Arts & Entertainment

‘Company’ and beyond

‘Carrie’ actress recalls memorable Stritch encounters

Published

12 years ago

July 24, 2014

Brian T. Carney

Barbara Walsh, Carrie: the Musical, theater, gay news, Washington Blade

Barbara Walsh as Margaret in ‘Carrie: the Musical.’ (Photo courtesy Studio Theatre)

When Barbara Walsh was preparing to play Joanne, the iconic character created by the legendary Elaine Stritch, in the Broadway revival of “Company,” friends were quick to point out that she had large shoes to fill.

“That’s OK,” the actress wryly responded. “I have really large feet.” She also adds, “And they keep getting bigger with age. Bunions are hell.”

Walsh, now onstage as Margaret White in “Carrie the Musical” at Studio Theatre, which runs through Aug. 3 (studiotheatre.org) was shocked when she heard that Stritch died last Thursday.

“It’s a huge loss to the Broadway community,” she says.

When Walsh was in previews for “Company” in 2006, the New Yorker wanted to do a joint interview with the new and old Joanne. As Walsh arrived at the Carlyle (Stritch’s long-time residence in Manhattan), Stritch looked her up and down and declared in her stentorian voice, “Oh, you’re too young to play the part.” Walsh did not mention that she was older than Stritch was when she originated the role.

Stritch, of course, dominated the interview (which was unfortunately never published), but Walsh remembers that the two had a lovely conversation about composer Stephen Sondheim. As Walsh was leaving, Stritch said she was looking forward to seeing the new production, but wouldn’t tell her when she was coming to see the show so she wouldn’t make the younger actress nervous.

As reimagined by British director John Doyle, the Broadway revival of “Company” featured the actors doubling as the orchestra. As the hard-drinking Joanne, Walsh played the triangle and other percussion instruments, most memorably striking a martini glass with a swizzle stick. The cast never left the stage, so Walsh had plenty of time to scan the audience. One night she spotted a woman in an aisle seat in the fifth row dressed in white from head to foot, including, of course, a white hat.

“It was Stritch,” Walsh says. “You couldn’t miss her.”

After the show (“It was a lovely performance”), Walsh was headed from the wig room to her dressing room when she heard a voice booming down the stairwell. “Where’s Barbara?” Stritch bellowed. She descended the staircase and gently grabbed Walsh by the face, quietly saying, “That was just wonderful.”

“It was such a magical moment, a moment I’ll never forget. We just won’t see anyone like her ever again.”

Now Walsh has several pairs of large shows to fill as she tackles the role of Carrie’s murderous mother. There were Piper Laurie and Julianne Moore on the big screen, and Barbara Cook, Betty Buckley and Marin Mazzie in earlier productions of the stage musical. Walsh did not see those other stage performances, but she does remember watching the famous Brian De Palma film for the first time as a teenager.

“I remember being absolutely terrified of Piper Laurie,” she says. “Her performance was simply amazing. Seeing her come down the stairs in her nightgown carrying that knife was delicious. … When you’re playing a role with this rich history, you just have to stay on track and tell the story. It’s an amazing story about a lot of fascinating things.”

For Walsh, the essence of the character is a mother who is terrified of letting her daughter go, rather than religious zealotry or sexual repression, although these elements are also important. The key to the role is deep maternal love.

“That helps me to tell her story in a more grounded way. It was important for me to play the humanity against the madness. I was also very interested in the role reversal between the mother and daughter. It is terrifying to Margaret when Carrie takes over. When Carrie unleashes her telekinetic powers at the end of act one, Margaret is suddenly in uncharted waters. That is very interesting to play.”

One of the most complicated moments for the tangled character is the haunting act two ballad, “When There’s No One.” It illuminates Margaret’s tortured decision to kill her daughter. Walsh says it’s “such a beautiful song, an unbearable life-shifting moment for Margaret that leads to her psychotic break.” She credits the creative team of Michael Gore (music), Dean Pitchford (lyrics) and Lawrence D. Cohen (book) for laying out the moment so well in the script and creating such a multi-layered song.

Despite the excellent writing, Walsh still says the song was a struggle.

“It’s not easy. It’s a very tricky shift and I’m still finding it in some ways.”

