Laury A. Egan Talks New Novel “The Firefly” & More (AUDIO)

 

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with author Laury A. Egan about her latest novel “The Firefly” published by Spectrum Books. “The Firefly” begins as an LGBTQ coming-of-age novel set in 1964 and evolves into a woman’s lifelong journey to find fulfillment in both love and career. The story begins with Robin Bennet at fourteen who has been left to fend for herself at a lakeside rental after her parents argue and leave the premises each believing the other has remained with their daughter. Robin then discovers someone has been sleeping in the house and stealing food. That night Robin observes a beautiful blond girl who magically appears on the dock dancing to the light of a lantern. The next day Kieran a fifteen-year-old charming intruder invites himself to dinner. It turns out that he is the brother of the beautiful blond girl Stella who magically appeared on the dock the night before and after he departs the “Firefly” returns. This time Robin is brave enough to approach her leading to Robin’s first kiss but in the morning Stella has disappeared. Robin’s quest to find her is then cut short when Teresa her mother returns canceling their summer holiday on the lake. With Robin’s attempt to find her new friends ending in vain she returns home but never forgets that night of passion on the lake. As she enters adulthood pursuing her dream of becoming an architect she continues to explore her sexuality as she struggles to fulfill her lost desire for Stella. We talked to Laury about her inspiration for writing “The Firefly” and her spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Laury A. Egan is the author of thirteen books of fiction. Her stories and poems have appeared in 85 literary journals and in multiple anthologies. Two full-length poetry volumes Snow, Shadow, a Stranger and Beneath the Lion’s Paw were issued in limited edition as were two chapbooks Presence & Absence and The Sea & Beyond. Egan is also a fine arts photographer, a former book designer and a reviewer for The New York Journal of Books. She lives on the northern coast of New Jersey. For More Info…

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Paula S. Apsell Talks New Holocaust Resistance Film (AUDIO)

 

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Executive Producer Paula S. Apsell about her new documentary “Resistance - They Fought Back” that’s having its World Premiere at the Boston Jewish Film Festival November 2nd and 9th. “Resistance - They Fought Back” explores the misinformation that Jews went to their deaths like sheep to the slaughter during the Holocaust. Actually Jews fought back in more than sixty armed rebellions including six in death camps and thousands of Jewish partisans in forests of Europe. Through interviews with historians, survivors and their families the film belies a long-held myth and shines a new light on a lost chapter of history. Apsell co-directed this relevant and timely film with Kirk Wolfinger after a documentary they made for the PBS NOVA series in 2016 which she helmed for 35 years. Told by survivors, their children and expert witnesses from the U.S, Israel and Europe “Resistance - They Fought Back” is a revelation based on extensive research of how the Jews of Europe fought back. It uncovers evidence of non-violent methods which served as crucial tools of resistance and evolved into Jewish armed revolts in ghettos, forests and death camps even as the odds of success were alarmingly small. Today almost eighty years after the Holocaust this story remains largely unknown to the general public. It is important to understand this genocide that wiped out two-thirds of European Jews especially with the global rise of antisemitism, hatred and denial of the Holocaust itself. We talked to Paula about what she hopes to accomplish with “Resistance - They Fought Back” and as a fierce ally her spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Paula S. Apsell spent 35 years as the Senior Executive Producer of the PBS NOVA science series responsible for more than 650 documentaries in the sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine which won every major broadcasting award including the Emmy; the Peabody; the duPont-Columbia University Gold and Silver Batons and an Academy Award nomination for Special Effects. She has been recognized with numerous individual awards including the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Emmy of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Currently she is CEO of Leading Edge Productions, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity. “Resistance: They Fought Back” is currently being screened at the Boston Jewish Film Festival and numerous screenings globally and is distributed by Abramorama. For More Info & Tix…

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The Dinah Red Carpet Celebrities Speak OUT (AUDIO)

 

In this exclusive audio montage Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talked with The Dinah’s celebrities on the Red Carpet for the legendary Black & White Ball and Hollywood Party in Palm Springs. We had a blast chatting with these fabulous women about their music, what they hope to accomplish with their work and how they’re coping in these challenging times. 

