Arts & Entertainment

Preview of coming attractions

Reel Affirmations returns, but multiplex options lackluster

Published

15 years ago

September 8, 2011

‘Circumstance,’ a coming-of-age story set in modern-day Iran, opens at Landmark today. (Photo courtesy of Roadside Attractions and Participant Media).

The fall movie calendar highlights include something for Twi-Hards, Spanish-film buffs and the return of D.C.’s Reel Affirmations.

The winner of the Audience Award at the Sundance 2011 Film Festival, “Circumstance” promises to captivate American audiences with its suspenseful coming-of-age story set in underground Iranian culture. The fully subtitled film gives audiences an inside look at modern-day Iran. The film focuses on one woman’s controversial passions that could end up being dangerous. It opens at Landmark Theatre’s E Street Cinema today.

The AFI Latin American Film Festival 2011: “Good Morning Freedom! Spanish Cinema After Franco” comes to AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center and runs from today through the 22nd. With the death of Franco and his 40-year dictatorship, Spanish culture entered a period of cultural liberation and creative experimentation that is highlighted through this selection of films. Two entries into the festival feature gay themes. For more information go to afi.com/silver.

“Labyrinth of Passion,” a 1982 film by Pedro Almodóvar, is an outrageous comedy set in Madrid and follows the love story between a nymphomaniac pop star Sexilia (Cecilia Roth) and Riza (Imanol Arias), the gay son of the emperor of Tiran. The film features Antonio Banderas as a gay terrorist. It’s being shown Saturday at 9:45 p.m. and Sunday at 2:45 p.m.

“Confessions of a Congressman,” a 1978 film, features a rare-for-its-time look at homosexuality in Spain. The film focuses on politician José Sacristán’s (Roberto Orbea) public and personal lives. It’s being shown Sunday at 9:10 p.m. and Monday night at 9.

Part of the Reel Affirmations Extra series, “What Happens Next” is the story of recently retired Paul Greco (Jo Lindstrom), who’s entered a new chapter in his life and finds himself with plenty of time on his hands. His daily routine includes a walking his dog in the park. He soon encounters Andy Chance (Chris Murrah), who has a similar schedule. It’s being shown Sept. 22 at 7 and 9:15 p.m. at Landmark Theatre’s E Street Cinema.

Reel Affirmations (reelaffirmations.org) is slated to return Oct. 13-22 after a one-year hiatus. Highlights include the world premiere of “Into the Lion’s Den,” a new film from Breaking Glass Pictures that follows three close friends who have grown bored with the West Hollywood scene. The trio decides that a cross-country road trip from Los Angeles to New York City is the solution to getting out of their rut. On the final night of their journey, the boys decide to hang out at a secluded bar “The Lions Den.” Someone at the bar is watching them and planning an evening of unspeakable horrors. This unpredictable thriller features Jesse Archer and Ronnie Kroell, from Bravo’s “Make Me a Supermodel.” He’s scheduled to attend the Washington premiere.

“Hanna and the Hasbian,” an Australian movie, tells the story of a lesbian couple, one member of which is about to declare herself a “hasbian,” — no longer a lesbian. Breigh begins her search for “Mr. Right,” but discovers dating men is not as easy as she imagined.

As usual, LGBT content at the multiplex is spotty. A few films with gay appeal: Michelle Williams is the latest actress to tackle the role of Marilyn Monroe in “My Week with Marilyn,” which tells the tale of a week shared between Monroe and Colin Clark, a 23-year-old assistant on the set of “The Prince and the Showgirl.” It opens Nov. 4.

“Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn” opens Nov. 18, the first of a two-part finale to the series that continues to follow the love triangle between Bella, Edward and Jacob. It opens Nov. 18.

Some campy and fun DVDs to look for this fall inlcude “Bridesmaids,” “Scream 4” and “Green Lantern.” Also, don’t miss the “Looney Tunes Platinum Collection, Vol. 1,” the ultimate collection of 50-plus shorts from Looney Tunes. They’ve all been re-mastered. It’s out Nov. 15.

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PHOTOS: ‘Studio 69’

Glitterati Productions hold party at Bunker

Published

6 hours ago

May 11, 2026

Michael Key

'Studio 69' was held at Bunker on Friday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Glitterati Productions held the “Studio 69” party at Bunker on Friday, May 8.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Arts & Entertainment

Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns June 13 to kick off D.C. Pride week

Pride on the Pier officially launches Pride Week in D.C.

Published

12 hours ago

May 11, 2026

Staff reports

The Washington Blade’s annual Pride on the Pier celebration returns to The Wharf on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 4-9 p.m., bringing thousands of LGBTQ community members and allies together for an unforgettable waterfront celebration to kick off Pride week in Washington, D.C.

Now in its eighth year, Washington Blade Pride on the Pier extends the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ visibility to the bustling Wharf waterfront with an exciting array of activities and entertainment for all ages. The District Pier will offer DJs, dancing, drag, and other entertainment. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

“Pride on the Pier has become one of the signature moments of Pride in D.C.,” said Lynne Brown, publisher of the Washington Blade. “There’s nothing like watching our community come together on the waterfront with live music and incredible energy as we kick off Pride week.”

Pride on the Pier is free and open to the public, with VIP tickets available for exclusive pier access to the Dockmaster Building. To purchase VIP tickets visit www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip.

