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Kristin Chenoweth comes ‘Home’
Tony-winning legend weighs in on Sandi Perry and Harvey Milk
Kristin Chenoweth says some of her biggest influences have been the gospel singers she listened to growing up. (Photo courtesy Strathmore)
Kristin Chenoweth
‘Coming Home Tour’
Friday, Jan. 29
8 p.m.
Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda, Md.
$58-155
It’s a cliche, but Kristin Chenoweth needs no introduction.
Next weekend, the Tony-winning legend brings her “Coming Home Tour” to the Strathmore. We caught up with her by phone from New York.
WASHINGTON BLADE: You’ve been on the road with this show but it sounds like the Strathmore show will be a little different.
KRISTIN CHENOWETH: Yes, I’m probably doing some new stuff at the Strathmore including some stuff by Andrew Lippa, stuff we’ve been working on with his opera “I Am Harvey Milk” and a prequel to that that he did for me called “I Am Anne Hutchinson,” which is a continuation of that piece. But I’m always changing it up. It never feels like I’m doing the same show. I have a five-piece show, an 11-piece show and an orchestra show and I’m always changing it up and putting in new stuff which makes it fun for me.
BLADE: Do you feel a concert can work with the songs speaking for themselves or does the evening have to take you somewhere? What considerations are you thinking of when you craft your set list?
CHENOWETH: I never do the same set list twice because I want to make it special for each place I’m going to. That’s challenging for me musically and artistically. Sometimes I wish I weren’t built that way because I’d love to just park and bark, but I don’t know how to do that. I’m currently working on a couple new songs, a couple covers by some people we all know and love and there’s certain songs I will do so I don’t get shot. But I’m constantly switching it up. I have a Don Henley song now that’s making its appearance pretty regularly. Dolly’s making an appearance, Jerome Kern, goodness, Adele, Rodgers and Hammerstein. As you can see, it’s all over the map but I like it that way because it challenges me.
BLADE: I know you’ll be back to the Strathmore in April for the Harvey Milk work you just mentioned. How did you get involved in that?
CHENOWETH: About six or seven years ago, Andrew Lippa came to me and said he’d written this opera “I Am Harvey Milk” and he said, “I’ve written a soprano role for you.” At that time in my life, I wasn’t able to do it, which is a regret of mine. I really wish I could have. … They came to me again later and once again I couldn’t do it, I was in L.A. But the third time, they did it last year at Lincoln Center and I said, “I’m available and I’m making it work.” Then Andrew told me he was working on a prequel on a woman named Anne Hutchinson who was basically persecuted for being a thinking Christian woman. I loved the idea and the story. She had a lot of things going on in her life and she was judged and in some ways, I can relate. We started learning that actually yesterday and one song I may put in my solo show at the Strathmore. Andrew Lippa has been a huge part of my history and I’ve been somewhat of a muse for him and what can I say, I fall in love with his music every time he plays so I’m honored he’s written yet another thing for me.
BLADE: You’ve spoken of how (gospel singer) Sandi Patty is one of your heroes and inspirations. What was your favorite Sandi Patty album when you were growing up?
CHENOWETH: Her hymns collection. Especially her version of “It is Well With My Soul.” … I do one of her songs in my show and I love so many songs she’s done — “Love in Any Language,” “Via Dolorosa,” there are so many that I grew up listening to and I have the utmost respect for her. In fact we just sang together in Indianapolis. She sang “For Good” with me and it was a full circle moment because she was such a huge influence on my life so to get to sing with one of your idols, that’s pretty cool.
BLADE: Did you ever sing to her accompaniment tracks in church? Remember those tapes you used to be able to get from Christian bookstores?
CHENOWETH: Are you kidding, that was my orchestra. I say in my concert we had these little square things that we put in big machines we got from RadioShack. That’s how I got my music — theater, opera, pop. It was all from tapes.
BLADE: You have a master’s degree in opera yet it sounds like most of your influences were Broadway, pop and gospel. Would you have been happy with an opera career had things worked out that way for you?
CHENOWETH: I think I would have been happy no matter what because I’m one of those people who once I make a decision to do something, I pretty much don’t look back. But I think one of the reasons that musical theater fits me so well is that I’m an actor first. Not that opera singers aren’t, so many of them are, but what I love is character and character development and creating new roles, that’s what I love to do. It could be on film, television or whatever. I didn’t want to live in just one arena.
