B.Michael Peterson

A Quiet Moment from the Producer of “One Queen, Five Hillebrities”

bmichaeleditor — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:43:43 +0000

Ever since I took my first acting and directing class in high school, I have been asking questions left and right. It has been the vain existence of my career: asking questions. Asking questions has become my porn in the sanctuary of making theater. Ursula Major and I are overtly thrilled this anticipated community gathering and we have been working really hard in creating a great wealth of questions to ask these five hillebrities. From the day that I released the names of this “One Queen, Five Hillebrities”, you – yes, you, have asked me, “Why was I not chosen to participate in this??” Well, this will not be the only issue of this fabulous showcase of raw entertainment. There will be other issue’s in the future. This is only the beginning in new and improved event production on Capitol Hill.

If you don’t know the hillebrities on this panel, then you’re in luck because I’m here to give you the “T”, but it’s all waiting for your eye’s approval after the jump…

Arden Turnbull and Jimmy Scarpello – Sinfinite Productions and ElektroPOP! At The Baltic Room…

: Arden Turnbull is a multi-faceted producer with an urge to get up and fill up the dance card that is burning in his wallet.

: Jimmy Scarpello is the life of the party as a social butterfly. At any given moment he can make you feel welcomed, with our without his boyfriend, Christopher.

Sinfinite Productions have been taking over Capitol Hill with their hot Thursday night “ElektroPOP! at The Baltic Room and they are not going to stop there! If you are not showing your support in person, you can get more insight through Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Sinfinite I hear some big events are on the horizon and you won’t want to be left unattended.

Shanon – Founder of Ruckus Productions…

: Shanon brings a hint of mystery and excitement to event producing that is unique to the naked eye.

Shanon is the founder of Ruckus Productions which produces many events around town including Undergrad at Neighbours Nightclub with DJ PBear and SOS.

Be sure to give them support on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RuckusSeattle

Adaam King – Fashion on the Radio…

: Adaam King is fierce with style, execution of words and creating a fantasy for your eyes. He’s also not afraid of the tattoo needle.

Adaam is a fashionista like no other and his fashion sense shows not only in his ensemble, but in the friends that surround him. Through his online fashion blog he writes about fashion and interviews designers from all across the map. Give your support: http://www.fashionontheradio.com

Cameron Fetterly – Capitol Hill Socialite…

: Cameron Fetterly struts his own fashion as a socialite on Capitol Hill and beyond.

Cameron Fetterly executes a model’s life filled with glamour, socializing and being the lifer at the party.

Whether or not you believe in the whole “hillebritiy” concept, this is still going to be a great show! Come on out to Re-Bar on January 16^th at 8pm and get your “wise men” special cocktail at the bar and show your support to these fine individuals and be a part of the start of a new chapter for NQB Productions. The best part of the evening will be the dance fever with your favorite TLC mixer - DJ LA Kendall. Kendall will be spinning beats all night long and I’m sure there will be a few surprises up my sleeve with these contestants that even the naked eye won’t be able to handle. See you next Monday!

-B.Michael Peterson / Artistic Director / NQB Productions

Trucker Tranny “Twinkx”

bmichaeleditor — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 19:16:12 +0000

Earlier this week I was given the opportunity to pose in the Beefcake photo shoot as a tranny prop. These are the evidence. You can find more images on my Facebook.

Photography by Les Sterling. Trucker Tranny "Twinkx". Seattle, Washington.

Storm Large Launches Her Memoir and Performs, New York City

bmichaeleditor — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 04:48:24 +0000

If you know me then you are fully aware of my music love for the Portland Rockstar, Storm Large. Below just came into my inbox and I sure wish I could be at book release party in New York City for the release of her memoir: Crazy Enough. Show your support for this amazing music artist if you’re in the New York area. xxoo -BrianStorm will be taking on New York City next week with two very special appearances.

The book launch party with Storm reading from her new memoir Crazy Enough and an acoustic performance at the PowerHouse Arena book store in DUMBO on Thursday, Jan. 12th from 7-9pm. Admission is free and complimentary beer and wine will be provided (off-color banter comes free of charge as well).

