DIANE FRANK'S OUT
I’ve mentioned before that there are internet forums for fans of My Husband Betty. Certainly anyone reading my columns lately will notice me picking up something from there or testing an idea out there before I write about it here. Over the last few weeks I’ve had the pleasure of showing someone from that forum around Cleveland. Besides some pleasant conversation with someone from the Big Apple it was helpful for me to have my feelings validated that perhaps the nightlife in Cleveland leaves something to be desired.

Certainly the favored “safe” night spots that we talked about last meeting don’t pass muster. But after S’lichot (your spelling may vary) services last Saturday night I met her at what is normally regarded as one of the better gay dance bars in town. I can’t say much for the monotonous beat of the music but one fellow from the North Coast Men’s Choir (a ward of our AO associate Denise, who does lots of volunteer work for them, and to whom we owe our present location by the way) did a turn singing That’s Why the Lady is a Tramp. As part of his routine he pulled various women from the edge onto the dance floor, including my guest and I. We had lots of fun with that.

Talking with him afterwards, M. came up and reminded me I’d met her after a Victor/Victoria performance a few years ago. As we were bemoaning how the young kids these days have no appreciation for Cole Porter or Noel Coward a fellow came up and whispered “the drag queens aren’t here yet!” His next routine needed them so who got drafted to fill in as “Lady Lucks” for a pass at “Luck be a Lady” from Guys and Dolls. Of course, we did. So we hammed it up, had a blast and then made a quick exit before we turned back into scullery maids.

ELAINE DISHES ON DIANE
And here is what the MHB forum person said about her visit with Diane:

“Let me start by saying that the highlight of this trip has been the chance to meet and spend some time with a true lady; Diane Frank. We were talking about grace in another thread, well Diane exudes grace like few people I have encountered.

I am sure this comes as a bit of a shock to those of you who are familiar with her only through her posts. She has a bit of a reputation on the boards: she is kindly referred to as a gadfly and unkindly with much stronger language. Almost everyone I spoke to in NYC before my trip said I had to meet Diane so we could all find out what she is like.

Well, she is opinionated, out spoken and strong willed. That we all knew. She is also kind, generous, friendly and a lot of fun.”

Of course, we've known this all along!

ANOTHER FRANK NOTE
Snickers, MAC Cosmetics at Tower City and the Wine Room in Cleveland Heights remain friendly.

I had no problems at a Temple function at the Hard Rock Cafe either