Sat 10/19 @ 7:30
When I was in college, the head of our theater department had Johnny Mathis constantly spinning on his turntable while he, most likely, entertained fantasies about the teenage boys he gave free reign of his living room for weekend beer blasts.
“Wonderful! Wonderful!” “The Twelfth of Never.” “Chances Are.” “It’s Not for Me to Say.” “A Certain Smile.” “Misty.”
They were part of a string of hits Mathis had in the late ’50s that oozed into the post-Beatles ’60s, kept alive in the hearts of older gay men, swooning to his high, sweet, creamy voice and his extravagantly romantic sentiments.
Did they know? How strong was gaydar back then? Did they see through recordings like 1960’s “How to Handle a Woman, from the musical Camelot which debuted that year?
Mathis made an aborted stab at coming out in the ’80s, scurrying back into the closet (allegedly due to death threats) until he talked openly about his sexuality in the mid 2000s when he was already in his 70s.
Still an active performer at 78, Mathis will be at PlayhouseSquare’s Palace Theatre.
Tickets are $10-$79.50.
Cleveland, OH 44115
8 Responses to “Crooner Johnny Mathis at PlayhouseSquare”
Wendy Davies
I can not believe that in this day and age someone is allowed to write a comment like this which is not even fact, using the words ‘most likely’. oh Cleveland get into the 21st century and start to treasure the wonderful music of Johnny Mathis.
Chris Gates
I am appalled that in the 21st century, someone can express views like this.
Wendy Davies
why has the author not put his name to it?
Margaret brown
I have met Johnny Mathis, and he is a very caring charming man, his sexuality has nothing whatsoever to do with his singing, Here in U K this would be illegal to make such comments. Are you afraid of your own sexuality?
Jo Ellis
How disgraceful that a supposedly ‘Professional Person’ could write such an inappropriate review. This wonderful performer who has given so much pleasure to so many genuine fans, one of which I am proud to call myself, should not be subjected to this type of humiliation.
Johnny Mathis is the Ultimate Gentle Man and just what, has his sexuality got to do with his magnificent voice?
‘COOL CLEAVELAND’ you have well and truly ‘shot yourself in the foot’ you are so UNCOOL!!!!!!!
N.J. Nichols
N.J. Nichols
“No So Cool” Cleveland. You did not even have the nerve to put your name on your comments. Who are you that was foolish enough to make these low class crude and ignorant remarks regarding Mr. Mathis? He is a great a star and should be treated with respect and not in the sleazy way you approached it. Remove the disparaging comments from your site. You are going to lose many followers for having written this article.
M. Vivolo
We don’t need Anastasia’s dated and ignorant opinion on a site that is supposed to promote OUR city. I’m sure there are many other journalists that would love to tell us why why should attend an event based solely on the artists talent.
Lynda Jennings
I was at the Cleveland concert, and I can not begin to tell you the feelings I had. This man has been part of my life for 50 years. His voice has comforted me and has brought tears to my eyes. I can not believe anyone could say such nasty things about this gentleman. I cried out of anger over the trash that was written. I hope this person has paid dearly for what was written.