a&e features
Check out these holiday shows in D.C.
Renee Fleming, ‘Nutcracker’ and more coming to area stages


The National Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale will perform ‘The Messiah’ at the Strathmore Dec. 17-18. (Photo by Don Lassell; courtesy National Philharmonic)
There will be lots of chances to get in the holiday spirit in the coming weeks. Here are some you may want to check out.
The National Philharmonic Singers under the direction of conductors Stan Engebretson and Victoria Gau will present a holiday concert on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church (107 S. Washington Street) in Rockville. Stanford’s “Magnificat in G Major” and famous Renaissance motets “In Dulci Jubilo” and “Resonent in Laudibus” will be performed along with popular carols and a sing-along. It’s free but donations will be accepted. Details at christchurchrockville.org.
The National Philharmonic will also perform the “Messiah” at the Strathmore Dec. 17-18 with a nearly 200-voice choir. Tickets start at $28. Details at nationalphilharmonic.org.
Olney Theatre Company presents “A Christmas Carol: a Ghost Story of Christmas Past” by Charles Dickens performed as a one-man-show by Paul Morella Nov. 25-Dec. 31 at its Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab (2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, Md.). Tickets range from $20-40. Details at olneytheatre.org.

Paul Morella as Scrooge in the one-man show ‘A Christmas Carol; a Ghost Story of Christmas Past’ at Olney Theatre Company. (Photo courtesy Olney)
The Washington Revels present “The Christmas Revels: a Nordic Celebration of the Winter Solstice in Music, Dance & Drama” Dec. 10-18 at the GW Lisner Auditorium (730 21st St., N.W.). The performance will include Nordic winter traditions from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden performed by a cast of more than 100 ages 8-85. Tickets range from $12-60. Visit revelsdc.org for details.
The Washington Chorus under the direction of Julian Wachner will perform “A Candlelight Christmas” Dec. 11-22 at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall (2700 F St., N.W.) and on Monday, Dec. 19 at the Music Center at Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, Md.). The show features brass, organ, sing-alongs, major choral works such as “The Dream Isaiah Saw” and the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Tickets range from $18-72. Details at thewashingtonchorus.org.
Country diva Lorrie Morgan brings her “Enchanted Christmas” tour to the Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Va.) on Sunday, Dec. 18. Tickets are $45. Details at birchmere.com.
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has several holiday-themed performances coming up including Handel’s “Messiah” Dec. 2-4, “Family Concert: the Snowman” on Dec. 3, “Swingin’ Nutcracker a la Ellington featuring Step Afrika!” Dec. 8-11, “Music Box: Snowflakes on Parade” Dec. 10, a screening of “It’s a Wonderful Life” in which the score will be performed live on Dec. 15-16, “Holiday Pops with Storm Large” Dec. 17-18 and more. The BSO performs at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall (1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore) and at the Music Center at Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, Md.). Ticket prices vary. Details at bsomusic.org.

