Monday, May 26, 2008

My Dear Sweet Baby Lesbian Sisters

Memorial Day has come to an end! The baby lesbians who invaded our lovely hamlet by the bay have now left and are nursing hangovers and tending to their fighting wounds. Commercial Street is being cleaned of paper cups, beer bottles and vomit. Seriously.

I just got home from yet another “Showgirls” and writing this blog for you. In regards to commerce, the business owners I talked to said the weekend went well for them.

The weekend was fun filled and wild with screaming lesbians and something new that I never saw. As throngs of women came to town Thursday afternoon, so did quite a few young gay boys. It was a very interesting mix and the two visiting groups seemed to cohabitate quite nicely. In fact, some of these young boys actually came with their lesbian sisters.

So with the excitement of the Memorial Day Weekend where do I begin? Lets start with Miss Richfield. We saw her Saturday night. This year her show is completely different than the usual. She has incorporated her gift of improvisation into her performance making it fresh and off the cuff. There is some repeat material, as she seems to always inject in the show, but most of it is new. Check her out. It is worth the ticket price.

My friends Laurie and Elaine were in a dreadful car accident heading here Thursday night. They were rear ended on Route 6 by a truck that must have been going close to 100 mph. Thank goodness they are OK. The car is completely totaled.

There was a nice ceremony today in front of town hall. Veterans spoke about those who passed before us. A band played patriotic songs.

Other happenings this weekend include the fact that I decided to delve into the scary subculture world of leather. I’m pretty vanilla and proud of it. However, “nothing ventured nothing gained, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone,” is my motto for life. So my friend Rich, who is another equal gay conservative decided to try it with me. We went to MG Leather where my friend John hooked us up with some basic leather apparel. Mark guided us along as well so credit must be given.

I sported calf high black lace up leather boots, dark blue jeans, thick black belt, a strap that state troopers wear across their chest (I’m not sure what it is called) and a Tom of Finland t-shirt with a boot print on it. Needless to say I did get plenty of attention at The Paramount Vault at Large (music was freaking awesome! And I think I ended up on the box) then later at Purgatory (not my scene...I left early and went home). Throughout the night I ran into some clients and friends whose mouths dropped to the floor when they saw me. Overall it was pretty exciting. However, I am more of a poster vanilla leather guy than the hard core type.

Food wise… my friend John will be writing the restaurant critiques starting this week. We’re calling it "Table for Three." We hit up the Red Inn. On other nights Rich, Mark and I ate at The Post Office Café ... 5 monuments ...The Burger Queen, which is a burger shack ... 5 monuments. Café Heaven for breakfast ... 5 monuments. Bubulas for lunch ... 5 monuments.

Anyhow… summer has definitely started. The streets returned to a calm this evening shortly before Showgirls. Have a safe week and I’ll catch you later. Please take time this week to pause and remember your loved ones who have passed on before you. If you want to send me and email or wish that I post your response to my blog … email mike.dubour@verizon.net.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Wow, What A Week

Its Monday at midnight and after working all day (my first appointment was at 8AM! That’s just crazy!), driving down cape to a three hour board meeting for the AIDS Support Group after work, back up to Ptown to walk Pia, then to dinner and the first Showgirls of the season…I’m pooped, but want to write the blog. I hope you don’t mind no pictures.

First of all Showgirls was awesome. Mostly lip synching drag but, Ryan Landry was as smacked as ever. Aphrodite ruled the house with a vicious rendition of a house, disco, gossip tune. The queens were going crazy! But…Steamy Brown won the crown with a rap song, “Cappuccino.” If you don’t know, Steamy Brown is a local cutie smeared in chocolate (naked) topped with marshmallow fluff. Miss Richfield did a little bit from her show as well. Ryan Landry held 10 seconds of silence for “Dixie.” The whole room fell quiet in respect for our fallen friend. Great night, drinks were thrown, all went home with smiles.

