The TABOO topic

Bravo to Mommy and Daddy for doing their part to illuminate the life of such a mega talent as Leigh. Sadly I am afraid, the Broadway show will really miss the mark. From a theatrical point of view, I really can't imagine Rosie O'Donnell OR Boy George being able to harness any of the excitement that Leigh posessed in his performances and irreverent contribution to style. I also don't think middle America who buy the majority of tickets on Broadway could sit thru a true portrayal of L.B's time on Earth. I am afraid this show will merely be a chance for Boy George to have a chance to fill a pair of pumps onstage he could NEVER do in reality. Leigh Bowery was a true artist. Boy George is a pop star. I adore George. I just wished they would have gotten a real actor and not some waterd down imitation. Oh wow, the saddle on this "HIGH HORSE" is uncomfortable.

That's what you are.
And speaking of "Screaming Queens"...
Miss Understood will be doing these GENIUS "human snack tables" for the party as well. Walking, talking (screaming) human tables that will most likely frighten the guests and leave more food for us.
Right on Missy U.


And Sweetie,
Giddy-up Gurl!
Ouch!
You aren't alone in your opinion though. I hear it everywhere. I think it's going to be a bumpy ride.
(meet me you know where)

I think we should see it before saying. Also remember that a book, a play, or especially a MUSICAL are ALWAYS a fiction. How can anyone's life be captured in two hours? Also, life doesn't it the formula of an entertainment vehicle. I don't even think the thickest 800 page bio is ever "true". I read 3 bios on Dietrich and they were very different from eachother.

While yes, George is pop star, he's not your average pop star. He's one of us that made it. He's always been a bit of a rebel in that business. He also knew Leigh quite well. It's not like some clueless writer who decided to "research" Leigh bowery and write a show. From what I hear there are a few authentic clubsters involved in the costuming, hair design, etc. Perfidia has been raving about the gorgeous hairdos on the extras that are based upon icons such as Steve Strange and Sue Catwoman.

I have high hopes but I won't have an opinion until I see it. I'm going the evening before the party. It must be viewed as an interpretive fiction. Do you REALLY think Gypsy captured Gypsy Rose Lee's life 100% accurately?

Well, Miss U, I too will be there that same night, and I reserve my opinion until it has been seen. This show is different from the London version as it has gone from a 300 seat theatre to a 1000 seat theatre, and more dramatically, has been rewritten and reworked for the American stage. We shall see, but I will admit that I am excited and cannot wait to see it!

A pal of mine - Julian Clary - appeared in the UK version.... it seems that they were bringing out all sorts of tacky daytime tv personalities to appear in the show - which really put me off the whole thing (what next Kelly Ripa as Leigh Bowery!).... Am interested to see it, but not rushing... but wonder how spot-on it can be as the subject matter is SO not mainstream tourist B'way fodder.... and Leigh was so challenging. (In a good way - but not in a mainstream way - y'dig?).

I hope for everyones sake that Taboo is a hit. I just know from its beginning in the states there have been too many fingers in the pot, and it has all the makings of a big fat flop. They are trying to re-work a show that failed miserably in London. Although I believe Charles Busch has great skills as a writer, I really believe Leigh's life was so "special" for lack of a better word. He totally bucked convention and the mainstream. Its just a little ironic that his life IS being neatly packaged in a 2 hour MUSICAL. Maybe Charles has found a take on the story that will be more fleshed out and human. I am concerned with the biggest factor in the puzzle and that is TICKET SALES. They are building this up as a BOY GEORGE vehicle. Look at the billboard right here in Times Square. It appears at first glace to be pushing a CD or a concert. BOY GEORGE in all of his BOY GEORGEishness is no type of representation of Leigh. That comes from the discomfort the publicity people had in pushing the images that Leigh created for the masses to try and latch onto to sell tickets. Its a very hard show to manipulate for mass appeal. Broadway shows need mass appeal to survive. Not even 10,000 die hard Boy George fans can save a turkey kids. Maybe I will eat my words................but I say GOBBLE GOBBLE!!!

