Miscellaneous
Broadway elite
Tony queen Audra McDonald plays Tuesday concert; Eder at Strathmore Thursday
Audra McDonald
The Kennedy Center Concert Hall
Tuesday at 8 p.m.
$25-$85
wpas.org
kennedy-center.orgAn Evening with Linda Eder
Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda, MD
Thursday at 8 p.m.
$35-$76
Strathmore.org
Audra McDonald (Photo by Michael Wilson; courtesy WPAS)
With a gorgeous voice and the acting chops to match, Audra McDonald ranks as one of Broadway’s biggest and most talented stars. Her seemingly limitless career is the stuff of theatrical dreams.
By 30, she had already won an unprecedented three Tony Awards for “Carousel,” “Master Class” and “Ragtime,” and then went on to win a fourth for “A Raisin in the Sun” in 2004. She’s also starred in a TV drama (ABC’s “Private Practice”), made recordings and all along has continued to perform sold-out concert dates. Now 41, she’s on the cusp of yet another Broadway triumph playing Bess in a new take on the beloved 1935 opera “Porgy & Bess.”
Despite the awards and many successes, McDonald remains far from complacent. Her feelings about her highly praised turn as Bess in a re-mastering of the classic titled “The Gershwins’ Porgy & Bess,” which premiered at ART Theatre’s (Cambridge, Mass.) this summer and moves to New York’s Richard Rodgers Theatre in mid-December, are no exception: “I’m never satisfied, but my goal is continue to work. By the time I leave the role, whenever that may be, I want to have been able to excavate everything from her soul that I can. I want to truly understand her, but that’s still a long way off.”
In reworking the operatic tale of down and out African Americans living in a Charleston, S.C., slum into a Broadway musical, director Diane Paulus, playwright Lori-Suzan Parks, and McDonald have, among other things, fleshed out the role of Bess, a drug-addicted prostitute. Not surprisingly such fiddling doesn’t sit well with all folks including genius gay composer Stephen Sondheim who expressed his distaste in a rather scathing letter to the New York Times. After seeing the production in Cambridge, that same paper’s theater critic reported that the changes aren’t so startling and that McDonald has more than made the part her own.
“Friends assume I’m never going to sing Sondheim’s songs again. I tell them of course I am. I’d be a fool not to,” McDonald says. “I admire Sondheim as an artist. He’s one of the greatest. I also believe in our production.”
Seldom idle, McDonald is spending the months prior to “Porgy & Bess’” New York opening touring with songs from the Great American Songbook. She lands in Washington for one night on Tuesday where she’ll perform Broadway favorites and songs from the contemporary musical theater repertoire on stage at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall.
“I’ll do Adam Guettel, Sondheim, Kander and Ebb, and Cole Porter,” says the soprano, “but every show is a little different. It sort of depends on my mood that day. For the D.C. show however, I plan to do something entirely new. I’ll play piano and sing for one song. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and it scares me to death. That’s how I know it’s something I need to do.
“Sometimes on concert tour I can roll into a city grumpy and tired, but then I get on stage and the audiences cheers me up. I have a good time. I’d never want to give up concerts, mostly because I enjoy them, but also because they keep you honest as a performer. When you’re doing a concert, there’s no place to hide. No characters, no costumes. It’s just you, the audience and the material.”
McDonald grew up in Fresno, Calif., in a house filled with music. She began acting and singing as a child but became serious about it at 16 when she played the lead in “Evita” at a local company. Because her parents insisted she get a degree before striking out on a theatrical career, McDonald studied classical voice as an undergraduate at Juilliard in New York (the city she has since enthusiastically called home).
McDonald made an impressive Broadway debut as the textile worker Carrie Pipperidge in the 1994 revival of “Carousel,” a part typically reserved for young white actresses.
When asked about nontraditional casting and whether there might be a Mama Rose in her future, McDonald chuckles and relays a fun show biz anecdote: “Very recently, my good friend Zoe Caldwell (In 1995 McDonald created the role of a young voice student in “Master Class” starring Caldwell as opera diva Maria Callas), my 10 –year-old daughter Zoe [who is named for Caldwell], and I attended a performance of the Broadway revival of ‘Master Class’ with Tyne Daly as Callas. After the show, we joined Daly and the play’s [gay] author Terrence McNally for dinner. It was a wonderful evening. At one point Terrence asked ‘So Audra, how about you play Maria one of these days?’ Maybe I will, who knows? But talk about nontraditional casting …”
From the outside, McDonald appears to have lived an utterly charmed life. In reality, there have been bumps. While at Juilliard she attempted suicide and was treated for depression before graduating in 1993.
