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Beyonce’s surprise

Diva’s new ‘video album’ a risky game changer

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Minimalist cover art of Beyonce's new album. (Image courtesy Parkwood/Columbia)

Minimalist cover art of Beyonce’s new album. (Image courtesy Parkwood/Columbia)

To the surprise of her fans, Beyoncé Knowles released her fifth studio album on iTunes on Dec. 13 with no promotion. An intimate and powerful artistic step, the self-titled album “Beyoncé” could easily be a musical standard bearer for years to come.

The “video album,” as Knowles refers to it, contains 14 tracks and 17 music videos and was recorded mostly in secret. In July, Diplo revealed to the UK’s The Sun that he worked on two songs with Knowles that were ultimately scrapped, but details on the full album remained a mystery.

Fueled by the excitement of a surprise release, “Beyoncé” sold about 828,000 copies in just three days, breaking an iTunes record for most albums sold in the first week, previously held by Taylor Swift’s “Red.” The three-day sales figure also doubled the first week sales of her previous album “4” (2011).

Often deep and sometimes dark, “Beyoncé” is an exploration into life with her husband Jay-Z and their daughter. It’s also rife with feminist themes, not unusual for Knowles.

The album opens with “Pretty Hurts,” which addresses the physical and emotional trauma women endure while trying to adhere to impossible standards of beauty. While it may seem like Beyoncé is revisiting “girl power” themes from earlier hits like “Single Ladies” and “Run the World (Girls),” “Pretty Hurts” aims to inspire rather than excite young women by stressing the importance of happiness over beauty.

“***Flawless,” a Southern hip-hop track, samples a TEDxEuston speech by Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The accompanying speech adds significance to Bey’s authoritative line “Bow down, bitches,” an assertion of her power as an independent woman, with a comment on the double standards women face.

The lead single “XO” is an uptempo pop tune and has all of the makings of a radio hit. Conversely, “Haunted” is not poised to enjoy the same success. It’s one of the more experimental songs and criticizes the record industry, but the vocals in the hook are ethereal. The accompanying video is artistic and creepy, complementing the song well.

A potential crossover hit is “Drunk In Love,” a duet with her husband Jay-Z. The song is one of several on the album depicting the sexual relationship music’s biggest power couple enjoys. Between her singing and his rapping, the song has potential for both the Top 40 and R&B charts.

“Blow” immediately follows the duet and is equally explicit. A mod- and funk-inspired dance track, it’s quickly and justifiably become a fan favorite. It’s fun, catchy and the bridge turns the song from a ‘70s throwback to a modern pop hit. The music video is a must see for, if no other reason, the impressively well-coordinated glow-in-the-dark dance sequence.

“Partition” is a tough hip-hop track that contains the hilariously sexual line “He Monica Lewinsky-ed all on my gown.” The song stays true to the album’s themes and includes a section in French defending female sexuality. It also seems to introduce a new alter-ego named Yoncé, a tougher figure to replace Sasha Fierce, a personality Beyoncé “killed” years ago.

In “Mine,” which features Drake, Beyoncé opens up about her postpartum depression and marital issues. Beyoncé and Drake’s vocals complement each other well in a back-and-forth that melds together in the hook.

The last two tracks are the most emotional. “Heaven” is a haunting and somber ballad about the death of a loved one. The song alludes to the miscarriage Beyoncé suffered during her first pregnancy, detailed in her HBO documentary “Life Is But a Dream” and referenced in the Jay-Z song “Glory.”

If “Heaven” tore listeners down, the final track, “Blue,” will bring on tears of joy. The song is an ode to her daughter Blue Ivy, and the vocal performance is incredible by even Bey’s standards. The song itself is an intimate expression of love, capturing a moment of pure joy Beyoncé experiences as she holds her daughter.

Overall, the album is deep, powerful, and a defining moment in Beyoncé’s career in the same way “Ray of Light” was for Madonna. Without sacrificing her mass appeal or playful rhythms, Beyoncé has created a mature, innovative opus. She ranges from light and bubbly to deep and soulful, and no moment feels out of place.

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Theater

Local theater scene heats up for the season

David Sedaris, Tituss Burgess, opera, and more on tap

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Alec Ludaca and Naomi Jacobson in 'Wipeout.' (Photo by Margot Schulman)

With all the fun and half the hassle, staycation has a lot going for it, and the performing arts can be a big part of the experience. Here’s some of what’s out there this summer.  

At Wolf Trap, the summer program is bursting with song, dance, and laughs. And if you’re quick, you can catch the sardonic wit of gay humorist David Sedaris in his one-night only show “An Evening with David Sedaris” on July 19.  

Pink Martini is bringing its 30th anniversary tour to Wolf Trap on July 29. The self-described “tiny orchestra” known for its cosmopolitan musical stylings, features vocalists China Forbes and Storm Large along with special guest out radio journalist Ari Shapiro.

Other shows slated for the Vienna, Va., farm park include Broadway stars Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra for an evening of showstoppers by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Sondheim, Cole Porter, Jason Robert Brown, and Joni Mitchell. (8/1) Wolftrap.org 

Perfectly timed for summer, Studio Theatre presents “Wipeout” (through July 27). Playwright Aurora Real de Asua’s beach-set story looks to be a promising 110 minutes of humor and poignant moments. 