So do you mean you think it's bad or that it's not mainstream?

Hey there was a hit play about a guy that fucked a goat so who knows!?

An astonishing writer like Mr. Albee is capeable of making a hit out of a story of a man fucking a goat. He is one of our best contemporary playwrites. Lets hope Ms. Busch has lent some humanity to the Taboo project. One of the biggest complaints about the London production is that it lacked any kind of emotional life. You didnt want to love the characters. I believe Leigh Bowery's story should be told. It's important to our culture like so many gifted artists that paved the way for freaks everywhere. Leigh had a profound effect on art and style and performance. I am extremely skeptical that the likes of Rosie O'Donnell or even George can pull this off.

This is a slightly dated entry from my blog but it applies here:
Rosie's Big Taboo

I was never a big fan of Rosie O'Donnell. While I like the idea of the "real" girl next door image, I always felt Roseanne pulled that off in a much more accurate fashion.. at least for a few years. Rosie's just reminded me of the overbearing theater students I remember from college. They would consistently exhibit their dire need for attention, yet never provide you with any good reason to pay it to them. While I did like the fact that she was sort of (kinda sorta) a leftie, I found it difficult to accept a raging lesbian who spoke out about gun control yet was silent about gay rights.

Then the big coming out happened. Even that didn't initially impress me. Rosie made it clear that she was coming out only to serve the interest of children, not for any sort of gay rights agenda. if you weren't paying attention at the time, she was speaking out about a Florida case in which some gay foster parents were being denied the right to adopt a child they had raised.

But then, little by little, this Rosie thing became more interesting. She started being less "nice," a label she had been given during her talk show reign, and becoming more outspoken and opinionated. She expressed disgust for Michael Jackson, got a dykey haircut, and started using foul language in public. Now who does she remind me of? The REAL girl next door! And everybody is dumping on her for it.

Rosie is producing he Broadway production of Taboo, London's hit musical about the 80's/90's alternative club scene written by Boy George, who is portraying the infamous performance artist Leigh Bowery. This is a HUUUGE step for Rosie, who was always know for her ties to "family" projects such as "Seusical". Taboo is far from family entertainment. In fact, it may be the most subcultural thing to hit the Broadway stage in decades.

Page Six in the New York Post went off on her earlier this week. They are basically painting her as a crazed lesbian bent on offending the world. They made it sound like the billboard for the show is desecrating the otherwise pristine Times Square! The image is a paining of Leigh in gorgeous freak makeup standing in a men's room. Behind him is the back of a man at a urinal. Big deal. Times square is full of giant underwear ads! The Taboo poster is a refreshing bit of art in an ocean of mediocrity.

There was a phase, let's say between 17 and 25, when I and many of my peers found ourselves and hooked up with like minded people. I mean this in terms of:
A) Coming out and exploring the ins and outs of gay culture and identity and
B) Discovering and experiencing alternative culture, going to clubs, getting into non-mainstream bands, etc.

Rosie's going through that phase now. I think she spent so much time in a more mainstream culture pursuing her standup and acting, and later her TV career, that she never really found the time to let loose and explore. I doubt she knew who Leigh Bowery WAS before she saw Taboo in London.
My friend John thinks she's just a hypocrite. She made a lot of money while pretending to be something she's not and now she expects us to respect her. I can't completely argue with him, he's right. But hey, who wouldn't tone it down to have a TV show and make millions. It's awfully tempting.

