Dissed by Elton John
After interviewing her twice by telephone, Watermark publisher Tom Dyer finally got to meet Billie Jean King in person at the Mylan WTT Smash Hits tennis fundraiser at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World. But his most memorable encounter was with Elton John, who threw him an unexpected – and hilarious – barb during the pre-tennis press conference. Dyer, who has light hair and a thick white goatee, asked Sir Elton if he planned to teach his two boys to play tennis. His response: “Before I answer, I just want to thank Kenny Rogers for being here today.”
Lambert turns 60… in a casket
Those who know Winter Park hair stylist Gary Lambert expected his 60th birthday at the Alfond Inn in Winter Park to be sensational. But he surprised more than 300 attendees when he was carried into the banquet hall by members of the Orlando Ballet-in a casket! Lambert spent the first part of the evening in party drag – think Marilyn Monroe meets Honey Boo Boo. But after he changed – and the Orlando Ballet led a flash mob on the dance floor – Lambert dropped to one knee and asked his partner of 21 years, Shawn Hunt, to marry him. To everyone’s relief – and surprise – Hunt said ‘yes.’ Their good friend, WKMG anchor Lauren Rowe, emceed the event, which was a benefit for Bears Who Care and the Orlando Youth Alliance. Like Auntie Mame, Lambert encouraged everyone to live life to the fullest…as he certainly has.
Record-breaking Mormon show
The Book of Mormon, winner of nine Tony awards including best musical, broke the house record at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center grossing $1.7 million. Nationally, the tour has broken 46 house records in 22 venues across the country. On Broadway’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre, the play has broken the house record 45 times. The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, currently under construction to replace Bob Carr PAC, has announced it will feature Newsies, the Disney Theatrical Productions’ Broadway musical, as part of his inaugural season. The full 2014-2015 season has not yet been announced. After much debate about demolition, it was decided that Bob Carr will become part of Creative Village.
MBA Orlando goes large
As you’re driving around town the next three weeks, make sure you look up. MBA Orlando is featured on five billboards advertising “Orlando’s #1 source for LGBT & LGBT friendly business.” One billboard, which features the Lake Eola Fountain, has the chamber’s website emblazoned in green and blue. Officials expect 525,000 views from the campaign, which was sponsored by New York Life Insurance Company, Wells Fargo, Microsoft and Macy’s. This is the first time MBA Orlando used billboards to reach residents and visitors.
