Arts & Entertainment
Michael Urie says ‘Ugly Betty’ cast is ready for a revival
Becki Newton and Vanessa Williams are also interested
Michael Urie (Screenshot via YouTube)
“Ugly Betty” could be the next show to get a reboot.
Michael Urie portrayed Marc St. James, the personal assistant of Mode magazine’s creative editor Wilhelmina Slater (Vanessa Williams), on the series. Vulture caught up with Urie at a “Torch Song” afterparty, the Broadway revival which Urie currently stars, and asked if the cast was ready to return.
“In a minute,” Urie says. “We all would. We loved each other so much and we loved it so much. We would absolutely do a revival and if you’re listening, ABC, please make it happen. You can make one of the characters a Trump supporter if [you] have to.”
According to Urie, the cast is still close since the series’ end in 2010.
“We’re in touch all the time. [There] was just a text chain yesterday with America [Ferrera] and everybody, with this baby dressed up like Ugly Betty in the Guadalajara poncho,” Urie says.
His fellow “Ugly Betty” co-stars Becki Newton and Williams were also at the event. They both echoed his interest in returning to the project to Vulture.
“Sure! Let’s see if it happens, but absolutely,” Williams said.
Newton, who portrayed Amanda Tanen, Mode magazine receptionist and Marc’s best friend, added: “Yes, period!”
She also gave some insight into what she thinks Amanda has been up to.
“Amanda is not doing anything different. Amanda is doing the exact same thing and I think that’s why I enjoy playing her so much. She felt like she was wildly unpredictable. But I feel like, from an audience’s point of view, we can plan on what Amanda would do and say. I don’t know, I feel like she’s still following everyone around and still at Mode magazine waiting for everyone to come back,” Newton said.
“Ugly Betty” was based on the telenovela “Yo soy Betty” and aired from 2006-2010. The dramedy followed nerdy Betty Suarez (Ferrara) who gets a job at fashion magazine Mode.
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Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
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Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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