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DEFYING INEQUALITY - ON SCENE WITH BILL WISLON

BY BILL WILSON
Sentinel Photojournalist
Bill Wilson © 2009

From the opening medley of songs from “La Cage Aux Follies” I was in tears. “I Am What I Am” does that to me for so many reasons

Cast members of “Wicked”
Bill Wilson Photo © 2009

To the finale, “How Can I Keep From Singing?” the performances soared to rare heights inspiring, entertaining, and coming together to explore the unity in community. When so many people give of their hearts it is impossible to not feel the love and be for that one glorious moment transformed by the possibility of love. We CAN have a world where all are equal.

The finale
Bill Wilson Photo © 2009

The magic of theater comes in those unscripted moments. Last night it was Lee Meriwether being taken by surprise by her introduction as, “Miss America 1955 and the original Cat woman.” She came out laughing and said she had just heard that introduction for the first time. She then mimicked a shaking old lady and quipped, “I’m just an old queen.” The whole theater erupted in laughter as she realized what she had just said to the predominately glbt audience.

Lee Meriwether
Bill Wilson Photo © 2009

Then she noted that there was a box in front of the podium which made it impossible to get close enough and if she stood on it she was too far from the microphone. In what would become a running gag throughout the evening Patty Duke came running across stage yelling, “That’s my box! That’s my box!” before removing it.

Left to right, Lee Meriwether (with box) Donna Sachet,Billy Philadelphia, Selene Luna,
Meg MacKay, Suzanne Whang.
Bill Wilson Photo © 2009

The theme of the evening “Defying Inequality” comes from the musical “Wicked” when the witches defy gravity by flying. Used as a metaphor for defying convention it was an appropriate description of what the performance were all about. Love has been written and sung about in so many different ways and was reflected in the variety of performances ranging from Megan McKay, “ jazz rendition of “Right As Rain” to the bongo drum version of “Wedding Bells” by Celisse Henderson.

Celisse Henderson
Bill Wilson Photo © 2009

The evening did have its political moments, Bruce Vilanch a letter written to President Obama by Harvey Fierstein, Carol Kane read a letter from Winnie Holzman writer of the book for “Wicked”, and Lee Meriwether read a letter from Gregory Maguire, author of the book “Wicked” which the musical is based on. State Senator Mark Leno was on hand to deliver a proclamation from the California Senate.

Patty Duke and Mark Leno.
Bill Wilson Photo © 2009

There are very few worthy causes in San Francisco that don’t get the benefit of the talents of Donna Sachet and marriage equality is no exception. Gracing the stage with the presence that exemplified the ballad, “Kindness” which she sang, her dress in her red was big enough to be defying gravity itself!

Donna Sachet.
Bill Wilson Photo © 2009

The evening was completed with a carnival themed after party of games food and drink. The ice cream cake had to be eaten before it melted – really, I didn’t really want to eat t h a t much.

Posing a distraction
Bill Wilson Photo © 2009

Bruce Vilanch and boys from Boyslesque
Bill Wilson Photo © 2009

A leg to stand on.
Bill Wilson Photo © 2009

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