Members of the local dance company Step Afrika! perform ‘A Swingin’ Nutracker a la Ellington,’ which will be performed Dec. 8-11 at the Strathmore in North Bethesda, Md., and the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore. (Photo courtesy Weinbergharris & Associates)
Drag outfit the Kinsey Sicks perform their show “Oy Vey in a Manger” at Theater J (1529 16th St., N.W.) Dec. 20-28. Tickets are $19-52. Details at theaterj.org.
“Jewmongous,” a comedy-song concert featuring Jewish hipster comedy created and performed by Sean Altman, will be performed on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 8:30 p.m. at BlackRock Center for the Arts (12901 Town Commons Dr., Germantown, Md.). Tickets are $17-25. Details at blackrockcenter.org.
“Kwanzaa Celebration” will be held Dec. 17-18 at Dance Place (3225 8th St., N.E.) featuring the Coyaba Dance Theater under the direction of Sylvia Stoumah. Tickets are $15-30. Details at danceplace.org.
Kwanzaa celebrations for each day will be held at the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort P., S.E.) Dec. 27-Jan. 1 with Culture Queen (Jessica Smith) offering music, movement and storytelling for all ages. It’s free each day at 11 a.m. Details at anacostia.si.edu.
Hot 99.5’s “Jingle Ball 2016” will be held Monday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Verizon Center (601 F St., N.W.) featuring Meghan Trainor, the Chainsmokers, G-Eazy, Fifth Harmony, Diplo, Ellie Goulding and more. It’s sold out but last-minute tickets may be available on Stubhub.
If you’re up for a New York visit, Cyndi Lauper and friends present their annual “Home for the Holidays” benefit concert on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. at the Beacon Theatre (2124 Broadway) in New York. Lauper’s guests include Aloe Blacc, Ballets with a Twist, Big Thief, Billy Corgan and more in a holiday-themed benefit concert for the True Colors Fund, an LGBT youth charity. Tickets range from $50-150. Details at ticketmaster.com.
Creative Cauldron presents “A Christmas Carol Memory,” a world premiere re-imagining of the Dickens classic featuring puppets, Dec. 1-20 at ArtSpace Falls Church (410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church, Va.). Tickets are $15-30. Details at creativecauldron.org.
Saxophonist Dave Koz brings his Christmas Tour 2016 to the National Theatre (1301 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) on Saturday, Dec. 3 with guests Jonathan Butler, Valerie Simpson and Kenny Lattimore. Tickets are $68-98. Details at davekoz.com.

Out saxophonist Dave Koz returns to the region again this year with his annual Christmas tour. He plays the National on Saturday, Dec. 3. (Photo by Bryan Sheffield)
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington presents its annual Christmas show “Naughty and Nice” Dec. 10, 17 and 18 at the Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St., NW.). This year’s show features songs such as “Sleigh Ride,” “Merry Christmas, I Win,” “Snow,” “Text Me Merry Christmas” and more. Tickets range from $25-65. Details at gmcw.org.
The New Wave Singers of Baltimore, an LGBT chorus under the direction of Adam P. Koch, will perform their annual holiday show “Holiday Memories” Dec. 10-11 at Immanuel Church of Christ (1905 Edmonson Ave., Catonsville, Md.). Admission is free. Details at newwavesingers.org.
Contemporary gospel legends Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith bring their show “Christmas” with a full symphony orchestra and guest star Jordan Smith of “The Voice” to Royal Farms Arena (201 W. Baltimore St.) in Baltimore on Sunday, Dec. 18. Tickets range from $36.50-147. Details at ticketmaster.com.
Pope of Trash John Waters brings his show “A John Waters Christmas” to the Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria) again this year on Tuesday, Dec. 20. Tickets are $49.50. Details at birchmere.com.
The Rockville Civic Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” Dec. 3-11 at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre (603 Edmonston Dr., Rockville, Md.). Tickets are $17. Details at fscottfitzgerald.showare.com.
The Hope Garden Children’s Ballet presents “A Christmas Carol” at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre (603 Edmonton Dr., Rockville, Md.) on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 1:30 and 6 p.m. Details at hgcbt.org.
The Swingles, a UK-based a cappella group, will perform their show “Yule Songs” at the Barnes at Wolf Trap (1635 Trap Road, Vienna, Va.) on Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $38. Details at wolftrap.org.
Wolf Trap’s annual Holiday Sing-A-Long with the United States Marine Band and members of several local choirs, will be held at the Filene Center (1551 Trap Road, Vienna, Va.) on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. It’s free and gates for the lawn and in-house seating open at 3. New unwrapped toys will be accepted for Toys for Tots at the Filene Center entrance. Donations are optional. Bring a candle and a bell to participate in various parts of the show. Details at wolftrap.org.

