Arts & Entertainment
Stage accolades
Out theater pros in several disciplines win big at Hayes Awards
Cedric Neal at the 2013 Helen Hayes Awards. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
“I came to Signature [Theatre] to do ‘Dreamgirls’ and met my dream guy,” said an ecstatic Cedric Neal as he accepted the Helen Hayes Award for outstanding supporting actor in a resident musical for playing fallen music idol Jimmy Early in the company’s take on the Motown-inspired musical. Filled with love and gratitude, but not too serious, describe both Neal’s boyfriend-acknowledging speech and the mood of this year’s ceremony held Monday night at the Warner Theatre.
Presented by theatreWashington, the Helen Hayes Awards have been doled out annually to reward excellence in Washington-area professional theater since 1984. Throughout 2012, 54 theaters produced 201 (150 plays and 51 musicals) productions that met eligibility requirements in the January-through-December judging cycle. From these shows, a pool of 48 volunteer judges selected the evening’s nominees and winners.
Monday’s ceremony was hosted by the familiar mellifluous tones of unseen announcer Robert Aubry Davis and changing pairs of presenters including gay theater professionals like actor Frank Britton, set designer Tony Cisek, sassy choreographer Maurice Hines and young Helen Hayes Award-winning actor Matthew DeLorenzo. Throughout the evening, six top notch local artists (including Delorenzo and Joshua Morgan — also gay) performed musical numbers — cute original songs as well as familiar tunes picked from the five nominated resident musical productions.
Serge Seiden (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
The evening got off to a quick start with Serge Seiden, who is gay, receiving outstanding director for a resident musical for MetroStage’s “Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.”
Bobby Smith won outstanding actor in a resident musical for his brilliant work in “Brel.” “I’m sorry I didn’t wear my tux,” said Smith (also gay). He also joked about martinis and old age medications (though he’s hardly old) before getting serious and thanking MetoStage’s artistic director Carolyn Griffin for holding the title role for him while he recuperated from hip replacement surgery. Smith’s leading lady Natascia Diaz deservedly received outstanding actress for her gorgeous, heartfelt performance in “Brel,” winning a competitive category that included big-voiced Nova Y. Payton who memorably played Effie in Signature’s “Dreamgirls.”
But despite “Brel’s” big wins, in the end “Dreamgirls” took outstanding resident musical. And after not winning any of its many nominations, the Folger Theatre’s Wild West-set “The Taming of the Shrew” rather unexpectedly won outstanding resident play.
The most nominated musical of the night — Toby’s Dinner Theatre’s “The Color Purple” — took home just one award: Theresa Cunningham won outstanding supporting actress in a resident musical. She thanked Toby’s for the role and for teaching her the challenges of waiting tables. Before leaving the stage, she urged audience members to always tip well. Cunningham tied with Priscilla Cuellar for her work in Toby’s “Legally Blonde.” The dinner theater’s rowdy supporters ensured that these two recipients received the loudest and longest applause of the evening.
Young New York-based playwright Paul Downs Colaizzo, a big proponent of same-sex marriage, won outstanding new work for “Really, Really,” his play about the selfish ways of young people. Colaizzo wasn’t on hand to pick up his award.
Victor Shargai, theatreWashington’s chairman, along with talented local actor Naomi Jacobson (whom Shargai said makes him laugh, cry and sometimes consider changing his sexual orientation), presented the Helen Hayes Tribute to Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. Typically, the tribute has been awarded to big theater names like Tommy Tune, Edward Albee and Jerry Herman in recognition of exceptional achievement, but this year was different. Accepting on behalf of the actors’ union were AEA President Nicholas Wyman and Oscar-winning movie star and longtime AEA member Ellen Burstyn.
The John Aniello Award for Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company (named for Shargai’s late partner, an avid supporter of D.C. theater) went to Dizzy Miss Lizzie’s Roadside Revue, a terrific rock/vaudeville infused musical troupe. Capital Fringe, D.C.’s amazing unjuried, self-producing, open access arts festival received the Washington Post Award for innovative leadership.
Awards are great, but it’s the ongoing work that really makes the D.C. theater community hum. So, like Monday’s event reiterated in word and lyric — “go see a show!”
A complete list of winners is here.
a&e features
Pride season has begun
LGBTQ parades, festivals to be held throughout region in coming months
LGBTQ Pride festivals, parades and other events have been scheduled in large cities and small towns throughout the region. Pride events around the world culminate in June, but organizers in some municipalities have elected to hold celebrations in other months.
Pride in the region has already begun with last weekend’s Mr., Miss, and Mx. Capital Pride Pageant held at Penn Social as well as Roanoke Pride Festival held in Elmwood Park in Roanoke, Va.
Below is a list of Pride events coming to the region.