BLADE: Obviously you use your upper register all the time but some would say it would enjoy a fuller expression, perhaps, in opera. Have you ever thought about doing a classical album?
CHENOWETH: All the time. I would love to revisit some of the arias that were challenging for me and fun when I was starting out. Every once in awhile I do one in my show, so that’s not out of the complete realm of possibility.
BLADE: Lots of people can sing pop but not just anybody can do opera and you obviously could.
CHENOWETH: Amen, brother.
BLADE: Did you have any reservations about playing Maleficent (in last year’s “Descendants” for the Disney Channel) so shortly after the Angelina Jolie movie or was that a non-issue?
CHENOWETH: I knew the style and the way we were gonna shoot it, I knew the tone would be completely different so no, I didn’t have any trepidation. I mean look, Angelina and I couldn’t be any more opposite. Her one leg equals my entire body. She is an incredible actress. My Maleficent was for the Disney Channel and she sings, so I knew it would be different.
BLADE: Anytime push has come to shove between the evangelical Christian world and the gays, you’ve always come down on the side of the gays and sometimes paid a price for it. Sometimes it seems like the ice is thawing a little but other times it seems both politically and religiously things are becoming more polarized. Will evangelicals ever come around on gay issues?
CHENOWETH: Oh, I hope so. You know, I say in my concerts and it’s true, I say, I always gotta do a Jesus song because I’m a Christian. As an artist and as a person, that’s a big part of who I am but another big part of who I am is a gay rights lover … and that doesn’t always go hand in hand as you know.That’s not something that people necessarily agree with but as I always say, and I really mean this, I don’t want to be judged for what I believe, I just want people to enjoy my music. What would make me happy is if there was more acceptance and tolerance and love, not just to the gay community but to the Muslim community, to any community of people who are considered outcasts or not the quote-unquote norm. I just try to do what Jesus would do. I don’t always succeed. I have a lot of faults but I approach things from a love place and not a hate place so I hope we keep heading in that direction on this issue.
BLADE: Speaking of gospel singers, is it true that you once sang the Evie song “Four Foot Eleven” at a Baptist convention when you were 12?
CHENOWETH: You bet, that was one of the first songs I ever sang. If I’d known that was all the taller I’d get, I might have sung something else. Evie was also a huge musical influence on me growing up. You have to understand, music and church sort of for me went together and Evie Tornquist is somebody who still to this day, I wish I could just do an album of her and Sandi. I just loved her. She sang another song, “Live for Jesus/that’s what matters/when other houses crumble mine is strong/live for Jesus/that’s what matters/that you see the light in me and come along.” Those are the things that have kept me going.
BLADE: She was huge in the ‘70s, but today a lot of people don’t know her.
CHENOWETH: In my world growing up in Tulsa, everybody knew her. I think she is literally an angel’s voice on earth. Just like I view Eva Cassidy’s voice, Renee Fleming, Dolly, Judy, Julie, Sandi, Barbra — they’re all there and they’re all angels. To me, that’s how I imagine heaven and it’s a place I can’t wait to sing.
a&e features
Mr. Henry’s celebrates 60 years of proud inclusivity
Capitol Hill staple remains ‘a caring community’
America’s 250th isn’t the only milestone birthday D.C. is celebrating this year.
Beloved D.C. restaurant Mr. Henry’s, that Capitol Hill staple, celebrates its Diamond Jubilee all year long. Named for its original owner Henry Yaffe, the restaurant opened on a warm day 60 years ago in the summer of 1966 and has never looked back.
Yaffe took over what was then a country western restaurant, renovated the interior to his liking, and created an institution. Yet Yaffe had another goal. As a gay man, “he created Mr. Henry’s to be a place where everyone felt welcome — not easy in 1966 — and he succeeded,” says current owner Mary Quillian.
“Mr. Henry’s has long been a place the LGBTQ community has supported because they felt and still feel welcomed,” says Quillian. Even in the current administration, “the gay community and the diversity-minded community continue to come.”
Since then, Mr. Henry’s has changed hands, opened and closed its second floor, welcomed famed musical acts, and played host to politicians, date nights, breakups, and birthdays. But it still feels like home (and has a note in the National Trust for Historic Preservation) at 601 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E.
Its wood-paneled, Victorian-inspired art-filled décor in the downstairs dining room and bar serves American pub fare for lunch and dinner daily, with brunch on weekends (and a dog-friendly patio). Upstairs, Mr. Henry’s hosts live jazz performances and special events most nights, continuing a musical tradition that has defined the venue for decades. That upstairs bar has played host to names like Roberta Flack and Woody Allen.
