Arts & Entertainment
‘Alive and Well’
Zippy ‘Jacques Brel’ revue a smartly paced sonic treat
‘Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living In Paris’
Through Oct. 21
MetroStage
1201 North Royal Street, Alexandria
$45-$50 (student and military discounts)
1-800-494-8497
The cast of ‘Jacques Brel,’ a well-staged French revue. (Photo courtesy MetroStage)
Belgian-born singer songwriter Jacques Brel might have joined the family cardboard manufacturing business and lived a life of quiet desperation. Happily, he didn’t. Brel instead escaped to postwar Paris and became the musical voice of his generation, turning out popular French songs about war, death, love, bulls and carousels.
In “Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris,” the best of Brel’s vast songbook is featured in two cabaret-like acts; and lucky for us locals, a topnotch production of the musical is now up and running at MetroStage (Carolyn Griffin’s intimate and estimable playhouse on the edge of Old Town Alexandria) through mid-October.
Translated from the original French by American poet Eric Blau and songwriter Mort Shuman, “Jacques Brel” premiered off-Broadway in 1968. Subsequent successful revivals have run in New York over the years including a 2006 revised production (which MetroStage is presenting).
The show opens with “Le Diable/Ca Va,” a zippy tune noting that the devil rules supreme on earth. And while Brel might believe modern existence is essentially crap, other songs prove he does find some things to savor in life like wit, wistful memories and the exquisite pain of lost love and missed opportunity.
A lot of the music is nostalgic and sounds French (accordion and all), but overall there’s variation ranging from the catchy, bourgeois-denigrating drinking song titled “The Middle Class” to “Next” (a young vet’s sardonic recollection of his experience with camp followers) to Brel’s familiar “Amsterdam,” an earthy ode to the lowly seaman, powerfully sung by Bobby Smith who brilliantly embodies the world-weary boulevardier.
Each of the show’s almost 30 songs is a self-contained story with its own beginning, middle and end all drawn from past romances, reckless youth, disappointment and hard living. Lighting designer Jessica Winfield evocatively sets the mood for each melodic tale and all four cast members are superb storytellers with terrific diction and phrasing to boot. In addition to the aforementioned Smith, the terrific cast includes Natascia Diaz, Bayla Whitten and a shaggy-haired Sam Ludwig.
Diaz performed in the off-Broadway 2006 production and it shows. She gives life to the spirit of Brel’s Paris, capturing the sadness, wit and irony in equal measure. Her heartrending interpretation of “My Death” is not soon forgotten. She’s just as effective singing Brel’s gorgeous Piaf-esque ballad “Ne Me Quitte Pas” (“Don’t Leave Me”) as the quietly potent “Old Folks,” a sort of lullaby about the inevitability of old age and death. Hers is a stunning performance.
The younger cast members Ludwig and Whitten (a lovely soprano) are excellent too. He beautifully inhabits the angry-but-girl crazy young man while she is at turns both naïve and jaded.
This “Jacques Brel” brings together Studio Theatre’s producing artistic director Serge Seiden with Signature Theatre’s associate artistic producer Matthew Gardiner (both gay). Seiden’s staging is beyond solid. The production moves briskly and seamlessly without ever feeling rushed or forced. Gardiner’s cheery choreography is reserved mostly for the more lighthearted numbers. It’s fun, but more importantly, his dance sequences allow the players to interact in ways that might otherwise appear awkward.
Except for a pole with lights evocative of a street lamp and two simple café chairs that disappear when not needed, the shadowy stage is completely bare. Off to the side, the band (ably led by musical director Jenny Cartney on piano) is visible throughout the show. It could be the late night Parisian club scene where Brel got his start. For the first act, Janine Sunday smartly costumes the cast in vaguely late-‘60s gear, nicely conveying an era of protest and change. Puzzlingly, the second act — sartorially speaking — is more a hodgepodge of castoffs.
Contrary to the title, Brel is neither well nor alive. He died of lung cancer in 1978, but the music endures. Today his songs resonate as strongly as ever. For the uninitiated (which included myself prior to a recent matinee), MetroStage’s stylish effort serves as a marvelous introduction to Brel’s work. It’s also first rate entertainment.
Music & Concerts
DJ Chanel Santini is bringing the heat and some gender-fluid diversity to XBIZ Miami
Pool party celebrates most charismatic personalities, creative artists in adult entertainment
Chanel Santini has crossed over to being a DJ, performing at clubs all over the country. Now known as Santini, they will be making music and hyping the pool party, DJ-ing at XBIZ, the conference for adult creators and digital players, in Miami.
Taking place on Monday to Wednesday, the event honors the most charismatic personalities and creative artists in entertainment.
“I am honestly so excited — getting to DJ in Miami Beach is literally a DJ’s dream!” Santini told the Los Angeles Blade.
“I thought it would be a good opportunity because I haven’t been around my industry peers in a long time. It’s a great event to network and show off the new me!” said Santini.
While Santini is unsure what music they will be playing, they want everyone to have a good time. “My goal is to ignite the dance floor and play great music that everyone will vibe to. My sound includes house music, bass house, tech house, and I always like to throw a little bit of hip-hop in my sets.”
