Sharon Needles of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 4

Something glamorous and twisted this way comes and her name is Sharon Needles. The Pittsburgh drag queen is one of thirteen contestants vying for the coveted title of America’s Next Drag Superstar on the fourth season of RuPaul’s “Drag Race.” See the deliciously dark queen and her peers on the 90-minute premiere Monday, January 30, at 9 p.m. on Logo. In the meantime, check out our exclusive interview with Sharon Needles.

Fenuxe: Why did you audition for Drag Race?
Sharon: I auditioned because every drag queen in the world apparently wants to be on RuPaul’s Drag Race, and I want a piece of the action, too.

Fenuxe: What did you like most about being on the show?
Sharon: Making life-long friendships with a lot of the girls. I didn’t expect to make such good friends. It’s a competition and you put yourself first but it really wasn’t that way. I genuinely cared about everyone in the competition.

Fenuxe: Who is your favorite drag queen from a previous Drag Race season?
Sharon: Anyone who has ever walked that runway is my favorite drag queen. I love the commercial beauty of Raven. I love the awkwardness of Tammy Brown. I love the comedy of Mimi Imfurst. I love them all. Anyone who has ever walked that runway I’m the biggest fan of.

Fenuxe: How did you get into drag?
Sharon: I don’t know. I don’t remember. It was so long ago. I grew up on a farm in Iowa in the middle of nowhere, and I was pretty much raised by a television. I was always obsessed with beauty pageants and femininity with people like Elvira and Peggy Bundy. The Halloween box in my house was never put away. I always liked the manipulation of beauty. I started performing when I was really young in the basement of a Des Moines nightclub. I guess I’ve always been in drag.

Fenuxe: How would you describe your look and persona?
Sharon: Sexy, bitchy, scary and approachable. A lot of people call me “goth.” I knew I had an opportunity with RuPaul’s Drag Race to be a remembered entertainer. Some of the girls who have had this opportunity on the show in the past didn’t take their branding very seriously. I wouldn’t call myself a “goth”; I’d call myself a genius for creating a character and sticking to it and never breaking it.

Fenuxe: Do you have acting experience?
Sharon: No. Just being a compulsive liar. And a drama queen.

Fenuxe: Where do you perform?
Sharon: I perform in Pittsburg mostly. I have a show bar called Blue Moon which I absolutely love because I get away with murder. It’s a cast of queens that have been kicked out of every other drag bar in the city. So we’re just a family of misfits that love making a mess and making people laugh. I also do a monthly show at the Brillobox, which is a straight bar. But they love our antics, and we have a really good time there.

Fenuxe: What do you do when you’re not doing drag?
Sharon: I’m usually thinking about drag in a dive bar with a shot of well whiskey. It’s after 5 somewhere, right?

Fenuxe: What’s next for you?
Sharon: Next for Sharon Needles, that is the question. As of now I woke up hung over, and I’m about to take off last night’s face and spackle on another one for a photo shoot. But for the long run I don’t know. I basically want to base my career on Elvira’s career. I want to be relevant forever and never change my clothes.

“We wanted to draw awareness and show LGBT people in a positive light,” said Pride Expo Vice President Ray McCreary. “We are a vital part of the community and shouldn’t be overlooked.”

The event’s creators hope to address the needs and interests of the LGBT community of the South while offering cultural and educational activities that inform, inspire and entertain. The expo will offer exhibits, informational break-out sessions, social networking events, shopping, dining and entertainment.

With the expo only a few months away, McCreary said organizers are busy lining up live entertainment and speakers. He confirmed one after party will be held at My Sister’s Room on Saturday, April 21, with a drag show, VIP room, food, beverages and a DJ.
“Things are coming along great,” he said. “Every day we’re getting more hits on the web site and people are calling in asking about tickets.”

Tickets should go on sale around February 1. Attendees will have three admission options and participation levels. General admission tickets will include attendance to the Pride Expo and all activities held within the exhibit hall. After-hours passes will allow guests the same daily events plus some of the most exclusive entertainment and after-hours parties in the city. The full-access VIP passes will provide an all-inclusive experience, including attendance at all Pride Expo events and all off-site activities. The exclusive VIP events include private entertainment venues, backstage access, food and wine tastings, private parties with celebrity entertainment, photo opportunities, signings and much more.

The Pride Expo will also partner with local non-profits, charities and organizations and will donate a portion of the proceeds generated from ticket sales to those groups. Currently, the event will benefit For the Kid in All of Us, but McCreary said opportunities to work with other charities are still available.

