Arts news in brief: Feb. 17

Regie Cabico is one of the performers in SpeakeasyDC’s ‘Born This Way.’ (Photo by Alexander Morozov)

Storytelling group returns with gay-themed show

SpeakeasyDC presents “Born This Way” on Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Paul Sprenger Theatre at Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St., N.E.) during the Intersections Festival.

This is the third time SpeakeasyDC, a performance group that specializes in first-person autobiographical storytelling, has participated in the festival and will feature storytellers Kevin Boggs, Regie Cabico, Sandra Faria, Andrew Korfhage and Natalie E. Illum describing their personal stories of same-sex love, lust and self-discovery.

Tickets to the show are $20 for general admission and $12 for students. They can be purchased online at intersectionsdc.org.

For more information, visit speakeasydc.org.

Whitman-Walker plans Healthier Hookups discussion

Whitman-Walker Health is having a series of Community Conversations this year and the next Conversation is “Healthier Hookups” on Thursday at the Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center (1701 14^th St., N.W.) at 7:30 p.m.

The conversation will feature a panel of speakers discussing topics such as how social media tools have made the search for a one night stand more efficient and impersonal, how to keep healthy during the encounters and more.

For more information and a complete list of the series conversations, visitwhitman-walker.org.

Gay ballet creators unveil Patrick Swayze tribute piece

The Complexions Contemporary Ballet perform ‘Mercy,’ a tribute to late actor Patrick Swayze. (Photo by Sharen Bradford; courtesy GMU)

Complexions Contemporary Ballet, founded by former Alvin Ailey dancers Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, performs at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts (Braddock Rd. and Rt. 123, Fairfax) on Friday at 8 p.m.

The program will begin with Rhoden and Richardson’s 2009 work “Mercy,” a piece dedicated to the memory of actor Patrick Swayze. After intermission, there will be a series of duets by Rhoden and the show will conclude with his work “Rise” performed to the music of U2.

There will also be a pre-performance, sponsored by the Friends of the Center for the Arts, 45 minutes prior to the show. Rhoden and Richardson, both gay, are former partners but continue to enjoy a thriving creative partnership.

Tickets to the show range from $21 to $42 and can be purchased online at cfa.gmu.edu or by phone at 888-945-2468.

Mitchell plays Ellington tribute

Tony Award-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell performs as part of the Duke Ellington festival at the Music Center at Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda) on Friday at 8 p.m.

Mitchell, who recently appeared on the series “Glee” as one of Rachel’s dads, will be singing sections from Duke Ellington’s musicals “Sophisticate Ladies,” “Play On” and the Ellington’s unfinished musical, “Queenie Pie.” He will also perform favorites such as “Satin Doll” and “A Train.”

Tickets range from $39 to $79 and can be purchased online at Strathmore.org.