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Helen Hayes nominees announced

Winners for local theater to be announced April 25 in Washington

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The Helen Hayes Award nominees for regional theater were announced Monday. Winners will be announced at a ceremony April 25.

Outstanding Choreography, Resident Production
listBullet.jpg Diane Coburn Bruning, Improbable Frequency, Solas Nua
listBullet.jpg Ben Cunis, King Arthur, Synetic Theater
listBullet.jpg Parker Esse, Oklahoma!, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Maurice Hines, Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Irina Tsikurishvili, King Arthur, Synetic Theater
listBullet.jpg Irina Tsikurishvili, Othello, Synetic Theater
Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production
listBullet.jpg Mara Blumenfeld, Candide, Shakespeare Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Murell Horton, The Liar, Shakespeare Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg William Ivey Long, Henry VIII, Folger Theatre
listBullet.jpg Reggie Ray, Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Anastasia Ryurikov Simes, Othello, Synetic Theater
Outstanding Director, Resident Musical
listBullet.jpg Toby Orenstein, Hairspray, Toby’s Dinner Theatre
listBullet.jpg Eric Schaeffer, Chess, Signature Theatre
listBullet.jpg Molly Smith, Oklahoma!, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Molly Smith, The Light in the Piazza, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Mary Zimmerman, Candide, Shakespeare Theatre Company
Outstanding Director, Resident Play
listBullet.jpg Kasi Campbell, Travels With My Aunt, Rep Stage
listBullet.jpg Joseph Haj, Hamlet, Folger Theatre
listBullet.jpg Robert Richmond, Henry VIII, Folger Theatre
listBullet.jpg Howard Shalwitz, Clybourne Park, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Paata Tsikurishvili, Othello, Synetic Theater
listBullet.jpg Paata Tsikurishvili, The Master and Margarita, Synetic Theater
Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production
listBullet.jpg Steel Burkhardt, Hair, The Kennedy Center
listBullet.jpg Brent Michael DiRoma, Avenue Q, The Broadway Musical, Shakespeare Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Laurence Fishburne, Thurgood, The Kennedy Center
listBullet.jpg Gavin Lee, Mary Poppins, The Kennedy Center
listBullet.jpg David Pittsinger, South Pacific, The Kennedy Center
Outstanding Lead Actor, Resident Musical
listBullet.jpg Maurice Hines, Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Marc Kudisch, Sycamore Trees, Signature Theatre
listBullet.jpg Geoff Packard, Candide, Shakespeare Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Nicholas Rodriguez, Oklahoma!, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Bobby Smith, Annie, Olney Theatre Center
listBullet.jpg Cody Williams, Oklahoma!, Arena Stage
Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production
listBullet.jpg Carmen Cusack, South Pacific, The Kennedy Center
listBullet.jpg Jaqueline Grabois, Avenue Q, The Broadway Musical, Shakespeare Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Caroline Sheen, Mary Poppins, The Kennedy Center
listBullet.jpg Kacie Sheik, Hair, The Kennedy Center
listBullet.jpg Caren Lyn Tackett, Hair, The Kennedy Center
Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Musical
listBullet.jpg E. Faye Butler, Oklahoma!, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Eleasha Gamble, Oklahoma!, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Carrie A. Johnson, Annie, Olney Theatre Center
listBullet.jpg Lauren Molina, Candide, Shakespeare Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Jill Paice, Chess, Signature Theatre
listBullet.jpg Hollis Resnik, The Light in the Piazza, Arena Stage
Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play
listBullet.jpg Lise Bruneau, Mikveh, Theater J
listBullet.jpg Naomi Jacobson, Henry VIII, Folger Theatre
listBullet.jpg Sarah Marshall, Mikveh, Theater J
listBullet.jpg Jennifer Mendenhall, Clybourne Park, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Erika Rose, In Darfur, Theater J
listBullet.jpg Holly Twyford, Orestes, A Tragic Romp, Folger Theatre
Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Production