What I have to commend her for is being able to say "Enough already!" How many people who have achieved such mainstream fame ever just jump off the carousel to follow their heart? Why does Donald Trump continue building? He could give away 75% of his money and not feel it one bit. How much can a person spend in pursuit of happiness? Why doesn't he spend the rest of his life building free hospitals in Africa? Madonna likes to speak out against materialism but when will she stop practicing it? I have rarely seen a celebrity or a prominent wealthy person every make a real sacrifice. I think Rosie made a big one. She said "Hey, I have more money than I'll ever need, so why don't I just stop kissing everyone's ass all day and just do my thing!" Or maybe it wasn't so big. Maybe her way of living before was becoming so painful that she HAD to stop. Maybe other celebrities in her position who don't stop just become drug addicts or Scientologists as a way of coping.
My point, if I have one, is that media in America is all about phoniness. Any attempt at being yourself is criticized. Remember all the hubbub about Roseanne screeching out the national Anthem at some sports event? Big deal. If your kooky aunt did it you'd laugh and think it was cute.

Anyway, I can't wait to see Taboo!!!!

Miss Understood's Blog

[This message was edited by Miss Understood on 11-03-03 at 11:32 AM.]

An interesting take on Rosie. I give her huge credit for attempting to bring the story of Leigh Bowery to light, that is major. Okay, so I can see a different angle on her.

But she's still repellent.

I wont say too much and spoil it! lucky to catch the show (in previews tonight)...MANY spectacular, suprising moments - breathtaking visuals and funny lines - a solid story with a strong through-line of action. I love that it is built around George and Leigh so artfully - and with heart!

Loose in that new "previews" kind of way - but I didnt mind. Despite George's songs, my mates and I agreed the music was often not "edgy" enough to capture the spirit of the times. There are also more than a few clunky, schmaltzy moments (the cable tv bathrobe number?!) AND the production numbers do not have enough swirly fabric to truely delight the mezzanine level.

We laughed, we cried, we kissed 87.50 goodbye (which for 3 wasnt bad!)

work tickets for this one, however you can.

.

*

Let me begin by saying that I've never been a fan of Broadway musicals ,not my cup of tea....but....

To me it was disjointed, needed a little editing and some cleaning up, but it is hardly the disaster that the press (Post) is claiming it to be. I enjoyed it, so did the entire audience (it got a standing ovation). It had such great moments in it like when the dancefloor of the club comes rolling out full of new-romantic kids doing those 80's moves I did myself....and that's really what it is...... moments I related to or at least had a nostalga for. I thought of all the clublife I have lived where it has gotten me and why I started going to those temples in the first place. Why those places are so important and necessary. Its far from perfect but it has the potential to be really great. The fact remains that its a kind of miracle it exists at all in this land of overgrown sameness.


I wish the entire production the best of luck and hope that its a huge success.

[This message was edited by glamnerd on 11-06-03 at 12:41 PM.]

[This message was edited by glamnerd on 11-06-03 at 12:49 PM.]

quote:

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She said "Hey, I have more money than I'll ever need, so why don't I just stop kissing everyone's ass all day and just do my thing!"

---

Miss U., you hit it spot-on. I'm rather enjoying Rosie at the moment. I hadn't been much of a fan, and maybe she does have a few screws loose...but I do worship how the Queen of Nice (that my mom used to watch on TV each morning) suddenly became this sort of MAC truck-- move or get run over. From starting a magazine and putting her infected finger on the cover, to coming out, getting the new 'do, shooting her mouth off, filing lawsuits, and dumping $10 million into a Broadway play about a couple of notorious homos and 80s counterculture...she's pretty major. And she's taking a major risk...she's got money, but she ain't no Trump.

I saw Taboo on Friday. I liked it. Didn't bowl me over, but it was good enough to recommend. The cast is very strong, and there are some astounding numbers. It was surprising, however, to find that it really is "The Boy George Story" -- not a Leigh Bowery play, which is what I thought it'd be. Leigh is not quite peripheral here, but the spotlight is definitely on George. It's a decent and respectable try at bringing a particular slice of life to Broadway. Some parts were over-the-top schmaltz that seemed gratuitous and designed to pander to the tourists from Iowa. If Rosie's gonna make anything on this though, maybe that's necessary?? Sweetie: yes, ticket sales! Will there be enough interest in this to keep it afloat? I sure hope so. Even in this post- post-Ellen age, I just don't see this having the mass appeal that it will need to fill all those seats every night.

