Get Out! GAY Magazine – Issue 528

WINNER - LUCILLE LORTEL AWARDS
OUTSTANDING MUSICAL
“YOU'RE
GUARANTEED TO
LAUGH YOUR
ICEBERG OFF! ”
Dave Quinn
people
“A PERFECT
MARRIAGE OF GREAT
BROADWAY-CALIBER
THEATER AND
HARD COMEDY. ”
MATT ROGERS
LAS CULTURISTAS
BOOK BY
MUSICAL ARRANGEMENTS BY
Nicholas Connell
CHOREOGRAPHED BY
Ellenore Scott
DIRECTED BY
DARYL ROTH THEATRE
101 EAST 15TH ST, NYC
TELECHARGE.COM
800-447-7400
TITANIQUEMUSICAL.COM
@TitaniqueMusical
#Titanique
@Titanique

DECEMBER 16
PALLADIUM TIMES SQUARE
1515 BROADWAY, NYC

BY EILEEN SHAPIRO
CELEBRITY CORRESPONDENT
WADE MCCOLLUM
HE’S ALREADY GORGEOUS
PHOTO CREDIT: MARIA BARANOVA
Wade McCollum is an award
winning actor, composer,
singer, writer, dancer, director,
filmmaker, and in his spare
time, a student of cognitive
neuroscience. What’s more,
he is currently starring off-
Broadway in the one-man
show “Make Me Gorgeous.”
Written and directed by
Donald “Donnie” Horn, “Make
Me Gorgeous” celebrates the
life of LGBTQ avant-garde
pioneer Kenneth “Mr. Madam”
Marlowe. At Playhouse 46
at St. Luke’s until December
31st, Wade transforms from
Kenneth into Kate every night.
Kenneth Marlowe was a hairdresser to the stars, the madam of a Hollywood
gay prostitution ring, an author, a female impersonator, a private in the
army, a call boy, a Christian missionary, a newspaper columnist, a mortuary
cosmetologist, and finally, later in life, Marlowe transitioned to a woman, Kate
Marlowe. Although considered the gayest person on the planet–and despite
all of their trendsetting accomplishments–Marlowe was somehow overlooked
in the LGBTQ history books. Like a salacious alchemist, Wade transforms the
protagonist’s anguish and triumph into an acknowledgment of truth.
Wade McCollum is an acclaimed star, beginning his career with a role in
Hedwig and the Angry Inch. He went on to appear in Jersey Boys and the
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert national tour, and he debuted on Broadway in
Wicked. He’s also known for his television roles on Madam Secretary, FBI:
Most Wanted, The Knick, and a vast array of other shows. He discussed his
career with Get Out in an intimate conversation…

INTERVIEW >>>
So you’re doing this fabulous play.
It’s a one-man show?
Yes, it is. It’s a hefty lift. But it’s a
really fun ride once I get on the train
and it starts going.
So how did you get the role? And
did you have to prepare for it?
Donnie, the playwright and producer,
and I worked together long, long ago.
He produced the first professional
job that I did out of school back in
Oregon. It was a production of Blood
Brothers. And then, we did a couple
of other shows. So we’ve known each other
for many, many years. Last year, I was on tour
with My Fair Lady and he just randomly wrote
me and said he’d been working on that and
he had me in mind and would I be interested
in coming to Portland to do the show and see
what we have. I read it and I was very curious
about the character–very intrigued about why
this person hasn’t been catalogued in history,
queer or otherwise. It was sort of baffling to
me, seeing how much he did in his lifetime and
how dynamic as a human he was. I was really
confused and intrigued and curious, like I said.
So I said, “I would love to” if we could kind of
collaborate on the writing process. Because
I knew it was going to have to be adjusted
towards my skill set and also, I wanted to add
some music and jokes. So yeah, we started it
last year and he raised some money, and now
we’re here in New York.
So doing this role has to be a little bit
challenging. What was your biggest
challenge?
Onstage, I think the biggest challenge was
getting fake eyelashes on. Playing multiple
characters and keeping everything on track
while I am drying the eyelash glue and timing
it out. That, technically, was probably the
hardest thing I had to do without getting glue
in my eye. That is sort of the glib challenge.
The more rigorous or dynamic challenge is sort
of telling a whole human’s story in 90 minutes
and sort of condensing what is a lifetime of
kaleidoscopic locations, kaleidoscopic gender
identities, populating that whole human’s
world and all the characters he met along the
way. And while doing that, honoring his life,
respecting his life and the historical accuracy of
his life. Also delivering a satisfying 90 minutes
of dramatically sound narrative. That’s probably
the most rigorous challenge.
You said before that you had to add some
things into this production. How much of
Wade did you add?
That’s a good question. I think, as with any one
person show, it’s like spending an evening with
that person. I think it has to sort of necessarily
be personalized. Obviously, all the anecdotes
and all of the text itself is their story and is
pulled from Donnie’s biography that he wrote.
In terms of things we added that are distinctly
Wade-ish, he wasn’t much of a singer, but I am,
so we made the decision that he is going to be
able to sing. So he sings one song and I wrote
that for him for the show.

