"Straight Man" from "Drag: The Musical", performed by Joey is out today! You can stream/purchase it online here!
Friday, July 26, 2024
NKOTB to appear at "We Can Survive" on September 28
The New Kids on the Block have been announced as a performer at "We Can Survive" in Newark, NJ on September 28! Tickets on sale on August 2!
Thursday, July 25, 2024
Listen to Joey McIntyre sing "Straight Man"
Entertainment Weekly posted a new article about Joey's role in "Drag: The Musical". They also included a studio version of a song that featured Joe on the leads: "Straight Man". Check it out below:
NKOTB star Joey McIntyre sings satirical song about being straight in Alaska's drag musical: 'I'm clearly not gay'
EW has the exclusive debut of McIntyre's new song from "Drag: The Musical," which stars and was written by "RuPaul's Drag Race" legend Alaska.
Joey McIntyre's character in Drag: The Musical was simply born this way — and by that, he definitely means not gay.
As the New Kids on the Block performer prepares to hit the New York City stage when Drag: The Musical heads Off-Broadway later this year, Entertainment Weekly has an exclusive preview of the singer's standout number from the project, which stars and was written by RuPaul's Drag Race icon Alaska.
The boy band heartthrob stars in the production as Tom Hutchinson, a straight-laced accountant who helps his drag queen brother save his beloved drag club from financial despair. "Straight Man," which you can exclusively hear below, joins the show as a new track for its New York edition, and soundtracks a moment in the story where Tom romances Dixie Coxworth, a drag artist who was assigned female at birth.
"I always know the directions, so I never ask. I'm just a straight man," McIntyre sings in the tune, which was inspired by pop-rock singles by Weezer, Green Day, and Good Charlotte. "I might not be so fantabulous. I'm clearly not gay. I was just born this way."
Drag: The Musical also features fellow drag entertainers like Jujubee (Drag Race season 2, All Stars 1, All Stars 5) and Jan (season 12, All Stars 6), as well as pop singer Lagoona Bloo and star J. Elaine Marcos. The show's plot also incorporates the tale of a bitter split between former colleagues, with tension between two estranged queens ultimately reaching a boiling point when they both open competing clubs.
In a statement, Drag: The Musical co-writer and producer Tomas Costanza jokes that "Straight Man" is an "anthem for every dude who cracks open a cold one, swings a club, and cranks up the rock at the family barbecue," as well as "a celebration of that unapologetic, raw, heterosexual, frisbee-throwing spirit."
Adds songwriter and production writer Ashley Gordon: "This one goes out to the devoted cis hetero men who have been dragged to our musical by their own personal queens. We salute you."
In addition to starring in the show, Alaska wrote Drag: The Musical alongside Costanza and Gordon.
"Straight Man" accompanies Drag: The Musical for its Off Broadway debut, with performances beginning Sept. 30 at New World Stages ahead of the show's official opening on Oct. 21. Alaska is slated to perform in the New York City production through Jan. 11, while McIntyre departs earlier on Nov. 24.
Listen to McIntyre sing "Straight Man" above.
Donnie's speech on the final day of Blue Bloods
Here's a video of Donnie giving a speech on the Blue Bloods set on the final day of filming. Thank to Robin for sending me the link.
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Catching up with Joey
It's been awhile since we caught up with Joey!
He has accumulated a large bracelet collection:
He was able to spend some quality time with Griffin over the 4th of July:
He had an opportunity to be on the other side of the stage and see a show by Ben Platt while in Texas:
And he and Griffin had a celebrity encounter of their own: they ran into Morgan Wallen! This post was a collaboration with Griffin, and Joey added this in the comments:
Ok so let me give you the dad perspective: Griff LOVES Morgan Wallen. (See his TikTok covers). We heard he might be in the neighborhood so to speak. It was pie in the sky anyway… until… End of day and as we are pulling out of the valet, pulling in is a certain suv and somehow Griff felt it:”that’s Morgan Wallen.” I said What?! Can’t even see thru the windows. That’s him he said. So fine I wait and look in the rear view mirror to see who gets out of said suv. MORGAN FRICKIN WALLEN. a total gentleman. What an ending to a fantastic week for Griff in Nashville. More on that later!! 😎🤩😍😭
Here are some highlights from his stories:
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Jordan Knight's interview with Fox News
Fox News recently interviewed Jordan:
New Kids on the Block star Jordan Knight on staying in top shape in middle age
New Kids on the Block singer Jordan Knight, 54, is on their Magic Summer 2024 tour
By Janelle Ash, Larry Fink Fox News
New Kids on the Block singer Jordan Knight is excited about touring with his band again, and this time, he is able to appreciate the experience more than ever.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Knight explained that during the band's Magic Summer 2024 tour, Jonathan Knight, Donnie Wahlberg, Joey McIntyre and Danny Wood incorporate several different ways of maintaining their health while on the road: diet, ice baths and strength training. Mark Wahlberg was a band member from 1984 to 1985.