Additional entertainment announcements, sponsor activations, and event details will be released in the coming weeks.

Event Details:

📍 Location: District Pier at The Wharf (101 District Sq SW, Washington, DC)
📅 Dates: Friday, 13, 2026

⏱️ 4-9PM
🎟️ VIP Tickets: www.PrideOnThePierDC.com/VIP

Theater

National tour of ‘Gatsby’ comes to National Theatre

Out actor Edward Staudenmayer talks playing the show’s gangster

Published

1 day ago

May 10, 2026

Patrick Folliard

Edward Staudenmayer plays Meyer Wolfsheim in ‘The Great Gatsby.’ (Photo courtesy National Theatre)

‘The Great Gatsby’
May 12-24
The National Theatre
1321 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
$59-$196
Thenationaldc.com

Often dubbed “The Great American Novel” for its depiction of ambition and self-invention alongside the reversals of success, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” says it all in a fast read.

Set against the excesses and energy of the Roaring Twenties, “The Great Gatsby,” novel and now the same-titled hit Broadway musical with a jazz/pop original score by Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen, tells the story of Nick Carraway and his friendship with Jay Gatsby, an enigmatic millionaire intent on reuniting with ex-lover, Daisy Buchanan.

It was during a four-month 2025 run in Seoul, South Korea, that out actor Edward Staudenmayer first played the show’s heavy, Meyer Wolfsheim, a gangster who helped Gatsby make his murkily acquired fortune. As Meyer, Staudenmayer opens the second act with, appropriately enough, “Shady.”

Now three months into a year-long North American tour, the show is poised to enjoy a brief run at Washington’s National Theatre (5/12-5/24).

While putting on his eyeliner prior to a recent Wednesday matinee at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre, the upstate New York-based actor shared about Gatsby and a life in theater.

WASHINGTON BLADE: Despite your good looks and terrific voice, you’re rarely the leading the man. How is that?

EDWARD STAUDENMAYER: I’m definitely a character man. I’ve been painting lines on my face to play old men since I was in high school. I was the youngest freshman in college playing old Uncle Sorin [in Chekhov’s “The Seagull”].

There have been many villains. Some darker than others. Meyer Wolfsheim is a very bad guy, but he doesn’t haunt me once I’m offstage. I play a lot of pickleball.

BLADE: Is it true that like so many of Fitzgerald’s characters, Wolfsheim is famously based on someone the writer encountered in life.

STAUDENMEYER: That’s true, Wolfsheim is pretty much a direct portrayal of real-life mobster and 1919 World Series fixer [Arnold Rothstein].

BLADE: When did the 1925 novel first surface on your radar?

STAUDENMAYER: Like many of us, I was assigned “The Great Gatsby” in high school. It was short, and filled with sex and illicit activities. I thought it was great. Definitely wasn’t a Judy Blume novel.

Interestingly, the book wasn’t originally a huge a success for Fitzgerald, but because it was about war and having the girl at home, they gave it to GIs leaving for WWII. After returning, a lot of those guys went on the GI Bill and became English teachers. They assigned the book to their students.

BLADE The idea that the book’s first-person narrator, Nick Carraway, is gay and enamored with Jay Gatsby is long discussed among readers and scholars. Does the musical touch on that?

STAUDENMAYER: Yes, there’s conjecture about Jay and Nick, and it’s implied in our show. It’s also implied about Jordan Baker, Jay’s fleeting romantic interest. Ultimately, she’s a confirmed bachelor, and a professional golfer who only wears pants.

Our performers are really good. Josh Grasso who plays Nick is fantastic. I’ve had to stop watching him in his last scene; it’s not good for Meyer Wolfsheim to take his curtain call crying. Our Gatsby, Jake David Smith, is good too. He’s gorgeous like Superman and sings like an angel.

BLADE: Do you ever imagine backstory for your characters whose sexuality is undefined?

STAUDENMAYER: I do, but not with Wolfsheim. I don’t see it. I’m trying to be as butch as possible with this ruthless killer.

BLADE: Have you had to do that in your career?

STAUDENMAYER: For a long time, I wore a mask to hide my gayness. I worked hard on being believable, that I was into the girl or that I was a tough guy.

It’s a different world now, and it’s so refreshing to be around the younger actors today; they’re remarkably open and comfortable.

BLADE: What was your coming of age like?

STAUDENMAYER: I played high school football in Palm Springs [he chuckles, alluding to the arid gay mecca], and I was pretty good too. But much to the chagrin of my parents and coaches, I quit the team to act in our senior year play. My super butch dad played semi-pro football and he was an ex-cop. I’m named after him. While I didn’t become my dad, I’ve played him often on stage. He was a true Gaston [the bumptious rival in “Beauty and the Beast”]. And like Gaston, he used antlers in all his interior decorating.

BLADE: Did he live to see your success in theater?

STAUDENMAYER: He did. Life was challenging growing up but the last 10 years of his life we couldn’t get off the phone with each other [his voice catches with emotion]. He accepted me entirely, and we became very close.

BLADE: Looking ahead, is there a part you’d especially like to play?

STAUDENMAYER: Like all baritones I’d love to play Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd.” I’ve come close but it hasn’t happened yet. There’s still time.