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SPRING ARTS 2016: TV

‘O’Neals’ finds humor in coming-out journey

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gay tv shows, gay news, Washington Blade
gay tv shows, gay news, Washington Blade

Noah Galvin, center, stars in ‘The Real O’Neals,’ a new gay-themed ABC sitcom. (Photo courtesy ABC)

Chelsea Handler’s documentary series dropped on Netflix Jan. 23. “Chelsea Does” has four 90-minute episodes that each address a different topic, including marriage, drugs, technology and race. In the marriage episode, Handler examines a broad spectrum of relationships, including gay partnerships, Vegas weddings and her own failed romances.

Shonda Rhimes continues to dominate Thursday night television on ABC with “Grey’s Anatomy” at 8 p.m., “Scandal” at 9 p.m., and “How To Get Away With Murder” at 10 p.m. Rhimes’ shows are known for their diverse casts and prominent LGBT actors, characters and plots.

The first season of “The Shannara Chronicles” ended March 1. The MTV fantasy drama is based on the Shannara series by Terry Brooks. Ivana Baquero, who is best known for playing Ofelia in Pan’s Labyrinth, stars as Eretria, who is bisexual.

Openly gay cast member Kate McKinnon continues to be one of the most memorable on Saturday Night Live,” which airs Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. on NBC. She took over the role of Hillary Clinton, once played by Amy Poehler. Ariana Grande will pull double duty as the host and musical guest on March 12.

Season eight of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” kicks off on March 7 on LOGO. Michelle Visage, Ross Matthews and Carson Kressley all return to the judge’s table.

YouTube star Tyler Oakley is a contestant in season 28 of “The Amazing Race,” which airs Fridays at 8 p.m. on CBS. Oakley and his teammate have consistently been finishing each leg of the race in the top two. Each team this season is made up of at least one internet celebrity, including popular YouTube, Vine and Instagram stars.

Rachel Bloom stars in “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” Mondays at 8 p.m. on the CW. The characters White Josh and Darryl Whitefeather are gay and bisexual, respectively. Bloom recently won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for her role in the musical comedy.

Ken Jeong stars in “Dr. Ken,” a sitcom inspired by Jeong’s experience as a doctor before becoming a stand-up comedian. Openly gay actor Jonathan Slavin plays a supporting role in the show, which airs Fridays at 8:30 p.m. on ABC.

Martha Plimpton stars in “The Real O’Neals,” airing Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. on ABC. Openly gay actor Noah Galvin plays Plimpton’s son, who reveals to his Catholic family that he is gay. The Family Research Council has called for a boycott of the series, which is produced by Dan Savage.

“Legends of Tomorrow” airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on the CW. Gay actors Victor Garber and Wentworth Miller star in the superhero show, which is a spinoff of “Arrow” and “The Flash.” The show includes the recurring “Arrow” character Sara Lance (Caity Lotz), who is bisexual.

Rob Lowe stars in “You, Me, and the Apocalypse,” which airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on NBC. Several interwoven storylines connect an ensemble cast who attempt to stop a world-ending asteroid from hitting earth. Two of the main characters are in a gay partnership. The British-American series originally aired in the UK last fall.

Daniel Franzese stars in “Recovery Road” on Freeform, the new name for ABC Family. The show follows a teenage girl going through rehab in a sober living facility. It airs Mondays at 9 p.m.

“Shadowhunters” airs on Freeform on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. This fantasy series is based on “The Mortal Instruments” by Cassandra Clare. Matthew Daddario and Harry Shum, Jr.’s characters are gay and bisexual, respectively.

Jennifer Lopez stars in “Shades of Blue,” who plays an NYPD detective caught up in an anti-corruption probe. The show airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. on NBC and was renewed for a second season.

“Empire” returns to Fox on Wednesday, March 30 at 9 p.m. Lee Daniels, who is openly gay, created the series, which includes several LGBT cast members and characters. A central conflict of the show is the tension between homophobic patriarch Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) and his gay son Jamal (Jussie Smollett, who is also gay).

“Live at 9:30 is an upcoming public access show, which will premiere in April. The music variety show will be filmed at the 9:30 Club and will feature performances by Tove Lo, Jess Glynne, Garbage and more.

Coming to Netflix:

Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright return to Netflix on March 4 in season four of “House of Cards.” Spacey plays the bisexual, Machiavellian president in the D.C.-based drama.