Before the song starts, Margaret watches Carrie cross the sage in her home-made prom dress. As Walsh watches Emily Zickler, she says, “a tiny smile that quickly goes away crosses my face. I don’t know if anyone notices, but for me, its Margaret’s last moment of humanity before the madness takes over. The song starts a cappella — that was my decision — because Margaret is super vulnerable in that moment. The song brings together all of Margaret’s conflicting emotions, that she needs to save Carrie’s soul, that she wants to stop her daughter from making the mistakes she made, her anger that Carrie will leave her for someone else, her fear that Carrie will be taunted again and her dread of the horrible loneliness she will feel when Carrie is gone.”

Born in Chevy Chase, the D.C. native calls New York home now, but has returned to the area to star in Studio’s 2008 production of “Grey Gardens” and in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” at Center Stage in Baltimore earlier this year. In addition to “Company,” Walsh’s Broadway credits include “Blood Brothers,” “Hairspray,” “Nine” and “Falsettos,” William Finn’s ground-breaking musical about AIDS. Walsh is thrilled to be back at Studio Theatre tackling this incredible role, but is looking forward to returning to her husband (Jack Cummings, artistic director of the Transport Group) and dog in Manhattan.

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Calendar

Calendar: July 24-30

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

4 hours ago

July 24, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, July 24

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts Trans Discussion Group from 7-9 p.m. via Zoom. The Trans Discussion Group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Saturday, July 25

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 will host Black Lesbian Support Group at 11 a,.m. Join the DC Center and the Beta Kappa Chapter of the Beta Phi Omega Sorority for a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black Lesbian. For more details, visit the Center’s website.

Sunday, July 26

“Nellie’s DC Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Nellie’s Sports Bar. Come get served like a queen by a queen. Join Sapphire Blue, Deja Diamond and their team of amazing drag performers for the most fun you’ll have all weekend. Tickets are $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, July 27

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host Queer Book Club at 6:30 p.m. This month’s selection is “Uncomfortable Labels” by Laura Kate Dale. The meeting will be held via Zoom.Email [email protected] for details.

Tuesday, July 28

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.

Wednesday, July 29

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, July 30

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. 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, breath work 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.

a&e features

Summer in D.C. brings sports, Restaurant Week, festivals, and more

Published

1 day ago

July 23, 2026

Evan Caplan

Washington Spirit CEO Kim Stone hosts Pride Night OUT on Sunday, Aug. 23. (Photo courtesy of Washington Spirit)

Summer in D.C. just hits different. Congress is out, school is out, the sun is out, thighs are out. With the skies clearing from Canadian smoke, here are a few ways to stay entertained.

Dining

Summer restaurant week: The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is once again hosting Summer Restaurant Week, Aug. 18-24. This weeklong dining experience showcases the dynamic dining scene of the DMV, including 2026 RAMMY Award-winning favorites (the annual D.C. food awards show that took place June 29). Participating restaurants will offer three-course brunch and lunch selections for $25 or $35 per person, and three-course dinners for $40, $55 and $65 per person.

New Restaurants: A handful of new spots have opened, so the summer is a great time to check them out:

Oribu: A new Mediterranean-Japanese restaurant in the Grand Hyatt hotel, which just underwent a remodeling effort. The sleek restaurant brings upscale charm, with dishes like Wagyu beef tartare with potato pavé and caviar.
The Oak Room: A snazzy old-school American grill has just opened in Georgetown, alongside its sister upstairs supper club (Bernadette’s) restaurant, in the old El Centro space.
Uchi: This showy Japanese sushi-forward chain has landed in Dupont with a chef’s tasting menu of favorites like fatty tuna.
Kathmandu: Recalling the capital of Nepal, this warm, buzzy subterranean restaurant right in the heart of U Street brings spice, flair, and rare ingredients to its dishes (see: buffalo burgers) and drinks.

Sports

Washington Spirit Pride Night OUT: On Sunday, Aug. 23, head to Audi Field for a massive, high-energy game following the exciting month of World Cup. The designated Pride Night OUT game promises boisterous crowds plus pre- and post-game community engagements.
Washington Tennis Open – Now called the Mubadala DC Open, this annual tournament is only combined mens’ and womens’ 500-level tennis tournament in the world. The open is one of D.C.’s longest-standing sports traditions, and will take place at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center July 25-Aug. 2. Naomi Osaka, Venus Williams, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and others are expected to play.