listBullet.jpg Colin K. Bills, Antony and Cleopatra, Synetic Theater
listBullet.jpg Colin K. Bills, The Master and Margarita, Synetic Theater
listBullet.jpg Dan Covey, On the Verge or The Geography of Yearning, Rep Stage
listBullet.jpg T.J. Gerckens, Candide, Shakespeare Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Klyph Stanford, Henry VIII, Folger Theatre
listBullet.jpg Justin Townsend, Hamlet, Folger Theatre
Outstanding Musical Direction, Resident Production
listBullet.jpg George Fulginiti-Shakar, Oklahoma!, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Jon Kalbfleisch, Sunset Boulevard, Signature Theatre
listBullet.jpg Fred Lassen, Sycamore Trees, Signature Theatre
listBullet.jpg Konstantine Lortkipandze, Othello, Synetic Theater
listBullet.jpg Doug Peck, Candide, Shakespeare Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Paul Sportelli, The Light in the Piazza, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg James Sugg, Orestes, A Tragic Romp, Folger Theatre
Outstanding Set Design, Resident Production
listBullet.jpg Tony Cisek, Henry VIII, Folger Theatre
listBullet.jpg Simon Higlett, Mrs. Warren’s Profession, Shakespeare Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg James Kronzer, Clybourne Park, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Eugene Lee, Oklahoma!, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Derek McLane, The Lisbon Traviata, The Kennedy Center
listBullet.jpg Daniel Ostling, Candide, Shakespeare Theatre Company
Outstanding Sound Design, Resident Production
listBullet.jpg Anthony Cochrane, Henry VIII, Folger Theatre
listBullet.jpg Irakli Kavsadze, Othello, Synetic Theater
listBullet.jpg Konstantine Lortkipandze, Othello, Synetic Theater
listBullet.jpg Matthew M. Nielson, Hamlet, Folger Theatre
listBullet.jpg Matt Otto, Johnny Meister and the Stitch, Solas Nua
listBullet.jpg Tom Teasley, The Ramayana, Constellation Theatre Company
Outstanding Supporting Actor, Resident Musical
listBullet.jpg Ed Dixon, Sunset Boulevard, Signature Theatre
listBullet.jpg James Konicek, Annie, Olney Theatre Center
listBullet.jpg Jeremy Kushnier, Chess, Signature Theatre
listBullet.jpg John Manzari, Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Leo Manzari, Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Jesse J. Perez, Candide, Shakespeare Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Larry Yando, Candide, Shakespeare Theatre Company
Outstanding Supporting Actor, Resident Play
listBullet.jpg Louis Butelli, Henry VIII, Folger Theatre
listBullet.jpg Adam Green, The Liar, Shakespeare Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Michael Tolaydo, New Jerusalem: The Interrogation of Baruch De Spinoza, Theater J
listBullet.jpg Ted van Griethuysen, All’s Well That Ends Well, Shakespeare Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Paxton Whitehead, All’s Well That Ends Well, Shakespeare Theatre Company
Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Musical
listBullet.jpg MaryLee Adams, Hairspray, Toby’s Dinner Theatre
listBullet.jpg Lauren ‘Coco’ Cohn, Glimpses of the Moon, MetroStage
listBullet.jpg Jesaira Glover, Hairspray, Toby’s Dinner Theatre
listBullet.jpg Marva Hicks, Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Hollis Resnik, Candide, Shakespeare Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Jenna Sokolowski, Annie, Olney Theatre Center
Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Play
listBullet.jpg Colleen Delany, Pirates! A Boy at Sea, Imagination Stage
listBullet.jpg Naomi Jacobson, Richard II, Shakespeare Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg MacKenzie Meehan, Circle Mirror Transformation, The Studio Theatre
listBullet.jpg Phylicia Rashad, every tongue confess, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Dawn Ursula, Clybourne Park, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Outstanding Supporting Performer, Non-Resident Production
listBullet.jpg Ellen Harvey, Mary Poppins, The Kennedy Center
listBullet.jpg Jodi Kimura, South Pacific, The Kennedy Center
listBullet.jpg Marc Kudisch, Golden Age, The Kennedy Center
listBullet.jpg Josh Lamon, Hair, The Kennedy Center
listBullet.jpg Hoon Lee, Golden Age, The Kennedy Center
The Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical
