Wanting to get back to my reviewing roots, I am going to write a review of a play I went to this past Sunday called "The State of Marriage."

Look, I want to get married, someday. And I know who I want to get married to - he is the love of my life. But thanks to the close mindedness of this country, same sex marriage is not allowed. (It makes me laugh even to TYPE that!) I am not allowed. Me - a 40 year old veteran is not allowed to marry the person I love. 

That Uppity Theatre Company and St. Louis Actor's Studio combined forces to produce a one-act play focusing on the recent successes (and setbacks) the GLBT community have had regarding same sex marriage. The production is inspired by all the good work that local GLBT icons Ed Reggi and his husband, Scott Emanuel, have been doing with their bus trips to Iowa which allows gay couples to travel to Iowa to tie the knot. 

The plot circles around three couples - the straight (and newly wedded) ones - Groom (Mike Van Allen) and Bride (Laura Coppinger) - the gay ones, Ed (Keith Thompson) and Scott (James Slover) - and the lesbian ones, Sue (Sally Eaton) ad Joyce (Lynda Levy Clark). Each of these couples are properly profiled - how they fell in love, what they mean to each other, etc. etc. You can't help love each couple, their characters are warm and endearing. 

As each couple's story unfolds, the rest of the cast such as Bridesmaid No 1 (Leon Braxton aka "Dieta Pepsi"), Bridesmaid No 2 (Theresa Masters), Bridesmaid No 3 (Sara Hamilton), Rabbai Appel (Alice Kinsella) and a very talented Beyonce wannabe (Carl Overly) help fill in transition moments. 

Finally, each night of the production showcases St. Louis' best vocal talent in a revolving role known as the Cabaret Singer. On the day I went, Cindy Duggan and Christy Simmons took on the role which served as a musical backdrop for key emotional moments. 

While this is not a traditional type of play, the beauty lies in how it unfolds. At first it informs by giving raw statistics regarding same sex marriage - much to the surprise of the Bride and Groom. 

Then it entertains with fast-paced game elements of "Leviticus Limbo," and a wicked version of twister. 

It tugs at your heartstrings with a very poignant scene in which ALL the GLBT couples get married which seemed to affect the ENTIRE crowd. I mean honey, Kleenex should have been a sponsor of this production as there wasn't a dry eye in the house! And I am one bitter, jaded queen who thought my tear ducts had dried up and there I was bawling like a baby!

The production wraps things up with a sense of hope as we look towards the future. 

Overall the production was enjoyable, informational, and intriguing. Director Joan Lipkin did a sensational job as she took to audience through the entire range of emotions. She knew how to get her point of view across without banging the audience over the head. Plus, she knows how to throw a party - after entertaining the crowd for 90 minutes, she gave everyone cake - and who doesn't like cake? That Lipkin - she sure is a shrewd one. 

Now onto the cast - while every performer did a good job you know there were those who stood out in my eyes. Let me start with Coppinger as Bride. I loved her from the moment she hit the floor. Coppinger exuded every facet of a new bride which I would expect. She was bubbly, happy, and the girl glowed. I mean this girl shined in every scene and I could hardly take my eyes off of her. Then there was Dieta Pepsi as Bridesmaid No 1. Pepsi served as the narrator or the emotional guide of the show. While I have been a life-long fan of Pepsi as I watched her drag career unfold in the clubs of St. Louis, I never knew the gurl could act! Pepsi was effervescent, comical, and instantly lovable. Her ability to vamp allowed her to interact flawlessly with the crowd. Her ability to not overkill her lines allowed her to take control of the show seamlessly. 

Other outstanding performances were turned in by Eaton as Sue, Slover as Scott, and Kinsella as Rabbai Appel. Eaton is just one of those natural actors that I have enjoyed in many roles. This role was particularly enjoyable as she seemed to have an inner light that sparkled as she delivered her lines. Kineslla is kind of in the same boat as she glistened as she served as a counter-point to mainstream religion. Taking on a local GLBT legend such as Ed Reggi or Scott Emanuel is no easy feat. If you are a member of the GLBT community you should thank them for the tireless amount of work these two do for all of us! Something in Slover's portrayal of Emanuel spoke to me. It was honest and heartfelt. Not even having the man himself (who sat two rows right in front of me!) could throw the actor off his game. Slover deserves a Job Well Done medal for taking on this role and doing it justice. 

