#outclique

[d-criss-news]

Kick Off the Christmas Season at the Parker with Darren Criss

Since making a splash in the Hollywood scene over a decade ago by playing Blaine Anderson on Fox’s critically acclaimed series Glee, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss has epitomized a vibrant artistic expression unrestricted by conventional forms or genres. On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, the star will make his way to South Florida’s Parker Playhouse for A Very Darren Crissmas, where he will perform songs from his recent holiday album of the same name. Made with Ron Flair, multi-Grammy nominee and producer of several Grammy-winning hits, A Very Darren Crissmas showcases Criss’ artistry delivering both thrilling unpredictable moments and a timeless sense of Christmas magic. From big band Christmas classics and novelty tunes to modern-day folk-pop ballads, this set has something for everyone, and OutClique had the opportunity to sit down with Criss and talk more about it.

Denny Patterson: Thanks for taking some time to chat with me, Darren! How excited are you to bring A Very Darren Crissmas to South Florida?

Darren Criss: I’m happy to bring it anywhere, man! With no discredit to South Florida, I’m just happy that I get to do it at all. The whole reason for making a holiday album, other than the fact that it was very fun to me, is to play it live. A lot of recording artists see playing music live as sort of a drag, and I’m the complete opposite. I make music to play it live, and given the ecosystem of the holiday music thing, which is performative, communal, and traditional for a lot of people, I look at my work as an entertainer like I’m in the service industry. I enjoy bringing that spirit to people in any way I can. When you make a holiday album, there is hope that you’ll get to tour and share this music live, hopefully for the rest of the foreseeable future. Let’s hope the holiday season doesn’t get canceled (laughs). So, I’m very pleased to do it anywhere, but I’m excited to come to South Florida because I haven’t been able to perform this down there yet. I did this in residency in New York last year at the Carlyle, and a mini thing on the east coast, but this tour includes parts of the Midwest and the South, so I’m thrilled.

Denny Patterson: What do you ultimately hope audiences take away from this production?

Darren Criss: I just hope it gets them in the Christmas spirit. Unfortunately, it is wrought with a lot of cliches, but they’re all positive cliches, so anything to get them in a good mood. This show is essentially the album that I made, and the album was to take people on this little journey through my musicological brain. It’s not just playing songs, it’s a bit of a holiday music TED Talk that relates to my own experience. It’s a cabaret of my life via Christmas music, so if people are interested in me, they might learn something new about me, but even more, hopefully they’ll learn something about music, the origins of these songs, and why they are significant to me. The hope of the album was to introduce people to music that they didn’t know, but hopefully feel familiar with. Or on the opposite side of that, have people experience music that they are familiar with in a different way, and that’s something I try to do across the board in my career. I try to make unfamiliar things feel accessible, and accessible things feel new and different.

Denny Patterson: Have you always wanted to do a Christmas album?

Darren Criss: Yes. If you have the ability to do something, like if you have a really good throwing arm and you watch somebody play catch or football, you’re like, okay, I’m going to do this one day, and here’s how I would do it. I’m like that with music. As a journalist, I’m sure when you read an article, you’re like, this is how I would have done it. We’re introduced to a whole lexicon of music every year, and consistently, one can’t help but go, well, here’s what I would do if I made a holiday album. So, I’ve been kind of inventorying my version of what this would be for my whole life, prior to 2021. I was always going to do this, so I made a list of songs I would do, and I knew exactly how I would do them. The hardest part of the album was whittling that list of 100 ideas down to 10-12.

Denny Patterson: Which song from the album is your absolute favorite to perform, and why?

Darren Criss: It varies depending on the audience. I don’t know, you never know what resonates with people more. I enjoy getting to introduce new things to people in general. I’m the kind of guy that if I find something I love, I really want to share it with people, and it gives me great joy to share something that hopefully has a positive reaction. But you never know what that’s going to be, so I suppose it’s the new stuff that I know they don’t know. Playing it live, hopefully there’s an opportunity for that song to maybe become part of their holiday experience or holiday music rotation. So, anything that’s a little left to center. There are a few songs on the album that I know people will not be familiar with, but while I have their attention, I love auditioning them to possibly become a more prominent fixture in their Christmas listening experience.

