Beary Christmas
The Bear Den at Parliament House played host to more than 100 people for the second annual A Very Beary Christmas. The event, put on by Bears in the City, supports local charities and this year money was raised for The Center of Orlando. It also conducted a toy drive in conjunction with The MAP Program/A Comic Shop in order to make a difference in the lives of children during the holiday season. The local entertainment and karaoke group is headed up by WAVE Award-winner Pat O’Rourke. O’Rourke said this year’s event was in honor of a dear friend, Thom Lane, who passed in 2012. He added, “My heart is overwhelmed with joy and the Christmas spirit! I can’t wait to do it again next year!”
Orlando Will See Better Days
A new live sitcom written by award winning writers John Valines and out Orlando Fringe Festival icon Tod Kimbro will debut at Sak Comedy Lab beginning Friday, Jan. 4, with a new episode premiering each month. Better Days is a scripted, live sitcom starring a cast of some of Central Florida’s most talented actors. The story draws inspiration from great episodic comedies like Cheers and How I Met Your Mother and centers around a group of friends who, while spending their time in a local bar, face many of life’s greatest issues like love, loss and finding the right roommate. For more information, visit sak.com.
It’s My Way or the Highway
The Winter Park Playhouse continues its 10th Anniversary Series of professional musical theatre with My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra running Jan. 24-Feb. 16, 2013. Directed and choreographed by Roy Alan, this musical tribute will feature four of the area’s most accomplished professional vocalists: Laura Hodos, Ryan Kim, and Melissa Minyard and out veteran performer Kevin Kelly. Featured are 56 of Sinatra’s most well-known songs. For more information call The Winter Park Playhouse box office at 407-645-0145 or visit WinterParkPlayhouse.org.
Paradise Found
Last month, we reported that longtime gay watering hole Paradise Lounge on Mills has changed names, management and that the once-upon-a-time Cactus Club – now Orlando Nights – is said to be marketed as a “straight bar.” While we received some flack, accusing us of having not having our “facts straight,”a reliable inside source at Orlando Nights, who asked not to be named, confirmed that as part of the lease agreement with QCorp Ventures, Inc. (Savoy, Savoy Daytona, Orlando Nights) owners George Butler and Randall Landbright, they are not allowed to say they are a “gay bar.” Although, most have noticed not much has changed at Paradise Orlando Nights except the name. Most of the staff remains and there’s even Bearaoke on Thursday Nights. See for yourself and make your own conclusions on Jan. 4 when Orlando Nights hosts their official grand opening.
