Arts & Entertainment
Ellen Page visits Orlando victims in ‘Gaycation’ special
Emmy-nominated series revisits deadly tragedy
Ellen Page takes the Emmy-nominated, LGBT-themed Viceland show “Gaycation” to Orlando, Fla. to visit victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in a special episode airing Aug. 24 at 10 p.m.
In the episode, Page and co-host Ian Daniel speak with various individuals in the aftermath of the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. Stories include one man’s firsthand account of the tragedy and another man’s mixed emotions as he attends a funeral for friends he lost and celebrates a wedding all in one day.
“Gaycation” chronicles the different stories and experiences of LGBT-identifying people all over the world. The show’s second season airs on Sept. 7.
President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden and activist Jeanne White-Ginder spoke at a commemoration of World AIDS Day at the White House on Sunday, Dec. 1. Panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt were displayed on the South Lawn for the first time in U.S. history.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
In need of a little cheer? Fortunately, thereās a fix. The DMV boasts a wealth of holiday-themed theater, music, and dance guaranteed to lift spirits and warm hearts. Hereās a sliver of whatās out there.
Arena Stage invites audiences āto step back into the holiday spirit with the joyful return of āStep Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Showā (Dec. 13-22) where the rich tradition of African-American stepping blends with the magic of the season.ā DJ Nutcracker and his Arctic friends promise to amplify the festive atmosphere. Arenastage.orgĀ
Looking for a new way to experience a Christmas favorite? With the Kennedy Centerās āElf in Concert: Film with Live Orchestraā (through Dec. 1), you can relive the endearing comedy on a giant screen as every note of John Debneyās wonderful score is played live by the National Symphony Orchestra.
Another Kennedy Center holiday treat is āFinnā (through Dec. 22). From Chris Nee, the out creator of TVās āDoc McStuffinsā and āVampirina,ā āFinnā is filled with vibrant sea creatures and catchy tunes. Hilarious and heartening, this world premiere musical chronicles the coming-of-age journey of a young shark following his dreams. Kennedy-center.orgĀ
For those in search of yuletide camaraderie and keyboards, thereās the National Cathedral Christmas Day Organ Recital (Dec. 25), a tradition featuring festive music performed (at the Cathedral) by Cathedral organist Thomas Sheehan, and organ scholar Ariana Corbin. Tickets not required. Livestream available.Ā Nationalcathedral.org
At Baltimore Center Stage, ArtsCentricās production of āBlack Nativityā (Nov. 30-December 22) uses a fusion of blues, soul, jazz, spirituals, dance, and the powerful words of gay poet Langston Hughes, to tell the Christmas story through a wide-ranging African-American lens. Centerstage.org
For one night only, the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda presents āA Swinginā Little Christmas!ā (Dec. 4), a nostalgic, Christmas kitsch cabaret featuring out TV star Jane Lynch (āGlee,ā āThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), alongside Kate Flannery (āThe Officeā), Tim Davis (āGleeās” vocal arranger), and The Tony Guerrero Quintet.
The following night, Dave Koz and Friends celebrate the 27th anniversary edition of the longest running jazz-based Christmas tour at Strathmore on Dec. 5. Koz, a longtime out musician (primarily sax), has released eight holiday albums, including his most recent, āChristmas Ballads.ā Strathmore.org
Round House Theatre presents the world premiere of āA Hannukah Carolā (through Dec. 29). The family-friendly musical comedy tells the story of millennial influencer Chava Kanipshin who in pursuit of more followers, shuns family, friends, and holiday traditions. But on the first night of Hanukkah, Chava is visited by the ghost of deceased social media star Mimi Marley and other spirits who warn her to change her ways ā or live to regret it. Roundhousetheatre.org.Ā
Historic Fordās Theatre again presents āA Christmas Carolā (through Dec. 31), a popular Washington tradition for decades. Conceived by Michael Baron, this dynamically staged take on the Dickensā classic features Craig Wallace as the miserly Scrooge who after a night of ghostly visits, rediscovers Christmas joy. In case you havenāt seen it, do. Fords.orgĀ
At Olney Theatre, award-winning out actor Michael Russotto is stepping into the shoes of Paul Morella to star in this year’s edition of Morella’s celebrated solo adaptation of āA Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmasā (Dec. 29). Russotto portrays more than 50 characters, from the miserly Scrooge to the haunting spirits, to the entire Cratchit family, including, of course, Tiny Tim. Olneytheatre.org
The adage that music can transport you to another time with just a couple of notes proves true at the Folger Library where Folger Consort, the estimable early music ensemble-in-residence, marvelously upholds a glorious Washington holiday tradition with āA Mass for Christmas Eve: Baroque Music for the Seasonā (Dec. 6-15). Folger.eduĀ
In Falls Church, Creative Cauldron presents āMadelineās Christmasā (Dec. 6-22), a charming show based on the classic book by author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans. Itās Christmas Eve and taking care of 11 flu infected little girls and Miss Clavel isnāt easy, but when Madeline finds help from a magical rug merchant, all thatās miserable is brushed away, and the girls embark on an unforgettable Christmas journey. Matt Conner directs. Creativecauldron.org
The Washington Balletās āThe Nutcrackerā at the glittering, gilded Warner Theatre (through Dec. 30). Featuring Tchaikovskyās instantly familiar music and splendid choreography by Septime Weber, this Georgetown circa 1882-set production features historical figures ranging from George Washington to King George III, along with the usual suspects like children, rats, fairies, and a mysterious godfather. Washingtonballet.org
The Gay Menās Chorus of Washington is back with its annual holiday extravaganza āThe Holiday Showā (Dec. 4, 14, and 15) at Lincoln Theatre. This yearās uplifting lineup includes eclectic songs with exciting rhythms and beautiful harmonies, and features the high-kicking, bedazzled 17th Street Dance as well as small ensembles and the GenOUT Youth Chorus! Songs include āSee Amid the Winterās Snow,ā āFeliz Navidad,ā āLove is Christmas,ā and āSilent Night.ā Gmcw.org
Capital Pride/World Pride will host Rainbow Masquerade at Hook Hall, a New Yearās Eve party featuring drag shows, silk aerial acts, private lounges and the venueās Hot Tub Cabana. According to Brandon Bayton, Capital Pride executive producer, “Step into the Fabric of Freedom and toast World Pride 2025 in styleāwhere every moment sparkles, every performance dazzles and every toast makes a difference. It’s going to be an amazing night!”
The party is Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Hook Hall, 3400 Georgia Ave., N.W. Proceeds benefit Capital Pride D.C. and tickets are available on Eventbrite.