I don't know what got into me; I honestly have never even thought of kissing a genuine star before but, last night, I kissed Mitzi Gaynor on the cheek. And she seemed to enjoy it. I mean, could you imagine trying to give a big smooch to, say, Lauren Bacall? I'm so sure she'd beat me with her Gucci handbag! But Ms Gaynor seemed so warm, friendly and positive, she had me giving into my basic impulse. And I'm glad I did it, I tell ya. Spread the love, why not?
Moments before said kiss, onstage at Feinstein's at Loew's Regency, this now-78-year-old entertainment legend wore pasties on her gown, shimmying to twirl the attached tassles like a seasoned burlesque queen. Surely, she wouldn't take offence to an innocent little peck on one rouged cheek. It was actually Ms Gaynor's wishing me a happy (belated) birthday, upon meeting her after the show, that spurred me to do the unthinkable; I was moved by her simple kindness.
When I remarked on how petite she appears in person, Mitzi quipped, "Yeah, everyone thinks I have legs up to my tits." IMDB says Mitzi is 5'6". I'm 5'6" and I assure you she is noticeably shorter than I am. Of course, she was wearing flats when we met and she was probably measured in stilettos.
Ms Gaynor saved her diva moments for high camp. She otherwise seemed to be genuine, warm and fuzzy. And she was nothing short of a total delight both on- and off-stage. I'm inspired now to remix something from "South Pacific" -- possibly "Some Enchanted Evening" or "I'm Gonna Wash that Man Right Outta My Hair." So, move over, Gloria, another Ms Gaynor will be taking over the discos -- swirling around in a sheer Bob Mackie gown covered in sequins and trimmed in feathers.
Almighty UK is threatening to drop a house. I'm expecting a download preview of their "Over the Rainbow", a hiNRG cover of that Judy Judy Judy song, this weekend. With mixes by Wayne G, this is bound to send the campometer needle flying up to 10, then flying off, possibly over the rainbow. Oddly, I just completed the intro mix of "Come Out, Come Out" from the "Oz" soundtrack as the lead-in for my Gay Pride promo this year. And how long will it be before someone (moi?) does a club mix of another Harold Arlen/MGM hit, "Stormy Weather," as a trendy tribute to Lena Horne?
Meanwhile, my "new friend" Joel Dickinson is now making quite a name for himself. Without the "Thee Werq'n B!tches" moniker, he is one of the official remixers for the club dance versions of Alicia Keys' "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart." It's bound to be dramatic and I hope it's a big hit for both these talented people. Also on tap is a mix by Richard Cutmore, whose new wave-disco style always manages to please. Can't wait to get my promo copy to hear these.
And my dear friend-for-ages, Kevin Scott Hall (who writes the Edge New York cabaret column), has published a novel -- about a disco diva and the recording industry -- entitled "Off the Charts". The book is perfect for summer (take it on a plane, to the beach, at the club), and the author's readings around town (followed by a q&a) are so much fun! Buy a copy now from iuniverse or Amazon. Mitzi requested an autographed copy, which she received, and is quite possibly reading it as I write this. Seriously!
(Kevin's next reading of "Off the Charts" is on Monday, June 7 at 7:00pm at Vlada Lounge, 331 West 51st Street.)
It never occurred to me that giving a peck to Ms. Gaynor was untoward. It seemed so natural! And you are werqin bitch here! Keep writing!
ReplyDeleteIt felt natural in the moment; then surreal; then scary, like I may have made a major breach of etiquette (please do not touch the star). But I guess not; she was fairly touchy-feely with her fans, too.
ReplyDeleteOMG Buddy, you're so lucky! I once danced with Deborah Harry. I was only 16 at the time. She was wearing a black body glove like the Cat Woman. That was pretty surreal too. LOL. Oh, and I saw Dustin Hoffman on 5th avenue. He is a very short man.
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