LITTLE EDIE AFTER “GREY GARDENS”

So Major Summer 2009 kick-off continues with Part Two (click here for Part One) of my exclusive interview with Bouvier Beale Jr., first grandson of iconic Grey Gardens’ Big Edie and nephew of Little Edie – two women who loved the beach and sea as much as any dedicated Asbury Park-er. 

This week exclusive only found here, Bouvier discusses the “real” Little Edie and her life post-documentary release in 1976 and her mom’s death the following year.

TBP:  There has been so much fiction written and said about your family.  What’s true that we do not know about Little Edie? 

Bouvier:  Mostly, people don’t realize how talented and smart she was.  Her poetry, writings and drawings are amazing and her photographs of herself and the family are so important in showing everyone what she was like in her younger days while things were still divine at Grey Gardens.  Little Edie is a fashion icon and that was because of her style and creativity when it came to picking that “costume of the day.” 

My wife’s limited edition book “Edith Bouvier Beale of Grey Gardens, A Life in Pictures” (GreyGardensCollections.com) features many of Edie’s self-portraits and private family photos.  There are less than 100 copies of the book available now.

TBP:  What is misunderstood about Little Edie?

Bouvier:  Many feel that Edie was forced to go and take care of her mother and sacrificed her own life.  This is not truly the story, as she had no means of supporting herself.  Big Edie was always very generous with Little Edie and paid all her bills while she lived in New York City.  When the money was gone, Big Edie insisted that Little Edie come home out of necessity.  Little Edie had no choice.    

TBP:  I hear the love you and your wife, Eva, have for Little Edie.  In 1980, she came to your wedding in Montauk.

Bouvier:  She was always at family weddings and funerals.  I was recently watching movies of my wedding and loved seeing Edie having a great time and dancing with my father.  She was always, always the life of the party.    

She gave us two wedding gifts.  The first was incredibly special – she sang a special song for us at the wedding, “Toujours L’Amour” (I’ll Fly With You).  She also gave us a piece of family silver with a “B” engraved on it.  We still enjoy the memory of the song and the gift of silver. 

(Courtesy Beale Estate)

TBP:  What was the latter part of Little Edie’s life like? 

Bouvier:  Few know all the places she lived after Grey Gardens – New York, Montreal and Florida and for a short period of time in California.  Edie’s mother told her not to go to California because of the earthquakes, but she came in the late 1990’s and loved it.  She did not experience an earth quake however she always wanted to go back to Florida.  I took her back to Florida in 1997 to find an apartment.  She continued to be amazing.  Aunt Edie knew exactly where she wanted to be – right near the beach.  I visited her in Bal Harbor frequently and took her out to “luncheon” as she called it.  She was always thrilled. 

TBP:  By the way, how did Grey Gardens get its name?  I have heard so many different stories.

Bouvier:  The home was always a seaside garden and its name came from the subdued colors in the originally lush, muted-tone garden.  Part of the garden – to the home’s left – was surrounded by a small brick wall to ensure seawater never got to it.

Next week, Little Edie’s connection to President Bill Clinton.

(Courtesy Beale Estate)

For more exclusive insight about two of our favorite ladies visit GreyGardensOnline.com.  The site features tons of revealing interviews with other Grey Gardens “players” such as the grocery delivery teen seen in the documentary, Robert Beyer and David Lewis, who briefly served as Little Edie’s accompanist at Reno Sweeney.  These are interviews not found anywhere else.  The site also features amazingly detailed facts about Grey Gardens and brilliant quotes from Little Edie, such as:

“Jackie was twelve years younger than I, and although I was never jealous of her, I never liked her.  You know what Jackie wanted?  She wanted the house.  Yes darling, that’s the truth, and she did everything she could to get it.  Then Jackie sent her sister Lee, who I’ve always been absolutely terrified of- I think she’s a big criminal.  Lee and her boyfriend came around and started to tear the house down with axes.  Don’t go near any of these people for God’s sake, they’re all insane!”

and

“Of course the house isn’t perfectly normal.  The house has to be done over.  You know how hard it is to get plumbers in the autumn.”

This column is dedicated to the memory of Scott Schechter.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

SUMMER HOT STUFF

Best of the best for gorgeous summer days and nights.

La Prairie Cellular Self Tan with SPF 15

Your face and body luxuriously taken care of – in one bottle.  Formulated to retexturize and smooth skin with a one of a kind controlled release system that ensures you an even, gradual, instant gratification tan – simply.  It smells fabulous, too.  $115 

and…

LaPrairie Celluar Nuturing Complex

Coupled with buckets of Voss water, this is like a big comfy hug to your skin after a day on the beach or on the Watermark deck.  The two-in-one bottle contains the ultimate in anti-redness calming care in both a balm and serum.  $255.

