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EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Randy Shulman

FEBRUARY 11, 2016


Volume 22 / Issue 40

ART DIRECTOR
Todd Franson
MANAGING EDITOR
Rhuaridh Marr
SENIOR EDITOR
John Riley
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Doug Rule
SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ward Morrison, Julian Vankim
CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS
Scott G. Brooks, Christopher Cunetto
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Gordon Ashenhurst, Sean Bugg, Connor J. Hogan,
Troy Petenbrink, Kate Wingfield
WEBMASTER
David Uy

NEWS

The Married Men


by John Riley


COMMENTARY
9
Illusion of Democracy
by Sean Bugg
10

SCENE

13

Community Calendar
45th Annual Scarlets Bake Sale
and Auction at the DC Eagle

photography by Ward Morrison and



Todd Franson

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Julian Vankim

16
Icons: Joel Grey and Alan Cumming

FEATURES
Interviews by Randy Shulman

SALES & MARKETING

23

Cupid Cuisine
by Doug Rule

PUBLISHER
Randy Shulman
NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE
Rivendell Media Co.
212-242-6863
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Dennis Havrilla

PATRON SAINT
The Emcee

COVER ILLUSTRATION
Scott G. Brooks

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FEBRUARY 11, 2016

METROWEEKLY.COM

OUT ON THE TOWN


26
Murray Hill / Burlesque-A-Pades
In Loveland at The Birchmere

by Doug Rule

35

STAGE

Guards at the Taj and


City of Conversation

by Kate Wingfield

GAMES


37

Firewatch

MUSIC


39

Chers 10 best albums

NIGHTLIFE



43

Mardi Gras at Town

SCENE


50

Uproar

CLUBLIFE



52

DistrktC at the DC Eagle

54

Last Word

by Rhuaridh Marr

by Gordon Ashenhurst

photography by Ward Morrison

photography by Ward Morrison

by Doug Rule

TODD FRANSON

LGBT

News

Now online at MetroWeekly.com


Transgender Girl Scout enjoys huge cookie sale success
NY governor bans insurance coverage for conversion therapy

Kearsley

The Married Men

GAMMA provides support for gay men who are married to women
by John Riley

TS FITTING THAT BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN


served as the trigger for Eric Kearsley to come out to his
wife of 28 years.
I had tried to tell her, over and over again, years in
advance, and Id come up to the brink and just couldnt do it,
the North Bethesda resident says. But that movie triggered
some honest conversation.... Theres a scene where they meet
up for the first time after a couple of years, and his wife sees
them kissing. And it was the shock of the wife learning. I think
that was the trigger.
Kearsley, 65, had his first same-sex experience at 14, but due
to his conservative, Catholic upbringing, considered his actions
sinful. He attempted to suppress his feelings, but had anonymous bathhouse encounters while dating women. Eventually,
he met his wife, marrying her in 1977 and embarking on a
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FEBRUARY 11, 2016

METROWEEKLY.COM

monogamous marriage. It lasted 20 years until Kearsley, then in


the Navy, was abroad in Germany, where he visited a bathhouse.
It reignited feelings long since suppressed and Kearsley
wanted to act on them.
Just weeks before seeing Brokeback Mountain, Kearsleys
son, searching for cufflinks, found some condoms in a dresser
drawer. He asked why his father would need them, since he had
previously had a vasectomy. Kearsley told him that the condoms
were old and had just been left around, but secretly wondered if
his son had figured out he was gay. The pressure mounted until
Kearsley felt he couldnt conceal his orientation any longer. And
so, the gay cowboy movie became the impetus for Kearsley to
reveal all to his wife.
She just hugged me, he recalls. It was the most amazing
thing. She was just so incredibly accepting. The first thing she

METROWEEKLY.COM

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

LGBTNews
said to me was, It must have been so hard for you. So I think
that just says we have a very good relationship.
Kearsley began attending meetings held by GAMMA, a peer
support group for gay and bisexual men who are married or
involved with women. Although his wife weighed the possibility
of leaving the marriage and separating, she ultimately decided
to stay. The couple will celebrate their 39th anniversary this
year, although they sleep in separate bedrooms and no longer
have a sexual relationship.
It was not all happy times, Kearsley says. There was a lot
of crying and a lot of deep, honest thought about what it meant.
But when the chips were down, she wanted to support me, and
she understood.
Part of Kearsleys coming out process was acknowledging
that he wanted to begin dating men, something to which his
wife agreed. Through his involvement in GAMMA, he began a
relationship with Ashok, a 64-year-old father of two who has
also been married to a woman for 39 years. Kearsley and Ashoks
relationship is celebrating its ninth year, and Ashok has been
embraced by both Kearsleys wife and his children. Kearsley
now splits his time between his wifes house and Ashoks house,
which is only a couple of miles away.
While Kearsleys story of finding love at GAMMA is rare,
the meetings allow gay and bisexual married men an outlet for
airing their feelings and sharing their experiences. Formed in
January 1978 as the Gay and Married Mens Association, the
group first met in Bethesda, Md., as a response to the Cinema
Follies fire on Oct. 24, 1977, in which nine men many of them
married were killed. The mainstream press at the time was
shocked when the victims identities were revealed, with a
Midwestern minister, a congressional aide, an economist and a
former Marine among the deceased, and several more married
men among the survivors. GAMMA was formed to ensure that
such men had a confidential, affirming, and judgement-free
environment to examine their feelings and grapple with the
various facets of their sexual orientation.
GAMMA has a unique position that doesnt really exist anywhere else, says Harry Fox, who coordinates local meetings in
the Washington area. Theres no other place a man whos been
in a marriage for 20 years can go to, and meet with men who
understand what hes been through, his story, and have similar
experiences of their own that they can talk about.
Fox, 58, of North Bethesda, knew he was attracted to men
at 14 before the American Medical Association and the
American Psychological Association had revised their classifications of homosexuality as a mental disorder. When he broached
his feelings of same-sex attraction with adults at 16, they recommended he see a therapist. But Fox was also influenced by his
own internal homophobia and stereotypes of gays as promiscuous and incapable of forming lasting relationships.
I went to Christopher Street and to Fire Island in the
late 70s, Fox says. It was a wild, hedonistic time. And one
of the things that really influenced me was this book called
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex (*But Were
Afraid to Ask), which had just the most awful chapter on
homosexuality. But at the time, that was on the bestseller list.
It painted this depraved lifestyle, and at 14, I said, Thats not
what I want for my life. Some of the wildness of the 70s, in
my mind, confirmed that.
Fox later met his wife, revealing his attraction to men on
their second date. They married two years later, in 1992. During
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the interceding 22 years, as societal attitudes concerning homosexuality began to change, so, too, did Foxs own stereotypes
and perceptions of what it meant to be gay. This led to his
decision to separate from his wife and live as an openly gay
man, although the couple is still legally married. Fox says that
just because he came out doesnt mean his feelings at the time
werent legitimate.
I was attracted to her, I was interested in her, he says. I
loved her and really cared deeply for her.... She is a very good
person, a very decent person. Weve maintained a good friendship.
Although each GAMMA attendees story is different, many
share common threads. Jack, a 66-year-old from College
Park, Md., was born into a very conservative religious family in
Missouri and remembers experiencing same-sex attraction as a
teenager. However, he remained closeted, particularly during
his time in the Navy. After his release from the armed forces,
Jack lived with another man for nearly two years. He fell deeply in love and began dating a woman 12 years his junior. Jack
told his soon-to-be-wife that he was attracted to men before
deciding to marry her. He was monogamous until the spring
of 2014, when he met a 30-year-old man while traveling in the
Midwest, and had a brief fling.
Part of it was exhilaration, because that thats really who I
was, he says. Ive known at one level, obviously. But it was an
a-ha moment. This is real, this is me.
Two months later, he told his wife about the infidelity. They
went to couples therapy with an LGBT-friendly therapist, who
helped them reach a mutual conclusion that they should separate.
We are now in the process of a consensual and I would say,
even friendly, discussion of how we get to a final divorce settlement, says Jack. I still love her deeply, and always will. And I
still celebrate the wonderful family we raised together. She will
always be family in that sense.
Ashok, Eric Kearsleys partner, acknowledges that people
can be skeptical of why gay men choose to stay married.
What people find difficult to understand is the ongoing
relationship, Ashok says. But what they find more difficult to
understand is an ongoing, continuing relationship with ones
spouse, even after one has come out.
For those who still dont understand the contours of a married gay mans relationship, Ashok believes its more opaque
than someone being gay or straight. From a theoretical point
of view, sexuality is fluid, and the notion of coming out as gay is
really a very black-and-white thing. I think the trend is toward
accepting people for who they are, and looking for integrity,
rather than stark definitions.
Ashoks relationship with his wife has been based on total
honesty and on the durable bonds that have been forged during
their marriage of nearly four decades.
My wife and I dont live together, he says. But we have
a deep and abiding mutual relationship, which is based on
years and years of shared history, and happiness and joy, as
well as difficulties. And history cant be wiped out, it has to be
respected. And we have been able to maintain a friendship over
the years that has stood us in good stead.
GAMMA holds monthly meetings in Washington, Vienna, Va.,
Sterling, Va., and Frederick, Md. For more information, visit gammaindc.org or meetup.com/GAMMAinDC. l

COMMENTARY

Illusion of Democracy

Sit back and enjoy the Trump and Friends extravaganza, because you
dont really have a choice
by Sean Bugg

UESDAY NIGHT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, THE


first voters in the nation asked a question that seems
suited for a late-night, weed-fueled, dorm-room
debate: If both parties nominate an unelectable candidate, how can anyone win an election?
Its a stupid question fit for what so far has been a pretty stupid
election cycle. Now, Ill be the first to admit that stupid can be
entertaining. Has there been a funnier campaign moment in recent
memory than Ben Carson pulling a Spinal Tap, unable to make his
way to the debate stage? Carson really is an aspirational figure for
everyone, whether you see him as proof that even a smart man can
fail or as an example that if someone as addled
as he can do it, anyone can.
Alas, we likely wont have Carson around
much longer given his last place finish in
New Hampshire behind even kids-tabledebate-champ Carly Fiorina so we should
savor these moments while we can. Especially
because now that Donald Trump has effectively branded himself as the Republican
Party, what was once an entertaining sideshow has become nerve-wracking exercise in
what if he really does it?
The kicker to all this the ponderous musings over whether Hillary Clintons
campaign is dead or alive, whether Bernie
Sanders is a phenomenon or flash in the pan,
or whether John Kasich is a savior or a false
hope is that it comes from the electorate of two of our smallest, whitest states, reminding us again that our election system
is objectively insane.
First theres Iowa, where interested citizens dont actually
vote but instead gather in gyms and rec rooms to play Red Rover.
Then its on to New Hampshire, the nations gatekeeper to the
White House, where a non-representative slice of America winnows down the field so their fellow citizens wont need to bother
learning about so many different candidates.
All of which proves, high drama cable news stories aside, we
dont take voting very seriously in the U.S.
Iowas a gimme, because the lack of secret ballot voting is
baldly antithetical to what American democracy is supposed to
be. In New Hampshire, a state that takes pride in its irrational
and unwarranted position as kingmaker, we saw a miles-long
line of cars waiting to vote in the only polling place set up for a
city of 27,000 people.
Again, thats in a state that considers itself a model of democracy. It only gets worse from there.

