It’s not like gay men necessarily need special incentive to go see a Broadway show, but some shows seemed specifically designed to appeal to queer theatergoers.
The recent stage-musical version of "Xanadu" was one, but even roller-skating to Olivia Newton-John songs might pale next to what’s just been announced: Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig will co-star in the drama "A Steady Rain."
And if the presence of these two big-screen hunks live and in person wasn’t enough to generate enthusiasm, both actors will be playing cops whose friendship is tested on a domestic violence call in one of Chicago’s sketchier neighborhoods.
We are all eagerly awaiting the "SNL" (or maybe the "Big Gay Sketch Show," who knows?) version after the play opens this fall, where the title’s downpour soaks the stars’ dress blues, which they’ll then peel off to a chorus of "It’s Raining Men."
Guy wants ‘Guys’?
So far it’s all a lot of talk. And it’s been a lot of talk for a long time.
In fact, since 2003, talk of a remake of the movie musical "Guys & Dolls" has surfaced, been reported on, submerged, resurfaced — to not much real effect.
But now it seems that Guy Ritchie wants to go ahead with his version of the classic musical.
Word is that Madonna’s ex has already taken some meetings in Hollywood and is enthusiastic about taking on his first all-singing, all-dancing project.
And will his muse Jason Statham take part as rumored? The joke is that they’ve always wanted to make a musical together.
But whether or not the "Transporter" tough guy can carry a tune the way he carries a gun is as mysterious as how he maintains that perpetual 5 o’clock shadow.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition June 5, 2009.