The Holiday Sing-A-Long is an annual tradition at Wolf Trap. Bundle up if you go — it’s held at the Filene Center (Wolf Trap’s massive shed) on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. (Photo courtesy Wolf Trap)
The Boston Brass will perform “Christmas Bells are Swingin’!” at the Barns at Wolf Trap (1635 Trap Road, Vienna, Va.) on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $38. Details at wolftrap.org.
Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C.’s largest mostly LGBT church, has its annual Christmas concert on Friday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. at the church (474 Ridge St., N.W.). The MCC choir under the direction of Tyrone Stanley will perform along with guests. It’s free but reservations are encouraged. Reserve a free ticket by e-mailing the church office at [email protected].
“A Christmas Carol” will be performed at Ford’s Theatre (511 10th St., N.W.) through Dec. 31 with Craig Wallace as Scrooge. Tickets are $22-92. Details at fords.org.
Congressional Chorus will perform “Holiday Cheers: a Musical Champagne Evening for Grownups” on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 8:30 p.m. at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St., N.E.). Tickets are $40. Details at congressionalchorus.org.
Congressional Chorus, the American Youth Chorus and the Capital City Symphony will perform “Holiday Sing-a-Long: an Annual H Street Tradition for the Whole Family” on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4:30 and 7 p.m. at Atlas Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $12.50 but get them now — both shows invariably sell out. Details at congressionalchorus.org.
The Kennedy Center has several holiday-themed events planned.
The Cincinnati Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” Nov. 23-27 at the Kennedy Center Opera House (2700 F St., N.W.). Renee Fleming will perform “Voices: a Merry Little Christmas” with Megan Hilty Dec. 8-9 in the Kennedy Center Family Theater. The National Symphony Orchestra will perform Handel’s “Messiah” Dec. 15-18 in the Concert Hall. The NSO Pops will perform “A Holiday Pops” featuring Laura Osnes and Santino Fontana Dec. 9-10 in the Concert Hall. NPR’s “A Jazz Piano Christmas” will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10 in the Family Theater. The Second City will perform “Twist Your Dickens” Dec. 9-31 in the Theater Lab. Sherrie Maricle and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra will perform “Ella Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas” Dec. 16-17 in the KC Jazz Club. A “Messiah” sing-a-long will be held Dec. 23 in the Concert Hall at 6 p.m.
Ticket prices vary. Full details on this and all Kennedy Center shows at kennedy-center.org.
a&e features
James Baldwin bio shows how much of his life is revealed in his work
‘A Love Story’ is first major book on acclaimed author’s life in 30 years

‘Baldwin: A Love Story’
By Nicholas Boggs
c.2025, FSG
$35/704 pages
“Baldwin: A Love Story” is a sympathetic biography, the first major one in 30 years, of acclaimed Black gay writer James Baldwin. Drawing on Baldwin’s fiction, essays, and letters, Nicolas Boggs, a white writer who rediscovered and co-edited a new edition of a long-lost Baldwin book, explores Baldwin’s life and work through focusing on his lovers, mentors, and inspirations.
The book begins with a quick look at Baldwin’s childhood in Harlem, and his difficult relationship with his religious, angry stepfather. Baldwin’s experience with Orilla Miller, a white teacher who encouraged the boy’s writing and took him to plays and movies, even against his father’s wishes, helped shape his life and tempered his feelings toward white people. When Baldwin later joined a church and became a child preacher, though, he felt conflicted between academic success and religious demands, even denouncing Miller at one point. In a fascinating late essay, Baldwin also described his teenage sexual relationship with a mobster, who showed him off in public.
Baldwin’s romantic life was complicated, as he preferred men who were not outwardly gay. Indeed, many would marry women and have children while also involved with Baldwin. Still, they would often remain friends and enabled Baldwin’s work. Lucien Happersberger, who met Baldwin while both were living in Paris, sent him to a Swiss village, where he wrote his first novel, “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” as well as an essay, “Stranger in the Village,” about the oddness of being the first Black person many villagers had ever seen. Baldwin met Turkish actor Engin Cezzar in New York at the Actors’ Studio; Baldwin later spent time in Istanbul with Cezzar and his wife, finishing “Another Country” and directing a controversial play about Turkish prisoners that depicted sexuality and gender.
Baldwin collaborated with French artist Yoran Cazac on a children’s book, which later vanished. Boggs writes of his excitement about coming across this book while a student at Yale and how he later interviewed Cazac and his wife while also republishing the book. Baldwin also had many tumultuous sexual relationships with young men whom he tried to mentor and shape, most of which led to drama and despair.
The book carefully examines Baldwin’s development as a writer. “Go Tell It on the Mountain” draws heavily on his early life, giving subtle signs of the main character John’s sexuality, while “Giovanni’s Room” bravely and openly shows a homosexual relationship, highly controversial at the time. “If Beale Street Could Talk” features a woman as its main character and narrator, the first time Baldwin wrote fully through a woman’s perspective. His essays feel deeply personal, even if they do not reveal everything; Lucian is the unnamed visiting friend in one who the police briefly detained along with Baldwin. He found New York too distracting to write, spending his time there with friends and family or on business. He was close friends with modernist painter Beauford Delaney, also gay, who helped Baldwin see that a Black man could thrive as an artist. Delaney would later move to France, staying near Baldwin’s home.
An epilogue has Boggs writing about encountering Baldwin’s work as one of the few white students in a majority-Black school. It helpfully reminds us that Baldwin connects to all who feel different, no matter their race, sexuality, gender, or class. A well-written, easy-flowing biography, with many excerpts from Baldwin’s writing, it shows how much of his life is revealed in his work. Let’s hope it encourages reading the work, either again or for the first time.
a&e features
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.

