The Anti-Diva Diva

Bernadette Peters discusses her illustrious career and her upcoming concert with Men Alive

BY BRANTLEY BARDIN

Orange alert! On May 31, the only place any self-respecting show queen will be is deep in the heart of the O.C. — specifically the O.C. Performing Arts Center. The premier Broadway baby of our day, two-time Tony Award-winning singer/actress, Bernadette Peters appears with the Orange County gay men’s chorus, Men Alive, in their “New York City Rhythm!” season finale.

“I’m so excited,” says the just-turned-60-but-still-looking-40 vision in rotini curls. “It’s just so much fun to sing with a chorus of 120 men behind you!” We hear ya, Bernadette. She recently added to her 50-years-in-the-biz string of credits (including the original productions of Sondheim’s Sunday In the Park with George and Into the Woods) with a self-penned children’s book, “Broadway Barks,” the proceeds of which will go to her like-named, NYC pet shelter charity. Now, Miss P. dishes about gays, diva-dom, and getting older with élan.

FRONTIERS: So, you’re singing with the O.C.’S Men Alive?

It’s funny, I just sang with Cleveland’s North Coast Men’s Chorus and they were joking about how they couldn’t call it a ‘gay men’s chorus’, because (ironically) “Of course, there’s no gay people in Ohio.” [Laughs] But, yeah, Men Alive is gonna be great—I picked “There Is Nothing Like a Dame” and “You Could Drive a Person Crazy” for them to sing with me ‘cause that’ll be so funny, right?

Yep. But give us your spin on why gay men have a disproportionate-to-the-population love of musical theater.

I’ve been asked that a lot so my answer keeps sifting down to more and more specific: See, music is so healing—and this kind of music is so complex—that I think it’s that when one feels they don’t quite fit in, they’re drawn to emotional, extra-sensitive things. And, of course, I always just say that they have good taste, too!

You’re still a knockout at 60. Was your birthday a freakout?

No, because I realized that that thing about ‘age is just a number’ is really true—especially if you’re healthy and everything’s working great and you’re doing everything you did since you were 40. So I didn’t think, ‘Oh my God… 60!” I realized, “Nah, that’s not really now—60’s down the road.”

What’s your response to being called a “legend” or a “diva?” Honestly, even though you are those things, your renowned, real- life sweetness makes you seem more like the “anti-diva diva.”

Yeah, when I hear someone call me a legend, it’s weird. I get taken aback, like, “What?! Eeeww!” [Laughs]

You started in the biz at 3 years old and now it’s 57 years later. Has it gone by fast?

So fast. I mean, I started performing at 3 and joined Actor’s Equity when I was 9 so it’s been 51 years—I’ve surpassed Sammy Davis Jr.’s record!” [Laughs] But still, you know, you’re sort of right about me being ‘the anti-diva diva.’ [Laughs] That’s me.

Bernadette Peters will perform New York City Rhythm! with Men Alive May 31. For more information, visit www.menalivechorus.org.

GOOD CAUSE

Walk of Life

Help support an amazing charity by joining the OC AIDS Walk 2008

BY JONATHAN RIGGS

Get out those walking shoes for a fantastic cause—the OC AIDS Walk 2008!

On Saturday, May 10, men, women, and children will “Step Up To The Plate” at the Angel Stadium of Anaheim to raise money to benefit services for more than 8,000 people affected by HIV/AIDS in Orange County.

“Without the funding raised through the OC AIDS Walk, many of these agencies could not continue to provide their invaluable programs,” says Doug Vogel, director of public affairs for AIDS Services Foundation Orange County. “Each year, government funding becomes a bit more sparse, but the number of participating walkers continues to increase.”

With a baseball theme inspired by the event's location, this year's walk has set a goal of raising $750,000, and as of press time, they were more than halfway there. There are other ways, too, to tell just how big an impact this event will have on the community.

“When they announced that the Walk would be delayed for half an hour due to the high volumes of traffic tying up the 22 and 5 freeways heading into Angel Stadium of Anaheim,” laughs Vogel, “it was at that moment, that we knew the walk would be a success.”

Making a big difference doesn't take that much work—if everyone who participates can raise $250 (easily broken into 10 sponsors of $25 apiece), they'll exceed their total goal.

All the proceeds stay within Orange County to benefit the following organizations: ACTION (AIDS CareTeams In Our Neighborhoods); AEGIS; AIDS Services Foundation; The Center Orange County; Laguna Beach Community Clinic; Mercy House; Public Law Center; Shanti Orange County; Straight Talk Clinic, Inc.; and UCI Health Education Center. In turn, these organizations provide support to their clients in the following areas: food, housing, transportation, kids' programs, mental health, case management, prevention education, and access to medical care.

“OC AIDS Walk is a fun and easy way to make a difference and help fight AIDS in your community. Start your 'field of dreams' and raise $250 by collecting $25 from yourself and nine of your friends or family members,” Vogel adds. “Help strike out HIV/AIDS!!”