BEEFCAKE zine release party! Tonight at Pony!!! Trucker Tranny “Twinkx” makes her premiere!

bmichaeleditor — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:53:15 +0000

Hello my readers! Something exciting is happening tonight at Pony and that is Beefcake. I was given the opportunity to pose as a trucker tranny (as a prop) for this month’s zine issue of “Beefcake”. If you’re in the Seattle area – please come down and support this monthly release party. The party gets underway at 10pm. See you there!

Mysterious Faerie, Chapter One

bmichaeleditor — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:30:33 +0000

Obsession and jealousy go hand and hand for one very special guy named Trevor. Sitting back in the chair, Trevor reads his morning news with the newly pressed copy of The New York Times, as he does every morning. The coffee briskly steams up from the mug that sits in front of him; the freshly pressed coffee grounds and the smell of the aroma stimulates Trevor’s senses that seems to curing his hangover. While the aroma from his morning coffee and the poisonous ink from the paper, the white noise pounding on the inside of his head gets his nerves edgy, so he turns on his iTunes remix playlist.

He briefly pulls up his Facebook profile and notices the evidence from the night before. Pictures from all over town captured him acting out

“Another teen suicide in the Hamptons? YouTube has to be going crazy, not to mention Facebook. I’m too afriad to pull open my Twitter account to see whose tweeted about last night. What a walk of shame that was – but today is a beautiful day!”

Trevor has been introduced to the grand world of dance clubs, DJs, drag queens and a little something special called love. From one DJ to the next and wrangling up drag queens to kick hetero-butt on the sweet streets of Capitol Hill, life has been turned around for the award-winning dentist whose life has been nothing but appointments and pretty teeth surgery for the rich.

On the backside of his mind he can’t help to replay the events from the night before, no matter how harsh it hits against his hangover that is slowly dissipating.

He closes his eyes as he sits back down in his chair at the breakfast nook table that overlooks downtown Seattle. The imagery of disco lighting, DJs spinning beats that cause every twink, tom and dicken on the dance floor, including himself to be taken away for only a moment. How hot is the secret hidden messages in the tracks played by that DJ and what does it means? Does anyone else notice?

He thinks to himself to brush the dirt under the rug and march on forward with the highest flame burning inside of his body, his temple.

It’s a brand new year and the only retrospective thought running through his mind is the constant travels from point A to point B and the mystery of surprise. He learned a very valuable lesson: Never accept candy from strangers, but more specifically, don’t accept stamps on your wrists with magical invisible ink while setting off fireworks on New Year’s Eve. It wasn’t just the ecstasy that caused the all night trip and the music was not the only medicine keeping him going until the sunrise.

Trevor barely find the time to breathe inside the club, but he keeps moving on because that’s the only thing he can do.

Balagan Theatre Opens Spring Awakening in 2012

bmichaeleditor — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:28:49 +0000

It was only a year ago when Balagan Theatre was forced to close down their doors at their home on Capitol Hill, underneath Boom Noodle, but these guys and gals have been busy bees to get things rolling again. With the artists and administrators at Balagan Theatre back in motion and gearing up for their upcoming opening production “Spring Awakening”. This Seattle-premiere production features the talent of local actors: Jerick Hoffer, Diana Huey and Brian Earp, and it tells a story of teens whose connections has tragic repercussions. Director guru, Eric Ankrim, brings this story to life here on Capitol Hill at The Erikson Off-Broadway Theatre, which Balagan Theatre is now managing. Ankrim has been emerging and growing as a local director in the form of musical theater with directing credits at The 5^th Avenue Theatre and beyond.

There is a great sense of excitement and scare when you are counting the days down to opening night of a production, all because of the mystery. What is about to be released to the hound-dogs and how am I going to react at what the product has to offer, there right into my face?