I was recently in Australia and watching the U.S. through


the eyes of their media was a learning experience. For one
thing, they know a lot more about us than we know about them.
Basically every Australian I spoke with wanted to know about
Trump, Ted Cruz, the east coast blizzard, and why the NRA was
misrepresenting Australias strict gun laws. Americans would be
hard pressed to name an Australian prime minister or even the
nations capital. (Dont be embarrassed, I didnt know the capital
either until I went there. Its Canberra, by the way.)
In addition to driving on the left and the water spiraling
the wrong way down the sink, Australians do elections differently than we do. Mainly, theyre required
to vote. Imagine that: mandating that
citizens in a democracy participate in the
selection of their own government, or pay
a reasonable fine.
Naturally, this would never happen in
America because freedom.
I elicited a lot of Youre kidding, right
mate? when explaining that we vote on a
Tuesday, rather than a weekend or holiday,
and that our states are passing laws intended to limit voter participation.
Im not saying that we should aspire to be
Australia, because no democracy is perfect
and they have their own bundle of problems.
I am saying that for a country that envisions
itself a model of democracy for the world,
our electoral system is a joke. Just over half of eligible voters
go to the polls for presidential elections; barely a third make it
out for mid-term congressional elections. While white people
will very soon make up less than half of our total population, the
whitest of states enjoy disproportionate influence on who the
rest of us get to vote for.
And in those states where many people of color actually
live, state legislatures are merrily passing voter ID laws that
suppress their votes, in sometimes darkly comic ways (as in
Virginias voter ID law, which accepts gun permits but not
college IDs).
Despite all the sound and fury of candidates on the stump, all
the popcorn-passing politicos enjoying the show court side, and
all the times we tell ourselves that this is how our citizens make
their voices heard it really isnt. Its a deeply broken system
that holds no real hope for change because too many of the powerful fear any change would lessen that power.
So just sit back and enjoy the show, because someone else has
already chosen the channel. l

"Iowa and
New Hampshire prove,
high drama cable news
stories aside,

we dont take
voting very
seriously
in the U.S. "

METROWEEKLY.COM

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

LGBTCommunityCalendar
Metro Weeklys Community Calendar highlights important events in the D.C.-area
LGBT community, from alternative social events to volunteer opportunities.
Event information should be sent by email to calendar@MetroWeekly.com.
Deadline for inclusion is noon of the Friday before Thursdays publication.
Questions about the calendar may be directed to the
Metro Weekly office at 202-638-6830 or
the calendar email address.

CHRYSALIS arts & culture group

visits the Smithsonian Postal Museum


to see exhibits on Black History and
New York City. Free; non-members
welcome. Lunch across the street
in Union Station follows. Meet at 11
a.m. inside the 1st Street NE entrance
around the corner from Massachusetts
Avenue. Craig, 202-462-0535. craighowell1@verizon.net.
The DC Center hosts confidential

FREE HIV TESTING for all those

interested. Get tested, know your status. 4-7 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite
105. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

THURSDAY, FEB. 11
BURGUNDY CRESCENT, a gay volunteer organization, volunteers today
for Food & Friends. To participate,
visit burgundycrescent.org.

SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5


p.m., by appointment and walk-in, for
youth 21 and younger. 202-567-3155
or testing@smyal.org.

WEEKLY EVENTS
ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL
HEALTH offers free HIV testing, 9-5

WOMENS LEADERSHIP
INSTITUTE for young LBTQ women,
13-21, interested in leadership development. 5-6:30 p.m. SMYAL Youth
Center, 410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3163,
catherine.chu@smyal.org.

DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC)

practice session at Takoma Aquatic


Center, 300 Van Buren St. NW. 7:30-9
p.m. swimdcac.org.

FRIDAY, FEB. 12

DC LAMBDA SQUARES gay and les-

GAY MARRIED MENS


ASSOCIATION (GAMMA) is a con-

bian square-dancing group features


mainstream through advanced square
dancing at the National City Christian
Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW, 7-9:30
p.m. Casual dress. 301-257-0517,
dclambdasquares.org.
The DULLES TRIANGLES Northern
Virginia social group meets for happy
hour at Sheraton in Reston, 11810
Sunrise Valley Drive, second-floor
bar, 7-9 p.m. All welcome. dullestriangles.com.

HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker


Health. At the Elizabeth Taylor
Medical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,
9 a.m.-5 p.m. At the Max Robinson
Center, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9
a.m.-4:30 p.m. For an appointment
call 202-745-7000. Visit whitmanwalker.org.
IDENTITY offers free and confiden-

tial HIV testing in Gaithersburg,


414 East Diamond Ave., and in
Takoma Park, 7676 New Hampshire
Ave., Suite 411. Walk-ins 2-6 p.m.
For appointments other hours, call
Gaithersburg, 301-300-9978, or
Takoma Park, 301-422-2398.

METROHEALTH CENTER offers

free, rapid HIV testing. Appointment


needed. 1012 14th St. NW, Suite 700.
202-638-0750.

10

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

session at Hains Point, 927 Ohio Dr.


SW. 6:30-8 p.m. Visit swimdcac.org.

HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker

US HELPING US hosts a Narcotics


Anonymous Meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m.,
3636 Georgia Ave. NW. The group is
independent of UHU. 202-446-1100.

p.m., and HIV services (by appointment). Call 202-291-4707, or visit


andromedatransculturalhealth.org.

DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice

fidential support group for men who


are gay, bisexual, questioning and
who are married or involved with
a woman, that meets on the second
and fourth Fridays of the month in
Dupont Circle at 7:30 p.m. GAMMA
also offers additional meeting times
and places for men in Northern
Virginia and Maryland. For more
information: GAMMAinDC.org.

LGB PSYCHOTHERAPY GROUP for


adults in Montgomery County offers
a safe space to explore coming out
and issues of identity. 10-11:30 a.m.
16220 S. Frederick Rd., Suite 512,
Gaithersburg, Md. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
WOMEN IN THEIR TWENTIES, a

social discussion and activity group for


LBT women, meets at The DC Center
on the second and fourth Fridays of
each month. Group social activity to
follow the meeting. 8-9:30 p.m. 2000
14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more
information, visit thedccenter.org.

WEEKLY EVENTS
ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL
HEALTH offers free HIV testing, 9-5

p.m., and HIV services (by appointment). 202-291-4707, andromedatransculturalhealth.org.

METROWEEKLY.COM

Health. At the Elizabeth Taylor


Medical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,
9 a.m.-5 p.m. At the Max Robinson
Center, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9
a.m.-4:30 p.m. For an appointment
call 202-745-7000. Visit whitmanwalker.org.

METROHEALTH CENTER offers

free, rapid HIV testing. Appointment


needed. 1012 14th St. NW, Suite 700.
202-638-0750.

PROJECT STRIPES hosts LGBT-

affirming social group for ages 11-24.


4-6 p.m. 1419 Columbia Road NW.
Contact Tamara, 202-319-0422, laycdc.org.

SMYALS REC NIGHT provides


a social atmosphere for GLBT and
questioning youth, featuring dance
parties, vogue nights, movies and
games. More info, catherine.chu@
smyal.org.
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-6
p.m., by appointment and walk-in, for
youth 21 and younger. Youth Center,
410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3155, testing@smyal.org.

SATURDAY, FEB. 13
ADVENTURING outdoors group

hikes 9 miles along the sometimes


challenging Potomac Heritage Trail
from Rosslyn to Chain Bridge and
returns via the C& O Canal and
Key Bridge. Bring beverages, lunch,
winter-worthy boots and $2 trip fee.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. inside the Rosslyn
Metro Station. Jerry, 703-920-6871.
adventuring.org.

WEEKLY EVENTS
ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL
HEALTH offers free HIV testing, 9-5

p.m., and HIV services (by appointment). 202-291-4707 or andromedatransculturalhealth.org.

BET MISHPACHAH, founded by


members of the LGBT community,
holds Saturday morning Shabbat services, 10 a.m., followed by Kiddush
luncheon. Services in DCJCC
Community Room, 1529 16th St. NW.
betmish.org.
BRAZILIAN GLBT GROUP, including
others interested in Brazilian culture,
meets. For location/time, email braziliangaygroup@yahoo.com.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice
session at Hains Point, 972 Ohio Dr.,
SW. 8:30-10 a.m. Visit swimdcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/walking/social club welcomes all levels for
exercise in a fun and supportive environment, socializing afterward. Meet
9:30 a.m., 23rd & P Streets NW, for a
walk; or 10 a.m. for fun run. dcfrontrunners.org.

DC SENTINELS basketball team

meets at Turkey Thicket Recreation


Center, 1100 Michigan Ave. NE, 2-4
p.m. For players of all levels, gay or
straight. teamdcbasketball.org.

DIGNITYUSA sponsors Mass for

LGBT community, family and friends.


6:30 p.m., Immanuel Church-on-theHill, 3606 Seminary Road, Alexandria.
All welcome. For more info, visit dignitynova.org.

GAY LANGUAGE CLUB discusses


critical languages and foreign languages. 7 p.m. Nellies, 900 U St. NW.
RVSP preferred. brendandarcy@
gmail.com.
IDENTITY offers free and confidential

HIV testing in Takoma Park, 7676


New Hampshire Ave., Suite 411. Walkins 12-3 p.m. For appointments other
hours, call 301-422-2398.

SUNDAY, FEB. 14

Join LINCOLN CONGREGATIONAL

BURGUNDY CRESCENT, a gay volunteer organization, volunteers today


for DC Central Kitchen. To participate, visit burgundycrescent.org.

progressive faith community every


Sunday. 11 a.m. 1701 11th Street NW,
near R in Shaw/Logan neighborhood.
lincolntemple.org.

CHRYSALIS arts & culture group

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF
REFORMATION invites all to Sunday

rides to the Virginia Museum of Fine


Arts in Richmond to see exhibition of
200 sculptures by Rodin. Tickets $15
adults, $12 seniors. Also bring about
$12 for transportation, plus money for
lunch in museum caf. Carpool at 9
a.m. from King Street Metro Station,
return around 6 p.m. Craig, 202-4620535. craighowell1@verizon.net.

WEEKLY EVENTS

TEMPLE UNITED CHURCH OF


CHRIST for an inclusive, loving and

worship at 8:30 or 11 a.m. Childcare is


available at both services. Welcoming
LGBT people for 25 years. 212 East
Capitol St. NE. reformationdc.org.

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY
CHURCH OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
services at 11 a.m., led by Rev. Onetta
Brooks. Childrens Sunday School, 11
a.m. 10383 Democracy Lane, Fairfax.
703-691-0930, mccnova.com.

LGBT-inclusive ALL SOULS

MEMORIAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH

celebrates Low Mass at 8:30 a.m., High


Mass at 11 a.m. 2300 Cathedral Ave.
NW. 202-232-4244, allsoulsdc.org.

BETHEL CHURCH-DC progressive


and radically inclusive church holds
services at 11:30 a.m. 2217 Minnesota
Ave. SE. 202-248-1895, betheldc.org.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice
session at Hains Point, 972 Ohio Dr.,
SW. 9:30-11 a.m. Visit swimdcac.org.

DIGNITYUSA offers Roman Catholic


Mass for the LGBT community. 6
p.m., St. Margarets Church, 1820
Connecticut Ave. NW. All welcome.
Sign interpreted. For more info, visit
dignitynova.org.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED


CHURCH OF CHRIST welcomes all
to 10:30 a.m. service, 945 G St. NW.
firstuccdc.org or 202-628-4317.

FRIENDS MEETING OF
WASHINGTON meets for worship,

10:30 a.m., 2111 Florida Ave. NW,


Quaker House Living Room (next to
Meeting House on Decatur Place),
2nd floor. Special welcome to lesbians
and gays. Handicapped accessible
from Phelps Place gate. Hearing
assistance. quakersdc.org.

HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF


CHRIST welcomes GLBT commu-

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY
CHURCH OF WASHINGTON, D.C.

services at 9 a.m. (ASL interpreted)


and 11 a.m. Childrens Sunday School
at 11 a.m. 474 Ridge St. NW. 202-6387373, mccdc.com.

NATIONAL CITY CHRISTIAN


CHURCH, inclusive church with

GLBT fellowship, offers gospel worship, 8:30 a.m., and traditional worship, 11 a.m. 5 Thomas Circle NW.
202-232-0323, nationalcitycc.org.

RIVERSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH,


a Christ-centered, interracial, welcoming-and-affirming church, offers
service at 10 a.m. 680 I St. SW. 202554-4330, riversidedc.org.
ST. STEPHEN AND THE
INCARNATION, an interracial,

multi-ethnic Christian Community


offers services in English, 8 a.m. and
10:30 a.m., and in Spanish at 5:15 p.m.
1525 Newton St. NW. 202-232-0900,
saintstephensdc.org.

UNITARIAN CHURCH OF
ARLINGTON, an LGBTQ welcoming-

and-affirming congregation, offers


services at 10 a.m. Virginia Rainbow
UU Ministry. 4444 Arlington Blvd.
uucava.org.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST
CHURCH OF SILVER SPRING

nity for worship. 10:30 a.m., 6130


Old Telegraph Road, Alexandria.
hopeucc.org.

invites LGBTQ families and individuals of all creeds and cultures to join
the church. Services 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
10309 New Hampshire Ave. uucss.org.

