Arts & Entertainment
Baltimore arts briefs: March 16
Prop 8 play, Joan Rivers coming to town and more
Daniel Ettinger, Steven J Satta-Fleming, Katie Ellen Simmons-Barth and Sarah Gorman star in the Baltimore area reading of "8" on Monday. (Photo courtesy Iron Crow Theatre.)
New Black play explores Prop 8 controversy
Iron Crow Theatre Company presents American Foundation for Equal Rights and Broadway Impact’s “8,” a new play by gay screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, for a one-night-only staged reading on Monday at Baltimore Theatre Project (45 W. Preston St.) at 8 p.m.
“8” chronicles what happened during the landmark trial of Perry v. Schwarzenegger using actual court transcripts and first-hand interviews, showing both sides of the debate.
Tickets range from $12 to $17 and can be purchased online at ironcrowtheatre.com. Proceeds will benefit the American Foundation for Equal Rights and its lawsuit for marriage equality.
For more information, visit 8theplay.com.
Rivers coming to Baltimore next weekend
Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian Joan Rivers plays the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center (12 North Eutaw St.) on March 23 at 8 p.m.
The evening will feature some of Rivers’ newest work including riffs on “The Celebrity Apprentice,” Hollywood, pop culture, reality TV, award show fashion and more.
Tickets range from $42 to $62 and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com.
Hippo searches for new faces
Club Hippo (1 West Eager St.) has two special events happening this weekend.
First up on tonight is Baltimore’s Newest Face, a monthly contest for anyone who hasn’t previously competed in a state or national pageant. All contestants will presents a talent number running seven minutes or less. For more information, contact Josie at 410-274-7118.
Then its Workout Saturday with special guest DJ Carl Michaels of Woodys and Voyeur Nightclub in Philadelphia.
There’s also the clubs weekly events like bingo on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. and karaoke with Gary and Paulie on Friday at 9 p.m.
Evening of feminist theater at Centerstage
Centerstage (700 North Calvery St.) is partnering with the University of Maryland-Baltimore County Department of Theatre for the production, “Grrl Parts: The Extra Bits” on Saturday at 2 p.m.
The production will showcase UMBC’s “Grrl Parts 2012” directed by Eve Muson and featuring UMBC students in short plays written by notable female playwrights such as Kate Moira Ryan and Lucy Thurber. There will also be readings of past “Grrl Parts” plays featuring local professional actors.
The night will end with a panel discussion featuring all five playwrights, led by “Grrl Parts” artistic director, Susan McCully; and professor, performer and advocate, Susan Jonas, on the importance of women’s plays, playwrights and overall presence in today’s theater world.
This is a free event. For more information visit umbc.edu/grrlparts.
Friday, May 23
“Center Aging Monthly Luncheon and Yoga” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. For more details, email [email protected].
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity and/or expression. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 24
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and 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.
Black Lesbian Mixer will be at 11 a.m. on Zoom. This is a support group dedicated to the joys of being a Black lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].
Sunday, May 25
“The Queen’s Table: A Women’s Empowerment Brunch” will be at 11 a.m. at Zooz. This event will celebrate queer women’s strength. For more details visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 26
“Center Aging Monday Coffee and Conversation” 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 details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 27
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary. Whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know you’re not 100 percent cis — this is your group. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This support group is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Wednesday, May 28
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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.
Thursday, May 29
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fairer with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. 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 with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony
The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
A performance featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and local drag artists was held at the end of the first act of the program to celebrate WorldPride 2025.
The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Calendar: May 23-29
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