Without giving away the story, we do see plenty of GAY in this production and it's hard to believe that what you're watching is in a Broadway theatre. It was a sold-out house, but at intermission I wondered if there would be empty seats for the second half...we had after all just seen a man kiss another man--and in bed together! But no, everyone filed right back in for the rest of the show, and also gave a standing ovation at the end.

I say three cheers for George. And Rosie. Looking forward to seeing how the rest of her mag lawsuit imbroglio goes...her testimoney last week was a hoot.

...and yes, lying DOES cause cancer. As well as SARS.

I truly bow down to your photoshop skills!
Brilliant!

There is always some sort of compromise when doing something creative. We have to keep that in mind.
(I mean tonight we are producing "The Pop Art Ball" at The Guggenheim Museum and it will be gorgeous. Period Pop brilliantly executed by The Jackie Factory, styled by Kitty Boots but...
at 10:30 an ABBA cover band will play a 20 minute set.
An ABBA cover band!!!!
Of course any idiot knows that ABBA was not 1960's Mod but the CEO of Hugo Boss, the sponsor, saw "Mama Mia" on Broadway and loved it.
Well, he's paying.
ABBA cover band it is.)
So hopefully this show will be good and make money. A hard thing to do.
I think "Hairspray" did it. John Waters told me he really liked the B'way version of his movie. So it can be done.

[This message was edited by daddy on 11-13-03 at 04:45 AM.]

I actually didn't mind this scene either,I thought it was sort of funny. Sad/funny. It reminded me of someone I shall not name..

I did however get a little grossed out with the baby picture of Leigh....it was too much. The video montage was beautiful (you know me and video projections) but the baby pict at the end was so....well, forced, yuck.

It wish the Atlanta set had the same gusto and lush creativity you guys all have! I sawy Boy George on the View and he was delightful! From what I have read about Leigh Bowery and the photos I have seen, I feel I truly missed something wild and wonderful for never having seen any of his performances.

Also, love and hello to Chi Chi, Hattie, Bella Donna, Jade, Lizzie Davis, Billy O., Sweetie, and all the other legends of Stevie-realness! You may not remember me, but my 2 trips to your great city have been true highlights in my life... And I will never forget those "nights"!

Your Dove of Doves... Prel!

Ok, I just got back from seeing it, and fresh in my mind and freely smoking a ciggy and having a cocktail while I pen my impression of the show.

I loved it! I may be biased (Boy cold defecate on stage on I would love it), but it really is a good show overall. My one major impression is that the cast needs to "gel" a bit as an ensemble for the whole production to flow just a tad bit better, but hey, this was the last preview. Now we shall see what the critics say.

The composite character for all the men in Boy's life was oh-so-my-type and I so understood the whole straight boy who likes the painted girly boys but can't deal with the fact that he does like...well you know what I mean. I got it, and the kiss was far more provocative than anything I have heard about from the Boy From Oz.

The sets, costumes, and wigs are all fabulous and any Broadway hagatha will live for the dance sequences- very jazz hands in 80s redux.

As for the performances, Raul Esperanza chews up the scenery, and steals the show (and some of his lines are very clearly Charles Busch influenced- in that snappy 40s movie jezebel way). Boy portrayed Leigh as I suppose he saw him, and I see it as homage. Didn't Leigh want to be famous for his artristry and creativity? So perhaps this is Boy's way of fulfilling Leigh's ultimate dream, just like he said as he was dying in the show (I'm not giving anything away- we all know he does). Euan Morton captures much of what George was about, the cheeky innocence and then the spoils of fame and descent into druggy madness (which could have been a bit more dramatic but his spittle was pretty convincing). And the guy who played Marilyn had the part down pat, period- hanger on bitchy butch femme queen.