HSV-2 SOCIAL AND SUPPORT


GROUP for gay men living in the DC

UNIVERSALIST NATIONAL
MEMORIAL CHURCH, a welcom-

metro area. This group will be meeting once a month. For information on
location and time, visit H2gether.com.

INSTITUTE FOR SPIRITUAL


DEVELOPMENT, God-centered new

ing and inclusive church. GLBT


Interweave social/service group
meets monthly. Services at 11 a.m.,
Romanesque sanctuary. 1810 16th St.
NW. 202-387-3411, universalist.org.

age church & learning center. Sunday


Services and Workshops event. 5419
Sherier Place NW. isd-dc.org.

METROWEEKLY.COM

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

11

MONDAY, FEB. 15
ADVENTURING outdoors group
hikes in Shenandoah National Park
to see ice-encrusted waterfalls along
Whiteoak Canyon and Cedar Run
Trails. Very strenuous hike is about
8 miles long with 2000 feet of elevation gain over sometimes steep and
icy trails; suitable for experienced,
aerobically fit hikers only. Bring
poles, sturdy boots, micro spikes,
lunch, beverages and about $20 for
fees. Harris, 443-415-7856. adventuring.org.
CENTER FAITH, a group of LGBT

people and their allies from various


faith traditions, holds a monthly
meeting at The DC Center. 7:30-9
p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105.
For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

WEEKLY EVENTS
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session at Hains Point, 927 Ohio
Dr. SW. 7-8:30 p.m. Visit swimdcac.org.
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds

practice, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Garrison


Elementary, 1200 S St. NW. dcscandals.wordpress.com.

WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH

HIV/AIDS Support Group for newly


diagnosed individuals, meets 7 p.m.
Registration required. 202-939-7671,
hivsupport@whitman-walker.org.

TUESDAY, FEB. 16
CENTER BI, a group of The DC

Center, hosts a monthly roundtable


discussion around issues of bisexuality. 7-8 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite
105. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

WEEKLY EVENTS
ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL
HEALTH offers free HIV testing, 9-5

p.m., and HIV services (by appointment). 202-291-4707, andromedatransculturalhealth.org.

HIV Testing at WHITMANWALKER HEALTH. At the Elizabeth

DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC)

Alexandria, offers free rapid HIV


testing and counseling, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
703-823-4401.

METROHEALTH CENTER offers


free, rapid HIV testing. No appointment needed. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 1012 14th
St. NW, Suite 700. 202-638-0750.
NOVASALUD offers free HIV test-

ing. 5-7 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite


200, Arlington. Appointments: 703789-4467.

SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5


p.m., by appointment and walk-in, for
youth 21 and younger. Youth Center,
410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3155 or testing@smyal.org.
THE DC CENTER hosts Coffee DropIn for the Senior LGBT Community.
10 a.m.-noon. 2000 14th St. NW. 202682-2245, thedccenter.org.

METROWEEKLY.COM

Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van


Buren St. NW. Newcomers with at
least basic swimming ability always
welcome. Tom, 703-299-0504, secretary@wetskins.org, wetskins.org.

ASIANS AND FRIENDS weekly dinner

KARING WITH INDIVIDUALITY


(K.I.) SERVICES, 3333 Duke St.,

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

WASHINGTON WETSKINS WATER


POLO TEAM practices 7-9 p.m.

GETEQUAL meets 6:30-8 p.m. at


Quaker House, 2111 Florida Ave. NW.
getequal.wdc@gmail.com.

Taylor Medical Center, 1701 14th


St. NW, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. At the Max
Robinson Center, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave.
SE, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For an appointment call 202-745-7000. Visit whitman-walker.org.

12

US HELPING US hosts a black gay


mens evening affinity group. 3636
Georgia Ave. NW. 202-446-1100.

in Dupont/Logan Circle area, 6:30 p.m.


afwash@aol.com, afwashington.net.

practice session at Takoma Aquatic


Center, 300 Van Buren St. NW. 7:30-9
p.m. swimdcac.org.

DC FRONT RUNNERS running/walking/social club serving greater D.C.s


LGBT community and allies hosts an
evening run/walk. dcfrontrunners.org.

THE GAY MENS HEALTH


COLLABORATIVE offers free HIV

testing and STI screening and treatment every Tuesday. 5-6:30 p.m.
Rainbow Tuesday LGBT Clinic,
Alexandria Health Department, 4480
King St. 703-746-4986 or text 571-2149617. james.leslie@inova.org.

HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker


Health. At the Elizabeth Taylor
Medical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,
9 a.m.-5 p.m. At the Max Robinson
Center, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.4:30 p.m. For an appointment call 202745-7000. Visit whitman-walker.org.
THE HIV WORKING GROUP of THE
DC CENTER hosts Packing Party,

where volunteers assemble safe-sex


kits of condoms and lube. 7-9 p.m.,
Green Lantern, 1335 Green Court NW.
thedccenter.org.

scene
45th Annual Scarlets
Bake Sale & Auction
at The DC Eagle
Sunday, February 7
scan this tag
with your
smartphone
for bonus scene
pics online!

Photography by
Ward Morrison
And Todd Franson

SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.METROWEEKLY.COM/SCENE

13

14

SEE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.METROWEEKLY.COM/SCENE

IDENTITY offers free and confiden-

tial HIV testing in Gaithersburg,


414 East Diamond Ave., and in
Takoma Park, 7676 New Hampshire
Ave., Suite 411. Walk-ins 2-6 p.m.
For appointments other hours, call
Gaithersburg at 301-300-9978 or
Takoma Park at 301-422-2398.

KARING WITH INDIVIDUALITY


(K.I.) SERVICES, at 3333 Duke St.,

Alexandria, offers free rapid HIV


testing and counseling, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
703-823-4401.

METROHEALTH CENTER offers

free, rapid HIV testing. Appointment


needed. 1012 14th St. NW, Suite 700.
202-638-0750.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

LGBT focused meeting every


Tuesday, 7 p.m. St. Georges
Episcopal Church, 915 Oakland Ave.,
Arlington, just steps from Virginia
Square Metro. For more info. call
Dick, 703-521-1999. Handicapped
accessible. Newcomers welcome.
liveandletliveoa@gmail.com.

SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5


p.m., by appointment and walk-in, for
youth 21 and younger. Youth Center,
410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3155, testing@smyal.org.
SUPPORT GROUP FOR LGBTQ
YOUTH ages 13-21 meets at SMYAL,
410 7th St. SE, 5-6:30 p.m. Cathy
Chu, 202-567-3163, catherine.chu@
smyal.org.

US HELPING US hosts a support


group for black gay men 40 and older.
7-9 p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave. NW. 202446-1100.
Whitman-Walker Healths GAY

MENS HEALTH AND WELLNESS/


STD CLINIC opens at 6 p.m., 1701

14th St. NW. Patients are seen on


walk-in basis. No-cost screening for
HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Hepatitis and herpes testing
available for fee. whitman-walker.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 17
BOOKMEN DC, an informal mens
gay-literature group, observes
Black History Month by discussing Silverchest, Carl Phillips 2013
poetry collection. 7:30 p.m. DC Center,
2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. All welcome. bookmendc.blogspot.com.
GAY MARRIED MENS
ASSOCIATION (GAMMA) VA is a

confidential support group for men


who are gay, bisexual, questioning
and who are married or involved with
a woman. The Virginia chapter meets
on the third Wednesday of each
month. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at a private
residence in Sterling, Va. For more
information, visit GAMMAinDC.org.

THE TOM DAVOREN SOCIAL


BRIDGE CLUB meets for Social

Bridge. 7:30 p.m. Dignity Center,


721 8th St SE (across from Marine
Barracks). No reservations and partner needed. All welcome. 301-345-1571
for more information.

WOMAN TO WOMAN: A SUPPORT


GROUP FOR HIV-POSITIVE
WOMEN WHO LOVE WOMEN,

meets on the third Wednesday of each


month at The Womens Collective.
Light refreshments served. 5:30-7 p.m.
1331 Rhode Island Ave. NE. For more
information, 202-483-7003.

WEEKLY EVENTS
AD LIB, a group for freestyle conversation, meets about 6:30-6 p.m.,
Steam, 17th and R NW. All welcome.
For more information, call Fausto
Fernandez, 703-732-5174.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session at Hains Point, 927 Ohio
Dr. SW. 7-8:30 p.m. Visit swimdcac.org.
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds

practice, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Garrison


Elementary, 1200 S St. NW. dcscandals.wordpress.com.

HISTORIC CHRIST CHURCH

offers Wednesday worship 7:15 a.m.


and 12:05 p.m. All welcome. 118 N.
Washington St., Alexandria. 703-5491450, historicchristchurch.org.

HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker


Health. At the Elizabeth Taylor
Medical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,
9 a.m.-5 p.m. At the Max Robinson
Center, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.4:30 p.m. For an appointment call 202745-7000. Visit whitman-walker.org.
IDENTITY offers free and confiden-

tial HIV testing in Gaithersburg, 414


East Diamond Ave. Walk-ins 2-7 p.m.
For appointments other hours, call
Gaithersburg at 301-300-9978.

JOB CLUB, a weekly support pro-

gram for job entrants and seekers,


meets at The DC Center. 2000 14th St.
NW, Suite 105. 6-7:30 p.m. For more
info, www.centercareers.org.

METROHEALTH CENTER offers

free, rapid HIV testing. No appointment needed. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 1012 14th
St. NW, Suite 700. 202-638-0750.

NOVASALUD offers free HIV testing.


11 a.m.-2 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite
200, Arlington. Appointments: 703789-4467.

PRIME TIMERS OF DC, social


club for mature gay men, hosts
weekly happy hour/dinner. 6:30 p.m.,
Windows Bar above Dupont Italian
Kitchen, 1637 17th St. NW. Carl, 703573-8316. l

METROWEEKLY.COM

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

15

ICONS
J

Interviews by Randy Shulman // Illustration by Scott G. Brooks

OEL GREY AND ALAN CUMMING HAVE A SURprising amount in common.


Both are part of the LGBT community, though
Grey is a more recent addition, having publicly come
out last January.
Both own small dogs Grey, a Chihauhua named
Nicky and Cumming, a Chihuahua-Rat Terrier mix named Jerry.
Both have written memoirs. Cummings Not My Fathers
Son was published in 2014 while Greys Master of Ceremonies
reaches Amazon in a few weeks.
Both have found success on television. Grey has enjoyed
almost 60 years of television appearances, including guest arcs
on both Alias and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, while Cumming
has brought to life, with brilliant, vivid nuance, the Emmynominated role of Eli Gold on CBS hit The Good Wife.
Both have had astonishing stage careers. Grey originated the

role of The Wizard of Oz in Wicked and Amos Hart in Chicago,


while Cumming has played in everything from Hamlet to Bent to
The Threepenny Opera. But their Broadway link lies with Kander
and Ebbs classic Cabaret: Each won a Tony Award for playing
The Emcee. Grey originated the showy and show-stopping
part in the original Broadway production in the 60s (and later
in the 1972 film, for which he took home an Oscar). Years later,
in 1998, Cumming won a Tony for darker, more sexualized take
on the part.
And both are coming to our city: Cumming, 51, will be at
Strathmore on Valentines Day Sunday, Feb. 14 with his
critically heralded cabaret, Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs,
while the 83-year-old Grey will settle into the Historic Sixth &
I Synagogue on Feb. 23, for an in-depth conversation about his
book, his life, and his remarkable career.
Could you wish for a more perfect pairing?

