Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
23 EQUALITY FEAST
An annual food event showcases D.C.s culinary talent,
while raising money for HRC
By John Riley
Metro Weekly 1775 I St. NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 202-638-6830
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2017 Jansi LLC.
Mosaic Theater Companys The Devils Music: The Life & Blues of Bessie Smith GALAs Don Juan Tenorio
theatreWeek
M
ORE THAN TWO DOZEN THEATER Theaters Rise Up 2017.
companies offer discounted tickets to The promotion kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 16,
current productions starting Tuesday, with a free party at Woolly Mammoth (641 D St.
Sept. 19, and ending, Sunday, Oct. 1 for this years NW), from noon to 4 p.m. The event includes food
theatreWeek, organized by TheatreWashington. and drink options, ticket giveaways, additional dis-
Among this years 27 participating productions counts, and previews of upcoming productions at
are Constellations The Wild Party, GALAs Don Arena Stage, Edge of the Universe Players, Fords
Juan Tenorio, Keegan Theatres Stones in His Theatre, Nu Sass, Shakespeare Theatre, and The
Pockets, Mosaic Theater Companys The Devils Welders. Discounted tickets to theatreWeek pro-
Music: The Life & Blues of Bessie Smith, Olney ductions are either $15 or $35, depending on the
Theatres In The Heights, Theater Alliances show and the venue. More details at theatreWeek.
Word Becomes Flesh, and Washington Improv org. Discount tickets available at TodayTix.com.
JEN KIRKMAN
If you dont remember Jen
Kirkman from regular stints
on Chelsea Lately or Comedy
Centrals @midnight, maybe you
caught her hilarious, inebriated
narrations on Comedy Centrals
Drunk History. Now you can catch
the standup comic Entertainment
Weekly essentially called the
female Louis CK and whose
2016 memoir had the brilliant
title I Know What Im Doing (and
Other Lies I Tell Myself) on
her All New Material, Girl Tour.
Local up-and-coming comedienne
Paris Sashay serves as opening act.
Sunday, Sept. 24, at 8 p.m. The
Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW.
Tickets are $22.50 to $40, plus
$10 minimum per person for all
tables. Call 202-588-5595 or visit
thehowardtheatre.com.
AMERICAN POPS
ORCHESTRA: ARETHA
FRANKLIN TRIBUTE
Respect: The Music of Aretha Franklin
is the focus of a concert conducted
by Luke Frazier and featuring solo-
ists including Michelle Williams (pic-
tured), of Destinys Child fame. Kelly
Crandall dAmboise directs this tribute
to the Queen of Soul at the American
Pops new home in Arena Stage, where
Williams will be joined by local Helen
Hayes Award-winning powerhouse
Nova Payton (Signatures Hairspray),
Moya Angela (Americas Got Talent),
Ariana DeBose (Broadways Hamilton),
and jazz artist Bria Skonberg. Saturday,
Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. Mead Center for
American Theater, 1101 6th St. SW.
Tickets are $20 to $120. Call 202-488-
3300 or visit theamericanpops.org.
Capitol Movement
DC DANCE SUMMIT
Performances, workshops, master classes, panel discussions, dinner buffets, dance parties, and networking are on tap at this
inaugural, weekend-long summit that should serve as a big boost to the local dance community. Hosted by Dance Loft on 14
in partnership with Dance Metro DC, the DC Dance Summit opens Friday, Sept. 15, with an Introductions forum at which
dance presenters, directors, choreographers, dancers, and participants are encouraged to detail their plans, needs, and
opportunities for the year as well as brainstorm new ideas and collaborations. Among the performers, speakers or attendees
expected include representatives from the Kennedy Center, Saint Marys College of Maryland, National Endowment for
the Arts, Joy of Motion, Joes Movement Emporium, International Association of Blacks in Dance, StepAfrika!, the Atlas,
Dance Place, Choreographic Institute, Deviated Theatre, and BalletNova. Runs to Sept. 17. Dance Loft on 14 Theater, 4618
14th St. NW 2nd Floor. Tickets are $10 for a single evening pass, $40 for a day pass, or $75 for a full-weekend pass. Call
202-621-3670 or visit danceloft14.org.
Compiled by Doug Rule POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY Humphrey Bogart plays a detective
As part of its Rosh Hashanah film BROWN investigating why a jewel-encrusted
FILM series 5777: A Year in Review,
celebrating the cinematic contribu-
The late Debbie Reynolds is rec-
ognized for her work in the film
avian statute is so desirable and
who will take the fall for his part-
tions of major Jewish artists who adaptation of Meredith Willsons ners murder. Happy Hour-priced
BACK TO THE FUTURE passed away in the past year, the Broadway hit, screening as part beer and wine are on offer from 4
Marty McFlys DeLorean-powered
Washington Jewish Film Festival of the Washington Jewish Film to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, at
journey to the 50s has been enter-
screens Mike Nichols exception- Festivals Rosh Hashanah series 1:30, 4:30, and 7:30 p.m. Landmarks
taining audiences for more than
al adaptation of the late Carrie 5777: A Year In Review. Her work West End Cinema, 2301 M St. NW.
three decades it was the summer
Fishers best-selling confession- as the infamous survivor of the RMS Tickets are $12.50. Call 202-534-
blockbuster of 1985 and contin-
al novel. Meryl Streep stars as a Titanic in Charles Walters movie 1907 or visit landmarktheatres.com.
ues to find new fans. The movie,
drug-addled star constantly over- musical is one of her most memora-
which stars Michael J. Fox and
shadowed by her celebrity mother, ble roles. Saturday, Sept. 16, at 8:30 THE WORDS THAT BUILT
Christopher Lloyd, spawned two
played by Shirley MacLaine. The p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 2:30 AMERICA
sequels and inspired a Universal
comedy is unavoidably bittersweet p.m. The Aaron and Cecile Goldman Pulitzer Prize-winning histori-
Studios ride, but nothing has stood
now that weve lost both Fisher and Theater, Edlavitch DCJCC, 1529 an David McCullough narrates a
the test of time like the original.
her own mother Debbie Reynolds. 16th St. NW. Tickets are $13.50. new 50-minute documentary by
Robert Zemeckis time-traveling
Sunday, Sept. 17, at 12:30 p.m. The Call 202-777-3247 or visit wjff.org. Alexandra Pelosi, focused on the
tale next screens as part of the Date
Aaron and Cecile Goldman Theater, authentic words of Americas found-
Night outdoor screening series at
Edlavitch DCJCC, 1529 16th St. THE MALTESE FALCON ing fathers. The words, as published
National Harbor. Thursday, Sept.
NW. Tickets are $13.50. Call 202- Capital Classics, the new hump- in the iconic documents on per-
21, at 7 p.m. On the plaza at 165
777-3247 or visit wjff.org. day film series at Landmarks manent display at the National
Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, Md. Call
recently refurbished West End Archives, are read by more than
877-628-5427 or visit nationalhar-
Cinema, offers a screening of John 100 modern-day American lead-
bor.com.
Hustons 1941 film noir classic, ers, including all living Presidents
based on Dashiell Hammetts novel. and Vice Presidents, Supreme
STAGE
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
HHHHH
A multi-faceted gem of a musical,
LOC COURTESY OF DC PRESERVATION LEAGUE
W
Call 703-820-9771 or visit sigthe-
ASHINGTON IS A CITY OF RICH HISTORY. ITS ALSO A CITY OF BRIDGES. atre.org. (Andre Hereford)
And the DC Preservation League and the Historical Society of Washington, D.C.,
are showcasing the those historic bridges with a guided historical boat tour. BLUE CAMP
The Rainbow Theatre Project, in
We will be leaving from Georgetown and going up to and beyond Old Town Alexandria, residency this season at the District
crossing under the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and see the Jones Point Lighthouse, says of Columbia Arts Center, offers a
the Preservation Leagues Donald staged reading of Tim Caggiano
Beekman Myer, who will be leading and Jack Calvin Hannas drama,
depicting what soldiers accused of
the tour. And we look at all the homosexuality experienced in the
bridges along the river while we days leading up to the Vietnam
return to Georgetown. War. Christopher Janson directs
a cast including Dwayne Allen,
The tour will focus on the
CAROL HIGHSMITH PHOTOGRAPHY
dasquares.org.
