Connect with us

a&e features

‘Messiah,’ ‘Nutcracker’ and gay fare among D.C.-area’s 2018 holiday shows

Gay Men’s Chorus, John Waters, several versions of ‘A Christmas Carol’ and more slated

Published

on

Holiday shows, gay news, Washington Blade

Craig Wallace as Scrooge and James Konicek as Marley in Ford Theatre’s ‘A Christmas Carol.’ (Photo by Scott Suchman; courtesy Ford’s)

Let the festivities begin! From drag queens to Queen Elizabeth I, there are fabulous holiday celebrations happening throughout the D.C. metro area this year.

“A Drag Queen Christmas: The Naughty Tour” comes to the Warner Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 18. Featuring contestants from “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” the evening includes holiday songs and fierce drag performances from the catwalk. Details can be found at warnertheatredc.com.

As part of the Smithsonian Ingenuity Festival (smithsonianmag.com/ingenuity), singer-songwriter Jewel will present her “Handmade Holiday Tour”at the Lincoln Theatre on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

The Lincoln Theatre will also host “The Holiday Show” by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington (gmcw.org/season-shows/the-holiday-show). Their annual holiday extravaganza returns with an all-new show, featuring dancing elves, falling snowflakes, soaring vocals and a special visit from Santa Claus. Performances run from Dec. 8-16 and some performances will include ASL interpretation.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington’s holiday show last year. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

From Dec. 14-23, the Folger Consort (folger.edu/folger-consort), the early music ensemble in residence at the Folger Shakespeare Library will present 12 concerts of “A Christmas Messe: A Banquet of Seasonal English Music.” In addition to seasonal English music from the 14th-17th centuries, celebrated D.C. actor Rick Foucheux will read scenes from a 1619 Christmas comedy.

The Folger Consort in concert. (Photo by Teresa Wood; courtesy Folger Shakespeare Library)

The Folger Shakespeare Library (folger.edu) will also celebrate the season with the annual Emily Dickinson Birthday Tribute. On Monday, Dec. 10, there will be a discussion of Dickinson’s poetry followed by a wine reception featuring slices of Dickinson’s famous black cake.  

Since 1983, the Washington Revels have held its annual “Christmas Revels” to celebrate the winter solstice and the “return of the sun.” Presided over by Queen Elizabeth I (Katrina Van Duyn), this year’s festivities will include performances by mummers and “rude mechanicals,” Morris dancing from the all-female Rock Creek Morris Women, performances of children’s singing games and dancing in the aisles for everyone. Performances run Dec. 8-16 at GW’s Lisner Auditorium. Details at revelsdc.org.

A scene from last year’s Christmas Revels show. (Photo courtesy Revels)

D.C. Different Drummers (dcdd.org) will hold their annual holiday concert on Sunday, Dec. 9 at the Church of the Redemption near Union Station.

On Dec. 1-2, the Smithsonian Holiday Film Festival will take place at the Smithsonian’s Warner Bros. Theatre. Screenings will include “A Christmas Story,” “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “Meet Me in St. Louis,” “Elf” and “Wonder Woman.” More information can be found at si.edu/theaters/holiday-film-festival.

Charles Dickens will of course be making his annual holiday appearance. For a maximalist approach to “A Christmas Carol,” head to Ford’s Theatre (fords.org) where award-winning D.C. actor Craig Wallace leads a large cast in a splendid retelling of the timeless tale.

From Dec. 15-31, the Keegan Theatre (keegantheatre.com) offers a non-traditional adaptation of the classic tale for the adults in the family. Set in modern Dublin, Matthew Keenan’s “An Irish Carol” is about a prosperous pub owner who is forced to reevaluate his life on Christmas Eve.

For a minimalist approach to the Yuletide classic, head to the Olney Theatre (olneytheatre.org) where company member Paul Morella will present his annual solo rendition of “A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas.”

Olney Theatre will also present the musical “Elf the Musical” through Jan. 6. Based on the hit Will Ferrell movie, the warm-hearted family musical tells the story of Buddy, a human accidentally transported to the North Pole as a baby.

In a somewhat jazzier mode, Arena Stage is offering gay composer Cole Porter’s effervescent musical “Anything Goes” this holiday season. Directed by Molly Smith and choreographed by Parker Esse, the madcap musical includes such classics as “Blow, Gabriel Blow,” “You’re the Top,” “I Get a Kick out of You” and the exhilarating title number.

Dragons (and imaginations) soar in Synetic Theatre’s wordless Family Theatre production of “My Father’s Dragon.” Based on the book by Ruth Stiles Gannett, the story centers on a young child and his cat companion as they try to rescue a captive baby dragon (synetictheater.org).

The staff at Wolf Trap says that “the best way to spread holiday cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Attendees at the “Annual Holiday Sing-A-Long”are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and a candle to participate in the traditional candlelit recessional during the last verse of “Silent Night” Admission is free and details can be found at wolftrap.org/tickets.

From Dec. 14-30, the Atlas Performing Arts Centre on H Street, NE (atlasarts.secure.force.com/ticket) will present Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show. This contemporary holiday tradition features percussive beats, friendly, furry characters, pre-show instrument-making workshops and a dance party hosted by DJ Frosty the Snowman.

