Arts & Entertainment
Why ‘Rise’ rewrote real life gay drama teacher as straight
the real-life person is a closeted high school teacher


(Josh Radnor as Lou Mazzuchelli in ‘Rise.’ Screenshot via YouTube.)
NBC’s upcoming drama “Rise” is inspired by the true story of closeted high school teacher Lou Volpe but in the TV series, Lou will be straight.
“Rise” follows Lou Mazzuchelli (Josh Radnor), a high school teacher and straight family man, who chooses the sexual coming-of-age musical “Spring Awakening” for his first production at the school.
The series is inspired by the non-fiction book “Drama High: The Incredible True Story of a Brilliant Teacher, a Struggling Town and the Magic of Theater” by Michael Sokolove which explores the real life Lou’s teaching experiences while struggling with his sexuality.
According to Vulture, executive producer Jason Katims explained during the Television Critics Association press tour that he changed Lou’s sexuality to create an entirely new work.
“We took [the book] as an inspiration, and then I really felt like I needed to make it my own story,” Katims says. “With Lou’s family life and Lou’s family itself, there’s a lot of reimagination. Not just in terms of gay or straight, but in terms of the family structure.”
While the series is heavily inspired by “Drama High,” Katims says it’s a separate creative project.
His fellow executive producers Jeffrey Sellers, producer of the groundbreaking musical “Hamilton,” and Flody Suarez, producer of the upcoming musical “The Cher Show,” still plan on including LGBT issues on the show.
Katims was adamant at the Television Critics Association press tour that the show won’t “shy away from issues of sexuality.” A transgender student and a closeted gay teen are characters viewers can expect to see.
“I was inspired to tell the story of Michael [Ellie Desautels], this transgender character, and Simon [Ted Sutherland] who’s dealing with his sexuality and growing up in a very conservative religious family,” Katims says. “Those stories felt like they resonated with me as a storyteller, I wanted to lean into that.”
Showrunners have been in contact with GLAAD to ensure accurate representation of the LGBT characters.
“Rise” premieres on March 13 on NBC.

The first Loudoun Pride was held at Claude Moore Park in Sterling, Va. on Saturday, June 26.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)






















The 10th annual Frederick Pride was held at Carroll Creek Linear Park in Frederick, Md. on Saturday, June 25.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
















Out & About
Rayceen Pendarvis hosts District of Pride Showcase
Mayor’s Office celebrates resilience of D.C.’s LGBTQ community with night of entertainment

The Mayor’s Office for LGBTQ Affairs will host “The District of Pride Showcase” on Thursday, June 30 at 7 p.m. at Lincoln Theatre.
This event is to celebrate the resilience of D.C.’s LGBTQ community with a night of entertainment and performances that will feature the diverse queer talent.
This event will be hosted by Rayceen Pendarvis, with announcer Krylios, featuring DJ Honey. There will also be a performance by “Real Housewives of Potomac” star Candiace.
This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
-
South America7 days ago
Upwards of 4 million people attend São Paulo Pride parade
-
Theater7 days ago
‘Atemporal’ explores intersection of misdiagnosis, identity
-
The White House4 days ago
U.S. ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein ceremonially sworn in
-
News5 days ago
Gay doctor elected AMA president-elect
-
Arts & Entertainment6 days ago
Elon Musk’s trans daughter files for name change to cut ties with him
-
Europe5 days ago
Istanbul once again bans Pride march
-
Politics7 days ago
Caitlyn Jenner celebrates FINA ban on Trans swimmers on Twitter
-
District of Columbia5 days ago
One of two gay candidates wins primary for D.C. Council