He said yesterday that he used some key questions to decide if the guy was for real, then played music on the air while he talked to the man off-mike. ''I was told later by hospital people that he had the tools, know-how and inclination to kill himself," said Bonaduce. "There was a time when I was not far from that guy's position."
LOCALLY CONNECTED
* Germantown native Paris Dupree, who had a pivotal role in the documentary Paris Is Burning, will stage his 13th annual ball Sunday at Club Fever, 13th and Chestnut Streets. The first 12 balls - featuring partygoers in other-sex garb and fantasy costume - were held at Manhattan's Up the Down Staircase, where "vogueing" was introduced. Under 18s allowed because there's no alcohol. Tix are $20 before 10 p.m., $25 after.
Mayor Rendell reviews the movie Philadelphia in the issue of Philadelphia Gay News out tomorrow. It's a - surprise? - rave. But noting the possible conflict of interest - Rendell appears briefly in the flick - publisher Mark Segal said the paper had its regular, non-acting film critic do an alternative review.
COUPLES
* Details from the Marla Maples-Donald Trump 8:15 p.m. Monday merger. The symbolic theme - white orchids. They will drape over "all sconces," altar, buffet tables and the canopy under which the Georgia Peach makes her entrance. Guests will be served champagne and mineral water. Eats: sushi by Margo Dewhurst; lamb, beef, tuna and turkey carvings: "cold displays of terrines, smoked fishes and salads." The groom will be attended by his dad, Fred. The cake: 19 layers of "rich buttery cake with vanilla cream filling," hoisted on high by five tiers, the whole thing standing 6 feet. It's decorated with butter cream frosting with bouquets of white and blush roses plus - white orchids.
