Arts & Entertainment
Rami Malek claims he ‘was not aware’ of Singer allegations before ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’
The gay director faced multiple sexual misconduct lawsuits


Rami Malek says he “wasn’t aware” of the sexual misconduct allegations against gay director Bryan Singer before he signed on to the Queen biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times about his Oscar nomination for Best Actor, Malek claims that “as far as” he knew he was in consideration for the role before Singer was chosen to direct the project.
“As far as I knew, I was considered before Bryan was even attached. So I had my head down preparing for this for about a year ahead of time, and I never really looked up. I didn’t know much about Bryan. I think that the allegations and things were, believe it or not, honestly something I was not aware of, and that is what it is. Who knows what happens with that … but I think somehow we found a way to persevere through everything that was thrown our way,” Malek says.
Singer eventually was fired from the film for failing to report to set which Singer says was due to caring for his sick mother. He was replaced by Dexter Fletcher. Despite Singer’s removal from the project, he is still listed as the film’s director. “Bohemian Rhapsody” has since been nominated for five Oscars including Best Picture.
At the time of filming, Singer faced multiple sexual misconduct allegations all of which he denied. In 2014, two accusers filed lawsuits against Singer for alleged sexual misconduct while they were underage. The lawsuits were dismissed. Cesar Sanchez-Guzman also filed a lawsuit against Singer in 2017 claiming Singer raped him on a yacht when he was 17 years old.
A new report from the Atlantic includes interviews with four new victims who also allege sexual misconduct against Singer.
Theater
Local theater scene heats up for the season
David Sedaris, Tituss Burgess, opera, and more on tap

With all the fun and half the hassle, staycation has a lot going for it, and the performing arts can be a big part of the experience. Here’s some of what’s out there this summer.
At Wolf Trap, the summer program is bursting with song, dance, and laughs. And if you’re quick, you can catch the sardonic wit of gay humorist David Sedaris in his one-night only show “An Evening with David Sedaris” on July 19.
Pink Martini is bringing its 30th anniversary tour to Wolf Trap on July 29. The self-described “tiny orchestra” known for its cosmopolitan musical stylings, features vocalists China Forbes and Storm Large along with special guest out radio journalist Ari Shapiro.
Other shows slated for the Vienna, Va., farm park include Broadway stars Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra for an evening of showstoppers by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Sondheim, Cole Porter, Jason Robert Brown, and Joni Mitchell. (8/1) Wolftrap.org
Perfectly timed for summer, Studio Theatre presents “Wipeout” (through July 27). Playwright Aurora Real de Asua’s beach-set story looks to be a promising 110 minutes of humor and poignant moments.
In “Wipeout,” Claudia, played by terrific D.C. favorite Naomi Jacobson, treats herself and her two closest girlfriends to an early birthday present of surf lessons.
Coached by “surf bro” instructor Blaze (played by handsome actor Alec Ludacka), Claudia is determined to slide into her golden years “catching some waves, and settling some scores.”
Olney Theatre presents a fantastic, queer friendly summer program centered mainly around its open-air Root Family Stage (7/31-8/24).
Highlights include hilarious out actor/singer Tituss Burgess in concert on Aug. 7, as well as the U.S. Premiere Concert presentation of “To Wong Foo: The Musical” (8/21) and “Just Arts: From Stonewall to RuPaul Drag Extravaganza” (8/24) featuring big name drag performers Lala Ri and Latrice Royale.
For those looking to beat the heat indoors, Olney has Synetic Theater performing its wordless version of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” through Aug. 10.
Replete with fairies, a fantastical forest, star-crossed lovers, and an actor transformed into a donkey, Synetic’s take on the Bard’s enchanting, Athens-set rom com is directed by Paata Tsikurishvili. Olneytheatre.org
If kids (4 years and up) figure into your staycation plans, a trip to Bethesda’s Imagination Stage may be just the ticket. “Dory Fantasmagory” (through Aug. 3) based on the children’s book by Abby Hanlon and adapted to the stage by John Glore, explores family dynamics while remaining both imaginative and fun.
“It’s tough being the youngest. Dory’s siblings won’t play with her and there are monsters to battle all over the house, like the hair-raising Mrs. Gobble Gracker. With the help of her fairy godfather, Mr. Nuggy, her monster-friend, Mary, and her mighty imagination, Dory sets out to win what she wants most: her family’s attention.”
Young theatergoers are encouraged to come in wacky outfits in the spirit of Dory’s playful style, and pajama Saturdays are also encouraged. Imaginationstage.org
Young audiences may also enjoy “The Lightning Thief” (through Aug. 17) presented by Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo Park. With music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki, this dynamic musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling book opened on Broadway in 2019.
Here’s the gist of the story. “When teenager Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod, he and his friends embark on an epic journey to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods.” Kurt Boehm directs. Adventuretheatre-mtc.org
At Signature Theatre, there’s some laid-back cabaret with “Sailing: Yacht Rock” (July 22-Aug. 10) featuring terrific talents Deimoni Brewington and Tracy Lynn Olivera.
Relax and possibly reminisce with chill tunes like “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl),” “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” and “What a Fool Believes.” It’s a chance to enjoy and revisit the sounds of Christopher Cross, TOTO, and the Doobie Brothers. Sigtheatre.org
Washington National Opera (WNO) presents Opera in the Outfield (Aug. 23). The WNO invites theater and baseball fans to the Nationals Park for a free broadcast of Gershwin’s gorgeous classic “Porgy and Bess.” The screening starts at 6:30 p.m.
At the Kennedy Center, summer staycation wraps up with “Parade” (Aug. 19-Sept. 7), a powerful and celebrated 2023 Broadway revival musical. It’s based on the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory superintendent in Atlanta wrongly accused and convicted of the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan in 1913. Co-conceived by the legendary Harold Prince, the production is a collaboration of some Broadway heavyweights including out director Michael Arden, Alfred Uhry (book), Jason Robert Brown (music & lyrics). Kennedy-center.org
Music & Concerts
Cyndi Lauper ready to have fun in Virginia
Superstar to bring final leg of farewell tour to Jiffy Lube Live

Superstar Cyndi Lauper will bring the final leg of her farewell tour “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” to Bristow, Va., on Thursday, July 24 at Jiffy Lube Live.
Lauper’s international Farewell Tour – her first major headlining run in a decade – kicked off in North America last October, and included her first time ever headlining (and selling out) Madison Square Garden. Lauper’s performances have earned raves from the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, and many more, and surprise guests have included Chaka Khan, Sam Smith, and Hayley Williams. The tour just visited the U.K. and Europe, and will head to Australia and Japan in April.
Tickets are available on Live Nation’s website.

Rehoboth Beach Pride is back for a day of summer celebration on Saturday.
The Delaware beach town will host its Pride festival at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center on July 19 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., followed by an after-party at Freddie’s Beach Bar and a ticketed event in the evening with a film screening, comedian, and musician.
“It will be a day of community engagement, fun, celebration and learning, all sorts of things rolled into one,” David Mariner, executive director of Sussex Pride, told the Blade. “I think it’s a great opportunity for us to be together, to support each other.”
Pride is organized by Sussex Pride and Gay Women of Rehoboth. The festival will include a free, family-friendly event with vendors offering information and resources, health screenings, and other activities. For more information visit sussexpride.org.
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