The song Il Adore, which is orginally from Cheapness & Beauty released in 1995, was written for Leigh, but it reminds me so much of my college roommate Jeremy who in his own way had that free fuck you spirit that Leigh had, and he also is no longer with us taken by the same illness, but he would have loved the show.

And oh before I forget, the whole audience was a a buzz because Madonna was there- she was two rows behind Vulgar Greek and I, and I must say she does look fab...

So go, make up your own mind, but go with a light heart in the mood for an entertaining Broadway show, and pay homage to both Boy & Leigh.

[This message was edited by randella on 11-13-03 at 12:02 AM.]

I agree with Randella. It's pretty amazing that Rosie produced something with a song celebrating toilet sex and romanticizing trannie chasers. I loved it... and I'm not easily impressed. I wanna go again!

OK...here's my read..... Euan I thought was UNBELIEVABLE SOOO like young George in his speaking voice, manerisms etc... amazing (without him I really doubt you would have a show) Raul (what a doll!) was fab too, the barbs of Salon not Buesch btw! George as ever was charismatic and really lit up the stage... and yes it was more of an 'homage' that a doppleganger. But his charisma was great to feel on a big broadway stage... Big Sue - strong voice good character actess but the English accent was weak (there's nothing worse than that). Marilyn - terrible casting - it was Marilyn played by Sedaris in Strangers with Candy. Non of the fem-feline charm that Marilyn had with the sharp acerbic tongue... yeah the script was there for Marilyn but could have been played so much better... Appart from the two fat chicks the rest of the 'ensemble'
were like Conneticut stage school kids dressing in punk fancy dress for the 31st.... wish they would have cast more of an edgier crowd... same with the sets which for the most part were weak (appart from the New Romantic dance set and the gallery installation)... The visuals really could have been pumped up so much more! I think visually its been really watered down - prob not to alienate the muggles- the one part where all the Bowery costumes came on was spectacular... Same feeling for the music... I know I know its George and she's prob reading this and will stab me when she seems me...but, I just found allot of it too sappy. I guess thats the musical theatre genre, that Clay Aitken-voice, over pronoucing and being sentimental.... Wish they would have used more classics from the 80's ... you could just feel a surge in the audience energy when they pumped out the hits that folks knew... I just felt that it was a bit all things to all people...there are lots of redeeming moments... i just would have really had a stonger contrast of the bright lights (of showbiz and leigh life) casting the dark shadows.... really would have shown that more.
Anyeeeeeeeeeway.......... what the f do i know...? Just a (jaded) paying punter!

I had a chance to see the show early last week. It was POURING rain and I had to sit thru the show with soggy clothing and a loathsome spirit. With that said, I have to say the show was not nearly as rotten as I had envisioned. It was everything a "broadway" show should be. Complete with "connecticut school kids" in cheesy outfits and bad choreography. This is intended for the masses. We must keep this in mind. That was my concern with the subject matter from the get go. Leighs or Georges stories are anything BUT pedestrian, therefore their waterd down cliff note style rise to fame and in Leigh's case demise must be done in enough time to get Granny back to Jersey for a re-run of Highway to Heaven. Personally I felt the actor playing George was most commendable with a fabulous voice and an understanding of the "She was Never He" spirit that George has played out in the public eye for decades. Liz McCartney as Big Sue had some extremely beautiful moments. She has about 15 seconds where her voice fills the theatre in a way that sends chills down the spines of the most jaded of theatregoers. Philips character was also vocally stunning, however his characterization became a bit tedious. His inflections were so over the top, it was as if he were doing acrobats with his voice. A brilliant singer, I was just a little botherd by his portrayal. George was sadly one of the weakest links for me personally. Of course his voice is sweet as syrup in the most gorgeous of ways. I did not feel any depth in his portrayal of Leigh. I didn't feel the electricity that Leigh threw off in a room. I felt the thrust was put upon the costumes and not the brilliant spirit that filled them so beutifully in Leigh's life. Leigh Bowery on a dance floor was INSANE!! I was not able to understand many of his lines when it was time for him to "act". Words that were so familiar to him were lost in delivery. He didn't seem to know WE were hearing them for the first time. The music was great and will fill many a theatre queens CD rack I am certain. Overall it is as appealing as it could possibly be to the mediocrity that fills theatre seats every night of the week. I sadly never caught a plot however. They were there for a photoshoot, this much I know. Other than that, it was not cohesive. I NEVER got the reason why it wasnt a musical about BOY GEOGE or a musical about LEIGH BOWERY. If fleshed out, I feel both stories could have stood on their own. The script was fun, and Leigh's death with video montage was lush and sweeping. I thought I was going to pass out however when after having a great visual moment as Leigh in hospital bed with tubes and machines, George chose to take a curtain call in full "show biz" regalia. We know he is BOY GEORGE, thats why we came to the fucking theatre. I would love to see George O'Dowd face the audiences adoration ( He deserves it) and not the "media machine" that curtsies and blows kisses and CAN'T take a bow for the ridiculous rhinestoned head dress teetering on his head. George has an opportunity to take a big step foward with this project and actually jockey for some legitimate film or other theatre related projects. He underestimates his star power by falling into "BOY GEORGE" when there is a younger, prettier clone selling it right next to him. Boy George is a glamorous, engaging, fiercely talented star. Cut KARMA CHAMELEON as a curtain call, and come out with Euan. We all still will know who the star is. My soap box is buckling underneath me, excuse me please........

