Sisters’ Soft Opening
Mister Sisters, the new 6,000 sq. ft. megabar on E. Colonial Dr., finally unlocked its doors last weekend for a soft opening that will continue until owner Brian Humphries has all the shot glasses lined up just the way he wants them. But based on Facebook comments MS is already a dazzler. “I never knew I could have so much fun so close to 436!” wrote Donnie G. “Great job at building a venue that rocks,” said Mikael A. And there were great reviews for the lakeside restaurant, too. “What a fantastic menu,” said Gabrielle D. “Dem sweet potato fries are delish,” said Zaiquiri B. Watch for the Grand Opening Dec. 16, and expect Humphries to pull out all the stops.
Opera Is Alive
A well-known member of Orlando’s uber-talented LGBT theater community has been appointed artistic director of the Florida Opera Theatre. Frank McClain directed several productions for the now-defunct Orlando Opera Company. He recently staged Company at Mad Cow Theatre, and Porgy and Bess and Guys and Dolls in collaboration with Orlando Philharmonic. But he’s perhaps best known as the hilariously fey title character in local productions of Paul Rudnick’s Mr. Charles, Currently of Palm Beach, first at the 2006 Fringe Festival and then at the Parliament House in 2009. “What causes homosexuality?” McClain as Mr. Charles asked with a gleam in his eye. “I do.” Congratulations, Frank.
Jan Stratton
Charming, energetic, and well-connected, Jan Stratton was a tireless straight ally of the local LGBT community. Stratton was Vice President of Community and Diversity Relations at Universal Orlando, and in that capacity threw her company’s support behind the Orlando Gay Chorus, the Orlando Youth Alliance, the Hope & Help Center, Come Out With Pride and this newspaper. In her honor, non-wardrobed team members at Universal wore purple on Friday, Dec. 3—the color representing the company’s many volunteer efforts in the community. You were loved and will be missed, Jan.
In A Word…
Hard Rock Café Orlando has created a 2010 limited edition Hope & Help pin. 25% of the $12 purchase price benefits the local AIDS service organization. * Phish Phest celebrated its 10th Anniversary at a gala party at Cityfish in Thornton Park on Friday, Dec. 3. * Howl, the much-anticipated indy flick starring James Franco as poet Allen Ginsberg, is currently playing at Enzian.