From free shows on the Millennium Stage to a diverse array of concerts and shows in several theaters, every corner of the Kennedy Center will be filled with holiday cheer this season. This year’s schedule includes “Love, Factually,” the Second City’s farcical take on the beloved holiday film (Dec. 4-31); NSO Pop’s “A Holiday Pops! Under the Mistletoe with special guest Ashley Brown (who played Mary Poppins on Broadway) (Dec. 14-14); and “The Nutcracker” performed by Utah’s Ballet West (Dec. 5-9).

From Dec. 14-16, the Kennedy Center will also host the Washington National Opera’s annual Family Holiday Opera “The Lion, the Unicorn and Me” based on the book by lesbian author Jeanette Winterson and directed by Francesca Zambello, the out artistic director of the WNO. From Dec. 20-23, the National Symphony Orchestra will present the perennial audience favorite Handel’s “Messiah.” The popular “Sing-Along Messiah” will take place Dec. 23. Free general admission tickets will be distributed starting at 4:30 p.m. the day of the event.

For a full list of holiday events at the Kennedy Center, go to kennedy-center.org.

Fans of “The Nutcracker” can also see the beloved holiday ballet at other venues throughout the area. The Washington Ballet will present “Septime Weber’s The Nutcracker” at THEARC Theatre Nov. 24-25 and at the Warner Theatre Nov. 29-Dec. 28. Set in Georgetown in 1882, the cast includes George Washington, King George III and other historical characters. More information on the 15th anniversary production can be found at washingtonballet.org.

The Strathmore in Bethesda, Md., is presenting two versions of “The Nutcracker.” Featuring authentic Russian costumes and hand-painted sets, the “Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker” (Dec. 16-17) returns the dance to its European roots. With digital scenery and an on-stage DJ, “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” (Dec. 18-19) offers a contemporary take on the classic tale. For other holiday programming at the Strathmore, head to strathmore.org.

Seasonal programming at the legendary Birchmere in Alexandria, Va., (birchmere.com) includes concerts by Melissa Etheridge (Nov. 26-28), Sara Evans (Dec. 8), Judy Collins (Dec. 18-19), John Waters (Dec. 20) and Maysa (Dec. 22).

With beautiful holiday decorations augmenting the legendary stained-glass windows, the Washington National Cathedral (cathedral.org)  is a splendid place to celebrate the holiday season. On Dec. 7-9, the Cathedral Choir will sing Handel’s “Messiah,” and on Dec. 8, the chorus will present a special family edition of the “Messiah.” This shortened version of this iconic work focuses on the birth of Jesus and continues the story of his death and resurrection through selected arias and choruses, ending with the famous “Hallelujah Chorus.”

Dance Place in the Brookland neighborhood (danceplace.org) will hold a Kwanzaa Celebration Dec. 15-16. Led by director Sylvia Soumah, the communal event will celebrate the seven principles of the holiday.

On Dec. 28, the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum (anacostia.si.edu) will host an interactive introduction to Kwanzaa with Baba Ras D and the LeSole Dance Project. The audience participatory program includes dancers, singers, music, colorful costumes and lively characters designed for young children and adults alike.

If you’re gorged out on holiday fare and want something different, The Washington Stage Guild presents the world premiere of “All Save One” by local playwright Greg Jones Ellis Nov. 15-Dec. 9. Set in 1950s Hollywood, it’s a witty dramedy that depicts what goes on behind closed doors when a world-famous writer, his actress wife and longtime “secretary” arrive in England only to have their comfortable household disrupted by the arrival of a handsome young priest and a film producer. It’s at The Undercroft Theatre of Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church (900 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.). E-mail [email protected] for details.

Advertisement
FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM
SIGN UP FOR E-BLAST

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

Published

on

(Book cover image courtesy of FSG)

‘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.

Continue Reading

a&e features

Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C

Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement

Published

on

Gay Pride Day 1976 (Washington Blade archive photo)

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.

D.C.’s Different Drummers march in the 2006 Capital Pride Parade. (Washington Blade archive photo by Adam Cuthbert)

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 1995 Lesbian and Gay Freedom Festival was held on Freedom Plaza on June 18. (Washington Blade archive photo by Clint Steib)

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.

The D.C. Black Gay Men & Women’s Community Conference table at Gay Pride Day in 1978. (Washington Blade archive photo by Jim Marks)
A scene from 1985 Gay and Lesbian Pride Day. (Washington Blade archive photo by Doug Hinckle)
A scene from the 1988 Gay and Lesbian Pride Day. (Washington Blade archive photo by Doug Hinckle)
A scene from the Capital Pride Block Party in 2018. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)
Keke Palmer performs at the 2024 Capital Pride Festival. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Continue Reading

a&e features

In stressful times, escape to Rehoboth Beach

Here’s what’s new in D.C.’s favorite beach town for 2025

Published

on

Rehoboth Beach is ready to welcome visitors for the 2025 season. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

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, Loris Oy Vey! Café, and tryher famous chicken salad.

There’s something for everyone at the beach, from walking the boardwalk and eating Thrashers 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. 

Magnolia Applebottom performs at Freddie’s Beach Bar in Rehoboth Beach, Del. on May 12. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

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 Gidgets 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, Diegos 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. 

(Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)
Continue Reading

Popular