Shaving off his hair for the role of Daddy Warbucks wasn’t an issue for actor Brad Oscar. His most recent gig as Uncle Fester in the New York production of “The Addams Family” required a similar look.

“Again, another iconic baldheaded character,” said Brad of his portrayal of the billionaire turned adopted father in the Theater of the Stars production of “Annie” at the Fox Theatre.

Although this will be his first time to play Warbucks, Brad has long ties to the show. He was an ensemble member in a production about 20 years ago and his actress sister has played the role of Miss Hannigan on tour.

“It’s always been a special show,” he told Fenuxe during a rehearsal break. “I’m loving it. I’m so excited to sing these songs.”

“Annie” marks the New Yorker’s third performance in Atlanta. He first acted in a production of “Jekyll and Hyde” in 1995, and his most recent visit was two years ago for “Young Frankenstein.”

“It’s always great to be back,” said Brad, who will try to squeeze in visits to the Georgia Aquarium and the Center for Puppetry Arts. An intense rehearsal schedule and various performances will demand most of his time.

But, Brad is used to hectic schedules. He’s been acting since he was a child growing up in Washington DC. With his parents acting in community theater, Brad was exposed to theater at an early age.

“Acting is something that has always interested me,” the 47-year-old said.

His first role in a “real production” outside of school was “Fiddler on the Roof,” where he played the part of Motel at the age of 12. He also played a child reporter for a DC television show.

Brad’s favorite acting job so far has been the Broadway production of “The Producers.” He snagged a Tony nomination in 2001 for his role as Franz Liebkind and was the understudy for the lead of Max Bialystock. Brad later replaced Nathan Lane as Max.

“It’s a role most character actors dream of,” Brad said. “I did that role over 1,400 times on Broadway, on tour and Las Vegas. It made me more visible as an actor.”

His success with “The Producers” has garnered much acclaim for Brad, which keeps his acting career quite busy. His plans after “Annie,” however, won’t require his acting chops. He’ll be preparing an April wedding to his partner, Diego, of six years. The couple will hold their ceremony where they first met—at the Arena Stage in Washington DC.

“It’s very exciting” Brad said.

Actor’s Express brings a bit of Broadway to Atlanta with its new show “Next Fall.” The award-winning, Tony-nominated play shares the story of faithful Luke and the love of his life, a slightly older Adam, who is less inclined to believe in a higher power. They share a perfect New York life until tragedy intervenes, forcing Adam to rely on Luke’s friends and religious family for support.

“Next Fall” comes from the mind of Geoffrey Nauffts, an actor, writer and director with an extensive resume in theater, film and television. A few of his film and TV credits include Woody Allen’s “Melinda and Melinda,” “Mississippi Burning,” “Field of Dreams,” “Six Feet Under,” “Murphy Brown” and “Law and Order.” He was a writer on ABC’s “Brothers and Sisters” for two seasons and he is currently writing a movie for HBO based on an NPR segment of “This American Life.”

Geoffrey, who splits his time between Los Angeles and New York, took a few moments out of his hectic schedule to talk with Fenuxe about his first full-length play.

Fenuxe: What inspired Next Fall?

Geoffrey: I’ve just always been fascinated by religion, not having grown up with any myself. I thought it would be interesting to take two people from completely different ends of the religious spectrum and throw them together and add love to the mix.

Fenuxe: The show moved to Broadway in 2010 only one year after running off-Broadway; how did that feel?

Geoffrey: It was amazing. We first did it off-Broadway with my theater company. That in itself was really an amazing experience to have it come to life on stage for the first time. It’s very thrilling as a writer. We don’t often get to see our work staged because it’s such a competitive market. The fact that it started to get this great response and kept getting extended was beyond what I had hoped for. Moving to Broadway was really exciting. I think it provided the opportunity to be done in the regions—Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Florida. It’s being done all over the place right now.

Fenuxe: With which character do you most identify with?

Geoffrey: There’s a little bit of me in all of them I suppose. Clearly Adam is most like me in terms of age and he is an atheist (I’m actually an agnostic) but we both come from not having grown up with any particular religion. I also completely relate to his hypochondria.

Fenuxe: What is your overall message with “Next Fall”?

Geoffrey: It’s sort of about not putting off living your life and living your truths and telling people the things you need to tell them. Doing all that stuff while you have the opportunity because you never know when it’s going to be taken away from you. I think there’s also the thought of tolerance. I think in the end—no matter what part of the religious spectrum we come from—we’re all seeking grace in some kind of way. I think if you write people off on either side it won’t get you anywhere. Until we start to try and understand each other there won’t be any growth.

“It is a bit surreal,” For the Kid President Christopher Bess said of reaching a decade. “I am humbled and extremely excited to be a part of a group that has worked for the past 10 years to make an impact in our community.”

