Arts & Entertainment
Whatever happened to Baby June?
American Century production wreaks Havoc with ‘30s craze
‘Marathon ‘33’
Through Aug. 25
The American Century Theater
Gunston Arts Center
2700 South Lang Street, Arlington
$17-$35
703-998-4555
Steve Lebens, Frank Britton, Dan Corey, Ann De Michele and Chanukah Jane Lilburne in ‘Marathon ’33.’ (Photo by Dennis Deloria)
If you think the dance marathon craze made popular during the Great Depression was no different than other harmless passing fads like drive-ins, toga parties and pet rocks, think again.
As described in June Havoc’s “Marathon ‘33” (now playing at Arlington’s American Century Theater), the dance-‘til-you-drop contests were a pretty brutal pastime. In truth, they were torturous tests of endurance that kept hard-up participants sleepless on their feet for weeks, sometimes months, desperately hanging on for the guaranteed free meals and a shot at the prize money promised to the last couple left standing.
Havoc, the younger sister of legendary stripper Gypsy Rose Lee, was an actual veteran of the marathon circuit. She spent her childhood performing as vaudeville headliner “Baby June” (immortalized in the Broadway musical “Gypsy”) and later achieved Broadway and Hollywood success as an adult. But for three very lean years in between when the adolescent June eked out a living in marathons as a participant and featured entertainer (some marathoners sang, danced and did comic bits for extra tips). All in all, it was rough going, particularly for a girl who’d fallen so far.
“Marathon ’33” carefully illustrates the horrors of the endless event — unbending rules, dirty tricks, mandatory sprints to weed out weaker participants — and while these specifics are fascinating, the play’s thin plotline is not: down-and-out former child star makes it through bad times and comes out even stronger and somehow ennobled. And though the first act unfolds engagingly, the screechy second act is a letdown.
Staged by Jack Marshall, American Century Theater’s production best succeeds in recreating the marathon experience and transporting the audience back to 1933 (one of the worst years of the Depression). It looks and feels like the real thing. Throughout much of the two-and- a-half hour show there’s a live band playing and the marathon is always in progress. Two roustabouts are constantly mopping floors and moving chairs and tables. Seated as spectators, the audience gets a sense of the event with all its erratic energy and insanity. It seems Marshall has been faithful to the late playwright’s intentions (Havoc died at 97 in 2010).
Set designer Michael deBlois has transformed the big black box Gunston Theatre II into a period dance hall. The dance floor’s rail is ringed with café tables for two. The walls are papered with ads from local sponsors. There’s a cute concession stand and cot-filled rest area for contestants off to the side. Rip Claassen’s costumes add an appropriately tatty touch.
Of course, the autobiographical play’s central character is June Havoc renamed Jean Reed for the marathon. It’s hard to root for her. As played by Jennifer Richter, she scowls and sobs her way through the contest including her specialty act. You’d think a trouper like Baby June might exhibit a little star quality to make a buck. Not here.
Standouts in the large cast include Craig Miller as the marathon’s shady operator, and Bill Karukas as its smooth-talking emcee Ruddy Blaine. Daniel Corey is terrific as a ‘30s-style funnyman; Anne De Michele makes a great low rent Harlow wannabe and Deborah Rinn Critzer is a hoot as a well-off ringside spectator who takes maniacal delight in the more sadistic aspects of the entertainment.
Intermittently, musical director and pianist Tom Fuller leads the peppy six-person band in setting the mood with songs from the era sung by actors all in excellent voice.
Because Havoc’s 1963 work calls for about 30 actors and a band, it’s rarely produced, so kudos to American Century Theater for fulfilling its mission to promote 20th century theater by bringing Havoc’s firsthand account of this freaky slice of Americana to life.
Sports
Blade, Pride House LA announce 2028 Olympics partnership
Media sponsorship to amplify stories of LGBTQ athletes
The Los Angeles Blade and Washington Blade on Friday announced a media partnership with the Out Athlete Fund, which will produce Pride House LA for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Pride House is the home for LGBTQ fans and athletes that will become a destination during the L.A. Summer Games in West Hollywood in partnership with the City of WeHo. This 17-day celebration for LGBTQ athletes and fans will include medal ceremonies for out athletes, interactive installations, speakers, concerts, and more.
The Los Angeles Blade will serve as the exclusive L.A.-area queer media sponsor for Pride House LA and the Washington Blade will support the efforts and amplify coverage of the 2028 Games.
The Blade will provide exclusive coverage of Pride House plans, including interviews with queer athletes and more. The parties will share content and social media posts raising awareness of the Blade and Out Athlete Fund. The Blade will have media credentials and VIP access for related events.
“We are excited to partner with the Washington Blade, the oldest LGBTQ newspaper in the United States and the Los Angeles Blade, already a strong supporter of Out Athlete Fund and Pride House LA/West Hollywood,” said Michael Ferrera, CEO of Pride House LA. “Our mission is about increasing the visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes and fans to challenge the historical hostility toward our community in the sports world. Visibility is what publications like the Washington and Los Angeles publications are all about. We know they will play a key part in our success.”
“LGBTQ visibility has never been more important and we are thrilled to work with Out Athlete Fund and Pride House LA to tell the stories of queer athletes and ensure the 2028 Summer Games are inclusive and affirming for everyone,” said Blade Editor Kevin Naff.
Out Athlete Fund is a 501(c)3 designed to raise money to offset the training cost of out LGBTQ athletes in need of funding for training. The Washington Blade is the nation’s oldest LGBTQ news outlet; the Los Angeles Blade is its sister publication founded nine years ago.
In honor of Black History Month, the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host a series of events uplifting the histories, artistry, and resilience of Black LGBTQ+ communities through dialogue, film, and intentional gathering.
The series begins with “Ballroom Culture: Rhythms of Resilience,” a panel discussion on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 at 7 p.m. Artists, activists, and leaders from the ballroom community will explore ballroom’s historical, cultural, and political significance as a site of resistance, kinship, creative expression, and social justice within Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities.
On Friday, Feb. 13 at 12:30 p.m., the Center will host a screening of the groundbreaking documentary “Paris is Burning,” which chronicles New York City’s ballroom scene and house culture while examining themes of race, class, identity, and survival through the voices of legendary performers including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, and Dorian Corey.
The month will conclude with “Soul Centered: A Black LGBTQ+ Gathering” on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. This free, RSVP-required event invites Black LGBTQ+ community members into a space of rest, connection, and reflection centered on love in all its forms. The gathering will feature a panel conversation with Black LGBTQ+ creatives, healers, and community members, followed by intentional speed connections and a closing social mixer.
For more details and to RSVP, visit the Center’s website.
Friday, February 6
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Spark Social will host “RuPaul’s Drag Race Watch Party S18 Watch Party” at 8 p.m. Drag Entertainers TrevHER and Grey provide hilarious commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party takes place on our heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
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.
Saturday, February 7
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.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.
LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, February 8
DMV Gay Dog Moms will host “Puppy Love” at 1 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This a Valentine’s pawty and market for dog lovers. Get gifts for your loved ones – both human & canine at this event. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, February 9
“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]).
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 that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, February 10
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity or expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, February 11
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.
Thursday, February 12
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be more fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5:00 pm 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, breathwork 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.
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