Denny Patterson: Do you have any plans to do a second Christmas album?

Darren Criss: Like I said, I had to whittle it down from 100, so there’s definitely `1a few albums in there. It’s just a matter of time, energy, and I tend to keep a lot of plates spinning. So, I think we’ll ride this one out for a little bit before we get to that, but sure, there’s bound to be a sequel. If you make something you like enough, in the back of your mind, you’re always ruminating what a sequel could be. It’s definitely in there somewhere!

Denny Patterson: What are the holidays typically like for you? Are you usually working, or do you try to take some time off and spend it with your family?

Darren Criss: It’s funny you say that because the irony of all this is now that I have this album, Christmas has become the busiest time of my entire year. Between a strike, the pandemic, and a lot of other stuff, I haven’t really been working to the degree that I probably would have pre-2020. For better or for worse, my work schedule hasn’t been as congested, so ironically, making this Christmas album has made what is ordinarily the time of year to unplug the most hectic. The new sort of Christmas tradition has been like, alright, I guess we’re going to be playing this album. And if I’m lucky enough to have people who want me to do it, then I’m happy to.

Denny Patterson: What is one of your absolute favorite holiday memories?

Darren Criss: I kind of talk a little bit about it on the album. My father is an excellent chef, and he had this wonderful tradition in our house, and the joke that I use is that he was somehow like a character from Dickensian England. He’s the only guy I knew growing up in San Francisco in the 90s that made a Christmas goose. I don’t think that’s happened beyond old fashioned English novels, but he threw this party that was a huge family and friends tradition called “The Goose Night,” and it was something everybody looked forward to. I always looked forward to his cooking and baking, and he was just like an unbelievable chef. I have a lot of nostalgia for those sights and smells of my father in the kitchen around the holiday.

Denny Patterson: Unfortunately, there are many LGBTQ+ people who struggle during this time of year. What advice or words of comfort can you offer them?

Darren Criss: Yes, a lot of LGBTQ+ and marginalized people are suffering during one of the happiest times of the year, but I think the flip side to that is those people do have each other. In times of joy and despair, we have our communities to hold us up. There’s an incredible ecosystem that exists, particularly within the queer community, which is something that has always been a stronghold of support for a lot of trials and tribulations. The queer community has been ravaged by so many things, but they have been so supportive of each other. There’s so many different resources, centers, and places that really do look out for members of that community, as well as communities outside that are also going through hard times during an otherwise pretty joyous time. I would say, whether you’re talking about Christmas, December, New Year’s, or anything that is symbolized by this time of year, it is pretty extraordinary, and this is the romantic in me talking, despite everything that goes on during the year, it is pretty wild that for a few days of the year across the globe, we subscribe to the idea that we should be nice to each other. Whether or not people do it is another thing, but the fact that mainstream media, movies, culture at large around the world suddenly decides to be warm, cozy, and cuddly. It’s amazing that we all decide collectively to do that, despite all the terrible things we do to each other. So, I would advise people to lean into that encouragement.

Denny Patterson: Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything else you’d like to mention or plug

Darren Criss: Nope! Right now it’s all about Christmas!

[stevenoevans]

@decemberdiamonds #InstaGay #Gay #GayBoys #OutClique #Travel #GayTravel #PicOfTheDay #BestOfTheDay #PhotoOfTheDay #InstaGay #GayCute #GayCation #GayFriendship #GayLifestyle #GayWorlde @StevenOEvans @OutWithSteven @outclique (at Wilton Manors, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmN-5R8OQmH/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sillyname30]

So we have another thing to look forward to - an interview for outclique magazine. I hope dennyp777's definition of "soon" is the same as mine.

Did anyone catch the interview on Sirius Radio? I didn't hear or see anything.