EQUALITY FEAST
dcscandals@gmail.com.
I
For more information, visit
F YOU COME TO CHEFS FOR EQUALITY, YOU CAN EXPECT TO HAVE A LOT dullestriangles.com.
of fun, and you can expect to leave very full and with a full goodie bag of amazing
HIV TESTING at Whitman-
things, says David Hagedorn, co-chair of the Human Rights Campaigns annual Walker Health. 9 a.m.-12:30
fundraiser. p.m. and from 2-5 p.m. at 1525
Now in its sixth year, Chefs for Equality has moved to Dock5 at Union Market. 14th St. NW, and 9 a.m-12
p.m. and 2-5 p.m. at the Max
Admission is $200 per person, granting unlimited access to appetizers, entrees, des-
Robinson Center, 2301 MLK Jr.
serts, and cocktails from hundreds of the D.C. areas best chefs and mixologists, with all Ave. SE. For an appointment
proceeds benefiting the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. call 202-745-7000 or visit whit-
As part of the dessert offerings, the event will continue a tradition started during the man-walker.org.
marriage equality ballot fights of 2012: featuring 20 wedding-style cakes, or celebra- IDENTITY offers free and
tion cakes, courtesy of top local pastry chefs. confidential HIV testing at
Cakes are a metaphor for all of the dangers the Trump administration has put two separate locations. Walk-
ins accepted from 2-6 p.m.,
before us, says Hagedorn. In November, the Masterpiece Cakeshop case comes to
by appointment for all other
the Supreme Court, which is the case of the bakery in Colorado that refused to bake a hours. 414 East Diamond Ave.,
cake for a same-sex couple. That case has huge ramifications for the entire community. Gaithersburg, Md. or 7676
It would allow any business to discriminate against people based on religious beliefs, New Hampshire Ave., Suite
411, Takoma Park, Md. To set
which they neither have to hold nor prove. up an appointment or for more
The Trump administration poses a major threat to the LGBTQ community, in ways information, call Gaithersburg,
we never imagined, he continues. I thought it was going to be bad, but I didnt realize 301-300-9978, or Takoma Park,
301-422-2398.
how bad it was going to be.... We are not safe under this administration, so the stakes
are very high, and I think everyone is aware of it. John Riley METROHEALTH CENTER
offers free, rapid HIV testing.
HRCs sixth annual Chefs for Equality is Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 5:30 p.m. at Dock5 at Appointment needed. 1012 14th
St. NW, Suite 700. To arrange
Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE. Tickets are available at hrc.im/ChefsTickets. an appointment, call 202-638-
Visit chefsforequality.org. 0750.
I
TS AN ACTION-PACKED FALL IN CINEMA THIS
year. Literally so, as a great number of releases over the
coming months are action films, from Jackie Chan aveng-
ing his daughters death, to Gerard Butler battling clouds, to
plastic Lego toys fighting evil, to the return of Blade Runner.
Beyond that, theres the usual glut of horror films launch-
ing both before and after Halloween, including psychological
horrors that play with our perception of reality, to insidious
thrillers that get under the audiences skin, to the return of the
Saw franchise, which defined a generation of torture porn
horror films.
If youre looking for something a little gentler, or less death-
ly, theres also the expected Oscar bait, from heroic everyday
struggles (Jason Gyllenhaal as a Boston Marathon bombing
survivor) to landmark equality wins (Emma Stone as tennis
champ Billie Jean King) to civil rights leaders (Chadwick
Boseman as Thurgood Marshall). Plenty to keep Academy vot-
ers occupied this fall.
As for everyone else? Marvels Thor: Ragnarok and Disneys
Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Also, should Joss Whedon somehow
SCOTT G. BROOKS
make it watchable, DCs Justice League. Oh, and a beautiful
new Pixar entry, to boot. Basically, this fall has everything cov-
ered. Lets jump in.
By Rhuaridh Marr THE LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE If Lego has proven anything, its
that audiences will gladly pay to see their plasticized animated
SEPTEMBER comedies thanks in part to excellent scripts and breathtaking
visuals. Now, the worlds largest toy company is bringing their
MOTHER! Jennifer Lawrence is the titular mother whose idyl- Ninjago action toys to the big screen. If its anything like The
lic life with her author husband (Javier Bardem) spins wildly Lego Batman Movie, expect great things. (9/22)
out of control when a man (Ed Harris) and his wife (Michelle
Pfeiffer) show up at their door. Darron Aronofskys film has BATTLE OF THE SEXES In 1973, tennis world champion and
split some audiences it was both cheered and booed when it feminist and lesbian icon Billie Jean King stunned the world
debuted at the Venice Film Festival amid a shroud of secrecy when she bested chauvinist and ex- world champion Bobby
but critics agree this horror-cum-thriller-cum-black-comedy is a Riggs in a tennis match. Emma Stone and Steve Carell are King
masterful, if out there, piece of filmmaking. (9/15) and Riggs in a biopic that follows Kings struggle to come to
terms with her sexuality and the pressure she felt to prove that
BRADS STATUS While some have complained its another womens tennis stood on equal footing with the mens game.
example of white male whining, critics generally agree that Mike (9/22)
Whites dramedy about a father (Ben Stiller) accompanying his
son (Austin Abrams) on a tour of East Coast colleges and having FRIEND REQUEST Perhaps one of the clumsiest metaphors
a crisis of confidence after meeting highly successful former ever put to film, this slasher horror has a popular college student
friends is bittersweet, humorous, and effective. (9/15) watch most of her social group get killed after befriending an
unknown loser on Facebook. We get it, dont add strangers on
REBEL IN THE RYE Superficial, cliche, basic. Just some Facebook. Next. (9/22)
of the words used to describe Danny Strongs biopic about J.D.