For the Kid began with a toy drive designed to benefit underprivileged children in Georgia and has grown into a significantly larger organization over the years. With the group’s past in mind, Bess said it is only natural to envision a year ahead that honors the work the group has done up to this point.

“It is my hope that we can use the momentum around this 10th year to re-engage some individuals who in the past have given their time by working on the board or serving on committees or have given financially to support our efforts and bring us all together to make this our best year yet,” Bess said.

For the Kid in All of Us Main Events

Project Prom
Date: Late March-Early April.
Stay tuned for exact date and location.
This cocktail party and runway show helps provide teens with the opportunity to experience prom by giving them with slightly used dresses refashioned by local designers.

Backpack in the Park
Date: Saturday, July 28
For the Kid returns to the Greystone Pavillion in Piedmont Park for its 7th annual event, which collected more than 1,800 backpacks filled with school supplies in 2011.

Toy Party
Date: Sunday, December 2
The annual kickoff to Atlanta’s holiday season celebrates its 10th year. More than 4,000 people attended the 9th Annual Toy Party, which collected more than 4,600 toys and more than $9,000 in gift cards.

For more information, please visit
www.forthekid.org.

Reaching 25 years is a huge accomplishment for Joining Hearts, said President Kerry Loftis.

“We are one of the very few HIV/AIDS fund raising charities in the Southeast that has survived this long, and it is all because of the collaborative efforts and generosity of our corporate sponsors, individual patrons, event guests, volunteers, host committee and board of directors,” he said.

In 2011, Joining Hearts surpassed its goal of $150,000 by donating $185,000 to its beneficiaries, AID Atlanta and Jerusalem House. Loftis said the organization hopes to increase its annual donation by at least 20% in 2012.

Joining Hearts Main Events

Love on the Rocks
Date: Second weekend of February.
Stay tuned for exact date and location.
This annual Valentine’s cocktail party kicks off the organization’s fund-raising season. Typically between 300 and 500 guests attend this event, which features complimentary cocktails, food, a DJ and a silent auction.

Change of Seasons
Date: Mid-April.
Stay tuned for exact date and location.
This Sunday afternoon Tea Dance features a DJ and cocktails and usually draws between 400 and 600 guests.

The Pool Party
Date: Saturday, July 21, 4 to 11PM
Held at Piedmont Park’s Greystone & Aquatic Center, the Pool Party serves as the organization’s oldest and largest fundraiser. An estimated 1,000 guests travel from all over the country to attend this event, which accounts for more than 50 percent of the funds raised by Joining Hearts.

For more information, please visit www.joininghearts.org.

Burkhart’s
Tickets: No cover
Complimentary champagne toast, cash balloon drop, MC to countdown and house DJ David Stoddard.

Felix’s
Tickets: No Cover
Champagne toast, shooter boys and karaoke with Bret and Tyler.

Amsterdam
Tickets: $2 cover benefits Joining Hearts
6th Annual Party Like a Rockstar with A-list special treatment for first 100 people. Hosted by Justin Longenbach, Brennen Farlow, Kenny Pedraza and Cameron Pearce. DJ McCracken is spinning. Free valet parking. Midnight toast.

Bellissima
Tickets: Free entry until 9PM; $10 after 9PM 
Doors open at 8PM with cash balloon drop, midnight countdown on the big screen, complimentary champagne toast and raffle for an iPad. Complimentary valet.

Eagle
Tickets: No cover
Free champagne toast with DJ Pat Scott spinning all of the greatest music from 2011 from 10PM to 3AM.

Friends on Ponce
Tickets: No cover
Annual New Year’s Eve Party with champagne toast at midnight and balloon drop.

Heretic
Tickets: Advance VIP is $20 (No wait in line
and first drink free)
Doors open at 9PM with $1 of each paid admission benefiting Joining Hearts. DJ Mike Pope spins with a special performance by Angelica De Paige. Complimentary champagne toast at midnight. 

Jungle
Tickets: Advance Weekend Pass is $30 for two-night event
On Friday, December 30, DJ Wendy Hunt plays the hits of the late 80s and early 90’s with a special live performance by Debbie Holiday. On Saturday, December 31, the doors open at 9PM with spectacular décor and a free champagne toast. DJ Oren Nizri spins.

LeBUZZ
Tickets: $5, $15 under 21
Doors open at 6PM with free party favors, giveaways, free champagne toast and a Divas Cabaret Stripped Special Show.

The Model T
Tickets: No cover
Annual New Year’s Party with champagne and party favors.