Yes, yes, a few more hugs need to be handed out in this love fest. Hamilton was stellar as Bridesmaid No. 3, Troy Turnspeed was standout as the Leviticus Limbo Host, Overly did a bang up job as a Beyonce wannabe, and both Duggan and Simmons made me fall in love with both of them even more than I already am as they were just terrific in the role of the cabaret singers. 

I - and the entire GLBT community - owe Lipkin our support and love with this amazing piece of theatre. You can start re-paying by filling up all the seats at the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis! Tickets are ONLY $25 and they even have a two-for-one special on Sunday. 

For more information please visit this link. 

Trust me - this is one show you do NOT want to miss!

Much love, 

Jim

Having turned 40 recently, I began to reflect on my life. 

I have had some amazing times and some not so amazing times. 

But why do the not so amazing times always seem to bubble to the surface?

One area of not so great times concerns relationships. More to the point how I handle relationships. 

And I am not just talking about romantic relationships, I am talking about my friendships and family relationships. 

I have always thought I was the ultimate friend. I would give anyone the shirt off my back if they needed it. But then my friendship flaws always expose themselves and I get grumpy. 

*I am not as open minded and I would like to be. 

*I am not that uber-supportive friend that always says yes just to appease my friends. I speak my mind.

*I am judgmental. Maybe not initially, but I do judge people by their actions more than I should. 

*I am often self-centered and forget to listen to my friends.

*I am unable (or is it unwilling) to be the bigger person. 

*I hold grudges once I feel disrespected. And I NEVER let them go. 

Knowing all these issues I need to work on made me think for a long time about how I want to proceed with my remaining years. 

I mean I have fucked up relationships with my own siblings, and a very close friend. My walls shoot up and I never take them down. I also nearly fucked up my friendship with my very best friend in the world, but she having the ability to be the bigger person saw past my flaws and loves me unconditionally. 

So while I was on the balcony of our rented condo in Hilton Head, I felt my walls began to crumble just a bit. I considered letting bygones be bygones and thought of mending my failed relationships. 

I envisioned these tearful conversations telling people how sorry I am and that I just want to get along. I mean if Brittany and Jill of the Real Housewives of New York can have lunch together in a civil tone, what the fuck is wrong with me? I mean those bitches are REALLY fucked up. 

So for a split second I considered writing the letters and making the phone calls to mend broken fences. 

Then I watched to ocean ebb and flow, ebb and flow and thought about my life. 

I thought about how much fun I am having running the shop with my beloved, how I live life on my terms, how I have a fabulous circle of friends, and I how I don't really need to fix anything cause for once in my life, things are going my way. Why would I want to fuck that up? 

So just like the Jews that wandered the desert for 40 years, those regrets are probably going to have to wander somewhere deep in my cold black heart for another 40 years. Like the saying goes, if something isn't broke - don't try to fix it. 

I will die one bitter bitch. 

Much love, 

Jim

JCSI

Lots of random things rolling around my head, so let's get them out on the blog:

1. The oil spill in the Gulf is bad. Every time I see something on the news about it I get more sad. I cannot believe that we cannot fix this.

2. DADT is up for repeal. As a veteran who is gay (and always has been) I cannot tell you how much this means to me. I got harassed - both mentally and physically while I served in the Army Reserves. I was a citizen who wanted to serve his country. I couldn't fathom why I was being harassed - just because I was good at what i did with another man? Funny thing is, when I was in the Gulf War, the officers couldn't get enough of my talents. Wink. Time for this bullshit to end. 

3. I was THRILLED to see Bret Michaels win The Celebrity Apprentice. I hate Holly Robinson Pette. She got what she deserved. How DARE she talk shit to Cyndi Lauper! Cyndi Lauper is a goddess and Holly was a huge cunt. 

4. The song, "Money Can't Buy You Class" by Countess Luann makes my taint inch. How did this bitch convince someone to record this song? That bitch can't sing and she just sucks. I guess I am on Team Bethenny. 