Musician Kevin Cordt said that, “Mr. Henry’s has been a part of my life for more than 30 years. I started as a customer, then became a bartender and server, and now I have the good fortune to play trumpet at one of the best live music venues in Washington, D.C.”
Aaron Myers, executive director of the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, is also a supporter. “Not many cities can sport venues that have consistently served the community in the space of culture for more than 50 years, let alone can brag as the birthplace of culture defining talent.”
From the start, Yaffe promoted a rare yet celebrated combination of locals’ bar and soulful nightlife venue. Mr. Henry’s has attracted a diverse crowd at a time when such spaces were – and perhaps still are – uncommon, a diversity that is credited with helping protect the pub during the 1968 D.C. riots.
Longtime customer Evelyn Branic said, “Mr. Henry’s has been my ‘Cheers’ hangout since my wife and I moved to the Hill in 1987. I’ve experienced many iconic moments meeting politicians, reporters, civic activists, and neighbors engaging in spirited conversations. Whether political, LGBTQ, historians, neighbors, or out-of-towners, everyone could find a special place to be greeted as a friend.”
Its welcoming tables come dabbed with a bit of tea: In 1971, in a moment that has since become part of Capitol Hill lore, Yaffe lost the pub in a poker game to Larry Quillian. The Quillian family, recognizing the special role Mr. Henry’s played in the neighborhood, took over ownership, and committed to preserving its spirit. Today, Larry’s daughter Mary owns the bar, having given it a bit of a facelift for the bar’s 50th birthday, bringing in new tables and some fresh menu items.
For example, the menu has some of those dishes that regulars would riot if they disappeared. The Reuben and the hamburgers, the chili and in-house roasted turkey have never departed the menu. Dishes do evolve, says Quillen: they added wings about two decades ago.
In 2026, the restaurant is hosting monthly ticketed “decades” parties, celebrating each of the 10-year periods the restaurant’s been open, plus there were specials in June for Pride. The official 60th anniversary gala takes place Aug. 29, featuring performers, beverages, timeless favorite foods, swag – and the unveiling of a new cocktail.
Inclusive, eccentric, eclectic, Mr. Henry’s is looking forward to maintaining its centrality to diverse crowds in Capitol Hill. Battling inflation, rising menu prices, changing tastes, and thin margins, Quillian says that Mr. Henry’s has — and will always be — “a caring community for so many different folks. And THAT is why I am committed to keeping us going. Society needs places like Mr. Henry’s, now more than ever.”
a&e features
Television loses a legend, longtime ‘Will & Grace’ director James Burrows
Iconic hitmaker leaves behind a legacy of telling LGBTQ stories
You don’t have to be a pretentious film major to name 10 movie directors. But naming television directors is not that simple. They’re the unsung heroes of your favorite shows, and the late James Burrows was the television director. He passed on June 19, but his DNA runs through television history.
He directed over 1200 episodes of television and over 50 pilots. He co-created “Cheers” and directed many episodes of long-running series like “Friends,” “Taxi,” “Frasier,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “Two and a Half Men.” You also may remember him from playing a heightened version of himself on the Lisa Kudrow comedy “The Comeback.”
He has left an indelible mark on the LGBTQ community. As recently as last year, he directed the series run of “Mid-Century Modern” starring Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and Linda Lavin. He was also a longtime director of “Will & Grace” and directed every episode of the series revival. He even directed the unaired “Absolutely Fabulous” pilot with Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Johnston, and Zosia Mamet.
Not to mention he’s worked with queer icons throughout history, including Betty White and Stockard Channing on their single-season series, and Jennifer Coolidge in “2 Broke Girls.”
He started his career on shows like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Rhoda,” “Laverne & Shirley,” and the first four seasons of “Taxi.”
He continued to work steadily and directed successful pilots that went to series for “Roc,” “3rd Rock From the Sun,” “Dharma & Greg,” and “Wings.” He directed multiple episodes of “Friends,” “Caroline in the City,” and “Frasier.”
This magic continued into the 2000s with him directing the pilots for “Two and a Half Men,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and multiple episodes of “Mike & Molly,” and the entire return series of “Will & Grace.”
What was the secret to his success? He’d enact the “fun clause” in his contract. In his words, “Life is too short to deal with obnoxious leads,” he shared. “So as long as the writing is good and the cast is fun, I’m going to enjoy the experience.”