listBullet.jpg every tongue confess, Marcus Gardley Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Snow White, Rose Red (and Fred), music by, Zina Goldrich The Kennedy Center Family Theater
listBullet.jpg Sycamore Trees, book, music & lyrics by, Ricky Ian Gordon Signature Theatre
listBullet.jpg Snow White, Rose Red (and Fred), book & lyrics by, Marcy Heisler The Kennedy Center Family Theater
listBullet.jpg The Liar, David Ives Shakespeare Theatre Company
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical, musical arrangements by, Deborah Wicks La Puma The Kennedy Center Family Theater
listBullet.jpg Sycamore Trees, book by, Nina Mankin Signature Theatre
listBullet.jpg Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical, music by, Michael Silversher The Kennedy Center Family Theater
listBullet.jpg Pirates! A Boy at Sea, Charles Way Imagination Stage
listBullet.jpg Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical, script & lyrics by, Mo Willems The Kennedy Center Family Theater
The Robert Prosky Award for Outstanding Lead Actor, Resident Play
listBullet.jpg Philip Fletcher, Othello, Synetic Theater
listBullet.jpg John Glover, The Lisbon Traviata, The Kennedy Center
listBullet.jpg Graham Michael Hamilton, Hamlet, Folger Theatre
listBullet.jpg Mitchell Hébert, Clybourne Park, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Bill Largess, The Foreigner, The Bay Theatre Company, Inc.
listBullet.jpg Alex Mills, Othello, Synetic Theater
listBullet.jpg Cody Nickell, Clybourne Park, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Ian Merrill Peakes, Henry VIII, Folger Theatre
listBullet.jpg Johnny Ramey, Superior Donuts, The Studio Theatre
listBullet.jpg Alexander Strain, New Jerusalem: The Interrogation of Baruch De Spinoza, Theater J
Outstanding Ensemble, Resident Musical
listBullet.jpg Candide, Shakespeare Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Hairspray, Toby’s Dinner Theatre
listBullet.jpg If You Give a Pig a Pancake, Adventure Theatre
listBullet.jpg Oklahoma!, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Snow White, Rose Red (and Fred), The Kennedy Center Family Theater
listBullet.jpg Sycamore Trees, Signature Theatre
Outstanding Ensemble, Resident Play
listBullet.jpg American Buffalo, The Studio Theatre
listBullet.jpg Clybourne Park, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Henry VIII, Folger Theatre
listBullet.jpg Orestes, A Tragic Romp, Folger Theatre
listBullet.jpg Othello, Synetic Theater
listBullet.jpg Travels With My Aunt, Rep Stage
Outstanding Non-Resident Production
listBullet.jpg Avenue Q, The Broadway Musical, Shakespeare Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg The Last Cargo Cult, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Mary Poppins, The Kennedy Center
listBullet.jpg South Pacific, The Kennedy Center
listBullet.jpg Thurgood, The Kennedy Center
Outstanding Production, Theatre for Young Audiences
listBullet.jpg If You Give a Pig a Pancake, Adventure Theatre
listBullet.jpg Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical, The Kennedy Center Family Theater
listBullet.jpg The Nutcracker, The Puppet Co.
listBullet.jpg Pirates! A Boy at Sea, Imagination Stage
listBullet.jpg Snow White, Rose Red (and Fred), The Kennedy Center Family Theater
listBullet.jpg The Red Balloon, Adventure Theatre
Outstanding Resident Musical
listBullet.jpg Annie, Olney Theatre Center
listBullet.jpg Candide, Shakespeare Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Hairspray, Toby’s Dinner Theatre
listBullet.jpg The Light in the Piazza, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Little Shop of Horrors, Ford’s Theatre
listBullet.jpg Oklahoma!, Arena Stage
listBullet.jpg Sweeney Todd, Signature Theatre
Outstanding Resident Play
listBullet.jpg Clybourne Park, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
listBullet.jpg Hamlet, Folger Theatre
listBullet.jpg Henry VIII, Folger Theatre
listBullet.jpg The Master and Margarita, Synetic Theater
listBullet.jpg New Jerusalem: The Interrogation of Baruch De Spinoza, Theater J
listBullet.jpg Orestes, A Tragic Romp, Folger Theatre
listBullet.jpg Othello, Synetic Theater
listBullet.jpg Superior Donuts, The Studio Theatre
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Theater