5. The Cardinals aren't playing THAT well this year. They are in first place, but barely. Albert needs to hit some more home runs. And I am totally in love with Yadier Molina. 

6. My 40th birthday came and went. HB made it a very special day and we had a very excellent vacation in Hilton Head. Plus I got a ton of excellent gifts. He really did hook me up. 

7. I am all about home renovation right now. I love mowing the yard and fixing things up around the house

Well kids, that is all I have time for now. More to come. 

Much love, 

 Jim

So I got tagged with Jury Duty.

I figured that I would be bored all day, so I headed to Barnes & Noble on 141 to get RuPaul's latest book: Workin' It!: Rupaul's Guide to Life,Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style.

Well the one on 141 didn't have it, but the one at the Dove Mall did, so I hauled my fat ass out West. 

While I was there I decided to peruse the magazine racks looking for anything GLBT related. 

While I had to rifle through all of the Men's magazines, Ladies' magazines, Tattoo magazine, sports magazines, motorcycle magazines, knitting magazines, PC magazines, entertainment magazines, porno magazines and what I like to call the Paula Dean universe of magazines, I was unable to find anything even remotely GLBT related. No Advocate, no Out, no 10 Percent, no Instinct, no nothing. Now I realize that I have been out of the gay loop for sometime and those magazines have all probably folded, but I had to ask. 

So I sauntered up to the counter and asked the female clerk if Barnes & Noble carried ANY GLBT publications. She rolled her eyes and seem to pretend to care as she poked at her keyboard in front of her PC. 

She heavy sighed and said, "Looks like all we have is Out - it should be in the Lifestyles section.'

"Where pray tell is that?" I inquired. 

"Got to the Mens section and look straight down."

So I scampered over to the Lifestyles section and sure enough, right next to High Times was a lone copy of Out. (Albiet with the lead singer of Green Day on it). 

It was on top row of the bottom row hidden to all pasery-bys. 

But you know what was on the top row of the top row? You got it. Lots and lots of hetero porn magazine. Boobs were peeking out over the black wrapping so much that I thought I was in PT's for a hot second. Lots of boobs. And butts. Why do they even try to hide the covers at all? They are failing miserably. 

So I guess it is OK for the the young ones to see porn out in the open, but Out has to be hidden away so their innocent minds don't get warped at all. 

So for that reason Barnes & Noble, you can suck it. 

Then I got home and called the hotline number on the jury summons only to find out I was already excused for Jury Duty. 

Rats. 

Maybe next time. 

Much love, 

Jim 

JCSI

...and get the fuck over yourself Republicans!

I am so OVER how stupid these Republicans are acting. Please grow up and realize that not everything is going to go your way - and that is OK. 

Another lesson I wish the Republicans would learn is that it is OK to be wrong - it is not the end of the world. 

President Obama is doing the best job he can - under the conditions. 

What with Republicans filibustering every mother fucking thing they can just shows what assholes they are. 

And it kills me that they are assuming that all of the Democrats are going to get voted out in November. Noone knows what is going to happen - so please just shut the fuck up. 

Why can't we all just get along? Why does it have to be us vs. them? We are ALL Americans and we should all act accordingly. 

But no - there are assholes and cunts on both sides to make sure that doesn't happen. 

And I am over it. Grow up or get the fuck out. 

If you don't like what's going on here then you can buy a plane ticket and get the fuck out of dodge. 

No one is keeping you here. You are not prisoners of this country. 

Much love, 

Jim

JCSI

Jen - you are an amazing person and I love you.

What you have been through is hellish and I admire how you handled the situation. 

She will always be in our hearts and minds forever. 

You will always be my hero and I will love you forever. 

Always remember this. 

Much love, 

Jim

FINALLY! Someone did something about healthcare in this country! 

Bravo to President Obama and the Democrats that actually care about this country for doing something! 

I have NEVER been this proud to be an American. 

And there were the Republicunts - stamping their feet and talking all this kind of bullshit about shit they had no idea about in the first place. 

Boy were those bitches pissed! They were so mad that not one of those whores voted for the historic bill. 

Once again, the Republicunts are on the wrong side of history. 

