It’s somewhat surprising that a show like Golden Girls — so dear to the hearts of gay men — has never been done before by Kansas City’s gender-bending Late Night Theatre. During the group’s 10-year run that ended in 2007, it put together plenty of movie and TV show parodies. In March, the fabulous talents of Late Night Theatre actors will reunite for a new production: Golden! Girls Gone Wild!!!.
Tickets went on sale in January, and the show is 40 percent sold out, according to Ron Megee. He’s the creator of Late Night Theatre and the writer, producer and an actor in this ensemble piece. Megee plays Dorothy (Bea Arthur’s role on the TV show), and the three other Golden Girls are also played by LNT alums: Chadwick Brooks as Rose (originally Betty White), Gary Campbell as Sophia, Dorothy’s mother (played by Estelle Getty) and John Cupit as Blanche (Rue McClanahan’s role). The play also features Martin Buchanan as Stanley, Ryan Gove as the younger Dorothy and Matt Anderson as a younger Sophia.
Besides creating the play, Megee has been starring in drag lately in a role he created called “Anna Full Axis.”
“I’ve been doing drag now on and off in the city and in theatre for 20-some years. I looked around the city, and there wasn’t a 1960s pill-popping divorcee drag queen, so I invented her. And she was born the night of the Madmen party for SAVE Inc.” in 2013.
Megee said it was difficult to pick his favorite role with Late Night Theatre, but “I loved playing Tippi Hedren in The Birds, I loved playing Anne Welles, who was Barbara Parkins, in Valley of the Dolls. I loved playing Rhoda in The Bad Seedling. There’s something about playing a little 8-year-old girl who kills people,” he said, laughing. “I had such a blast playing all those characters through the years. That’s one of the reasons I’m bringing it back now — so we can play some fun characters on stage.”
Megee starred in two roles in the May 2013 Kansas City Artists Against AIDS production of Auntie Mame’d, along with Missy Koonce and other familiar actors. The benefit production raised money for the AIDS Service Foundation. He’s been working at the Coterie Theatre this year directing School House Rock Live! and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. One of his newest gigs is hosting “Ron Megee’s Broadway Tunes on Broadway” every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Industry Video Bar, 3700 Broadway, in Kansas City, Mo.
“I wanted to do this type of bar/theatre that does something different. I haven’t been this excited about theatre in years,” he said of the Golden Girls parody. “We were talking about this even during the Late Night years. My favorite episode is when they go to the nudist hotel and get naked, and so I based the whole show around that one flashback. And the whole show is flashbacks and it goes crazy, flashback after flashback. … So that’s the whole thing, girls gone wild. We’re playing off of that naughty web show, Girls Gone Wild.”
What’s unusual about this show is that it is being performed in a bar, not a theatre. The show runs March 7-31 and starts at 8 p.m., ending before the 10 p.m. drag or Dirty Dorothy shows. “It ends at 10, and then we go upstairs for a meet and greet and have cocktails with the cast,” Megee said.
Megee explained why he chose a non-theatre venue. “I want to go back to be raw. Right now there’s a big trend across America in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, even Oklahoma City where I saw a couple of shows — people are doing bar events. Theatre troupes are moving into bars and filling that gap when they don’t have a huge clientele with different shows. Also Michael Burnes and the Missie B’s team of Chad, Jan and Jessica, I mean they stepped up. They invited us in, they’re putting new carpets down, fixing up the space, building soundproof walls. I’m very excited about it. I want to step out of true theatre, which is so controlling and you have all of the lights and sound and all. We only will have 12 lights, and the stage will be simple. It’s like, ‘People, get a drink, have a seat, have an experience.’”
Megee said that by performing in a bar, the troupe is also going back to Late Night Theatre’s roots.
“We were in the coffeehouse, in a porn palace and the Hobbs building. We used to be really raw before we moved to Grand, and then we got too big for our britches,” he said.