[outclique]

Awesome pool day at the @grandresortspa #InstaGay #Gay #GayBoys #OutClique #FortLauderdale #FtLauderdale #Florida #Travel #VacationFlorida #VisitFlorida #HelloSunny #GreaterTogether #GayTravel #GayMen #PicOfTheDay #WiltonManors #GayInstagram #BestOfTheDay #PhotoOfTheDay #GayFortLauderdale #GayFlorida #InstaGay #GayCute #GayCation #Miami #gaymiami (at The Grand Resort and Spa) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Ai4tch3WF/?igshid=12acyeeblnfp4

[psychicpandahumanoidplaid]

@doitbunnystyle - love my new t shirt. #InstaGay #Gay #GayBoys #OutClique #FortLauderdale #FtLauderdale #Florida #Travel #VacationFlorida #VisitFlorida #GayTravel #PicOfTheDay #WiltonManors ##BestOfTheDay #PhotoOfTheDay #GayFortLauderdale #GayFlorida #InstaGay #GayCute #GayCation #Miami #GayMiami @stevenoevans @OutWithSteven @outclique (at Fort Lauderdale, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUGinwdL1CP/?utm_medium=tumblr

[zzerbe13]

A day when you get mail from @stevegrandmusic is always a good day. Happy New Year dude! Can't wait to see what adventures the new year brings! #stevegrandmusic #stevegrand #outclique #magazinecover #autographedcopy

[melodymanny]

My interview with Dr Steven of @OutClique today for my upcoming show

Sat Aug 13 at 7pm

The Pub

Wilton Manors

Ft Lauderdale, Florida

https://fb.watch/eFx6Ns7Bv8/

#lifeoftym #gaymoviestar #lgbtactivist

@tymmoss

[supportlocaldrag]

☣️☣️ TONIGHT! 8PM & 10PM EST ☣️☣️ TWO SHOWS by your LOCAL SOFLO QUEENS! Follow Quarantine Queens ON FACEBOOK to WATCH! ☣️8PM - Nailed It! Drag queens learn to style wigs for the first time in this sped up 45 minute challenge by master drag stylist @styledbycarlos (wigs seen on Drag Race, Shangela, and more!) - THEN - ☣️10PM - After Hours Daisy Deadpetals and Nicole Halliwell jump in and discuss politics, Trump, COVID-19, and more! ☣️Sponsored by OutClique and Support Local Drag! www.quarantinequeens.net - - - - - - #quarantinedragshow #quarantinequeens #localqueen #localdrag #supportlocaldrag #supportlocaldragqueens #drag #draglife #dragshow #dragqueen #instagay #instadrag #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtpride #entertainer #performer #makeup #dragmakeup #mua #makeupartist https://www.instagram.com/p/B_V2j86JJsa/?igshid=1g0lyyzd25uzi

[tveitnetwork]

A True Broadway Baby: Aaron Tveit

Aaron Tveit is a man who can do it all. Not only has he toured the country with numerous shows including “Rent” and “Hairspray,” but he has originated the role of Gabe in Broadway's “Next to Normal,” sang and danced his heart out as Danny Zuko in Fox's “Grease: Live”, and portrayed several characters on television such as “Gossip Girl's” Tripp van der Bilt and “Graceland's” Mike Warren. Yes, Tveit was born a star, and he is coming to the Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale on April 29 for a one night only concert. Prepare to see just how much he can dazzle an audience.

First off, what can we expect from your performance at the Parker Playhouse?

It's essentially an evening of Broadway songs. I've been doing some concerts lately, and this is a show that I first did at a place called Wolf Trap outside of DC. So it is a relatively new one for me. Some of the songs will be from shows that I've been in, some songs are favorites of mine, and some songs you may not necessarily expect me to sing. So it is kind of an evening of Broadway songs, a lot of which audiences will definitely recognize.

Songs we would not expect you to sing? Any examples?

Well, I don't want to give anything away, but the best example was when I did my first set of concerts a few years ago in New York. I had the idea to sing a Taylor Swift song. I try to have fun with these concerts and not take myself too seriously, and my hope is the audience will feel the same way. So my music director and I went back and forth and we thought this could be the worst idea ever, or it could be a great idea. I ended up singing “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” and it ended up being of the most fun moments of the evening. The audience even participated. So from that experience, with all the shows I put together, I always look for a way to include the audience and have them be a little surprised by some of my song choices just for the goal of everyone having a good time. So that is kind of an example I can give without giving anything away.

I'm assuming this is not your first time in Fort Lauderdale.