Has she ever lost faith in her talent or thought perhaps her career might not last?
“Every day,” McDonald says. “I’m always afraid that this will be the day the world will catch me and find out that I’m no good. Really, that’s how I feel, but still I get back on stage and keep trying. I have no choice. There’s nothing else I know how to do.”
Eder set to play Thursday Strathmore show
It’s unlikely there’ll be any celebrity death match over it but Audra McDonald will have some competition next week for much of the same local Broadway- and standards-loving crowd as Linda Eder brings her show to the Strathmore Thursday night.
Linda Eder, despite early success on Broadway, says a recording and balanced touring schedule is more conducive to raising a son. (Photo courtesy Linda Eder via the Strathmore)
A bit more pop leaning than McDonald, Eder also cut her teeth on Broadway (in 1997’s “Jekyll & Hyde”) but has focused more on recording and touring in the ensuing years as she raises her 12-year-old son, Jake.
Speaking by phone from her Worcester, N.Y., home, Eder says she’ll mix up her set list with selections from her latest album (“Now,” which dropped in March) and her signature songs like “Someone Like You” and “Vienna” with her five-piece band.
Eder, 50, shares some interesting thoughts about the difference between pop and standards.
“I think with pop music, it’s much more about hooks while standards are more about a pure melody,” she says. “A pop song might have one great hook in the chorus whereas a standard, the whole thing might be kind of a hook. … Really successful pop songs are mostly just reflecting what’s happening in the world while standards are an art form. To me, pop is just sort of the voice of the people.”
Eder says she’s appreciative of her gay fans and laughs that, “singing the kind of music I do, I’d probably be doing something wrong if I didn’t have gay fans.”
She appreciates “anything that helps get that energy up in the room,” which she says gays are generally more unabashed than their straight counterparts.
Eder remembers her 1988 “Star Search” stint — she was undefeated and eventually won the $100,000 prize — and late host Ed McMahon fondly.
“It was obviously great for me,” she says. “I never had to lose.”
During the run she didn’t see McMahon often off-camera but after her victory got to interact with him at a few dinners and appearances.
“He was always very supportive and would mention me when he was asked about certain winners.”
She scoffs slightly at what she calls “the viciousness” of “American Idol.”
“It’s so far from the real thing,” she says. “Some of the things Simon has said would never happen in real life because then you wouldn’t even get in the door.”
— JOEY DiGUGLIELMO
Miscellaneous
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Five easy tips to help you avoid common risks
Your home is more than just a place to eat and sleep; it’s your safe haven. As much as you might cherish your home, you should probably also recognize the potential hazards within its familiar walls. Accidents can happen in an instant, yet with a little foresight and some simple adjustments, you can transform your house into a safer haven.
Accidents can happen anywhere, and with a few simple tweaks, you can lower risks in your space. Below you’ll find five tips for each room in your home to help prevent injuries, falls, and other mishaps. In short, home safety.
This article was inspired by a shower in a rental we managed that began leaking through the kitchen ceiling below. If only the landlord had installed grab bars, right!? Below, we’ll guide you through the steps to fortify your bathroom, making it a place of relaxation without the fear of slips and falls. Then, we’ll venture into the room where the magic happens, where proper planning can ensure great nights and peaceful mornings. We’ll show you how to prevent accidents while you experiment becoming the next Gordon Ramsey. And we’ll include a few surprising solutions for those other rooms that hold their own unique hazards, offering solutions to safeguard against unexpected mishaps.
Bathroom Safety
Install Grab Bars: Adding grab bars near the shower and toilet can provide essential support for family members of all ages. Not only can they help with getting in and out, but they can help provide stability when washing. Make sure they are securely anchored to the wall.
Non-Slip Mats: Place non-slip mats inside the shower and bathtub to prevent slips. They’re a small investment that can save you from falls and head injuries.
Adjust Water Temperature: Ensure your hot water is set to a safe temperature to avoid scalding. The hot water heater should be set to around 120°F (49°C)l, the middle setting on many water heater settings.
Medicine Cabinet Locks: If you have young children, use childproof locks on your medicine cabinet to keep harmful substances out of reach.
Proper Lighting: Ensure there’s adequate lighting in the bathroom to avoid trips and falls during nighttime visits. Nightlights can be a simple and effective solution.
Bedroom Safety
Clear Pathways: Keep pathways in the bedroom clutter free to prevent tripping. Ensure there’s enough space to move around comfortably, particularly getting around the bed. Be aware where all furniture is when walking around to avoid stubbed toes, particularly at night.
Secure Rugs: If you have throw rugs, use rug grippers or double-sided tape to keep them from slipping. Loose rugs are a common trip hazard.