"It's been really hot. Like today, it's over 100 degrees and we're going to be performing. So, yeah, we have to pace ourselves," Knight said. "We have to watch what we eat. We want to look good. We want to stay slim. We want to stay healthy."
Knight noted that the band members "don't party" and try to "be really healthy on the road." All the band members have different health regimens that they stick to while touring.
"Like Joe and Donnie, they're doing ice baths during the day to stay cool. I have a little regimen I do before I perform. I'm getting ready for the show and stretch, like some calisthenics."
Knight also explained that the New Kids on the Block members are staying on top of what they eat while on tour.
"We're not out here eating, you know, burgers, fries and stuff like that," he began. "My breakfast is like an egg white omelet with, like, chicken and broccoli and vegetables and stuff like that."
Knight continued, "So, yeah, we definitely take care of ourselves. You really have to. It's such a grueling schedule."
Knight told Fox News Digital that this tour looks a little different from when they rose to fame in the 1990s.
"Everyone's a little older, and I think we're all a little wiser and smarter. I think the New Kids On The Block put on a better show now than we did then," Knight noted.
Reminiscing on previous shows the band played at the start of their careers, Knight said, "Our shows definitely had a lot of hype and energy and the fans were wild, young and crazy about us. We were like crazy young kids and with energy."
"I think now we really appreciate what we have more, and we're just better at putting a show together as well," Knight continued. "We're more appreciative, and we soak in the audience more. I think we put more thought into creating the show and making sure there are great moments. We're not afraid to edit things that aren't working and add things that do work and stuff like that. So, I think we're more surgical almost about putting a show together."
The band has brought back their 1990 tour by the same name for fans to experience. The New Kids On The Block are currently traveling across the United States with shows through August.
Special guests Paula Abdul and D.J. Jazzy Jeff are also on the tour.
Speaking of Abdul joining the tour, Knight said, "It's fun. It's funny when we're getting dressed in a dressing room, we hear her out on stage, and it's fun to hear those songs."
He continued, "It's fun to hear those songs again. We really get it. Like how people want to come to shows and see people perform those classy, huge hits."
"It's just like, ‘oh, my God, this song was just so cool back in the day, and it stands up the test of time even now.’ So, it's kind of like when she's on stage and getting hyped up and pumped up because she's on stage and, listening to our music."
The New Kids On The Block disbanded in 1994 before rejoining as a group in the early 2000s. The dismemberment of the band is what Knight believes has made them so strong 30 years later.
"Disbanding helped us. We disbanded in '94 and didn't come back together until late 2007, when we started making new music. So I think that time off really helped us to stay together in our chronically just pissed off at each other, rage and like a lingering irritation with each other," Knight said. "I think taking that time off, discovering who we were, going down different avenues and then kind of realizing, like, ‘wow, we had something really special.’"
Due to the time off, Knight believed that it gave them the "perspective to see how special" the group was. "Just appreciating each other. I think that the time off really helped with that," he explained.
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Catching up with Donnie
It's been a while since I've "caught up" with the guys, so let's start with Donnie:
It looks like plans for a Blue Bloods spin-off are not happening, at least for now. However, in one of Donnie's recent stories (see below), he says "more acting to come"!
Here are some highlights from his IG stories from the past few weeks:
And some video highlights:
Jenny McCarthy was finally able to get away from The Masked Singer tapings to join Donnie in Jacksonville, and she was his dance partner for "A Love Like This":
Check out Donnie's Spotify playlist!
I can't get the second video to embed, but you can view it here!
Mr. Professor Nick Harrison went backstage and hung out with Donnie and the guys in Texas:
In case you missed it:
Monday, July 22, 2024
Article about Donnie from Forbes Magazine
Forbes has a new article about Donnie and his role with Bioheat and more!
Here are a couple of videos from the author Brent Gleeson about his interview with Donnie:
He also sent Donnie and the guys a book:
Donnie Wahlberg On Leadership, Sustainability, And His Role With Bioheat®
Brent Gleeson
Contributor
Updated Jul 22, 2024, 01:02pm EDT
In the relentless pursuit of success, we often overlook the true essence of leadership: the commitment to serving others. Great leaders understand that their prominent positions are not opportunities for greater personal gain, but platforms to give back and have a profound impact in the world. We do this by aligning our activities and investments of time with our highest goals and values. Assuming of course that our guiding principles have something to do with the greater good. As Mahatma Gandhi said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
As a Forbes columnist, I frequently receive emails requesting interviews with prominent business leaders and entrepreneurs with the hope that an article would be the byproduct of that conversation. As the CEO at EXCELR8, a talent development and employee retention Saas company, my time is limited. But every now and then, one of these emails catches my eye. This article is the result of one such moment. A request to interview none other than Donnie Wahlberg.