I have spent a lot of time in Fort Lauderdale. One of the TV shows I was on, “Graceland,” was shot in Florida so I was there for the better part of three years. I actually drove by the Parker Playhouse daily.

What would you say is your favorite part about performing?

The thing that I miss the most about being on stage since I've been doing a lot of TV and film primary for the last 5-6 years is the interaction with the audience. That's what these concerts, kind of along the lines I was saying before about the songs that I look for, they really allow me to break that fourth wall and directly interact with the audience. I like to speak to them. That is definitely the most rewarding to me. Having that back and forth with the audience.

Being a vocalist, Broadway star and a TV and film actor, you are pretty much a triple threat! Do you prefer one more than the others?

[Laughs] You know, I've gotten to the point where I now love working on set and being on camera as much as I love singing. They kind of come hand in hand now. I've worked and fell in love with the craft of being on camera, but that being said, there is absolutely nothing like being on stage and having the energy of the audience. Having that back and forth. You know, when you're shooting something on set, everyone has to be quiet, nobody can laugh – you get no feedback. I mean, you might watching something a year later and say, “Oh yeah, I kind of remember when we shot that,” but it's very different. There is nothing like the energy of being on stage.

Do you have a dream role?

That's a hard one for me because I've been so blessed and lucky. Ever since I left school, I've gotten to do so many different things in all these different avenues and I have thoroughly enjoyed every single second of it. So I think going forward, I don't know if I can put a finger on what the dream role would be, but I obviously just want the opportunities to continue. That's my dream to be able to keep this going for the rest of my career and get the same kind of fulfillment out of it.

“Rent” kick started your career, correct?

Yes.

Do you plan on seeing the 20th anniversary tour?

I had a little bit of interaction with the people who were putting that tour together right before they were going out. One of my company managers was working on the production side of things, so I was aware of it, but I don't have any plans now. If they are close to anywhere that I'm at, I'll definitely check it out. The problem with those tours is that they don't play New York, but I'll check it out if it's playing anywhere I’m near. I actually did “Rent” at the Broward Center back in, I think, 2004.

Nice! Well many people know you as Gabe from “Next to Normal” since you originated that role. Out of every show you have done, do you think that one had the biggest impact on audiences?

It definitely, I think, had the biggest visceral response from an audience. I was just talking with someone today who didn't know anything about it, and they were bawling in the theatre. That was the response from a lot of people. That show definitely struck a chord and I think what's amazing, even today, is sometimes you don't go there completely with the subject matter on stage, and that show really, really went there. I think that was the ultimate success of the show. We put forward this very difficult topic and dealt with it. And it was incredibly rewarding for us. We worked on this show for a long time, and even though it went through some changes, it was well received. The run and the acclaim was very nice.

I'm going to be nosy for a hot second. Do you currently have someone special in your life?

I am dating. I've been seeing someone, but it's still in an earlier place. I'm not in a serious, serious long term relationship, but I am seeing someone, yes.

And you are straight, correct?

Yes. I am straight.

So you're pretty much a disappointment to every gay fan you have.

[Laughs] Yes, but I very much appreciate their support and always have.

Outside of performing, what are some of your other hobbies and interests?

I play a lot of golf. I actually played a lot when I lived in south Florida. I try to stay active. I play in two basketball leagues and two softball leagues here in New York. That was kind of my primary focus growing up. It's nice to get away from the daily grind and do something that turns your mind off and lets you go somewhere else. I read a lot, watch a lot of television, play video games. I'm not like a big go outer and partier, so I look for things that kind of let me hit reset button on myself.

I read that you are extensively involved with charity work and plan to partner with The First Tee this spring. Can you tell me more about that?

Yes. I have not worked with them yet, but we had a couple of things come through last year that I'm looking forward to. It's our golf charity organization that's an outreach program for underprivileged children that lets them get out on the golf course and teach them life values through the game. I think it's a really wonderful thing that they do. I've been a fan of their work for a long time, and hopefully this spring I can meet some kids and work with them more actively.

I also read that you turned down business scholarships to major in the arts at Ithaca College. Is that true?

[Laughs] Yes.

So where do you think you would be if you did not pursue acting?