Bed Rails: For anyone at risk of falling out of bed, consider installing bed rails to provide extra support and prevent falls.
Nightstands with Drawers: Opt for nightstands with drawers to keep essential items. This reduces the need to get out of bed at night, minimizing the risk of falls, as you race to grab what you need and not lose a moment’s rest.
Fire Safety: Install battery-operated smoke detectors in the bedrooms if there are none. Make sure to install them 36 inches away from an air vent or the edge of a ceiling fan. Also six inches away from the joint between the wall and ceiling. And test smoke detectors regularly.
Kitchen Safety
Non-Slip Flooring: Choose slip-resistant rugs in the kitchen, especially in areas where spills are common. Mats near the sink and stove can also help and you can often buy them fairly cheaply at Costco.
Childproof Cabinets: If you have little ones, use childproof latches on cabinets and drawers to prevent them from accessing potentially hazardous items.
Anti-tip brackets: Install an anti-tip bracket behind the range. These are often used when children are in the home. Although they are less likely to open the oven door and use it as a step stool to get to the stove-top, adults can also benefit from installing these.
Adequate Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial in the kitchen to avoid accidents. Under-cabinet lighting can illuminate work areas effectively.
Secure Heavy Items: Ensure heavy pots and pans are stored at waist level to prevent straining or dropping them from high shelves.
Sharp Object Storage: Keep knives and other sharp objects in a secure drawer or block. And handle all sharp items with extreme care, even when washing and drying. These steps reduce the risk of accidental cuts.
Other Safety Tips
Furniture Anchors: Secure heavy furniture, like bookshelves and dressers, to the wall to prevent tip-overs, especially if you have young children.
Adequate Outlets: Check for damaged outlets and replace them promptly. Avoid overloading circuits with too many devices. Install placeholder plugs in outlets to prevent young curious fingers (or tongues?) from going inside an electrical outlet.
Stair Gates: If your home has stairs, install safety gates at the top and bottom to prevent falls, especially if you have toddlers or pets to keep them off of the stairs when you cannot monitor them.
Emergency Escape Plan: Develop and practice an emergency escape plan with your family, including a designated meeting place outside.
Carbon Monoxide Detector: If your home burns any fossil fuels for heating or appliances, install carbon monoxide detectors in common areas of your home to detect this odorless gas. The D.C. building codes require this if you use a fireplace or if you have an attached garage. In essence, if there is any potential source of carbon monoxide in the home, be sure to install these detectors.
Remember, a safer home not only prevents accidents but also provides peace of mind for you and your family. Implement these simple tips to create a secure environment in every room of your house.
With these practical tips and a few adjustments, you can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and falls in your home. Enjoy peace of mind in your now much safer haven.
Scott Bloom is owner and senior property manager of Columbia Property Management.
When Lizzo sings “If I’m shinin,’ everybody gonna shine,” in her hit song, “Juice,” she means it. Proof of that came this week on Instagram when the LGBTQ ally announced the first winner of her annual Juneteenth Giveback Campaign is the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, a national nonprofit based in Richmond, Calif., dedicated to the protection and defense of Black transgender people.
And she did so in song: “On the first day of Juneteenth, Lizzo gave to me,” she sang in her video, posted Tuesday, as she revealed her $50,000 gift to MPJI.
“That’s right, we know who Marsha P. Johnson is. We know what Marsha P. Johnson has done for the LGBTQ, emphasis on that ‘T,’ Q community,” said Lizzo to her 13.5 million followers. “Thank you so much to the people at the Marsha P. Johnson Institute. You deserve this, and I hope this helps you so much as you help protect our Black trans family.”
“What the Marsha P. Johnson Institute does is protects and defends the rights of Black transgender people. They do this by organizing community, advocating for the people, and creating an intentional healing community, developing transformative leadership and promoting collective power,” she said.
“We are overjoyed for the shoutout from Lizzo today, the generosity of her sharing her platform and the recognition of MPJI and its work,” said Elle Moxley, MPJI’s executive director. “The resources from this campaign will ensure the protection and defense of Black transgender people continue at a time where it is so vitally needed. We are so grateful for the support of Lizzo and her fans.”
As one of Time Magazine’s Persons of the Year for 2019 and a 2023 Grammy winner, Lizzo is more than a pop star but an inspiration to millions of fans for her body-positive attitude, her self-confidence on stage and in her videos, her empowering music and her activism. She’s also the founder of her own clothing line, Yitty. In 2021, she made headlines when she publicly corrected a paparazzo for using “she/her” pronouns and misgendering Demi Levato.
