Out With Dr. Bill: Birthdays! And an Electrifying Evening with Trailblazer Beverly Johnson

The venue was alive with excitement as many Broadway friends, Seth's partner in life and music Nicolas King, and Erik Botcher, member of the 3rd district of the New York City Council, gathered to honor Seth, and the night felt like a grand pageant, with each performer sharing their craft and filling the space with awe and inspiration. From soulful ballads to show-stopping performances, the night was a whirlwind of entertainment that left an indelible mark on everyone in attendance. It was a celebration fit for a star – a night to remember in the bustling heart of New York City.

Cheers to Joe Nucci's 30th

The celebration continued the next evening as we gathered at the stylish apartment of our close friend, psychotherapist Joe Nucci, to celebrate his "Roaring Thirties" 30th birthday bash. Laughter filled the air, mingling with the sound of glasses clinking, as old friends reunited, and new connections blossomed. Many of us had recently met at Aspen Gay Ski Week, adding an extra layer of camaraderie to the evening. It was a night brimming with laughter, unforgettable memories, and the promise of more joy in the weeks ahead.

Jon Tilli's Meaningful Birthday Fundraiser

In a serendipitous turn of events, another friend, Jon Tilli, chose the same night to celebrate his 41st birthday with a twist - a fundraiser for GLSEN, an organization dedicated to ending discrimination in schools based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Held at the historic Stonewall Inn, the event drew a crowd of compassionate souls who not only came to honor Jon but also to support an important cause. The night was brimming with warmth, laughter, and a shared commitment to making the world a more inclusive and accepting place. As we celebrated milestones and cherished friendships, we were reminded of the power of coming together to uplift others.

Socializing at Elmo and Le Zie

As the week unfolded, I found myself immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of Elmo, surrounded by familiar faces such as Rick Bingham, Eric Baker, Stephen Tracy, and Lèr Simoneaux. Amidst the clinks of martini glasses and the hum of conversation, new connections sparked, and stories flowed freely, filling the air with laughter and camaraderie. It was a lively happy hour, the type that my first friend in New York, Rick Bingham, often pulls together, where every moment felt like a cherished memory in the making.
Later, the evening took on a more intimate tone as I joined my friend Scott Pask for a cozy dinner at Le Zie, my favorite neighborhood eatery for Rigatoni alla Bolognese and a Caesar Salad. Nestled in the warmth of good company, we shared deeper conversations and exchanged experiences, creating a space for genuine connection and reflection. It was a moment of quiet intimacy amidst the bustling energy of the city, a reminder of the beauty found in shared moments and meaningful conversations.

Beverly Johnson: A Trailblazer's Story

As the week progressed, the spotlight shifted to the stage, where my longtime friend Beverly Johnson took center stage in a one-woman show titled "Beverly Johnson: In Vogue" at the 59E59th Theaters. This theater group was originally established by the Elysabeth Kleinhans Theatrical Foundation in 2004 to grant professional space and expertise to non-profit theater companies premiering their work in New York City.

Drawing from her 2015 memoir, Beverly bared her soul in a raw and honest exploration of her journey through the tumultuous world of fashion. In her 75-minute "live biography," Beverly laid bare the highs and lows of her career, offering a poignant glimpse into the challenges of navigating an industry rife with racism and discrimination. With candor and grace, she shared the lessons learned from her mistakes, reminding us all of the resilience of the human spirit.

For Beverly Johnson, breaking barriers isn't just a catchphrase - it's a way of life. As the first Black woman to grace the cover of American Vogue nearly fifty years ago, she blazed a trail for generations to come. Now, she takes to the stage to share her story with humor, fearlessness, and unapologetic honesty.

In her show, co-written with Ravetch, Beverly invites audiences on a non-linear journey through her life, weaving moments of triumph and reflection. With a captivating blend of monologue, visuals, and music, she celebrates not only her own achievements but also the trailblazing women who paved the way before her. I eagerly anticipate following the show's success as it embarks on tour.

A Memorable Evening with Loida Lewis

Amidst the whirlwind of social engagements, and following Beverly's remarkable performance, one event from the weekend stood out - a Sunday dinner party hosted by the charming Loida Lewis. Held at her elegant upper eastside home, the dinner party was filled with inspiring, accomplished, and kind people, further enriching the evening that exuded grace, elegance, and cherished memories.

It was during this gathering that I learned about Loida's captivating memoir, "Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?: An Asian American Story of Love, Marriage, Motherhood, and Running a Billion Dollar Empire," and felt inspired to learn more about her extraordinary life. As Loida shared glimpses of her journey, from romance to entrepreneurship, I was captivated by the depth of her story and the resilience of her spirit.

Motivated by the insights gained that evening, I promptly ordered Loida's book, eager to delve deeper into her remarkable life. With just a few clicks, my Barnes & Nobel order was placed, marking the end of a day filled with discovery and connection.

Embracing Stories and Connections

As I reflect on the power of storytelling to unite us all, I am reminded of the words of Beverly Johnson: "My biggest lessons are in my huge mistakes." Whether through memoirs or stage performances, our stories have the power to inspire, uplift, and connect us in profound ways.