I don't know. It's very interesting because I would have graduated college in 2005 and started working. When everything kind of tanked in 2008, I was going to go to school for applied economics and be an investment banker, I could have put in two years of 80 hour weeks and gotten fired. So it's very interesting. I thought I made a bold choice, but maybe I made the safe choice. But who knows, I always sang and always loved to sing and had a burning desire to do so. Maybe I would have ended up on “American Idol” or “The Voice,” one of those things if I was working in an office and unfulfilled.

Do you currently have any other project in the works?

Actually, this is the first time in a long time I don't. I've been doing these shows and this is the first bit of time I've had off in a long, long time, so I'm totally open and looking for the next thing. I've been reading a lot of things and looking for whatever I do next to be great. I don't know if it's going to be in TV, film, or stage, but it's an exciting time. You know great it is to work constantly, but when you do that, your availability for other opportunities is not there. So as far as the bigger picture, I'm really just sitting back and seeing what's next.

Interview from OutClique

[d-criss-news]

dennyp777: Like I’ve always said, unexpected interviews are the best. Just got off the phone with “Glee” star @ darrencriss, who will be touring the country this holiday season with “A Very Darren Crissmas.” Full interview coming soon to @ outclique! #darrencriss #averydarrencrissmas #christmas #theholidays #theholidaysarecoming #christmastour #christmasalbum #christmasmusic #southflorida #browardcenterfortheperformingarts #outcliquemagazine #lgbtqally #glee #gay #lgbtq #queer #gayinsta #instagay #love #celebrityinterviews

[stevenoevans]

@aladdin @kraviscenter @jayjay_4life1 @cswest1987 @fabscouthoward #OutClique #Florida #Travel #PicOfTheDay #BestOfTheDay #PhotoOfTheDay #Theater @outclique (at Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmOAnBnu4Pq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[wallshipjournal]

Project excerpts...

First off, what can we expect from your performance at the Parker Playhouse? It's essentially an evening of Broadway songs. I've been doing some concerts lately, and this is a show that I first did at a place called Wolf Trap outside of DC. So it is a relatively new one for me. Some of the songs will be from shows that I've been in, some songs are favorites of mine, and some songs you may not necessarily expect me to sing. So it is kind of an evening of Broadway songs, a lot of which audiences will definitely recognize.

[...] Do you currently have any other project in the works? Actually, this is the first time in a long time I don't. I've been doing these shows and this is the first bit of time I've had off in a long, long time, so I'm totally open and looking for the next thing. I've been reading a lot of things and looking for whatever I do next to be great. I don't know if it's going to be in TV, film, or stage, but it's an exciting time. You know great it is to work constantly, but when you do that, your availability for other opportunities is not there. So as far as the bigger picture, I'm really just sitting back and seeing what's next.

[outclique]

@tomgossmusic Nov 10, 2018 #InstaGay #gay #gayboys #outclique #florida #travel #VacationFlorida #VisitFlorida https://www.instagram.com/p/BpA5xxPHAik/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=17azvpfynwsjy

[nudephotoguy]

Fort Lauderdale Pride! #gaypride #pride #pridefortlauderdale #nudephotoguy #iphotoyou2 @outclique (at Pride Fort Lauderdale)

[cynthiajayusa]

Latinos Salud to Host 10th Anniversary Gala at DCOTA

In honor of its 10th anniversary, Latinos Salud will stage a Gala fundraiser at the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) in Dania Beach.  The festivities kick off at 7 p.m. and will feature local Hispanic musicians and performers, an open bar, and a plated awards dinner with a surprise award to a local advocate who has been dedicated to improving community health, all within the stunningly designed and soaring DCOTA atrium. Local NBC6 news anchor Roxanne Vargas will emcee the evening.

To help celebrate this milestone, Mexican-American fashion designer and Project Runway All Stars winner Mondo Guerra will attend and participate in an “Actor’s Stage” discussion, reflecting on his creative journey, HIV stigma, and how his unplanned disclosure of his own HIV-positive status proved liberating.

As guests enter the Gala event, they will see Mr. Guerra’s most recent designs displayed in the DCOTA’s showcase windows.  Mr. Guerra will also donate a unique creation to the event’s silent auction.

