Arts & Entertainment
Queery: Brian Crane
The ‘Country Girl’ actor answers 20 gay questions
(Photo by Johannes Markus; courtesy American Century Theater)
Brian Crane did some acting in high school and college but largely set it aside for several years while he pursued career and academia.
Since 2004 he’s been acting on a semi-pro level in various productions with American Century Theater, Washington Shakespeare Company and other local outfits. He opens tonight in a production of Clifford Odets’ “The Country Girl,” the play that was adapted into the film version that won Grace Kelly an Oscar in the title role, at American (meeting at the Gunston Arts Center Theater II, 2700 South Lang St. in Arlington) — visit americancentury.org for details).
Crane says his role, Frank, is an artistic challenge.
“It’s a very emotional part,” he says. “Frank goes through these really big swings and it’s got some interesting challenges. It’s harsh and there’s plenty not to like about Frank but you have to make him lovable or the play doesn’t work. There’s something lovable and vulnerable about this man I could identify with. He lies, he manipulates but at the same time he has this disarming charm, like a grown-up kid.”
Crane, a 47-year-old Pittsburgh native, came to Washington in 1992 to do a pre-doctoral fellowship in anthropology at the Smithsonian. He’d been in Philadelphia for college (grad and undergrad) for 10 years before that. By day, he’s director of Cultural Resources Division at Versar, a global project management company based in Springfield, Va.
Crane and his partner, Murray Scheel, an attorney, live together in Foggy Bottom and have been together for 16 years. Crane enjoys theater, backpacking and photography in his free time. He also loves to squeeze in Saturday afternoon naps when he can.
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
I’ve been out since graduate school, about 25 years. My mom was the hardest to tell because she and my dad took my brother’s coming out so hard.
Who’s your LGBT hero?
I’m not sure, maybe Walt Whitman, or Oscar Wilde for being so wonderfully flamboyant in their art. Among the living, maybe Stephen Fry; he has such a charming and gentle wit, and he had the guts to give Shakespeare in Klingon a try.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
I still have fond memories of Tracks: that was the first place I ever went dancing in D.C.
Describe your dream wedding.
I’m not sure Murray is the marrying type, but if we did, I would want it in our home church, St. Thomas Parish, with all our friends and family with us.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
The environment
What historical outcome would you change?
That’s hard. There are so many awful things, how could I choose? But in my own lifetime, the election of 2000 was such a rotten turning point for this country, and it left us so divided.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
I guess the advent of social media. It’s brought me back in touch with so many people that I had lost contact with.
On what do you insist?
Not nearly enough, I’m not very assertive. But I always make sure I get breakfast, a meal before shows and rehearsals, and a nap when I can get away with it. I get really grumpy if I don’t eat right. Just ask Murray.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
“Roosevelt was right when he said, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself.” We have paid dearly for our paranoia.” It was about an article on slate.com about the true costs of 9-11.
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“The Trials and Tribulations of Living Small in a Big World”
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Not a thing. “I was born this way” (thank you Lady Gaga)
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
That death does not have the last word, and that at the end of things, there will be wonderful surprises.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
I miss ACT-UP.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
To see my father again.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
Can’t think of one.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
“Parting Glances” made a big impression on me coming out. So did “Torch Song Trilogy,” but that was because I had a big crush on Matthew Broderick.
What’s the most overrated social custom?
Valentines
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
I really admire the work of those actors I know who have won the Helen Hayes award.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
That it gets better.
Why Washington?
I came here to work at the Smithsonian as a pre-doctoral fellow, and just stayed. And I love the theater scene here.
Fairfax City Pride was held at the Sherwood Center (3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax, Va.) on Saturday, June 6.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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D.C. prepares to party as Pride celebrations kick off Saturday
Bars, clubs have busy lineups; Pride on the Pier returns
Capital Pride’s date change isn’t slowing down the festivities. Back in December, the Capital Pride Alliance shifted the calendar for Pride celebrations in the nation’s capital from the second weekend of June to two weeks later to the weekend of June 20-21 to not conflict with President Trump’s birthday and 250th anniversary of America celebrations, with the aim that “our community can gather safely and without unnecessary barriers… We are protecting our space and preserving Pride as a powerful act of visibility, solidarity, and resistance.”
