Arts & Entertainment
Out & About: March 30
Events for both Washington and Baltimore
'Arias With a Twist' (Photo courtesy Woolly Mammoth)
Woolly unveils ‘Arias With a Twist’
Drag singer Joey Arias and master puppeteer Basil Twist will be performing “Arias With a Twist” at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company (641 D St., N.W.) starting Wednesday.
This is the D.C. premiere of the show, created in 2008, marking Arias’ return to New York after a six-year stint in a Cirque Du Soleil production in Las Vegas.
There will also be some special events through the show’s run. There will be four post-performance conversations on April 11, 15, 19 and 25. Woolly Mammoth will also be hosting a post-performance “Glamazon Pageant” on April 13 with local burlesque and vaudeville performers competing for a chance to be crowned as the ultimate “Glamazon.”
Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased online at woollymammoth.net. The show will run through May 6.
Rainbow Seder this weekend at HRC
GLOE Kurlander Program for GLBT Outreach and Engagement is having its fifth annual National Rainbow Seder on Sunday at the Human Rights Campaign (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.) starting at 5 p.m.
This year, GLOE will be focusing on Heroes of Freedom, the leaders of freedom and equality movements throughout history.
There will be drinks and hors d’oeuvres and the Seder, led by Rabbi Toby Manewith, will start at 6 p.m.
Tickets are $36 for general admission, $24 for GLOE members, students, seniors and those with limited income, children 18 and under and volunteers can attend for free.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit washingtondcjcc.org.
MTV chooses gay venue for ‘Real World’ casting call
MTV’s “The Real World” is holding an open casting call for the 28th season on Saturday at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Casting directors from Bunim/Murray Productions will be looking for people with strong personalities who are not afraid to speak theirs minds. Past seasons have included an HIV/AIDS educator, an Iraq War vet, a recovering addict and many more.
They are particularly interested in cast members who have had to work hard to support themselves and move ahead in their lives.
Applicants are asked to bring a recent picture of themselves that will not be returned and a photo ID. Those interested must be 21 by March 1, 2013 and appear to be between the ages of 20 and 24.
For more information and to download the application form, visit bunim-murray.com/rwcasting.
BALTIMORE OUT & ABOUT
‘Bad Bunny Mansion Party’ at Grand Central
S.H.E. productions and Grand Central (1001 North Charles St.) present “The Easter Bunny Ball: A Bad Bunny Mansion Party” tonight at 9 p.m.
The evening will include free champagne cocktail and dessert bar from 9 to 10:30 p.m., a golden egg giveaway with special prizes, music by DJ Image and more.
Dress code is anything goes.
There is a $10 cover for this 21 and older event. For more information, visitsheproductionsevents.com or centralstationpub.com.
Film critics profiled in new documentary
The Maryland Institute College of Art (1301 W. Mt. Royal Ave.) has a few events of interest coming up this week.
On Monday, Kenyan artist Wangechi Mutu will be talking at the Brown Center at 10:30 a.m. about her work, which acts as commentary of a social and personal nature where the female body functions as a site of engagement and provocation. This event is free and open to the public.
Also Monday is a screening of “For the Love of Movies: The Story of American Film Criticism,” a documentary that shows the story of American movie reviewing at 7 p.m. in Falvey Hall. Directed by Gerald Peary, the movie includes commentary by Roger Ebert, Liza Schwarzbaum and more. The screening will include a introduction by Peary and a Q&A about film criticism.
On Thursday, the play “Fat Pig” opens at BBox (1601 Mt. Royal Ave.) at 8 p.m. The show is about a stereotypical young man who falls in love with a plus-sized librarian and explores how society treats their romance. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students and are available online at store.mica.edu and brownpapertickets.com, as well as at the door.
WAMMFest at Towson this weekend
WAMMFest (Women and Minorities in Media) is celebrating its fifth anniversary tonight and Saturday at Towson University.
WAMMFest strives to celebrate and encourage women and minorities in media production by calling for works, talks and screenings by everyone from students to professionals in categories such as animation, documentary, music and more.
This year’s guest artists are director and actor Jamil Walker Smith and producer Brittany Ballard. They will be screening their new film “An American Dream” on Saturday at 6 p.m. in Van Bokkelen where they will also talk about their experiences. Tickets to the screening are $5.