Late Night Theatre was known for a couple of themes in most productions — at some point, water was flung from a glass or otherwise into the audience, and Crown Royal was always featured onstage or backstage.
When I asked Megee whether the water theme might be recreated he said, “Well, you know, it is a Late Night show, I don’t want to say that there is or there isn’t. It is winter so we’ll be very nice.”
He said that they will also have 20 premier tickets set aside for each show that people can buy in advance at Missie B’s on February 19, and 21-23 from 7-10 p.m. and have a front-row seat for $25. “That gets you a slice of cheesecake and a shot of Crown Royal,” he said. “Then we eat the cheesecake with you on stage.”
When speaking about the Crown Royal theme, Megee said, “It built our theatre. I had to have my liver replaced three times.” The cheesecake is being used to be authentic to the Golden Girls show because, Megee said, they ate cheesecake in many of the kitchen scenes.
Megee said that other actors will be brought on stage to play ex-husbands and other characters. They will also bring special guests on stage from the Late Night Theatre family like David Wayne Reed, Darryl Jones and Jessica Dressler.
“All the people that started at Late Night are coming back each night, and there will be a spot for a special guest star,” he said.
Megee said that another aspect of going back to their roots is that they are selling tickets through Central Ticket Office, which they used in their early years.
“Central Ticket Office is the only place in town that, when LNT started in 1997, would give us the time of day and sold our tickets for us. They would come at 11 at night and sit in a dirty basement and sell them there. It was so sweet. So we’re going back to our roots,” Megee said.
Megee said that based on this production, he’s open to doing more plays at Missie B’s. He said he’d love to work with Missy Koonce on an all-female-cast production of some series.
“Wouldn’t you love to see an all-female cast of The Andy Griffith Show?” he asked. “Yes, you would,” he answered himself with a laugh.
Megee, 46, lives with his partner, Jon Fulton Adams, in an 1884 Victorian mansion that they call Chestnut House and are slowly restoring in the Northeast area of Kansas City.
“It’s our little decaying world that we like to hide in,” he said. They share their home with their two dogs and three outdoor chickens. “We get three eggs a day. I get 21 eggs a week,” he said.
“We got married in Kansas City with a real priest, but of course it doesn’t count in Missouri. We got married seven years ago in front of 250 of our closest friends. We follow all the rules of marriage, so that’s all good. We discussed we wouldn’t get officially married until Missouri switched over. You better start looking for your bridesmaid outfit, John,” he said with a laugh.
Megee invites everyone to buy their tickets for Golden! Girls Gone Wild!!! and revisit Late Night Theatre or see the troupe’s style of parody for the first time.
“It’s a reunion of Late Night friends and family getting back together for two hours of escapism. I just want two hours of escapism, have a drink, relax, laugh, forget your troubles. I mean we’re not trying to change the world. We’re just excited to all be back on stage together as a family.”
Golden! Girls Gone Wild!!! runs from March 7-31 at Missie B’s, 805 W. 39th St, Kansas City, Mo. Shows start at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are $18 (general admission only) and can be purchased at UMKC’s Central Ticket Office: Golden! Girls Gone Wild!!!Tickets.
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Financial Planning for the LGBTQ+ community
The new year has arrived. For many people, that means making resolutions and thinking of ways they can do better in the coming year and beyond. Money management and financial planning are often very popular resolutions and goals, but most financial advice tends to be aimed at heterosexual couples who want to grow their family and raise children.
But, what if your life goals are different? What if you don’t receive the same protection under the current laws as hetero couples?
What if you don’t want to have kids?
Financial planning is a great way to start your year on the right foot, but if you’re a part of the queer and childfree, you might need to make a few more adjustments than your hetero friends.
Let’s take a look at some strategies you can use in the new year to get your finances in order in a way that fits your lifestyle.
The Challenges You Might Face
Facing your challenges
Photo by x ) on Unsplash
Depending on where you live, there might be certain legal protections and benefits in place that can help you with financial planning. However, not all states offer those protections, which can do more harm than good and create a few challenges for you as you plan for your financial future.
