The recent Avalon Reunion at Boston’s House of Blues was a huge success, and I have to applaud promoters Chris Harris and Rafael Sanchez.  It’s hard to produce a big Saturday night party that is both nostalgic and current – making the oldsters who don’t go out much feel as welcomed as the nouveau club kids.  But it was great with a record number of attendees – close to 1500.  I’m sure even more will flock to Boston for Out Weekend over Labor Day, which they have produced the last few years.  Get more info at GayMafiaBoston.com.

I zipped to Hartford, Connecticut to catch the world premiere of High, a new play by Matthew Lombardo.  This is the same playwright who wrote Tea at Five and Looped.  But rather than being a love letter to some dearly departed diva, this is a real, honest-to-goodness play – and one that had to be extended because its sold-out run broke all box office records.  To give credit where it’s due, High stars a diva who is far from departed – Kathleen Turner.  And she’s playing a nun!  I know what you’re thinking – but she’s a nun who came late to the nunnery after a lifetime of hard living and alcohol.  Turner hasn’t worn a wimple since Crimes of Passion, but don’t expect her to wear one now.  Her character isn’t what you’d call “traditional”.  She wears street clothes and her language is just as colorful as her background, which makes her a perfect addiction counselor.  Assign her with a teenage male hustler who is addicted to drugs and doesn’t really wanna get clean (and may or may not have been complicit in the death of a 14-year-old boy) and you have a pretty damn unhappy nun.  Just for kicks, toss in a supervising priest of questionable motives and prepare yourself for a riveting ride.

As always, Kathleen never fails to impress.  She’s what I’d call and actress’ actress.  From the scenario I’ve described, you wouldn’t expect a load of laughs, but Turner can land an aside like nobody in the business – and just as quickly tear out your heart.  The hustler is played with aplomb by Evan Jonigkeit – who is not only talented but also not bad to look at (unless you mind an edgy, handsome, ripped, 26-year-old standing completely naked in front of you).  In many ways, Michael Berresse’s “Father Michael” was the stand-out for me.  It’s certainly the least showy role of the trio, but he brings depth and layers that lesser actors would completely miss.  While the show has closed in Hartford, it is off to Cincinnati and St. Louis – and, I suspect, even larger stages.  Check it out.

Across the sea, George Michael admitted his own drug addiction – at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court.  Georgie pled guilty to driving under the influence and being in possession of marijuana at the time of his car crash on July 4^th.  In addition to losing his license for six months, the judge also said, “I make it clear the options in respect of sentence remain open, including the power to imprison.”  Don’t threaten him with a good time, your honor!

Those of you who have been reading this column for eons may recall the name Adam Rickitt.  He’s a British actor who appeared on the venerable soap Coronation Street, had a tepid pop career in the 90s, attempted a run for Parliament, and then went off to New Zealand to be on another soap.  Now THAT sounds like a play somebody should write!  Back in his heyday, Adam was also in possession of one of the most perfect torsos to walk the Earth – which, of course, is easy to do in you’re twenties (and, as we later learned, bulimic).  At the ripe old age of 32, he’s attempting a comeback in his native UK.  First, he revealed he’s still got those abs of steel by turning up naked in an advert for Checkum – a UK men’s health campaign.  “If I can get in front of the whole nation naked, then every guy out there shouldn’t be afraid of checking themselves and going to the doctor if they find a lump.”  Why doesn’t he do a PSA instructing us how to do that?  He’s also relaunching his pop career – and kicked it off by performing at London’s Club G-A-Y, where he initially launched his singing career in 2000!  He may have started the show fully dressed, but by the end he was clad in only the skimpiest of Speedos adorned with a silver chain (there was also enough eyeliner to choke Adam Lambert, and that’s saying something).  All of these images and videos can be found on BillyMasters.com.

