Mabel, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore…
If time in quarantine has taught me anything, it’s that time is relative. In other words, the rate at which time passes depends on your frame of reference. Now we all find ourselves with nothing but TIME. Sometimes I feel as though I am flying through the universe at the speed of light, and other times one day feels like an eternity. And yes, I am still 100% sober. Anywho, I’ll spare you my boring Albert Einstein theories and get right to the exciting news….
I’m writing a new show!!! My “Andy Darling Let’s Chat!” cabaret tour is booked this Fall for stops in New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Cumberland. I am super duper excited for these performances. As I sat in quarantine on day number who knows watching The Wizard of Oz for time number who cares, I thought, “Why not create a more inspired and magical show?!” I have nothing but time, right!? I told my story of the ruby slippers in “Andy Darling”, and this could be the perfect spin-off! (For those who may not know, during my super obsessed Wizard of Oz years as a kid, my parents got me a pair of ruby slippers for my 7th birthday, which I treasured greatly, and would wear as I watched the movie in our living room…skipping down my home-made yellow brick road of yellow bath towels!).
That’s how Over the Rainbow: My Story of Oz was born. I’ve been writing the show on and off since April and am excited to say that I am about 80% of the way done. Here’s a little “elevator pitch”, let me know what ya think:
Picture it: Oz- Almost a century later.
As a young queer boy from Maryland, Andy yearns to travel the world in search of his destiny. For his seventh birthday, he is gifted a pair of ruby slippers that possess a secret power. Transported to the magical land of Oz, he journeys to meet The Wizard who can unlock the keys to happiness, success, and fame.
In this reimagining of Oz, Andy portrays all your favorite characters- lions, wizards, and witches, oh my! Join cabaret artist and ‘Friend Of Dorothy’ as he experiences a fantastical journey down the yellow brick road.
Welcome back to Oz, where new adventures await!
Whew, it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. Ya know, the nervous but good kind. My hope is that this show will ready to present by the Fall and it can replace my current bookings for “Andy Darling” in October. Fingers crossed that we get through this pandemic and back to the theatre by then. The show will of course feature music direction by the one-and-only Mason Griffin! Gosh do we miss performing!! Until then, you can catch The Golden Gays NYC every Monday evening on Facebook Live.
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow,
Why oh why can’t I?