He had the magic touch, having multiple pilots turned into long-running series. He was nominated for an Emmy 24 times in 26 years and worked consistently until a year before his death.
The secret was the way he brought the cast together. He describes, “it was my job to mold them into an ensemble, and they did round into a group of people who loved each other.”
This earned him 11 Emmy Awards and five Directors Guild of America Awards, including being awarded the inaugural DGA’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Television Direction.
In a 2003 interview by the Television Academy, he was asked how he wants to be remembered, and he said, “That every night forever you can tune in somewhere, and there’ll be a show I did.”
He’s survived by his wife, Debbie, four daughters, seven grandchildren, and the countless people whose careers he launched and the countless viewers he inspired with his television legacy.
a&e features
D.C. prepares to party as Pride celebrations kick off Saturday
Bars, clubs have busy lineups; Pride on the Pier returns
Capital Pride’s date change isn’t slowing down the festivities. Back in December, the Capital Pride Alliance shifted the calendar for Pride celebrations in the nation’s capital from the second weekend of June to two weeks later to the weekend of June 20-21 to not conflict with President Trump’s birthday and 250th anniversary of America celebrations, with the aim that “our community can gather safely and without unnecessary barriers… We are protecting our space and preserving Pride as a powerful act of visibility, solidarity, and resistance.”
On the heels of WorldPride last year, the city shows no sign of slowing down. Instead, restaurants, bars, clubs, and neighborhoods are taking the opportunity to be even more visible. The Blade has put together a (non-comprehensive) list of parties, activations, and activities across town:
Pride on the Pier returns on Saturday, June 13 to the Wharf on the Southwest waterfront. The event, sponsored and hosted by the Washington Blade, is free and runs from 4-9 p.m. There will be vendors, DJs, and drag performances all day. VIP tickets are $25 and come with air conditioned party room, private bathrooms, and free cocktail. More details at prideonthepierdc.com.
Capital Pride Official Opening Party: RIOT! is the official opening dance party of Capital Pride, taking place Friday June 19, 9 PM-3AM. The 2026 edition headlining performer is Myki Meeks, a finalist of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 18; Bob The Drag Queen will perform a special set. DMV-area DJs and performers include: Bambi, Baphomette, Bumper, Cake Pop!, Connor, DJ Ed Bailey, DJ Diyanna Monet, Evry Pleasure, Jakknife Complex, Mari Con Carne, Pussy Noir, WessTheDJ. Trade owner Ed Bailey is producing the event.
Kinetic Presents brings the heat across the entirety of Pride weekend as well. It again is partnering with Capital Pride Alliance to produce four events over four days this Pride, including the Official Main Event on Saturday (the Friday official event is at Echostage). Kinetic’s parties are splayed across various D.C. venues, with special performances, massive productions, shirtless dancers, play zones, dance-forward audio and visuals, and international DJ talent. Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM at District Eagle is Lust, with music by Dan Slater and TOMI. Friday, June 19 at 10 PM is UNCUT XXL Heavy Load, at A.i. Warehouse in Union Market District, with music by Alex Acosta, Felipe Lira & Mitch Ferrino; the party is a “high-octane night of muscular house and tribal rhythms.” Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM brings that official main event, Kinetic Toy Land, at Echostage, with music by GSP & Matt Suave. Alaska Thunderfuck headlines. Sunday evening June 21 at 10 PM closes with discoVERS at SAX. A portion of tickets supports the DC LGBTQ+ community through Capital Pride Alliance.
9:30 Club always comes in clutch for the LGBTQ community. Already in June, it produced Kitty Kat Ball on June 7, and Kiesza performed on June 8. On June 20 at 10 PM, the famed Mixtape party hits the stage, care of gay DJs Shea van Horn and Matt Bailer, who have spun together for coming up on two decades. Mixtape has been held at several venues across the city over those years, and now settled on 9:30 Club for Pride. On June 25 at 7 PM, Big Freedia – the bounce artist from New Orleans – hits the 9:30 Club scene for the eighth time, as part of the Big Freedom Tour.
Crush: New this year from the 14th Street bar is the Pride Pop-Up, sitting pretty in the parking lot at 1820 14th St., N.W., at the corner of Swann Street by the start of the Pride Parade route. Hours are Friday from 2-10 PM and Saturday from 12-10 PM. Friday evening features Grizzly Bear Happy Hour, a DJ will set up shop on Saturday, and for those needing another layer, there’s a Crush merch store. Co-owner Mark Rutstein “has always wanted to throw a party in that parking lot, so he did,” said co-owner Stephen Rutgers. Note that Crush (the bar) will have a cover on Friday and Saturday.