News update. Jimmie’s Hideaway was vandalized this past week. Someone opened the grease traps, clogged the sinks and toilets and left the water running. Weird.

But what a week. Provincetown was invaded by single lesbians looking for that right match for Single Women Weekend and attendees to the Cabaret Fest. I wasn’t able to make it to any Cabaret Fest event nor was I able to attend any workshops for single women.

Season is now here. We’ve been flooded by young gay boys in their early 20’s. Pass the vapors….wow…I guess the shortage of visas made American gay boys flock here. Today the Eastern Europeans arrived for the summer. DAMN! They are so cute but mostly straight. Oh…this year Ptown was voted the number one gay travel destination by Out Magazine.

Here’s a restaurant review quickly before I head to bed…

I’ve eaten at Big Daddy’s Burritos yum. 5 monuments easily…

Bernard, Scott and I ate at The Mews Wednesday night. Flawless service by Loic. The apps and main course was absolutely delicious. 5 monuments.

John, Michael and I ate at Ross Grill Thursday and I went back with Rich and Mark on Friday. Flawlessly delicious. Salmon one night, Tuna the next..5 monuments again.

Rob, Mike, Mark Rich and I went to Lorraine’s Saturday night. I hadn’t been there in almost 5 years. We had a waiter who was four days old on the job so I forgive him for learning the ropes. The food was really good. I ordered scallops on rice and must say, they were the most succulent and tasty ones I’ve had so far. Besides the waiter learning his job, I must say it was a good dining experience. 5 monuments.

Scott, John, Barbara, Marguerite, Laura and Scott and baby had Sunday brunch at Fanizzi’s. Awesome buffet…best in town. Nice water view … literally on the water
5 monuments.

John, Mike and I have formed a Thursday dining out threesome (mind out of gutter). It’ll be just the three of us unless there is an out of town guest visitng. John has volunteered to write the critique. Part of our plan is to start at The Red Inn in the west end of town and work out way east.

Anyhow, short entry this week. Weather is warming up, the town is crowded with absolutely beautiful men. I’ve been here 5 years and this season there is electricity in the air…I’ll figure out what it is soon enough. And with that good night….the summer has begun!

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Provincetown Loses a Legend

Sad news to report! Provincetown has lost one of its own. David Frederico, fondly known around town as Dixie, passed away suddenly and prematurely this past Sunday. You may know Dixie from his years as the fun and sassy waiter at The Post Office Café. Last year he worked at Bayside Betsy’s. He also ran for Selectmen a couple of times a few years back. He was narrowly defeated in both attempts. Always with a smile on his face, he would say “hi” to everyone he passed by. He was young and will be missed by all. I’ll write more if and when there is viewing information.

I feel weird writing about all of the past week’s activities in light of Dixie’s passing, so I’ll be quick about it.

Brad and I went to Cambridge to celebrate his 29th birthday! We stayed at The Hyatt Regency and had great views of the Charles River and Back Bay. Our trip started with a trip to The Museum of Science where we watched the Imax movie, Mummies. It was very interesting. Then we walked around Harvard Square, had the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had at L.A. Burdick’s Chocolate Café. Then we saw “Elections and Erections” at the Zero Arrow Theatre. Pieter-Dirk Uys was magnificent in his political satire regarding South African politics. Our evening ended at a truly great restaurant T.W. Food on Walden Street in Cambridge. The food was awesome! Everything was flawless from the quality of food to the service. If you are in Cambridge you may want to try this great eatery…617-864-4745. Sorry no website.

Back home in Provincetown, I went to see Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day at Whaler’s Wharf. The critics slammed it, but, it was a cute predictable love story with great costumes, acting and sets. Go see it. It is a feel good movie. Personally, it reminded me that I’ve lost love due to living in Ptown. Oh well. What the critics missed though, is the dark anticipation and undercurrent happening throughout the movie. See if you can pick up on it.

