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May 8
"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" Opens in 1962
On this day in 1962, Steven Sondheim's "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" opened at the Alvin Theatre, with Zero Mostel playing the part of Pseudolus. The production ran for 964 performances. |
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May 7
Birth of Pyotr (Peter) Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Famed Russian composer Pyotr (Peter) Ilyich Tchaikovsky was born on this day in 1840. Although he was gay, he married in 1877, but left his wife after a month and went to the United States. He composed ballets, symphonies, operas, concertos, songs and chamber music. Among his better know pieces are "Swan Lake," "The Sleeping Beauty" and "The Nutcracker." He died in November 6, 1893 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Some say he died of cholera, others say he was forced committed suicide by the Russian musical establishment due to his relationship with a young male aristocrat. The latter has been discounted as at the time homosexuality was tolerated by the Russian upper class at the time. |
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May 6
Birth of Rudolph Valentino
Silent-screen heartthrob Rudolph Valentino was born on this day in 1895 in Castellaneta, Italy. He first moved to the United States in 1913 and made his way to Hollywood in 1917. His role in the 1921 film "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" brought him to the public attention, but he is best known for the 1921 film "The Sheik." He was married twice to Jean Acker and Natacha Rambova who were both self-proclaimed lesbians. Many, but not all, biographies indicate that Valentino was bisexual, siting his mention of a sexual encounter with a man in his personal journal. Valentino died August 1926 from a perforated ulcer. He was 31. |
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May 5
Birth of Tyrone Power
One of the great swashbuckling actors of the 20th century, Tyrone Power, was born on this day in 1914. Power's film credits include, "The Sun Also Rises," "The Razor's Edge," and "The Mark of Zorro." What a handsome devil... |
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May 4
Birth of Keith Haring
Artist Keith Haring was born on this day in 1958. Haring's "graffiti type" style is still popular today, and his exhibits still draw huge crowds to this day. |
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May 3
"A Chorus Line" Wins Pulitzer Prize in 1976
"A Chorus Line" won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Drama on this day in 1976. The musical by Michael Bennett, James Kirkwood, Nicholas Dante, Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban tells of the lives of the unknown dancers, both gay and straight, who make up the chorus. |
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May 2
"Northern Exposures"'s Gay Wedding in 1994
On this day in 1994, the TV show "Northern Exposure" aired their groundbreaking episode in which Ron (Doug Ballard) and Erick (Don McManus) were married. The episode was inspired by the book, "The Essential Guide to Gay and Lesbian Weddings." |
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May 1
"Wilde" Is Released in 1998
The film, "Wilde" was released in theaters on this day in 1998. This exceptional film starred Stephen Fry as Oscar Wilde and gorgeous Jude Law as his hot headed lover. |
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