Arts & Entertainment

D.C. arts briefs: April 6

‘Alice in Wonderland’ ballet, Rehoboth Women’s FEST and more

Published

14 years ago

April 5, 2012

The Washington Ballet’s world premiere of Septime Webre’s ‘Alice (in Wonderland)’ starring Jonathan Jordan as the White Rabbit and Maki Onuki as Alice opens Thursday, with a preview on Wednesday. (Photo by Steve Vaccariello; courtesy Washington Ballet)

‘Alice’ ballet debuts at Kennedy Center

The Washington Ballet presents the world premiere of openly gay director Septime Webre’s “Alice (in Wonderland)” at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. with a preview on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

“Alice” starts with the real Alice (Alice Liddell) at home with her family and friend, Lewis Carroll. Webre brings in real people from Liddell’s life, masked as the characters in Carroll’s story. Her mother becomes the Queen of Hearts and her sisters become Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.

The show runs through April 15.

Tickets range from $50 to $155 and can be purchased online at washingtonballet.org orkennedy-center.org.

LGBT content among Filmfest D.C. offerings

Filmfest D.C., the Washington International Film Festival, opens Thursday and runs through April 22. The festival will include two films with LGBT themes, “Leave It On the Dance Floor” and “Facing Mirrors.”

“Leave It On the Dance Floor” takes place in Los Angeles and tells the story of Brad, kicked out by his homophobic mother, as he enters of the world of “houses” like those from “Paris is Burning.” It will be shown on April 13 at 6:30 p.m. and April 14 at 9 p.m.

“Facing Mirrors” takes place in contemporary Tehran and tells the story of Rana, a woman driving her jailed husband’s taxi. She picks up a rich, pre-op transgender man on the run from an arranged marriage. It will be shown on April 14 at 6:30 p.m. and April 15 at 2:15 p.m.

Both films will be screened at the Naval Heritage Center (701 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.).

Individual tickets are $11 for general admission. The Director’s Package, which includes 10 tickets, is $80 and the Weekday Package, which includes four tickets, is $33.

For more information, including a complete list of films and ticket information, visitfilmfestdc.org.

Team D.C. to hold sports mingling event

Team D.C. is having its annual Sportsfest at Room and Board Furniture (1840 14^th St., NW.) on Thursday at 7 p.m.

This open house event will give attendees the opportunity to meet and talk to players representing nearly every LGBT sports group in the D.C. area, including D.C. Gay Flag Football League, Capital Area Rainbowlers Association, Washington Renegades, Washington Wetskins and more.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but $10 gets three drink tickets for the beer and vodka bar sponsored by Nellie’s.

Rehoboth Women’s FEST next weekend

CAMP Rehoboth has its Women’s FEST kicks off Thursday and runs through April 15.

The festival started as a one-day event for lesbians. Organizer and Rehoboth Beach lesbian Fay Jacobs says it’s the largest mid-Atlantic lesbian event drawing about 2,000 women each year. This year’s focus is entertainment.

Events will be held at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center and other nearby sites. There will be a golf tournament, photo exhibit, workshops on sexuality and women’s health and receptions for several of the resort town’s restaurants and bars.

Among those featured this year are Col. Grethe Cammermeyer, whose coming out story in the military inspired a book and movie, comedians Suzanne Westenhoefer and Poppy Champlin, as well as singer Tret Fure.

Several authors, among them Sally Bellerose, one of this year’s Lambda Literary Award nominees, will be signing books at Proud Books on April 13 and doing additional readings from their books at the Convention Center on April 14.

Ticket prices vary, depending on level of participation but a Women’s FEST pass is available from CAMP Rehoboth for $60. This pass will allow access to most of the events. To purchase tickets or to obtain more information, visit camprehoboth.com.

Calendar

Calendar: May 1-7

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

13 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, May 1

Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. 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.

“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, May 2

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.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.

Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, May 4

“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, May 5

Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].

Wednesday, May 6

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.

Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected].

Thursday, May 7

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 p.m. 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.

Photos

PHOTOS: 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch

Logan Stone leads new show at Red Bear Brewing

Published

3 days ago

April 29, 2026

Michael Key

The inaugural 90's Flahsback Drag Brunch was held at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The new monthly 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch premiered at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. Performers included Logan Stone, Tiffany D. Carter and Charlemagne Chateau.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Celebrity News

Madonna makes rare club appearance in West Hollywood

Gay icon brought ‘Confessions II’ to The Abbey

Published

4 days ago

April 28, 2026

Alexander Rodriguez

Madonna takes the dance floor at The Abbey in West Hollywood, Calif., on April 25, 2026. (Los Angeles Blade photo)

A line of celebrities, “Drag Race” queens, influencers, media, and West Hollywood socialites lined the block around West Hollywood’s The Abbey, all clamoring to get into the invite-only celebration of owner Tristan Schukraft’s birthday. The rumor, which became verified gossip, was that Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself, would be taking the stage. Of course, the Blade had to be there.

With disco balls and Abbey statues covered in pink chiffon, it was clear. This party was a direct tie-in to Madonna’s much-anticipated “Confessions on A Dance Floor” album sequel, “Confessions II.” That night, the Abbey also unveiled its remodeled dance floor, a fitting collaboration.

The club was filled to capacity with a completely open bar, keeping the crowd liquored up. Go-go dancers in black leather collars and thongs lined the room, and celebrities that included Lilly Allen, Bebe Rexha, Tori Spelling, Julia Fox, Sam Asghari, Daniel Frenzese, Cynthia Bailey, Meredith Marks, Tom Daley, and more filled the VIP booths alongside World of Wonder personalities. It was a veritable who’s who of queer folk and allies.

The lights began to dim, the dance floor began to rumble, and Madonna graphics hit the screens. At around 1 am, it was time. Introduced by Addison Rae, Madonna grabbed the mic and started chanting, welcoming her “gays.” The venue resounded in thunderous chants of “freedom,” “mother,” and “bitch.”

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Madonna was not there to perform. She was there to dance. She took the stage for about 15 minutes, keeping the crowd going with her naughty and fun commentary. There is no list that needs to be provided on how Madonna’s career has become part of queer culture. Going back to her dance music roots and going back to her gay fans is smart.

Released in 2005 (yes, it has been that long), “Confessions on a Dance Floor” was an instant hit, with four singles from the album being released. The album’s lead single, “Hung Up,” topped the charts in 41 countries with Billboard calling it the most successful dance song of the decade. The album had hints of 60s and 70s flair, mixed in with dance music prevalent at that time. The music still dominates at queer clubs across the globe.

Madonna knows we need a little queer joy; she also knows that fans miss the Madonna we all knew and loved. With the nation in such turbulence, we all need some comfort, and going back to a time when we felt safer and had more to celebrate just feels good. For the new album release, she has even partnered with Grindr for a limited edition vinyl release and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Her night at The Abbey presented snippets of her new music mixed in with some of her classics. The new material sounded good, sounded familiar in an exciting way, and shows that this diva has still got it.

“Confessions II” releases on July 3.