I also did my spring yard clean up. Rake, weed, prune, mulch, fertilize and mow. WHEW! Trips to Conwell ACE Hardware and Lands End True Value. Great weather for outside work but I missed opening night at Enzo’s…too tired from all the yard work. Brad did attend and said it was a lot of fun. Afterwards, we grabbed a couple slices at George’s Pizza. The pizza was good. Crisp and cheesy. Slices were heated up quickly. But the sourpusses on both the clerk’s and the cook’s face made me feel as if there was someone with a gun hiding under the counter forcing them to work. It’s a little unnerving. And it’s been that way for years! George’s gets 3.5 monuments and a tickle for the workers to make them smile.

Friday night I went to Mohegan Sun to see Kathy Griffin. Wow… she was really funny! We had great seats…fourth row center! We stayed overnight and had a wonderful dinner at Bamboo Shoots. I didn’t lose too much as I don’t gamble. In fact, I spent most of my time at the spa.

Saturday, John, Rich and I attended Kibbles and Skits at The Vixen, a fundraiser for CASAS - Carrie A. Seaman Animal Shelter. Local favorites performed on stage for about three hours in a variety/talent show. It was lots of fun! I won a raffle. The first time ever in my life…a $50 gift certificate to Toys of Eros. Please click on the link at the end of the blog to find out more about CASAS.

We took a break and had dinner at The Mayflower. Ok… here comes a review. The Mayflower is not my favorite restaurant and in the past, during my younger years, I would be embarrassed to be seen going in or out of the establishment. Frankly, now, I just don’t care. Surprisingly, the food was actually good. John and I spilt the Steamers as an appetizer. Rich would not have any. Most of the steamers were tasty…some were gritty as heck but I’m not really sure there is any control over that. I ordered the lasagna. It was very good. I’d get it again. We got rolls and salad with the meal. Price was VERY low. Service was excellent. We debated whether the waiter was gay or not. We never found out.. The atmosphere is pretty neat and is a throw back to 1947. You are right on Commercial Street and have a great view of passersby. The Mayflower gets 5 monuments and yes, I’ll go back.

Sunday morning Brad and I had breakfast at Connie’s Bakery. They are located right down the street from my house and the walk there was pleasant. We ordered breakfast sandwiches and coffee to go. The sandwich was delicious. I’ll get one again. Coffee was fresh and hot. Breakfast sandwiches are all served on freshly baked rolls. Yum! Great atmosphere. Great pastry. Great setting. 5 monuments

Sunday night I attended a donor appreciation party as part of my Board work for the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod. I met a couple who recently moved from Manhattan and settled in Sandwich. Ed and Bill are their names and they told me stories about Provincetown and Fire Island in the 1960’s! I plan on getting together with these guys quite often this summer.

Finally, tonight I attended the Spring Fling event at The Crowne Pointe. The owners were gracious hosts, food was delicious and company friendly.

In closing, I would like to dedicate this blog entry to Dixie. May he rest in peace.

This week's links:

Carrie A. Seaman Animal Shelter www.casasanimalshelter.org

AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod www.asgcc.org

Monday, April 28, 2008

A Weekend in Salem, Whales and More Restaurant Experiences in Provincetown

ormally, Pia and I switch off every other week writing the blog. This week and next, however, I hog the blog.

I must start with a trip I took to Salem, MA two weeks ago with Troy. That’s right, the Georgia Peach made another trip up to Yankee land for some fun. It was his spring break week and he decided to come for a visit (as you already know if you read the April 7th blog entry). He overcame the fear of flying the Cape Air puddle jumper and made the 20 minute flight. He has now seen the gradual awakening of Provincetown from its winter slumber in January to stirring of activity in February to the pre-season busyness in April.

The growing crowd at The Porch Bar and more stores opening on Commercial Street were plenty of reason for me to escape town. The North Shore of Boston was our destination. We met my friend Jack in Swampscott for lunch at Hawthorne by The Sea. This place is a throw back to different times. Besides the awesome views of the Atlantic Ocean and Boston skyline, the waiters wore captain jackets as if we were on a cruise. It was a very nice touch. The food was good and it was nice catching up with Jack.