To register or volunteer, visit www.ocaidswalk.org.

COMMUNITY

Everything New Is Old Again

Laguna Beach’s Sawdust Festival makes some changes while keeping its roots firmly planted in the ‘60s

BY JOSEPH AMSTER

With 30 new artists and fresh tree plantings, as well as new food offerings and entertainment, Laguna Beach’s Sawdust Festival is making improvements, but always keeps a keen eye on why it’s popular. “We’re here for the artists of Laguna Beach—all of our exhibitors are from Laguna,” says Director of Marketing and Publicity Rebecca Meekma. “We are still proudly a nonjuried art show—we don’t want to put any censorship between the art and the public, and we’ve held very true to those ‘60s ideals.”

Set in stunning Laguna Canyon, the Sawdust Festival grounds are welcoming some new residents. “We’re in a eucalyptus grove in Laguna Canyon—it’s a really beautiful, natural setting with waterfalls,” Meekma says. “We’ve planted 11 new trees to continue the shade we have. That’s exciting, because the grounds will look different with the new trees. We planted a California pepper tree, a Chinese elm, tulip trees, and sycamore. Some of them are really large to start off with—they’re not little bitty two-foot tall seedlings. We’re also expanding our patio area, expanding our food offerings—we’re looking forward to a fresh and new feeling this summer.”

With some of the Festival’s exhibitors going back to its beginnings, this year they’re also welcoming 30 new artists. But don’t worry—the artist who created a fashion craze will still be there. “We still have a lot of the artists who have been long-time favorites, like Patches, the toe ring guy,” Meekma says.

Between the Festival’s arts and crafts offerings, there’s plenty of food and a diverse array of entertainment. Meekma is quick to point out that the Festival’s $7 admission ($25 for an annual pass) is a great bargain. “Our Friday nights are reggae night, and we’re also going to have a blues night and a jazz night. That’s going to get people in the habit of coming down to the Sawdust in search of such great things. Of course, the art is our primary focus, but we’re such a special venue because of the atmosphere. You can pay an admission fee—which is far less than most clubs charge for their cover charge—and can come here to see several bands in the evening as well,” she says.

The 42nd Annual Sawdust Festival runs June 27-August 31, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. The Festival grounds are located at 935 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach.

For more information, call 949/494-3030 or go to www.sawdustartfestival.org.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Jerry Herman’s Broadway songs and tales

Tony Award-winning composer/lyricist Jerry Herman shares behind-the-scenes tales about Broadway in a unique evening of song and story. Michael Kerker of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) will interview Herman on stage while Broadway stars Jason Graae, Debbie Gravitte, and Ron Raines perform many of the unforgettable songs from his shows, including Hello, Dolly!, Mame, La Cage Aux Folles, and more. Jerry Herman: Up Close and Personal is Saturday, May 10 at 8 p.m. in Segerstrom Hall at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa. For tickets or more information, call 714/556-2787 or visit www.ocpac.org.

Free legal advice for protecting legal health

Attorneys from the Public Law Center provide free legal services for people with HIV/AIDS on the second Thursday of each month, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Shanti Orange County, 22722 Lambert St., Suite 1711, Lake Forest. Clients get one hour of legal help concerning public-benefit issues, employment discrimination, housing discrimination, and writing wills among others. “It’s really trying to get people to be proactive about their legal health,” said Sarah Kasman, Shanti’s executive director. Appointments are needed; sign up at least 24 hours in advance. “If we have 10 people sign up, they’ll bring 10 lawyers,” Kasman said. The next Legal Clinics are Thursday, May 8 and Thursday, June 12. To schedule an appointment, call 949/452-0888.

LGBT business and industry networking

The O.C. Rainbow Network, a monthly LGBT business networking mixer, meets in Irvine on the second Tuesday of each month at 8 a.m. at the IHOP on MacArthur Boulevard and the 405 (across from the John Wayne Airport). “We’re open to anyone serving the gay community as well as gay and lesbian business people,” said group organizer Brion Kidder. “We’re about making connections, increasing business exposure, and supporting each other.” The next meetings will be Tuesday, May 13 and Tuesday, June 10. All professions are welcome. For more information, call 949/280-2333.

MPower Wednesdays

MPower OC—a social/educational empowerment group for gay and bisexual men, ages 18 to 29—has scheduled activities every Wednesday. The first Wednesday of the month is Movie Night. The second Wednesday features Gayme Night, playing anything from board games to video games. Every third Wednesday is Lounge Night where the group decides what to do on the spot. Every fourth Wednesday is Guy Talk night featuring open talk about sex, relationships and social issues. “These are drop-in nights. We provide dinner and always have a good time,” said MPower outreach event coordinator Anthony Malek. MPower OC is located at 3303 Harbor Blvd., Suite B-6 in Costa Mesa. For more information, visit www.mpoweroc.org.