First we talked with Black Box headlining the Friday night Black & White Ball who is passionate about bringing back the 80’s dance sound and talked about the importance of forums like The Dinah bringing people together. Next we spoke to XANA a new rising star on the pop scene who performed at Sunday’s Pool Party who’s currently on her first American tour and recording a new album. Then we chatted with singer-songwriter Ariana Castelli who released her first single “Love is Love” a few years ago and performed at The Dinah with Keeana Kee. Then we talked with The Dinah’s DJ’s Mo, Alex D and China G who are all committed to creating a safe place for women to party and thrive. Next we chatted with Phem one of the most prominent new queer indie singers who performed poolside and just concluded a world tour with Avril Lavigne. Then we chatted with influencer Divinity Ray an LA-based content creator, dancer and hair stylist with a passion for beauty, fashion and mental health. Concluding Friday night’s Red Carpet was Oomy Oomy The Dinah’s Emerging Artist Winner also known as "Porno" a trailblazing force in the realm of futuristic feel-good funk. 

Then for Saturday night’s Red Carpet at the infamous Hollywood Party we talked to Chef K a private chef who spent the last several years working on the margins of the Kardashians and is now stepping into her own celebrity chef status. Then we caught up with Mackenzie Lansing a French-American television and film actress who was cast in the Hunger Games prequel and “Mare of Easttown” alongside Kate Winslet. Next we chatted with Latvian-born New York based lesbian fashion model turned pop star Keeana Kee who performed at the Sunday Pool Party. Then Rose Garcia from the Showtime docuseries “The Real L Word” talked about her 27th year at The Dinah after beating stage 3 ovarian cancer last year. Rose is now advocating for people to get tested and also shared how practicing meditation helped to get through it. We concluded our Red Carpet coverage with rapper and songwriter Princess Nokia who headlined The Dinah’s Hollywood Party. When asked what she wanted to accomplish with her music Princess Nokia stated, “I want people to feel like they are wonderful, amazing and free and I hope that my music always inspires people to feel awesome and feel relatable.” For Info…

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Mariah Hanson Talks The Dinah Building Community (AUDIO)

 

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Mariah Hanson, founder and producer of The Dinah the most renowned annual music festival for queer women that’s celebrating its 32nd year and takes place September 20th through September 24th in Palm Springs, CA. The Dinah is continuing its legend with a show-stopping all-female entertainment line-up at one of Palm Springs’ most historic hotels The Margaritaville formerly The Riviera. This glamorous venue will host The Black and White Ball in the Grand Ballroom Friday night September 22nd with Doechii one of today’s most magnetic rappers who will take centerstage as the headliner. Doechii rose to prominence in 2021 with the viral Tik Tok success of her song "Yucky Blucky Fruitcake" and earlier this year appearing on the Billboard Hot 100 with her single “What it is (Block Boy)”. The Dinah mix on Friday night will also feature Black Box who has been keeping millions of fans dancing beneath disco balls and neon lights for 3 decades. Then on Saturday night at The Hollywood Party Princess Nokia the electrifying gender nonconforming queer NY Rapper and newest star to be is set to deliver an explosive headlining performance. After nearly a decade as a leader and icon for outsiders and misfits the New York-born Puerto Rican MC, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, style icon, actress and activist Princess Nokia continues to speak up and speak out. Of course, during the daytime there will be The Dinah’s legendary pool parties showcasing a string of galvanizing queer emerging performers. FYI don’t miss The L-Word Pool Party on Saturday September 23rd as Phem one of the most prominent up-and-coming queer indie genre-defying singers will be performing poolside to get your swim on. Throughout the festivities The Dinah will also present world-famous DJs, go-go dancers, red carpet events with celebrity guests, dance parties, meet and greets and so much more. We talked to Mariah about what she hopes to accomplish with The Dinah this year and her spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Mariah Hanson continues to utilize The Dinah as a platform to mobilize our LGBTQ community around humanitarian and social issues especially in these challenging times. An exemplary community leader she has single-handedly revolutionized her industry, overturned tradition and raised the bar on female achievement with an event that is entirely produced by women for women. OUTTAKE MEDIA has been a proud Media Sponsor of The Dinah for the last seven years and we’ll be onsite broadcasting all the festivities this year for our global LGBTQ audience. For More Info & Tix…