Mood Lounge
Tickets: $10 Presale,
$15 at door
Bedlam presents the Second Annual Glitter & Fur Party.
DJ Shane spins with
champagne toast.

My Sister’s Room
Tickets: $10 before midnight
Beginning at 8PM, MC Chase Daniels hosts with DJ Liz Owen and special performances by Baby Frantz, Elea Atlanta and Drag Race’s Sonique. Money balloon drop at midnight.

Oscar’s
Tickets: No cover
Masquerade Party with Brent Star. Doors open at 10PM. Prize for best mask with champagne fountain and light fare. Balloon drop at midnight.

Swinging Richards
Tickets: $60
Open bar all night with free 15-minute VIP room, give-a-aways and champagne toast.

Tripps Bar
Tickets: No cover
Money drop at midnight with a champagne toast and party favors. DJ Darlene hosts.

Woofs
Tickets: No cover
Showcasing the Chick-fil-A bowl between Auburn and Virginia. Champagne toast and party favors.

Xs Ultra Lounge
Tickets: Cover at door
Money drop and champagne toast at midnight. X-rated dancers, two dance floors and $4 drinks. Complimentary breakfast and mimosas around 3:30AM.

Dino: Palmer, how long have you been in business?

Palmer: 22 years as of November 01, 2011. We opened in 1989.

Dino: Have you always served food?

Palmer: Since the beginning, we use to have a successful buffet on Fridays.

Dino: What are some of your personal favorites on the menu?

Palmer: The Ribeye Steak is only $7.75 and it comes with a vegetable and choice of french fries, taters, mashed potatoes with gravy or baked potato while they last. Another fantastic choice for dinner is the seafood. I highly suggest the Seafood platter; it has shrimp, scallops, and fillet of grouper served sautéed, fried or broiled and it is only $11.75.

Dino: The prices on your menu are amazing! How do you do it?

Palmer: It is important for us to provide our clients an affordable and delicious meal. Our kitchen breaks even at best but we don’t cut corners. Our beef is never frozen; we go to the market several times a week to buy fresh, high quality ingredients and we prepare our fried food using trans-fat-free canola oil. We have been serving the LGBT community for many years and they know though our kitchen is small we are waiting with a delicious meal and welcoming atmosphere.

Dino: What are your hours for food service?

Palmer: Monday through Thursday 4:30 pm – midnight. Friday, Saturday and Sunday 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm. We need to stop at 10pm because the staff can’t get through the crowd.

Dino: Do you offer specials?

Palmer: Definitely! We design the specials so that folks have the opportunity to taste something different. As an example, currently we have a sautéed grouper topped with crab meat on a bed of asparagus served with a salad for only $9.75. You can’t beat that!

Dino: Palmer & Mary, what is your secret to keeping so many loyal clients?

Palmer: We nurture a culture of politeness and consideration – We encourage everyone to be themselves and come hang with their friends. We also think the set up attracts people. We have a great patio, the pool room and a variety of bar areas upstairs and downstairs. There is something for everyone. We also have live entertainment on various nights.

I did have dinner and took Palmer’s advice on the Seafood Platter. It was delicious and filling and I still can’t believe the prices. The bartender/server couldn’t have been sweeter; the large flat screen TV was on a game show and everyone in the room was playing along. It was like being in your own living room with a bunch of friends except I didn’t have to do the dishes!

If you crave fantasy this holiday season, we suggest visiting the White Big Top recently erected in Midtown. The massive tent houses Cavalia’s “Odysseo,” an equestrian adventure celebrating the ancient relationship between horses and humans. A Horse Lovers Package allows patrons to tour the Cavalia stables after the show.

“Odysseo”
Tickets: Beginning at $69.50
Dates: Show times and dates vary through January 8
Where: 860 Williams Street
Details: www.cavalia.net

For those who desire an activity to get the blood pumping, we recommend an evening at The Rink at Park Tavern for ice skating. Many amenities abound for day and night skating, including a heated tent, state-of-the-art sound system and rink-side dining. Private and group lessons with a professional coach are also available.

The Rink at Park Tavern
Tickets: $15 to skate or $300
for season pass
Dates: Monday through Friday from
4:30 p.m. to midnight; Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to midnight.
Where: Park Tavern, 500 10th Street
Details: Times and availability at www.xorbia.com/therink Other info at www.parktavern.com/about/the-rink

A poignant experience can be found at the Museum of Design Atlanta with the AIDS Memorial Quilt. On display through January 1, the quilt is the largest ongoing community arts project in the world. Visitors to MODA can also view the exhibit Graphic Interventions: 25 Years of International AIDS Posters.