"The obvious one would be A Little Night Music. I know I could do that role very well now that I've gotten to this stage in my life, and you know it's a beautiful song in there. It's perfection."—Sarah Brightman reveals what might tempt her to return to the musical stage. Yes, the former Mrs. Andrew Lloyd Webber longs to do a show by Stephen Sondheim.
I first met Stephen Sondheim at a crowded event in NYC. I knew it was going to be one of those brief encounters—we'd be introduced, he'd say hi and keep walking. But that also meant I'd have 10 seconds to make an impression. He said it was nice to meet me. I said, "I just saw Dorothy Lamour in Side by Side by Sondheim." That stopped him dead in his tracks. He looked intrigued. "Really? Where?" "A dinner theater in Anaheim." He smiled. "How was it?" I had the perfect retort: "How do you think?" Sondheim let out a guffaw. He still walked away, but I got a laugh—and getting a laugh out of Stephen Sondheim was good enough for me. Rest in peace.
J.K. Rowling has been in a battle with members of the trans community. At the risk of being overly simplistic, the main issue seems to be Rowling's distinction between cis and trans women. The protests have been primarily online, but things recently took a less virtual turn. Rowling tweeted, "Last Friday, my family's address was posted on Twitter by three activist actors who took photos of themselves in front of my house, carefully positioning themselves to ensure that our address was visible." At the very least, one must applaud her use of the pronoun "themselves." The "activist actors" were holding signs that read, "Trans rights are human rights" and "Don't be a cissy"—which points to the crux of the contention. The incident warranted the intervention of Scotland Yard.
Colton Underwood's reality series, Coming Out Colton, hits Netflix on Friday, Dec. 3. The six-episode saga takes us inside his coming-out process—or does it? He posted the artwork for the series with the following comment: "This image was captured moments after I came out to my dad, which was one of the most meaningful parts of my coming out journey." So, let me get this straight (so to speak): When deciding to make this life-changing admission to his father, he made sure to have a film and/or camera crew on hand to capture it? Color me skeptical.
Will Smith has been considering putting together a one-man show of his own, but hasn't been able to find the perfect collaborator. Then he got booked on The Graham Norton Show with Lin-Manuel Miranda. On the air, he said, "This is probably a terrible thing to ask at this time, but I want to do a one-man show and I would love you to help me do it. I have had it in my mind for years and I think you are the one of one in this business." Miranda, who was appearing via remote, simply said, "You heard it here first!" And perhaps you've heard it here last.
Shortly after the Graham Norton show, one publication contacted two plastic surgeons to have them weigh in on what facial work Will Smith has had done. (I have a dear friend who does the same thing regularly—sans medical degree.) Dr. Michael K. Obeng said, "Will definitely looks a lot smoother," which he attributes to either "a series of micro-needling," a "CO2 laser" or a "fat transfer to the face." I'd have guessed good lighting and special filters. Dr. Obaid Chaudhry said, "Will Smith has a much fuller face," which can be achieved "with fillers or fat transfers." Really? My face looks fuller. You wanna know my secret? A pandemic and pounds of peppermint bark!
At this time every year, I share some products that I think would make great gifts for your special someone. So, let's kick off "Billy's Holiday Gift Giving Suggestions" with one of my perennial favorites. Each year, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS releases a collectible holiday ornament of a theatrical legend. This year, you can deck your halls with Audra McDonald as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill. It's a perfect addition to your collection—or a way to start a new tradition. Order it at BroadwayCares.org .
When Tom Daley picked up knitting, I thought he might start a trend. Since I've yet to see a gaggle of gorgeous gays knitting, so I guess it hasn't caught on. But Tom's taking matters into his own hands—an image I'm sure you've all seen on BillyMasters.com . "Made With Love by Tom Daley" sells you kits for you to knit your own wares—if you have the time, talent and tendency to partake in such a DIY project. One of his most popular items is the "Winter Warmer Hat Kit." It includes your choice of yarn color, a manual, a pattern and some optional knitting needles for about $50. While I'd surely opt to buy my own finished hat, Tom's kit does come with the promise of 12 inches and two balls. I've done far more for a whole lot less, so grab yours at ByTomDaley.com .
When an Olympic diver is delivering two balls, it's definitely time to end yet another column. Sounds like a gift that keeps on giving to me! You can get more than a foot of fun at BillyMasters.com—the site that is celebrating Cyber Monday with a special sale all week long. If you're in need of some ho, ho, ho, drop a note to Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before the next Sondheim revival I see comes with a choice of chicken or fish. So, until next time, remember: One man's filth is another man's bible.
