Arts & Entertainment
Sights, sounds and smells
Pop culture gifts to dazzle all the senses
“Ab Fab” the entire series is now available on a 10-disc set.
Books, DVDs and Blu-rays, special edition box sets all make great gifts. And as more and more media move into the electronic zone, unwrapping something tangible feels extra nice.
Here are a few ideas to get your gift-giving idea juices flowing.
BOOKS:
In Bed with Gore Vidal by Tim Teeman.
“In Bed with Gore Vidal” by Tim Teeman is as juicy as the title implies, exploring in great detail, how gay the famed writer’s sex life was despite his insistence that there was “no such thing as gay.” E-book: $9.99; $19.99 trade paperback. (Photo courtesy Magnus)
“Extraordinary Hearts” by Nicholas Benton gathers the local newspaper publisher’s sweeping series of LGBT essays under one cover. Lethe Press/$20 (Photo courtesy the author)
“The Forever Marathon” by Jameson Currier is a new novel billed as a “wickedly delightful war of wits and whines between longtime” gay couple Jesse and Adam over the course of a two-day fight. E-book: $9.99; $18 trade paperback. (Photo courtesy Chelsea Station Editions)
MUSIC:
Matthew Morrison’s ‘A Classic Christmas‘
“Love to Love You Donna” by Donna Summer is a remix collection of the late diva’s biggest hits by top DJs. The biggest shock? How current these new mixes sound despite the source material being, in most cases, decades old. (Photo credit Verve)
“Snow Globe” by Erasure is the gay duo’s first seasonal effort in a 25-year career. It’s as moody, electronic and subversive as one would expect. (Photo courtesy the Karpel Group)
Broadway’s “Carols for a Cure” Vo. 15, the annual AIDS benefit recording, is a double-disc set that carries on the series’ tradition — seasonal covers done in every style from high camp (Perez Hilton is back again this year) to shockingly poignant (the cast of “Motown’s” stunning medley). Rock-It Science Records.
“Glee’s” Matthew Morrison has a holiday EP called “A Classic Christmas” out this week. PBS will air a TV special of the same name on Nov. 30. He plays the Kennedy Center Nov. 29-30. (Photo courtesy the Karpel Group)
“Loved Me Back to Life” by Celine Dion, the diva’s first English studio album since 2007. You or someone on your list is either excited about this or not. No promo blurb could possibly change your mind at this point of Dion’s career. (Photo courtesy Columbia)
“Brave Enough: Live at the Variety Playhouse” by Sara Bareilles, a DVD/CD live set from the LGBT ally’s tour. It features a cover of Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” (Photo courtesy the Karpel Group)
Kelly Clarkson is out with her first-ever holiday album, “Wrapped in Red.” It features first single “Underneath the Tree” and the title cut. (Photo courtesy the Karpel Group)
Madonna’s ‘MDNA World Tour‘
Madonna’s “MDNA World Tour” is now available on DVD and Blu-ray after a recall delayed the proceedings. Interscope. (Photo courtesy the Karpel Group)
“Britten & Pears: a Unique Musical Cooperation” celebrates the centennial of the birth of gay composer Benjamin Britten who enjoyed a personal and professional relationship with singer Peter Pears. Ten discs. $54.97. (Photo courtesy United Classics)
A DVD of Stevie Nicks’ documentary film “In Your Dreams,” about the making of her album of the same name, drops Dec. 3. $14.98, Reprise.
TV
“Ab Fab” the entire series is now available on a 10-disc set. $158.98. (Photo courtesy BBC Home Entertainment)
‘Bewitched‘
“Bewitched,” available for years in season packs, is now out in a “whole series” package. $55.99. (Photo courtesy Sony)
“Flo,” the “Alice” spin-off featuring sassy Polly Holliday in the title role, was doomed by endless time slot changes during its brief season-and-a-half run back in 1980. Rarely seen in syndication, it finally gets some respect with all 29 episodes available in one package. $34.99 (Photo courtesy Warner Archive Collection)
NOVELTIES/OTHER
Barbie Collector Classic Catwoman
There have been endless Catwoman interpretations over the years. The Barbie Collector Classic Catwoman pays homage to Julie Newmar’s timeless performance. Another featuring Adam West’s Batman is also available. $35.52 each. (Photo courtesy Mattel)
Lypsinka and illustrator Stefano Imbert have collaborated on a line of Lypsinka merchandise featuring everything from magnets, pins, mugs, T-shirts and more. Visit the shop online at zazzle.com/lypsinka. (photo pending)
The Smithsonian has its own line of gift items this year featuring a Castle Key paperweight ($35), wreath hanger ($40), African-American art banner bags (prices vary) and more. Pictured here is the Hirshhorn Britto Pop-Art Dog ($20). On Dec. 7-8, a series of holiday events will be held at the various Smithsonian museums featuring book signings, holiday films in IMAX theaters, crafts for kids and more. (Photo courtesy the Smithsonian)
Gay designer Tom Ford is out with a new fragrance. “Noir” is an “oriental, sensual fragrance that captures the twin facets of the Tom Ford man — the refined, urbane sophisticate whom everyone gets to see and the intriguingly sensuous private man they don’t.” 1.7 oz for $90; 3.4 oz. for $125. (Photo courtesy Tom Ford)
