Milwaukee vice squad shuts down "Naked Boys Singing," ACLU gets involved

[eyesroll]

A production of "Naked Boys Singing" (which is pretty much as it sounds) at the Gay Arts Center got shut down by the Milwaukee PD's vice squad due to a "licensing issue" (because, apparently, the vice squad handles licensing issues now) -- read, bitching by an anti-gay activist.

I have not seen the production, but I had good conversations with a cast member both on opening night and the weekend they were shut down, and it reeks of BS.

Tomorrow (Thursday), the ACLU and Gay Arts Center will be announcing possible legal action against the city for selective enforcement and discrimination.

Here's the background:
http://wit.com/dyskeptic/2005/08/19/naked_boys_singing_shut_down_alleged_lic

And an interview with a cast member (mp3):
http://wit.com/dyskeptic/2005/08/22/interview_with_milwaukee_naked_boys_sing

Cross-posted to Wisconsin and GLBT Issues groups.

[kansasblue]

1. I saw it in New York. It's great! nt

[GodlessBiker]

2. I saw it in NY, too. It's a lightweight show, but certainly not obscene.

[Cornus]

3. More discussion...

...(mostly by *theater people*) can be found here:

http://www.talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat/d.php?id=165258

I saw it when it was still playing in the Village. It's now moved uptown to the 47th St. Theatre.

People are still quite provincial west of the Hudson (even some in NJ!).

[davidinalameda]

4. here's another article on the matter

Gay Center Sues Milwaukee For $600,000 Over Naked Bust
http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/08/082405naked.htm

The Milwaukee Gay Arts Center is suing the city for shutting down its performances of "Naked Boys Singing".

Last week police shut down the local production of the hit Off Broadway musical (story) saying the center did not have a city theater license.

The suit says that the ordinance was selectively enforced because the center is a gay organization and that a permit was never required for other productions in the past and that numerous other small venues typically present theater performances without one.