Man Crush Monday: Gunnar Montana

Hey, guys. I’m Gunnar Montana. You may have seen my past works including BASEMENT and RESURRECTION ROOM, or my recent online Kitchen Video Series. I’m excited to nominate this handful of gentlemen as my “man crushes” because they are easy on the eyes, and because they all have something valuable and unique to offer the gay community in Philadelphia. I hope to see you all this coming September for my newest FringeArts production! Have fun this summer and be kind to each other. Love, Gunnar Montana.

Angel Corella

I’ve yet to meet Mr. Corella, and with his sterling reputation I look forward to the day I do. Along with his rugged handsomeness, I find his career in the arts to be more than admirable. From the American Ballet Theatre to The Royal Ballet to The Kirov Ballet and The New York City Ballet, Angel is respected as one of the greatest male dancers of his time. I believe I can speak for most art-thirsty Philadelphians when I say that we are more than thrilled to have Angel as the new Artistic Director of The Pennsylvania Ballet. I look forward to not only meeting Angel, but to seeing him shake up, wake up, and raise the bar for art in our city.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin

Currently holding leadership posts with the Orchestre Métropolitain, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra, Yannick is also on my list of handsome fellows to cross paths with in the near future. His reputation precedes him as yet another great addition to the artistic community of Philadelphia. Not only am I thankful to have this French Canadian hunk in our city, I also admire his extensive background and achievements as a conductor and a pianist. Philadelphia is a beautiful place to make art and it’s an honor to have such an accomplished artist literally conducting the musical culture of this city.

Dito Van Reigersberg & Matthew Neenan

In my eyes, these two are clearly “Philadelphia’s Most Beautifully Constructed Artistic Power Couple.” Both radiate an artistic energy that impacts Philadelphia’s art scene on a daily basis. Dito, also known as Martha Graham Cracker, is one of the most unique and genuine performers I’ve seen, and his theatrical genius always leaves me inspired, empowered, somewhat tipsy, and smiling. Matthew commands an audience just as effectively with his renowned choreography. A former dancer in PA Ballet and co-founder of BalletX, his work is progressive, spunky, and playful, bringing yet another dimension to contemporary dance in Philadelphia. I’m not only thankful to have these two as friends, but also admire the connection they have with each other as artists and partners.

Dusty Latimer & Jason Keith Cohen

Successful, accomplished, humble and hunky, Dusty and Jason are beautiful individuals, and share a relationship together that is crush-worthy. As a member of the clinical staff at the Mazzoni Center, Dusty spends his time nursing me through frostbit toes and dance injuries, and helps gay men throughout the city lead happy and healthy lives. His partner, Jason, is equally as passionate and articulate about the law he teaches, as he is about art in our city. I am grateful to have these two not only as friends, but also as huge fans and supporters of my work.

George Sabatino

This man is everything! … except gay. That said, there are few things more attractive than a self-made restaurateur and talented chef with tattoo sleeves. From my first bite at his newly opened restaurant Aldine, I realized that George and I share the same sense of creative curiosity. I crush on George for his willingness to push boundaries and constantly experiment with his craft. Not only is he a visionary in the kitchen, George is also a loving husband, doting father figure, and ally to our community.

Chris Bartlett

Crushing on Chris Bartlett is simply a given, and everyone does it. As a matter of fact, when I asked my Facebook friends who they believed was the most influential and empowering person in the gay community, Chris was the clear favorite. His unyielding passion and commitment to helping Philadelphia’s LGBTQ community is more than crush-worthy, it’s simply inspiring. Too bad he’s already met my Mom, he would be the perfect guy to bring home to meet the parents.

Michael DelBene

Mike has been my biggest man crush and my main squeeze for seven months now. A few weeks after meeting we jumped on a plane for a quick trip to Berlin and have been inseparable every since. He spends his time enriching the musical culture of Philadelphia, as well as my life as an artist. He is self-made, self-taught, and selfless. I’m thankful to have him in my life and look forward to having him on my list of Man Crushes for many Mondays to come.

Submit Your Man Crush Monday!

Here are the rules: (1) Name five to 10 guys you’re crushing on, and tell us why they have your heart aflutter (2) You and all men involved have to be from Philadelphia (3) Email your crushes to jmiddleton@phillymag.com.