Season two of “Marvel’s Daredevil” drops on Netflix on March 18. Charlie Cox plays the title superhero, a blind vigilante who defends Hell’s Kitchen. Prominent LGBT ally Rosario Dawson plays a supporting role in the series.

Also entering its second season is “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” The Tina Fey-created series stars her “30 Rock” co-star Jane Krakowski and Titus Burgess. Netflix renewed the show for a third season.

Season two of “Grace and Frankie” premieres on Netflix on May 6. Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda star as two women who, despite decades of disliking each other, form a close friendship when their husbands (Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen) divorce them for each other.

In more renewal news, Netflix renewed “Orange Is the New Black” for three addition seasons beyond the upcoming fourth season, which premieres June 17. The series has been lauded for featuring a racially diverse cast and giving significant screen time to trans, lesbian and bisexual characters and actors.

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Calendar

Calendar: February 7-13

LGBTQ events in the days to come

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Friday, February 7

“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected]

Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at P.F. Changs. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, February 8

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.

“Fashion Freeway” will be at 11 a.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Guests will have the opportunity to check out the clothing closet. Clothes, shoes, accessories, and other items will be available. For more details, email [email protected]

Sunday, February 9

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Dinner” at 6:30 p.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. Guests are encouraged to come enjoy an evening of Italian-style dining and conversation with other LGBTQ folk. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Coffee and Conversation” at 12 p.m. at As You Are. This event is ideal for making meaningful new connections and informal community building. Or just to unwind and enjoy the group happy hour. Fabulous people from all over the world are expected. Nametags will be provided. This event is free to attend and more details are available on Eventbrite

Monday, February 10

“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” 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 details, email [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 11

Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group 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, email [email protected]

Trans Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide 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, email [email protected]

Wednesday, February 12

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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 13

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 with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.

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Nightlife

D.C.’s queer bars gear up for Valentine’s Day

Options for bears, singles, women, and more

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Join District Eagle this Valentine’s Day for Leather Lovers Gear Night. (Photo courtesy of the District Eagle)

Seeing red: it’s not just for ire toward the president’s Executive Orders. Next week is also Valentine’s Day. Your faithful gay bars and establishments are gearing up (in some cases, literally) for the holiday. Here is a list of just a few options for the LGBTQ+ set.

Crush

On Feb. 14, Crush debuts a new event, just in time for the holiday. Meet Grizzly, a monthly Bear Happy Hour. Running 5-10 p.m., Grizzly features not only discounted drinks ($4 draft, $8 pitcher, and a $9 Bear Crush), but food: there will be free hot dogs during the evening. Without skipping a beat, later that night is a Valentine’s Day Stop Light Party 10 p.m. with DJs. They’ll have green, yellow, or red stickers so your crush can see if you’re available. There’s no cover for either.

Bunker

This Valentine’s Day, Bunker is turning tradition on its head with F*CK CUPID, a high-energy celebration for those over the holiday hype. Whether you’re flying solo or just want to skip the clichés, enjoy an unforgettable night with a special performance by a to-be-announced local drag queen and a dynamic set by Miscalculated. With free entry for singles and just a $5 cover for couples, it’s the perfect chance to dance the night away without the romance-themed distractions.

District Eagle

Join District Eagle this Valentine’s Day for Leather Lovers Gear Night, an inclusive event for all members of the leather community. DJ Jason James will provide the beats throughout the night, and guests wearing gear can enjoy 10% off drinks until midnight. Whether you’re single, taken, or in a situationship, everyone is welcome to celebrate in a welcoming, gear-friendly environment.

Number Nine

Nine is also launching a new event, titled Single Mingle, a singles mixer, the event will rotate theme for differing tastes. This first event takes place on Feb. 13, 7-9 p.m., upstairs, for those interested in dating queer men. Tickets are $15 and include a complimentary first drink plus ice breakers. On Thursday, Feb. 27, along with DC Gay Girls+, Nine will host a Single Mingle event for those interested in dating in the Sapphic community.

Additionally, Uproar will host a “Cupid Undies” event on Feb. 13 with cocktail specials; Licht is offering a “Date Night” special that includes two cocktails, two glasses of Champagne, and a cheese board for $35; and gay-owned Wunder Garten’s event on Feb. 14 is apres-ski themed with drinks like Love Potion and Cupid’s Arrow.