Santini loves how DJ-ing brings people together.
“Music really ignites us all! It is so universal, no matter what language you speak. I think it’s the best high in the world when you play a banger track, and everybody on the dance floor screams loudly. You can’t describe that feeling until you’re up there on that stage.”
Santini describes DJs as the “modern rock stars” in today’s world.
“I always feel like such a superstar when I’m up on that stage. The best feeling is after my set when I have people come up to me and say, ‘Thank you for sharing that amazing music.’ That’s how you know that you’re a good DJ — I love when I get those types of compliments!”
While sometimes it’s hard to please everyone’s musical tastes, Santini endeavors to try! “You just have to go out there and give it your all and be the best DJ that you can be,” he noted.
Santini, who had previously identified as transgender, recently decided to transition back to being gender fluid.
“It’s definitely been a journey, but I’m definitely happier in my own skin now than I was. I don’t go by he/him pronouns. I don’t go by they/them either. I guess I just really don’t have a preference. Whatever you see me as is your opinion. I’ve learned over the years that I’m not trying to be one specific thing. I’m just Santini. I’m just me.”
Santini acknowledged they felt respected more when dressed as a woman.
“I think it’s just because femininity runs the world. When I started to de-transition, I felt like I had to just be a boy all the time. But I’ve realized over the years that I don’t need to stick to one specific thing. I am always gonna be feminine, and that’s OK.”
Recently, Santini has been embracing their feminine side more.
“I definitely feel more comfortable in female presentation, and more powerful when I’m on stage dressed as Chanel. I love DJ-ing in drag because there are so many straight male DJs in the world. It’s almost like a superhero when he puts on his cape! I think it makes me confident and stand out more as an artist.”
And because Santini loves makeup and fashion, they can incorporate that into their sets. “I’m not just bringing you good vibes and good music. I’m bringing you a show/ production!”
Santini is already working on big plans for the future.
“I’m opening up for a huge Pride block party in my hometown, Albuquerque, N.M., on June 12 and 13. It’s a two day festival and I’m super excited for this opportunity. I’m even hiring backup dancers and a choreographer.”
Santini plans to go “all out” for this show.
“It’s gonna be the biggest crowd that I’ve ever played for,” Santini enthused. “I’m putting my heart and soul into this performance, especially because it’s Pride in my hometown, and that means so much to me. I know the younger me would be so proud.”
Santini remembers going to Pride when they were younger and telling themself they couldn’t wait to be up on that stage.
“I’m truly living my dream right now, and I’m so excited for the future. The last 10 years of being in the adult entertainment business have been great and have given me major success. But I always knew that I didn’t want to be in this industry for long.”
Santini acknowledged that, in the recent past, it was a struggle.
“I’ve been trying to find myself and figure out what I wanna do next with my life. Now that I’ve found this passion for DJ-ing, it makes me want to go far in this business.”
In addition to being a DJ/artist, Santini is starting college next semester.
“I’m gonna get my degree in audio engineering,” Santini enthused. “I can’t wait to start producing my own tracks. I especially can’t wait till the day I’m headlining a major festival! I know with a little bit of patience and hard work that I can get there! I just have to continue believing in myself.”
Santini wanted to thank all of their fans for their support. “Truly, if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to fund my art in the way that I have. I’m truly grateful. And I’m excited for the future!”
Out & About
Learn more about queer love
Friends of Dorothy Cafe hosts event at City-State Public House
Friends of Dorothy Cafe will host “Living History: How We Loved” on Thursday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m. at City-State Public House.
Guests will hear how queer and trans people have loved and cared for one another, especially when legal, medical, and social systems did not recognize those relationships. We’ll reflect on chosen family, long-term partnerships before marriage equality, caregiving during the AIDS crisis, hidden romances, friendship as survival, chosen family, and the loves that changed the course of our lives. This evening is about honoring lived experience, preserving community memory, and strengthening the bridge between generations.
Tickets are $24.57 and are available on Eventbrite.
Friday, May 8
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at noon 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.
Women in their Twenties and Thirties will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social discussion group for queer women in the Washington, D.C. area. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “We Are Pat” at 12:30 p.m. This event takes a fresh look at the iconic Saturday Night Live sketch “It’s Pat” and traces how ideas about gender and what we laugh at have shifted from the ’90s to today. What began as a character born out of cultural anxiety around gender now lands in a world shaped by ongoing debates about transness and queerness. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Saturday, May 9
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.
Sunday, May 10
Drag Queen Sip and Paint Experience Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern. This is a fabulous experience brought to you by Sip and Paint USA and 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 can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 11
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]).
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, May 12
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans* people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Wednesday, May 13
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.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Movement for Healing” at 3 p.m. This trauma- and yoga therapy–informed class is designed to help guests gently reconnect with their body and their breath. Through mindful movement, somatic awareness, and grounding practices, guests will explore how to release tension, increase mobility, and cultivate a deeper sense of safety and ease within. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Thursday, May 14
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork 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.
DJ Chanel Santini is bringing the heat and some gender-fluid diversity to XBIZ Miami
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