For example, if you’re not legally married, you aren’t eligible for things like inheritance laws and social security benefits. No matter how long you’ve been with your partner, it’s required by law that you be married to receive those protections. Furthermore, many states have not yet established anti-discrimination laws. This means that, depending on your location, you might not have protection against things like:
- Housing costs
- Access to credit
- Healthcare access
Putting a strong, legal-approached financial plan in place now will not only help to prepare you for the future but will give you a better idea of the challenges you might have to face as you get older. It’s often worthwhile to find a financial advisor who specializes in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples. They’ll be able to help you make smart decisions with your money and keep you up-to-date with the laws and protections in your state.
A financial advisor can also help with roadblocks you might face if you’re on a budget and need money quickly. For example, pulling money out of a retirement account early generally isn’t a good idea. If you make early withdrawals, a 10% early distribution tax is added. However, if you have a permanent disability, qualifying medical costs, or need financial assistance with caregiving, you may be able to draw from it early without penalty. A financial advisor can point you in the right direction and protect you from penalties.
Making Investment Purchases
While you may have more disposable income without children to provide for, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do your due diligence when making larger purchases. These larger, investment purchases may not always follow the same trajectory as traditional, heteronormative purchases do — e.g., weddings, big houses, and then family-sized vans. Of course, you can choose to follow this trajectory or stray from this path according to your specific lifestyle. In any case, you want to watch out for discrimination when making any big purchases. Make sure to vet the company you are working with. Look at reviews and ask around in the community. Also, do your research on protections against discrimination.
For example, find out what U.S. laws protect LGBTQIA+ homebuyers. Anti-discrimination laws can only build on federal housing laws, so check your state for extra protections. When buying a car, make sure you don’t fall victim to scammy sales tactics. Even though LGBTQ+ credit discrimination is illegal, there are still systemic issues that cause credit issuers — including car dealerships — to have misconceptions about the community. It’s best to remain vigilant just in case.
For instance, you may have just one income to rely on and are in the market for a used car. When purchasing a used car, ask smart questions to avoid financial mistakes. Consider asking the car salesperson:
- What is the vehicle’s history — including service records, wrecks, or even reported theft of the vehicle?
- Are there any previous or current problems you have noticed with the vehicle?
- What services were done to prepare the car for sale?
- What is included with the car — including any preinstalled upgrades, warranties, or the number of keys on hand?
- What is the policy to return a car after purchase?
These questions may seem invasive, but they are actually investigative and, often, necessary. Avoid covert discrimination in the form of “pulling the wool over your eyes” because you are unfairly perceived as uninformed at the car dealership — come prepared. This goes for any costly purchase, so do your research and prepare for any curveballs that come your way.
Starting Fresh Financial Habits in the New Year
No matter the challenges you face — either legally or personally — one of the best ways to boost your financial wellness in the new year is to create healthier habits. Create a budget for yourself that allows you to live the lifestyle you want while preparing for the future. Maybe you’re thinking about having children someday and want to start saving now. Maybe you know that parenthood isn’t for you but you want a comfortable retirement. Some of the best ways to save, even when you’re on a tight budget, include:
- Cutting down on excessive expenses
- Finding a side gig
- Asking for a raise at work
- Chipping away at debt
- Eating at home more often
- Adjusting your paycheck withholdings.
It’s never too soon to start planning and preparing for the future — whether you live alone, with roommates, with a partner, or with a spouse. Keep these tips in mind to overcome financial hurdles and make the most of your financial vision, this year and beyond.
Slane Irish Whiskey bottles
Disclaimer: My trip was provided courtesy of a press trip but all opinions about the trip and events are my own. Please note there are affiliate links and at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you make a purchase.
Whiskey has been hitting the shelves left and right lately taking up aisles and aisles. All good things if you ask me. I took a quick trip out to Atlanta for a review of Slane Irish Whiskey. I know what you’re thinking. Atlanta and Irish Whiskey? I was waiting for the connection but there wasn’t one, except for the people I met but let’s start from the beginning, shall we?