Woman crashes ex-girlfriend’s wedding to a man in new play

Nonbinary playwright Bryna Turner brings ‘At the Wedding’ to Studio

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Playwright Bryna Turner (Photo by Lila Barth)

‘At the Wedding’
Through April 21
Studio Theatre
1501 14th St., N.W.
$45-$99
Studiotheatre.org

For nonbinary playwright Bryna Turner, the way to theater was first as an actor. But as gender non-conforming, they couldn’t really see a future in it, so they decided to write their own plays.

“At the Wedding,” Turner’s play about a woman named Carlo who crashes her ex-girlfriend’s wedding to a man, is currently making its area debut at Studio Theatre with a production staged by out director Tom Story.  The comedy made its world premiere at LCT3 at Lincoln Center Theater and was featured in the New York Times Best of 2022 “Unforgettable Theatrical Moments” category. 

Brooklyn-based Turner, 33, is inspired by experience, storytelling, and language. With “At the Wedding,” they humorously explore loneliness, estrangement, and a love for living.

WASHINGTON BLADE:  How do we meet Carlo? 

BRYNA TURNER: In the opening monologue, Carlo is at the kids table at a wedding reception telling them not to make her mistake. You’ll fall in love but that will only break your heart. That kicks the show off and this is who we’re dealing with.  

BLADE: How was falling in love for you? 

TURNER: My experience when I fell in love was that I was joining the human race. But then comes heartbreak…. that other thing everyone was always talking about. Poems and music took on new meaning. 

BLADE: But you can find a laugh in pain? 

TURNER: Comedic tone is important to me because that’s how I view the world. I like to have a laugh when things are hard or sad. 

Also, I feel like it’s a way to bring people in. You relate to a character who makes you laugh. Two of my plays begin with a lesbian yelling at the audience. It’s almost like crowd work.

BLADE: Were you ever hesitant about writing queer plays? 

TURNER: I was lucky at Holyoke [Mount Holyoke College where Turner was an undergrad]. Director Brooke O’Hara was teaching there when I attended and she brought in some queer plays; she showed me there was a canon to join and that was exciting.

BLADE: When did you first identify as nonbinary? 

TURNER: In 2022. I’d been butch-presenting for over a decade. Then during the pandemic, I began spending more time alone. When alone, you grant yourself more permission to think. 

For me, I’d always wanted to be independent and not ask for anything, to be butch on my own. As nonbinary, suddenly I had to ask people to use my pronouns. Also, it granted the opportunity to allow people to surprise me in mostly positive ways.

BLADE: Was becoming a produced playwright tough?

TURNER: I wanted to be a playwright at 21 and I had a play produced when I was 27. Now, looking back, I can see it happened pretty quickly, but at the time it felt like forever.  

While doing my MFA in playwriting at Rutgers University, I was working in the box office at the Public Theater in New York where I managed to see things like “Fun Home” and “Hamilton.” 

