a novel by James Robert Baker. I was tremendously captivated by this story, and saddened to learn that James took his life in 1997. You are not forgotten…

a “sensitive” director. A partial list of his films & the actors he worked with (as he was known as “women’s director” I will list only the females) “My Fair Lady” w/ Audrey Hepburn; “Let’s Make Love” w/ Marilyn Monroe; “A Star Is Born” w/ Judy Garland; “Born Yesterday” w/ Judy Holliday; “The Philadelphia Story” w/ Katharine Hepburn; “Gaslight” w/ Ingrid Bergman; “The Women” w/ Joan Crawford, Rosalind Russell, & Norma Shearer; “Camille” w/ Greta Garbo; and “Dinner At Eight” w/ Jean Harlow. Now, if that isn’t a gay boy’s mecca, I don’t know what is…

…Diagilev, and the Ballet Russe. Inspired modern dance through the 20th Century to Jerome Robbins and beyond. I directed a scene from a play by Glenn Blumstein in Howard Deutch’s Directing Workshop. I chose the scene in the French cafe, after their successful debut in Paris. I was inspired by “geniuses in a room”…how do they interact? Since I am inspired by so many artists, and am curious as to their proccess, it excited me to address this time in history. A side note: to all my actors who came on board to help me realize this vision, a heart-felt thank you. I also remember learning about the relationship between Diagilev & Nijinsky as a young gay boy and seeing another light in our history, we were here before! There is so much richness in this material that I would love to explore this as a “creation” in the future.

I’ve recently discovered this little gem of a show on the LOGO channel and delight in the love that is exhibited by the family depicted and the familiarity of the situations of a young, gay boy finding his way in the world. Reaching out constantly for something “beautiful”, my own searchings led me to ‘Mary Poppins’ paperdolls, “The Sonny & Cher show”, “Charlie’s Angels”, the movie “Mahogany”, and the music of Marc Bolan…yeah, all signs point to…I even offered to wash my Aunt’s car if she would buy me the ‘45′ of Cher’s “Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves”, she did, and I’ve loved my Aunt ever since…

As Julia Roberts stated, our “Cary Grant”. A diverse and open career of an actor that has shown it can be done…beginning with “Another Country”, “The Comfort of Strangers”, and “An Ideal Husband”, to a guilty pleasure, “The Next Best Thing”. I recently watched “The Cemetery Man” for research on my own “Horror in Lavender”…09-14-09 watched “B. Monkey”, obviously on my ‘Rupert’ section of my Netflix list, very interesting film.

a film directed by Tyrrell Shaffner. What if being gay was the norm, and “straight” was something we had to work at accepting? A look at the high school experience with this perspective. Okay, so I have a small, non-speaking part in the film, but it is still an inspiration, and I want to acknowledge Tyrrell for bringing this film out into the world…Love is Love! Check it out on a compliation DVD, “First Out”, on Netflix…

I recently watched the documentary “The Celluloid Closet” based on the book by Vito Russo, and narrated by Lily. I was reminded of the many years of entertainment and enlightenment that she has brought to my life, starting with Laugh-In, which totally shaped who I am today…and that’s the truth!!

a one-man show written & performed by David Drake. I have been “kissed” by artists who have inspired me my whole life, which is why I wanted to have an “inspiration” page on my website, to give thanks back…so, Thank You, David!

Olivia, Christmas music, and my sister, Ronda…all I need to put a smile on my face!! Her music has filled me with joy for so many years, and it was one of my most cherished moments when I saw her perform at the Los Angeles Gay Pride Celebration! However, when I tell people that one of my favorite songs is DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’ I’m frequently met with…I didn’t know she covered a Journey song!?! I honestly love you, Olivia!! BFF?