HX has been covering the gay scene in New York for over 17 years. We’ve survived Giuliani, 9/11 and bottle service, and we’re still kicking. For our 900th issue, we pay tribute to this life we love! This is a family portrait–a snapshot of our gay world past, present and future. Here’s to 900 more issues filled with nightlife!–John Russell

Let’s Go Outback Tonight

Kiss Me Down Under: Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman in Australia

By John Russell

Starring Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, David Wenham and Brandon Walters; directed by Baz Luhrmann (20th Century Fox)
Australia opens like a big Disney animated musical: all flash and color and quick cuts and rapid exposition. Cinema on crystal meth, just what you’d expect from director Baz Luhrmann. Surprisingly, however, once Australia settles down, catches its breath and eases into its (somewhat self-conciously) epic story, it actually turns out to be a pretty damn good film. As Lady Sara Ashley, a British aristocrat looking to break the beef monopoly held by a ruthless cattle baron (Bryan Brown), Nicole Kidman is, well, Nicole Kidman: a slightly icy beauty trying to convince us she’s tough-as-nails and maternal deep down. And Hugh Jackman’s rugged, lonesome cowboy hero, The Drover? Delicious. But the real star here is the titular continent. With a backdrop like this, it’s no wonder Luhrmann managed to slow down his normally spastic filmmaking to linger on the savage beauty of the Outback. His skies are drenched in Technicolor, harkening back to the epic silver screen romances–like Gone With the Wind–that Luhrmann clearly used as his models for the film. At 165 minutes, Luhrmann may have lingered too long, but Australia is anything but boring. From heart-pounding cattle stampedes to the climactic bombing Darwin, the film is riveting and visually stunning.

Electric Youth

Fancy Feet: Trent Kowalik and the cast of Billy Elliot

By Brandon Voss

In Billy Elliot’s second act, Billy auditions for the Royal Ballet School and sings a gorgeous song entitled “Electricity”, in which he struggles to explain the rush of enjoyment he feels while dancing. In this review, I’ll similarly struggle to find the appropriate words to describe the sheer electricity emanating off the stage of this long-awaited London import by composer Elton John and bookwriter/lyricist Lee Hall. Directed with urgency and unique spirit by Stephen Daldry (The Hours), who also directed the film on which the musical’s based, Billy Elliot brilliantly juxtaposes the struggles of an aspiring young working-class ballet dancer with those of the striking miners in 1984 England. Like a magazine that prints a series of different collectible covers, Billy Elliot is such addictive, tear-jerking fun, I’m giddily desperate to see all three actors in the role of Billy; Trent Kowalik, a former West End Billy, blew me away at my press performance, which leaves David Alvarez and Kiril Kulish. (Too bad the Billy rotation schedule isn’t advertised in advance, but I look at the challenge as a game of British roulette.) Aside from the obvious “be yourself” message and the garish Ab Fab-esque genius of Haydn Gwynne as Billy’s dance teacher, gay audiences will especially appreciate the number “Expressing Yourself,” which sees Billy and his fey friend Michael hoofing in ladies’ clothing—even if the headless dancing dresses are a bit too Beauty and the Beast.

Billy Elliot @ the Imperial, 249 W 45th St, 212-239-6200, $42–$137.

This Week's Sagittarius

As the CEO of DSG Entertainment Group, this week’s Sagittarius has worked with dance music legends like Peter Rauhofer and Offer Nissim. He’s a key player behind The Saint at Large’s mega dance events.

How will you celebrate?
Down in New Orleans! Let the good times roll!

Who should jump out of your birthday cake?
Janice Dickinson and her entire Modeling Agency cast! Janice, meet me in New Orleans. MORE »

By Neil James

Sagittarius
(November 22 - December 21)
A technological conundrum leaves your wires crossed and your gears spinning. What is this computer virus that has Sagittarius so perplexed? This week turn to the biggest nerd you know for some CPU assistance. You will discover some things in common as a result.

Capricorn
(December 22 - January 19)
A tiny doll has Capricorn freaked the fuck out! What is the voodoo behind this little replica that’s giving you such chills? This week find a home for the marionette as soon as possible or expect to be the true puppet in this relationship.

Aquarius
(January 20 - February 18)
Aquarians are so gay this week that I can barely look at your aura without burning my eyes from the bright pink glow. A recent stint of activism has you feeling righteous and oh-so-very proud of your gay brothers and sisters. Keep up the good fight, diva! MORE »