“Spring Awakening” is an offbeat, teen rock musical about young love and social repression, based on the highly controversial play of the same name by Frank Wedekind. One of the noteable actors joining the cast is Jerick Hoffer, who is known to many as Jinkx Monsoon, the current host of Le Faux / Julia’s on Broadway. Capitol Hill is filled with young love and social repression so it’s one smart move to produce this musical and perform this rock n roll masterpiece on Capitol Hill, in the middle of the scene. The slogan and expression that Balagan Theatre strives to explore is “Redefine Your Nightlife” and it’s an expression that has not escaped them during the hiatus of twenty-eleven. You will only have six chances to consume Spring Awakening at Balagan Theatre and tickets begin at only $20. Catch it once, catch it twice and explore the greater purpose of live theater and that’s beginning a conversation, emerging yourself in someone else’s story and give yourself the power to think, educate and inspire. Come join this community meeting space for Balagan Theatre’s production of Spring Awakening, a place where you enter as strangers, but leave as friends.

www.balagantheatre.org

B.Michael Peterson Speaks to Drag Superstar Contestant, Chad Michaels

bmichaeleditor — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:21:42 +0000

For the past three seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race, the majority of the star contestants who have paved the street for future drag contestants have been queens and impersonators of the younger age, primarily in the early to mid-twenties. As for one Chad Michaels, he is no stranger to drag and the art of female impersonation because he is one of the top Cher impersonators in the country and you’ll be seeing her later this month as we kick-off the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

B.Michael Peterson: Where did your drag name come from and how has it become a part of your career?

Chad Michaels: Greetings gorgeous Seattle!! Well, my drag name used to be Brigitte Love! I had to kill her. I dropped that AKA when I moved to Las Vegas to work with an “Evening at La Cage“. La Cage required that each entertainer be introduced by a male stage name and mine just stuck! People came to know and love me by the name Chad Michaels and I didn’t wanna fuck it up! I love all the lov’in I can get!! Sometimes I miss Brigitte, but she really was a bitch!!

Read more of the interview after the jump…

Peterson: Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

Michaels: I grew up in San Diego, CA and still reside there. I love living on the West Coast in the sleepy beach community I call home. It’s a total 360 from the wacky world of my career as an entertainer. I get to escape all the craziness of drag just by clicking my heels!!! Surfs up dude!

Peterson: Welcome to season four, hunty, how many times did you have to audition to get on this show?

Michaels: Well, HUNTY (insert a little attitude here<-), I actually submitted audition tapes for seasons 2 and 3! I finally put out for season 4 and got a spot. Don’t ask who I had to blow.

Peterson: What animal do you represent in the jungle?

Michaels: I would say my inner jungle animal is a cougar, well, because that’s what I am, a Drag Cougar! 40+ and looking for good times and easy prey!!! LOL!!!

Peterson: Excluding RuPaul and Lady Bunny, what previous drag race contestant do you aspire to, or look up to and why?

Michaels: I love and celebrate Season 3 cast member Delta Work!! and not just because she’s one of my best girlfriends! Delta is gorgeous, has the most dangerous curves in the biz, has a sharp tongue and wit, but most importantly, she’s a great big old softy with a heart of gold! “The Whore with the Heart of Gold”!! Yes!!! Book title!!!

Peterson: Without revealing details about the show (of course), how would you describe this season in comparison to the previous seasons?

Michaels: All I can say about this season of RPDR4 is that ya’ll aren’t ready for all the high-high drama, fun and fantasy, and the pure emotion. It is truly going to bring America to it’s knees. Emmy Please! Thank you!

Peterson: How confident are you in getting crowned the next Drag Superstar?

Michaels: I can certainly say that I get all my confidence from KNOWING that I am the most beautiful Bitch in the cut… and the most humble, of course!

Peterson: On many reality shows, people have said that they are not here to make friends. What’s your take on making friends on reality shows?

Michaels: I’m a really friendly Queen to begin with so making friends for me is part of what makes my career as a Female Impersonator most rewarding. Making friends in a competition like RPDR4 is or course natural and it can be very comforting to have someone to lean on. Making enemies also tends to be part of this kind of competition…. stay tuned Babes!

Peterson: Are there any special groups that are formed this season with some of the girls?

Michaels: You can expect to see the Queens of RPDR4 pulling all kinds of stunts and shows this season! It is an extremely diverse cast or girls with all different backgrounds and styles. When they put us all together, BIG THINGS HAPPEN!!

Peterson: Every season, there is always a sewing challenge on the show. Do you sew and if so, how well are you gifted at this trade?

Michaels: I can confirm that there will be some pretty rigorous sewing challenges this season! I design and sew many of my own costumes and garments so I feel as though I’m ready for anything Ru throws my way!! I can’t say that some of the girls were as competent with a sewing machine as I was!