Masterful Life

GREY: Its all good. There was nothing bad about it, except the

His performance immortalized in the 1972 film


version, Joel Grey became an instant icon as The
Emcee in Cabaret. But thats only part of the story.
METRO WEEKLY: Lets start with your memoir, Master of

Ceremonies, which comes out February 16. Do you feel celebrities


are obligated to write their memoirs?
JOEL GREY: I dont, I dont. But it has been in the back of my
mind for the longest time. I guess I got so much from reading
memoirs so many things that helped me understand myself
that it was just like a plan. I didnt know when I was going to
do it or what, but I had a bag full of thrown away notes this
and that, just random that I thought might be things I would
want to talk about in a memoir. And then, when I read Andre
Agassis memoir, I was so taken with it, with his struggles [with
addiction] and his success, that I thought, Yeah, that feels right
to me.
MW: How difficult was it to sit down and conjure up memories from
your life?
GREY: How about difficult with a capital D. Its a challenge but
Ive always been interested in the examined life, as just a part of
who I am. So this is a real extension and compilation of all those
thoughts.
MW: Obviously the title plays off the role you made iconic. What is
it like to be so closely identified with a specific part?
16

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

METROWEEKLY.COM

struggle to get the part in the movie. That was against quite a
few odds.
MW: Wait, there was even a question of you reprising your
Broadway performance on film?
GREY: Oh, yeah. Bob Fosse was hellbent on not using me. He
looked at every other possibility. The producers were, luckily
for me, always in my corner. Theres a scene in the book where
its six weeks from shooting and he goes into the producers and
says, Well, gentlemen, the moment is finally here. Its either
Joel Grey or me. And the producers said, Then its Joel Grey.
Now that has almost never happened to an actor and a director
because the director in the film is always the top dog.
MW: Why was he opposed to you?
GREY: Maybe he wanted to do it himself or God knows what,
because hes such a complicated, gifted genius. Nobody ever got
an answer out of that. There were no whys.
MW: After so many years, what was it that finally sparked you to
come out publicly last year?
GREY: Well, my friends and family have known about me forever.
As far as I was concerned I was out, but when [LGBT rights]
turned out to be such a conversation and such a legal and important movement, and I was writing a book and telling the truth
about myself, it just seemed right. Also, I liked the idea that
perhaps my story might be of some solace and/or inspiration to
young people.
MW: Were there challenges for you coming out?
GREY: Yeah, but I didnt even know what they were except that
I had been forced by society to keep it quiet for so many years.

METROWEEKLY.COM

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

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FEBRUARY 11, 2016

METROWEEKLY.COM

HENRY LEUTWYLER

Bob Fosse
was hellbent
on not
using me [in
Cabaret]. Six
weeks from
shooting, he
goes into the
producers
and says,
Well,
gentlemen,
the moment
is finally
here.
Its either Joel Grey or me. And the
producers said, Then its Joel Grey.

I was watching guys being rounded up and sent off to jail for being in a bar.
And plainclothesmen would come on to gay guys and then take them to jail.
Those are things that were heavily influencing to a young person.
It was just impossible. It was not a discussion. I thought its not
like that. And now I also wanted to stand in solidarity with the
gay community.
MW: Do you feel that the community has embraced you?
GREY: I do. I went to a Human Rights Campaign event last year
and was totally comfortable.
MW: Donald Trump has implied that he would install Supreme
Court Justices that would overturn gay marriage.
GREY: Thats pretty good. He just campaigned himself darker
than he usually does.
MW: Well, he has to appeal to Evangelicals.
GREY: I guess so. Hi, Nick! My puppy just came in.
MW: What kind of puppy?
GREY: A long-haired chihuahua. Hes a great little creature.
MW: As somebody who has watched society for awhile
GREY: A long while.
MW: did you ever imagine we would see marriage equality and
such strides in transgender rights?
GREY: No. It had caused me so much pain in my childhood that
I couldnt imagine. I was watching guys being rounded up and
sent off to jail for being in a bar. And plainclothesmen, what was
that called when they would come on to gay guys and then take
them to jail? Entrapment. Those are things that were heavily
influencing to a young person. Also, you couldnt have a career if
you were known to be gay. There were no out gay people when I
was starting out. There was no other way [but to be in the closet].
MW: You got married, you had children.
GREY: That was always a part of my plan, too. I always knew that
somehow I wanted to be a dad and a husband and live that life.
So I made that choice. I paid the price of not having it all for
having that.
MW: Certainly there were some good results from that part of your
life.
GREY: I have wonderful children. I adored my wife and we had
24 years. Somebody might say that, Well you were always
bisexual. But I dont know any of that. All I know is following
ones heart and belief is the only thing to do.
MW: How do you feel about the current Oscar controversy, this
move toward the Oscars trying to become more diverse?
GREY: Its an Old Boys Club, the Academy, and it needs to be
challenged and freshened.
MW: I recently re-watched Alias Id forgotten you were the
other Mr. Sloan.
GREY: Thats me!
MW: You were also in a story arc in Buffy, another huge show.
GREY: I was! I got to have a tail. It was good. Teenagers would
stop me on the street to look.
MW: What do you think of the way television has changed particularly the way were watching it, by means sometimes other
than our sets?
GREY: Well, I havent watched anything and I really do mean
anything for almost two years while Ive been writing. Ive just
not been able to take in anything on television or radio actually.
And no music for the first time in my life. Everything needed to
be turned off, all the other outside stimuli.
MW: It sounds like a monkhood.

GREY: Except I was living in those pages.


MW: Coincidentally, were also interviewing Alan Cumming for

this issue, who, like you, played The Emcee in the Broadway production of Cabaret. What did you think of that production?
GREY: The whole concept of that production was so far from
what we originally did in the 60s. Sam Mendes saw Cabaret in a
very contemporary way, and it was shocking in a very different
way from ours. It was more explicit. They had a different notion
about presenting it and it was certainly very valid and I thought
he was terrific.
MW: Was there any emotion attached to watching another actor
play a role that you created?
GREY: Not really, because great roles are always played by
any number of actors. To be in good company is all you really
hope for.
Master of Ceremonies (Flatiron Books) will be available at
Amazon.com and other booksellers on Tuesday, Feb. 16.
Joel Grey will appear in conversation with Leon Wieseltier, a
contributing editor at The Atlantic, on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at Sixth
& I Synagogue, 600 I St. NW, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $16 (or $30,
including a purchase of his book). A signing will follow the talk. l

The Good Scot

Alan Cumming has a way of turning whatever


he plays into a cultural icon
METRO WEEKLY: Growing up in Scotland, were you aware of your
same-sex attractions?
ALAN CUMMING: It wasnt an inkling. I always felt as though I was
bisexual, and since I was sexually active, I had relationships with
both sexes.
MW: What was it like growing up at a time when being gay wasnt
just frowned upon, it was a crime?
CUMMING: I was probably too young and I lived in too remote
an area to be really aware of those things. I mean, I was aware
it wasnt totally socially acceptable, but I dont know, for some
reason I never really worried about that. Ive never felt shameful
about my sexuality at all. I just let it happen, acted on it when I
wanted to and had the chance to, and just found my own way.
MW: In the LGBT movement, bisexuality sometimes gets thrown
under the bus. A lot of gay people say Well, bisexual men are gays
who havent made up their minds.
CUMMING: I think thats a little bit of an old wives attitude, to be
honest. I dont really believe people still think that people who
know people who are bisexual or who know anything about the
issues but I do feel that its something that people are scared
of or certainly ignorant of. We like boxes, we like to be labelled,
we like to wear a uniform, and so anyone who questions that and
says they feel a bit different, people find it harder to understand.
I think its an interesting allegory for how we think as a society,
METROWEEKLY.COM

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

19

Ive never felt shameful about my sexuality at all.


I just let it happen, acted on it when I wanted to and
had the chance to, and just found my own way.
really. Theres two political parties in this country, and people
would like us to be only two sexualities. I think both the political
situation in this country and our attitudes toward sexuality need
to diversify a bit.
MW: I also think bisexuals by and large are not a very vocal group.
CUMMING: I think people are vocal when they need to have legal
rights and civil rights given to them. And thats why I think its
been amazing the last few years about how the transgender community has blossomed and people have changed their attitudes
towards them. Their place in the world is changing. I think if
youre a bisexual, you have the same rights as a gay person, the
same rights as a straight person, so in a funny sort of way its
only about an attitude. Its more bisexual visibility and bisexual
understanding. Its a bigger picture. Its about people seeing the
grey instead of just black and white.
MW: I think it largely depends on who you choose to marry. You
married a man.
CUMMING: I did marry a woman a long time ago.
MW: The point is, to a certain extent, were defined by which gender
we choose to visibly spend our lives with.
CUMMING: Everyone is, dont you think?
MW: Yes, but if a bisexual person chooses to spend their life with a
woman, they automatically get rights and presumably dont incur
the wrath of homophobic conservatives. But if they choose to spend
their life with a man, theyre a target.
CUMMING: But if a bisexual were vocal about their sexuality, they
would be on the radar.
MW: Thats true. How do you feel about the speed with which our
advances in marriage equality came?
CUMMING: Well, Im very happy that our president and our
Supreme Court made this monumental decision. But I dont see
it as a speedy change. Its taken decades and decades of people
fighting for our rights to come to this point, although the marriage equality movement was a relatively new one in the political sphere. And its not over yet. Theres still lots of things need
to be changed. You can still be fired for being gay and lose your
house for being gay in some states. Theres still work to do, but
obviously its been a very successful time for equality which is
a funny sentence. So I dont really see it as a speedy thing at all.
MW: When I say speedy, I mean it feels like it all happened very
quickly once the dominoes started to fall.
CUMMING: Oh, yes, exactly. But also it didnt come from nowhere.
The groundwork had done by many people for a very long time.
I love that the word equality is sort of a relatively new political
concept, when actually its just about being equal. Its funny that
we think about it as a privilege rather than a right.
MW: Scotland legalized marriage last year. How did you feel when
you heard that?
CUMMING: Im very proud of the way Scotland is right now, politically and socially.
MW: Do you miss life there?
CUMMING: No. I have an apartment in Edinburgh and I go back
and forth a lot. I miss the sensibility sometimes. I miss the sense
of humor. Its like anywhere, when you go back to where youre
20

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

METROWEEKLY.COM

from, you realize you have a commonality with the people.


But I go back enough that I feel connected to it. I still feel very
Scottish, even though Ive been in America for a long time.
MW: Speaking of, you do an American accent incredibly well.
Anybody who watched you on The Good Wife, and didnt know
you were Scottish, wouldnt have a clue.
CUMMING: Its just my job. I find it amazing that people are so
amazed by that. I guess there are some people do it badly, but
I trained as an actor at a time when it wasnt really fashionable
to use your own voice, and certainly you cannot have a Scottish
accent on the British stage. So I spent years of drama school
learning to do pronunciations I was trained to use my ear for
accents. I rarely do parts where I use my own voice. Over the
years, Ive done lots and lots of films as an American, but I guess
its just because The Good Wife is on TV, it becomes much more
of a thing for people. Its just like another facet of the character
for me.
MW: Youre bringing your show here. Tell me a bit about it.
CUMMING: The show is called Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs,
and I premiered it June last year at the Cafe Carlyle in New
York. Its a cabaret a collection of songs Ive chosen that I
enjoy singing. I call them sappy songs because I connect to them
in an emotional way. Some of them are well-known songs. And
its a true cabaret. Im telling stories about my life, Im talking
about some of the stuff that happened to me over the last while.
Its a smorgasbord I tell funny stories, I tell quite touching
things and I sing all these songs.
Its a very intimate evening, where Im trying to be as authentic as I can and connect to the audience and doing that by telling
them things about my life, probably more than they actually
want to hear. Its a whole evening that is a celebration of authenticity, really.
MW: You career has spanned every facet of entertainment. Is there
something you prefer over the other?
CUMMING: I like them all. But if you had a machine gun to my
head, I would probably choose the cabaret show Im doing right
now. The connection I get with an audience, the immediacy of
that, the intensity of that, is really a fantastic thing. Thats why I
wanted to become an actor, is to kind of connect and communicate with people.
MW: Speaking of a cabaret....
CUMMING: Yes, I know.
MW: What Joel Grey did with the role of The Emcee was iconic,
and because it was immortalized on film, did you have any doubts
about stepping into it?
CUMMING: When you play a big Shakespearean character, for
example Hamlets a big touchstone in an actors career you
are obviously going to be compared to any previous ones from
the past. At that time, I had just done a Hamlet that was very
interesting and unusual to some people. I came to Cabaret in
London immediately after that, but I really didnt want to do a
musical. I was a little snobby about it. I said, If I was going to
do it, I wanted to do it in a very authentic, gritty way. I worked
with Sam Mendes on the show and we both wanted to do the