Visiting a Garden That Gives Back to the Community
The garden at A Sip of Paradise
Photo courtesy of A Sip of Paradise
The first thing on the list is to visit a place called A Sip of Paradise. This non-profit garden space caters to bartenders and people in the hospitality industry. It’s a place where everyone can gather for specific events, help maintain the garden, borrow from the garden, and create a sense of community. It’s a safe space where you can recharge the body, mind, and soul through gardening and health and wellness programs and so much more.
As the day unfolded, we learned how the garden space was created, why it was created, and how it thrives. Anyone in the hospitality industry can tell you that it is sometimes grueling hard work. It takes a toll on the body, mind, and at times, the spirit. Walking among the various plants and flowers, you get a sense of grounding. You take care of and nurture these plants so they will grow and thrive in the sultry weather. You leave your troubles behind as your focus turns to the garden, the people, and the stories they share.
As luck would have it, it poured down rain and we couldn’t go out and weed the garden. Then the rain stopped. Then it started again. Then finally, it stopped. During the rain, we huddled together under pop-up tents and shared stories and cocktails. We learned the stories of a few members and we learned how they give back to the community that has helped them along the way.
This. This is the connection. Slane Irish Whiskey (and company) is long rooted in community, music, sustainability, and a yearning for leaving the world a better place than they found it. Cliche, I know. But the work that A Sip of Paradise does on a daily basis is the same work Slane Distillery is doing. Building a legacy.
These people are more than mere bartenders, mixologists, and drink slingers. There were trailblazers and celebrities in their own right. They were are giving back. They were are making a difference. All the while making amazing cocktails.
A Sip of Paradise’s principles are easy. Come together as a community. Partake in the care of the garden space, take what you need, and give what you can.
Inside the Epicurean Hotel Atlanta
Epicurean Hotel Atlanta
Photo courtesy of Epicurean Hotel Atlanta, Autograph Collection by Marriott
I was staying in the heart of Midtown Atlanta at the Epicurean Hotel. This isn’t your typical run-of-the-mill hotel–it’s a food-themed boutique hotel. Instead of checking in at the front desk or speaking with a concierge person, you actually check in at the host desk inside the first-floor restaurant called Reverence. Upon checking in, you’re offered your choice of a complimentary beer or glass of wine. (impressed already).
Each floor is food themed. I happened to be staying on the Pinot Noir floor. Fitting I know. I have the sense that it didn’t matter what floor I was on! The room was great and wouldn’t you know, there was a bar with snacks. Not one of those tiny little minibars, but a full-on wall dedicated to all things booze. There were shelves with wine on them, spirits, and snacks. Some were complimentary so as I sipped my complimentary wine, I had some snacks as I relaxed and pretended to get some work done before meeting the group downstairs.
Reverence is the main restaurant where you not only dine and drink, but this is where I checked into my hotel. It’s an open kitchen concept with plenty of seating in and around the kitchen. Elegantly designed and decorated to make you feel right at home.
If you want a bit more casual, you can head to Aerial Kitchen and Bar situated next to the swimming pool and cabanas. Seating is like sitting in your familiar backyard and hanging out with friends. The open concept means you’re sitting outside enjoying the weather.
If you’re not quite ready for dining, you can head over to The Office Bar and cocktails. Don’t worry, if you do end up getting hungry, you can order from the eclectic menu.
Perhaps the shining jewel of the hotel would be the cooking theater. The Epicurean Theatre is built for demonstrations, teachings, or any group event where you can learn various cooking techniques.
There’s a Sky Terrance where you can take in the views of Atlanta’s skyline or just lounge around on the large lawn space taking a break from work, or perhaps you’re working remotely. It’s a perfect setting to do that.