For what it's worth, Liz Smith gives the show a
rave, rave, rave review today...

http://www.nypost.com/gossip/liz.htm

She's gone twice to see it. Looks like the 'burbers are eating it up.

I watched Charles Atlas' 'The Legend' twice yesterday, and it's true: Leigh on the dancefloor is magical insanity!

A movie or sumthin'?
Maybe I'll take my girlfriend Jackie. She better appreciate it though at $10 bucks a pop! What theater is it playin' at? I hope it's at the Lowes 'cause maybe we can sneek in the other room an see The Matrix.

...about Taboo. I honestly knew very little about Leigh or his life, and while I found what I knew fascinating, I wasn't compelled to go see it- but after reading all this, and realizing that I might learn something about Leigh, I'm going.
Ms U's remarks about Rosie made me wonder while I've always had such a visceral dislike for the Queen of Nice - I think she's phony as all get out, and I think she seems miserable to be around. One can hardly call her an artist, and what really gets my goat is how she is now suddenly basking in the glory of all the awards for gay causes- I like when people go up the ladder being gay- and not just after they've reaped the rewards for playing "str8" 9lest we forget the tom cruise illusion she was trying to pull over Middle Americas eyes.
It reminds me of this little known actor I know who was complaining to me that he couldnt have an interesting career and be openly gay- I thought: Alan Cumming has managed!

Yeah, remember Chastity Bono? Not only did she have no experience in gay politics but she barely had any experience as an out lesbian and some fools made her media director of GLAAD.

Because she threatend to pummel them with her big ol' lesbian chubby fists if they didn't!!! As a lady of a certain size, I would never want to take a punch from her. Thats a big gal.

When she shakes my hand (everytime she says hello) she almost breaks my limp little wrist right off.
She's the man I always wanted to be.

Interesting article I just read in the UK political mag, The new Statesman.... George wrote it about his experiences playing in Taboo, playing Leigh watching everyone react to Euan as George... ( you can prob read it on line on the new statesman web site?)

Anna, can you provide the link to article? Of course, I am curious to read it, and I can't seem to find it in their archive.

What a voice! That guy is a major talent. Very nice too.

I'm so glad to hear reports about boosts in ticket sales. I just heard two, back-to-back very tri-state-area-friendly paid ads for Taboo on 95.5 radio, WPLJ, lite rock. "USA Today raves...Newsweek calls..." Very what this show needs right now, because unless I've just totally missed it, there's been very little advertising (comparitively) for the show up to now. GO GEORGE GO!