If I wasn’t working, I was commuting to Rutgers in New Jersey, and I was always writing. I had to be diligent. I’m a perfectionist, but I got things done. I wrote scenes in between waiting for customers at the box office or on the train. It took a lot of energy; drive pushes you. 

BLADE: A while before “At the Wedding,” you wrote “Phases of the Moon” about lesbian poet Elizabeth Bishop. What sparked that interest? 

TURNER: It’s about her time at Vassar College when she fell in love with a woman. It’s set in the 1930s but it’s bit anachronistic. There’s a scene with a Tegan and Sara song. 

Bishop identified as a socialist vegetarian while at one of the most expensive women’s colleges during the height of the Great Depression. I thought to myself, ‘I know that girl, too.’ I love how we can know this person across nearly 100 years.

BLADE: Can you describe your formative years? 

TURNER: I grew up the youngest of four in a small coastal town surrounded by redwoods. It was pretty rural but included an enclave of hippies. Despite being a shy kid, I developed an interest in theater. My parents were relieved. I had tried a lot of things and quickly lost interest: soccer, ballet, Tee-Ball. I remember striking out and all my family laughing. I threw down the bat and that was it. 

BLADE: Do you think about who you’re writing for? 

TURNER: I do. I’m thinking of a queer audience, and writing things that I want to see. In doing that, I’ve been happily surprised that straight people want to come along too.

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Theater

D.C.’s spring theater scene offers ‘Macbeth,’ ‘Peter Pan,’ Sedaris and more

Queer themes well represented in season’s productions

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Out actor Adam Chanler-Berat to play Andrew the archivist in ‘Unknown Soldier’ at Arena Stage (March 29-May 5). (Photo courtesy Arena)

There’s a lot on for theater this spring. And here’s a queer heavy sampling. 

If it’s “Company” you’re after, try the Kennedy Center. The national tour of the Tony-winning, gender-swapped revival of out legend Stephen Sondheim’s hit musical withBritney Colemanas forever single Bobbie is moored to the Opera House through March 31. Kennedy-center.org 

Signature Theatre in Arlington presents “Penelope” (through April 21), a one-woman musical featuring out Broadway star Jessica Phillips. With glass of bourbon in hand, Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, gets a few things off her chest. Think Trojan War. Sigtheatre.org

At Studio Theatre, nonbinary playwright Bryna Turner’s “At the Wedding” is currently making its regional debut in a production helmed by out director Tom Story. It’s a queer comedy about a woman crashing her ex’s wedding with the intention of not making a scene. Good luck with that. Out actor Holly Twyford plays Maria, mother of the bride. Studiotheatre.org

At Woolly Mammoth Theatre, Helen Hayes Award-winning actor Justin Weaks is workshopping his new play “A Fine Madness” (March 17-24)). The solo piece is inspired by the talented out actor’s 2016 HIV diagnosis and the ensuing years he spent alone and processing. (Tickets are pay what you will – starting at $5.)

Also slated for Woolly is “Amm(i)gone” (April 20–May 12). Created and performed by queer theater maker Adil Mansoor, the personal story is about inviting his Pakistani mother to translate “Antigone” into Urdu as means of exploring the tensions between family and faith. Woollymammoth.net

At Atlas Performing Arts Center on H Street, N.E., Mosaic Theater presents Rhiana Yazzie’s “Nancy” (March 30- April 21), a tale of ambition and ancestry soaked in ‘80s nostalgia. Staged by out director Ken-Matt Martin, the seven-person cast includes Lynn Hawley as Nancy, out actor Michael Kevin Darnall as Ronnie, and Anaseini Katoa is Esmeralda, a Navajo woman advocating for her community. Mosaictheater.org

Wolf Trap in Vienna, Va., delivers divas. Meow Meow, the post-post-modern phenom from down under, brings her globally celebrated act to the park’s Barns venue on March 21. And on June 8, a single show featuring both Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight promises to light up Wolf Trap’s cavernous Filene Center with legendary star power.Wolftrap.org  