Salingers life leading up to the publication of The Catcher in the VICTORIA AND ABDUL Dame Judi Dench steps back into the
Rye. Maybe catch something else this weekend instead. (9/15) shoes of Queen Victoria 20 years after her Oscar-nominated turn
in Mrs. Brown. Stephen Frears biopic sees the British monarch
KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE A surprising hit, Kingsman befriend her Indian servant Abdul Karim (Aliz Fazal), and the
proved not only that a violent, over the top action spy comedy slight scandal this caused in society at the time. If showy period
could be a big box office success, but also that Colin Firth is total- dramedies are your thing, get your ticket now. (9/22)
ly believable as a badass secret agent. Taron Egerton returns as
the titular Kingsman agent, while Julianne Moore, Halle Berry, STRONGER Critics agree that this true-life story of Jeff
Channing Tatum and even Elton John pop up in this sequel. (9/22) Bauman, a man who lost his legs during the 2013 Boston
THE TIGER HUNTER Danny Pudi is a fish out of water as an MARSHALL In 1967, Thurgood Marshall became Americas
Indian engineer in the 70s who relocates to America and finds first African-American Supreme Court Justice, crowning a
himself struggling to balance his cultural heritage with his new lengthy career that saw him successfully argue dozens of times
surroundings. Lena Khans film looks to be a touching and effec- before the court, as well as fight for civil rights and desegrega-
tive dramedy, if a little by-the-book. (9/22) tion. In this biopic, Chadwick Boseman (Marvels current Black
Panther) steps into the title role as a young Marshall takes on
AMERICAN MADE Tom Cruise abandons his good guy image to one of his first cases. Josh Gad, Keesha Sharp, Kate Hudson and
become Barry Seal, the former pilot who in the 80s became a Dan Stevens also star. (10/13)
drug smuggler for a Colombian cartel and then an informant for
the U.S. government. Cruises energetic performance will likely THE FOREIGNER Jackie Chan returns to both a leading role
distract from director Doug Limans (Bourne Identity) fast-and- and his action roots, but dont expect a comedy. Instead, this
loose handling of the source material. (9/29) is a thriller directed by Martin Campbell (Casino Royale) about
a businessman whose daughter is killed in a terrorist attack in
FLATLINERS A sequel to the 1990 film of the same name, Ellen London. Determined to find her killers, he wages war on a for-
Page, Diego Luna and three other medical students choose to mer IRA member turned government official (Pierce Brosnan)
stop their hearts for minutes at a time to see if they can expe- who might hold the information he needs. It looks bleak, action-
rience the afterlife, but with disastrous consequences. Niels packed, and gritty. Were sold. (10/13)
Arden Oplev takes over from Joel Schumacher as director, with
Kiefer Sutherland reprising his role from the original cult hor- REEL AFFIRMATIONS Washington, D.C.s International LGBTQ
ror. (9/29) Film Festival kicks off with two buzzed-about films on the
festival circuit: Jennifer Reeders Chicago-set Signature Move,
SUPER DARK TIMES Director Kevin Phillips debut feature is a timely drama centering on the romance and familial strug-
receiving a lot of praise. Two teenage boys in an Upstate New gles between a Pakistani and a Mexican-American woman,
York suburb are driven apart by a traumatic accident, with their and Francis Lees Gods Own Country. Dubbed as a Yorkshire
grief spiralling out of control as they try to process it. Critics are Brokeback Mountain, it centers around a romance between a
lauding this thriller as one of the best of the year. (9/29) young farmer and a Romanian migrant worker. Other highlights
include Jenee LaMarques The Feels, a rom-com set at a lesbian
LUCKY Ninety-year-old Harry Dean Stanton gives a career-de- bachelorette party; Trudie Stylers Freakshow, the James St.
fining performance as a man who has outlived everyone he James tale, starring Bette Midler, and My Friend Dahmer, Marc
knows and ventures on a journey of self-exploration in his hum- Meyers drama chronicling the serial killers childhood. Visit
drum desert town. Expect an Oscar-nomination for Stanton. thedccenter.org/reelaffirmations. (10/19-21)
(9/29)
WONDERSTRUCK Todd Haynes (Carol) directs an adaptation
OCTOBER of Brian Selznicks best-selling novel about two children in two
different time periods both venturing out on separate quests.
BLADE RUNNER 2049 Its taken 35 years, but were finally get- Julianne Moore and Michelle Williams star in a film that critics
ting a sequel to Ridley Scotts landmark sci-fi film. Arrival direc- say brings to life the wonders of childhood for grownup audi-
tor Denis Villeneuve steps into the directors chair and Ryan ences. (10/20)
Gosling leads as a blade runner in 2049 California, determined
to track down Harrison Fords Rick Deckard, who vanished 30 THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US Possibly many viewers worst
years prior. Expectations are high. Robin Wright, Jared Leto and nightmare, as two strangers (Idris Elba and Kate Winslet)
Dave Bautista also star. (10/6) survive a plane crash in a remote mountain range in Utah and
must fight to survive. We dont know whats worse: the constant
THE FLORIDA PROJECT It seems writer-director Sean Baker threat of death, or having to continue making polite small talk
can do no wrong. Lauded for 2015s Tangerine, shot entirely on with a stranger for days longer than anticipated. (10/20)
an iPhone, Baker returns with another critical smash with the
story of six-year-old Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) and her friends GEOSTORM An environmental disaster sci-fi action film that
as they navigate summer break. Meanwhile, the adults, including looks more like unintentional comedy, Gerard Butler stars in a
Willem Dafoe as the owner of the motel in which Moonee and film where humanity has developed satellites that can control
her mother (Bria Vinaite) live, struggle with the realities of life. the planets climate. Unsurprisingly, the system fails, producing
(10/6) disastrous global storms. Cue the CGI, the action music, and the
cheesy dialogue, as Butler races to shut the satellite down. Not
THE SNOWMAN You know whats not threatening? A snowman. that anyone will actually buy a ticket to learn if theyre successful
Theyre fun balls of snow crafted by children, dotted with stones or not. (10/20)
and designed to delight. Unless, of course, theyre the calling
NOVEMBER
THOR: RAGNAROK Conspicuously absent
from 2016s Captain America: Civil War,
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) returns in his Call Me by Your Name
third standalone film to find himself trapped in gladiatorial com-
bat with Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), a battle he must somehow win handling of Marvels Avengers franchise catapulted their cine-
without his trademark hammer in order to make it back home matic universe into the stratosphere. Heres hoping he can do
in time to stop an impending apocalypse, courtesy of Hela (Cate the League similar honors. (11/17)
Blanchett), the goddess of death. Hemsworth may have lost his
long hair (and hes all the more handsome for it), but hes gained WONDER Based on R.J. Palacios 2012 bestseller, Julia Roberts
Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, and Karl Urban as co-stars in the pro- and Owen Wilson star in a comedy-drama about a boy with facial
cess. Not a bad trade. (11/3) differences attending a mainstream elementary school for the
first time. The film was pushed back from release earlier this
A BAD MOMS CHRISTMAS Releasing just after Halloween year but not to make alterations or fix problems. According
and weeks before Thanksgiving, we have a Christmas-themed to reports, it was so well received during press screenings that
sequel to 2016s surprisingly entertaining Bad Moms. Mila Kunis, Lionsgate hope it will be even more successful releasing in
Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn return as the rule-breaking November. (11/17)
moms who refuse to be perfect, only this time theyre terror-
ized by their own mothers (Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines COCO Pixars newest film looks astonishing. It follows 12-year-
and Susan Sarandon) visiting for the holidays. If it can smooth old Miguel as he travels into the Land of the Dead to unpick
over some of the cracks of the first film, it could be good, if early, the truth behind a century-old family secret. Based heavily on
festive fun. (11/3) Mexicos Da de los Muertos holiday, it will hopefully offer more
of the charm, humor and emotion that characterizes Pixars best
THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER A weird, psychological horror offerings. Plus, the animation would seem to be among the best
from Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster). Colin Farrell is Steven to ever come out of the studio. (11/24)
Murphy, a successful surgeon with a perfect wife (Nicole
Kidman) and family. But his strange friendship with a teenage MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS Stylish, sumptuous visuals?
boy turns disastrous when the teen demands a sacrifice, or else Check. Starry cast, including Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer,
terrible events will occur in the Murphy household. One review- Daisy Ridley, Penlope Cruz, and Judi Dench? Check. A suit-
er called it fucking brilliant, but others have been a little more ably moustached Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh, who also
reserved in their praise. (11/3) directs)? Check. We cant wait for this new take on Agatha
Christie murder mystery classic, about thirteen strangers strand-
DADDYS HOME 2 Daddy should have gone for cigarettes and ed on a train and a killer in their midst. (11/24)
never come back. The addition of John Lithgow and Mel Gibson
will not make this sequel any better than the first. (11/10) CALL ME BY YOUR NAME Oliver (Armie Hammer) is an academ-
ic who comes to stay at a familys villa in 1980s Italy. There, he
THE DISASTER ARTIST Unashamedly niche in its subject mat- JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE No thanks. Well watch
ter, but definitely broad in its appeal, James Franco both directs the 1995 original instead. (12/22)
and stars in this comedy-drama biopic about the making of
Tommy Wiseaus 2003 cult film The Room, widely considered PITCH PERFECT 3 Much as Pitch Perfect 2 wasnt as good as
one of the worst films ever made. Franco is Wiseau, with his Pitch Perfect, expect this second sequel to have even less of the
LGBTV
Oct. 14, which features various stars, including Alan
Cumming, Ben Whishaw and Gemma Whelan, deliver-
ing monologues about LGBTQ life in Britain, in honour
of the 50th anniversary of the decriminalization of gay
sex in England.