My friends visiting for the weekend wanted to see Tabboo and the concierge at the Tribeca Grand told them some exorbitant rate for 3 tickets, and when they asked wny he said "Rosie's got bills to pay." My friend, ever the clever one, went to the box office later that day and got far more reasonably priced tickets for Friday night, and we saw the show.

Seeing it again 7 weeks later, it's a tighter & crisper show. The cast has gelled together, and because of that there were more ad lib moments (George's were particularly sassy after ich bin kunst), so they were funnier too. I had prepared my friends to keep telling themselves that this is Broadway's version of the 80s, not the one we lived in. My friend still had a problem with all the jazz hands, but they liked it too. The audience gave them an enthusiastic standing ovation. It's cute enjoyable show.

I was just talking to George. I asked him how it was going and he said it was going really well. Standing ovations every night. He's in it at least til June. He LOVES doing the show. I said doesn't it get boring. He said that now they ad lib alot and are having much more fun with it. (as Randella reported) Michael Jackson jokes etc.
He said that he's also going a little crazy with his make-up. (I think he gets bored waiting for his scenes and well... you know how it is. And I know you queens know how it is!) I really want to see iit again.

yes, would like to see it again too daddy.

the commercials on teevee suggest a much stronger show as well, then the preview performance we saw.

all merlin can say is, a good game of cards everynight can always help the back stage blues.

In a sense I'm glad I held off until now. The show is probably much stronger now with the "kinks" worked out. Can't wait!!!!!

I really enjoyed it!

I don't get why this musical has been so bashed by reviewers. I was totally entertained, totally engaged and thought the performers were wonderful. And I would totally see it again. (I kept expecting Rosie O'Donnell to pop out and show us her pussy, but ah well!). Strong voices, and GREAT costumes. Visually I felt the modest, somewhat low-budget feel of the sets was appropriate, and I loved the segment where the dance floor comes out with all the 80s kids doing their moves, and George in the lighted box. Also where he "gives birth" to Nicola, with her wriggling out in a sequined body stocking (though more could have been made of that particular sequence from a production standpoint.) The actors playing Philip and Big Sue and of course Euan Morton as George all sang wonderfully. I liked the songs too, especially in the first act and my favorite of all was "Love is a Question Mark", with the George and Marcus characters singing about each other while George-as-Leigh and Nicola sing about each other in a separate set alongside them. In general Broadway musicals are not my thing, but I felt the show was done well and if nothing else it's admirable and remarkable that the legend of Leigh Bowery is being shown to middle American tourists, even in this microcosm form. It was flawed, but I'd say the strengths definitely outweigh the weaknesses. And the overall message is a positive: don't be afraid to be a freak, celebrate your individuality for the world to see.

My main criticism is George˜s performance onstage. George was entertaining enough, but mostly because of the dialogue and gowns, not because of anything special that he brings to the role. It's true his singing voice is basically shot but that's not what bothered me. Rather it was the sense of a shrugged-off consideration for the "acting" part of the art. Just think, if he really threw down and gave a fierce performance as Leigh, he could win a Tony. Which could lead to an Emmy or an Oscar. The right actor could really turn the role of Leigh Bowery into a masterpiece. It's a dream role for an actor actually. In other words it seems to me this musical is a huge opportunity for George to usher in a whole new undiscovered frontier of his career, to reach for something new and he's not taking advantage of it. Of course maybe he doesn't want to be a great thespian or movie/television star. But I would think if he's gone through all the effort to bring this project to life in the first place (here and in London), he would go the full mile and really give his performance its due as well. Perhaps he lacks the talent to be a true actor, but I find that hard to believe. I say this with complete love since I adore George's work and am totally his fan. He was and is a tremendous inspiration. The fact that he wrote all the songs for this musical is an enormous accomplishment in itself, and he deserves a lot of credit.

Also from a plot standpoint I think the Leigh Bowery subplot should've been woven in more to the main story of Boy George.

But all in all I think Taboo is good and I'd recommend it.

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