I believe wholeheartedly in maximizing focus, productivity, and output through the flywheel effect. The "flywheel effect," introduced by Jim Collins in his book Good to Great, demonstrates how sustained and incremental efforts build momentum, leading to significant breakthroughs over time. This principle profoundly resonates with my journey in building my performance management software company, where early meticulous efforts in market research and product development gradually compound to drive industry success. Similarly, writing books on achieving high performance and crafting leadership articles exemplifies the flywheel effect, as consistent, disciplined work over time builds a robust body of knowledge, enhances credibility, and fosters a dedicated readership. Together, this approach illustrates that remarkable achievements stem not from sporadic efforts but from relentless, focused actions sustained over periods of time. Often long periods of time. Donnie - yes, we are on a first-name basis now - exemplifies this philosophy in his daily actions and how he leverages his fame to have a positive influence on the world around him.
In the world of entertainment and advocacy, Donnie Wahlberg stands out not just for his celebrity status but for his profound commitment to leadership and sustainability. Donnie Wahlberg is an accomplished actor, singer, and producer, best known as a founding member of the boy band New Kids on the Block and for his role in the TV series "Blue Bloods." He is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts and commitment to various social causes, leveraging his fame to make that positive impact I’m referring to. Many prominent people feel a sense of duty or moral obligation to give back to society. Altruism, the selfless concern for the well-being of others, can be a powerful motivator. This sense of social responsibility often stems from a recognition of the privileges and platforms they have been afforded, prompting a desire to make a meaningful contribution to society.
His decision to partner with Clean Fuels Alliance America in representing Bioheat® fuel, a groundbreaking renewable energy source, is a testament to his philosophy on personal leadership and the importance of making environmentally conscious choices. This article delves into Wahlberg’s insights on leadership, his connection to Bioheat®, and the lessons we can draw from his journey.
Wahlberg’s involvement with Clean Fuels began when the association reached out to him, recognizing that his personal values and background made him an ideal ambassador. Growing up in the Northeast, Wahlberg was familiar with home heating oil, a common source of warmth during the harsh winters. This personal connection was a key factor in his decision to represent Bioheat®. He explained that the association did thorough research and realized he might be the right person to represent the product. Wahlberg emphasizes the importance of honest connection, noting that without it, involvement in any project feels pointless. So, he engaged in months of research ultimately deciding that this would be a beneficial partnership.
For Wahlberg, leadership is about more than just holding a title or position. It’s about authenticity and genuine connection. His involvement with Bioheat® was driven by a sense of responsibility and a desire to make an impact. He articulated his understanding of the product and its potential benefits for families similar to his own, highlighting the deeper connection he felt towards the initiative.
One of the standout aspects of Bioheat® that resonated with Wahlberg was its family-oriented nature. Many home heating oil companies in the Northeast are family-owned businesses that have been around for generations. Similarly, the soybean farmers who produce the biofuel component of the product also operates family-owned farms. This alignment with family values and traditions struck a chord with Wahlberg, who himself comes from a large, close-knit family. This familial connection enhanced the appeal for Wahlberg, making the partnership a natural fit.
Wahlberg’s approach to leadership is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and the lessons he has learned over his career. He believes in setting a standard through personal demonstration understands that true leadership involves a willingness to serve others. Reflecting on his philosophy, he shared that to be a good leader, one must first be a good follower. This principle underscores the importance of understanding and empathy in leadership, where giving orders is less significant than demonstrating through actions.
This philosophy extends to his work with Bioheat®, where he sees himself as inviting people to make a simple, positive change rather than forcing them into it. Wahlberg explained that many people would choose environmentally friendly options if they knew they were accessible and straightforward. The product’s availability and ease of use make it an attractive option that requires no significant changes or additional costs, merely a phone call to their home heating oil provider.
Wahlberg’s commitment to sustainability is not just about promoting a product; it’s about advocating for a sustainable future in a way that is accessible and non-intrusive. He likens this approach to simple acts such as picking up trash on the street: a small, proactive step that anyone can take to contribute to a cleaner environment. He positions himself as someone who believes in common sense solutions as a practical and straightforward choice for a cleaner environment.
This common-sense approach is also reflected in his personal life and routines. Wahlberg believes that maintaining personal health and well-being is essential for effective leadership. He draws parallels between personal discipline and the choice to use cleaner energy sources. Wahlberg and his wife take care of themselves by eating cleaner and healthier, which he sees as analogous to choosing a cleaner, healthier energy source for heating homes.
Wahlberg’s dedication to sustainability and leadership extends beyond his personal choices to his influence on others. His involvement in supporting alternative energy solutions has also deepened his understanding of sustainability and its importance, making him more aware of the readily available options for cleaner living that many people might not know about.
Wahlberg’s journey is a testament to his commitment to personal leadership, authenticity, and sustainability. His approach is grounded in the belief that true leadership involves serving others, making informed and genuine choices, and leading by example.
Donnie Wahlberg’s philosophies on personal leadership and his decision to be an ambassador for meaningful initiatives offer profound insights into the power of authentic, values-driven advocacy. His commitment to sustainability, family values, and common-sense solutions serves as an inspiring example for others. Wahlberg’s platform reminds us that leadership is not about giving orders but about making thoughtful, impactful choices that benefit both individuals and the broader community. By embracing these principles, we can all contribute to a more sustainable and fulfilling future for our families, communities, and the teams we lead.
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