Latinos Salud co-founder, Rafaelé Narváez states, “We have a great evening planned, with singers, videos, a great dinner, and special guests. The event is hoped to raise significant funding, because unfortunately, community support has not kept pace with the agency’s growing service region. Like all non-profits, Latinos Salud depends on private donations to supplement its primary grant support, which do not pay when service targets are exceeded by helping more members of the community.”

“We hope that the community will open its hearts as well as its wallets to support our mission,” said Executive Director, Stephen Fallon, PhD.  “Our three strategically-selected, full-time locations are designed to reduce clients’ barriers to accessing prevention, testing, and linkage-to-care services.  We also take our services to the community with late-night and weekend outreach, using two mobile testing vans. The overhead and staffing for this sort of community engagement require a significant investment from the community, and each of us benefits from this investment.”  Fallon noted recent studies that show persons living with HIV cannot transmit the virus sexually to others, if they are successfully treated. “But too many local Latino and other minority gay men do not know how to access care, fear they cannot afford care, or even postpone testing until their health has degraded significantly,” he noted.

Advance tickets are available online at bit.ly/LatinosGala2019. Standard tickets are $150 and VIP tickets are $200. Sponsors to date include AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Avita Pharmacy, Baptist Health South Florida, CAN Community Health, HOTspots!, Midway Specialty Care Center, Outclique Magazine, and Marks List.

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2019/01/24/latinos-salud-to-host-10th-anniversary-gala-at-dcota/ from Hot Spots Magazine https://hotspotsmagazin.blogspot.com/2019/01/latinos-salud-to-host-10th-anniversary.html

[demitgibbs]

Latinos Salud to Host 10th Anniversary Gala at DCOTA

In honor of its 10th anniversary, Latinos Salud will stage a Gala fundraiser at the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) in Dania Beach.  The festivities kick off at 7 p.m. and will feature local Hispanic musicians and performers, an open bar, and a plated awards dinner with a surprise award to a local advocate who has been dedicated to improving community health, all within the stunningly designed and soaring DCOTA atrium. Local NBC6 news anchor Roxanne Vargas will emcee the evening.

To help celebrate this milestone, Mexican-American fashion designer and Project Runway All Stars winner Mondo Guerra will attend and participate in an “Actor’s Stage” discussion, reflecting on his creative journey, HIV stigma, and how his unplanned disclosure of his own HIV-positive status proved liberating.

As guests enter the Gala event, they will see Mr. Guerra’s most recent designs displayed in the DCOTA’s showcase windows.  Mr. Guerra will also donate a unique creation to the event’s silent auction.

Latinos Salud co-founder, Rafaelé Narváez states, “We have a great evening planned, with singers, videos, a great dinner, and special guests. The event is hoped to raise significant funding, because unfortunately, community support has not kept pace with the agency’s growing service region. Like all non-profits, Latinos Salud depends on private donations to supplement its primary grant support, which do not pay when service targets are exceeded by helping more members of the community.”

“We hope that the community will open its hearts as well as its wallets to support our mission,” said Executive Director, Stephen Fallon, PhD.  “Our three strategically-selected, full-time locations are designed to reduce clients’ barriers to accessing prevention, testing, and linkage-to-care services.  We also take our services to the community with late-night and weekend outreach, using two mobile testing vans. The overhead and staffing for this sort of community engagement require a significant investment from the community, and each of us benefits from this investment.”  Fallon noted recent studies that show persons living with HIV cannot transmit the virus sexually to others, if they are successfully treated. “But too many local Latino and other minority gay men do not know how to access care, fear they cannot afford care, or even postpone testing until their health has degraded significantly,” he noted.

Advance tickets are available online at bit.ly/LatinosGala2019. Standard tickets are $150 and VIP tickets are $200. Sponsors to date include AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Avita Pharmacy, Baptist Health South Florida, CAN Community Health, HOTspots!, Midway Specialty Care Center, Outclique Magazine, and Marks List.

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2019/01/24/latinos-salud-to-host-10th-anniversary-gala-at-dcota/ from Hot Spots Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.tumblr.com/post/182270658720