Peterson: There are a handful of fabulous guest judges for this season. How well did you respond to the criticisms of Michelle Visage and Santino?

Michaels: Michelle and Santino can be harsh critics! However, if a competitor is willing to swallow their pride and listen to what the judges are saying, success is very attainable. RuPaul and the judges are basically telling you what they want to see from you and it is your responsibility to apply the advice they give you during the course of the competition! All you have to do is listen Baby!

Peterson: What is your strength and what is your weakness as a drag queer and artist?

Michaels: My strengths as an entertainer and artist include creativity, uniqueness, nerve, and talent!! Well, these talents will get you in the competition, but I also do my own sewing, hair, make-up, music mixing, I have dance training, and I can run my mouth on a microphone! I’m a very talented Girl! I guess my only weakness would be my wooden leg.

Peterson: Where does drag fit into your overall career?

Michaels: Drag is my overall career. I have been completely dedicated to entertaining the masses for over 10 years now. I haven’t had a day job since 2001. Drag is my passion. I love the creative process and live to perform live! It’s all so unpredictable and exciting! As far as weaknesses go, I am a bit of a sissy and sometimes all the rhinestones on my costumes can be a little heavy and taxing!!

Peterson: What is your current relationship status? Single? Partnered? Widowed?

Michaels: I have been with my partner Adam for eight years. My relationship with him is the thing I am most proud of and hold most dear in my life. Adam is talented, funny, caring, handsome, and has been my rock when seas get rough. We want to get married but have decided to wait until we can legally do so in California. We are STILL waiting and fighting for our rights!!

Peterson: What three words would you say to Michele Bachman if she were standing right in front of you?

Michaels: You Stupid Bitch!

Peterson: What person, dead or alive, would you love to spend an entire day with and why?

Michaels: I would love to spend the day with, of course, Cher! We would go shopping, have lunch, do the spa, and swap cosmetic war stories! I know we would have a grand time and would probably end up being organ donors for each other as our DNA is clearly a match! You see the resemblance, right??!! Love you Seattle and hope to see you soon!!!

Box Office, Eat This!

bmichaeleditor — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 02:43:39 +0000

Tickets printing, cash drawers opening and closing, yapping co-workers giving me not only a migraine but a hernia. Why such gloomy sights enter my vision and scrutinize my day? All in a day’s work I “deal” with the horrors of working customer service and box office operations. Is this prep work for my future as an entertainment producer? Hell – why does anything happen anymore these days – in the final days of earth. I digress – naturally. If William Shakespeare were mysteriously transported to earth today, what would he say? How would he respond? Who and what bitch would he slaughter? (I’d pay big money to see a battle between Shakespeare and Paris Hilton or Perez Hilton).

This all falls under the category of crap art on Broadway in New York recieving awards – just like the infamously unfortified Spider-Man Behind My Ass-Dark musical. Can I get a bitch, please?!?

Strolling Down the Path: A Rant, A Pet Peeve and Something to be Thankful for

bmichaeleditor — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 07:23:20 +0000

Christmas is one gayest holidays out there. Right?

A little Rant…

The best things about the holidays is the abundance of food and booze that you consume on Christmas Day, no matter what your religious views are. But let’s get one thing out of the way – Christmas is NOT a religious celebration, it’s a world-wide holiday that is celebrated by so many different types of religions. Whenever some person of a different religion says to me – “Well, i’m Jew” when i wish them a Merry Christmas, all I want to do is scream and chop off their fucking head!

A Pet Peeve…

I absolutely hate it when someone says, “I really love that film because the writing was freaking amazing!!!” when referencing to a movie that has been made from a play in live theater. HATE IT! I mean, really, come on?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!? This is exactly why I am a theater artist and was trained in the arts of theater – if I wanted to be focusing on film, then that’s what I would have studied in college and for the past twenty years.

Bitches – it’s a remake! Get is right!

What I’m Thankful For…

My friends in Seattle and I can’t believe that I’m finally saying this, but after two years i finally have a group of friends who I adore and love, and vice-versa. Wow! Actions are louder than words…

Early Christmas Present: The Line that Never Ends…

bmichaeleditor — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:46:44 +0000

What a Christmas present! Thank you, Ma!