STEVE VACCARIELLO

METROWEEKLY.COM

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

21

Im very happy that our president and our Supreme


Court made this monumental decision. But I dont see
it as a speedy change. Its taken decades and decades
of people fighting for our rights to come to this point.
production authentically, a little more like a Weimar cabaret
club for real. So I did it and I did it my way.
And then like four years later it came to Broadway. And it
was only then that everyone started asking me if I tried to do it
differently from Joel on purpose and I didnt. I really hadnt
thought about him in the gestation of that character. He wasnt
on my mind at all. Id seen the movie it was obviously an iconic
performance. But theres quite a lot of roles you can potentially
do in your life that are made iconic by other people, yet you
have a chance to do it your way. I approached it like I was doing
Hamlet. I said, Theres other people who had done it before me
and done it in the way people were used to, and I was just going
to do it my way. Thats all you can do.
MW: In the process, you yourself ended up becoming iconic in the
role.
CUMMING: Yes. If you go back to the Hamlet model again, theres
been many iconic Hamlets. Cabaret is such a brilliant show and
The Emcee is such a fascinating character, theres many, many
different ways you could do it. And I see on social media people
are doing the show and theyll look like me, theyve got the
kind of harness thing on. And I think, Wow, just do it your own
way, that was just one way I chose. You could do it however you
like. Its not even a real character. Its just basically a symbol a
pied piper if you like and you can do whatever you like with
that part. And so, in a funny way the fact that I became iconic
playing it and Joel was iconic, is a testament to that show and the
brilliant writing of Kander and Ebb. Im sure in ten years time
well get another production of it and another actor will do their
own iconic version of it.
MW: Would you do a film remake if they offered it?
CUMMING: I think its past now. Ive done it a few times and I
dont want it to be the thing that I keep returning to. If they do it
in another 16 years Ill be 66. Im gonna play Frulein Schneider
then.
MW: So, we have to get to The Good Wife obviously. Eli Gold is
almost an iconic character in himself. What is it like being part of
such a remarkable show?
CUMMING: Its really great. Its been an amazing thing for me on
many levels. First of all, to play this character and, its funny,
he is kind of iconic. Hes this tightly wound symbol of modern
America. Hes the dichotomy of modern America hes trying
to do good, but hes being ruthless in order to get it. I feel lucky
to be on a show like this.
I think whats interesting about the show is that its very morally ambivalent it doesnt tell you what to think about things.
It offers up sometimes very opposing views on certain issues and
lets you make up your mind and also you see the characters that
you know you are supposed to root for sometimes do things that
are very horrifying and really appall you, and vice versa. So I love
that moral ambivalence. I think thats what makes it so unusual.
MW: How has being on a series this long impacted your life?
CUMMING: Its been great The last six years Ive been at home. I
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FEBRUARY 11, 2016

METROWEEKLY.COM

live in New York, and it shoots from here. Ive been able to have
a more of a stable life. And while films take less time to make, it
seems like I was always on a plane and away. So its been very
nice to have some stability in my life in that way.
Also, until Eli, I never really played a person who was like a
middle-aged man in a suit. Ive always played more crazy people.
I rarely would play someone who was completely based in reality. So thats been a great thing. Its changed the perception of
me as an actor as well. Although, I think Eli is a bit insane and
histrionic.
MW: Are you ever surprised by the direction they take him in?
CUMMING: Oh, yeah, often especially this season. Its been a
big year for him. Huge betrayal. Lots of things have happened
that have given me much more to play, a lot more colors to his
personality. And I think its interesting for the audience to see
him in a vulnerable situation and not be always on top. Im trying
to do this without spoiling the story to you but theres been a
recent huge revelation. I love the way theyre bringing back elements of storylines from years ago. Its been a great season.
MW: Why the big changes?
CUMMING: I was considering leaving the show. I felt like I was in
a rut. I was doing the same thing again and again, as much as I
enjoyed it. They came through with a new storyline for Eli, and
Im very glad I stayed.
MW: Is there something more personal about playing a gay or
bisexual character for you?
CUMMING: The sexuality doesnt matter. Every character I ever
got, I just play them who I think they are. Sometimes their stories I connect with on a more personal level. Its not necessarily
to do with sexuality for me. I think its more about the content
of the story.
MW: Youve worked with GLAAD, The Trevor Project, HRC. Do
you feel that being an out celebrity makes you automatically part
of the social activism machine?
CUMMING: I do those things willingly. Sometimes it can be taxing just having to do many in a funny sort of way, a lot of the
events and a lot of the things I do, I sort of think Im fighting
for something, and if we get it, I wont have to do this any more.
I get tired of constantly talking about my sexuality. If I were
straight, I wouldnt be talking about being straight all the time.
And I think its partly to do with the fact that theres inequality
in that area, partly because theres curiosity about it and it still
exists. So Im much more bored of that than I am of trying to help
people less fortunate than myself.
MW: True, if you were a straight actor we wouldnt be discussing
your sexuality at all.
CUMMING: Thank you. I hope you put that in your article.
Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs is Sunday, February 14, 2016 at
8 p.m. in the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane in
North Bethesda. Tickets are $35 to $85. Call 301-581-5100 or visit
strathmore.org. l

Masseria

Jaleo

Cupid Cuisine
MASSERIA BY SCOTT SUCHMAN, JALEO COURTESY OF THINK FOOD GROUP

We suggest 12 area restaurants to help create a memorable experience on Valentines Day

N THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY, VALENTINES DAY


and New Years Eve are the two biggest nights, says Nicholas
Stefanelli, owner/chef of Masseria near Union Market. Its a
big night for us production-wise, making it special.
Valentines Day represents an opportunity for restaurants of all
types to pull out the stops and set the right mood.
Some restaurants can inspire love through their attractive setting
alone, from the longstanding Iron Gate near Dupont Circle to newcomer Pennsylvania 6 downtown. Its also the case with Stefanellis
Masseria, a rustic-chic refuge tastefully walled-off down an industrial street from Union Market.
Naturally, one key focus of the holiday is on serving up romance
enhancers. Thats why youll find oysters and other seafood on most
Valentines menus, often offered in multiple courses, as well as
chocolate and even artichokes. (What you wont find, by and large,
are prix-fixe menus conducive to vegetarians.) And then there are
the libations, often whiskey- or vodka-based sometimes referred
to as him and her cocktails, respectively, by the hidebound or

by Doug Rule
merely unthinking. Among other Valentines drink offerings to come
this weekend at Masseria, for example, is an after-dinner cocktail
mixing Pig Noses Blended Scotch Whisky with a double espresso
and vanilla syrup. Its a cocktail to keep you up, not put you to bed,
says bar manager Julien-Pierre Bourgon.
If youve yet to settle on a venue for your Valentines Day or
youre looking for somewhere new to surprise that certain someone
weve culled twelve of the best places in D.C. to celebrate this
weekend.

Masseria

Maryland native Nicholas Stefanelli has worked for two of D.C.s


most famed Italian chefs, Roberto Donna and Fabio Trabocchi. He
served as chef at downtowns Bibiana before opening his dining destination last summer, in a former produce warehouse in the Union
Market area. For Valentines Day, Masseria features a $78 fourcourse or $90 five-course tasting menu per person both Saturday,
Feb. 13, and Sunday, Feb. 14. The centerpiece is a roasted veal tenMETROWEEKLY.COM

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

23

derloin for two, accompanied by a celery root puree and a medley


of roasted winter root vegetables. Also on the menu is Stefanellis
exquisite take on Cacio e Pepe, a simple yet sophisticated pepperflecked dish featuring hand-rolled tubular pasta and cheese, an offmenu dish that is more than worthy of the special occasion. 1340 4th
St. NE. Call 202-608-1330 or visit masseria-dc.com.

Hanks Oyster Bar

All three locations of Jamie Leeds seafood-themed bistro empire


will offer a-la-carte specials over Valentines Day as well as signature
dishes from namesake oysters to New England clam chowder
to the lobster roll with Old Bay fries. But only the original Dupont
Circle location offers a three-course special thats one of the best
deals in town at $40. Choices include a starter of oysters three ways
(raw, grilled and fried), clams linguine, a broiled hake filet or a
chocolate mole filet mignon as a main, and goat cheese panna cotta
or chocolate trifle for dessert. 1624 Q St. NW. Call 202-462-4265 or
visit hanksoysterbar.com.

Iron Gate

One of the most romantic dining spots in the city including a fire
pit-warmed patio open in winter, weather-permitting is also a
food lovers haven, courtesy of the small plates expertise of executive chef Anthony Chittum. Valentines Day brings a $135 five-course
tasting menu in the dining room, but you can save money and still
have the beet-cured swordfish ($16) or bison hanger steak ($22) in
the carriageway and garden as part of a special a-la-carte menu that
also includes four Sweet Jesus Oysters for $12. 1734 N St. NW. Call
202-524-5202 or visit irongaterestaurantdc.com.

Pennsylvania 6

One of the newest restaurants in town, Pennsylvania 6 is an open,


sumptuously appointed space that is sure to inspire warm sentiments any day of the week, but especially on Valentines Day. A
selection of three Kumamoto Oysters on the Half Shell, shucked
at the contemporary American restaurants centrally located raw
oyster bar, is the first of a special $85 four-course dinner that also
includes wild striped bass, braised short rib and butter-poached
lobster, and a trio of chocolate desserts, including the restaurants
upscale version of a Kit Kat Bar. Youre all but assured you wont
leave hungry or unhappy. 1350 I St. NW. Call 202-796-1600 or visit
pennsylvania6dc.com.

Beacon Bar & Grill

Saturday, Feb. 13, and Sunday, Feb. 14, Beacon offers a Sparkling
Celebration Champagne Brunch and Champagne Dinner, both
with freely flowing champagne. Brunch runs $28.95 to $37.95,
while the four-course dinner is priced from $36.95 to $49.95 per
person. The dinner menu includes choices such as lobster bisque
and smoked salmon blini as an appetizer and grilled beef tenderloin,
mushroom asiago chicken and roasted rockfish as an entree. Dessert
is strawberry mousse served in a chocolate tulip. Beacon Hotel, 1615
Rhode Island Ave. NW. Call 202-872-1126 or visit bbgwdc.com.

Commissary

EatWell DCs Commissary offers a Valentines Day three-course


package running $38 per person, or $54 with a bottle of wine.
Charbroiled oysters and a radicchio and kale salad are the starter
options, while the entree is a grilled ribeye for two or red snapper
and vegetable papillote. Finish it off with a Chocolate Surprise
for 2: Flourless chocolate cake, vanilla ice cream, raspberries and
salted caramel. 1443 P St. NW. Call 202-299-0018 or visit commissarydc.com.

Jaleo

A $65 Valentines Day tasting menu offering eight courses, including a glass of cava, is available at all three area Jaleos, including
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the downtown Penn Quarter location that sparked the whole small
plates trend in D.C. 23 years ago. But if ever you needed a reason to
eat in the suburbs, Jose Andres team offers it this Sunday, when, for
$36, the large Crystal City location will also hand-carve tableside a
side of the prized 48-month cured ham Iberico de bellota made
from free-range Spanish pigs fed only acorns. The fact that you can
also stop at the areas only all-Spanish wine shop on the way out is
gravy. 2250 Crystal Dr. Arlington. Call 703-413-8181 or visit jaleo.com.

Freddies Beach Bar

Speaking of Crystal City, Freddies will offer a Wine & Dine special
before 9 p.m. on Valentines Day, offering a half-priced bottle of
wine with purchase of an entree special, including the Surf & Turf of
lobster tail and two beef medallions a steal at only $21. A la carte
desserts are priced at $5 and include Decadent Chocolate Cake and
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries. 555 South 23rd St., Arlington. Call
703-685-0555 or visit freddiesbeachbar.com.

LEnfant Cafe

For Valentines Day, the lively, intimate French bistro in Adams


Morgan offers a three-course dinner for $75 per couple which
includes a complimentary glass of champagne with dessert. The
menu includes a choice of lobster bisque or a LEnfant maison salad
to start, and braised short rib, rack of lamb or wild mushroom ravioli
as a main course. The shared dessert, over bubbly, is warm apple tart
and chocolate-covered strawberries. 2000 18th St. NW. Call 202-3191800 or lenfantcafe.com.