Then we toured the cliffs in Marblehead, the homes on Marblehead Neck and drove through Old Town. We walked the Salem Common which was very similar to Forsyth Park in Savannah, but on a smaller scale. We ran into my friends Chris and Stefanie who were contemplating adopting a baby. How precious! We found the statue of Elizabeth Montgomery commemorating the television show “Bewitched” and took some photos.

Then we checked into The Hawthorne Hotel. Which overall, I must say, was perhaps the best experience in service I’ve received at a hotel in many years. The interaction with front desk clerk to the room service was wonderful. If you like historic inns and find yourself north of Boston, be sure to check it out.

That night we had dinner with friends of mine I had not seen in awhile. We took a trip down nostalgia lane and supped at Gourmet Garden (formerly Bejing Palace) where we used to chase away the Sunday night blues by means of a scorpion bowl or two. This was when I worked in the corporate world and dreamed of moving to Provincetown. Troy, Chad, Glen, Buddy, Rick, Mark and I enjoyed a scrumptious meal and wonderful catch up stories but no scorpion bowl. Afterwards, we walked around Salem and I was tuned to be a second degree Reiki Healer. Yes, I’ve been a first degree Healer for about two years.

The next day, Troy and I went to Crow Haven Corner, Inc. and had our fortunes told by Laurie. Great energy! What fun! And although I’m gay I must take this time, and Troy is in agreement, to compliment Laurie on her enormous breasts. She gives Dolly a run for her money.

Then we drove back to Provincetown.

Right after Troy left, the Right Whales came a feeding in Cape Cod Bay. John and I were able to watch the whales breach right from Race Point Beach. It was a remarkable experience and the first time I’ve ever seen this in the five years I’ve lived here. Please check out the video link at the end of this blog entry if you’d like to see it.

Here’s a strange one for you. This past weekend Mark and I saw a large, feline type animal run across the street right in front of us as we were driving to my house. It was late Friday night. At first we thought it was a coyote, however, it was large, not shaggy, had a long smooth tail and looked like a lioness. You may think we’re crazy, but it resembled a medium sized wild cat. Apparently, when I shared this story the next day with locals, I was told that there have been a few sightings, of what is best described as a Puma, from Provincetown to Wellfleet. Weird. I’ll let you know if there’s anymore news on this one.

Rich, Mark and I dined at two restaurants in Ptown this weekend. Friday night we ate at Bayside Betsy’s. It was crowded but we were able to get a seat by the window with a view of the bay. The service was good with lots of humor injected. Betsy came by twice to check in. The appetizer of mozzarella crustini was fabby. We all got the fish fry. Beer batter cod and fries with coleslaw. Yummy. This was bad for the diet, but delicious. The food was good, service prompt and priced right in the budget. Bayside Betsy’s gets 5 monuments.

Saturday, we walked into The Lobster Pot without reservations at 7PM. We were lucky enough to get in right away. We were ushered upstairs and brought to our table within 10 minutes with a smile and great attitude. This was a display of great skill by the greeter and the seater while utter chaos of a crowded restaurant was happening. Our waiter was a butch guy named Pete. He is adorable, efficient and great at his job. Fresh from New Orleans for the summer, he is in for quite the season. Our appetizer was the mixed seafood grill and blackened shrimp. These were really good. The meals were served promptly and delicious. I got the baked cod. Rich got the fried clam strips which I thought were very tasty. Peter kept checking in, was thorough in his presentation, flirtatious and cute as heck. The Lobster Pot gets 5 monuments and Pete gets my number (jk).

I told you I was pretty easy (regarding restaurant critiquing that is). Something really has to be awry in order for a restaurant to lose a monument or two.