As part of her campaign, now in its 4th year, Lizzo recognizes Black-led grassroots organizations and businesses and encourages her fans to join her in supporting each of the five organizations she highlights this week. Fans who take action by donating are entered into a drawing for an all-expenses paid trip to see her perform at Fuji Rock in Japan later this year.
This week’s other nonprofits receiving gifts are: Black Girls Smile, Sphinx Music, the University of Houston and Save Our Sisters United.
Find out more about Lizzo’s 4th annual Juneteenth Giveback Campaign by clicking here.
Celebrity News
Anne Heche dies after removal from life support
Actress dated Ellen DeGeneres in late 1990s
Actress Anne Heche died after she was removed from life support on Sunday, nearly two weeks after her Mini-Cooper crashed through a two-story house in Los Angeles’ Mar Vista neighborhood. Investigators with the Los Angeles Police Department believe she was intoxicated at the time.
She sustained a severe anoxic brain injury along with severe burns and was being treated at the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital, near Chatsworth in the San Fernando Valley.
The 53-year-old actress who was a star of films like “Donnie Brasco,” the political satire “Wag the Dog” and the 1998 remake of “Psycho,” had been declared legally dead under California law on Friday, however, her family kept her alive long enough to be an organ donor.
In a statement Friday, the LAPD announced that: “As of today, there will be no further investigative efforts made in this case. Any information or records that have been requested prior to this turn of events will still be collected as they arrive as a matter of formalities and included in the overall case. When a person suspected of a crime expires, we do not present for filing consideration.” LAPD detectives had previously made public that investigators into the crash found narcotics in a blood sample taken from Heche.
The actress’s family released a statement on Friday:
“Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend. Anne will be deeply missed but she lives on through her beautiful sons, her iconic body of work, and her passionate advocacy. Her bravery for always standing in her truth, spreading her message of love and acceptance, will continue to have a lasting impact,” the statement added.
Heche was married to camera operator Coleman Laffoon from 2001 to 2009. The two had a son, Homer, together. She had another son, named Atlas, during a relationship with actor James Tupper, her co-star on the TV series “Men In Trees.”
Laffoon left a moving tribute on an Instagram reel in which he also gave an update on how their 20-year-old son Homer Laffoon is coping with the loss of his mother.
“I loved her and I miss her, and I’m always going to,” he said adding: “Homer is okay. He’s grieving, of course, and it’s rough. It’s really rough, as probably anybody can imagine. But he’s surrounded by family and he’s strong, and he’s gonna be okay.”
“Rest In Peace, Mom, I love you, Homer,” the actor’s 20-year-old son, Homer, said in a statement after Heche was declared legally dead on Friday.“ My brother Atlas and I lost our Mom,” read the statement. “After six days of almost unbelievable emotional swings, I am left with a deep, wordless sadness. Hopefully, my mom is free from pain and beginning to explore what I like to imagine as her eternal freedom. Over those six days, thousands of friends, family, and fans made their hearts known to me. I am grateful for their love, as I am for the support of my Dad, Coley, and my stepmom Alexi who continue to be my rock during this time. Rest In Peace Mom, I love you, Homer.”
Tupper, a Canadian actor who starred alongside Heche in “Men in Trees,” had a 13-year-old son, Atlas, with her. “Love you forever,” Tupper, 57, wrote on his Instagram post’s caption with a broken heart emoji, which shared an image of the actress from Men in Trees.
Between 1997 and 2000, Heche was also in a relationship with talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.
“This is a sad day,” DeGeneres posted on Twitter. “I’m sending Anne’s children, family and friends all of my love.” The year after her break-up with the comedian, in September 2001, Heche recounted in her memoir “Call Me Crazy,” about her lifelong struggles with mental health and a childhood of abuse.
KTLA’s entertainment reporter Sam Rubin noted that over the past two decades, Heche’s career pivoted several times. In 2017, she hosted a weekly radio show on SiriusXM with Jason Ellis called “Love and Heche.”
In 2020, Heche made her way into the podcast world. She launched “Better Together” which she cohosted alongside Heather Duffy Boylston. The show was described as a way to celebrate friendship.
She also worked in smaller films, on Broadway, and on TV shows. She recently had recurring roles on the network series “Chicago P.D.,” and “All Rise” and was a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars.”
People magazine reported that several of Heche’s acting projects are expected to be released posthumously.
These include “Girl in Room 13,” expected to be released on Lifetime in September, “What Remains,” scheduled to be released in 2023, and HBO Max TV series “The Idol,” created by Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd) and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson.
In her Instagram post from earlier this year Heche stands between her sons Atlas, 13 and Homer, 20.
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