Rasika

Both locations of James Beard Award-winning chef Vikram


Sunderams Indian food showplace will be serving a four-course
Valentines Day menu for $85 per person, or $125 with wine pairings. And both will also be serving a cocktail all weekend inspired
by romance novels Indigo, a blend of lemon juice, hibiscus liqueur
and Botanist gin garnished with an orchid leaf. Among the standouts of the prix-fixe menus, which are slightly different at each
location: Karwari Oysters, or bay oysters with tamarind and chutney, Truffle Samosas with cumin, filo and date tamarind chutney,
Lobster Caldine with cilantro, green chilies and coriander seeds and
Duck Moilee with ginger, green chilies and coconut milk. A dessert
sampler includes Chocolate Bread Pudding, Saffron Rasmalai and
Strawberry Kulfi. Penn Quarter, 633 D St. NW and West End, 1190
New Hampshire Ave. NW. Call 202-466-2500 or visit rasikarestaurant.com.

M Street Bar & Grill

Another restaurant in the West End is celebrating Valentines Day


every day until Thursday, Feb. 18. In addition to happy hour all night
long, lunch specials under $10 and live local musicians for Sunday
brunch, M Street offers a two-course dinner including a complimentary glass of champagne for $36.95 per person. The entree is a Surf
& Turf featuring a petite filet mignon with jumbo lump crab cake,
mashed potatoes, asparagus and Bearnaise sauce, while dessert is a
raspberry truffle chocolate cake, a decadent heart-shaped chocolate
layer cake with chocolate ganache. St. Gregory Hotel, 2033 M St.
NW. Call 202-530-3621 or visit mstreetdc.com.

B Too

Former Top Chef contestant Bart Vandaeles attractive and playful


ode to Belgian cuisine on 14th Street is a reliable source for mussels
and frites year-round. But, on Valentines Day, the restaurants focus
is on other sea creatures. A special a la carte menu includes options
such as yellowfin tuna terrine ($17) or Maine lobster risotto ($23)
to start, pan fried dorade royale filet ($30) or a smoked sturgeon
linguine ($35) as a Maine, and either a rose cake heart for two
($18) or chocolate tart ($10) for dessert. 1324 14th St. NW. Call 202627-2800 or visit btoo.com. l

FEBRUARY 11 - 18, 2016

ORLANDO MARRA

Compiled by Doug Rule

King of the Hill


Murray Hill brings drag appeal to Birchmeres
Burlesque-A-Pades

BRING A QUEER ELEMENT TO THE SHOW, SAYS MURRAY HILL,


drag king host of the variety show Burlesque-A-Pades In Loveland. I
make it part of the show, through my material but also by interacting
with people in the audience.
A transgender comedian and performer, Hill was one of the first drag kings
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FEBRUARY 11, 2016

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to gain visibility. Roughly two decades


ago, Hill who keeps his real identity a
secret transitioned from photographer
and visual artist to drag entertainer. I
noticed there were all these drag queens
everywhere, but few drag kings in New
York at that point, and it wasnt about
comedy, he says. I wanted to bring that
same camp sensibility that drag queens
had into drag king performances.
Though Hills resulting look and sensibility is chiefly inspired by lounge
lizards from 70s-era Las Vegas Mr.
Showbiz is his nickname theres
also some undeniable familial influence
at play. I recently looked at some old
pictures, and Murray looks a lot like my
uncle and my grandfather, Hill says.
Short, chubby Italian guys that like to
joke around a lot.
Though Hill has had cameos in cult
films and on cable TV including John
Cameron Mitchells Shortbus, HBOs
Bored to Death and STARZs Gravity his
main work has been on stage, performing
improv and emceeing touring shows for
neo-burlesque stars, including Dita Von
Teese and Angie Pontani.
After brief hiatus, Hill is eager to rejoin
Potani and the amazing burlesque dancers in Burlesque-A-Pades, playing the
schmuck in the Valentines Day variety
show. It will also feature burlesque artists Maine Attraction, Perle Noire and
Cherie Nuit, tap-dancer Helen Pontani,
and musical duo Sunny Sighed & Bald
Lightening.
The Birchmere is actually one of my
favorite venues, Hill says, noting that
the crowd is always up for it. But its
not just the crowd that gets him going: Its
Potani herself.
Shes my showbiz partner in crime,
Hill says. Shes the best in burlesque.
She has great costumes, and she throws it
down. Doug Rule
Burlesque-A-Pades In Loveland is Sunday,
Feb. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at The Birchmere, 3701
Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets
are $29.50. Call 703-549-7500 or visit
birchmere.com. l

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FEBRUARY 11, 2016

27

DC HER HRC 2016 DJ BATTLE,


WITH WICKED JEZABEL

SPOTLIGHT
ADAM DEVINE

GW Lisner hosts a night of standup


from the chubby-faced actor Adam
Devine who youll recognize if youve
watched any TV over the past few
years, from his start as the nanny in
Modern Family to Workaholics, to say
nothing of his starring role in the Pitch
Perfect movie franchise. Saturday,
Feb. 13, at 8 p.m. GW Lisner, The
George Washington University, 730
21st St. NW. Tickets are $35. Call 202994-6851 or visit lisner.org.

BEYONCE

Just as she did three years ago


when she was the headlining act at
the Super Bowl halftime show, Bey
announced another stadium tour
immediately after her appearance
as part of Coldplays San Francisco
love fest last Sunday. The Formation
World Tour wont hit D.C. and will
only make it to our region toward
the end of the U.S. leg and on the
Friday of Capital Pride Weekend at
that. But hey, well take it! Tickets on
sale Tuesday, Feb. 16, for Friday, June
10. M&T Stadium, 1101 Russell St.,
Baltimore. Call 410-261-7283 or visit
livenation.com.

28

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

The Human Rights Campaign and


Booz Allen Hamilton present the 2016
Her HRC DJ battle in which four of
the areas best female DJs will duke
it out during a night at Town. Popular
lesbian all-covers party-rock band
Wicked Jezabel will start the evening
as featured musical guest, followed by
hour-long sets from, in order: DJ Che
Parlay, DJ Adotnet, last years winner DJ Jacq Jill and DJ Jai Syncere.
Sunday, Feb. 14, starting at 7 p.m.
Town Danceboutique, 2009 8th St.
NW. Tickets start at $20. Call 202234-TOWN or visit towndc.com.

GMCWS ROCK CREEK SINGERS,


POTOMAC FEVER

The Atlas presents a special concert


showcasing the Gay Mens Chorus
of Washingtons two select vocal
ensembles, the 14-voice close-harmony a cappella group Potomac Fever
and the 34-singer eclectic chamber
ensemble Rock Creek Singers. The
Way We Were program offers a sentimental trip down memory lane and
revisits some of the ensembles best
songs. Friday, Feb. 12, at 8 p.m., and
Saturday, Feb. 13, at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Lang Theatre in the Atlas Performing
Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. Tickets are
$20 to $39. Call 202-399-7993 or visit
atlasarts.org.

METROWEEKLY.COM

LAURA JANE GRACE AND THE


DEVOURING MOTHERS

Four years after coming out as transgender, the lead singer of the hardhitting heavy metal band Against Me
is currently on tour with a new punk
side project. The show is billed as
offering an evening of existential
dread, fiending and gender dysphoria
in the brilliance of lifes headlights.
Dave Dondero opens. Sunday, Feb. 14,
at 8 p.m. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue.
600 I St. NW. Tickets are $20 in
advance, or $23 day-of show. Call 202408-3100 or visit sixthandi.org.

MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO

The Iconoclastic bisexual musician


tours in support of her mesmerizing,
groove-driven 2014 set Comet, Come
to Me. Over the past few decades
Ndegeocello has charted a heralded
career also notable for its genre-defying variety: from a start in D.C.s go-go
scene, to breakthrough neo-soul/
hip-hop recordings on the Madonnafounded label Maverick Records, to
collaborations with the Indigo Girls,
the Rolling Stones and quirky British
dance duo Basement Jaxx. Thursday,
Feb. 18, at 7:30 p.m. The Hamilton,
600 14th St. NW. Tickets are $37 to
$46.50. Call 202-787-1000 or visit thehamiltondc.com.

SEEING NATURE: LANDSCAPE


MASTERWORKS

Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen


has organized an exhibition with several museums to display the 39 masterpieces from his familys collection
exploring the evolution of European
and American landscape art. Spanning
five centuries, the exhibition features
works, among others, by Jan Brueghel,
Claude Monet, Paul Cezanne, Gustav
Klimt, Georgia OKeeffe, Edward
Hopper and David Hockney. Now to
May 8. The Phillips Collection, 1600
21st St. NW. Tickets $12. Call 202-3872151 x247 or visit phillipscollection.
org.

STORY DISTRICT

Local storytelling organization formerly known as SpeakEasyDC


offers its eighth Sucker for Love,
a Valentines Day-themed event with
true tales about loves found, lost and
imagined. Unlike other storytelling
organizations, Story District is focused
on congenial camaraderie not competition no judged Story Slams here.
Those presenting this year are Amanda
Sapir, Annie Lipsitz, Cait Reilly, Keith
Mellnick, Laura Feiveson, Michael
Cotter, Morgan Givens, Nupur Mehta
and Sarah Weber. Mike Baireuther
hosts this show that he co-directed
with Stephanie Garibaldi. Saturday,
Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. Lincoln Theatre, 1215
U St. NW. Tickets are $25. Call 202328-6000 or visit thelincolndc.com.

SUTTON FOSTER WITH THE


BALTIMORE SYMPHONY
ORCHESTRA

Though known for her work on TV


(Bunheads, Younger), Sutton Foster
has won more accolades for her work
on stage, including winning two Tony
Awards, for revivals of Thoroughly
Modern Millie and Anything Goes.
After an incredible performance with
the National Symphony Orchestra two
years ago, Foster now finds accompaniment in the Baltimore Symphony
Orchestra as she perform selections
from her Broadway career and other
pop and jazz standards. And her hot
Younger co-star Nico Tortorella is
even set to join her for one song, Fit
as a Fiddle. Thursday, Feb. 18, at 8
p.m. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301
Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda.
Also Friday, Feb. 19, Saturday, Feb.
20, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 21, at
3 p.m. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony
Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore.
Tickets are $38 to $104. Call 410-7838000 or visit bsomusic.org.

TRENDING:
CONTEMPORARY ART NOW!

Womens Caucus for Art partners with


the Target Gallery in Alexandria for
this new exhibition featuring women
who are leading the direction of contemporary art. Sarah West, Blythe
King and Sarah Boyts Yoder are three

D.C. and Virginia artists among 12


self-identified women working in a
cross-section of media from video
to 3D photography to installation.
To Feb. 28. Studio 2 of the Torpedo
Factory Art Center, 105 North Union
St. Alexandria. Free. Call 703-8384565 or visit torpedofactory.org.

FILM
CAROL

HHHHH
Carol, the sixth feature from Todd
Haynes, has the feel of a career pinnacle, as though every other film in
his canon was building to this masterpiece. Based on the novel The Price of
Salt by Patricia Highsmith, the movie
is the lesbian equivalent of Ang Lees
Brokeback Mountain. But Carol is
arguably more emotionally satisfying
than Lees film, in part because of
the way Highsmith, herself a closeted lesbian, crafted the story of a
young shopgirl (Rooney Mara) who
falls in love with an older woman
(Cate Blanchett) and embarks on a
journey of self-discovery. Despite the
lack of a suspense-driven narrative, it
effortlessly evokes the spirit of Alfred
Hitchcock; Carol could be a distant
cousin to Vertigo. And, unlike so many
films these days, Carol takes its time,
with Haynes resolutely refusing to
hurry things along. Some in the audience might find the approach dull.

Its not. Its captivating, absorbing,


all-encompassing. Its the way movies used to be made, an instant-born
classic, with Blanchett and Mara giving the kinds of performances that
Oscars are made for. Now playing.
Area theaters. Visit fandango.com.
(Randy Shulman)

HOW TO BE SINGLE

A modern rom-com adapted from


a novel by former Sex and the City
writer Liz Tuccillo, Christian Ditter
directs this movie focused on four
women with vastly different ideas
about love and relationships a setup
for Rebel Wilson to steal the whole
shebang. Opens Friday, Feb. 12. Area
theaters. Visit fandango.com.

