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Let it ‘Snow’

Published

16 years ago

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The relationship between the Evil Queen and Snow White in “Snow White and 175 Faeries,” this year’s holiday show for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, is, as you might expect, much different from the relationship the actors playing them have. The Queen, of course, wants Snow White killed, but the actors are enjoying a cross-generational camaraderie and mentorship.

Chip Crews, 59, who plays the Queen, says he has little in common with his character, the only female role in the cast, which he plays in drag.

“I’m tempted to say hardly anything [in common] at all because I’m such a lovely person,” Crews says with a self-deprecating laugh. “I don’t think I act like that but, in fact, I do understand her.”

Jay Garvey, 25, whose Snow White is a male character in this parallel universe re-imagining, says he kids Crews, telling him Crews is “my mama.” Crews has been in the Chorus for 19 years. This is Garvey’s first show.

“When I’m there and Jay, who’s absolutely charming, I have no trouble,” Crews says. “I project as his rival, which I never would in real life. I don’t want to be Jay. I can be up there on the stage and I think he is a little better looking than me after all, so I just decide I have to have him killed.”

In the show’s back story, the Queen is the widow of Snow White’s father. The malevolence the Queen feels toward Snow White, presented here as a young, gay romantic lead, requires some acting, Crews says.

“The role here is to be threatening and the director has been very supportive about making her not just a bitchy drag queen,” he says. “She orders Snow White killed and is delighted when she thinks it’s happened. I don’t know if there’s been a time in my life when I’ve ordered somebody killed. I’d like to think I would never do that, but it’s a fun thing to do on the stage.”

This show, which debuts tonight in the Lisner Auditorium on the George Washington University campus and plays throughout the weekend, was conceived as a gay adaptation of the classic fairy tale. About 200 singers and actors will be on stage. Rehearsals began in late summer. Director John Moran, who has directed several shows for the Chorus since returning in 2005 after a lengthy hiatus, says several Chorus members conceived the show and fleshed it out together over many months.

“It’s not like doing ‘My Fair Lady’ where you’re presented with a script that many professionals have worked on and all the kinks are worked out,” he says. “This arrives as a skeleton and you have to flesh it out. Sometimes it’s as simple as just making sure it makes sense.”

Those involved are describing this incarnation as “a musical farce.” The evening will be divided into two halves. The first is more of a concert, featuring seasonal favorites like “Deck the Halls,” “Sleigh Ride” and “Winter Wonderland.” A contemporary song called simply “Snow,” which Chorus member Stu Wales calls “beautiful” and “stirring,” will also be performed. Then “Snow White” comprises the second half.

So what does “Snow White” have to do with Christmas?

“Overall the show is called ‘Snow,’ with the first half being very holiday oriented,” says Jarred Harrison, who plays Nancy, one of the seven dwarves, re-imagined here as gay archetypes (the others are Sturdy, Cuddly, Spanky, Hose and Bitter). “Snow White fit in with the snow theme and the mini musical in the second act, it really brings a light holiday feel even though it’s not specifically holiday oriented. But it’s a fairy tale we all know and love and as with all GMCW shows, our goal is to entertain but we also try to advocate and educate about LGBT people and who we are and what we’re about.”
That will come about in a couple ways, cast members say.

Harrison calls Nancy, the “diva dwarf.”

“We have fabulous costumes and choreography,” he says. “It’s very boy band meets 17th Street. The dwarves represent the gym rat, the leader of the pack, the uber queen. I think the audience will really recognize their friends and perhaps even themselves. It’s really just a new and upbeat and very gay take on the original fairy tale.”

Moran says it’s not all fluff, though. The show climaxes with Prince Charming proposing to Snow White, a story point that the Chorus uses to make a point about same-sex marriage.

“Fairy tales always have a moral or a lesson to teach,” he says. “That’s what they do best.”

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Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties

Ring in 2026 with drag, leather, Champagne, and more

Published

2 weeks ago

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December 26, 2025

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Trade leans into a shark motif with its NYE plans. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

With Christmas in the rear view mirror, we can turn our attention to ringing in a much-anticipated New Year with a slew of local LGBTQ parties. Here’s what’s on tap.

Pitchers

This spacious Adams Morgan bar is hosting the “Pitchers’ Perfect New Year’s Eve.”  There will be a midnight Champagne toast, the ball drop on the big screens, and no cover, all night long. The bar doesn’t close until 4 a.m., and the kitchen will be open late (though not until close). All five floors will be open for the party, and party favors are promised.