Arena Stage presents “Unknown Solder” (March 29-May 5), Daniel Goldstein and Michael Friedman’s sweeping musical about a woman in search of her family’s past. The topnotch cast includes Lori Lee Gayer, out actor Adam Chanler-Berat, and Broadway’s Judy Kuhn. Arenastage.org

At 1st Stage in Tysons, Va., wonderful out actor Michael Rusotto plays the titular sissy in Douglas Carter Beane’s “The Nance” (April 4-21). Set in 1930s New York, the action follows a queer burlesque actor as he navigates his way through a world where it’s safer to be gay onstage than off. Nick Olcott directs. 1ststage.org

Broadway at the National moves musically into spring with “Peter Pan” (April 9-21). Playwright Larissa FastHorse’s fresh adaptation of the eternal boy’s classic tale feels fresh without losing the familiar including terrific tunes like “I’m Flying,” “I Gotta Crow,” and “I Won’t Grow Up.” Broadwayatthenational.com

Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) presents “Macbeth” (April 9-May 5) starring movie star Ralph Fiennes as the Thane of Glamis, and Indira Varma as sleepwalking Lady M. Staged by STC’s artistic director Simon Godwin, the production won’t be performed in the company’s usual digs but rather a borrowed former BET soundstage (1301 W St., N.E.) where the world of the Scottish play will be created. Exciting stuff. Shakespearetheatre.org

Attention dance lovers! In Fairfax, GMU Center of the Arts presents Martha Graham Dance Company — the oldest modern dance ensemble in the country— for just one night (April 13) with a program that showcases the company’s legacy through iconic classics and new work. Cfa.gmu.edu

Also on April 13, bestselling gay author David Sedaris brings his inimitably hilarious take on life to the Strathmore in North Bethesda. Strathmore.org 

Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater presents Opera Lafayette’s modern premiere of “Mouret’s Les Fêtes de Thalie” (May 3 and 4), an opéra-ballet that broke with serious French operas by putting contemporary characters on stage. Renowned French conductor/musician Christophe Rousset conducts. Operalayette.org

At GALA Hispanic Theatre, it’s Gustavo Ott and Mariano Vale’s “The Return of Eva Perón: Momia en el closet” (May 9–June 9), a dark musical comedy filled with “historical intrigue and spine-chilling entertainment.” (Performed in Spanish with English surtitles.) Galatheatre.org

This spring, Creative Cauldron in Falls Church presents Kirsten Childs’ new musical “The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin” (May 16-June 9), the humorous and pointed story of a seemingly confident woman’s journey through racism, sexism, showbiz, and finally self-acceptance. Angelisa Gilyard directs. Creativecauldron.org 

For one night only, the Alden Theatre in Mclean, Va., presents “Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now — The Three Leading Ladies of ‘Hairspray’” (Saturday, June 8) with Marissa Jaret Winokur, Kerry Butler, and Laura Bell Bundy. Broadway’s original Tracy, Penny, and Amber are staging a rare reunion to celebrate the hit musical’s 20th anniversary. Mcleancenter.org

And on time for Pride, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington presents what promises to be a beautifully rendered multidisciplinary event. Titled “Portraits” (Sunday, June 16 at Lincoln Theatre), the concert features visual art, music, and dance, representing a vibrant spectrum of sexual, gender, racial, ethnic, and cultural identities in a nine-movement commission combining the work of nine visual artists, nine composers, nine choreographers, and sung by the Chorus and featuring 17th Street Dance. Gmcw.org

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Theater

‘Avaaz’ traces journey from Iran to California

Olney production brings comedy, singing, improv, and even magic

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Michael Shayan in ‘Avaaz.’ (Photo by Jenny Graham)

‘Avaaz’
Through April 7
Olney Theatre Center
2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road
Olney, MD 20832
$55-$90
Olneytheatre.org

How better to understand your own mother’s psyche than by playing her on stage? 

