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Oleen’s Review Despite its greater area and population, San Francisco has no more bars offering pan tomime drag shows than the “Queen City,” Charlotte, N.C. In both plates, the total is one. That one bar in Charlotte is called Oleen’s, and the Barb picked the wrong night to visit it It was a Friday night, and -much of the populace was at tending a rock concert by the Doobie Brothers, inadvertent ly (?) billed as the “Boobie Brothers” by a local straight (?) publication. Oleen had hoped to compete with a big “fashion show”; but the organizer cancelled at the last minute. The best she was able to assem ble on short notice might have been called “The Dregs of the Drags.” There were three female im personators, and one man who specialized in Tom Jones. He was “Wayne,’’andheproduces some shows for Oleen. His black outfits revealed a lot of chest as he mimed and quiv ered The others, it was an nounced that one -- “Tracy” -- was only making his second ap pearance on.«stage. Jf that’s true, he’s got potential - and some elegant gowns Another, Lena, wore mostly sleeveless outfits which revealed too-muscular arms; and* her eye-makeup was ghastly.: But she chose some fine, not overly familiar material. Also on the bill, “Melinda Scott” did some routine soul Licia Taylor numbers, getting good — but by now, standard -- effects from a strobe light m one song. The sound manfor thegroup, who must have been deaf, was unable to do anything right Oleen, a tall, attractive blonde, was embarrassed and apologetic. Her “official host ess,” Bob Sigman, who reigns as “Miss Gay North Carolina” under his drag name, “Licia Taylor,” told us aboutsomeof the great shows of the past and future at Oleen’s. There’s dancing to a juke box between shows. The dance floor is in front of the stage, but the activity usually spills over onto the stage itself. In accordancewith state laws, Oleen’s is considered a “pri vate club”; but they’re open seven days, and they sure make strangers feel welcome! Jesus Christ Super Star Art Elliston andthedynamic past of the #1 Showplace of the South, Sweet Gum Head, pre sented their Easter: Special, Jesus Christ Superstar. . This play could not have been pre sented in a finer manner, if well known Broadway stars had performed it. Both nights the Club was packed, and among some of the celebrated guests in the aiidience was the Rev. Troy Ferry who was visiting; Atlanta Easter week. Woxds cannot do justice to this pro duction number nor the Won derful and talented members of the cast that spent so many tireless hours rehearsing. Rach el Wells and La Vita Allen directed the play and Rachel did the: scenic desgin, as well as portraying J esus in a defin ite and dramatic manner. Julie surprised her many fans as she played the role of Mary Magdalene, proving tnai sne is a versatile and talented per son (as well as a very attrac tive woman). Tony Doran did an excellent job as Pontius Pi late and Mickey Day was great as King Herod. Caiphas, the High Priest..was played by Deva Sanchez.who was nothing short of fabulous. It wasn’t until after the show that we learned La Vita Allen had nev er before done a dramatic part This. was hard to believe, after seeing how well she played the part of Judas. Everyone was “simply beautiful,” the play was one of the most fantastic 'production numbers that Art and the Sweet Gum Head crew,, have ever presented. It’s al ways that “something extra” that will maintain the Sweet Gum Head’s tide as the #1 Show Bar of the South. ATLANTA BARB-Page 5 Rev. Troy Perry Delivers Easter Message At Atlanta’s MCC What A Party!!! Sunday, April 21st, the ftL DJ. of Sweet Gum Head'threw a small informal party tor a few friends (would you believe about 50?) It was a marvel ous party with enough food and snacks to feed an army. We might also mention that the punch had the kick of a mule too. Tom-Tom was an excellent host, as he circulated conversing with his many guests. His roommate Cecil al so proved to be a charming personlEvervone %as enjoying themselves, and the party was relatively quiet, as parties go. It was no wonder Tom-Tom was upset when the Police ar rived, after receiving a phone call from a neighbor saying that someone was “being beat en. ” We all laughed ana joked about it the first time, but when 3 squad cars arrived the sec ond time, it was no laughing matter. The Police Officers were “nice guys,” and realized that they had been getting prank phone calls. The highlight of the party came when later in the evening more squad cars pulled up with a fire engine! This was totally uncalled for, but even the Police took it in good humor. The straight neighbors were lined up out side and many guests left the party to see what all the com- m otio n was about Two of the bovs at the party kissed open ly. ana were surprised when the neighbors applauded them. By this time, the neighbors were ready to join in the festivities too. It was a great party, every one made new frienas, and en joyed themselves tremendous ly. But . .as Tweety Bird would say, “Tom-Tom, you throw the ewazziest parties. ” Over two hundred and fifty people, gay and straight turned out to see and hear the Rev. Troy Perry, of Los An geles, deliver the dedicatory message, Easter Sunday at At lanta’s Metropolitan Commun ity Church - 800 N. Highland Ave. Representatives were on hand from several states in cluding Hawaii for the service which was accompanied by the master organists, Quinton Hudson and Joe Dorwaft! Special music was presented by the choir and MCC’s own Gos pel Quartet The huge audience, as usual, gave Rev. Perry, their leader, a standing ovation when he was introduced by the pastor, Rev. John Gill. The dynamic Rev. Perry, came on strong with good '’advice to all the gays. In his sermon, entitled ‘Stop Hiding- Start Living,” he referred to 363 scriptures pertaining to hetrosexual sex acts, and only 8 that spoke, agcmisi nomosexual acts. He stated that he wna not inter ested in changing our hetro sexual brothers and sisters to homosexuals and lesbians. “We should be proud of the way we were created, and stand up for ourequalright,”hesaid. Ten new members wereadded to the membership roll and the service climaxed with the invi tation of die Holy Sacraments a weekly ritual with the MCCi. According to Rev. John Gill, the pastor, this was the largest attendance, except for General Conference He said that this is only the beginning and plans were to expand, with facilities to accommodate many congre gational activities. If you would like to seeMCC grow in Atlanta, you may send a tax deductable gift to: MCC P.O. Box 54763, Atlanta, Ga. 30308. ATLANTA BARB is published Monthly in Atlanta, Georgia. We do not accept the responsibility for un solicited manuscripts, photos, etc. Letters are wel- eofne, but we do not guarantee publication of all ma terial. Opinions expressed by our coluipnists do not neces sarily reflect the opinion of the Newspaper. Subscription rates are $3.00 yearly ($4.00 in plain wrapper). STAFF Editor. ...... v . % , . v- . - .... . .Ray F. Green Co-Editor. . ....... ..... . . . .... . . .Jeanni Graham ATLANTA BARB P.O. BOX 82543 ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30354 Now At Broadview Plaza GREAT LOOKS IN YOUNG MEN’S FASHIONS MENTION THIS AD AND RECEIVE 10% OFF ON ALL REGULAR PRICED MERCHANDISE (Broadview Plaza) 2581 Piedmont Rd. N.E Atlanta, Ga. 237-4223