MAY
Capital Trans Pride is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St., N.W.). The website for the event advertises workshops, panel discussions, a keynote address, a resource fair and more. transpridewashingtondc.org
Equality Prince William Pride is scheduled for 12-4 p.m. on May 18 at the Harris Pavilion (9201 Center St.) in historic downtown Manassas, Va. equalityprincewilliam.org
D.C. Black Pride holds events throughout the city May 24-27. Highlights include an opening reception, dance parties and a community festival at Fort Dupont Park. The Westin Washington, DC Downtown (999 9th St., N.W.) is the host hotel, with several events scheduled there. dcblackpride.org
NOVA Pride and Safe Space NOVA will hold NOVA Pride Prom from 7-11 p.m. on May 31 at Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Va. The event is open to all high school students throughout the region, regardless of identity, from rising ninth grade students to graduating seniors. novapride.org/prom-2024
Capital Pride Honors will be held on May 31. The Capital Pride Alliance has announced on its website that nominations are open for awardees. The Honors celebrates excellence in the LGBTQ community and its allies. capitalpride.org/honors
JUNE
Reston Pride will be held at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, Va. on June 1 from 12-6 p.m. restonpride.org
Fairfax Pride, hosted by the City of Fairfax and George Mason University, will be held at Old Town Hall (3999 University Drive, Fairfax, Va.) on June 1 from 5-7 p.m. The event will include children’s activities and more. fairfaxva.gov/government/parks-recreation/special-events/fairfax-pride
OEC Pride celebrates Pride with “art, dance, education, and fun” in Old Ellicott City. The OEC Pride Festival is held along Main Street in Ellicott City, Md. on June 1 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. visitoldellicottcity.com/events/oec-pride
Annapolis Pride has consistently drawn a giant crowd for a parade and festival in the quaint downtown of the Maryland capital. “The Voice” star L. Rodgers has been announced to headline the 2024 festival. The parade and festival will be held on June 1. annapolispride.org
The Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force Alexandria Pride is scheduled to be held at Alexandria City Hall from 3 – 6 p.m. on June 1 in Alexandria, Va. alexandriava.gov/LGBTQ
The Portsmouth Pride Fest will be held at Festival Park adjacent to the Atlantic-Union Bank Pavilion in Portsmouth, Va. on June 1 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Delaware Pride Festival is a free event scheduled for June 1 at Legislative Hall in Dover, Del. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.The event is billed as family friendly and open to people of all ages and sexual orientations. delawarepride.org
The City of Rockville is hosting Rockville Pride at Rockville Town Square (131 Gibbs St., Rockville, Md.) from 2-5 p.m. on June 2. The free event features live performances, information booths, and children’s activities. rockvillemd.gov/2276/Rockville-Pride
Equality Loudoun is hosting the ticketed Loudoun Pride Festival from 1-7 p.m. on June 2 at Claude Moore Park in Sterling, Va. The event features three stages, a “#Dragstravaganza,” a kid’s zone, an alcohol pavilion, a food hall and more. Tickets $5. eqloco.com/pride
Culpepper Pride is slated to be held at Mountain Run Winery in Culpepper, Va. from 12-6 p.m. on June 2. The theme this year is “True Colors.” culpeperpride.org
The Southwest Virginia Pride Cookout Community Social is planned for 2 p.m. at the Charles R. Hill Senior Center in Vinton, Va. on June 2. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Capital Pride kicks off with the RIOT! Opening Party at Echostage at starting at 9 p.m. on June 7. Tickets run from $27-$50 and can be purchased on the Capital Pride website. The event is set to feature Sapphire Cristál. capitalpride.org/event/opening-party-2024
Pride events continue over the weekend of June 8-9 in the nation’s capital with the Capital Pride Block Party with performers and a beverage garden, the massive Capital Pride Parade, Flashback: A totally Radical Tea Dance to be held at the end of the parade route, and the Capital Pride Festival and Concert. Visit capitalpride.org for more information. Other Pride events planned for the weekend in D.C. include a number of parties and the unforgettable (and free) Pride on the Pier & Fireworks Show at the Wharf sponsored by the Washington Blade from 2-10 p.m.
