Arts & Entertainment
Queery: Alex Mills
The Synetic ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ lead answers 20 gay questions
Alex Mills (Blade photo by Michael Key)
Alex Mills is in the midst of a heinously busy day. It’s after 11 p.m. and he’s been in heavy-duty tech rehearsals since 5:30. After we get off the phone, he’s going back for another 90 minutes or so. It’s all part of the grueling process of getting a show on its feet.
Mills plays the title role in “Jekyll & Hyde,” the latest movement-based extravaganza from Arlington’s Synetic Theater where Mills has been in several shows since 2008. It started when he took a year off from college overwhelmed by the daunting Boston University tuition price. A friend suggested he check out Synetic. He did, got a callback and is now one of the innovative theater’s senior company members.
If the roster there seems rather insular, he says it’s out of necessity. The grueling physical training regimen its visionaries — Paata and Irina Tsikurishvilli — put their players through means other actors in the region not steeped in the Synetic tradition could get up to speed fast enough for a single show. Synetic members commit to one show a year and staying up to date with their training sessions. Mills is just starting to branch out some — look for him at Studio and Signature in the coming year.
But is the all-consuming nature of the work at Synetic too overwhelming after a few years?
“Doing these shows is so fulfilling,” the 23-year-old Fredericksburg, Va., native says. “There’s such a sense of ownership in the worl, it’s sort of my spiritual outlet as well. It’s what fills me up. A lot of the actors say after they haven’t been doing a show for a month or so, that they feel so empty … we’re very close. We talk about everything and no each other so intimately. They’re the closest people in my life.”
“Jekyll & Hyde” is in previews now and opens officially Thursday and runs through Oct. 21. Visit synetictheater.org for details.
Mills, who’s single, says he has few interests outside theater. He was crashing with a friend recently but just moved to Bloomingdale.
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
I came out when I was 21 so I guess that makes it about a year and a half for me. The hardest person to tell (and by hard I don’t mean in any way hard due to repercussions or any fear of not being accepted) was my mom. I think for most guys coming out the first significant person in your life you tell, whether it be friends or family, is always the hardest because its like “There’s no going back now!”
Who’s your LGBT hero?
Anderson Cooper. I admire him for his professionalism and the fact that him being gay is not something that he even feels he has to explain to people. He is what he is and lives his life.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
I’m probably the worst person to ask this to because I am so not in the scene. Being in theater, I would say wherever the cast of a large play or musical goes to is going to be the best nightspot you could find. It’s a free show.
Describe your dream wedding.
I actually don’t have a fully fleshed out idea of what I would want but it would be small, probably on the beach with close friends and family. Or on Mars; the landing of this rover has really got me thinking.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
Women’s rights. Legitimate rape? Come on. It’s amazing how these people come into power.
What historical outcome would you change?
Luke Skywalker going to the Dark Side.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
The whole era of Britney Spears going crazy.
On what do you insist?
Be able to laugh at yourself.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
Dear God, Ryan and I tackled him moving in like a couple of coke heads with a mission; shazamablama!
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“Makin’ it Work; somehow”
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
That’s a thought I don’t even want to entertain. I’d be afraid it’d turn into an “X-Men 3”-type situation.
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
I wouldn’t say I believe in something beyond the physical world, necessarily, but I do like to think and hope that there’s some energy out there that directs us or at least collects us at the end.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
Be strong and patient.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
My friends and family.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
That we are all super coiffed at all times.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
“Were the World Mine.” I saw it during the time when I was in rehearsals for a “Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
What’s the most overrated social custom?
Having to keep conversation with people when you don’t want to.
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
I want an Olympic medal so bad. Ideally, in gymnastics, but that ship has sailed.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
That coming out doesn’t make the slightest difference in the world, at least in my life with the people I’m surrounded by.
Why Washington?
It was never a choice for me, I started working up here with Synetic Theater when I was 19 and I’ve been trucking along ever since. I love the community, and the fact that D.C. is totally manageable and not overwhelming. And it just fits, at least for right now in my life.
Out & About
Love board games and looking for love?
Quirk Events will host “Board Game Speed Dating for Gay Men” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at KBird DC.
Searching for a partner can be challenging. But board games are always fun. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?
Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment.
At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.
Tickets cost $31.80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Friday, January 16
Friday Tea Time will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Bring your beverage of choice. For more information, contact Mac ([email protected]).
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, January 17
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.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center and SMYAL will host a free film screening of “Mama Bears” celebrating queer youth, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re a movie lover, looking to make new friends, or simply want a safe, affirming space to relax, this event is for you. Click this link to RSVP.
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 will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, January 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community and Conversation” at noon at As You Are. This event is for those looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community. Look for the Go Gay DC sign on the long table near the front window. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, January 19
“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, January 20
Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, January 21
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, January 22
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, 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.
The Washington Capitals will host Pride Night on Saturday, Jan. 17, when they host the Florida Panthers at Capital One Arena. A special ticket offer featuring a Pride-themed Capitals rainbow jersey is available at washcaps.com.
Fans are invited to a pre-game Block Party at District E beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature a performance by the band NovaKane. Specialty happy hour food and beverages will be available, as well as giveaways. There will also be a presence by several local LGBTQ+ community organizations.
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