There was a play in town this weekend at The Provincetown Theater, “Sixty Years with Bruhs and Gean.” It is about a long term gay relationship…true story and perhaps inspirational to someone like me who really doesn’t think long term gay relationships are possible. But no one wanted to see it and John, my theatre buddy, is in Florida on vacation. The reviews and word of mouth has been good so if it comes to a theater near you, check it out.

It was Brad’s birthday last Tuesday and we went to see a political satire, “Elections and Erections” in Cambridge. I’ll tell you all about it and our trip in next week’s blog. Perhaps I’ll have more restaurant reviews too.

Have a wonderful week, thanks for your emails and feel free to send more.

Whale blog link www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ0ehV7teJQ

Hawthorne Hotel www.hawthornehotel.com

Fortune Teller in Salem www.crowhavencorner.net

Monday, April 21, 2008

Spring is Here

The weather is warming up and tourists are anxious for the summer. Monday was Patriot’s Day and it brought a plethora of Boston boys to town for the long weekend, fleeing the crowds of The Boston Marathon. When I drove down Commercial Street on Saturday I thought that it was summer. The street was packed with straight, gay and lesbian shoppers. Some of the boys even had their shirts open showcasing their springtime abs that they probably worked all winter to get.

This week, I’ll be writing about my visit to three local restaurants over the weekend. I’ve decided to create a rating system for local eateries. Some of the seasonal restaurants have raised their prices. I have nothing against a business owner balancing out the rising price of gas and supplies and making a profit, however, it better be worth it. I’m pretty easy as a judge too. Just so you know I’m not a persnickety, picky queen. So, on a scale of 1-5 monuments, 5 being the best, I’ve developed this rating system based on price, quality of food and service.

Now that pre-season is here, most of the restaurants are open in town. Besides the local establishments that provide great service and food over the winter- Bayside Betsy’s, Fanizzi’s, The Mews and Michael Shays, summer favorites like The Lobster Pot, The Post Office Café, Ross’ Grill and The Red Inn opened this weekend. Bubula’s opening is delayed due to the visa issue facing local business owners and seasonal employees.

Friday night Rich and I ate at The Central House. This is the restaurant in The Crown and Anchor. They had just re-done the patio and it looks lovely. We sat outside and enjoyed watching Commercial Street. The server was prompt and friendly and knew her menu. The appetizer, a two beet salad was savory and the bread was pretty good. About 10 minutes after we finished our appetizers, the manager came to our table with a free lobster appetizer due to a pending delay in our food. I appreciated the gesture. Fried lobster has never been a choice for me so I can’t rave about it but it was good. Then twenty five minutes later the food arrived. However, it was so late that we had to get it to go due to my plans. There were apologies but the damage was done. I really wanted to enjoy a good meal and didn’t get the chance. My assessment is that the food is probably good if I could have eaten it. The server was excellent but the kitchen needs to get it together considering the restaurant was not even half full. I’ll have to give The Central House 3 monuments and I hope they improve before summer. 

Saturday night, Rich, John and I ate at Ross’ Grill. Extraordinary service, delicious, well prepared food and excellent atmosphere were ingredients for a flawless dining experience. Rich did gripe because the prices have increased. But at Ross’s you get what you pay for and there are no complaints from me about pricing. We started off with an appetizer of sweet turkey sausage and pate. The presentation was wonderful. Tasty too. My meal, Salmon over rice, was served in a prompt timeframe. It was seared, practically raw, just as I like it, just as I ordered. Ross’ Grill gets 5 monuments and maybe another just for kicks. This year they take reservations so plan ahead.

