Over The Rainbow
Feb. 23rd, 2008 10:17 pmOne of the things that never ceases to amaze me about the universe, is how small that universe really is. I only came to this conclusion after having moved to New York City and realizing that almost every person who was a childhood or young adult idol of mine, were a mere one or two degree of separation one from me now.
One of those people who was influential to me as a young'un was Sam Harris, he of Star Search fame. I loved seeing him on Star Search, knowing that we shared that shameful secret. I was amazed when he opened his voice and out came Patti Labelle's version of Over the Rainbow. In my mind he still may be one of the best male theatrical/cabaret artists ever, of the male genre that is. My friend Marty would call him a singing actor.
I saw him in the late 90s perform in the truck and bus production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in Detroit. He was fantastic in the part (and in the loincloth). That performance remains the first time I've ever seen a performer get a standing ovation, during a performance.
I met him 8 years ago, on my 30th birthday. At the time, he was working with Liza Minnelli on her Minnelli on Minnelli show, I don't know what exactly he did for the show, he was just one of Minnelli's in crowd. Aren't all gay men part of Minnelli's in crowd? I didn't mean to be redundant.
I was so excited to see him there in the audience and I went and spoke to him after the performance. When he discovered I was there for my birthday he so sweetly wished me a Happy Birthday and was honestly interested in what I had to say about the show. I explained to him how as a youngster he helped me to see a world outside of New Baltimore, Michigan, where a gay man could go on Star Search and belt Over The Rainbow. He slightly blushed and thanked me for it. Oh, and at the time he wasn't out yet, the Advocate article in which he officially came out, was released the next day. Maybe that's why he blushed a little.
Anyway, a few years ago, I learned a friend of mine through LJ who shall remain nameless, was actually friends with Sam. Well, his partner is friends with Sam. I was fond of teasing him and saying when I come to visit we'll have to do lunch, etc.
Two weeks ago, Sam sent out an email to a group of friends letting them know he had a new song which he was making available as a free download from his website. That email went to my friends boyfriend, said boyfriend received a copy and forwarded it to me. I quickly emailed asking if I could send Sam an email. My friend said that I could, so I did and he wrote back.
He's a very nice man, I just wish he was more successful, he certainly deserves it! I didn't say anything stupid or fawning or anything like that, I'll save those comments for when I get Liza's email address! (I know, I Know, she doesn't have one, two people who know her have told me that already ;)
Anyway, that's the end. The whole incident provided a few minutes of sheer enjoyment and elation when I saw his name popup in my inbox.
Just wanted to share.
One of those people who was influential to me as a young'un was Sam Harris, he of Star Search fame. I loved seeing him on Star Search, knowing that we shared that shameful secret. I was amazed when he opened his voice and out came Patti Labelle's version of Over the Rainbow. In my mind he still may be one of the best male theatrical/cabaret artists ever, of the male genre that is. My friend Marty would call him a singing actor.
I saw him in the late 90s perform in the truck and bus production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in Detroit. He was fantastic in the part (and in the loincloth). That performance remains the first time I've ever seen a performer get a standing ovation, during a performance.
I met him 8 years ago, on my 30th birthday. At the time, he was working with Liza Minnelli on her Minnelli on Minnelli show, I don't know what exactly he did for the show, he was just one of Minnelli's in crowd. Aren't all gay men part of Minnelli's in crowd? I didn't mean to be redundant.
I was so excited to see him there in the audience and I went and spoke to him after the performance. When he discovered I was there for my birthday he so sweetly wished me a Happy Birthday and was honestly interested in what I had to say about the show. I explained to him how as a youngster he helped me to see a world outside of New Baltimore, Michigan, where a gay man could go on Star Search and belt Over The Rainbow. He slightly blushed and thanked me for it. Oh, and at the time he wasn't out yet, the Advocate article in which he officially came out, was released the next day. Maybe that's why he blushed a little.
Anyway, a few years ago, I learned a friend of mine through LJ who shall remain nameless, was actually friends with Sam. Well, his partner is friends with Sam. I was fond of teasing him and saying when I come to visit we'll have to do lunch, etc.
Two weeks ago, Sam sent out an email to a group of friends letting them know he had a new song which he was making available as a free download from his website. That email went to my friends boyfriend, said boyfriend received a copy and forwarded it to me. I quickly emailed asking if I could send Sam an email. My friend said that I could, so I did and he wrote back.
He's a very nice man, I just wish he was more successful, he certainly deserves it! I didn't say anything stupid or fawning or anything like that, I'll save those comments for when I get Liza's email address! (I know, I Know, she doesn't have one, two people who know her have told me that already ;)
Anyway, that's the end. The whole incident provided a few minutes of sheer enjoyment and elation when I saw his name popup in my inbox.
Just wanted to share.