The two will also teach a master class “Script to Screen” at on Saturday 3 p.m. in the Media Center. Following the class will be a critique/feedback session.
WAMM winners will be presented this evening at 6 p.m. in Van Bokkelen.
For more information and to RSVP, visit wammtu.com.
Miss Gay Maryland tonight at the Hippo
Club Hippo (1 West Eager St.) has two big events going on this week.
Josie & the PussyCats present “Miss Gay Maryland Contestant Show” tonight at 11 p.m.
The show will featuring Eva Couture, Miss Gay Central Maryland 2012, Victoria Blair, first alternate Miss Hippo 2012, Anastacia Amor, Miss Gay FreeState 2012, Charity Suade’, Miss Hippo 2012, Cha’Nel Von Cartier Couture, first alternate Miss Gay FreeState and LuLu La Diva, first alternate Miss Gay Central Maryland.
Tickets are $7. For tickets and more information, call 443-926-2678.
Doors open at 10 p.m.
On Wednesday, the club has its weekly bingo game at 8:30 p.m. The game will also serve as an album release party for Madonna’s “MDNA.” Participants could win copies of the album and more. Proceeds from the game will benefit the GLBT Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland.
For more information, visit clubhippo.com.
Friday, April 17
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7:00p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Saturday, April 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Sunday, April 19
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Lunch” at 11 a.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, April 20
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, April 21
Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Senior Self Defense Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, April 22
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Asexual and Aromantic Group will meet at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, April 23
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5:00 pm if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Out & About
Team DC’s annual gala set for this weekend
LGBTQ sports organization to hold annual ‘Night of Champions’
Team DC will host “Night of Champions Gala” on Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m. at the Georgetown Marriott.
This will be an evening of celebration and inspiration as Team DC honors remarkable individuals and supports the next generation of LGBTQ student-athletes.
There will be opportunities to support Team DC through auctions. The Silent Auction items will offer an array of unique goods and experiences. Additionally, Team DC will feature an exclusive selection of live auction items for those looking to make a significant impact.
This year, Team DC will recognize six outstanding awardees who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ community and sports:
- Trailblazer Award – Adam Peck, District Wrestling
- Most Valuable Person Award – Sean Bartel (posthumously)
- Champion Award – Dan Martin
- Clark Ray Horizon Award – Manuel Montelongo, aka Mari Con Carne
- Bernard Jude Delia Award – Dr. Sara Varghai
- Platinum All Star Award – Centaur Motorcycle Club
To purchase tickets, visit Team DC’s website.
Television
‘The Pitt’ stars discuss what season two gets right about queer representation
Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden spoke with Blade in LA
As season two of “The Pitt” comes to a close this Thursday, stars Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden are looking back on what this season got right about queer representation.
“There is some intentionality behind it, but it’s not necessarily for the representation to be anything other than human or ubiquitous to anyone that would come into an emergency room,” Noah Wyle, who plays Dr. Robby, told the Los Angeles Blade at PaleyFest event in Los Angeles on April 12. “I know that we’ve done some storylines with some gay couples, and we did a storyline in season 1 where a woman comes in who’s cut her arm, who’s trans. But in both of those storylines, that wasn’t the point.”
Wyle continues, “In doing it that way, and not making a point of orientation being part of the problem that brings you to the emergency room, we have been told in feedback that that has been extremely revolutionary, almost, and extremely appreciated. But that’s true whether we do storylines with any kind of minority or a person with a disability. We try to have a cosmology of cast and representation on the show that’s indicative of what you find in Pittsburgh.”
Dearden, who plays Dr. Mel King, echoed Wyle’s sentiment: “I think constantly battling tropes is always important. It’s not a show about romance; it’s a show about real life and a shift in the ER. The more we represent everyday people going through everyday life, they just happen to be queer, they just happen to be trans, and making it not the plot, is putting everyone on equal playing [field]. You don’t have to have a big coming out scene.”
Queer representation on “The Pitt” is also notable through the actual actors themselves, including openly queer actor Supriya Ganesh, who plays Dr. Samira Mohan (who didn’t attend PaleyFest after the news that she is not returning for season three), and Amielynn Abellera, who plays Perlah Alawi.
“Doctors don’t put value judgments on who they treat,” Wyle concludes. “That’s not a luxury extended to them, and so that’s not part of our storytelling.”
The season two finale will air Thursday, April 16, on HBO Max, while season three has already been confirmed and is currently being written.
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