The Randy Report - LGBTQ Politics & Entertainment

Randy Slovacek

Tune in for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender news from the writer/editor of TheRandyReport.com, a daily blog reporting on the current news cycle in terms of politics, pop culture and entertainment news of interest to the LGBT community. read less

Interview: Out director Dan Watt on his new documentary 'Everybody Dance'
18-10-2022
Interview: Out director Dan Watt on his new documentary 'Everybody Dance'
"Everybody Dance" is a new documentary about Bonnie Schlachte’s Ballet For All Kids dance studio in California. As the name says, the studio teaches dance to all kids: all ages, all abilities - and disabilities including those with special needs whether physical(like cerebral palsy) or those on the autism spectrum or developmentally delayed. After a career that began as a dancer and choreographer, Dan - who’s openly gay - went on to work with stars like Bea Arthur, Ben Vereen, Carol Channing, and Simon Cowell, as well as working at Colombia Pictures in film development for a long time. But a few years ago, he made the decision to tell the stories that HE wanted to tell - with a focus on exploring the human experience, humanity, and social issues. In choosing a subject for his debut effort as a director and producer, Dan reflected on his fascination with people who study the arts but don’t make it their profession. He used to ask people questions like, “How did your piano lessons help you in your everyday life or career”? "Everybody Dance" not only explores the lives of several of the dance students at Ballet For All Kids along with their families, but the film chronicles the weeks before the dance studio’s all-important annual dance recital. That’s right - these special needs kids dance onstage right next to their classmates who Miss Bonnie describes as “typical” kids. "Everybody Dance" is available now on AppleTV, iTunes, Amazon Prime and Google Play.
Interview: Broadway veteran Jerome Vivona on the new musical 'The Nutty Professor'
05-08-2022
Interview: Broadway veteran Jerome Vivona on the new musical 'The Nutty Professor'
In this episode of The Randy Report, I'm talking with veteran Broadway performer Jerome Vivona. Jerome - whose Broadway credits include Curtains the Musical, Seussical the Musical, Kiss Me Kate, Dream, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Guys and Dolls, and Jerome Robbins Broadway - recently returned to the stage after a hiatus of some years as part of the cast of 'The Nutty Professor,' a new musical currently playing at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine. TV credits include The Today Show, Late Night with David Letterman, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, The Tony Awards and The Kennedy Center Honors. His film appearances include The Stepford Wives and Everyone Says I Love You. He’s also choreographed commercials for the Disney Channel, ABC Family and Nickelodeon TV, as well as Broadway.com commercials for the Tony Awards broadcasts. With his wife Michelle, another veteran Broadway actress and dancer, they are Co-Owners/Artistic Directors of the American Theater Dance Workshop - voted Best Arts School on Long Island in 2019. Together they train Long Island's up-and-coming theatrical talents, giving back and passing on what they’ve learned throughout their long careers. Jerome has also taught dance and music theater master classes at Indiana University School of Music, Carnegie Mellon University and Syracuse University. Jerome shares not only about his new show, but his journey & perspective as an artist on Broadway and beyond, and how he came to what he calls the "third act" of his theatrical career. He also talks about balancing family life and his career on the stage, and the gratitude he feels along the way. For more info about Jerome head over to JeromeVivona.com For more info about 'The Nutty Professor' - click to OgunquitPlayhouse.org