BACK IN THE DAY...

Yes, I, Alex Bond, used to be young...

Yes, I sang in Dallas' leather bars in 1978-79.  Yes my novel is based on those experiences -- and there were a lot of experiences!

Yes, I jumped into a world I knew nothing about.

Yes, my own mother once said to me, "Alex, if you'd been born a boy, you would have probably been gay."

Yes, I think that is a great quote.

Yes, when singing in Dallas, I was asked to teach tap to four gay men and one woman... and I said YES!  We called ourselves "Alex and the Missionary Positions".  We had two recitals.  We were fabulous! 

Yes, I occasionally posed as the girlfriend of my gay friends when their businesses or families required them to appear straight.  I was "The Tuna Help-Her".

Yes, I was a judge for the 1980 Dallas Gay Pride Parade Float competition.  The visiting float from Houston won.

Yes, I was a guest of honor at the Dallas Motorcycle Club's annual dinner in 1979.

Yes, I was part of an amazing family of friends -- witty, wise, talented all.

Yes, they were good times!!!!!!!!

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DALLAS

The readings in Dallas for the 2007 DFWFringe Festival were so much fun because I got to reunite with two members of the "Missionary Positions":  Jim Coomer and Jan Hagedorn. 

David joined in as we reminisced about lives lived and loves lost-and-found since 1979.  Jim and Jan were guests of honor at one of the reading nights. 

Also in the mix as guests of honor were our fabulous hosts - Patrick Hanser and Wayne Falcone - owners of the Daisy Polk Inn where we stayed while we were in Dallas.  Absolutely the best B & B in Dallas -- and we have new Dallas friends who make a scrumptious breakfast. 

The trip back was sweet................ and bittersweet.

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P'TOWN

What is more fun than staying in a friend's condo in Provincetown, Massachusetts and reading in an historic theatre to raise money for AIDS research?  Nothing! 

We were surrounded by friends and loved ones, dined and dished, and enjoyed the Cape.  And... may the money we raised make a difference.

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SAN FRANCISCO

When I was told that I had landed the understudy gig on "Flamingo Court", I was thrilled and I was worried that I would not be able to go to San Francisco with David for the 2008 San Francisco Fringe Festival (at the Exit Theatre) to which "Late Nights..." had been accepted.  The understudy job meant challenging work on a terrific play, a steady paycheck, and my name in Playbill.  But it also meant I had to stay in NYC.  Ah, when it rains it pours!  So, yes, I took the job at New World Stages in NYC.  I am delighted that I did.

Just the same, I would miss the week in San Francisco reading with David.  "Late Nights..." couldn't just say "no" to San Fran because I couldn't go.  Who would I ask to go in my place?  Aha, I'd ask my friend Susan Baum. 

Susan is currently one of NYC's most accomplished voice teachers.  She has her own studio and she brings her talents as a performer to her talents as a teacher.  Bless her, she rearranged her schedule, stepped in, had a grand week in San Francisco, worked beautifully with David and got a great review to boot!  I will always be indebted to her.

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NEW YORK CITY

New York City at the Hudson Guild Theatre was the setting for our reading for the Fresh Fruit Festival 2009.  Everyone was just great.  The "Fruities" (organizers and volunteers alike) went above and beyond the call of duty to take care of us.  I don't know why we didn't get any photos.....  too busy having fun reading to an almost full house!  The reading was free, and donations were accepted to support the Fresh Fruit Festival.

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