Festivals

Afro Plus Fest: This huge, three-day Afro-Caribbean Hip-Hop Festival brings together headliners Davido, Alkaline, and Wizkid, plus Tems and Ayra Starr. The event moves from RFK to the Northwest Stadium Complex for three days, Sept. 4-6.
Capital Fringe Festival: Running from July 11-21, this massive celebration features dozens of live theater, comedy, dance, and boundary-pushing nighttime performances across multiple DC neighborhoods.
The National Book Festival returns, with headliners like Cynthia Erivo, and Martin Scorsese. The one-day festival, Saturday, Aug. 22, brings together bookworms and word nerds under the theme “America 250: It’s Your Story.” There are talks, workshops, musical sessions and more.
All Things Go: A three-day festival Sept. 25-27 at Merriweather Post Pavilion featuring Mitski, Hayley Williams, Brandi Carlile, MUNA, Zara Larsson, Ethel Cain, and many, many more artists. There are single-day and three-day tickets. Featuring and highlighting female artists, the festival has turned into a must-see for many LGBTQ audience members.
Fuchsia Fest: The inaugural Fuchsia Fest is a new multi-day celebration created to celebrate LGBTQ community and expression, bringing together a mix of community gatherings, entertainment, and nightlife. The event takes place Sept. 18-20 and is hosted by Capital Pride.

Art and Music

United We Dance: A high-energy rave with house, techno, bass, and festival music, on Aug. 1 at the 9:30 Club.
The Fray. On Aug. 14, this American rock band famous for How To Save A Life is at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Kesha: Kesha’s high-energy The Freedom Tour comes to the D.C. area on Aug. 14 at Jiffy Lube Live.
ALOK: On Sept. 3 at Lincoln Theater, ALOK (they/them) performs. The poet, comedian, and actor is putting on a new comedy show.
2charm, the emerging Australian electronic club-pop duo popular with the queer community, which blends hyperpop and dance music, comes to the Atlantis.
Sapphic Dance Party: a vibrant, inclusive nightlife and social event designed specifically for queer women, lesbians, bisexuals, trans individuals, and nonbinary folks, at Atlantis on Aug. 21.
Jazz in the Garden: The most quintessential of D.C. activities returns Friday evenings through Aug. 14. This season’s theme, “American Sounds,” is a nod to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Tunes themes range from Appalachian and Americana to Creole jazz, Hill Country blues, contemporary jazz, and more. Tickets are available through a lottery system a week before each event.

a&e features

Tickets on sale for chef Patrick O’Connell’s book launch event

Sept. 18 kickoff to feature José Andrés, Tom Sietsema

Published

3 days ago

July 21, 2026

Kevin Naff

Acclaimed chef Patrick O’Connell is preparing to publish his new memoir, “Main, Middle & Gay” in September and he’s launching the book with an event on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at Lisner Auditorium featuring Chef José Andrés and former Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema.

Tickets for the event go on sale Tuesday, July 21 at Ticketmaster; prices start at $55.

O’Connell, who’s gay, is the pioneering Michelin-starred chef and longtime proprietor of the Inn at Little Washington. He spoke with the Blade about the September event and the launch of his first memoir.

“I’ve known [Andrés and Sietsema] for more than 25 years and I have great respect for them,” O’Connell said. “I felt that it would allow us to add a different dimension rather than just have an interviewer. The chemistry will be fun and lively and unpredictable and exciting. I think we’re all different personalities and we’ll compliment each other.”

O’Connell has published cookbooks but this is his first memoir. The event will feature a short film that will highlight his work and the Inn.

“What I hope to do with the event is bring the book to life visually,” he said. “So we’re producing a short film that will be part of it. Most of the audience will not have read the book so it’ll give them a visual flavor of the book. It parallels the evolution of American cuisine over 50 years. It’s a rare perspective to be in the trenches for that long.”

The book’s title refers to the location of the garage on the corner of Main, Middle, and Gay streets in Washington, Va., where he launched his restaurant that became an international culinary destination.

The Blade will publish the rest of its wide-ranging interview with O’Connell in September in conjunction with the book’s release.