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Cooking Demonstrations with Whiskey Pairings
Chef preparing for his cooking demonstration at the Epicurean Theatre
Photo credit of Joe Eats World
Most of the amazing people we met in the garden were attending the dinner along with a few local writers, bloggers, and fellow lovers of food. One of the Slane Irish Whiskey Ambassadors was there to give us a bit more history on Slane Distillery.
Slane Irish Whiskey is triple distilled and triple casked using virgin barrels, seasoned barrels, and sherry. Slane works on sustainability, renewable energy, and a lower carbon footprint. Toss in the whiskey, music, and oh, a rebuilt Irish Castle and you get some pretty amazing history. The castle is used for tours, weddings, and music venues. Some of the biggest names in music have either visited or played at the castle.
Our dinner was a paring of three different expressions of Slane’s whiskey. Dinner was a four-course experience where we feasted on chilled half-shell oysters, hot and sour pork belly bao buns, scallops n grits, and orange-cured summer peaches. We finished off the evening with another Slane Irish Whiskey coffee old fashioned. Honestly, I didn’t think I was going to sleep that night but curiously, it wasn’t a problem.
Having Brunch Before Heading to the Airport
The James Room entrance
Photo courtesy of Joe Eats World
The next day we set out for The James Room. Their website opens with We’re a Vibe and I have to agree. We were told about The James Room but upon arriving and walking through the glass doors, you’re taken aback because we were supposed to have cocktails and brunch with Tiffanie Barriere. Instead what I walked into was a coffee and pastry shop with a few tables to either side of me and a coffee counter directly ahead. Intriguing.
As we were talking, one of our new friends came walking through one of the side doors and asked us to follow her. Blown away doesn’t even begin to describe what happened next. You know that point in Wizard of Oz when Dorothy walks around her house after the tornado and it’s filmed in Black and White and then she opens the door and walks outside into technicolor? That’s literally what happened to me. As the door opened, another world opened up.
The room was dimly lit in a perfect way, to my left was a very long wrap-around bar and behind (or in front, depending on how you’re standing) were various seating booths with velvet and leather seats. Words of welcome and greetings came from all around as we reunited with more of our friends from the garden.
As we were waiting for brunch, we stood around with cocktails of course, and chatted about the previous day's events when we were almost rained out of gardening! Once brunch was out of the way, it was time to get busy, we were there for an Irish coffee workshop after all. Obviously, we were going to be using Slane Whiskey as the main ingredient. We received a demo of how the Irish coffee is built and then we were on our own to recreate said coffee. We all did pretty well if you ask me but then again, it was 10:30 in the morning and we were already on cocktail two or three and we were flying out in a few hours.
It was a whirlwind event. In less than 24 hours, I met some of the most amazing humans, had some amazing cocktails made from Slane Irish Whiskey of course, ate some absolutely delicious food, and at noon I was on my way back to the airport. My only regret is that the events didn’t last longer. It was definitely not enough time to explore and experience the wonders that Atlanta’s food scene and cocktail scenes have to offer. Especially that hotel. My God, that hotel.
One More Whiskey Tasting After I Return to Chicago
Irish Coffee using Slane Irish Whiskey
Photo courtesy of Joe Eats World
Fast forward a few weeks later as I’m back home in Chicago, I get invited to a dinner and whiskey tasting for Slane. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make the dinner but I did get a chance to hang out a The Kerryman and experience blending my own whiskey and tasting even more Slane Irish Whiskey concoctions. We laughed about the rainstorm in Atlanta and talked about how amazing the people were, how good the food was, and how we went through A LOT of whiskey. One of the reps from a GlenDronach Scotch and Cheese pairing event I attended was there and we talked about how amazing everything there was.
If you’re a whiskey fan, you should do yourself a favor and pick up a bottle or 2 of Slane’s. They’re making some pretty good stuff. Even though they’re a young-ish company, they have some great things on the horizon.
This post was originally published on Joe Eats World
Mental Health for LGBTQ+ Aging Adults
Queer elders have made a big impact on the world. Queer folks over the age of 65 were around during the Stonewall Movement in the 1960s and may have even campaigned to improve the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people around the world.
