Every day, performers have little triumphs in changing the world’s perception of marginalized people.  Last week, Bob the Drag Queen made a splash when he joined the cast of Moulin Rouge! The Musical! as Harold Zidler.  Of course, not a total revolution as Bob and Harold are both males.  It’s worth noting that while the role was originally played by Danny Burstein, it was eventually portrayed by Tituss Burgess – as much a drag queen as Bob.  But why quibble?  I’m told Bob got a great reception on his entrance, and received a standing ovation at his curtain call.  The producers even added a little of his “Purse First” for the finale megamix.  Congrats.

Things are not coming up roses in Japan.  An upcoming production of Gypsy in Tokyo will be retitled Rose.  Why?  “The original title, Gypsy, is a discriminatory term given to the Roma and Sinti people…The Japanese title has been changed to Rose out of consideration for this term.”  Here’s a better idea – don’t do the show.  Nobody calls her “Gypsy” because she’s banging a tambourine and reading people’s palms.  She adopted that as her name.  This is a work of art – either you do it as written or not at all.   Even the last Broadway revival was faithful to that.  How will that scene in the Chinese restaurant go over in Japan?  Or the notorious eggroll for Mr. Goldstone?  Or the Salute to Uncle Sam?  Aren’t those problematic?  I can’t believe the estates of Jule Styne, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents are allowing this to happen.  Dim the lights on Broadway – theatre is officially dead.

This week’s Ask Billy question from Oscar in Florida: “Who is the hot papi in Beauty in Black?  The one who plays the stripper?”

That would be fitness model Rodrigo Aburto – who is probably better known as the spouse of Matteo Lane.  You’ll be happy to know that he’ll be back for season three.  “It’s been very cool.  I was really excited to use my dancing skills in the show.  I’m a stripper on the show, and they decided to grow my character.”  I think parts of you will grow when you check him out on BillyMasters.com.

When I’m boycotting the Tokyo “Rose”, it’s definitely time to end another column.  Should you be interested, you can even hear this leading lady sing.  Just head on over to www.BillyMasters.com – the site that has never said no to a foreign tongue.  Should I be able to give you a hand with anything else, feel free to drop a note to Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before I tell you about my night with two Corinthians in the back of a Chrysler Cordoba!  So, until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.