Romanovsky & Phillips A Hit!  

   

by Michael Warner

When a friend asked ifI wanted to go the
the Romanovsky & Phillips concert on
Tuesday, June 18 at Bur1ington’s Contois
Auditorium, I really wasn’t sure. It was
embarrassing to admit that I had never
heard of them, but it sounded like a good
chance to be “out” on the town and begin
celebrating pride week. Besides, as it was
a benefit for OUTRIGHT VT, I was as-
sured that my money would be well
spent. Well, I certainly wasn’t dis-
appointed! Their billing as the “Gay
Smothers Brothers” doesn’t begin to do
them justice.

The show began with an announcement
by Pat Fontaine of Bad Girls Productions
(who co-sponsored the show along with
the Burlington Women’s Council and
OUTRIGHT VT) that this show was the
first annual “outwardly queer” event to
be held in Burlington, FOREVER! When
R&P took the stage it was immediately
obvious that not only was it a first for

 

. an .n\lAUCE :  .

touching without being trite or self-
deprecating. Ron Romanovsky, who does
most of the writing, employs lyrics which
are witty and biting—not cynical; emo-
tional—not banal. He uses humor to
create songs which both debunk and cel-
ebrate gay myths. They sing of re-
lationships, closets, people living with
AIDS, of the joys, sorrows and ab-
surdities of living in this world as a ho-
mosexual person. They sing in clear
strong voices of topics which normally
aren't heard on top—40 radio or MTV. It’s
very refreshing and empowering.

A show like this really depends on the
banter—the chatter which goes on when
the performers aren't singing. R&P have
more than earned their reputation as a gay
equivalent to the Smothers Brothers due
to the repertoire of stories, jokes, and
conversations with which they entertain
their audience between songs. I found
this part of the

slow moment. Paul’s timing of lines and
Ron’s playing the role of, excuse the
pun, straight man, were flawless. After
the first set the duo took a break and
came back complete with a costume
change which they described as a sort of
“Tarzan Goes to the Big City” and “k.d.
lang Meets ACT UP." Paul’s hot pink
leopard-spotted minidress and Ron’s
cowboy boots and boxer shorts were
only a small part of the act. Although
somewhat outrageous, they didn’t need
to rely on their costumes to carry the
show; rather the “out” fits just added an
additional layer of fun and games. It was
hard to take Paul seriously in his pink
mini as he complained about sticking to
the piano bench, before playing what
was a very poignant song, one of the few
he penned himself.

In closing the show, Paul joked that if
we had had half as much fun as they,
then they had had twice as much fun as
we did!! It’s great to think that these
guys really enjoy what they're doing.
They also understood their audience and
why we all live here, “out in the moun-
tains”, citing the serenity, peace, and na-
ture of Vermont as reasons they hoped
that they'd be back in Burlington soon.
Judging from the reaction of the audi-
ence, we want them to come back VERY
soon as well!

Romanovsky & Phillips sent us skipping
and humming into the night to the tune
of Bob Dylan’s “The times, they are a-
changin’,” slightly altering the lyrics:
“Come out of your closets and stand up
with pride—for the times, they are a-
changin’!” I’m happy to admit that I
spent the evening laughing and enjoying
this duo. I even broke down and spent
money on one of their latest CD’s which
I had the honor of having autographed
after the show. I know that it won’t take
much convincing to get me to their next
concert. V

 

Vennont, but we were in for some fun! Show as enjoyame -
The instant rapport which they es- as the tnnsie_ while I I
tablished with the crowd was amazing. one can always hs-
Their opening number spoofed the entire ten to songs on 3
performance genre. It was light, humor- tape, the ingredient
ous, and fun. which made this

live show special
According to Paul Phillips, this was their was R&p*s nhihty
first concert in Vermont. He went on to to keep the aunt.
describe Vermont as “so damn cute” just hence laughjng and t
llke “postcards and the BOb  intgrestgd between _ Daily Home Cooked Meats,
show.” From the large crowd's reacuon it numbers, The Show 361 St. Paul Street - Burlington, Vt.- (802) 658-2001
was clear that they were more than wel- flowed for over two I m,N.4 ,rg,, /,-_ 3' 4-47 3 -3* I
come. Musically the show was inter- hours wothout a . ' .
esting. Their material is both funny and 13

LA