But, as queer elders enter later life, they may need to find new ways to protect and preserve their mental health.
There are over one million LGBTQ+ elders in the US today, and studies find that they are more likely to have poor mental health. LGBTQ+ elders are 2 to 3 times more likely to live with depression. This is likely due to previous experiences of abuse — 82% of elderly LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced violence or abuse due to their sexuality or identity in their lifetime.
Queer elders can still protect their mental health by finding the right therapist, spending time outdoors, and connecting with the queer community in meaningful ways.
Therapy
Mental health is a major concern for everyone at the moment. However, queer elders may be particularly reticent to reach out to help and support from therapists. During their lifetime, therapy and psychiatric care may have been associated with harmful pseudo-treatments like so-called “conversion therapy”.
Queer elders can make the whole process easier by finding an LGBTQ+-friendly therapist. Unfortunately, this process can be tricky and tiresome. Social worker Amanda Frey explains that she “kissed many frogs before finding my current therapist.” Frey suggests that queer folks can expedite the process by being straightforward and stating what experience and knowledge are needed from a therapist before starting treatment.
Queer elders can also use LGBTQ+-friendly directories to start their search. Directories can help queer elders find and compare trusted practitioners before they enroll. However, not all listed therapists will be equal, and extra research may be needed to ensure it’s a good match.
Community Building
Isolation and loneliness are common experiences among older folks. As we age, our social bonds weaken and we lose people who are close to us. Isolation may be particularly common in the queer community.
Journalist and author Steven Petrow explains that queer folks are “twice as likely as our straight counterparts to be single and live alone.” Petrow goes on to explain that this may be because “LGBTQ people have often found themselves rejected by family, friends, and community,” and that, until 2015, LGBTQ+ people were not able to legally marry.
Petrow suggests that queer elders “can impart wisdom and experience to younger LGBTQ people”. This form of intergenerational community building ensures that everyone can find the support they need and create meaningful bonds.
However, “making friends” is a challenge for anyone — regardless of age, sexuality, or gender identity. Instead, queer elders can consider taking up hobbies for older adults. Hobbies like book clubs and art classes are particularly useful, as they encourage conversation and can reveal interests and ideas that haven’t been explored before.
An active social calendar later in life can mitigate feelings of loneliness, reduce the risk of cognitive conditions like dementia, and improve older folks’ physical health. Connecting with the LGBTQ+ community can give queer elders the chance to impart some of their well-earned wisdom, too.
Mobility and Exercise
Mobility restrictions are extremely common amongst older populations: 35% of people over 75 have mobility issues, and the majority of those over 85 have difficulties moving on their own. Mobility limitations can cause other issues, as fears about falling and hospitalization may prevent queer elders from getting out into the community.
Policy changes are required to help queer elders age with pride and full mobility. Current health disparities between straight and LGBTQ+ people mean that it’s more difficult for queer elders to get the help they need.
Queer elders who can find inclusive exercise groups in their area should take advantage of the opportunity to work up a sweat amongst allies and other queer folks. Recent research shows that light aerobic exercise can improve the mental health of adults over the age of 60. The study suggests that low-frequency, gentle aerobic exercise is best for preserving and improving mental health.
As such, queer elders should consider joining groups that promote exercise like:
- Water aerobics
- Brisk walking or jogging groups
- Tai Chi
- Exercise with a licensed PT
These exercises carry a minimal risk of injury and can promote better mental health and overall well-being. Ideally, queer elders should be able to find inclusive groups to join, as discrimination and abuse can still occur within groups of walkers and swimmers.
Queer elders face unique challenges as they age. Many queer elders are more likely to feel lonely in old age and may struggle to find supportive community groups. However, older queer people can find the support they need by locating an LGBTQ+-friendly therapist who understands the challenges they face and how to overcome them. Queer elders may also find support by engaging in community outreach and working with younger activists who may benefit from their wisdom and experience.