Demian needed to stop working on the Purple Circuit in order to realize his other projects, such as publishing the book “Operating Manual for Same-Sex Couples: Navigating the rules, rites & rights,” now available on Amazon, and to publishing his “Photo Stories by Demian” books based on his more than 6 decades as a photographer and writer.

QueerWise and Michael Kearns have committed to offering a continuation of the Purple Circuit. The new Web address is purplecircuit.org. Bill Kaiser continues as editor and can be reached at purplecir@aol.com

Bill and Demian express their appreciation for the hundreds of writers, directors, actors, and publicists who sent their articles and play data. They have toiled mightily to bring our gay, lesbian, trans, and feminist culture into public view, and appreciation.

“The Look of Love: The Music of Bert Bacharach” was presented by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. This lovely July concert took place at The Alex Theatre in Glendale. The Chorus was first-rate, and now has expanded its choreography thanks to Christopher Graham, Mark Chung, and Bill Rugh. The songs, though mostly light-hearted, bring back memories of more optimistic and hopeful times. The soloists Jesse Martin (singing “Alfie”) and Santo Ragno (singing “All Kinds of People”) were outstanding.

The Chorus will be going on its South American tour this Fall, and who could be better goodwill ambassadors for our community than these singing men? Their 2006-2007 season will continue the excitement with a “Holiday Concert” about Hollywood, a spring concert of Billy Strayhorn’s music with Linda Ronstadt, an “Over the Edge Cabaret” with Del Shores and “Divas 3: Opera Strikes Back” next summer.

1-800-MenSing

Lizard

Open at the Top presents “Lizard,” a world premiere musical based on Dennis Covington’s novel. This is the story of a boy who is physically different, and his adventures learning who he really is.

The trio of James Barbour, Laura Philbin Coyle and David Eldon are superb as is the ensemble. Production values are top-notch too. The music and lyrics by Scott DeTurk and James Mellon are complemented by the excellent book and direction by James Mellon.

The show runs through September 3, 2006 and shouldn’t be missed. This continues the exceptional productions that have taken place at The Noho Arts Center, North Hollywood.

818-508-7108

Sophisticated Stryker

In August, we have an intriguing show written and produced by Bruce Villanch starring Jeff Stryker entitled “A Sophisticated Evening With Jeff Stryker.” The show runs in Celebration Theatre’s space.

800-542-2131; webmaster@jeff-stryker.com

Take the Highways

Also in August, will be the 20th anniversary production of Robert Chesley’s electrifying “Jerker,” playing at Highways Performance Space in Santa Monica. This production is directed by Michael Kearns, and features Joe Gill and Dean Howell.

Highways will be celebrating its 17th anniversary on August 18 with the Diavolo Dance Company, and on August 19, with Luis Alfaro and Holly Hughes.

310-315-1459