Billy Masters 05.28.26

"He's my life partner. He's my work partner. He's my gay ex-husband. He's my best friend and he's always around. But we try and make sure that he's not too much of a cockbloc."

- Fran Drescher describes her relationship with her ex, the lovely and talented Peter Marc Jacobson. Given how much the gays love the fantastic Fran, I'd be much more concerned that she could be cockblocking Petey!


Last week saw the final episodes of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and "Sherri". But another show got yanked — right in our own backyard. Hunters Nightclub in Fort Lauderdale had two shows scheduled of "Naked Guy Crocheting". You'd be forgiven for not hearing of this "franchise" (as it is termed). You'd even be forgiven for thinking it might be hosted by Olympic diver Tom Daley, the most famous devotee of the art of crocheting either straight or gay, clothed or not. The show in question is hosted by Peter Bisuito, who is described as a "local artist, comedian, and producer". Apparently he has done several of these shows in gay venues which raise money for dog rescue — and who could have an issue with that (with the possible exception of Kristi Noem). But this particular installment of his show was going to feature someone who is no stranger to controversy — the legendary and iconic Lady Bunny (who would presumably be crocheting and hopefully not naked).

For those of you not in the know, Bunny is an outspoken critic of virtually everyone and everything. I believe even I have been the target of her rapier wit — and who could have an issue with moi? I seem to recall that during the last presidential election, she took issue with Kamala Harris...for not being liberal enough! Well, we live in a free society, and I will defend everyone's right to voice an opinion. However, this current controversy is in Florida, and that's far from a free society these days. Apparently a member of the Broward County Jewish Federation took issue with Bunny's criticism of Israel's actions toward Palestine. Personally, I wouldn't wade into those waters even if I were Moses fleeing Pharaoh. But Bunny did — and apparently that's why she's cancelled. And since at least a handful of people could have come out to protest a giant drag queen and a gay man crocheting on stage, I can't really blame Hunters for cancelling. But here's what I can say — either we're for free speech or we're not.

Speaking of cancellations, the Long Beach Pride Festival was called off only hours before it was supposed to begin. The day before the festival, the City of Long Beach had lawyers send out a cease-and-desist letter claiming the organizers "failed to timely submit the required application materials and supporting documentation necessary for permit review." Aren't permits reviewed more than hours before an event? Like, months? Anyway, this statement was hastily posted: "The Long Beach Pride Festival will not be able to take place this year as sufficient information to safely permit the event has not been made available by the event organizers." I'm not pointing fingers, but I hasten to add that such hiccups didn't happen the two years when yours truly hosted Long Beach Pride.

A stalwart on the Pride circuit is Kylie Minogue. In her recently released Netflix documentary, she revealed that she went through a second battle with cancer. "My second cancer diagnosis was in early 2021. I was able to keep that to myself...not like the first time. Thankfully, I got through it. Again. And all is well. Hey, who knows what's around the corner." She also issued the following statement: "There will be someone out there who will benefit from a gentle reminder to do their checkups. Early detection was very helpful and I am so grateful to be able to say that I am doing well today."

Ricky Martin was kicking off the European leg of his tour in Montenegro last week when someone in the audience allegedly sprayed tear gas in the crowd. Of course, such things probably happen frequently in Montenegro. Martin was immediately whisked off of the stage and officials came in to assess the situation. After being given the all-clear, management wanted to cancel the show. Ricky refused and returned to the stage saying, "Nothing is going to stop this show. Nothing!" Plus, I'm sure plenty of people cry during a Ricky Martin concert.

The Cannes Film Festival wrapped last week, but not before the 32nd annual amfAR Gala. The event took place at the luxurious Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc and raised $20 million for the Foundation for AIDS Research. Congrats!

Also raising money for the fight against AIDS are members of the original Broadway cast of "Rent". The upcoming 30th anniversary will be celebrated with a one-night-only concert on October 26th at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway. The night will be directed by the show's original director, Michael Greif, who said, "Jonathan [Larsen] wrote 'Rent' in honor of the people he knew who were living and struggling with HIV and in honor of the many friends and contemporaries he lost to AIDS. I know he'd be proud and honored to join forces with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his milestone musical." Greif adds that the show will include "a bevy of special guests."

Good News/Bad News. The production of "Evita" starring Rachel Zegler in London's West End is coming to Broadway next spring. "But Billy," I can hear you wondering, "is that the good news or the bad news?" That depends on your opinion of Miss Zegler, who is one of those performers who polarizes people, not unlike another actress who has never received a Tony nomination. What is undeniable is that this transfer will be lacking what has made it such a sensation in London — a balcony. In London, she sings "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" from the outdoor balcony of the Palladium, much to the delight of people out on the street (and, surely, much to the dismay of paying patrons, who get to watch it on a video screen). Director Jamie Lloyd says, "I am really excited to explore a new idea, made especially for Broadway."

Speaking of Tony snubs, the much-maligned musical of "Beaches" is skulking out of town after playing 38 shows (and 28 previews), most recently, to roughly half-full houses. Some are blaming this premature shutter on the lack of Tonys. Having not seen it, I'd think at least some of the blame should fall on the musical's creators.

With Memorial Day in our rearview mirror, it's time to look forward to the summer in Provincetown. This week, we take a gander at what is coming to the venerable Post Office Caf and Cabaret. Of course, their crowd-pleasing Drag Brunch will keep you laughing and liquored up during the daylight hours. As to the nighttime headliners, it wouldn't be summer without the uproarious Judy Gold. Miss Richfield 1981 joins the roster with a new show called "You Can't Have Ice Cream When You're Dead!". Paige Turner asks the musical question, "Drag Me To The Movies". The multi-talented Jamie Morris returns with four parody shows in repertory! Nina West does her take on a Broadway phenomenon with "Oh, Scary!" (get it?). The ever-popular "Diva!" and "Illusions — Las Vegas Review" shows return. And so much more. Check out full details on PostOfficeCafe.net.

This week's "Ask Billy" question is also Broadway related. Peter in New York writes, "I recently went to see Jeremy Jordan in 'Just In Time' and was surprised to not see him show off his body in the 'Splish Splash' number. He always looks so hot. So what's up with that?"

I know everybody thinks I have my finger on every male actor's anatomy — a reputation that is well founded. So, naturally, I was able to find an answer. First, some backstory. When the character of Bobby Darin sings "Splish Splash" in the musical, he is in a bathtub. Both Jonathan Groff and Matthew Morrison were featured in a tiny swimsuit and no shirt, which not only made some sense, but I'm sure was very much appreciated by the audience. Jeremy Jordan asked to switch things up. "Listen, I'm 41, I'm not as cut as I used to be, so I'm a little bit self-conscious about that, and I just didn't want to add that element into it. My pitch was like, instead of getting sexy and doing a thirst trap on stage in a bathtub, what if I just went comedy? And so, we built one of those old-timey swimsuits. It's like a tank top into swim trunks." Normally, this is where I'd tell you to check it out on BillyMasters.com. But, unlike Jeremy, I know my audience. If you wanna see Matt Morrison or Jonathan Groff in their swimmers, you know where to look.

When Jeremy Jordan is self-conscious about his body, it's time for me to end yet another column. See? Straight guys get it, too. Well, time marches on. And you know what I just realized? Summer is right around the corner. And I know that because last week Boston hit 95 degrees one day, and then plummeted to 45 the next. Because in Boston, we no longer have spring. Thank God for BillyMasters.com — the site that always keeps things steamy. If you have a question, send it along to [email protected] and I promise to get back to you before Lady Bunny is booked to crochet in Montenegro! Until next time, remember, one man's filth is another man's bible.