JERUSALEM 3D

Benedict Cumberbatch narrates a film


offering the first-ever large format
aerial footage of the Old City and
throughout the Holy Land including
sites ranging from the Western Wall
to the Dome of the Rock to the Sea of
Galilee. This 3D film also offers eyeopening personal stories and remarkable historical perspective. Showtimes
Saturdays and Sundays to March 31.
National Geographic Museum, 1145
17th St. NW. Tickets are $7. Call 202857-7588 or visit ngmuseum.org.

OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT


FILMS 2015: ANIMATED,
LIVE ACTION

Once again Landmark Theatres, in


partnership with ShortsHD, offers two
feature-length programs of the short
films nominated at the upcoming
Academy Awards: a program with the
animated shorts, featuring films from
Chile, Russia, the U.K. and two from
the U.S., including Pixar Animations
Sanjays Super Team; and a program of
live action shorts, including films from
Germany, Ireland and the U.S., plus
two set in the West Bank and Kosovo.
Now playing. Landmarks E Street
Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. Call 202-4527672. Also Bethesda Row Cinema, 7235
Woodmont Ave. Call 301-652-7273.
Visit landmarktheatres.com.

OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT


FILMS 2015: DOCS

In addition to the animated and action


programs, Landmark Theatres this
year also presents a feature-length
program of documentary shorts. All
five Oscar-nominated films will screen,
including the Liberian Body Team 12
set in the height of the Ebola outbreak, Chau, Beyond the Lines about an
Agent Orange-disabled child and aspiring artist in Vietnam and The Price of
Forgiveness, focused on a rare survivor
of honor killings in Pakistan. Among
two American documentaries is Last

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FEBRUARY 11, 2016

29

Day of Freedom, about a war veteran


who faces criminal charges, racism
and ultimately the death penalty.
Now playing. Landmarks West End
Cinema, 2301 M St. NW. Call 202-5341907 or visit landmarktheatres.com.

STAR WARS: THE FORCE


AWAKENS

HHHHH
The seventh film in a series that has
spanned four decades and spawned
a near limitless number of spin-offs,
merchandise and uber fans, The Force
Awakens isnt original theres too
much history for that to be possible.
But it works on several levels. And
for the most part, the screenplay by
Lawrence Kasdan, Michael Arndt
and J.J. Abrams, who directs, hits
the right notes, with the grand, operatic overtones the series has long been
known for. For its various foibles and
the awkward transition between old
characters and new, theres something undoubtedly exciting about
this new trilogy of films. This is Star
Wars returned, reformed, revitalized
for a new generation. Every time you
laugh at a reference, every time you
see a familiar face, every time John
Williams glorious score swells, you
cant help but get sucked in by it all.
Now playing. Area theaters. Visit fandango.com. (Rhuaridh Marr)

ZOOLANDER 2

Ben Stiller directs and stars in another parody of male models, this time
including Benedict Cumberbatch as
an androgynous character that has
raised some criticism from transgender activists as being offensive. Owen
Wilson of course reprises his role as
Stillers Zoolander sidekick Hansel.
Olivia Munn and Kristen Wiig co-star.
Opens Friday, Feb. 12. Area theaters.
Visit fandango.com.

STAGE
A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM

Right now, Washingtonians can take


in two very different productions
of this hearty Shakespeare comedy.
Folger Theatre offers a more traditional approach though one that
twists things considerably by casting
women in traditionally male roles.
Holly Twyford is Bottom and Erin
Weaver is Puck as part of a large cast
directed by Aaron Posner that also
includes Megan Graves, Eric Hissom,
Caroline Stefanie Clay, Adam Wesley
Brown and Desmond Bing. To March
6. Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol St.
SE. Tickets are $35 to $75. Call 202544-7077 or visit folger.edu.

30

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM

Naturally, envelope-pushing company


WSC Avant Bard offers the quirkier of the two concurrently running
local productions of this winsome
Shakespeare classic. Indonesianinspired shadow puppets designed
by Alex Vernon are the focal point
of this production, directed by Randy
Baker of Rorschach Theatre, and are
accompanied by an actor-generated
percussion orchestra. Daven Ralson
is Puck and Zach Brewster-Geisz is
Bottom in this wild reimagining of the
famous tale of fairies. Closes Sunday,
Feb. 14. Gunston Arts Center, 2700
South Lang St. Arlington. Tickets are
$20. Call 703-418-4808 or visit wscavantbard.org.

AGENTS OF AZEROTH

Daring theater company the


Washington Rogues offers a production, courtesy of CulturalDC, of
Jennifer Lanes provocative play that
pivots from the data point, revealed by
Edward Snowden, that the NSA and
CIA have spent vast time and resources investigating World of Warcraft.
Megan Behm and J. Shawn Durham
portray government agents and Dillon
Greenberg and Grant Cloyd gamers
watching the watchmen in this show
directed by the Rogues Ryan S. Taylor
and examining weighty topics including security and surveillance, cyberbullying and identity in our electronic
age. Closes Sunday, Feb. 14. Mead
Theatre Lab at Flashpoint, 916 G St.
NW. Tickets are $20. Call 202-3151310 or visit washingtonrogues.org.

AS YOU LIKE IT

In a new staging of the Bards crossdressing, escapist romantic comedy,


Wendy Goldberg decided to present an all-female ensemble. This
400-year-old play is the most gender-bending play in Shakespeares
canon, she tells Metro Weekly. It
is an invitation to explore gender and
identity, and the fluidity of gender.
Her all-female approach to the production by Center Stage is the inverse
of that from Shakespeares day, when
all characters, male and female, were
played by men and boys. Even today,
its far more common to see an allmale production of Shakespeare.
Closes Sunday, Feb. 14. Towson
Universitys Center for the Arts, 1 Fine
Arts Dr., Towson, Md. Tickets are
$10 to $59. Call 410-986-4000 or visit
centerstage.org.

BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY

Yet another boisterous and unflinchingly dark comedy from Stephen Adly
Guirgis, whose play The Motherfucker
with the Hat received much critical
praise at Studio Theatre a few years
ago. Between Riverside and Crazy was
the winner of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for
Drama and is focused on an ex-cop who
is facing eviction, battling City Hall and
struggling over the recent death of his
wife. To Feb. 28. Studio Theatre, 14th
& P Streets NW. Call 202-332-3300 or
visit studiotheatre.org.

METROWEEKLY.COM

CARMEN:
AN AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ MUSICAL

Some of Broadways best writer/


director Moises Kaufman (The
Laramie Project) and choreographer
Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys) among
them are behind this world-premiere adaptation of Bizets opera as
a musical set in 1958 revolutionary
Cuba. Olney Theatre presents a coproduction with Kaufmans Tectonic
Theater Project featuring lyrics by
Kaufman and a book co-written by
Kaufman and Eduardo Machado,
with music composed and adapted by
Arturo OFarrill. The 18-person cast
stars Brandon Andrus as Jose, Caesar
Samayoa as Camilo and Christina
Sajous as the tragic titular diva. To
March 16. Mainstage at Olney Theatre
Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring
Road, Olney, Md. Call 301-924-3400
or visit olneytheatre.org.

EQUUS

Peter Shaffers Tony-winning tale


about a troubled teenagers dangerous obsession with horses is the latest
show to get the Constellation Theatre
Company treatment. Amber McGinnis
Jackson directs the production with
a cast including Michael Kramer,
Kathleen Akerley, Michael Tolaydo,
Laureen E. Smith and Ryan Tumulty.
Closes Sunday, Feb. 14. Source
Theatre, 1835 14th St. NW. Tickets are
$35 to $45. Call 202-204-7741 or visit
constellationtheatre.org.

FATHER COMES HOME


FROM THE WARS

Round House Theatre offers a production of this explosively powerful


Civil War-era drama from SuzanLori Parks (Topdog/Underdog),
which follows a slave from Texas to
the Confederate battlefield. Timothy
Douglas directs this Greek tragedyinspired trilogy with a cast including Ian Anthony Coleman, KenYatta
Rogers, Craig Wallace, JaBen Early
and A. Stori Ayers. Extended to Feb.
28. Round House Theatre, 4545 EastWest Highway, Bethesda. Tickets are
$50 to $60. Call 240-644-1100 or visit
roundhousetheatre.org.

FINIANS RAINBOW

Rick Hammerly directs a production


over Valentines Day weekend of this
musical comedy for Annapolis organization Live Arts Maryland. Bernard
Dotson, Jason Buckwalter, Kimberly
Christie, Tom Magette, Elysia Greene
Merrill, David Merrill are among the
large cast. Friday, Feb. 12, at 7:30 p.m.,
and Saturday, Feb. 13, at 3 p.m. and 8
p.m. Maryland Hall for the Creative
Arts, 801 Chase St. Annapolis. Tickets
are $49.50 to $69.50. Call 410-2631906 or visit liveartsmaryland.org.

I SHALL NOT HATE

Gassan Abbas, one of Israels leading


Palestinian actors, performs this memoir-based story adapted by the Israeli
director Shay Pitovsky. Performed in
Hebrew and Arabic with English surtitles, this is the second of five productions part of the four-month Voices
from a Changing Middle East Festival,
the provocative series that eventually
became too hot for original presenter
Theater J and has now been revived
by ousted Theater J director Ari Roth
at his new company. Closes Sunday,
Feb. 14. Atlas Performing Arts Center,
1333 H St. NE. Tickets are $20 to $40.
Call 202-399-7993 or visit mosaictheater.org.

JACK AND PHIL,


SLAYERS OF GIANTS

Janet Stanford directs Imagination


Stages tongue-in-cheek adaptation
of the classic fairy tale Jack and the
Beanstalk in this Theater for Young
Audiences production by Charles Way.
The focus is on Jack, a sporty, popular
kid whose mother is facing foreclosure
on their house and enlists his smart yet
nerdy neighbor Phil to accompany him
to the pawnshop to trade in his grandfathers gold watch for some magic
beans. To March 13. Imagination Stage,
4908 Auburn Ave. Bethesda. Tickets
are $10 to $25. Call 301-280-1660 or
visit imaginationstage.org.

MONSTERS OF THE VILLA DIODATI

Virginias emerging theater company


Creative Cauldron presents the world
premiere of yet another musical by
writer Stephen Gregory Smith and
composer Matt Conner, partners in
real life, too. Monsters of the Villa
Diodati delves into a Lake Geneva writers retreat from two centuries ago,
hosted by bisexual Lord Byron (Sam
Ludwig), which inspired Mary Shelley
(Susan Derry) and John Polidori
(David Landstrom) to write the
Gothic classics Frankenstein and The
Vampyre, respectively. This is the second installment in Creative Cauldrons
five-year commissioning project Bold
New Works for Intimate Stages, after
last years The Turn of the Screw, also
written by Smith and Conner. To Feb.
21. ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 South
Maple Ave. Falls Church. Tickets are
$26. Call 703-436-9948 or visit creativecauldron.org.

PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE

Now that Bright Star has wrapped its


pre-Broadway Kennedy Center run,
Keegan Theatre offers a production of
another work by comedian/composer
Steve Martin which previously ran Off
Broadway. Picasso at the Lapin Agile
is a slightly absurd look at the famous
Spanish painters life and that of
Albert Einsteins too before they
changed the world through their work.
Chris Stezin directs a cast including Matthew Keenan, Bradley Foster
Smith, Allison Leigh Corke, Kevin

Adams, Michael Innocenti, Sherri S.


Herren and Jessica Power. Closes
Saturday, Feb. 13. Keegan Theatre,
1742 Church St. NW. Tickets are $40.
Call 703-892-0202 or visit
keegantheatre.com.

SENORITA Y MADAME

GALA Theatre presents this show,


subtitled The Secret War of Elizabeth
Arden and Helena Rubinstein, a comedy exploring the clash between two
icons of beauty and marketing that
helped revolutionize the fashion
industry and change societal views
about beauty. Consuelo Trum directs
Gustavo Otts play, presented in
Spanish with English surtitles. To Feb.
28. GALA Theatre at Tivoli Square,
3333 14th St. NW. Tickets are $38 to
$42. Call 202-234-7174 or visit
galatheatre.org.

SHAKE LOOSE

A full-length revue celebrating 15


years of Metro Stages homegrown
musical writing team, Thomas
W. Jones II, William Knowles and
William Hubbard, whose output celebrates the music born from gospel
as created or popularized by AfricanAmerican icons. Lori Williams,
Anthony Manough, Roz White and
Rayshun Lamarr perform in this
musical night of blues, moods and
icons. To March 6. MetroStage, 1201
North Royal St., Alexandria. Tickets
are $55 to $60. Call 800-494-8497 or
visit metrostage.org.

