Billy Masters 12.01.22

"I love Broadway. I love what they do–Broadway Cares, but I also want to say the show is extraordinary!"

–Nicole Kidman's impromptu speech after bidding $100K to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS for Hugh Jackman's hat after a performance of "The Music Man". For that price, she should get to take Hugh home...Keith would be thrilled!

It's that time of the year I both long for and dread. Yes, it's Peppermint Bark season. I had to go to Kohl's to make an Amazon return, and there it was–an entire wall of Ghirardelli's luscious peppermint temptresses bathed in both white and milk chocolate. I managed to walk by the display without succumbing to the siren's call–although I felt like I gained 10 pounds by just looking at it. My will was strong...until I made my Amazon return and got a Kohl's $5 coupon. Peppermint Bark and a coupon? I'm only human. I bought my first bag of the season and, while I have managed to eat it both judiciously and deliciously, I sense this is the beginning of the end.

Everyone knows that Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season–well, everyone except for CVS and the Hallmark Channel, where Christmas starts around July 4th! But what kicks off Thanksgiving? The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, naturally. The parade often features a variety of Broadway performances–well, performances whose audio tracks were pre-recorded under studio conditions. If there's one thing Lea Michele can do, it's lip-sync! Her number even featured some less-than-compelling drum-syncing with drumsticks a foot from banging anything. If there's one thing I know about, it's banging!

While Michele has received critical praise, one of her former "Glee" co-stars has made it clear he ain't going. When asked if he's seen "Funny Girl", Chris Colfer said, "No, I can be triggered at home." Enough said.

Another "Gleek" made a bit of news last week. Kevin McHale–who has developed into quite a looker–has stated he will not be part of any "Glee" sequels or reboots. But it's not over any cast issues. "Knowing what we know now, I don't think I should be playing a character that's in a wheelchair," said McHale. I have a feeling if he came out against Lea, it wouldn't take long before he landed in a wheelchair!

Despite a splendid farewell show which aired on Disney+, Elton John is NOT retiring from performing, as his hubby David Furnish made perfectly clear. "It's really important to make a distinction between Elton retiring from touring but Elton not playing his very last public performance for the very last time. Will Elton return as a live performer? I hope so! It's in his blood. I know for a fact he will not be touring in any capacity. What you're going to see is the possibility of a special one-off or small residency in one venue for a limited period of time."

Kevin Spacey is about to be charged with seven additional sexual assault charges by the Crown Prosecution Service in the UK. One of the victims claims to have been assaulted repeatedly between 2001 and 2004. But it was another charge which caught our eye: "The CPS has also authorized one charge of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent." The actor is scheduled to appear in person at Westminster Magistrates' Court on December 16th. On the positive side, this is likely the first thing Kevin's had on his calendar since beating that Anthony Rapp rap. Speaking of which...

Anthony Rapp is returning to his off-Broadway roots. "Without You" is a one-man musical based on Anthony's memoir. Previews will begin at the New World Stages on January 14th, and opening night will be on January 25th–which just happens to be 27 years to the day from the first public performance of "Rent".

Broadway history is about to be made. Jinkx Monsoon–a "Drag Race" alum–will be making her Broadway debut in "Chicago". Well, that's no big surprise–several cocks in frocks have trod the boards as Mary Sunshine. But Jinkx will not be taking on the role of the gender-bending reporter. She'll play Matron "Mama" Morton, making her the first drag queen to assume that role on Broadway (I'm sure it was played by some men in various prison productions). "I cannot stress enough that this has been a lifelong dream of mine. To be making my Broadway debut, as my favorite role, in one of my favorite shows–that lifelong dream is coming true and then some." Her eight-week run begins January 16th.

I thought I knew everything there was to know about Greg Louganis. We've known each other for years, and he's been on "Billy Masters LIVE" before. But our hour-long chat turned into a 90-minute in-depth interview about everything from ancestry to auctions, diving to dogs. If you missed it, head on over to our YouTube channel, Billy Masters TV, or simply click on BillyMasters.com/TV.

I've wanted to do something special to pay tribute to Leslie Jordan. His final episode of "Call Me Kat" will air on December 1st. So at 3PM Eastern on November 30th, "Billy Masters LIVE" will chat with Leslie's on-screen love interest, John Griffin, as well as a few other special friends. As always, you can join in the fun on our YouTube channel, Billy Masters TV, or on BillyMasters.com/TV.

As of this writing, Leslie's character on "Call Me Kat" will not be killed off. He'll go on vacation–a long one. Filling his shoes for at least one episode will be his mother, played by Vicki Lawrence (Schultz). Of course, Vicki and Leslie appeared together on the short-lived sitcom "The Cool Kids". Whether she returns remains to be seen.

Russell Tovey has revealed how he feels about straight men playing gay–he finds it hot! While discussing his role on "American Horror Story", he said, "There is an anxiety that kicks in that you go, 'This is a straight guy. I'm a gay guy, openly, and we're going to be kissing now.' And we did it and then his tongue slipped in and then they cut and he went to me, 'I just slipped my tongue in there–is that all right?' I said, 'If it's all right with you.' The next time we did it, I was like, 'This guy is up for it! This guy's committed. I absolutely love this, let's go for it!' So then we are like eating each other's face, tongue in each other's face. At one point I thought, 'I'm going to spit in his mouth. No, don't do that. That's too much.' I had to hold back. There's where you get in trouble." I think I'd have some trouble holding back with Tovey!

It's time for the first installment of "Billy's Holiday Gift Giving Suggestions". Traditionally, my first gift is the annual collectible holiday ornament from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This year, the honoree is Billy Porter, dressed as Lola in "Kinky Boots". What a festive way to kick off the holiday season–and deck your halls with a bit of fabulousness. Grab it at BroadwayCares.org.

Our "Ask Billy" question comes from Randy in Providence: "What do you know about the new guy in 'Take Me Out'? I saw it on Broadway last summer. Is it worth going back again?"

That depends if you can't get enough of Jesse Williams' semi-fluffed dick bobbing about (to say nothing of the fact that he can act, too). If you're going just to see that, you can look at the exclusive footage on BillyMasters.com. If you need some fresh meat, a return trip might be in order. The person taking over for Patrick J. Adams is Bill Heck–who has a heck of a body...of work. Heck, his body's pretty fantastic too. And wait till you see his ass...also on our website.

When we're recommending anything related to a sport, we've definitely come to the end of yet another column. Of course, I do have a penchant for balls, which you can always find on www.BillyMasters.com–the site for pitchers and catchers alike. If you're looking to slide into home, drop a line to [email protected] and I promise to get back to you before Peppermint Bark goes on sale! Until next time, remember, one man's filth is another man's bible.