“My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend. 
Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day.”   
– Mariah Carey notes the passing of her mother, singer Patricia. 
While it may be a tragic turn, Mimi does not say that the death of her estranged sister Alison
– who has been HIV-positive since 1990 – was particularly sad for her.

After spending so much time overseas, I ended my summer with back-to-back excursions to Provincetown.  Why didn’t I just stay there?  Give a fella a chance to catch his breath – and get more condoms!  During my first jaunt, I saw the terrific Thirsty Burlington in Cher 1987.  Like her previous show (Cher 1975), this is locked into a specific era of the diva’s career.  While Cher spent most of the ‘80s focusing on acting, 1987 marked her return to recording such hits as “I Found Someone”, “We All Sleep Alone”, and “Bang Bang” – all sung live by Thirsty.  What is Cher without spectacular gowns?  Earlier this summer, Bob Mackie gave Burlington his seal of approval, so that’s good enough for me.  Having this talented diva back where she belongs is a gift that keeps on giving.  She’s at The Crown and Anchor on Tuesdays through September 17^th.  Grab your tickets at OnlyAtTheCrown.com.

I then caught Jamie Morris and his talented troupe at the Post Office Café and Cabaret for The Devil Wears Payless.  I was curious how he’d turn this flick into an hour show.  Cleverly, he jettisoned several subplots and focused his abundant gifts on the moments we all wait for (he did similar work with Mommie Queerest).  Morris’ impersonation of Ms. Priestly is a jewel, and the rest of his players provide the perfect setting.  It’s a clever and triumphant evening of high camp in the best way possible.  It runs through October 6^th, at which point it will likely trickle down to some tragic dinner theatre in your locale.  Until then, get your tickets at PostOfficeCafe.net.

Later in the week, I returned to Provincetown to see John McDaniel and Liz Callaway – again at the Post Office Cabaret.  There aren’t enough superlatives in the world to describe Liz Callaway.  Strike that – she revealed that one critic called her the Marni Nixon of animation (look it up).  Quite simply, she is sublime.  If I were someone who believed in God, I’d say he kissed those golden vocal cords, which show no sign of stopping.  That she is as down to earth as anyone with her extraordinary talent only makes me love her more.  The show included a generous portion from her live, Grammy-nominated CD, To Steve With Love: Liz Callaway Celebrates Sondheim.  You can still buy it at all good (and not-so-good) retailers.  Credit McDaniel for bringing her to Ptown and collaborating on a delightful show filled with lots of fantastic medleys – and harmonies!  And there’s dish.  You do know about her filling in for Streisand, right?  There’s only so much she can say, but say it she does.  Thanks, Liz (and Johnny).

One could say I saved the best for last.  Certainly, it’s hard to top Miss Richfield 1981 – although scores of people have tried.  Her show, Phony Baloney, grapples with the AI crisis – and nobody is facing more of a crisis than Miss Richfield herself.  Armed solely with her Sharp cell phone (bought at Radio Shack, y’know), she’s had capacity audiences in stitches all summer at the Pilgrim House as she tries to tackle technology.  She’s assisted (and sometimes not assisted) by audience members who don’t know what they’re getting into.  That’s all for the best.  Her material is fresh, her mind is lightning fast, and her costumes…well, at least she’s got her mind and material.  Oh, she’s also got shows at the Pilgrim House until September 14^th.  Get your tickets at PilgrimHousePtown.com.