The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.

The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.





a&e features
In stressful times, escape to Rehoboth Beach
Here’s what’s new in D.C.’s favorite beach town for 2025

At last, after an uncharacteristically cold and snowy winter, another Rehoboth Beach season is upon us. I have been going to Rehoboth Beach since 1984, and it was the first place I went where people only knew me as a gay man. It was the year I came out. It was a summer community back then. Today it really is an exciting year-round community. But it’s still the summer season when Rehoboth shines, and when the businesses make most of their money.
The summer brings out tens of thousands of tourists, from day-trippers, to those with second homes at the beach. Everyone comes to the beach for the sun and sand, food, and drink. Some like to relax, others to party, and you can do both in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Stop by CAMP Rehoboth, the LGBTQ community center on Baltimore Avenue, to get the latest updates on what is happening. CAMP sponsors Sunfestival each Labor Day weekend, and a huge block party on Baltimore Avenue in October. They train the Rehoboth Beach police on how to work with the LGBTQ community, and have all kinds of special and regularly scheduled events. Pick up a copy of their publication, Letters, which is distributed around town.
I asked Kim Leisey, CAMP’s executive director, for her thoughts, and she said, “CAMP Rehoboth looks forward to welcoming our friends and visitors to Rehoboth Beach. We are a safe space for our community and will be sponsoring social opportunities, art receptions, concerts, and art exhibits, throughout the summer. If you are planning a wedding, shower, reception, or business meeting, our beautiful atrium is available for rental. We look forward to a summer of solidarity and fun.” While at CAMP stop in the courtyard at a favorite place of mine, Lori’s Oy Vey! Café, and tryher famous chicken salad.
There’s something for everyone at the beach, from walking the boardwalk and eating Thrasher’s fries, to visiting Funland, or playing a game of miniature golf. Or head to some of the world-class restaurants like Drift, Eden, Blue Moon, or Back Porch.
Some random bits on the summer 2025 season. Prices are going up like everywhere else. Your parking meter will cost you $4 an hour. Meters are in effect May 15-Sept. 15. Parking permits for all the non-metered spaces in town are also expensive. Transferable permits are $365,non-transferable $295, or after Aug. 1 if you only come for the end of summer, it’s $165. Detailed information is available on the town’s website.
Rehoboth lost one of its best restaurant this off-season, JAM, but Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant is open for its fourth season. Owner Freddie Lutz told the Blade, “We are looking forward to a fabulous season. Freddie’s has a dance floor and is the only music video bar in town.” There is also live entertainment, karaoke, and Freddie’s Follies drag show Friday nights.