This fall offers a number of options for queer viewers to feel As a saucier option, theres Starzs The Girlfriend
Experience, about women who work as high-end
represented and the return of a 90s classic By Rhuaridh Marr escorts, which returns for its second season on Nov. 5
and will feature Anna Friel as a Republican Super PAC
finance director who contracts the services of escort
Q
UEER VIEWERS WONT BE STARVED FOR CONTENT ON TV THIS FALL. Anna (Louisa Krause). Lets all pretend some of todays
From the return of known franchises, to one-off series, to all-new shows, leading conservative voices arent doing the same.
theres a surprising amount of representation on offer across a number of And last but not least, theres the second season of
networks and digital services. TBSs lauded dark comedy Search Party on Nov. 19. It
There are a few shows that have already begun airing, including American Horror stars Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development) as a millen-
Story: Cult. Starring several out actors, including Sarah Paulson and Cheyenne nial who ventures out in NYC to find a missing college
Jackson, and gay creator Ryan Murphy, its always a queer favourite. Theres also friend, and features a star turn from John Early as her
season two of One Mississippi, comedian Tig Notaros sublime comedy-drama on narcissist gay friend Elliott Goss. If millennial ennui and
Amazon, which celebrates the lesbian relationship at its heart. And if youre looking vanity wrapped up in an entertaining mystery sound like
for a period drama, check out HBOs The Deuce, with James Franco and Maggie your sort of thing, definitely check it out. l
M
ICHAEL URIE AS HAMLET, TOM STORY
as God, and Holly Twyford singing Sondheim.
Those are just three of the biggest developments
with obvious gay appeal in local theater this season.
Also impressive is the reprise of the Womens Voices
Theater Festival, a commitment by participating compa-
nies to present at least one play by a female writer. Since
the first round a mere two years ago, contributions from
women have become a more common sight. So much so, in
fact, that most participating companies in the festival have
two or more female-driven works on the boards. Politics
is also more on display this season, with plays reflecting
present-day realities and drawing parallels to the past.
And yet, as ever, traditional song-and-dance musicals
are everywhere from A Chorus Line to The Wild Party,
Chicago to Mean Girls. Not to mention a certain little
orphan obsessed with tomorrow.
SCOTT G. BROOKS
Compiled by Doug Rule and Randy Shulman his mettle with musicals at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Choreographer Parker Esse joins to try to rouse interest in this
ADVENTURE THEATRE MTC classic battle-of-the-sexes (10/27-12/24, Fichandler) NINA
7300 MacArthur Blvd SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN Christina Hams play with music
Glen Echo, Md. explores how the High Priestess of Soul found her true voice
301-634-2270 and helped define the sound of the Civil Rights Movement
adventuretheatre-mtc.org (11/10-12/24, Kreeger) SOVEREIGNTY An examination of
HOW I BECAME A PIRATE A boy learns the ropes of being a Washingtons historical (mis)treatment of Cherokee Nation
swashbuckling (but smelly) pirate in an adaptation of Melinda and the present-day consequences by Mary Kathryn Nagle.
Longs book (9/22-10/22) FROSTY THE SNOWMAN Jason Part of the Womens Voices Theater Festival, also the fourth
Schlafstein directs the famous wintertime tale about the jolly in Arenas politically minded Power Play commissioning series
happy soul who had fun in the sun one day until he melted away (1/12-2/18) THE GREAT SOCIETY Jack Willis reprises his role
(11/17-12/31) ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO as President Lyndon Baines Johnson in the sequel to Robert
GOOD, VERY BAD DAY Cara Gabriel directs a stage adaptation Schenkkans Tony-winning All The Way. Kyle Donnelly directs
of Judith Viorsts book about a disastrous day in a boys life and the epic political thrill ride (2/2-3/11, Fichandler) HOLD THESE
the hope for better days ahead (2/9-3/31) TRUTHS A play for our times, Jeanne Sakatas inspirational
true story focuses on a man who defied his government and the
ARENA STAGE unjust and utterly un-American policy of interning Japanese
1101 Sixth St. SW Americans during World War II. Jessica Kubzansky directs
202-488-3300 (2/23-4/8, Kogod Cradle)
arenastage.org
NATIVE GARDENS Neighborly rivalry escalates into an all-out CONSTELLATION THEATRE
border dispute, challenging everyones notions of race, privilege 1835 14th St. NW
and where to draw the line on good taste in Karen Zacarias 202-204-7741
hot-button comedy. Blake Robison directs a co-production constellationtheatre.org
with Guthrie Theater (9/15-10/22, Kreeger Theater) THE THE WILD PARTY Allison Arkell Stockman kicks off the season
PRICE One of theater giant Arthur Millers most personal with an award-winning Off Broadway musical, Andrew Lippas
plays, a penetrating family drama revived by director Seema steamy prohibition tale of passion and insatiable appetites
Sueko and starring veteran Hal Linden as a wily antique dealer with a sensational jazz/vaudeville/gospel score (9/21-10/29)
(10/6-11/12, Kogod Cradle) THE PAJAMA GAME In an unusual THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH Thornton Wilders Pulitzer Prize-
twist, artistic director Molly Smith turns over directing reins for winning epic saga that was far ahead of its time in mixing farce,
this seasons Golden Age Musical to Alan Paul, who has proven burlesque, satire and absurdism. Mary Hall Surface directs
SIGNATURE THEATRE
4200 Campbell Ave.
Arlington, Va.
703-820-9771
sigtheatre.org
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC Sondheims uncharacteristically hope-
ful show about love and romance, focused on a love triangle
among Bobby Smith, Will Gartshore, and, in her singing debut,
STUDIO THEATRE
1501 14th St. NW
202-332-3300
studiotheatre.org
SKELETON CREW As rumors spread of a shutdown at one of
the last auto plants in Detroit, a tight-knit family of workers face
what theyre willing to sacrifice to survive. Patricia McGregor
directs Studios production of Dominique Morisseaus timely
work (Now-10/8) THE EFFECT Is it love or just a side effect
of the new antidepressant drug two volunteers in a clinical trial
have been put on? Lucy Prebbles play is part of the alternative
Studio X series (10/4-29) A SHORT SERIES OF DISAGREEMENTS
PRESENTED HERE IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER A brand-new
show by British monologist Daniel Kitson, written in this par-
ticular time, for this particular place. A Studio R&D-supported,
Studio X production (11/2-25) CURVE OF DEPARTURE Family
members gather in a hotel room in New Mexico on the eve of
a funeral. A gently comic play about what binds us to others
from the writer/director team behind The Wolfe Twins (11/29-
1/7) THE WOLVES Sarah DeLappes play follows a pack of
16-year-old girls who turn into warriors on the field. Part of the
Womens Voices Theater Festival (1/17-3/4)
SYNETIC THEATER
1800 South Bell St.
Crystal City, Va.