Trade

D.C.’s hottest bar/club combo is leaning into the Shark motif with its NYE party, “Feeding Frenzy.” The party is a “glitterati-infused Naughty-cal New Year’s Even in the Shark Tank, where the boats are churning and the sharks are circling.” Trade also boasts no cover charge, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the aforementioned Shark Tank opening at 9 p.m.. Four DJs will be spread across the two spaces; midnight hostess is played by Vagenesis and the two sea sirens sensuously calling are Anathema and Justin Williams.

Number Nine

While Trade will have two DJs as part of one party, Number Nine will host two separate parties, one on each floor. The first floor is classic Number Nine, a more casual-style event with the countdown on TVs and a Champagne midnight toast. There will be no cover and doors open at 5 p.m. Upstairs will be hosted by Capital Sapphics for its second annual NYE gathering. Tickets (about $50) include a midnight Champagne toast, curated drink menu, sapphic DJ set by Rijak, and tarot readings by Yooji.

Crush

Crush will kick off NYE with a free drag bingo at 8 p.m. for the early birds. Post-bingo, there will be a cover for the rest of the evening, featuring two DJs. The cover ($20 limited pre-sale that includes line skip until 11 p.m.; $25 at the door after 9 p.m.) includes one free N/A or Crush, a Champagne toast, and party favors (“the legal kind”). More details on Eventbrite.

Bunker

This subterranean lair is hosting a NYE party entitled “Frosted & Fur: Aspen After Dark New Year’s Eve Celebration.” Arriety from Rupaul Season 15 is set to host, with International DJ Alex Lo. Doors open at 9 p.m. and close at 3 p.m.; there is a midnight Champagne toast. Cover is $25, plus an optional $99 all-you-can-drink package.

District Eagle

This leather-focused bar is hosting “Bulge” for its NYE party. Each District Eagle floor will have its own music and vibe. Doors run from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. and cover is $15. There will be a Champagne toast at midnight, as well as drink specials during the event.

Kiki, Shakiki

Kiki and its new sister bar program Shakiki (in the old Shakers space) will have the same type of party on New Year’s Eve. Both bars open their doors at 5 p.m. and stay open until closing time. Both will offer a Champagne toast at midnight. At Kiki, DJ Vodkatrina will play; at Shakiki, it’ll be DJ Alex Love. Kiki keeps the party going on New Year’s Day, opening at 2 p.m., to celebrate Kiki’s fourth anniversary. There will be a drag show at 6 p.m. and an early 2000s dance party 4-8 p.m.

Spark

This bar and its new menu of alcoholic and twin N/A drinks will host a NYE party with music by DJ Emerald Fox. Given this menu, there will be a complimentary toast at midnight, guests can choose either sparkling wine with or without alcohol. No cover, but Spark is also offering optional wristbands at the door for $35 open bar 11 p.m.-1 a.m. (mid-shelf liquor & all NA drinks). 

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Bars & Parties

Mixtape Sapphics hosts holiday party on Dec. 13

‘Sugar & Spice’ night planned for Saturday

Published

4 weeks ago

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December 12, 2025

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(Photo by New Africa/Bigstock)

Mixtape Sapphics will host “Sapphic Sugar & Spice: A Naughty-Nice Mixtape Holiday Party” on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at Amsterdam Lounge.

This is a festive, grown holiday party for queer women and sapphics 35 and older at Revolt’s Christmas pop-up. There will be music, joy, and an optional White Elephant.

This is Mixtape Sapphics’ first-ever holiday party — a cozy, flirty, intentionally grounded night created just for queer women and sapphics 35+ who want real connection, festive joy, and a warm place to land at the end of the year.

Tickets start at $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

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Bars & Parties

Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser

Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour held at Thurst Lounge

Published

1 month ago

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November 28, 2025

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Thurst Lounge (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Impulse Group DC, a local advocacy organization, will host “Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Thurst Lounge. 

This event is a special happy hour fundraiser filled with good vibes, great food, and community connection. DJ Obie will be on deck keeping the energy high while you enjoy tacos, cocktails, and the kind of atmosphere only Thurst can deliver.

A portion of every signature cocktail sold goes directly toward supporting Impulse Group D.C.’s work in sexual health, mental health, harm reduction, and social justice for the D.C. community.

Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

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