On the heels of WorldPride last year, the city shows no sign of slowing down. Instead, restaurants, bars, clubs, and neighborhoods are taking the opportunity to be even more visible. The Blade has put together a (non-comprehensive) list of parties, activations, and activities across town:
Pride on the Pier returns on Saturday, June 13 to the Wharf on the Southwest waterfront. The event, sponsored and hosted by the Washington Blade, is free and runs from 4-9 p.m. There will be vendors, DJs, and drag performances all day. VIP tickets are $25 and come with air conditioned party room, private bathrooms, and free cocktail. More details at prideonthepierdc.com.
Capital Pride Official Opening Party: RIOT! is the official opening dance party of Capital Pride, taking place Friday June 19, 9 PM-3AM. The 2026 edition headlining performer is Myki Meeks, a finalist of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 18; Bob The Drag Queen will perform a special set. DMV-area DJs and performers include: Bambi, Baphomette, Bumper, Cake Pop!, Connor, DJ Ed Bailey, DJ Diyanna Monet, Evry Pleasure, Jakknife Complex, Mari Con Carne, Pussy Noir, WessTheDJ. Trade owner Ed Bailey is producing the event.
Kinetic Presents brings the heat across the entirety of Pride weekend as well. It again is partnering with Capital Pride Alliance to produce four events over four days this Pride, including the Official Main Event on Saturday (the Friday official event is at Echostage). Kinetic’s parties are splayed across various D.C. venues, with special performances, massive productions, shirtless dancers, play zones, dance-forward audio and visuals, and international DJ talent. Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM at District Eagle is Lust, with music by Dan Slater and TOMI. Friday, June 19 at 10 PM is UNCUT XXL Heavy Load, at A.i. Warehouse in Union Market District, with music by Alex Acosta, Felipe Lira & Mitch Ferrino; the party is a “high-octane night of muscular house and tribal rhythms.” Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM brings that official main event, Kinetic Toy Land, at Echostage, with music by GSP & Matt Suave. Alaska Thunderfuck headlines. Sunday evening June 21 at 10 PM closes with discoVERS at SAX. A portion of tickets supports the DC LGBTQ+ community through Capital Pride Alliance.
9:30 Club always comes in clutch for the LGBTQ community. Already in June, it produced Kitty Kat Ball on June 7, and Kiesza performed on June 8. On June 20 at 10 PM, the famed Mixtape party hits the stage, care of gay DJs Shea van Horn and Matt Bailer, who have spun together for coming up on two decades. Mixtape has been held at several venues across the city over those years, and now settled on 9:30 Club for Pride. On June 25 at 7 PM, Big Freedia – the bounce artist from New Orleans – hits the 9:30 Club scene for the eighth time, as part of the Big Freedom Tour.
Crush: New this year from the 14th Street bar is the Pride Pop-Up, sitting pretty in the parking lot at 1820 14th St., N.W., at the corner of Swann Street by the start of the Pride Parade route. Hours are Friday from 2-10 PM and Saturday from 12-10 PM. Friday evening features Grizzly Bear Happy Hour, a DJ will set up shop on Saturday, and for those needing another layer, there’s a Crush merch store. Co-owner Mark Rutstein “has always wanted to throw a party in that parking lot, so he did,” said co-owner Stephen Rutgers. Note that Crush (the bar) will have a cover on Friday and Saturday.
Kiki: Over at Kiki, there’s a full slate of Pride-themed programming all week. Tuesday, June 16 at 9 PM brings karaoke; Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 PM is trivia; Thursday June 18 at 9PM is “Night of 1000 Tatianna’s Drag Show”, and Friday June 19 at 9 PM brings the Juneteenth Serve Drag Show. Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM, post-parade, is a Pride Dance Party with DJ Lemz. Sunday daytime at 5 PM is the Father Figures Daddy Issues Special Drag Show; and after the festival at 8 PM, DJ Tezrah hits the tapes.