My favorite happy hour bar is Aqua Grill, which has reopened for the season. I recommend taking advantage of their great Tuesday Taco night, and Thursday burger night. Then there is The Pines and Top of the Pines. Bob Suppies of Second Block Hospitality told me, “Come, relax, and play. We are ready! I have been spending summers here since the mid-90’s, and Rehoboth Beach seems to age like a fine wine. Between the new, and favorite restaurants opening back up, the shops bursting with incredible finds, and all the great LGBTQ+ bars to entertain everyone, nowhere beats the Delaware beaches this summer.”
Head down the block on Baltimore Avenue and you get to La Fable restaurant. Go all the way to the beach and you will see the new lifeguard station, which is slated to open later this month. Also, demolition of the old hotel and north boardwalk Grotto Pizza has happened. The site will become a new four-story, 60-room hotel, with ground level retail space.
Then join me at my favorite morning place at the beach, The Coffee Mill, in the mews between Rehoboth and Baltimore Avenues, open every morning at 7 a.m. Owners Mel and Bob also have the Mill Creamery, the ice cream parlor in the mews, and Brashhh! on 1st street, where Mel sells his own clothing line, called FEARLESS! Then there is the ever-popular Purple Parrot, celebrating its 26th year, now with new owners Tyler Townsend and Drew Mitchell, who welcome you to their iconic place. It has only gotten better. If you head farther down Rehoboth Avenue you will find the Summer House with its upscale Libation Room, and a nice garden looking out on Rehoboth Avenue. Also on Rehoboth Avenue is Gidget’s Gadgets owned by the fabulous Steve Fallon. With the renewed interest in vinyl records you may want to stop in at Extended Play.
Then there is the always busy and fun, Diego’s Bar and Nightclub. Joe Zuber of Diego’s told the Blade, “Get ready for a great gay ole time in Rehoboth Beach. Plenty of entertainment, dancing and fun as we seem to be the next Stonewall generation with this newest administration. Each election brings its concerns about how our gay community will be affected. Come to Rehoboth Beach to escape this summer season!”
If you are in town for Sunday happy hour, make sure to stop there to hear the talented Pamala Stanley who is celebrating her 20th season entertaining in Rehoboth.And on Mondays, Stanley plays Broadway and other classics on the piano at Diego’s.
If you are looking for culture Rehoboth has some of that as well. There is the Clear Space Theatre on Baltimore Avenue. Rumors abound that Clear Space will move out of town. But I can’t believe the commissioners and mayor would be dumb enough to let that happen. This year’s shows include “Spring Awakening,” “Buyer + Cellar,” “Hairspray,” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” and “RENT.”Tickets sell fast so I suggest you book early and they are available online. Then mark your calendars for Saturday, July 19 for Rehoboth Beach Pride 2025 at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the other fine restaurants and clubs in town. Just a reminder, during season you often need dinner reservations. Come to the beach often enough, and you can try them all: Café Azafran, Dos Locos, Goolee’s Grille, Rigby’s, Frank and Louie’s, Above the Dunes, Mariachi, and Henlopen City Oyster House, and Red, White & Basil. And take a short drive to Dewey for breakfast or lunch at the Starboard; popular bartender Doug Moore (winner of the Blade’s Best Rehoboth-Area Bartender 2024 award) holds court at one of the inside bars, which has become a de facto gay bar on Saturdays.
One major development in the local dining scene last summer was the purchase of the Big Fish Restaurant Group by Baltimore-based Atlas Restaurant Group. Nearly a year later, not much has changed at the many Big Fish restaurants, although many locals are hoping for a renovation of Obie’s along with a gay night at the ocean-front bar/restaurant.
These are only a few of the fantastic places to eat and drink at the beach. Remember, book your reservations for hotels and restaurants, early. Rehoboth is a happening place and gets very busy.
We are living in stressful times. A visit to Rehoboth is a nice way to escape them for a while. Take the time to destress, enjoy the sun and sand. Take a stroll on the boardwalk and listen to the sound of the ocean, and people having fun. Enjoy good times, good food, good friends, and remember that life can still be good. Recharge your batteries for the rest of the year, by enjoying some summer fun in Rehoboth Beach.

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