It’s almost unfathomable.  Here we are, the beginning of August, and I am making my first trek to Provincetown this season.  Within a few hours, I rectified that…several times in fact, but that’s another story.  The purpose was to see Varla Jean Merman’s latest show – Unlike A Virgin – which is playing at the Crown & Anchor through September 19^th (for tickets and info, go to OnlyAtTheCrown.com).  Varla is in prime form with this new show celebrating mothers – both biological and chosen.  She also gives us a glimpse at her origin story that is surely worth the price of admission.  With flashy costumes, catchy ditties, rare archival footage, fantastic new videos (including a guest appearance by BenDeLaCrème), and a heartfelt message, it’s a spoonful of Varla, who has been known to go down like a trooper – which is always welcome in Ptown!  Definitely a must-see.

File this under better late than never – Joy Behar is poised to make her Provincetown debut.  On August 9^th, The View mainstay hits Town Hall in conversation with Provincetown legend, Judy Gold.  The event, being produced by Mark Cortale, will raise funds for Sandy Hook Promise.  Needless to say, I will return to Ptown for this event, in case that sweetens the pot.  You can grab tickets for the show at PtownTownHall.com.  To see me, you don’t need a ticket.  You’ve just gotta grab my “attention”…or whatever else is handy.

Speaking of belated debuts, it’s being said that Derek Hough just took his first bow on a Broadway stage in Chicago on July 20^th.  That’s not strictly accurate.  He was a replacement dancer in Burn The Floor from January 8^th through the 10^th in 2010.  But this was the first time he ever got to speak – even briefly.  He did the introduction to Chicago for one reason (and for literally one minute) – to welcome his pal Mark Ballas back into the production.  And, as luck would have it, we have every second of his time in the spotlight on BillyMasters.com.

Although I announced his run in Chicago, I never saw Matteo Lane in his Broadway debut.  By all accounts, the comedian distinguished himself admirably with his acting, dancing, and singing.  Our spies in the production tell me that he was a delight backstage and a very hard worker.  And unlike when Whoopi says, “You’re welcome back any time,” I’m told Chicago means it.  Until then, you can see some clips of him in the show on our website.

By the by, Matteo is also appearing at Provincetown Town Hall – courtesy of the Payomet Performing Arts Center.  His shows will take place on August 7^th and 8^th.  You can get tix at Payomet.org.