely heard from Perez or eleswhere, Gaga now has a Barbie-esque doll designed by Beijing designer Veik
. The dolls showcase her most fabulous wardrobe choices. Though, I don’t see how you’d decide which of her creations to pick as I support just about anything that she decides to wear … or not wear.
The Heels!
Happily for me, the McQueen heels that I can’t get enough of (the ones that make an appearance in the best music video ever) are also part of this precious tiny collection. (Full set of images here.)
Sadly, for now, these lovely likenesses won’t be sold anywhere. Probably for the best as I’d spend entirely too much time playing with them, staging countless weddings with my Zac doll 
In other Gaga-news, the National Enquirer is reporting that she poured a glass of water on a drunk man’s head after he allegedly verbally attacked both Lady Gaga and American Idol sensation Adam Lambert.
don’t fuck with the Gaga.
I dreamed a dream …
… of Chanel.
Over the very, very snowy-white weekend in New York City, I had lots of time to read, eat Sabra’s Supremely Spicy hummus, watch Sex and the City, and sleep.
Hummus!
During my slumber I dreamt that I went shopping with It Books’ own Carrie and Cal. We had a lovely time up and down 5th Avenue. The best part of the dream came when Cal with his masterful skills got the price of this Chanel watch that I’ve been eyeing down from $10,000+ to $150. I think I may have had to a little Tiny Tim number from A Christmas Carol, but it was worth it.
yes, please
Thank you, Cal; a white Christmas indeed. If anyone still wants to buy this for me, it’s on sale here.
Bare with me
for a moment. The Telegraph is reporting that actor and downright nice guy (cause, you know, we’re friends) Daniel Radcliffe will have a nude scene in the upcoming Harry Potter and his Deadly Member the Deathly Hallows.
The article quotes the film’s director, David Yates, “Dan has appeared nude in the past. There are a couple of scenes in the new film in which he will undress, but we’re still thinking about how to present it.”
I don’t suggest taking a lesson from the newly minted almost-nude former future son-in-law of Sarah Palin, Levi Johnston. His recent Playgirl photo spread was, while thrilling, a bit of a let down.
oh levi ...
This will be nothing new for Mr. Radcliffe who went full frontal (and dorsal for that matter) 8 times a week, both on Broadway and in London’s West End in Equus. He also has a book coming out at the end of the year. In it, he allows photographer Tim Hailand to follow him for a day — all day — including a trip to the shower. Good form, Daniel; I like where you’re going with this.
Radcliffe in Equus
My only request is that this not be a publicity stunt, like Levi’s. All talk and no Potter.
Grace Coddington, may I please take you to lunch?
I realize that I am a bit very late to the party. I finally saw The September Issue this weekend. Anna would never stand for me seeing it so late.
See...she's mad at me.
I went fully expecting to gaze amazed at the cold, quick, and decisive Ms. Wintour, which of course I did. More than that though, I came away with a new found, no, a deeper appreciation for Grace Coddington. This was the moment in the film that sealed the deal for me. (please pardon the poor quality of this YouTube video).
She says “I think I got left behind somewhere because I’m, you know, still a romantic. You have to go charging ahead; you can’t stay behind.” Her words fall like poetry on the gardens of Versailles.
I stayed away from reading too much about the documentary before seeing it, but I’ve delved into criticisms and articles since. I see now that plenty of people thought that Grace owned the film. Some places even say Anna agrees. They certainly both received equal coverage, but Grace was a surprising lead. One question though: where was Andre? No doubt playing tennis…
Thanks heavens for Grace. I’ve not owned one of those page-a-day calendars since I was in middle school, but I think that I might like to have one comprised of the wit and whim of Grace. Or perhaps she’d just let me take her to lunch. Also, she likes cats … what’s not to love?
cause all i see are stilettos…
i guess i never got the memo. miley cirus anyone? no?
ok. busy day, but i must take a moment to reflect on these heels that i noticed while watching the Alexander McQueen show from Nick Knight‘s rather wonderful ShowStudio. they are life changing. life changing mostly because 99.9% of would-be wearers will tumble to their death. totally worth it.
Alexander McQueen Heels
i’m pretty jealous of anyone who could pull these off. my friend Justin Tranter could. he has had countless 6-inch heels made just for him by Stuart Weitzman, so these seem just his speed. Justin was on Chelsea Lately recently showing off his heels.
i really want to see these shoes in person and then wear them around my apartment with my thigh-high american apparel socks. i’ll charge admission.
seriously
no joke
the thigh highs at work …
What the?
While waiting in line for lunch today I was haulted in my tracks by something that you don’t usually see outside of a Daniel Day Lewis film. I’ll let the picture do the talking on this one:
there are no words ...
what do you even call this?
is this his real hair? if so, how long did this take to grow?
doesn’t it get in the way of things?
it should also be noted that the front of this t-shirt read: “hunnies be on me like butter on toast.” I’m sure they do be on him.
I wonder what Amanda Brooks would have to say to this young man.
the moment you’ve all been waiting for
and by “you all,” I of course, mean me.
The note cards have arrived.
it's finally here!
My lovely cards from Gibson Lane Studios are here! I will be taking the rest of the afternoon off to write notes to people and Jack. I’ve already had to hide them for fear of theft.
In news of other things that bring me pleasure, I found this on a site that I’m not likely to visit again. It combines my unabashed love of musicals and my love/hate relationship with social networking. genius. A twitter musical is not far away.
Speaking of musicals (sort of), have you entered this contest yet? becuase you should.
Just like looking in a mirror
“Vanity is my favorite sin” – Al Pacino.
Vanity is a far too underrated virtue. In moderation of course, it can make for many great things … my new stationery for instance. On a recent trip to my hometown of Richmond, Virginia I made an early morning stop by my favorite gallery and store Quirk Gallery. This is my favorite place on earth and not just because they feed into my vanity by hosting an annual event in my honor(?) but because it also happens to be a wonderful space for art with the most delicious gift selection. My event, Mimosas with Joseph, is held every December at Quirk; friends of Joseph are invited to attend, drink and shop. Nothing could be better.
On this trip to Quirk I found the perfect tool for those of us who might be the subject of a certain Carly Simon song. Silhouette stationery by Gibson Lane Studios. Heaven. I debated for about 10 seconds whether or not I really needed note cards with my face in silhouette … the answer of course, was yes. This is a product that is likely geared toward doting mothers of children named after their great-great grandfather’s horse, but I could not resist. I put my order in and am looking at proofs now. Though I struggled with the ridiculousness of this purchase for an adult; my vanity won the argument and I’m quite glad that it did.
Yes, I do think this song is about me.
Silhouette Proof
