A stalwart on the Pride circuit is Kylie Minogue.  In her recently released Netflix documentary, she revealed that she went through a second battle with cancer.  “My second cancer diagnosis was in early 2021.  I was able to keep that to myself…not like the first time.  Thankfully, I got through it.  Again.  And all is well.  Hey, who knows what’s around the corner.”  She also issued the following statement: “There will be someone out there who will benefit from a gentle reminder to do their checkups.  Early detection was very helpful and I am so grateful to be able to say that I am doing well today.”

Ricky Martin was kicking off the European leg of his tour in Montenegro last week when someone in the audience allegedly sprayed tear gas in the crowd.  Of course, such things probably happen frequently in Montenegro.  Martin was immediately whisked off of the stage and officials came in to assess the situation.  After being given the all-clear, management wanted to cancel the show.  Ricky refused and returned to the stage saying, “Nothing is going to stop this show.  Nothing!”  Plus, I’m sure plenty of people cry during a Ricky Martin concert.

The Cannes Film Festival wrapped last week, but not before the 32^nd annual amfAR Gala.  The event took place at the luxurious Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc and raised $20 million for the Foundation for AIDS Research.  Congrats!

Also raising money for the fight against AIDS are members of the original Broadway cast of Rent.  The upcoming 30^th anniversary will be celebrated with a one-night-only concert on October 26^th at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway.  The night will be directed by the show’s original director, Michael Greif, who said, “Jonathan [Larsen] wrote Rent in honor of the people he knew who were living and struggling with HIV and in honor of the many friends and contemporaries he lost to AIDS.  I know he’d be proud and honored to join forces with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of his milestone musical.”  Greif adds that the show will include “a bevy of special guests.”

Good News/Bad News.  The production of Evita starring Rachel Zegler in London’s West End is coming to Broadway next spring.  “But Billy,” I can hear you wondering, “is that the good news or the bad news?”  That depends on your opinion of Miss Zegler, who is one of those performers who polarizes people, not unlike another actress who has never received a Tony nomination.  What is undeniable is that this transfer will be lacking what has made it such a sensation in London – a balcony.  In London, she sings “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” from the outdoor balcony of the Palladium, much to the delight of people out on the street (and, surely, much to the dismay of paying patrons, who get to watch it on a video screen).  Director Jamie Lloyd says, “I am really excited to explore a new idea, made especially for Broadway.”

Speaking of Tony snubs, the much-maligned musical of Beaches is skulking out of town after playing 38 shows (and 28 previews), most recently, to roughly half-full houses.  Some are blaming this premature shutter on the lack of Tonys.  Having not seen it, I’d think at least some of the blame should fall on the musical’s creators.