That is not necessarily
something he did. He did
sing in some choral numbers
with some of the female
impersonators. So I would
say the fact that he sings in
this show is probably distinctly
pulled from my skill set.
After the show is over, what
you have planned?
I go right into and maybe
even overlap with Water for
Elephants on Broadway. I am
playing a character named
Wade. We just shot the
commercial and we did an
out-of-town run at a theater
in Atlanta this past summer.
That is going to the Imperial
Theatre in February, officially
opening in March.
Thus far, what’s been the
highlight of your career?
Have you had one? Are you
still looking for one?
I’m terrible with superlatives.
I am hopelessly optimistic.
I definitely haven’t reached
the highlight of my career–I’ll
say that. But if I had to sort
of r etrospectively analyze
what would be the apex at
this point, there have been so
many high points, but actually,
I’d have to say right now is
really great.
If you could have me ask
you any question on the
planet, what would you have
me ask and how would you
answer it?
I think I would have you ask
me what my interests are
outside of either television and
acting.
Okay, I will ask you that.
When you are not acting,
singing, composing etc.,
what do you like to do?
I am getting a neuroscience
degree. I am working on a
doctoral thesis around the
neuroscience of narratives
where the emotional life of
characters versus
the emotional life
of actors lives in
the brain. If there
are specialized or
augmented parts
of the brain that
actors possess
that may be helpful
for people that
are not actors in
terms of emotional
resilience,
emotional agility.
And also, looking
at perhaps
adaptations of
actors who are
having to create
a multitude of
trauma several
times a week.
And how we can better take
care of our actors in that
situation and perhaps help
them not hurt their brains
with their emotional health by
undergoing imaginal trauma,
which the brain doesn’t really
know the difference between
the two. I am intensely
curious, and then the past
three years or so, I have
actually sort of formalized my
scientific training. I feel like
a whole person now. The left
brain quantitative person is
now getting their time to shine
as well.
I don’t know where you are
finding the time to do this but
you are also a composer. And
composers have very strange
brains. Composers never
sleep.
No, no. There’s a quietude in the
middle of the night and I think I
do some of my best composing
at 3:30 AM, when most people
are asleep. There’s a physical
quietude that somehow allows
the listening to be clearer, at
least in my universe.

Is there
anything
else that you
would want to
discuss that we
haven’t?
I would like to
reiterate that
Donnie and I
both really want
this play to be
an offering to
the trans and
non-binary,
non-genderconforming
community. As
honoring the past. Not to say
that it’s not filled with all sorts
of campy delight, but that
there is a real solid part there
that is hopefully anchoring
a sense of longing and
protection.
I wonder why no one’s
heard of Kenneth and Kate.
I don’t know. I feel the same
way. I have lots of theories.
Some people live really
boisterous lives and then for
some reason just fall into the
category of renewing. So I’m
grateful to Donnie for bringing
Kenneth/Kate’s story Into
the light, so we can really
celebrate this person.
an offering of not just fun or
protection and visibility and
perhaps a little bit of feeling
and celebration. It really feels
like an evening of celebrating
the queer community and
everyone coming together.
Learning about the pre-AIDS
crisis queer world that has
sort of been straight washed
out of society. It sort of feels
like the spirits of the past are
dancing in the room. We are
PHOTO CREDIT: MARIA BARANOVA

BY EILEEN SHAPIRO
CELEBRITY CORRESPONDENT
KEDWIN
ONE OF THE BUSIEST BARTENDERS
AND PROMOTERS ON THE NIGHTLIFE SCENE
Kedwin is a bartender
superstar, not to mention
a pretty great promoter….
and yes, he has a daytime
job too. He has a glowing
spirit and is loved by
his loyal clientele. He is
planning some big New
Years Eve celebrations at
Boxers and Hush and is
excited about the holiday
season.
Get Out traded questions
and answers with Kedwin
regarding his career and
his future plans, as well
as his New Years Eve
parties.
PHOTO CREDIT: RICK STOCKWELL @RICKSTOCKWELL