Elsewhere in the British Isles, John Barrowman had everyone in a tizzy.  He advertised a garage sale at his home in Wales with flyers that said, “Everything Must Go – Spread the Word”.  With news that Torchwood was not completely dead and would begin shooting new episodes in the US under a new moniker (Torchwood: The New World), most people assumed the Glasgow-born but US-raised actor was leaving the UK permanently.  “I’m just a regular citizen holding a normal garage sale to clear out a load of old junk and raise money for charity,” he said.  Perhaps, but most citizens don’t include antique furniture and a Peugeot!  Barrowman was on hand all day while buyers and fans crowded the grounds.  He would sign anything for an additional fee, and announced that a percentage of the proceeds would be donated to a local children’s hospice.

Keeping with hot guys in England, we hear that Charlotte Church’s ex-beau, rugby star Gavin Henson, will join the cast of Strictly Come Dancing, the UK version of Dancing with the Stars.  OK, you probably don’t know who he is.  But if you go to BillyMasters.com, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.  Not only is he gorgeous, but he’s also done a nude pictorial to help give him some “publicity”.  It worked…at least as far as I am concerned.  Definitely worth a look-see.  By the way, rumor has it that Michelle Williams, formerly of Destiny’s Child, may also compete on the show.  And although there were talks with Pamela Anderson, I think her run on the US show would preclude her from being an active participant.  I hear she may turn up for a guest spot or two.

On the home front, our Dancing with the Stars will begin in a fortnight…err, in a couple of weeks.  By the time you read this, the line-up will be public.  People like David Hasselhoff, Michael Bolton, Margaret Cho and Florence Henderson could be participants, along with pre-marital abstinence advocate, Bristol Palin.  And it also appears that Jersey Shore mania will be infiltrating network television with The Situation competing for the mirror ball trophy (he’s never met a mirror he didn’t like).  I believe someone who committed vehicular homicide is also a contender, but why go there?  Let’s stick with The Sitch – allegedly his income in 2010 will top $5 million, which I believe may be one of the first signs of the Apocalypse (look it up, I’m sure it’s in the Bible).  Part of that income will come from his upcoming DVD “The Situation Workout – Get Ripped in 5 10-Minute Sets”.  He’s also writing a book – a novelty for someone who I’m not sure ever read a book!  And he’ll be pocketing $400K to be the spokesman for Devotion vodka – a beverage that swears it increases lean body mass because it contains a clear protein liquid.  I’d happily endorse a milky protein liquid, but no one is knocking on my door!

Speaking of milky beverages, Lil Romeo just lent his name to a shake at Millions of Milkshakes.  He debuted the drink at the West Hollywood location shirtless – ‘cause that’s what hot guys in WeHo do.  I’m told the shake contains French vanilla ice cream, cookie dough and sprinkles.  Looking at his abs, I’m finding it hard to believe he’s ever had this drink – unless he also throws in some of that lean muscle-enhancing vodka (or some other liquid protein).  I’ll post some photos at BillyMasters.com.

Could it be that one of the more venerable relationships in Hollywood and points south has hit the skids?  True enough – the partnership has been dissolved and while the public may focus on the star leaving the boardroom, the golden boy has been moved out of the bedroom.  Or bedrooms in this case (the pitfalls of being so international).  I’m told the lord of the rings was very direct about the split.  No big song and dance.  No other party involved (except that ever-present wife).  The liaison had simply run its course.  It could have been ugly, but the youngster has been through this before.  He’s a foxy fella and like most Sicilians, he’ll land on his feet (or his back).

When I can present a blind item with such panache, it’s definitely time to end yet another column.  Labor Day’s around the corner, and that means two things – I will be riveted to the Jerry Lewis Telethon and I’ll soon be leaving Boston.  I dunno why but within a few hours of seeing Jann Carl’s mole, I get the urge to lay on a beach without sunblock!  I guess I’ll spend some time in Fort Lauderdale before returning to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.  And if its glitz and glamour you’re looking for, look no further than www.BillyMasters.com.  If I can provide any service to you, feel free to drop a note to Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before vodka is marketed as a health drink!  So, until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

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Revised: August 30, 2010.