If you are wanting to get out of the city for a more picturesque Pride experience, try Pride in the ‘Peake at Summit Pointe (580 Belaire Ave.) in Chesapeake, Va. on June 9 from 12-5 p.m. The family-focused Pride event does not serve alcohol, but will feature community organizations, food trucks and more in a street festival. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Celebrate with a drag show, dancing and a lot of wine at Two Twisted Posts Winery in Purcellville, Va. for a Pride Party from 2-5 p.m. on June 15. twotwistedposts.com
Baltimore Pride holds one of the largest Pride parades in the region on June 15 in Baltimore. (2418 Saint Paul St.). The event continues with a block party and festival. baltimorepride.org
The fourth annual Catonsville Pride Fest will be held at the Catonsville Presbyterian Church (1400 Frederick Rd.) in Catonsville, Md. on June 15 from 3-6 p.m. The event features a High Heel Race, pony rides, face painting, local cuisine and more. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
The Ghent Business District Palace Shops are hold a Ghent Pride event from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on June 17 at the Palace Shops and Station (301 W 21st Street) in Norfolk, Va. ghentnorfolk.org/upcoming-events/ghent-pride
An event dedicated to celebrating the elders in the LGBTQ community, Silver Pride is scheduled for June 20 at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Location and more information to be announced soon. capitalpride.org/events/silver-prid
Visit the Hampton Roads PrideFest and Boat Parade for a truly unique Pride experience along the Elizabeth River. The full day of entertainment, education and celebration will be held on June 22 from 12-7 p.m. at Town Point Park (113 Waterside Dr.) in Norfolk, Va. hamptonroadspride.org/events
Frederick, Md. will hold its annual Frederick Pride Festival at Carroll Creek Linear Park on June 22 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Entertainers include CoCo Montrese of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” frederickpride.org
The Fourth annual Pride at the Beach is scheduled for 2-10 p.m. on June 23 at Neptune’s Park (3001 Atlantic Ave.) in Virginia Beach, Va. The event features entertainment, community vendors, beachside DJ sets, food trucks and offers a “perfect conclusion to an unforgettable Pride weekend.” hamptonroadspride.org/events
Winchester Pride will hold its Mx. Winchester Pride Pageant at 15 N. Loudoun St. in Winchester, Va. on June 23 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance/$25 at the door. winchesterpride.com
The third annual Arlington Pride Festival will be held at Long Bridge Park at National Landing (475 Long Bridge Dr.) in Arlington, Va. from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. arlvapride.com/
FXBG Pride is holding its annual community Fredericksburg Pride March on June 29 from 10-11 a.m. at Riverfront Park (705 Sophia St.) in Fredericksburg, Va. The procession begins at 10:30 a.m., with speeches at 10. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Salisbury Pride “90’s Edition” is scheduled for 3 – 7 p.m. on June 29 in Downtown Salisbury, Md. Magnolia Applebottom is listed as the headliner and grand marshal. salisburyprideparade.com
The 2024 Suffolk Pride Festival is scheduled for Bennett’s Creek Park in Suffolk, Va. on June 30 from 12-7 p.m. Visit the Facebook event page for more information.
Expect music, entertainment and drag performances in the picturesque mountain town of Cumberland, Md. at the Cumberland Pride Festival on June 30 from 12-4 p.m. at Canal Place. cumberlandpride.org
JULY
Westminster Pride is scheduled for downtown Westminster, Md. on July 13 from 12-6 p.m. westminsterpride.org
Hagerstown Hopes is holding its annual Hagerstown Pride Festival in Doubs Woods Park (1307 Maryland Ave.) in Hagerstown, Md. on July 13 at 11 a.m. Visit the Facebook event page for more information.
The Rehoboth Beach Pride Festival will be held on July 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with other Sussex Pride events scheduled throughout the weekend of July 18-21. sussexpride.org/rehobothbeach/
Photos
PHOTOS: On assignment in Hungary, Poland, and Germany
International News Editor Michael K. Lavers traveled to Eastern Europe this month
BERLIN — The Washington Blade was on assignment in Hungary, Poland, and Germany from April 2-16.
The Blade interviewed LGBTQ activists, government officials, and refugees from Ukraine who have resettled in Berlin and in Warsaw, the Polish capital. The Blade also visited Auschwitz in Oświęcim, Poland.
Drag queens entertain patrons of La Pose, a gay bar in Warsaw, Poland, on April 8, 2024, during a broadcast of an episode of “Czas na Show” or “Drag Me Out,” a reality show that features male Polish celebrities performing in drag with drag queens. (Washington Blade video by Michael K. Lavers)
Performers at SchwuZ on April 14, 2024. (Washington Blade video by Michael K. Lavers)
The 32nd annual Roanoke Pride Festival was held at Elmwood Park in Roanoke, Va. on Sunday, April 29.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Pride season has begun
PHOTOS: On assignment in Hungary, Poland, and Germany
As You Are bar closes temporarily, citing problems with building
New World Bank US executive director: LGBTQ rights are human rights
MISTR announces it’s now prescribing DoxyPE
Mexican Senate approves bill to ban conversion therapy
Should I divorce my husband for the hot new guy in our building?
Md. governor signs Freedom to Read Act
Successful open relationships take effort