INTERVIEW >>>
Hello, Kedwin. What challenges
do you face working for three
bars each week?
Great question! Fun fact: Aside
from working those three bars,
I also have a full-time corporate
job that makes this question even
more complex, haha. The truth
is the only real challenge I find
at times–not ALL times–is alone
time, lol. I’ve learned with time
that being alone, time to reset,
time to refuel…alone! It’s just
as important as–if not MORE
important than–the hustle itself.
That’s what I’m working on at the
moment. But no real challenge. I
love what I do.
What’s your favorite drink to
make as a bartender…and your
favorite drink to drink as a
promoter?
One of the things that brings me joy serving
the public is how much trust they put in my
hands in regards to their drink orders, lol.
It’s a lot of “Make me something” nowadays
haha, but I love it. It’s what I do!….I’m simple
Vodka Red Bull if I’m out and about. For the
customers, keep on allowing me to be as
creative as possible–*winky face*.
What do you enjoy most about your
clientele?
During my happy hour shifts at HUSH, I get
to actually have conversations with most. I
love their stories, plans, issues, drama, lol.
It’s almost like a therapy session, with alcohol
involved. Now, during the hectic weekend
night parties at BOXERS, there’s not much
conversation involved, lol. But I do love the
loyalty. You guys are the real MVP’s. Thank
you for trusting me with your livers, lol.
What inspired you to become one of New
York’s nightlife promoters?
I’ve always wanted to serve my people–and
by “my people,” I mean my LGBTQ+ POC.
We need a space. We need our music. We
need our vibes. That’s it. It’s all vibe, lol
How are you planning to celebrate Xmas?
Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year.
That’s freaking amazing! My ass will be
home. In Jersey now. Sleeping, lol
What parties are you throwing on NYE
weekend?
THURSDAY and SUNDAY (NYE) AT HUSH.
FRIDAY and SATURDAY AT BOXERS.
Any New Year resolutions?
Nope, haha. The past few years, I’ve been
done with New Year’s resolutions. I have
a five-year plan. And within that, I plan
accordingly . Add or change things here and
there. Every month, I sit with myself and
reevaluate. But one thing I always want to
lead with is intention. Wherever you are in
life. Your time is now. Not January 1st, but
now. Start where you are, use what you have
and do what you can. Happy holidays!

DAVID
IS MIXING HOLIDAY DRINKS AT BOXERS!
BY EILEEN SHAPIRO
CELEBRITY CORRESPONDENT
David will be creating colorful
drinks to match the holiday
season at Boxers (Hell’s
Kitchen). Boxers is a multi
level gay sports bar with
outdoor patio. As a popular
bartender, David will be
serving apple martinis, berry
delights and other creative,
festive drinks….so come join
him for the season.
PHOTO CREDIT: RICK STOCKWELL @RICKSTOCKWELL

INTERVIEW >>>
Hi, David, Have you whipped up any
new and different Christmas drinks–and
if not, what’s your favorite drink?
For every holiday, I always try to make
drinks that match the Christmas color or
theme. My favorites are the apple martini
and the Berry Merry Christmas. With
these drinks, you connect people to the
Christmas spirit.
What’s been your favorite adventure
as a bartender at Boxers HK, and what
nights can we see you there?
So many! Every weekend
is an adventure at
Boxers, and a good
time. You never know
what’s going to happen
after the sun goes down
and a couple of drinks!
I’m there Friday-Sunday
and some happy hours
on the weekdays.
My family is visiting from my country, Costa
Rica. I will be in different parts of the city
doing activities!
What is your favorite Christmas song,
and why?
I have many favorite songs, but this year, I
can sing and dance to “Rockin’ Around the
Christmas Tree”.
What are your New Year resolutions?
Take more adventures outside of the city,
try new things and dance a little more,
continue serving it up for my Boxers
friends.
What do you like
doing on your time off
from work?
I like going to the gym.
Since I was little, I
have played sports. I
also like reading, trying
new restaurants and
spending time with my
goldendoodle!
What do you like
best about New York
nightlife?
The diversity in music
and people. I love to
dance and make new
friends.
How are you going to
celebrate Christmas?