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Randy Roberts Talks Confessions Of A Drag Diva (AUDIO)

 

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Drag Diva Randy Roberts about performing his new show “Aging Dis-Gracefully” currently at the Post Office Cafe and Cabaret now through August 29th in Provincetown, MA. We caught his fabulous new show last week and were thoroughly entertained with his theme of divas who refuse to grow old gracefully including impeccable performances from Cher, Bette Midler and more. However what makes Roberts show so outstanding is how he brings his own voice to the party. This is not a lip sync show but a Virtuoso performing in drag. Then when he concluded his show performing “The Music of the Night” from The Phantom of the Opera in his own persona we were blown away especially thinking about the controversy all drag artists are facing in this country with the politicizing of their performances. In Key West, Florida where Randy has performed at the La Te Da Cabaret for 25 years they no longer allow anyone under 18 years old to attend even though Randy’s show is totally appropriate for all ages. In “Aging Dis-Gracefully” he does address Florida being ground zero with the current culture wars specifically drag artists under attack. Yet Roberts manages to address the issue flawlessly with a tribute to Governor DeSantis in a parody entitled “He’s DeSantis” to the song “It's De-Lovely” and a moving rendition of the LGBTQ power anthem “Color Out of Colorado.” We talked to Randy about his inspiration for his new show “Aging Dis-Gracefully” and his spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Randy Roberts is an actor, singer, director and world-renowned female impersonator entertaining audiences for over 30 years. Hailing from Norfolk, VA he started in community theater and found a niche in female impersonation. First in small bars and clubs and then touring the country in the review “Masquerade a La Cage”. During this run he caught the eye of the producers of the long running Las Vegas drag revue “Boy-Lesque” at the Sahara Hotel and Casino. Roberts was also featured on the tenth season of NBC television’s “America’s Got Talent” and appeared on ABC television’s “One Life To Live” as “Cher”. Randy made his film debut in the award-winning indie film “Any Day Now” starring Alan Cumming, Garret Dillahunt and Frances Fisher. Randy is currently celebrating his 25th year headlining in the Crystal Room Cabaret at La Te Da in Key West, Florida and in Provincetown at the Post Office Cafe and Cabaret where he is currently performing. Upcoming performance dates include September 22nd at the Sun Festival in Rehoboth Beach, DE & September 14th, 15th and 16th at the Crazy Coqs in London, UK. For More Info… 

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Jason Stuart & Mitch Hara Talk “Smothered” Season 2 (AUDIO)

 

