A production still from ‘The Ice Child,’ being staged now in Washington. (Photo courtesy Factory 449)

‘Ice Child’ play finds inspiration in creepy Poe tales

Inspired by the chilling tales of Edgar Allan Poe, Factory 449 company members Lisa Hodsoll, Hunter Styles and Rick Hammerly (who is gay) have co-written “The Ice Child,” a terrifying hour-long theater piece guaranteed to resonate with audiences.

Now in production at Mead Theatre Lab at Flashpoint, “The Ice Child” centers on Catherine (Sara Barker), a young woman who awakens to find herself imprisoned in a coffin-sized freezer. Held captive by former co-worker Kidd (Dexter Hamlett), Catherine soon learns her release is not imminent and escape from what could easily be a lethal situation depends on not angering her creepy captor. Meanwhile outside the freezer, Catherine’s treatment and fate is being considered as well.

Slickly produced, “The Ice Child” is compellingly told through a mash up of performance, film, and projected photos. It runs through June 3 at the Mead Theatre Lab at Flashpoint (916 G Street, NW). Tickets are $20. Visit factory449.com for details or call 866-811-4111.

Swimsuits and WTF at Town this weekend

Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) has a couple events happening this weekend.

On Saturday, the club is hosting a swimwear fashion show featuring models in “2xist” swimsuits courtesy of Universal Gear. DJ Chord spins. Doors open at 10 p.m. and cover is $7 until 11 p.m. and $12 afterward.

Sunday brings the return of “WTF” and this week’s theme is airlines. The night will feature several DJs including the Pocket Gays, Aaron Riggins and Ed Bailey. Doors open at 10 p.m. and cover is $5.

Attendees must be 21 or older for both events.

Several black LGBT theater events on weekend slate

Tonight and Saturday, “She’Baltimore” by Ira Kip is premiering in the D.C. area at Warehouse Theater (645 New York Ave.,) as an official part of Black Pride at 8 p.m.

The play, which takes place in Baltimore, deals with issues of battery and abuse in the LGBT community. Admission is $25.

Another official Black Pride theater event is a reading of “The Four of Us” at Mead Lab Theater (916 G St., N.W.) on Saturday at 2 p.m. Admission is $20 and includes a small reception.

Although not an official part of Pride, the African-American Collective Theater is observing the 20th anniversary of its first D.C. Black Pride theater showcase on Sunday with two stage readings of “Here. And Now.” by ACT founding directo Alan Sharpe at Warehouse Theater at 5 and 8 p.m. The play is a family drama in which the relationship of a middle-aged, male couple with two sons is tested. Tickets are $15. Contact [email protected] for more information and advance tickets.

Komen race to benefit Mautner Project

The 23rd annual Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure will happen June 2 on the National Mall in Washington. The annual breast cancer benefit awarded a $200,000 grant to lesbian health organization the Mautner Project, which expanded its breast cancer program. The grant was awarded in 2011 and runs for two years.

The event starts at 8 a.m. It’s still possible for those wishing to participate to register. Details are at globalraceforthecure.org. Or call 1-877-GOKOMEN.

Soulful Symphony to honor Houston

Hippodrome Theater at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center (12 North Eutaw St.) hosts the Soulful Symphony on June 1 at 8 p.m. as it honors the late Whitney Houston.

The concert will feature Houston’s hits ranging from gospel to pop, R&B to film music and more.

This performance will also act as the groups season-ending gala event.

Tickets range from $30 to $250 and are available online at ticketmaster.com. Special gala tickets include dinner, concert and VIP after party.

For more information on Soulful Symphony, visit soulfulsymphony.org.

Grand Central has specials, theme nights and more

Grand Central (1001/1003 N. Charles St.) has several events this week.

Tonight is the club’s weekly dance party with $2.50 drinks until 11 p.m. Sappho’s is having its own happy hour from 8 to 10 p.m.

Saturday has two-for-one drinks until 8 p.m. and Glow with DJ Arturo. Admission to Glow is $5.

Sunday is the club’s kick off to summer beach party with DJ Arturo.

Monday and Tuesday, Grand Central has karaoke with host Nikki Cox from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Wednesday is “Hump Wednesdays,” an electropop, alternative, indie dance night with DJ Arturo.

The week ends Thursday with ladies night featuring DJ Lems and $2.50 drinks until 11 p.m.

Sci-fi/fantasy convention in town this weekend

Balticon 46, the Maryland regional science fiction and fantasy convention, runs today through Monday at Marriott’s Hunt Valley Inn (245 Shawan Rd.) with special guests Jody Lynn Nye, Jim Odbert, Heather Dale, Ben Deschamps and William D. Phillips.

There will be a variety of panels and workshops covering topics such as anime, dance, gaming, music, video and more.

There will also be an art show, various dealers selling books, memorabilia and more.

Registration ranges from $17 for a single day to $62 for the whole weekend for adults and $9 to $31 for children ages 6 through 12.

For more information and to register online, visit balticon.org.

Trans, poz, coming-out groups to meet at Center

The GLBT Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland (241 West Chase St.) has several programs this week.

Three groups are slated to meet Saturday: Sufficient As I Am, a group for youth 24 and younger dealing with issues of sexuality, coming out, relationships, family and more, meets in room 201 at 12:30 p.m.; GIG: Baltimore Trans-Masculine Alliance, a FTM support group, meets at 6 p.m. in room 202; and GIG: Tran*quality, a MTF support group, meets at 8 p.m. in room 202.

On Monday, Men Like Me, a support group for adult men who love other men, is facilitated by licensed clinicians and meets 6 p.m. in room 202.

POZ Men, an LGBT-affirming peer support group for all HIV-positive men, meets Wednesday in room 202 at 6 p.m.

Women of Color, a social and discussion group, meets Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in room 202.

The center also has HIV and STD testing on Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. provided through a collaboration between the GLCCB Health Committee and the Baltimore City Health Department.