800-494-8497
synetictheater.org
THE ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN A high-spirited and acrobatic
interpretation (10/18-11/19) HANSEL AND GRETEL A magical,
wordless production of the Brothers Grimm fairytale, a trans-
porting tale in the woods suitable for all ages (12/1-23) THE
TRIAL Two unidentified agents from an unspecified agency
arrest a man for an unspecified crime in Kafkas century-old
work (1/17-2/18)
THEATRE ALLIANCE
2020 Shannon Pl. SE
202-241-2539
theateralliance.com
WORD BECOMES FLESH Hip-hop, dance, and music are used
to explore what it means to be a black man in the 21st century.
An encore production (Now-10/8) THE RAID Two American
icons debate white abolitionist John Brown and black abo-
litionist and social reformer Frederick Douglass. Directed by
THEATRE J
1529 16th St. NW
202-777-3210
theaterj.org
SOTTO VOCE Love transcends all borders in Pulitzer Prize-
winner Nilo Cruzs passionate and lyrical drama about a young
Cuban mans research into the fate of a ship of Jewish refugees
that fled Nazi Germany only to be denied entry into both Cuba
and the United States (10/3-29) THE LAST NIGHT AT BALLYHOO
Set amid the Atlanta Jewish community in 1939, this beau-
tiful, comedic, and enthralling romance is by Alfred Uhry, the
writer of Driving Miss Daisy (11/29-12/31) EVERYTHING IS
ILLUMINATED Based on the best-selling novel by Jonathan
Safran Foer, this stunning adaptation tells the story of a young
man who sets out to find the woman who might or might not
have saved his grandfather (1/11-2/4) BECOMING DR. RUTH
Holly Twyford directs Naomi Jacobson as Americas favorite
sex therapist in this one-woman show (2/21-3/189)
WOOLLY MAMMOTH
641 D St. NW
202-393-3939
woollymammoth.net
THE ARSONISTS Written as a reflection on the rise of both
Nazism and Communism, Max Frischs classic comedy has
a new relevance in todays world. The cast features Woollys
artistic director Howard Shalwitz, making a long-awaited
return to the Woolly stage (Now-10/8) NOTHING TO LOSE (BUT
OUR CHAINS) Second City presents a hilarious and harrowing
story of how one black man went from six years in a state pris-
on to a six-figure job in corporate America to a new life as an
activist and satirist. Performed by Felonious Munk and a cast
of Chicagos sharpest comedians (11/11-12/31) FAMILIAR An
immigrant Zimbabwean family prepares for the wedding of
their eldest American-born daughter, who insists on observing
roora, a traditional bride-price ceremony. Part of the Womens
Voices Theatre Festival (2/5-3/4) l
T
HIS SEASON, THE BUZZ IN CONCERT-LAND IS
mostly all concentrated in one area: the new Wharf
neighborhood in D.C.s Southwest Waterfront. Surely
youve heard about the Anthem, the 9:30 Clubs built-from-
scratch bigger brother, which opens next month with the Foo
Fighters, LCD Soundsystem, and Tegan and Sara, among others.
Yet the 6,000-capacity Anthem is only the biggest of three
music venues to come to the Wharf. Also opening Thursday,
Oct. 12, is the 300-capacity Pearl Street Warehouse from
the team behind Cantina Marina. Waiting in the wings: The
450-capacity Union Stage from the owners of Virginias Jammin
Java, opening date to be announced.
Elsewhere, theres the return and expansion of the
All Things Go Fall Classic. Theres Tori Amos, who steps into
Chers shoes to make her MGM National Harbor debut. Of
course, Diva Central remains downtown. And in addition to
Janet, Gaga, Katy and Bruno, the re-christened Capital One
Arena presents a headlining show from the newest bisexual
diva around, Halsey.
Cheyenne Jackson, Emily Saliers, Kesha, Billy Gilman, Rufus
SCOTT G. BROOKS
Wainwright the season offers an impressive assortment of
LGBTQ stars all around us. So get out and get your concert on.
MILKBOY ARTHOUSE
7416 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, Md.
240-623-1423
milkboyarthouse.com
LA MANTA From flamenco to rock, jazz to classical, groups
diverse musical mashup turns traditional Mexican music on its
head (10/6) JAIMEO BROWN TRANSCENDENCE A trio with
guitarist Chris Sholar and alto-saxophonist Jaleel Shaw that
takes historical work songs and blends them with contemporary
jazz, blues and hip-hop (10/12) WARREN WOLF AND WOLFPACK
Baltimore native hailed as a leading force on the vibraphone
and a proud purveyor of straight-ahead jazz (11/2)
T
HE KENNEDY CENTER GETS A HEAD START
on centennial celebrations of Leonard Bernstein,
hosting several tributes this season, months before
what would have been his 100th year. The National
Symphony Orchestra even opens its season its first with
new music director Gianandrea Noseda with a tribute to
the late, great composer.
Beyond Bernstein, theres plenty of variety in the clas-
sical offerings this fall, from the Baltimore Symphonys
promise of a Tchaikovsky Thrill Ride, to the classical/
hip-hop sounds of Black Violin at Strathmore, to the New
Orchestra of Washingtons Da de los Muertos concerts.
The Gay Mens Chorus kicks off its season with a provoc-
ative fundraiser toasting the gay underground, while the
Congressional Chorus offers a concert in tribute to those
who have fought for equality.
Finally, in addition to all the usual Messiah and
Nutcracker and Christmas Sing-Alongs, both the
Washington National Opera and the InSeries offer a
SCOTT G. BROOKS
more operatic seasons greeting. To that, well gladly sing
Hallelujah.
Compiled by Doug Rule tor John Welsh will make special appearances at this sea-
son-opening concert that also honors current music director
AMERICAN POPS ORCHESTRA Victoria Gau, celebrating her 20th season (10/22) CAPITAL
The Mead Center for American Theater CITY SYMPHONY: LYRICAL STRINGS Featuring beautiful string
1101 6th St. SW works including George Walkers Lyric for Strings, Norwegian
theamericanpops.org composer Ola Gjeilos stunning Sunrise Mass and Haydns mas-
RESPECT: THE MUSIC OF ARETHA FRANKLIN A tribute to the terpiece Cello Concerto in C Major, performed by soloist Eric
Queen of Soul featuring Moya Angela, Ariana DeBose, Nova Kutz of the University of Maryland (11/19)
Payton, Bria Skonberg, and Michelle Williams of Destinys
Child (9/16) TRANQUILITY: YOGA WITH THE AMERICAN POPS BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
ORCHESTRA Its as bizarre as it sounds: Yoga instructor 410-783-8000
Michael Peterson will lead a 70-minute practice accompanied bsomusic.org
by members of the orchestra performing songs from some TCHAIKOVSKY THRILL RIDE The Russian masters Symphony
of the greatest crooners, in a composition designed to marry No. 5 in E Minor is the titular thrill ride in a program led by BSO
music and movement (11/12, International Monetary Fund, Music Director Marin Alsop and featuring Rodrigos Concierto
1900 Pennsylvania Ave. NW) AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 de Aranjuez, one of the most popular works of the classical
DAYS A new family show, adapted by Claybourne Elder from guitar repertoire and featuring ukasz Kuropaczewski (9/14,
Jules Vernes classic tale and told through songs from the Great Strathmore; 9/15-16, Meyerhoff) POETIC FIRE: FROM HAMLET
American Songbook, featuring Hilary Morrow, Tiara Whaley, TO DON JUAN Tchaikovskys musical telling of Shakespeare
and Nurney Mason (1/6/18) and Strauss tone poem Don Juan in an Alsop-led program fea-
turing Luk Vondrcek, interpreting Rachmaninoffs beloved
ATLAS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Piano Concerto (9/22, 9/24, Meyerhoff; 9/23, Strathmore)
1333 H St. NE MOVIE WITH ORCHESTRA: JURASSIC PARK Associate
202-399-7993 Conductor Nicholas Hersh leads the orchestra in performing
Atlasarts.org John Williams score while the sci-fi adventure is projected over-
URBANARIAS: SHINING BROW Daron Aric Hagens new head (9/30-10/1, Meyerhoff) WAGNERS QUEST Selections
mini-opera, with a libretto by Paul Muldoon, relating the early from Parsifal featuring bass-baritone Alfred Walker along
career of celebrity architect Frank Lloyd Wright, his adul- with Bruchs Scottish Fantasy featuring BSO Concertmaster
terous affair with Mamah Cheney, and the consequences of Jonathan Carney on violin (10/5, Meyerhoff; 10/8, Strathmore)
his enormous self-regard (10/14-15, 10/20-21) CAPITAL CITY CIRQUE GOES BROADWAY Principal Pops Conductor Jack
SYMPHONY: 50TH ANNIVERSARY The symphonys founding Everly leads the BSO and soloists as the aeralists in Troupe
music director Louis Fantasia and long-time music direc- Vertigo perform (10/12, Strathmore, 10/13-15, Meyerhoff) BSO
For more Fall Arts Preview Classical & Choral listings, visit
metroweekly.com.