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with actors Jason Stuart and Mitch Hara about the second season of their must-watch comedy series “Smothered” currently available on all major streaming services including Amazon, Apple, DirecTV and Revry. Jason Stuart (The Birth Of A Nation) and Mitch Hara (Mutant Olive) have co-written, co-starred and co-produced this series about a longtime gay couple that can’t stand each other but can’t afford to get divorced. With the success of the first season that was named one of the best comedy series by Amazon and was nominated for the Spotlight Award at the Indie Series Awards Jason and Mitch have upped their game. Season 2 of “Smothered” boasts an impressive cast of guest stars that include Amanda Bearse (Married w/ Children/Bros), Jai Rodriguez (Bros/Queer Eye), Carole Ita White (Laverne & Shirley), Armand Fields (Queer as Folk) and more. “Smothered” second season follows the boomer-aged gay couple Randy and Ralph who still can't stand each other and still can't afford to get a divorce so they attempt to salvage their hideous relationship in therapy hell before they kill each other and everyone else. Both Stuart and Hara were also nominated for Best Actor and the series for Best Digital Series at the Queerty Awards. “Smothered” season 2 is directed by acclaimed theatre director Carlyle King who is making her Television début. We talked to Jason and Mitch about what they hope to accomplish with Smothered and their spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Jason Stuart is one of the most prolific character actors who’s also an outrageous openly gay stand-up comedian. With over 150 credits his film work includes “The Birth Of A Nation” “Tangerine”, “Love Is Strange”, “Gia”, “Kindergarten Cop” and “Vegas Vacation” among his fan favorites. His TV work has wowed audiences with guest roles on such shows as “Sleepy Hollow”, “Entourage”, “The Closer”, “It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia”, “House”, “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Will & Grace” among others. Recently he won The Indie Series Award for Best Actor In a Comedy Series for the first season of “Smothered”. Jason also serves as the National LGBTQ Co-Chairman of the SAG-AFTRA LGBTQ Committee a role he co-created in 2004. For More Info… Mitch Hara is an actor/writer/director who joined the acclaimed Actors Studio when he was just 19. Mitch won Best Actor Award for his portrayal of “Sister Coco Call-Me- Ishmael” a mental-patient-drag-queen-nun. He also co- wrote and directed Joe Manganiello in “One Night Stand.” Hara’s award-winning solo show “Mutant Olive” is currently playing to sold out houses in LA and is currently touring globally with rave reviews. For More Info… 

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New Featurette “Swipe NYC” Cast Members Speak OUT (AUDIO)

 

 

In this exclusive audio montage Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Latina filmmaker Sue Zarco Kramer and cast members of “Swipe NYC” at the 25th Provincetown International Film Festival about her semi-autobiographic dramedy featurette that has already won film festival awards across the country. First we talked to Sue and the film’s star Lisa Edelstein (House, Girlfriends Guide to Divorce) who plays Syd a newly divorced empty nester who throws herself into the vulnerable, scary, sexy world of online dating. Each date serves as a metaphor of Syd picking up the broken pieces of her life and regaining her sense of sexuality, confidence, empowerment and independence. Along the way she encounters her stellar cast of supporting actors including Richard Schiff (Wakanda Forever, The Good Doctor, The West Wing) and Bridget Moynahan (Blue Bloods, I Robot) among others. We also had the opportunity to get their spin on the current WGA Writer’s Strike and address our LGBTQ issues. Then we talked to Richard Schiff who plays Steve about how he got involved in the film and what he hopes to accomplish with his career. Next we chatted with Angela Wong Carbone who plays Jane and David Kelsey who plays Luke about their roles and how David would like to see “Swipe NYC” developed into a streaming series. The film is also produced by Kelsey along with Bridget Moynahan, Heather Sederquist, Cheryl Bayer and Sue Zarco Kramer.

Filmmaker Sue Zarco Kramer is a graduate of UCLA Film School. She graduated winning the coveted Jim Morrison Award for Outstanding Direction and Writing. Kramer has written for almost every studio and made her feature directorial debut with her original feature "Gray Matters" which pays homage to 1940's screwball comedies with one big bang of a modern twist. The film starred Heather Graham, Tom Cavanagh, Alan Cumming, Sissy Spacek, Bridget Moynahan and Molly Shannon in the romantic comedy about a brother and a sister who fall in love with the same woman. "Gray Matters" not only closed the 2007 Santa Barbara Film Festival but was chosen as the Spotlight Film of The Hamptons Film Festival. "Gray Matters" has remained on the top 25 Netflix list of "gay and lesbians hits" of all time. “Swipe NYC” premiered at The Beverly Hills Film Festival in April 2023 winning the best audience award and will be in San Francisco at the Jewish film festival on July 29th & August 4th winning the coveted freedom expression award. For More Info…

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LGBTQ Filmmakers at Ptown Film Festival Speak OUT (AUDIO)

 