In his solo show “Avaaz,” queer actor/writer Michael Shayan pretty much does just that. As “Roya” (not his mother’s actual name), he explores how a woman’s fun, larger-than-life presence might belie a deeper sadness. It’s a party but not without truth and moving drama. 

And now, after a successful world premiere run in California’s South Coast Repertory last spring, his play is at Olney Theatre Center (through April 7) before kicking off on a national tour. 

“Avaaz,” a Farsi word for “a song as it is being sung,” follows Roya’s journey from Tehran to what Shayan cheekily tags “Tehran-geles, CA, formerly known as Westwood.” It’s here where the courageous single mother carves out a life for herself and her closeted queer son.

Recently, via phone, Shayan offered a glimpse into his show, describing how we first meet Roya in her heavily chandeliered L.A. living room where she’s marking Nowruz (Persian New Year) with a lavish party; but despite the festive atmosphere there’s some detectable tension in the air.

Over 80 minutes, Roya’s story unfolds, alternating between dark revelations and her return to fabulous hostess mode. After all, Roya is entertaining guests – in this case it’s the 200 theatergoers seated in Olney Theater’s intimate Mulitz-Gudelsky space. 

He adds, “There’s a lot going on. This show brings everything together: writing, acting, comedy, a little singing, lots of improv, and even some magic.”  

For Shayan, an early and ardent interest in magic set the stage for theater: “As an illusionist, I was big on the bar mitzvah circuit. With magic, you’re a one man show. There was acting, directing, learning about audience and theatricality. I learned a lot.” 

He also did characters — Elaine Stitch, Bernadette Peters, all the divas, but other than a few snippets of her Persian accent, never his mom. 

Higher education lured Shayan eastward. A Harvard grad with an MFA in playwriting from Brooklyn College, his bio includes gigs such as Emmy-nominated writer and consulting producer on “The Book of Queer” for Max and worked on “We’re Here,” the Emmy-winning Max show featuring former “Drag Race” contestants.

But the actual genesis of Roya, and in turn “Avaaz,” was sparked at a Lambda Literary Retreat. “We were doing an exercise where you put your hand on your heart and feel the heartbeat of a character. I felt my mom’s heartbeat, and listened to what she had to say.

“I’d always wanted to better understand my mother and had even interviewed her in the past, but it was at the Lambda retreat that a first draft really poured out. And still, more continues to be revealed about her past and our dynamic.”

When asked exactly how he approaches the part, Shayan, who exudes warmth and humor, replies, “It’s about the channeling of energy and personality.”

Visually, he’s not exactly going for total realness. Shayan paints his nails but keeps his full beard. Emmy-winning costume designer Joshua “Domino” Schwartz dresses him in a golden Persian-inspired robe over pants emblazoned by a single outsized Gucci logo.  

“When I put that on, I become Roya, baby,” Shayan says. “It’s very powerful. It’s a ritual. There are several pieces. My posture changes.”

Roya’s over the top décor comes compliments of Tony Award-winning set designer Beowulf Borritt.

And because Roya leans on humor to pivot away from what’s uncomfortable, Shayan indulges in a bit of standup: “Tony-nominated director Moritz von Stuelpnagel and I share a language – not Farsi, but humor. Recently he surprised me by singing a Persian pop song pitch perfect and almost word perfect. I call him Persian adjacent. He’s a comic genius.”

As both performer and writer, his solo show is serving up new opportunities for the Iranian American theater maker. 

Playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis, whom Shayan describes as both an inspiration and a friend, has given him parts in several readings of some funny and moving new works. He says, “I’d like to be acting more, but my writing career is busier than ever.”

These days, Shayan very happily splits time between New York and L.A., depending on when and where he’s needed for each of his many projects. 

There isn’t a lot of down time, and he couldn’t be happier. 

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