Gregg Shapiro

Fort Lauderdale

Freelance Writer at Freelance

Freelance Writer at OUTSFL

Entertainment Reporter at Bay Area Reporter

Articles

'The Wedding Banquet' is More of a Buffet

1 week ago | outsfl.com | Gregg Shapiro

'The Wedding Banquet' is More of a BuffetAng Lee's "The Wedding Banquet" (Oscar-nominee for Best Foreign-Language Film) was released in 1993, pre-dating the writer/director's other acclaimed queer-themed film, "Brokeback Mountain," by 12 years. Co-written by Lee and James Schamus (who would also work with Lee on "Brokeback"), the movie was notable for the way it handled its subject matter - queerness and a conservative culture - with sensitivity and humor in equal measure.
Pride Playlist Bingo 2025

1 week ago | outsfl.com | Gregg Shapiro

Q-Music: Pride Playlist Bingo 2025Did anyone have alt-country on their Perfume Genius bingo card? If so, good for you! Because that's the dominant, if subtle, sound on the fittingly titled "Glory" (Matador), the seventh Perfume Genius (aka Mike Hadreas) album, and the first in three years.
“Bad Idea” is a good time: An interview with gay writer Bruce Vilanch

1 week ago | grabchicago.com | Gregg Shapiro

By Gregg ShapiroWhen it comes to writing, prolific and hilarious gay scribe Bruce Vilanch has just about everybody else beat. His distinctive comedic style has earned him two Emmy Awards for the multiple Oscar spectacles he penned. He also has long-standing creative relationships with top- notch artists, including Bette Midler, for whom he has written reams of comedic material.
'Modern' family: an interview with 'Mid-Century Modern' producer/director Max Mutchnick

1 week ago | qnotescarolinas.com | Gregg Shapiro

It’s been a long time – maybe 25 years when “Will & Grace” debuted – since there’s been so much excitement about a new, queer sitcom premiering. “Mid-Century Modern,” bowed on Hulu on March 28. It’s the creation of Max Mutchnickand David Kohan, the gay men who were also behind “Will & Grace.” Set in Palm Springs, Calif., following the death of one of their closest friends, three gay men gather to mourn.
'A Nice Indian Boy'

2 weeks ago | outsfl.com | Gregg Shapiro

'A Nice Indian Boy' - A Welcome Addition to Queer CinemaGay love is in the air! Queer filmmaker Andrew Ahn's semi-remake of Ang Lee's "The Wedding Banquet" is about to have its Spring theatrical release. Preceding it by a week or so is gay filmmaker Roshan Sethi's "A Nice Indian Boy" (Levantine Films). Sethi, who wrote and directed the marvelous 2021 pandemic rom-com "7 Days," has proven himself a filmmaker of merit.
A National Poetry Month 2025 Reading List

2 weeks ago | outsfl.com | Gregg Shapiro

Poetry for All of Us: A National Poetry Month 2025 Reading ListNow in its 29th year, National Poetry Month is celebrated every April. The following is a reading list of suggested titles. Edited by award-winning poet Kevin Young, "A Century of Poetry in The New Yorker: 1925-2025" (Knopf, 2025) is the poetry anthology we have all been waiting for. At 980 pages, spanning 100 years, and separated into 15 sections, it's hard to imagine another anthology of such literal and figurative weight.
'Snow White' is Dwarfed by Forgettable Music

3 weeks ago | outsfl.com | Gregg Shapiro

'Snow White' is Dwarfed by Forgettable MusicIs anyone at Disney paying the least bit of attention? As Carol on "Little Britain" would say, "Computer says no." Disney's Pixar title "Inside Out 2" received acclaim and even scored an Oscar nomination but lost to Latvia's "Flow." Could it be Disney is too busy focusing on unnecessary live-action remakes resulting in humiliatingly low Rotten Tomatoes scores: "Lion King" - 51, "Aladdin" - 57, "Little Mermaid" - 67, and "Beauty and the Beast" - 71?
Creator Max Mutchnick on inspirations for ‘Mid-Century Modern’

3 weeks ago | losangelesblade.com | Gregg Shapiro

It’s been a long time – maybe 25 years when “Will & Grace” debuted – since there’s been so much excitement about a new, queer sitcom premiering. “Mid-Century Modern,” which debuted on Hulu last week, is the creation of Max Mutchnick and David Kohan, the gay men who were also behind “Will & Grace.” Set in Palm Springs, Calif., following the death of the one of their closest friends, three gay men gather to mourn.
Creator Max Mutchnick on inspirations for ‘Mid-Century Modern’

3 weeks ago | washingtonblade.com | Gregg Shapiro

LOS ANGELES — It has been eight years since Margaret Cho released her Grammy-nominated “American Myth” album. She’s back to the music scene with her new album, “Lucky Gift,” an 11-track collection of anthems and pop tunes, a tribute to Robin Williams, and a shout-out to non-binary and gender non-conforming people. The album captures the whirlwind that is Margaret and all of the different facets of her talents that have made her a powerhouse in entertainment and a leader in activism.
Queer Illustrated Books for Spring

4 weeks ago | outsfl.com | Gregg Shapiro

Words and Pictures: Queer Illustrated Books for SpringIt's getting to the point where we might need a spreadsheet to keep track of all the iterations of "Wicked."First there was the 1995 novel by gay writer Gregory Maguire (and its subsequent sequels). Then Stephen Schwartz's Tony-winning 2003 Broadway musical, its popular cast recording, and multiple touring companies.