Arts & Entertainment
Rehoboth legends Pamala Stanley and Magnolia Applebottom primed for summer ’19
Their favorite meals, hidden gems, on-stage experiences and more
It wouldn’t be summer in Rehoboth without the legendary Pamala Stanley and — in more recent years — drag virtuoso Magnolia Applebottom (aka Jeremy Bernstein). Rehoboth regulars know what it’s like to experience them in performance, but what’s it like from their perspective? Just for fun, we turned the tables on them to find out.
Stanley performs cabaret and dance at the Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.) Sundays-Thursdays from 6-8:30 p.m. all summer and into September. Magnolia is a very busy lady. She hosts bingo on Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m., “Rehoboth Idol” on Wednesdays nights (through July 3; after that it’s “Games With Magnolia in that time slot), the Spotlight Show (drag) Fridays at 9:45 p.m., she’s in the Legends show every Saturday at 9:30 p.m. (she does Cher, Celine Dion, Gaga, Reba and Freddie Mercury) and Climax with Magnolia is Sunday nights at 9:30. “Born This Way: a Pride Drag Show” is at the Milton Theatre with Magnolia on June 7. Full details here.
WASHINGTON BLADE: How long have you been in Rehoboth and what drew you here?
MAGNOLIA APPLEBOTTOM: I have been visiting Rehoboth since I was a teenager. I moved to the beach in 2015 after I started working at the Blue Moon full time. Rehoboth Beach has always felt like home to me. I’ve always felt comfortable and safe. The community was welcoming from the start so I knew I had to live here.
PAMALA STANLEY: I first came to Rehoboth in the ’90s and played at The Renegade. Then I was booked in Puerta Vallarta and Tim and Randy, owners of the Blue Moon, saw me perform and asked if I could come to Rehoboth. That was 14 years ago. I fell in love with this sweet town and although I still perform around the country, I call this my musical home.
BLADE: When you’re not working, what’s your favorite Rehoboth Beach activity?
APPLEBOTTOM: I always enjoy walking Rehoboth Avenue and the boardwalk. It’s exciting to see what new shops and restaurants open every year. And having cocktails is fun too!
STANLEY: Walking on the boardwalk or having a lovely drink looking at the water.
BLADE: What’s a hidden gem?
APPLEBOTTOM: That’s easy! Games with Magnolia at the Blue Moon. It’s a one-of-a-kind game show live on stage every Wednesday at 9:30 starting July 3rd! There is nothing else like it in town.
STANLEY: The North Beach and our beautiful park on the ocean.
BLADE: What’s the best meal you ever had in Rehoboth?
APPLEBOTTOM: The filet mignon at the Blue Moon is the best steak I’ve every had. Chef Lion always provides the best dining experience in town.
STANLEY: The lamb at The Blue Moon. I think they are amazing.
BLADE: What performer inspires you?
APPLEBOTTOM: I’ve always been a fan comedy. I have a long list of idols such as Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett and Joan Rivers. These comedy queens have inspired my character in every way.
STANLEY: Bette Midler
BLADE: What’s your most memorable moment on the Blue Moon stage?
APPLEBOTTOM: Every moment on stage is memorable however it’s the moments when I leave the stage and mingle with the crowd and I get the chance to talk to everyone. Hearing how I made someone’s night just a little bit better or knowing I put a smile on someone’s face makes getting ready for two hours totally worth it. And also any moment I share the stage with Pamala Stanley. You never know what she is going to say so you have to be on it at all times. I adore that woman.
STANLEY: Singing this New Years Eve with my two sister Sandra and Robin. It was magical and the crowd was so happy.
BLADE: What’s something you see other performers do that you find off-putting or bothersome?
APPLEBOTTOM: When a drag queen takes their wig off while performing is my biggest pet peeve. It totally ruins the illusion and is just plain messy.
STANLEY: Not having eye contact with the audience or singing flat. That kills my ears
BLADE: What’s your current favorite song to cover or lip sync to?
APPLEBOTTOM: I am in love with “Juice” by Lizzo. It’s so much fun to sing and the lyrics are perfect for Magnolia!
STANLEY: “The Middle”
BLADE: How would you describe Rehoboth LGBT audiences?
APPLEBOTTOM: So loyal. The support the community shows local entertainment is very gratifying. I can’t wait to see and perform for our fans every week.
STANLEY: The best ever — they are fun and engaged and just looking for a good time.
BLADE: What are you most excited about for summer ’19?
APPLEBOTTOM: Meeting new people and debuting my new Sunday night show “CLIMAX” for the summer crowd.
STANLEY: The people returning from all over. I love seeing old friends and meeting new ones. I never know what an audience is going bring to the table. Each night is unique, like a first date.
BLADE: To what do you attribute your ongoing popularity?
APPLEBOTTOM: Being a hard-working queen. I’m the self-proclaimed hardest working drag queen in Delaware and it shows. I’m always working on new material and always striving to give the audience a fresh Magnolia Applebottom experience. It’s a lot of work but it has paid off greatly and I love every minute of it.
STANLEY: Loving the audience and just being yourself. Many people can sing. It is not all about your voice, you must connect with your crowd. Also I believe you should perform each night as if you are in concert whether there are 10 people or 2,000.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center is marking a milestone year in its new home with a vibrant birthday celebration, inviting the community, allies, and media to join the festivities on Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m.