HOLLY
DAE
ONE OF NEWYORK
NIGHTLIFE’S
BUSIEST QUEENS
BY EILEEN SHAPIRO
CELEBRITY CORRESPONDENT
A nightlife staple, Holly Dae
is currently spreading joy and
laughter with different events each
week. She can be seen doing Bingo
at the Monster on Wednesday;
at Industry bar, hosting a long
running celebrated drag review on
Thursday; on Friday at the Ritz,
hosting a drag competition; once
a month on Friday at the Laurie
Beechman Theatre for Distorted
Diznee; and then on Saturday at the
Monster for Spunk, and then again
with the Spunk crew at Pieces bar
on Sunday…..
She’s creative, she’s funny….and
most obviously in demand. We
shared questions and answers
regarding her events, her future
plans, and a brief synopsis of what
her festivities entail.
PHOTO CREDIT: RICK STOCKWELL @RICKSTOCKWELL

INTERVIEW >>>
You are a busy girl. What do you enjoy
most about each of your events: Spunk,
Bingo, Industry Queen, and others?
Well, yes, I do like to keep busy. I have five
shows a week, and I am very lucky they all are
so different. My week starts off on Wednesday
at Monster for Bingo with my co host Cherry
Poppins, and over the past nine months, we
have really made it quite unique, with not just
the classic number Bingo, but fun themes as in
Disney, Barbie, and even celebrating Onlyfans!
Thursday, I’m so honored to be hosting the
longest running drag review in NYC QUEEN
at Industry bar. In December we turn 13 years
old. We have a cast of such talent and show
stopping production numbers every week, with
themes, choreography, high energy dance
numbers, guest stars and so much more. On
Fridays, I have a few gigs. I do Open Call at
Ritz Bar, which is a fabulous drag competition
with my co host Stasi and DJ Xavier Mazara.
I love seeing all the amazing talent that these
young queens and kings bring to the stage.
Also, once a month, on Friday, I get to perform
at the beautiful Laurie Beechman Theatre
for Distorted Diznee, an off-Broadway show
starring Bootsie Lefaris, Brenda Dharling, Fifi
DuBois and me. It’s been running now for over
11 years! Finally, one Friday a month, I cross
the river to join my NJ family at Club Feathers.
We always have so much fun and laughs
at this venue. Saturday, I’m at Monster bar
for Spunk, where we have 30-40 gogo boys
offering lap dances and pop up shows, with a
fabulous dance floor by DJ David Michael. Luis
Gomez, the producer, has just celebrated 11
years of Spunk, and I am proud to be the OG
host (although I call myself a madam at that
show, haha). Finally, on Sunday I get to work
with the Spunk family again, but at Pieces Bar.
I love doing both nights with Spunk because,
even though they both have gogo boys, they
are very different shows. Monster is a club
and Pieces makes the night more like a dirty
cabaret show. Tables and lounges make it a bit
more intimate and just as hot. WOW, that was
a mouthful, but as you said I’m a busy lady!
What drives you?
What drives me is the community. I always
refer back to that old saying that goes, “If you
can make it here, you can make it anywhere”.
And I truly believe that! I have been extremely
lucky in my career that I have been able to
travel the world, performing–but coming back
to NYC and seeing all the unique and amazing
talent this city has really pushes me to keep
striving for more. Never settle and always
learn–that’s what drives me.
Are there any new projects you’re working
on at the moment?
As of now, my new projects are gearing up
for 2024 with some international gigs. In
2023, I got to perform in many cities all over
the USA, but also Dublin, London, Paris, and
Amsterdam. I am excited to announce I’m
coming to Berlin in 2024, and that’s just the
beginning.
What do you enjoy when out of drag?
Right now, I am so thankful to have this job.
We live in a scary world between wars, politics,
hate and so much more. So when I perform
and I get to make people laugh, smile, and
just forget about all that negative bulls*it for
one night, or maybe just one moment, then
it’s all worth it. I love doing what I do, and I
am beyond grateful for the career I’ve had,
and even when I’m having a bad night/show, I
constantly remind myself of that fact.
What is the best advice you’ve ever
received…..and given?
Best advice given: Bianca Del Rio, many,
many, MANY years ago, told me some great
advice. “Never let a bitch see you sweat”. And
it’s so true. Drag is a family and a community,
but let’s be real. It’s competitive. Do what you
do and do it with all your heart and pay no
mind to the haters. I pass that saying on to
every queen who ever asks for advice. And
one last tip...Do YOUR drag, Don’t let people
tell you how to do YOUR drag!