Kiki: Over at Kiki, there’s a full slate of Pride-themed programming all week. Tuesday, June 16 at 9 PM brings karaoke; Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 PM is trivia; Thursday June 18 at 9PM is “Night of 1000 Tatianna’s Drag Show”, and Friday June 19 at 9 PM brings the Juneteenth Serve Drag Show. Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM, post-parade, is a Pride Dance Party with DJ Lemz. Sunday daytime at 5 PM is the Father Figures Daddy Issues Special Drag Show; and after the festival at 8 PM, DJ Tezrah hits the tapes.
Jane Jane: Right along the parade route, gay-owned Jane Jane has transformed its space into a “No Kings, Yas Queens” activation in a direct response to the America 250th commemorations happening downtown, from the colorful window installation, to merch (including a custom bandana and tank) to disco wig installations. Events include industry night on Mondays, donations to LGBTQ charities, and to-go cocktails during the Pride Parade.
Shaw’s Tavern: Gay-owned Shaw’s Tavern on Florida Avenue celebrates Pride week with a full lineup of themed events, entertainment, and specials, including Pride trivia on Monday, June 15 at 7:30 PM, bingo on Tuesday, June 16 at 8 PM, a cabaret on Thursday, June 18 at 9 PM, Juneteenth Drag Brunch on Friday, June 19 at 12:30 PM, and both a pre-parade brunch (10 AM-4 PM) and post-parade party (5-9 PM) on Saturday, June 20. Sunday, June 21 at 7 PM brings Mama’s Sunday Supper & Drag Pride Show in the evening for anyone who is still awake.
Trade: This classic has a weekend of events, starting on Thursday, with Tiburon Pride Edition, a Latin Dance party in the Shark Tank. On Friday, the bar opens early (at 2 PM), with all-day happy hour and the Jx&Evry Show. On Saturday, the bar opens at noon, offering a prime parade viewing spot from its windows. There will be the CLASH drag show hosted by Tatianna and Crimsyn, and Sweet Spot party that night. On Sunday, the bar opens for normal hours at 2 PM, with DJs Adam K, Alex Love, and WESSTHEDJ.
Pitchers: The multi-level bar in Adams Morgan is hosting a Pride-themed show on Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM, with drawstring bag giveaways – the only kind of bag that will be allowed into the bar during Pride weekend. The show features drag queen Kyle Sonique Love.
Barrel House Cafe and Bar: Also by the parade route on 14th Street, Barrel House Cafe takes advantage of its large patio to have a slate of events during Pride week, including Schism, a drag and burlesque show on June 18 at 10 PM, as well as an all-day Pride party coinciding on parade day.
Bunker: Bunker again plays host to a series of afters. Friday night (Saturday 3:30 AM) is Unhinged, and Saturday night (Sunday 3:30AM) is Unholy. The regular Saturday night party (10 PM) brings in Venetian and Tiara Missou. All parties have cover charges.
District Eagle: Beyond the Kinetic party on Friday, June 19 brings Gear Night at 10 PM; Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM is LOBO presents PRISM, and Sunday, June 21 is Sundaze wit Papi at 6 PM.
African Art Museum: On Thursday, June 18 at 5 PM, this Smithsonian museum is hosting a free event with artists and curators celebrating its exhibit, “Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art,” “based on years of close collaboration and dialogue with African visual art practitioners who claim belonging in the LGBTQ+ community, however they define those terms,” according to the museum.
KNEAD Hospitality & Design: The gay-owned KNEAD restaurant group (including spots like Gatsby, Mi Vida, Succotash The Grill) is featuring the GLITTERATI cocktail, made with Tito’s, St-Germain Elderflower, Butterfly Flower, ginger, and yes, glitter. A portion of proceeds from every Glitterati cocktail sold will benefit The Trevor Project. The cocktail will be sold throughout June.
The Fountain Inn is partnering with Rhodium spirits (Rhode Island’s first LGBTQ+ owned distillery) all month, making cocktails like gimlets and espresso martinis featuring Rhodium’s liquors. Proceeds benefit SMYAL, an organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth.
Hard Rock Cafe: Hard Rock DC is taking part in the chain’s annual “LOVE OUT LOUD” campaign, with Pride merch, specials on June 20, and a donation to The Trevor Project.
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