MARCH 6, 1998 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE 21
EVENINGS OUT
Bars will be the place to see new TV comedy show
by Doreen Cudnik
A new skit comedy show with an unmistakeable queer twist will be premiering on March 18. However, you won't be able to just turn on your television set to view On the Boulevard, because it won't be on TV.
The half-hour skit comedy video series, produced exclusively for a national gay and lesbian audience, is making its national debut at over 120 gay and lesbian bars and clubs in over 45 cities.
As of February 27, two Cleveland bars— Rockies and the Leather Stallion Saloon— have signed on to screen the show. So far, no other bars in Ohio are set to carry the show, but over 70,000 viewers nationally are expected to see the premiere episode.
Up-beat, fast-paced and irreverent, On the Boulevard is sort of a Mad TV for a queer audience. It has taken its cues from other successful skit comedy shows such as Kids in the Hall, In Living Color and Saturday Night Live. Unfortunately, unlike those shows, On the Boulevard's skits are not quite as polished, with some of them just falling flat.
Test screenings of the first episode, however, have been well-received by both club management and audiences alike. Standingroom-only crowds have consistently laughed, clapped and cheered throughout the program, proving that gay America is eager to support quality programming that reflects queer lives and celebrates our unique brand of humor. And it's certainly not the worst way someone could spend their time while hanging out and having a beer.
The premiere episode of On the Boulevard takes viewers on a ride through some familiar aspects of gay and lesbian life. One skit features a disheveled lesbian, late for work, as she flirts with the woman in the next car. She watches in astonishment as the woman trans-
forms herself from a curlered coffee-sipper to a lipstick-lesbian businesswoman in the time it takes the light to change. In another skit, a straight couple is given a taste of what dating would be like if they played by gay rules. And in a hilarious spoof of cheesy late-night commercials, a lisping queen discovers a miracle spray product that can butch him up and transform his dull sex life.
The show is being produced by a cast of seasoned gay and lesbian television professionals. Cindy Collins and Mark Brey are New York actors who both have experience on and off Broadway. Amy Higgens, D.J. Grabe and Doug Wilson are Los Angeles actors working both in regional theater and film and television. Several high-profile celebrities are negotiating to do guest spots on future shows.
Kevin Proulx and Gene Masse are the show's producers. Both have done extensive national film and video projects. They both say they are committed to producing a “fun, quality series that lampoons contemporary gay life, while sending an affirming message of pride and unity to gay and lesbian America.”
In addition to the actors, music producer Max Baxley gives the show its sound. Hot off receiving national recognition in Billboard and Music Connection magazines, Baxley composed all of the music tracks heard on the program.
The "Boulevard" referred to in the show is Hollywood Blvd., so naturally, it has a decidedly West Coast flavor. I'm guessing it may do
better in some of the other cities where it is being screened, like Long Beach, West Hollywood, San Diego, even Phoenix and Las Vegas, then it will in Detroit, Cleveland, Milwaukee and Ann Arbor. It will be interesting to see how bar crowds here will react to the show.
On the Boulevard is a sponsor-supported series, featuring advertising from gay and gayfriendly companies large and small, with prod-
ucts and services of interest to the gay community. The program's unique distribution approach has also generated interest from several large mainstream corporations eager to target the gay market, currently one of the most sought-after consumer demographics.
The show will be produced on a quarterly basis, with one new show every three months.
On the Boulevard's cast, clockwise from left, Amy Higgens, Doug Wilson, Mark Brey, D.J. Grabe, Cindy Collins.
In year two, the producers plan to release the show bi-monthly, becoming a monthly series by year three.
For more information about On the Boulevard, check out their site on the World Wide Web (http://www.ontheblvd.com). The web site features online video preview of On the Boulevard, still pictures and audio clips from the show, a complete listing of participating establishments and currently scheduled screenings, and original comedy, com-
mentaries, and jokes.
The Leather Stallion Saloon, at 2205 St. Clair Ave. in Cleveland will be screening On the Boulevard on March 18 at 9:00 p.m., March 23 at 8:30 p.m., and March 27 at 9:30 p.m.
Rockies, at 9208 Detroit Ave., Cleveland will screen the show twice, April 7 and 21 at 8:00 p.m.
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