Since opening its doors in Shaw, The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center has become a hub of support, advocacy, and celebration for LGBTQ+ residents across the District.
The birthday bash promises a day of programming including Yoga (Center Wellness), Micro Bouquet Making (Center Social), Zine Making (Center Arts), and so much more. Guests can also enjoy tours of the Center’s expanded facilities, showcasing spaces for programs, services, and community events.
Since relocating, the Center has expanded its programs, providing critical services. The birthday bash underscores the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s commitment to creating an inclusive space where everyone regardless of identity, age, or background can find community and empowerment.
For more details, contact Paul Marengo at 202-705-2890.
Friday, April 24
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Lesbian Visibility Week will be at 7 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. There will be a special screening of “Ahead of the Curve.” Enjoy an evening of film, conversation, and community, with cocktails and beverages available throughout the night For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Saturday, April 25
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Sunday, April 26
Nellie’s Sports Bar will host “Nellie’s DC Drag Brunch” at 12 p.m. Join Sapphire Blue, Deja Diamond and their team of drag performers for the most fun you’ll have all weekend. Tickets start at $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.
LGBTQ+ Community Coffee and Conversation will be at 12 p.m. at As You Are. This event is for people looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ community. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, April 27
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, April 28
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Candlelight Vigil” at 6:30 p.m. This is a vigil centered on reflection, support, and collective care. Attendees are encouraged to gather at 6:30 p.m., with the program beginning promptly at 7 p.m. and concluding by 8 p.m. The event will take place on the closed-off Wiltberger Street, providing a dedicated and intimate space for remembrance. Electronic candle lights will be available to participants. For those seeking additional support or who have questions ahead of the event, please contact [email protected].
Wednesday, April 29
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Movement for Healing” at 3 p.m. This trauma- and yoga therapy–informed class is designed to help guests gently reconnect with their body and their breath. Through mindful movement, somatic awareness, and grounding practices, guests will explore how to release tension, increase mobility, and cultivate a deeper sense of safety and ease within. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Thursday, April 30
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
a&e features
Memorial for groundbreaking bisexual activist set for May 2
Loraine Hutchins remembered as a ‘force of nature’
The Montgomery County Pride Center will host a celebration honoring the life and legacy of Loraine Hutchins, Ph.D., on May 2. People are invited to attend the onsite memorial or a livestream event. The on-site event will begin at 10 a.m. with a meet-and-greet mixer before moving into a memorial service around the theme “Loraine a Force of Nature!” at 11 a.m., a panel talk at 12 p.m., break out sessions for artists, academics, and activists to build on her legacy at 1 p.m. and a closing reception at 2 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to register for the on-site memorial gathering or the livestreamed memorial. The goal of this event is also to collect stories and memories of Loraine. Attendees and others can share their stories at padlet.com.
An obituary for Hutchins was published in the Bladelast Nov. 24, where people can learn more about her activism in the bisexual community. A private service for friends and family was held in December but this memorial service is open to all.
Alongside her groundbreaking work organizing for U.S. bisexual rights and liberation including co-editing “Bi Any Other Name: BIsexual People Speak Out” (1991), she also integrated faith into her sexual education and advocacy work. Her 2001 doctoral dissertation, “Erotic Rites: A Cultural Analysis of Contemporary U.S. Sacred Sexuality Traditions and Trends,” offered a pointed queer and feminist analysis to sex-neutral and sex-positive spiritual traditions in the United States. Her thesis was also groundbreaking in exploring the intersections between sex workers and those in caregiving professionals, including spiritual ones.
In an oral history interview conducted by Michelle Mueller back in August 2023, Hutchins described herself as a “priestess without a congregation.” While she has occasionally had a sense of community and feels part of a group of loving people, she admitted that “I don’t feel like we have the shape or the purpose that we need.”
“I’ve often experienced being the Cassandra in the room, the Cassandra in the community. Somebody who’s kind of way out there ahead, thinking through the strategic action points that my community hasn’t gotten to yet, and getting a lot of resistance and hostile responses from people who are frightened by dissent and conflict and not ready for the changes we have to make to survive,” she said.
“For somebody who’s bisexual in an out political way and who’s been a spokesperson for the polyamory movement in an out political way, it’s very exposing. And it’s very important to me to be able to try to explain and help other people understand the connection between spirituality and sexuality,” she explained citing how even as a graduate student she was “exploring how to feel erotic and spiritual, and not feel them in conflict with each other in my own spiritual contemplative life and my own sensual body awareness of being alive in the world.”
“Every religion has a sense of sacred sexuality. It’s just they put a lot of boundaries and regulations on it, and if we have a spiritual practice that is totally affirming of women’s priesthood and of gay people, queer people’s ability to minister to everyone and to be ministered to be everyone, what does that do to the gender of God, or our understanding of how we practice our spirituality and our sexuality in community and privately?”
“There’s no easy answer,” she concludes, and she continued to grapple with these questions throughout her life, co-editing another seminal text, “Sexuality, Religion and the Sacred: Bisexual, Pansexual, and Polysexual Perspectives,” published in 2012. Her work blending spiritual and queer liberation remains groundbreaking to this day.
Rev. Eric Eldritch, a local community organizer and ordained Pagan minister with Circle Sanctuary who has worked for decades with the DC Center’s Center Faith to organize the Pride Interfaith Service, is eager to highlight this element of her legacy at the memorial service next month.
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