In “Wipeout,” Claudia, played by terrific D.C. favorite Naomi Jacobson, treats herself and her two closest girlfriends to an early birthday present of surf lessons. 

Coached by “surf bro” instructor Blaze (played by handsome actor Alec Ludacka), Claudia is determined to slide into her golden years “catching some waves, and settling some scores.” 

Olney Theatre presents a fantastic, queer friendly summer program centered mainly around its open-air Root Family Stage (7/31-8/24). 

Highlights include hilarious out actor/singer Tituss Burgess in concert on Aug. 7, as well as the U.S. Premiere Concert presentation of “To Wong Foo: The Musical” (8/21) and “Just Arts: From Stonewall to RuPaul Drag Extravaganza” (8/24) featuring big name drag performers Lala Ri and Latrice Royale

For those looking to beat the heat indoors, Olney has Synetic Theater performing its wordless version of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” through Aug. 10. 

Replete with fairies, a fantastical forest, star-crossed lovers, and an actor transformed into a donkey, Synetic’s take on the Bard’s enchanting, Athens-set rom com is directed by Paata Tsikurishvili. Olneytheatre.org 

If kids (4 years and up) figure into your staycation plans, a trip to Bethesda’s Imagination Stage may be just the ticket. “Dory Fantasmagory” (through Aug. 3) based on the children’s book by Abby Hanlon and adapted to the stage by John Glore, explores family dynamics while remaining both imaginative and fun. 

“It’s tough being the youngest. Dory’s siblings won’t play with her and there are monsters to battle all over the house, like the hair-raising Mrs. Gobble Gracker. With the help of her fairy godfather, Mr. Nuggy, her monster-friend, Mary, and her mighty imagination, Dory sets out to win what she wants most: her family’s attention.” 

Young theatergoers are encouraged to come in wacky outfits in the spirit of Dory’s playful style, and pajama Saturdays are also encouraged. Imaginationstage.org 

Young audiences may also enjoy “The Lightning Thief” (through Aug. 17) presented by Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo Park. With music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki, this dynamic musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling book opened on Broadway in 2019. 

Here’s the gist of the story. “When teenager Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod, he and his friends embark on an epic journey to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods.” Kurt Boehm directs. Adventuretheatre-mtc.org

At Signature Theatre, there’s some laid-back cabaret with “Sailing: Yacht Rock” (July 22-Aug. 10) featuring terrific talents Deimoni Brewington and Tracy Lynn Olivera. 

Relax and possibly reminisce with chill tunes like “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl),” “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” and “What a Fool Believes.” It’s a chance to enjoy and revisit the sounds of Christopher Cross, TOTO, and the Doobie Brothers. Sigtheatre.org 

Washington National Opera (WNO) presents Opera in the Outfield (Aug. 23). The WNO invites theater and baseball fans to the Nationals Park for a free broadcast of Gershwin’s gorgeous classic “Porgy and Bess.” The screening starts at 6:30 p.m. 

At the Kennedy Center, summer staycation wraps up with “Parade” (Aug. 19-Sept. 7), a powerful and celebrated 2023 Broadway revival musical. It’s based on the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory superintendent in Atlanta wrongly accused and convicted of the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan in 1913. Co-conceived by the legendary Harold Prince, the production is a collaboration of some Broadway heavyweights including out director Michael Arden, Alfred Uhry (book), Jason Robert Brown (music & lyrics). Kennedy-center.org

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Music & Concerts

Cyndi Lauper ready to have fun in Virginia

Superstar to bring final leg of farewell tour to Jiffy Lube Live

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Pop icon Cyndi Lauper brings her farewell tour to Jiffy Lube Live on July 24. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Superstar Cyndi Lauper will bring the final leg of her farewell tour “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” to Bristow, Va., on Thursday, July 24 at Jiffy Lube Live. 

Lauper’s international Farewell Tour – her first major headlining run in a decade – kicked off in North America last October, and included her first time ever headlining (and selling out) Madison Square Garden. Lauper’s performances have earned raves from the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, and many more, and surprise guests have included Chaka Khan, Sam Smith, and Hayley Williams. The tour just visited the U.K. and Europe, and will head to Australia and Japan in April.  

Tickets are available on Live Nation’s website

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Out & About

Rehoboth Pride set for this weekend

Delaware beach town hosts festival, events

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(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Rehoboth Beach Pride is back for a day of summer celebration on Saturday. 

The Delaware beach town will host its Pride festival at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center on July 19 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., followed by an after-party at Freddie’s Beach Bar and a ticketed event in the evening with a film screening, comedian, and musician. 

“It will be a day of community engagement, fun, celebration and learning, all sorts of things rolled into one,” David Mariner, executive director of Sussex Pride, told the Blade. “I think it’s a great opportunity for us to be together, to support each other.”

Pride is organized by Sussex Pride and Gay Women of Rehoboth. The festival will include a free, family-friendly event with vendors offering information and resources, health screenings, and other activities. For more information visit sussexpride.org.

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