 

laprairie.com

Clinique

I’ve been using Clinique suncare for years and it always delivers with a clean and light line of ahead-of-the-curve sun protection.  This year, products feature SolarSmart protection technology and antioxidants activated by the sun that prevent and heal skin damage.  The face cream SPF 30 is in my car, murse and beach bag.  $17.50

 

 clinique.com

 Olay Daily Facials Express

 Ultra handy and easy when you are done with the beach but ready for the Beach Bar and dont have time to change.  No water needed.  $6 

 

olay.com

Ole Henriksen All Purpose Aloe Vera Gel

Best quality, pure and perfect finish to a day on our beach – recently named one of the best on the east coast.

 

 

olehenriksen.com

MEMORIAL DAY WITH LITTLE EDIE

The premier of summer is a great opportunity to talk about my favorite documentary, “Grey Gardens” – first released in 1976 exposing the lives of aunt and first cousin of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, “Big Edie” and “Little Edie” respectively who lived in squalor and isolation for decades in the oceanside, formerly golden, 28-room mansion “Grey Gardens” in East Hampton.

It’s an iconic must see for your gay card and is beyond fascinating to any and everyone else.

An overlooked character in the documentary – which served as the basis for the 2006 Broadway musical and last month’s fantastic HBO Film – is the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean and beach play a strong and meaningful part in both ladies’ lives.

As we celebrate the sea, beach, summer and friends this Memorial Day Weekend, first grandson of Big Edie and cherished nephew of Little Edie, Mr. Bouvier Beale Jr., spoke with me in an exclusive and revealing interview. The Coaster and TheBPlot.com are the only outlets in the country in which you can read Bouvier’s comments about his family, right now.

COURTESY OF BEALE ESTATE

TBP: Congrats on the HBO Film.

Bouvier: Thank you. Talking with Jessica (Lange) and Drew (Barrymore) about my family’s life was wonderful.

TBP: Do you think the documentary and film captured the essence of your relatives well?

Bouvier: The documentary, of course, captures the personality of my grandmother but I feel it is one-sided and edited to create a certain image. HBO’s film is wonderful and captures my grandmother perfectly – presenting some of the story from the important years prior to the documentary. I hope now fans are seeing a different perspective of the “Edie’s”.

My wife just published a limited edition book “Edith Bouvier Beale of Grey Gardens, A Life in Pictures” that also provides a genuine look inside Grey Gardens and features never before seen photos.

TBP: The coffee table book is just fantastic and I loved the HBO film. One of the questions the film created was regarding Big Edie’s friend and pianist George “Gould” Strong. Set the record straight, was he gay?

Bouvier: People assume he was gay. He was definitely Big Edie’s soul mate. Music and the desire for companionship drew them together. She felt her husband was always absent…working.

At one point, Little Edie’s diary actually expresses a bit of competition between her and Gould, for her mother’s attention. Later, when Gould was sick, Little Edie writes that she sent Gould a note and he replied back thanking her.

TBP: The film ends in 1977 with Little Edie performing in the New York City nightclub Reno Sweeney. What was the backstory there?

Bouvier: I have seen the contract that she had for that club. After modeling as a teen and young adult, it was one of her very first jobs (at 60 years of age) and she decided not to continue it quickly. My father and Jackie (Kennedy Onassis) did not really approve of those performances so everyone was pleased Edie’s show was short-lived. (End)

The amazing picture book is sold at GreyGardensCollections.com, along with a number of other beautiful products inspired by Little Edie and Grey Gardens, including reproductions of their famous jewelry, cast from the originals.

GREYGARDENSCOLLECTIONS.COM

Next week, Bouvier discusses Little Edie’s life after Grey Gardens and how the home got its moniker. In two weeks, secrets revealed about Little Edie and Bill Clinton and what she thought about Asbury Park.

COURTESY OF BEALE ESTATE

Richard@TheBPlot.com

LETTUCE LAUGH

There is drag and then there is draaaaggg. One of the rock stars of drag queen-dom is coming to town the Saturday evening of Gay Pride weekend (June 6) to entertain the troops – both rainbow emblazoned and otherwise.

Six-time Drag Queen of the Year winner, Hedda Lettuce, will perform her renowned movie night show, featuring the 1981 film “Mommie Dearest”, at Asbury Lanes.

Forget the sloppy, scary, part-time, socks-for-boobs gag drag you may be used to. Since 1994, Hedda has been turning it out for her public performing around the world and on television shows including “Project Runway,” “Sex and the City” and “Oprah.” I spoke with the blonde icon in anticipation of her visit.

TBP: How are drag queens surviving the recession?

Hedda: It’s all a matter of recycling, Darling, and doing your own handiwork. Taking a beautiful belt you’ve tired of and melting it into a broach.

TBP: You are the self proclaimed “Queen of Green.” I call our columnist, Tom, the King of Green, you two must meet. How can Asbury Park people be greener?

Hedda: A lot of people leave half a drink on the bar and walk away. Grab it and drink it. Don’t be shy. Alcohol kills germs. It’s a great way to recycle, conserve water and save money.

TBP: Both you and “Mommie Dearest” are fierce. What happens when two icons collide?

Hedda: My show is like “Mystery Science Theatre” combined with “Rocky Horror.” I act out in front of the movie screen, comment as the film progresses, backtalk to Faye Dunaway and interact with the audience. I absolutely encourage audience participation. The first and last 15 minutes is live comedy.

