BayWindows.com Dishes about Rona Barrett’s New One Woman Show

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May 25, 2010

Billy Masters: This Season’s Best Pride Line-Ups

By Billy Masters

“I never really addressed those rumors ’cause I always figured why defend yourself against something that’s not offensive.” – Johnny Galecki explains to the ladies of “The View” why he’s never addressed the gay rumors. For the record, he’s straight.

Here we are, on the brink of another Gay Pride Month. While various cities around the globe are preparing to use this as an opportunity to protest the inequities we still experience, it’s important to also celebrate the strides we’ve made. We ain’t where we was, but we ain’t where we ought to be. Where I ought to be is on stage, and I will be — once again hosting the Mainstage at L.A. Pride on June 12 and 13. People like Kelly Rowland, En Vogue, Kelis, Martha Davis and the Motels, Josie Cotton, and Lord knows who else will perform. As a special bonus, our Grand Marshalls for the parade will be my buddies Sharon and Kelly Osbourne! Sounds like a festive weekend for sure.

On the same weekend, Milwaukee Pridefest has quite a line-up. They kick things off Friday night with a full show by Kathy Griffin. Saturday night is hosted by Bruce Vilanch and features Roslyn Kind, Charice, and Patti LaBelle. And they bring it all home on Sunday with the legendary Joan Rivers. Way to go, Milwaukee.

Not to be outdone, San Francisco Pride (June 26-27) has scored an entertainment coup. Their events are free, so they often have trouble booking big names. But this year, the headliners will be a band of boys making their first gay pride appearance anywhere — the Backstreet Boys! OK, this would be a little more exciting if it was still 1997, but still… The festivities will also include Rose Royce, Martha and the Motels, and Andy Bell of Erasure.

Last week, most television networks announced their fall schedules. This was good news for people who will keep their jobs, but bad for those who found out they’d be unemployed. It was double bad news for Wanda Sykes — FOX canned her talk show and CBS dropped “The New Adventures of Old Christine.” But wait — ABC has twice tried to pick up “Old Christine.” So that show has options, right? Maybe. We hear that it’s very expensive for another network to pick it up, but there’s still hope if everyone takes a pay-cut to stay on a real network. After all, CBS also dumped “Ghost Whisperer” and if ABC doesn’t want it, there’s been interest from the SyFy Channel — so you’ll have a ghost of a chance finding it! CBS also cancelled “Numb3rs,” “Cold Case,” “Accidentally on Purpose,” “Miami Medical,” and “Gary Unmarried.” And yet, “Rules of Engagement” was renewed. Really?

Some shows get to plan for a finale. Like “Smallville” was picked up for next season and was told that would be the end. Alas, the retooled “Melrose Place” didn’t have any notice, so our last image is Heather Locklear being escorted out of her own office in handcuffs (see — someone was watching). Portia de Rossi will be spending more time at home now that “Better Off Ted” is no more. And, after two network attempts, “Scrubs” is no more.

Prior to the official announcement, Michael Ausiello at Entertainment Weekly wrote that “Romantically Challenged” would not be returning. This prompted Alyssa Milano to call the network and then post the following on Twitter: “I just spoke to abc. They say that no decision has been made as of yet. Either Michael Ausiello is misinformed or his ’insider’ spilled before proper human contact was made between the network, producers & cast. Either way, it’s not cool.” It may not be cool, but it’s showbiz — the next day, the show was officially snuffed.

Dana Delaney gets a new show on ABC, which means she will not be returning to “Desperate Housewives.” But have no fear — Vanessa Williams is moving in. The show had been looking for a vixen ever since the departure of Nicollette Sheridan. Vanessa fits the bill to a T.

Cancellations are not limited to television. The cast and crew of the Broadway revival of “A Little Night Music” were told that the show would be closing next month. Usually, a show will wait to see how it does at the Tonys (which take place on June 13) and then hope for a bump in the box office. However, with stars Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angela Lansbury departing on June 20, the producers decided to just wrap things up then.

As predicted, “The Pee-wee Herman Show” is Broadway-bound. Paul Reubens’ return to the beloved character was a huge success in L.A., so the show will hit the Stephen Sondheim Theater on October 26 for a limited run.

As if that wasn’t enough, the original gossip is telling her story in public. Before there was Billy Masters, Liz Smith, Cindy Adams, or even that gabby Greek Homer, there was Rona Barrett. The dishy diva has put together an evening called “Rona Barrett: Nothing But The Truth,” which will include Barrett’s quips and video clips. She’s trying it out at the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills on June 17. If it goes well, she’ll hit the road.

My darling Sherri Shepherd took part in the sixth annual “ABC Daytime and Soapnet Salute to Broadway Cares” at Town Hall in NYC. Over the years, this benefit has raised over $1.6 million for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Sherri was a surprise participant, and did a kick-ass rendition of “Proud Mary” — complete with back-up dancers and choreography. Head on over to BillyMasters.com and watch her shimmy and shake.

Diana Ross returned to the stage last week in my native Boston. The “More Today Than Yesterday” tour takes its title from her last release — back in 2007. Hey, good titles are hard to come by! The show got raves from the critics and we got some great footage, and Ross seemed to be in terrific form for this marathon show which includes a tribute to Michael Jackson. We’ll post this segment on BillyMasters.com, too.

What do Diana Ross, Sherri Shepherd, and Justin Bieber have in common? They’ve all been nominated for BET Awards. Yes, the Black Entertainment Television award committee has nominated Justin Bieber as “Best New Artist” alongside Nicki Minaj, Melanie Fiona, Young Money, and B.o.B. Huh? At least I recognize one name!

In our “Ask Billy” question this week, Roger in Tulsa asks: “Is Ricky Martin dating anyone or is he single? If he’s got a boyfriend, do you have pictures of him?”

Rumor has it that Ricky is thisclose to Italian fashion model Valerio Pino. We did some research and found that Valerio has no problem with nudity — so you can see everything Ricky’s (allegedly) getting at BillyMasters.com.

In one minor item, congrats to Queen Latifah on the purchase of her new Hollywood home, which was previously owned by sexy Henry Simmons — his will likely be the last semen that house will see. But Queenie ain’t the only name on the deed. Property records show the home is owned by Dana Owens (Miss Latifah) and Jeanette Jenkins. Who’s she? Queen Latifah’s “personal trainer”…who she’s been romantically linked with. I’m just sayin’…

When Alyssa’s “Charmed” powers couldn’t save her show, it’s definitely time to end yet another column. By the time you read this, I’ll be in the midst of a fortnight visit to the Fort Lauderdale beach house (and maybe swing by Gay Day Disney). Then back to L.A. for Pride. But I’m always updating www.BillyMasters.com for your viewing pleasure. Feel free to send your questions to [email protected] and I promise to get back to you before Kanye interrupts Bieber’s BET moment! Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.