SCOTT G. BROOKS
Georgia, South Africa, Brazil, Russia, the U.K. dancers from
all those countries and more will be in motion all around us.
THE CLARICE
Compiled by Doug Rule University of Maryland
ATLAS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER College Park, Md.
1333 H St. NE 301-405-ARTS
202-399-7993 claricesmithcenter.umd.edu
Atlasarts.org MFA DANCE THESIS CONCERT: LATEFIA BRADLEY AND JEN
FURIA FLAMENCA DANCE COMPANY: CAFE FLAMENCO An inti- GRAHAM (10/13-15) GERMAINE ACOGNY Hailed as the moth-
mate evening of flamenco tablao style, with drinks and tapas er of contemporary African dance, the Senegalese artist offers
served tableside during the performance, accompanied by gui- a striking, visually arresting reinterpretation of Stravinskys
tarist Torcuato Zamora (9/30-10/1) CONTRADICTION DANCE: The Rite of Spring, a collaboration with French choreographer
FORGIVENESS: LOVE MORE WILDLY Unpacking the stages of Olivier Dubois staged as a contemporary solo piece (11/11)
forgiveness with scenes taken from life, history, and an imag- FACULTY DANCE CONCERT: ADRIANE FANG, MAURA KEEFE, ALVIN
ined future interwoven with original dance and music (10/21- MAYES, CARLOS FINN AND LIZ SHEA (12/8-10) WENDY WHELAN,
22) STEP AFRIKA!: MAGICAL MUSICAL HOLIDAY STEP SHOW BRIAN BROOKS, AND BROOKLYN RIDER Some of a Thousand
D.C.s internationally known stepping company presents its Words is an elegant and electric ballet-inflected contemporary
annual interactive celebration of the holidays, with furry friends work from celebrated choreographers with accompaniment by
and DJ Frosty the Snowman (12/16-17, 12/20-23, 12/27-30) noted string quartet (12/9)
SCOTT G. BROOKS
struggles artists and everyday citizens are facing today in other
parts of the world, from China to Russia to Iran.
C
HEFS ARE TAKING OVER D.C. THIS FALL, AS THE
star attraction at event (Chefs for Equality) after event
(Smithsonians Food History Weekend) after event
(MetroCookingDC). If you still want more, you can sign up for
cooking classes with Malmaisons Gerard Pangaud, Centrolinas
Amy Brandwein, Kapnos George Pagonis, or several other reg-
ular chef/instructors at Hill Center.
And then, when youve had your fill, spring for some
belly laughs with Bearlesque at Black Cat, Dina Martina at
the Howard, or binge on the Bentzen Ball. Looking for gifts?
There are several craft events to hit, as well as Strathmores
always-dependable one-stop-shop for museum souvenirs. And
who knows what one might find at Towns new Big Gay Flea?
Betty White, Val Kilmer, John Waters, Rose Troche all
four and more will be swinging through town for one reason or
another. Yet, among the countless intriguing book-driven dis-
cussions, its hard to beat Hillary Clinton at the Warner. Except,
that is, for the man impersonating the man who beat her in the
SCOTT G. BROOKS
election. Yep, Alec Baldwin returns to his alma mater to mock
the President practically in the White Houses backyard. Talk
about huge...
Compiled by Doug Rule of democracy in North Carolina but with parallels to the situa-
tion in the Commonwealth (9/27) PETE CORREALE (9/29-30)
9:30 CLUB NOSFERATU: THE INVINCIBLE CZARS PRESENT NOSFERATU
815 V St. NW Austin band performs its score as the 1922 German silent film
202-265-0930 screens (10/5) VAL KILMER: CINEMA TWAIN Actor appears in
930.com person to introduce the film he directed of the one-man play he
CAMERON ESPOSITO & RHEA BUTCHER Gay comedy couple, wrote about Mark Twain (10/6-7) TETON GRAVITY RESEARCH:
known from TV series Take My Wife, on multi-city Back to ROGUE ELEMENTS (10/12) RICH VOS (10/13-14) STEVE-O
Back stand-up tour (10/7) The Jackass and Wildboyz prankster (10/19-22) COMEDY FILM
BUCKET LIST: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (10/26) ROCKY LAPORTE
THE ANTHEM
(10/27-28) BETCHES WHO BRUNCH COMEDY TOUR (10/29)
901 Wharf St. SW. TOM ARNOLD (11/3-4) SHAWN WAYANS (11/10-11) JOEL
202-265-0930 MCHALE E!s The Soup, Community (11/17-18) PAULY SHORE
theanthemdc.com (11/19) KEEPIN IT WEIRD WEDNESDAYS: ERASERHEAD The
POD TOURS AMERICA: JON FAVREAU, JON LOVETT, DAN PFEIFFER movie that defined David Lynchdom. That baby still creeps us
A live, no-bullshit conversation about politics, the press and the f**k out (11/29) RHYS DARBY (12/1-2) DARRELL HAMMOND
the challenges posed by the Trump presidency from the former (1/5/18-1/6/18)
Obama communications staffers behind the political podcast
Pod Saves America (11/3) ATLAS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
1333 H St. NE
ARLINGTON CINEMA N DRAFTHOUSE 202-399-7993
2903 Columbia Pike atlasarts.org
Arlington, Va. ON SCREEN/IN PERSON FILM SERIES: DEEJ Robert Rooys
703-486-2345 story about a non-speaking autistic man navigating the world in
arlingtondrafthouse.com unconventional ways will be screened and then discussed with
AASIF MANDVI The Daily Show correspondent (9/22-23) the filmmaker and autistic experts (9/26) DESTINATION ATLAS
ART HOUSE THEATER DAY: TITICUT FOLLIES Screening and GALA (10/6) IN THE LAB COMEDY SHOWCASE: JASON WEEMS
discussion celebrating the 50th anniversary of provocative As seen on NBCs Last Comic Standing, D.C.-native comic leads
documentary by Frederick Wiseman exposing conditions at a a show of local up-and-coming standups (10/14) ON SCREEN/
Massachusetts hospital for the insane (9/24) FILM: DEMOCRACY IN PERSON FILM: OIL AND WATER A tale of two boys coming
FOR SALE The League of Women Voters of Arlington hosts of age in the middle of one of the worlds worst toxic disasters.
free screening and discussion of this film, focused on the state Screening followed by a panel discussion (10/24)
Cover of Ms. Magazine, July 1972; Betty Boyd Dettre Library and Research Center, National Museum of Women in the Arts
Wonder Women!