This season’s new women’s fragrances offer an alluring array from Gucci’s “Guilty Black” ($75), Dolce & Gabbana’s “Velvet Desert Oud” ($270) to lighter scents like Calvin Klein’s “Downtown” ($65) and Jimmy Choo’s “White Edition” ($150). (Photos courtesy Dolce & Gabbana/Jimmy Choo)
Theater
Don’t miss summer productions at Clear Space in Rehoboth Beach
‘Cher Show,’ ‘Pretty Woman’ among season’s standouts
“The Cher Show” at Clear Space Theatre is wonderful. I am always amazed at the talent they attract for their summer series. Kudos to Wes Drummond, the artistic director of the theater. “The Cher Show” is written by Rick Elice. Compliments to the talented director, James FitzSimmons, who brought to life this production. His immensely talented cast includes Shannen Hofheimer as Star, Breanna Lemerise as Lady, Abby Lynne as Babe, and Anya Kay, as young Cher. Each is a pleasure to both watch and listen to. They command the stage. Then more kudos to the entire cast and ensemble. Also, the creative team, which includes among so many who make this show a hit, choreographer Shondelle Graulich; scenic designer, David Chappell; lighting designer Brendan Smith; costume designer Valerie Beardsley; and the entire orchestra led by conductor, Jerry Birl.
But the actor who I was looking forward to seeing in the production, was a young actor I had written about, and reviewed, when I saw him at Clear Space two years ago. In this production he is Sonny Bono, and he definitely didn’t disappoint.
Let me introduce Caetano de Sá. I have written about him before, but his resume is worth repeating. It says; Height: 5’7 ½, Eyes: Brown, Voice part: Tenor G2 – C5, Build: Athletic. All true. Then you add to this he speaks Brazilian Portuguese, is certified in stage combat by the Society of American Fight Directors, and is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. Then as his resume of roles confirms, he can act, sing, and dance with the best. He does a great job as Sonny and is fun to watch on stage. Here he displays his talents as a singer and actor, and they are as good as I remembered them when I first met Caetano while he was still in school in 2024, and was starring as Frankie Valli in “Jersey Boys,” at Clear Space. At the time he was a rising senior at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee BFA Musical Theater program. I interviewed him, and Harry Sperduto, who played Tommy Devotee, after seeing them in the show, and being amazed by their talent. Since that time, I have followed their careers. When I heard Caetano was coming back to Clear Space for the summer, I reached out, and he agreed to sit down and chat, which we did. I knew Clear Space Theatre was planning a busy summer season. Their lineup of shows included “The Cher Show,” “Mean Girls,” and “Pretty Woman.” They always have talented casts, including the many college students who are getting their first chance to shine, which was the case for Caetano in 2024. Now he is back as a graduate, with more experience under his belt, a little more established. This season he was going to play Sonny in their production of “The Cher Show,” Martin/Coach Carr, in “Mean Girls,” and Mr. Hollister in “Pretty Woman,” and being a part of the ensemble. He told me he really enjoys being at Clear Space, and that his castmates are all talented. He is a lot more experienced than when he was here before, having performed in productions at the Prairie Repertory Theatre, the Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Firehouse Center for the Arts, and the Sullivan Rep, among others. In productions as diverse as “Oklahoma!,” “Mystic Pizza,” “Hairspray,” and “Rock of Ages.” He now lives in New York City and clearly New York is the perfect place for an aspiring actor. He has an agent at Bramante Artists, who is getting him gigs, like the one he had at 54 Below and even a TV commercial for AFLAC.
“The Cher Show” is the second show I have seen at Clear Space this summer. After our chat I got one of the last tickets available that evening for “Pretty Woman.” In that production he has a smaller role, and is part of the incredibly talented ensemble. It is also an entertaining show and its very talented stars, Abby McDonough as Vivian, and Jaiden Leo Riley as Edward, are a pleasure to watch. Kudos to the talented director, Ashley Williams, and the entire creative team.
For anyone living at the beach, or coming for a visit, I urge you to plan a night at Clear Space. You won’t regret it. But know tickets for all the shows, and Sunday evening cabaret nights, sell out fast. So, I suggest you see what’s available online and buy yours today.
The 2026 World Pride March was held on Saturday, Aug. 8 in Amsterdam. Tens of thousands of participants marched from Martin Luther Kingpark to the grounds of the Pride Village at Museumplein.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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The weekly drag show “Daddy Issues” was held at Kiki on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Performers included Evry Pleasure, Indiana Bones and Tiara Missou-Sidora.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
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Tens of thousands take part in World Pride March
PHOTOS: Daddy Issues at Kiki
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Calendar: August 7-13