And fuck you to all of those dumb as Democrats who didn't vote for the bill - we didn't need you anyway. But I suppose you all knew that and were in self preservation mode. 

Now those bitches can go back to their districts and say, "I didn't vote for that bill, now vote for me!" 

Yeah right. You can fucking forget about that. 

But what I want to rant about today is how stupid Todd Akin (my "representative") is - that piece of shit. 

That asshole is not even from Missouri and he can take a flying leap.

I am going to make it my personal crusade to get that dork out of his seat in Congress. 

Much love, 

Jim

There - I said it. I will own it.

I hate Sarah Palin and I think she is a cunt. 

I am sorry Ms. Palin that you did not win your bid to be out first female vice-president. 

But the sad fact is that you are a crazy bitch that most Americans couldn't vote for in their right minds. 

I am sorry Ms. Palin that crazy Republicans have filled your head with lies making you think you are relevant in today' society - you aren't.

The mature thing for her to do - after her defeat - was to support the President.

But no - the bitch had to go to the Tea Bagger's pathetic convention and talk a ton of shit about PRESIDENT Obama.

Talk about your sour grapes. She could have taken the high road, but she didn't - which is what I expect of Republicans.

She lambasted the President with her poor grammar and even poorer choice in clothes.

And you know what bitch? NO ONE CARES!

President Obama is a gazillion times better than what you and your grandpa would have done in office. You would have been worse than Dan Quayle!

You would have been the LAUGHING STOCK of the world.

I am sure you thought you could hurt President Obama's feelings talking shit about how he can't get things changed in the government. You know why he can't?

Becuase dumbass Republicans - like you - are acting like babies and stomping their feet.

Good job - now you can look like more of a jackass than people already think you are!

What a a pathetic pile of she Palin is - that bitch will NEVER be in the White House and she knows it.

Please Ms. Palin - take the 600 or so sacks of shit that attended the terrorist meeting you called a revolution and shove them up your ass - cause that's where they belong.

The REAL revolution is coming and you will have to take your medicine when you are left behind.

Much love,

Jim

JCSI 

I had a thought the other day regarding the whole gay marriage bullshit that has been going on lately.

Why don't we - the gays - just marry them - the lesbians? 

I mean, we don't have to live together, eat together or hell even fuck together. 

We can just get married - in a proper church and all to boot!

They won't know what hit them - and the most beautiful part of this is that there isn't a fucking thing the right wing can do about it. 

If Lucy Lesbian and I (a flaming male homosexual) want to go down to City Hall to get married there is NOTHING they can do to stop it. 

Then I could get on the lesbian's insurance!  (Or vice versa...)

It is brilliant! Then I can have my very own loveless, sexless marriage! I will be just like everyone else. 

But do I marry a lipstick lesbian or a butch one? 

There I have fixed the problem - now all of you fabulous gay boys go out there and corral a little lesbo for your very own! I fully expect to be invited to all of your weddings! 

Much love, 

Jim

JCSI

As a small business owner, I had a thought the other day.

Why the fuck do churches get non-profit status? 

They are a business just like I am and they don't have to pay shit in taxes. 

I call bullshit. Make those fuckers pay taxes on the money they rake in and you will see an instant boom to our economy. 

Why does the government give these bullshit artists the right to scam people's money tax free? 

I am highly offended. 

I suppose the state would shit bricks if they truly knew how much money these assholes coveted for themselves. 

Having worked side-by-side with a pastor before, I always wondered how he could sleep at night knowing he took money from his congregation and spent it on a Mercedes and a $500,000 house. 

Nice. Way to go fucker. 

Maybe the people that freely give up their hard earned cash don't want any records of what the bastards do with the money - cause let me tell you they aren't sending it to Africa. Those poor people are STILL starving to death. 

And if you REALLY want to see how much your church loves you, don't give them one fucking thin dime. Then see how much they bless you and whisper your name to God. 

They will talk shit about you and condemn you to hell. 

Just go to the sermon, listen to the tirade, and then get up and leave. Don't put cash or an envelope of cash in the coffer. 

Watch them give you the stank eye and you will soon learn that money = love. 

Well kids, I have to go spend my money on porn and chocolate. 

Escalader, 

Jim

JCSI