Arts & Entertainment
Big Apple romance
Gay actress Twyford makes directorial debut in lesbian-themed dramedy
Rachel Zampelli as Callie (left) and Alyssa Wilmoth as Sara in No Rules’ production of ‘Stop Kiss.’ (Photo by C. Stanley Photography; courtesy No Rules)
In playwright Diana Son’s “Stop Kiss,” New York City is a dangerous thing that demands respect or else. After 10 years in Manhattan, jaded Callie understands this, but her new friend Sara, a recently arrived Midwesterner who teaches third grade in the Bronx, doesn’t quite get it, and despite numerous warnings — disregard loud neighbors, ignore catcalls, avoid panhandlers — nothing can alter her open and courageous approach to life.
Though slightly concerned by Sara’s lack of street smarts, Callie is mostly delighted with her refreshing forthrightness. Romantic impulses ensue. But despite a mutual attraction, the women (who up until this point have only dated men) are hesitant to act on their feelings. When they finally do, their first kiss is interrupted by extreme violence that almost ends their budding relationship altogether.
Sounds pretty grim, but actually there’s comedy in this drama. Staged by celebrated local actor Holly Twyford (who’s gay) in her directorial debut, No Rules Theatre Company’s production evokes just the right balance of laughs and pain in what’s ultimately a sweet story about love and commitment. At a recent performance, the sizable lesbian portion of the audience seemed particularly pleased at seeing familiar parts of their lives effectively portrayed on stage. They laughed and groaned at the female characters’ clumsy romantic overtures and were audibly disturbed by the play’s gay bashing, a pivotal plot point which takes place off stage.
The action begins when traffic reporter Callie (the reliably good Rachel Zampelli) agrees to cat sit for a friend-of-a-friend named Sara played naturally by Alyssa Wilmoth. Though the women seem polar opposites — Callie is more interested in trendy restaurants than work and Sara is utterly devoted to her underserved students — they click. Still both deny their growing romantic feelings. Sara remains in touch with Peter (Jonathan Lee Taylor), the ex-boyfriend she left in St. Louis, and Callie periodically sleeps with George (Ro Boddie), a longtime sort-of boyfriend whom she may or may not one day marry. The lesbian couple’s getting together is long in coming. At some point, you’re ready to yell “C’mon, plant one on her already.”
The story unfolds non-chronologically, moving back and forth from Callie’s messy apartment to a stark hospital room. Because we know the ordeal that’s awaiting our heroines, it’s as if a dark cloud is gathering over what should be the carefree early days of falling in love.
Costume designer Frank Lobovitz ably assists in demonstrating the women’s differences: Sara is unmistakably a Gotham newbie in her blue wool car coat and synthetic print skirts, while Callie is experimenting with sophisticated looks in black with mixed results. The strong supporting cast includes Karin Rosnizeck, who plays both a soignée witness to the crime and a patient nurse, and Howard Wahlberg as a veteran New York detective.
The straight playwright covers all the coming out bases: Discomfort with revealing sexuality to friends and co-workers, problems with parents and potential in-laws, etc. The 1998 play might sound instructive if it weren’t for its thoughtfully written, intimate scenes. Twyford especially excels in staging the work’s quieter moments, particularly the softly lit scene in which Callie tenderly helps Sarah change from her hospital gown to street clothes. Only when Sara must choose whether to return to St. Louis or remain in New York does Callie truly bare her soul, uncharacteristically committing wholeheartedly.
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.
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
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.”
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.
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