Sunday Rich, John and I went to Jimmy’s Hideaway. The frenzied atmosphere is pub like and casual and the food is exquisitely prepared. We started with the whole belly clams and spring rolls. Both were really good. The bread was awesome, best yet. I ordered the pan seared Halibut over black rice. It was prepared perfectly and was absolutely delicious. The service was good and even the host, not server, kept checking in. Unfortunately, the ball was dropped at the end. We ordered desert and coffee. The coffee was served timely but it took almost 15 minutes to get the desert. A neighboring table had ordered and recommended it to us (they did not wait 15 minutes). When the desert finally arrived, it was delicious. I understand the craze of the restaurant biz (I worked as a bus boy and room service waiter years ago) but the crowd had thinned and the least the server could have done was kept our coffee hot. She literally disappeared. The service lacked at the end putting a damper on an otherwise good dining experience. Jimmy’s Hideaway gets 4 monuments and I’ll be back to make sure they do better

I’ll be trying different places throughout the summer and letting you know how they are. Once again, I’m pretty easygoing so if a place screws up, you should know that it is major. Let me know if you have a local favorite you’d like me to eat at.

Have a good week!

Monday, April 14, 2008

Pia Interviews Her Daddy

Pia: You have been able to show how living here in Provincetown year round takes creativity and travel, especially during the winter. You’ve brought bloggers along two winter trips. But daily life during the winter is still pretty full for you. Please take me through your typical week.

Mike: I have a job that consumes much of my time, even on days off. That combined with my volunteer work, creative endeavors and socializing, keeps me busy.

Monday: This day starts with an office meeting at work which is Atlantic Bay Sotheby’s International Realty (when repeating put an echo on the international) (http://www.atlanticbaysir.com) . Afterwards, I record “The Closing Table” at local radio station WOMR 92.1FM. Check it out from this website if you’d like (Click Here). I focus on marketing on Monday during the day. This includes compiling information for provincetownrealestatenow.com and ptownma.info. I wrap up the day with a sales team meeting in the afternoon. Monday evenings are filled with personal administrative tasks…budgeting, bill paying and all that fun stuff. One Monday every other month, I attend a Board of Directors meeting for The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod (http://www.asgcc.org) and a meeting for the Development Committee for the AIDS Support Group.

Every Monday at 8PM I also try and get together with a group of local guys for casual socializing…if I have enough energy.

Pia: That’s a pretty busy day! Do you have a weekend?

Mike: Yes, Tuesday. This is my Saturday! Depending on the time of year this day could be spent off cape, doing yard work, catching a matinee. I usually have a standing lunch engagement with my friend Bill. Tuesday is my first day back at the gym after my weekend. I usually go at night. And as you know, Pia, both Tuesday and Wednesday are days I spend with you since I’m not working.

Wednesday: This is my Sunday and I try and get some relaxation in. I may head over my friend John’s house for movie night, go to The Cape Inn for free movie night or just catch the nature around here. It is starting to warm up and I want to take advantage of the natural beauty around here this year. I usually have lunch with my friend Bill again just to stay in touch. In the evenings I go to the gym. Right now I am coordinating a planned beach volleyball game for Wednesday nights during the summer. If so I’ll let you know if this happens as anyone can partake.

Pia: Volleyball sounds good. Can I use my snout to bounce the ball back and forth?
Mike: I’m not sure if that will be a good idea. It may hurt and besides, I don’t want you running amuck on the beach. There is the coyote factor to consider.

Thursday is my Monday! Its back to work for me. I compile more info for our real estate blog provincetownrealestatenow.com and send the info to the webmaster (http://www.pcfdesigns.com) along with a real time photo of the week (I snap a pic of Ptown just prior to sending blog to all clients). Every other Thursday I tour new listings on the market in Provincetown as part of the multiple listing service tour. I set up appointments for the weekend and get settled back in the office. After work I head home to walk you and then its off to the gym!

Friday: I start this day by weighing myself before I eat anything. I feel that physical health is paramount to successful attitude and ambition. Then its off to work. Besides working on appointments, I record another version of The Closing Table at Dunes 102.3 FM (Click Here) in the afternoon. Right after work I walk you again and head off for casual socializing with local friends. After which I go to the gym for my final workout before the weekend! I have dinner with friends from Boston who come to town pretty much every weekend and we end the night at The Porch Bar.