F
ROM THE GUERRILLA GIRLS RIGHTING THE spondence, sketches, ephemera, photographs, posters, rare
wrongs of the art world, to painter Edna Reindels books, museum archival material and artists books, draws
tough WWII riveters, to vintage feminist comic from the special collections and artists archives of the
books, this exhibition at the National Museum of Women museums Betty Boyd Dettre Library and Research Center.
in the Arts features images of the powerful woman, real and Through Nov. 17. 1250 New York Ave NW. Admission is
fictional. The wide-ranging selection, including artist corre- $10. Call 202-783-5000 or visit nmwa.org.
Mother Funk
Its torture being married to an artist in Darren Aronofskys wacky
Lawrence carries the burden of con-
veying the films heart and its terror.
Longtime Aronofsky cinematographer
Matthew Libatiques camera caresses
psychological horror spectacle By Andr Hereford Mothers wide, alert eyes and womanly
curves, as she confronts the same ques-
A
tions that, no doubt, will puzzle audience
MONG MAINSTREAM FILMMAKERS, FEW PROCEED WITH AS MUCH members.
confidence as writer-director Darren Aronofsky in the conviction that a film What issues are so plaguing this cou-
can confound the audience yet still keep them riveted to the action. Prepare to ples marriage that any time Mother wakes
be confounded. to find Him out of bed, she must immedi-
The question that so often arises in Aronofskys movies presents itself early in his lat- ately jump up to search the house for him?
est, Mother! (HHHHH) is this even taking place in the real world, or is it the fevered How is she getting any painting done with
dream of a drug addict? Maybe its the paranoid mind of a math genius or a deranged such an extremely deliberate process?
ballerina? Wait, did Jennifer Connelly just sprout a demon tail, or is that a sex toy? Who keeps fresh linens in a trunk in the
Friction between real versus imagined worlds added poignancy to Aronofskys cellar? And how does anyone arrive at this
bleak, hallucinatory drama Requiem for a Dream, and ignited his Oscar-winning thrill- house in the middle of a field?
er, Black Swan. But what in the ever-living fuck is going on in this latest allegorical On that count, the director cheats by
horror puzzlement? never showing the houses full exterior.
Set entirely within a voluminous, old Victorian fixer-upper planted squarely in a But guests do arrive. The first knock at the
field of golden grasses, the film stars Jennifer Lawrence as Mother. Its a champion door is a Man (Ed Harris), who claims to
bull-rider performance, as the actress saddles up for this weirdness and hangs on for be just a boring orthopedic surgeon visit-
dear life. ing a local hospital. Rashly, without any
Mother (neither she nor any other characters are named on-screen) is a muse in consent from Mother, the husband invites
white gossamer gowns to her beloved poet husband, Him, played with alternating the Man to stay with them in their remote,
brightness and brutishness by Javier Bardem. While husband tries to recapture the empty, out-of-cellphone-range house in
inspiration that produced his most celebrated work, Mother, seemingly more devoted a field. Rightly upset, Mother becomes
to his creativity than to her own, nevertheless paints, plumbs, and repairs their gor- downright fearful when she learns that
geous, covetable home. the man is not who he claimed to be.
Clearly, Mother is as much of an artist, or at least as creative, but in her delicate, As a horror film, Mother! earns points
feminine way, she defers to her husbands need to write above all other things. Theres by defying certain genre expectations, and
a streak of The Shinings Jack and Wendy Torrance in the couple, particularly as empty plowing head-on into others, like the con-
pages make it apparent that the poets great light has dimmed, and unexplained patches sistently unnerving way Mothers hus-
of blood throughout the vast house suggest a supernatural presence. Mother herself (continues on page 98)
Dapper Don
Dons fire. Its less a match of legendary
equals than a Zoolander walkoff.
Also, Pereyra doesnt register the
presence of a heartless, or even conflict-
GALA Hispanic Theatres Don Juan Tenorio seduces, ed, ladykiller. In his and Lastras early
but doesnt fully satisfy By Andr Hereford scenes of jousting wordplay, he appears to
describe more than enact the rivalry that
L
supposedly has set all of Sevillian society
IKE MANY A FAIR TO MIDDLING LOVER, GALA HISPANIC THEATRES abuzz. Lastra, on the other hand, achieves
production of Don Juan Tenorio (HHHHH) tempts the eyes and ears with a more natural tone finessing the wordy
glamour and sweet words. But the legends advances, unsteady in aim or intent, script and Don Juans awakening to love.
ultimately fall short, leaving the heart unmoved. Lastra is at his most persuasive deliv-
Director Jos Carrasquillo has assembled a production that at times is thrillingly ering Don Juans beautiful lovers plea to
beautiful in concept and design. Scenic designer Giorgos Tsappas striking, minimal his young convent-bound conquest, Doa
sets often lit blood-red conjure romance, cathedrals, and Gothic horror movies. Ins (Ins Domnguez del Corral). The
The atmosphere suits this take on the classic literary libertine, which casts Don Juan in pitiless lothario might finally understand
the same sinister light as Bram Stokers Dracula. Or, perhaps Francis Coppolas Dracula the sacrifice of love, as the rogue finds his
provided more direct inspiration. selfish plans of deflowering then leaving
Spanish playwright and novelist Nando Lpez has adapted the original 19th-century Ins endangered by the shock of genuine
play by Jos Zorrilla, with director Carrasquillo providing the English translation for affection he feels for the cloistered virgin.
supertitles projected above-stage. The language, even in translation, is sumptuous. And As the pious dove Ins, Del Corral
Don Juans alluring way with words isnt the sole weapon in his arsenal. ably projects the characters unadulterat-
Outfitted in Jeffery-Jay Peavys tailored, tonal costumes, leading man Iker Lastra is ed purity, buttressed by faith, and the pain
a handsomely imposing figure. The Helen Hayes-nominated Spanish actor performs that marks her first stinging exposure to
with a silken ease and canny stage awareness, despite direction that often calls for Don the heat of romantic passion. The perfor-
Juan to swoop across the set far too conspicuously, or for other characters to plant mance misses, however, the sense that
themselves awkwardly in his background. Ins despairs not just in the knowledge
When unrepentant womanizer Don Juan enters into a contest with his fiercest rival, that she might now be a sinner, but that
Don Luis Meja (Peter Pereyra), not only is each mans pride at stake, but so are the she might also take pleasure in sinning.
lives of the men theyd duel to the death, and the hearts of the women theyd ravish. Del Corral captures Ins distress but not
To watch Lastra and Pereyra bounding and perching, like cats or Cats, atop Tsappas much of the lust or desire that fuels the
Don Juan Tenorio runs to October 1 at GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St., NW. Tickets are $30 to $45.
Call 202-234-7174 or visit galatheatre.org.
Mother! is rated R, and opens in theaters everywhere on Friday, September 15. Visit Fandango.com.
Motown Mama
Studios Skeleton Crew hits home with Heartland struggle
have bred an entire cast of double and tri-
ple lives, hidden purposes, and allegianc-
es. All they know for certain is that some
criminal is robbing the plant of great-
and copious laughs By Andr Hereford er and greater caches of equipment and
materials. There could be multiple liars
W
or thieves among the four employees we
ORKING THE LINE AT AN AUTO-STAMPING PLANT IN DETROIT, meet inside the break-room, the plays
or at a processing plant in Indiana, or anywhere in industrial America, we single location and the wellspring of most
might find a mother like Faye (Caroline Stefanie Clay), the central character factory floor scuttlebutt.
of Dominique Morisseaus charged new dramedy Skeleton Crew ( ). Or, it could be that Faye and gun-toting
The third in the playwrights cycle of plays examining eras that transformed her striver Dez, pregnant dreamer Shanita,
Motor City hometown, Skeleton Crew opens Studio Theatres Main Series season with and caught-in-the-middle manager Reggie
a must-see performance by D.C. native Clay in the lead role. Clay plants both feet firmly (Tyee Tilghman) are all honest, salt-of-
inside the dusty Timberlands of this hard-working black woman and survivor who per- the-earth Americans who deserve better
haps overestimates her invulnerability, the way that many self-sufficient folk tend to do. treatment from their corporate bosses.
