Variety reports that Cumming, best known to theatre audiences for his work in the Tony-winning revival of Cabaret, will be the emcee of a downtown cabaret act in "The Alan Cumming Experience." The program is one of several announced for the network, which is set to debut in February 2005. According to the industry paper, Logo will reach 10-15 million homes in such cities as Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta and San Francisco.
Among the other original programs slated for the new network are "Family Outing," produced by Cher and her daughter Chastity that will examine the coming-out stories of celebrities and others in the public eye; "My Fabulous Gay Wedding," hosted by "The Kids in the Hall" star Scott Thompson that will follow gay couples as they plan their weddings; "Do I?," which will focus on gay couples as they open up to a relationship expert in order to determine whether they are ready for marriage; "Chelsea Boys," an animated series about three friends living in New York; "Twist," which is described as a debate show that has an "authentic gay twist"; and "Fantastic Voyage," a reality show where gay couples cruise on the Caribbean for a week.
Dennis Hensley will host a talk show for the network, and a program starring and produced by comedian Margaret Cho is also in the works. Development discussions are also currently underway with producing team Craig Zadan and Neil Meron and actress-comedian-singer Sandra Bernhard.
Logo plans to offer features films and documentaries as well as a news magazine program, a travel show and the telecast of the GLAAD Media Awards.
A Tony Award winner for his portrayal of the Emcee in the Broadway revival of Cabaret, Alan Cumming was recently back on the New York stage in the Art Party's mounting of Elle. The Scottish-born thespian has also appeared in such films as "Eyes Wide Shut," "Circle of Friends," Lion King director Julie Taymor's feature-film debut "Titus," "Spy Kids" and "The Anniversary Party" — which he co-wrote, co-directed and co-starred with Cabaret co-star Jennifer Jason Leigh. Cumming also appeared in the film "Nicholas Nickleby," and his debut book, "Tommy's Tale," is now in stores.