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Theater

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with one of these three plays

‘Waitress,’ ‘Love Birds,’ ‘Fuenteovejuna’ offer differing takes on love

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MALINDA plays Jenna in ‘Waitress’ at Olney Theatre Center.

For theatergoers seeking to mark Valentine’s Day with live music, love, and friendship, the DMV offers some new spins on traditional themes. 

Poised to make its regional debut at Olney Theatre Center, Sara Bareilles’s hit musical “Waitress” (Feb.13-March 30) may not seem like a usual love story, but it’s a love story nonetheless. 

“It’s about learning to love and value yourself,” says MALINDA who plays Jenna, the show’s titular server/baker with aspirations to bake prize-winning pies and change her life. “It’s also about sisterhood. From the start, the women involved in the show decided to be there for each other onstage and off, and it shows. For anyone with girl group love in their lives, this is an especially good show to see.

“Jenna doesn’t get a lot of satisfaction out of her primary partnership. Along with self-love she explores the antithesis of that — partner violence. Our director [Marcia Milgrom Dodge] took the lesson of community support and community love to heart.”

Prior to coming out as bisexual in 2022, MALINDA considered herself more of a “quiet queer.” However, the inspiration derived from Irish music (“music of the oppressed”), which she’s famed for singing on TikTok, compelled her to go public. 

She didn’t always believe her queerness to be special: “For me,” MALINDA says, “it was like saying my eyes are hazel. There wasn’t much to celebrate. But then I realized there were missing voices in my community. Felt like the right thing to do, and it’s been one of the great blessings of my life.”

Six years ago, after her Helen Hayes Award-winning turn in “Once,” MALINDA took a break from musical theater. She needed time to age into dream parts, and one of those roles was Jenna. She recalls, “Going back to theater was prominently featured on my vision board, so when Marcia asked me to commit to ‘Waitress,’ I happily agreed.” 

For her, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to reach out and tell friends, family, and, of course, romantic partners, just how much you love them. 

And she adds “that’s exactly how I plan to celebrate.” 

D.C.’s delightful Holly Twyford is spending Valentine’s Day working at the Folger on Capitol Hill. She’ll be on stage, her wife will be in the audience, and depending on the length of the program, they’ll go out to dinner afterward.

For four performances, the multi-Helen Hayes award-winning actor is serving as narrator for “The Love Birds” (Feb. 14-16), a new Folger Consort work that blends medieval music with a world-premiere composition by acclaimed composer Juri Seo and readings from Geoffrey Chaucer’s “A Parlement of Foules” by Twyford. 

Standing behind a podium, she’ll read Chaucer’s words (translated from Middle English and backed by projected slides in the original language), alternating with music played on old and new instruments.  

“The new music is kind of dissonant with the sounds of birdcalls and nature sounds, painting a picture of what’s going on in Chaucer’s poem that’s beautiful and funny. Chaucer describes the male eagles pleading for the hand of the female eagle. Chaucer seems almost unwittingly feminist when he has the female eagle ask her eagle suitors to give her a year to think about it.”

GALA Hispanic Theatre in Columbia Heights presents “Fuenteovejuna” (through March 2), a timely production staged by out director José Luis Arelleno. Penned in 1613, this work from the Spanish Golden Age ranks among playwright Lope de Vega’s most performed plays.

It’s about tyranny and love, Arellano explains. Within Lope de Vega’s timely tale of brutish power lies an intense love story. In fact, at the top of the show, four characters, two males and two females play a game. What is love? One of the players asserts that love doesn’t exist, while the others disagree. It’s a charming way to kick off the play.

The celebrated director isn’t one to telegraph messages, preferring audiences think for themselves. That said, he does, of course, make strong directorial choices: “If I have to choose between love or war, it’s more important to talk about love. For me, it’s a revolution.” 

And apropos of a Valentine’s Day date, GALA’s production of “Fuenteovejuna” (performed in Spanish with English surtitles) is imbued with live music and verse, an important part of any romantic experience, adds David Peralto, the production’s poetry and verse consultant as well as Arellano’s longtime partner. 

The busy Spain-based couple will celebrate Valentine’s Day in Seville and couldn’t be happier. Arellano describes Seville as the most romantic city in the world.

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