Fayes been on that factory line since before her co-workers Dez (Jason Bowen) and The characters good or bad intentions
Shanita (Shannon Dorsey) were even born. Yet, as proud, even boastful, as she may be ultimately are a matter the play wont clar-
regarding her experience and seniority, and her top-dog status as a union rep, she still ify by providing all the salient facts.
depends on the job and the paycheck just like everybody else. Director Patricia McGregor provides
So when she ferrets out a rumor, that becomes a hot tip, that becomes an airtight space for the cast to draw out the gnaw-
advance warning of the plants imminent shutdown, shes as pinned to the wall by des- ing tension and discomfort that fills Tim
peration as all those other poor schmoes will be once they find out the end is coming. Browns perfectly rendered employees
But Faye has her reasons for not saying a thing. lounge complete with a UAW sign, lit
Shes old-school, a never let em see you sweat, maternal busybody who relishes just so. Some of that space is carved out
stirring everybody elses pot, but will be damned before she grants even friends a peek by Skeleton Crews generosity of spirit in
under the lids of what shes got cooking. Unknowable, though everyone knows her, recognizing that each of these workers has
Clays bold performance locates Faye and bares her true character inside and out, while their own ground to stand on, their own
still protecting some of the womans most closely held secrets. aspirations to preserve. All their voices get
Morisseaus script delights in planting secrets and lies behind each characters heard. (continues on page 101)
Prisoners of Love
Aidas confusing staging is offset by powerful sopranos
trasts dont exactly offend, but neither do
they unify the vision.
The undercurrent of inconsistency car-
ries over into some of the spectacle. When
and grand production By Kate Wingfield Radames is awarded Amneris in marriage
(an offer he cant refuse without insulting
O
the King and revealing his secret love for
NE CAN SEE THE WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERAS POINT IN CHOOS- Aida), the celebration of their betrothal
ing its Aida for the upcoming Opera in the Outfield, the companys invitation may entertain, but the scene feels designed
to any and all to give opera a try via the big screen at Nationals Park. Aida is by committee. The choreography of its
built in Cecil B. DeMille proportions with foreign wars, high-court drama, and not one, splendor is too methodical, while the
but two princesses in high personal distress. There are rafter-bending arias, vast choral dance going on around it feels unhinged
tsunamis, and the potential for many feasts-for-the-eyes tableaux. and interminable. Much is diffused and
But like all epics be they born of Hollywood or in the Opera House the scale and confused by a final, overly long parade
grandeur must play host to a riveting and intimate human drama. In Aida, it is the love of incongruous, crudely wrapped wedding
triangle between the young Egyptian officer Radames, the powerful Egyptian princess presents piled in front of the couple like
Amneris, and the captured princess, Aida. Unless the intimacy of these tortured hearts a pyre. It all does too much and says too
is conveyed, the unfolding consequences written so large in this opera are little little.
more than pretty displays. Its a sentiment that also applies to
This rendering of Aida (HHHHH), co-produced with the San Francisco Opera, much of the dance, featured heavily in the
Seattle Opera and Minnesota Opera, almost gets there. operas many musical interludes. Although
Set against towering gray walls, the strikingly-colored hieroglyphics of concept art- the first piece (which arrives behind a
ist RETNA seem to hold urgent but mysterious messages. As his symbol-scored panels scrim containing an abundance of roiling
turn fire-red to create a ceremonial hall or giant letters hunch like an alien race, the mist) is effective, the rest are less than
mood is stark and otherworldly. Intrinsically, it is pleasing. inspired. The dance should match the
But the challenge and here, the disconnect is the blending of this aesthetic with originality of the sets in suggesting the
the larger concept of the production. This is where it gets trickier: If the sets live in mystery of the unseen gods. Instead, the
abstract austerity, the costuming, especially the womens kaftans, offer up a colorful movements are largely predictable and
70s vibe. Aida, enslaved by the Egyptians and in personal service to Amneris, is even derivative. The flashes of leg and fleshy
more incongruent in Renaissance-style peasant garb. The Egyptian war room is strung bodysuits, arriving rather too obviously at
the evenings ebb, argue with the productions strong sense of easily slip away in her lovers arms, but it hardly matters; nothing
decorum. can get in the way of her stunningly clear and beautiful soprano.
And these struggles do rather beg the larger question of why Wilsons is a voice that trips along in the stars, and she is the
its now so terrible to go traditional. Why not a bit of Liz Taylors reason to see this Aida.
Egypt, with towering sets, ankhs akimbo and full-on Nemes The other standout here is the truly memorable performance
head gear? Going abstract and uber-modern may be accessible in of Ekaterina Semenchuk as Amneris. Singing with round and
some ways, but so is a magnificently evocative romanticization. velvety tones, Semenchuk delivers the earthly passion, express-
Opera doesnt even require it to be historically accurate. ing her womans intense rivalry with Aida, but even more so, her
The question might have less oxygen if the emotional core life-changing pain and regret. While Radames (who has betrayed
of this production was fully intact, but here, too, there is an his people for the love of Aida) awaits his fate, Semenchuk brings
unevenness. Tenor Yonghoon Lee cuts a noble and attractive the strongest moments of pathos raising her arms to her gods
figure as the young officer-turned leader Radames, but he has to beg in vain for his life. Though the scene is one of visual gran-
no visible connection with the object of his desire, Aida. Thus, deur, it is exceedingly simple, and it finally creates that frisson
his very dramatic and tension-filled portrayal seems to exist in a between the vast and the intimate.
frenetic vacuum. It is angst-for-one, and we cannot truly share Another strong performance comes from an impressive
in it. Lee sings with much power and has no trouble ascending Morris Robinson as high-priest Ramfis, singing with attractive
the orchestra (energetically conducted by Evan Rogister), but power and giving his man a convincing concern and impatience
his tone grows harsh at times, despite some moments of pleasing with Amneris. As the imprisoned King Amonasro, Gordon
tenderness. Hawkins steals his scenes with show-stopping presence and
This all leaves Tamara Wilsons Aida somewhat emotionally much expressive singing. Finally, mention must be made of
adrift and her best scenes are those she can make her own, such Frederick Ballentine, who in his brief moment as the Messenger,
as when she is alone or with her father, Amonasro. Wilsons Aida reveals a gorgeously shiny tenor.
is appealingly self-possessed in love, but never simpering. It You may come for the spectacle of Aida, but you will stay for
does make it somewhat hard to believe she would, in the end, so the sopranos. l
Aida runs to Sept. 23 in the Kennedy Center Opera House. Tickets are $45 to $300. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.
Skeleton Crew runs to October 8, at Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St., NW. Tickets are $20 to $85.
Call 202-332-3300, or visit StudioTheatre.org.
Something that absurd, that kind of mean-spirited, absurd remark, you dont deal with
you dont try to deal rationally with stupid.
Former Houston Mayor ANNISE PARKER, explaining her decision to respond to a tweet by conservative provocateur Ann Coulter
that said: I dont believe Hurricane Harvey is Gods punishment for Houston electing a lesbian mayor. But that is more credible
than climate change. In response, Parker tweeted: Darn it, I thought no one I knew had a super power over weather.