Jane Jane: Right along the parade route, gay-owned Jane Jane has transformed its space into a “No Kings, Yas Queens” activation in a direct response to the America 250th commemorations happening downtown, from the colorful window installation, to merch (including a custom bandana and tank) to disco wig installations. Events include industry night on Mondays, donations to LGBTQ charities, and to-go cocktails during the Pride Parade.
Shaw’s Tavern: Gay-owned Shaw’s Tavern on Florida Avenue celebrates Pride week with a full lineup of themed events, entertainment, and specials, including Pride trivia on Monday, June 15 at 7:30 PM, bingo on Tuesday, June 16 at 8 PM, a cabaret on Thursday, June 18 at 9 PM, Juneteenth Drag Brunch on Friday, June 19 at 12:30 PM, and both a pre-parade brunch (10 AM-4 PM) and post-parade party (5-9 PM) on Saturday, June 20. Sunday, June 21 at 7 PM brings Mama’s Sunday Supper & Drag Pride Show in the evening for anyone who is still awake.
Trade: This classic has a weekend of events, starting on Thursday, with Tiburon Pride Edition, a Latin Dance party in the Shark Tank. On Friday, the bar opens early (at 2 PM), with all-day happy hour and the Jx&Evry Show. On Saturday, the bar opens at noon, offering a prime parade viewing spot from its windows. There will be the CLASH drag show hosted by Tatianna and Crimsyn, and Sweet Spot party that night. On Sunday, the bar opens for normal hours at 2 PM, with DJs Adam K, Alex Love, and WESSTHEDJ.
Pitchers: The multi-level bar in Adams Morgan is hosting a Pride-themed show on Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM, with drawstring bag giveaways – the only kind of bag that will be allowed into the bar during Pride weekend. The show features drag queen Kyle Sonique Love.
Barrel House Cafe and Bar: Also by the parade route on 14th Street, Barrel House Cafe takes advantage of its large patio to have a slate of events during Pride week, including Schism, a drag and burlesque show on June 18 at 10 PM, as well as an all-day Pride party coinciding on parade day.
Bunker: Bunker again plays host to a series of afters. Friday night (Saturday 3:30 AM) is Unhinged, and Saturday night (Sunday 3:30AM) is Unholy. The regular Saturday night party (10 PM) brings in Venetian and Tiara Missou. All parties have cover charges.
District Eagle: Beyond the Kinetic party on Friday, June 19 brings Gear Night at 10 PM; Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM is LOBO presents PRISM, and Sunday, June 21 is Sundaze wit Papi at 6 PM.
African Art Museum: On Thursday, June 18 at 5 PM, this Smithsonian museum is hosting a free event with artists and curators celebrating its exhibit, “Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art,” “based on years of close collaboration and dialogue with African visual art practitioners who claim belonging in the LGBTQ+ community, however they define those terms,” according to the museum.
KNEAD Hospitality & Design: The gay-owned KNEAD restaurant group (including spots like Gatsby, Mi Vida, Succotash The Grill) is featuring the GLITTERATI cocktail, made with Tito’s, St-Germain Elderflower, Butterfly Flower, ginger, and yes, glitter. A portion of proceeds from every Glitterati cocktail sold will benefit The Trevor Project. The cocktail will be sold throughout June.
The Fountain Inn is partnering with Rhodium spirits (Rhode Island’s first LGBTQ+ owned distillery) all month, making cocktails like gimlets and espresso martinis featuring Rhodium’s liquors. Proceeds benefit SMYAL, an organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth.
Hard Rock Cafe: Hard Rock DC is taking part in the chain’s annual “LOVE OUT LOUD” campaign, with Pride merch, specials on June 20, and a donation to The Trevor Project.
The D.C. Front Runners held the 14th annual 5K Pride Run at Congressional Cemetery on Saturday, June 6.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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