In this exclusive audio montage Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with filmmakers and activists at the 25th annual Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) press luncheon that took place at the Boatslip Resort & Beach Club in Provincetown, Massachusetts. First we spoke with director Sophia Castuera and writer Ali Edwards about their first feature film “August At Twenty-Two” that’s receiving a lot of buzz and will be available on most VOD streaming outlets next month. The film is about actress Cal (played by Edwards) who is floundering after college and is shocked to discover that her childhood soulmate has a serious girlfriend Em (Lilli Kay) who Cal unexpectedly falls in love with. “August At Twenty-Two” is an evocative and deeply felt portrait of young artists struggling to find their way in their craft and their lives. We also talked to Sophia and Ali about their inspiration for creating this film and their spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Next we chatted with producer Fermin Rojas and director Mike Syers about their short film “There Are Things To Do” about LGBTQ activist and author Urvashi Vaid who passed away last year. Vaid was an outspoken immigrant, lesbian and woman of color who was an LGBTQ superhero and believed in human rights for all people. Urvashi led the charge in shaping the modern-day LGBTQ rights movement as Executive Director of National LGBTQ Task Force from 1989 to 1992 to founding LPAC the first lesbian Super PAC raising millions of dollars for candidates who are committed to social justice. The film chronicles her life in Provincetown and 34-year relationship with partner/wife comedian Kate Clinton who inspired her call to action resulting in achieving equality for our LGBTQ community. We concluded our montage with director Sam Shahid whose documentary “Hidden Master: The Legacy of George Platt Lynes” uncovers the life and work of photographer George Platt Lynes. Best remembered for his dazzling celebrity and fashion photographs of the 1930’s and 1940’s, Lynes was forced to keep his male nude photos hidden from the public. Shahid hopes his film will help reclaim this gifted artist’s full legacy and lasting influence as one of the first openly gay American artists. 

The Provincetown Film Society, Inc. (PFS) is a non-profit year-round organization and home of the Provincetown International Film Festival. PFS is dedicated to showcasing new achievements in independent film and honoring the work of acclaimed and emerging directors, producers and actors. For More Info…

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Andrew Peterson Talks 25th Provincetown Film Festival (AUDIO)

 

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Andrew Peterson, Director of Programming of the Provincetown International Film Festival that takes place June 14th to June 18th in Provincetown, MA. PIFF is celebrating its 25th year with over 100 films that include diverse BIPOC and LGBTQ filmmakers as well as wildly talented first-time filmmakers along with PIFF’s longstanding commitment to gender parity. The opening night film will be “Cora Bora” starring Megan Stalter and directed by Hannah Pearl Utt. Written by Rhianon Jones “Cora Bora” follows the story of Cora a messy millennial and struggling musician. When she goes home to Portland to win her girlfriend back Cora realizes there’s a lot more than her love life that needs salvaging. As we announced earlier Stalter will receive the festival’s Next Wave Award this year. “Theater Camp” from directors Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman is set to close the festival. It tells the story about staff members of an upstate New York theater camp who must band together when their beloved founder falls into a coma. Also honored this year will be Bruce LaBruce with the Filmmaker on Edge Award, Billy Porter the Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor will be honored with this year’s Excellence in Acting Award and along with Megan Stalter, writer, director and actor Julio Torres will receive the Next Wave Award. There will also be lots of fabulous special events and parties. We talked to Peterson about what he hopes to accomplish at the 25th annual Provincetown International Film Festival and his spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Andrew Peterson has served as the Director of Programming for the Academy Award Qualifying Provincetown Film Festival for the last 21 years. Peterson is also the Executive Director of FilmNorth one of the largest filmmaker service organizations in the country. Previously he was Vice President of Production for Werc Werk Works where he co-produced Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman’s “Howl”, Todd Solondz’s “Life During Wartime”, Jill Sprecher’s “Thin Ice” and Lawrence Kasdan’s “Darling Companion”. Andrew holds an MFA from New York University Graduate Film School and has taught filmmaking at Macalester and Middlebury Colleges. The Provincetown Film Society, Inc. (PFS) is a non-profit year-round organization and home of the Provincetown International Film Festival. PFS is dedicated to showcasing new achievements in independent film and honoring the work of acclaimed and emerging directors, producers and actors. This is our 16th year covering PIFF for OUTTAKE MEDIA™. For Info & Tix…

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