Saturday: Busy, busy, busy…even off season in Provincetown. Many folks are coming to town to check out real estate. In the evenings I usually have friends or clients in town. We go to dinner and whatever form of entertainment is happening. The movie theatre in Wellfleet is open year round and there is live theatre as well in Provincetown and Wellfleet. Dinner parties are very popular year round here.

Sunday: Another busy day for real estate. When it is slow I get caught up with maintaining my listings and other administrative tasks pertaining to real estate. After work, I relax at home or go to a movie. Its usually a calm night for me.

Pia: How do you maintain your energy?

Mike: I start my day off early, around 6:30 or 7AM, pretty much when you wake up and come bounding out from under the covers. I read the paper, watch The Today Show and eat a full breakfast. It’s the best way to start the day.

Pia: Do you mind living here year round?

Mike: No I absolutely love it. The off season is actually my favorite time of the year. The seasonal workers are back in town now, tourists are visiting on the weekends and the town is waking up. Although summer brings in lots of visitors and I meet people from all over the world, I prefer the fall and winter. I keep busy and for me, living here is just like living anywhere else, I just get the benefit of not being in the hustle and bustle of civilization. If I get cabin fever, I go away. It’s no different for me than when I lived in Boston, only that I love my work and the ocean surrounds us. The fact that this is the largest gay and lesbian population in the world makes it very accepting to all walks of life. I can literally be myself here without the hidden and overt prejudices that I faced in the corporate world.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Broadway on the Cape?

I can’t believe it is spring already. If you’ve been following this blog, which started just after New Years, you know that living out here year round can be trying at times. Sometimes the cold dark winter months can be quite lonely and seem to last forever. However, this winter has flown by in comparison to my four previous at Lands End. Now that spring is here, the town slowly warms to the upcoming season. Having lunch at Café Heaven the other day, I watched as the boys strolled by. Summer is definitely on its way.

One thing that I neglected to do over the past few months is take advantage of the theatre that Provincetown offers off season. With my trips to Atlanta, Savannah and New York City, I haven’t really focused too much on winter activities in town. This past week, though, I took advantage of some of the local shows that were at hand.

“Anna in the Tropics” by Nilo Cruz was playing at The Provincetown Theatre through April 6th. It was very entertaining. The cast, a mix of superb actors from New York and Provincetown, seemed to delight in their roles. Although The Provincetown Banner, Cape Cod Times and my friend Rich did not share my fond feelings for the play, I found it amusing and a little sad. Love unrecognized is a terrible thing and then to have it discovered only to…. Oops…. can’t give away the ending. Anyhow, the play was put together well both on stage and behind scenes. No complaints here. Although this run is over, be sure and check out all productions at the Provincetown Theatre.

“The Last Train to Nibroc,” playing at The Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre was a brilliantly put together performance. The two characters held the storyline and almost perfected the southern accents. It was a love story about lovers afraid to profess their feelings for one another until…. I was completely entranced by the storyline and believed that the actors were indeed from the south. Troy, visiting from Atlanta, snapped me back to reality when he told me that the accents were part of the act. Great job though. The theatre itself is an exquisite piece of architecture. This play runs through April so check it out if you are in town.

Finally, The Provincetown High School produced “Grease.” Although some of the leads had a hard time hitting their notes, the acting and choreography was well worth the price of admission. The timing was near perfect and the acting was pretty good for a high school play. At times I felt as if I were watching the pros off Broadway, especially during the Beauty School Drop Out scene. The solo performed by young actress Kim (no last name here) was suitable for American Idol. Unbelievable pipes on her!

Well, as I had said before, Troy is here for his third visit in just as many months. We just returned from a night at The Mews Coffee House where we dined with Ron and Ed. Local favorites Peter Donnelly and Matthew Paige performed some great songs. Quite a few artists sang love songs which made it a little sad, but the food and company was excellent as always.

Tomorrow, Troy and I head to Salem to catch up with old friends of mine Jack, Chad and Glen. I’ll tell you more about it next week. And then Pia interviews yours truly. Have a good week.