It’s a collage of comedy…a touch of drama with a dash of wit…pinch of pathos with a whole lot of laughter…a unique experience and a great evening. I promise everyone a great time that none of us will ever forget.

TBP: I hear the show is regularly a sell out in New York and Provincetown. Who knew you were so into movies. What are your summer favorites?

Hedda: Anything with Doris Day and Rock Hudson. “Bye Bye Birdie” with Ann Margaret and a nice Gidget movie will get a girl going during the summer.

TBP: Who is a bigger diva Tyra Banks, Madonna or Asbury Park’s own Brad Hurtado?

Hedda: This is a difficult one, Darling. Brad would like me to say him but I won’t. I would probably say Tyra.

TBP: Final thoughts for New Jersey Gay Pride 2009?

Hedda: Celebrate diversity. This is our chance to get out of the sandbox and show the world how we do it.

Some say gays are like everyone else but we are not, Darling. We are just a little bit more fabulous. We just are.

Also, keep hydrated and find you a man – at least for the summer -it brings a glow to a woman’s cheeks. Enjoy, celebrate and live. (end)

$20 tickets include two-hour open bar. Doors open at 8 pm. Tickets sold at the door or AsburyParkEvents.com. When everyone else is increasing prices Pride weekend, this is the best bargain in town. Brad Hutado, producer of the show, is supplying the wire hangers, too.

Briefly: The Famous Wanamassa Point Yard Sale, featuring 15 homes at publication deadline, is Saturday (May 15). Join the Egrets, turtles and wayward bargain hunters for treasures galore 9 am to 3 pm.

Beginning next week, a revealing “Grey Gardens” exclusive interview with Little Edie’s nephew Bouvier.

05.17.09 – One of the pillars of our Asbury Park community, Scott Schechter passed away suddenly on Thursday. I can’t speak more highly of gentle, kind, passionate, engaging Scott. He will be missed by many. Those who did not have the chance to meet him missed out. The 5.28.09 issue of The B Plot will be dedicated to this wonderful friend to many, partner to Russell and dad to Tigger. I welcome you to post your thoughts and memories about Scott here.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

HEART-ON FOR ASBURY

Happy Mother’s Day to every mom around. The strength, encouragement and tenacity of mothers help everything here move forward, even under the most trying of circumstances.

We love our moms and we love our city.

Below are 18 fun reasons to love Asbury Park, even more, right now.

1. You can take your summer visitors on a fab walking tour by just stepping out your front door. There is history, “real” architecture and beauty everywhere here.

2. Anyone can pretend they are Tiger Woods for a day at the Colonial Terrace Golf Course on Wickapecko Drive.

3. Retro, difficult-to-find, sweet treat cravings are within reach at Candyteria on the Boardwalk.

4. Resident David Napp can recite any scene from the “Golden Girls” for you on demand.

5. Drinking a great cup of Asbury Roastery coffee while watching the morning surfers on our beach is a fantastic way to start each day.

6. You can swim, hike, canoe, dance, run, fish, ride your bike, do yoga, golf, walk a trail and play Frisbee, kickball, basketball or tennis and more – for free – all within our TMZ (three-mile zone).

7. Something seriously great can be bought for less than $1 at Coastal Habitat for Humanity’s thrift store, ReStore, on Third Avenue.

8. Fab stores like Shelter Home enable us to give amazing, original, modern gifts without having to leave town.

9. Secretly gazing at the ocean and bodies on the boardwalk is easy at Watermark Lounge’s 1,500 square foot patio.

10. You can dance your butt off until 3 am at Paradise.

11. Learning or seeing something new is as simple as walking into the Asbury Park Library or Turner Gallery in Ocean Township.

12. The Asbury Park Historical Society works overtime for all of us to ensure the vintage charm that makes this City one-of-a-kind remains in tact.

13. Helen Chantal-Pike knows everything about Asbury Park’s history and is happy to share.

14. Bowling is a blast at Asbury Lanes.

15. There’s always something interesting going on at the Stephen Crane House.

16. The Tides Hotel gives us a guilt-free fabulous option to store trying guests.

17. Deal Lake is 158 acres of beautiful bird watching and fish and turtle scouting.

18. Having your baby’s hand or foot print immortalized in glass, for Mom or Grandma or anyone else this Mother’s Day is as easy as walking into Hot Sand.

Briefly: I need to thank the mothers of Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds. These two guys are gasp-worthy – so beautiful. I just can’t stop objectifying them. Imagine being so hot you don’t have to have a point to your conversation. Just ramble on and on and no one cares cause it’s so nice to look at you – everything you say is dynamic. That’s these guys.

HUGH JACKMAN, GETTY IMAGES

RYAN REYNOLDS

And Tori Spelling and her mom Candy’s new books – “Mommywood”, and “Candyland” respectively, are great, fluffy, fun, dishy, dirty summer reading. The photos are so telling its like getting two books in one.

MOMMYWOOD AND CANDYLAND

Richard@TheBPlot.com