ST. NICHOLAS

Bill Largess plays a jaded theater


critic who falls in with vampires in
Washington Stage Guilds production
of St. Nicholas, the popular monologue that helped make Irish playwright Conor McPhersons name two
decades ago. Laura Giannarelli directs.
To Feb. 21. Undercroft Theatre of
Mount Vernon United Methodist
Church, 900 Massachusetts Ave. NW.
Tickets are $40 to $50. Call 240-5820050 or visit stageguild.org.

SWEAT

Arena Stage offers a world-premiere


production, co-commissioned with
the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, of a
new gripping tale about loss, redemption and redefinition in a new era
from Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn
Nottage (Ruined). Kate Whoriskey
directs this co-commission with the
Oregon Shakespeare Festival and
featuring among its cast local actors
Johanna Day, Kimberly Scott, Tramell
Tillman and Jack Willis. To Feb. 21.
Kreeger Theater in the Mead Center
for American Theater, 1101 6th St. SW.
Call 202-488-3300 or visit
arenastage.org.

THE CITY OF CONVERSATION

Doug Hughes directs an in-theround production at Arena Stage of


Anthony Giardinas play, offering an
inside look at the theater of politics
as seen from the vantage point of a

fictional Georgetown hostess and her


Ferris family clan. Margaret Colin stars
in this show also featuring Michael
Simpson playing her sons. To March
6. The Fichlander in the Mead Center
for American Theater, 1101 6th St. SW.
Call 202-488-3300 or visit
arenastage.org.

THE CRITIC/THE REAL


INSPECTOR HOUND

Michael Kahn directs this double bill


of one-act comedies about behind-thescenes life in the theater. An ensemble cast takes on multiple characters
bringing to life Jeffrey Hatchers fresh
take on Richard Brinsley Sheridans
18th-century romp The Critic and Tom
Stoppards absurdist tour-de-farce The
Real Inspector Hound. Closes Sunday,
Feb. 14. Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St.
NW. Call 202-547-1122 or visit shakespearetheatre.org.

THE GLASS MENAGERIE

The Southern-fried family drama that


made Tennessee Williams famous
gets examined anew in a production
directed by Mark Ramont, the former programming director at Fords
Theatre. Surprisingly, the show marks
the first Williams play presented at
Fords. Madeleine Potter, Tom Story,
Jenna Sokolowski and Thomas Keegan
star in this iconic memory play. To Feb.
21. Fords Theatre, 511 10th St. NW.
Tickets are $20 to $52. Call 800-9822787 or visit fordstheatre.org.

THE SISTERS ROSENSWEIG

Twenty-two years after its Broadway


debut and 10 years after its awardwinning
playwrights
untimely
death, Theater J presents The Sisters
Rosensweig by Wendy Wasserstein.
Kasi Campbell directs this heartfelt
comedy about three very different
siblings, reunited for one remarkable,
revealing weekend, and portrayed
by the sharp team of Susan Lynskey,
Susan Rome and Kimberly Schraf. Josh
Adams, Edward Christian, Michael
Russotto, James Whalen and Caroline
Wolfson round out the cast. To Feb.
21. The Aaron and Cecile Goldman
Theater, Washington, D.C.s Jewish
Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW.
Call 202-777-3210 or visit theaterj.org.

COMMUNITY STAGE
THE LARAMIE PROJECT

Marylands Kensington Arts Theatre


offers a production of Moises
Kaufmans examination with the
Tectonic Theater Project of the small
Wyoming town forever changed by
the hate-crime murder of Matthew
Shepard nearly 18 years ago. John
Nunemaker directs the production.
Weekends to Feb. 20. Kensington
Town Hall, 3710 Mitchell St.,
Kensington, Md. Tickets are $20. Call
240-621-6528 or visit katonline.org.

METROWEEKLY.COM

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

31

MUSIC
ALAN CUMMING

Broadways Cabaret and TVs Good


Wife star offers a Valentines Day
treat for lovers and especially lovers
of the sappy silly love songs everyone secretly adores. Among songs by
Annie Lennox, Billy Joel and Bertolt
Brecht, you can can expect an Adele/
Lady Gaga/Katy Perry mashup the
Scottish entertainer calls Someone on
the Edge of Firework. Hell be supported by music director Lance Horne,
cellist Eleanor Norton and drummer
Michael Croiter. Sunday, Feb. 14, at 8
p.m. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301
Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda.
Tickets are $35 to $85. Call 301-5815100 or visit strathmore.org.

HEY MARSEILLES

On song after song, this slightly twee


indie/chamber-rock Seattle quintet
sounds remarkably like a more dramatic, classically minded version of
fellow Washington state outfit Death
Cab for Cutie first and foremost
on account of singer Matt Bishops
Ben Gibbard-channeling vocals. The
band, which includes a cellist and a
violist, tours in support of their selftitled third set. Friday, Feb. 12. Doors
at 7 p.m. The 9:30 Club presents this
concert. U Street Music Hall, 1115A U
St. NW. Tickets are $15. Call 202-5881880 or visit ustreetmusichall.com.

INDIGO LOVE: AN EVENING WITH


SARAH VAUGHAN

An Evening with Sarah Vaughan is


this great, four-octave jazz singers
tribute to her idol, dubbed the Divine
One and also known as Sassy.
Vaughan got her start in 1942 winning the famed Amateur Night at the
Apollo Theater. Wednesday, Feb. 17,
at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Blues Alley, 1073
Wisconsin Ave. NW. Tickets are $25,
plus $12 minimum purchase. Call 202337-4141 or visit bluesalley.com.

KEEPS

A young Nashville-based duo drawing influence from British new wave


as well as classic Americana, Keeps
performs at the Black Cat a few weeks
before release of its debut album Brief
Spirit. Thursday, Feb. 18, at 7:30 p.m.
Black Cat Backstage, 1811 14th St. NW.
Tickets are $12. Call 202-667-4490 or
visit blackcatdc.com.

KENNEDY CENTERS THE


CONSERVATORY PROJECT

Every February and May the Kennedy


Center offers showcases of some of
the best young musical artists from
the nations leading undergraduate
and graduate conservatories as part
of its Conservatory Project and its
free Millennium Stage programming.
Concerts on tap this month are: Curtis
Institute of Music on Sunday, Feb.
14; the the University of Michigan

32

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

School of Music, Theatre & Dance on


on Monday, Feb. 15; Bienen School
of Music at Northwestern University
on Tuesday, Feb. 16; San Francisco
Conservatory of Music on Wednesday,
Feb. 17; Cleveland Institute of Music
on Thursday, Feb. 18; Yale School of
Music on Friday, Feb. 19; Shepherd
School of Music at Rice University on
Sunday, Feb. 20; Oberlin Conservatory
of Music on Monday, Feb. 21; and the
Juilliard School on Tuesday, Feb. 22.
All performances at 6 p.m. Kennedy
Center Terrace Theater. Tickets are
free. Call 202-467-4600 or visit www.
kennedy-center.org.

VOCALOSITY

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO

WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA

Grammy-winning a cappella singing


group from South Africa, still dazzling
after more 50 years together. Must be
those diamonds on the soles of her
shoes or maybe its the sheer joy
and love that emanates from their
being, as their most famous booster Paul Simon put it. Friday, Feb. 12,
at 8 p.m. GW Lisner, The George
Washington University, 730 21st St.
NW. Tickets are $40 to $70. Call 202994-6851 or visit lisner.org.

MIPSO

Touted by the Guardian as a new sort


of Nickel Creek, this North Carolinabased quartet creates stirring bluegrasstipped yet pop-influenced indie folk
complete with tight, four-part vocal
harmonies. Mipso performs a co-bill at
the Hamilton with Steel Wheels and in
support of last years Old Time Reverie.
Sunday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m. The
Hamilton, 600 14th St. NW. Tickets are
$17 to 25.50. Call 202-787-1000 or visit
thehamiltondc.com.

NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC

Music Director Piotr Gajewski leads


Strathmores resident orchestra in
a Baroque-focused program led by
Vivaldis Gloria and featuring the
National Philharmonic Chorale plus
soprano Julie Keim and mezzosoprano Magdalena Wor. Cellist Zuill
Bailey joins to open the concert with
two lively concertos by Vivaldi and
Piatigorksys Variations on a Paganini
Theme. Saturday, Feb. 20, at 8 p.m., and
Sunday, Feb. 21, at 3 p.m. Music Center
at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane,
North Bethesda. Tickets are $29 to
$89. Call 301-581-5100 or visit strathmore.org.

ROOMFUL OF TEETH, AMERICAN


CONTEMPORARY MUSIC
ENSEMBLE

With a mission to mine the potential of the human voice, adventurous


NPR-touted group Roomful of Teeth
performs a program at Sixth and I that
juxtaposes classical works alongside
newer compositions. And the a cappella outfit performs with the new music
dynamos in American Contemporary
Music Ensemble. Saturday, Feb. 13, at 8
p.m. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue. 600
I St. NW. Tickets are $35. Call 202408-3100 or visit sixthandi.org.

METROWEEKLY.COM

Deke Sharon, vocal producer for the


Pitch Perfect movies and NBCs The
Sing-Off, has gathered 12 great singers
for what is billed as the Aca-Perfect
Concert Experience. The concert at
the Clarice will range from Gregorian
chant to contemporary Top 40 hits
and will also feature the University of
Marylands a cappella ensembles Faux
Paz and DaCadence. Friday, Feb. 19, at
8 p.m. The Clarice at the University of
Maryland, University Boulevard and
Stadium Drive. College Park. Tickets
are $xx. Call 301-405-ARTS or visit
theclarice.umd.edu.

Following his turn with WNO in The


Flying Dutchman, renowned bass-baritone Eric Owens stars in Kurt Weills
final work for the stage, merging influences from Broadway, gospel, African
spirituals and the blues. A collaboration with Maxwell Anderson, Lost in
the Stars is a musical tragedy based on
Alan Patons novel Cry, The Beloved
Country. A production from Cape
Town Opera and directed by Tazewell
Thompson. Opens Friday, Feb. 12,
at 7:30 p.m. To Saturday, Feb. 20.
Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater.
Tickets are $69 to $265. Call 202-4674600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

WASHINGTON PERFORMING ARTS


WITH CHORAL ARTS SOCIETY

Martin Luther King Jr.s birthday


and federal holiday may have already
passed, but you can sing his praises any
day of the year. And Sunday, Feb. 21,
Washington Performing Arts will do
just that, as it reprises for a fourth year
the program Living the DreamSinging
the Dream. Men, women and children of the Washington Performing
Arts Gospel Choirs team up with the
Choral Arts Society of Washington
300 voices strong to perform in
honor of King Sunday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m.
Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Tickets
are $25 to $70. Call 202-467-4600 or
visit kennedy-center.org.

CONTRA-TIEMPO

Inspired by Shakespeares The Tempest


and Oya, the Afro-Cuban deity of wind
and storms, Agua Furiosa is a visually stunning and thought-provoking
evening of dance from the company
led by artistic director and choreographer Ana Maria Alvarez. Michael
Garces directs the production also featuring contributions by sound designer d. Sabela Grimes, vocalist Pyeng
Threadgill, and lighting designer
Masha Tsimring. Saturday, Feb. 13, at
8 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 14, at 4 p.m.
Dance Place, 3225 8th St. NE. Tickets
are $25 in advance, or $30 at the door.
Call 202-269-1600 or visit
danceplace.org.

COMEDY
RICKY VELEZ

A correspondent on Comedy Centrals


The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore,
Ricky Velez is a New York-based comic
recently named by Variety as one of
10 Comics to Watch. Alex Barbag
opens for Velez in this free program
presented as part of the Comedy at the
Kennedy Center series. Friday, Feb.
12, at 6 p.m. Kennedy Center Terrace
Theater. Tickets are free, distributed
in the States Gallery starting at approximately 5:30 p.m. the day-of. Call 202467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

WASHINGTON IMPROV THEATER:


ROAD SHOW!

D.C.s leading company for longform


improv such as that popularized
by the Upright Citizens Brigade and
Second City offers a Wintry Mix,
a series of vignettes featuring different
ensembles, with each plot developed
on-the-fly, spurred by a single audience suggestion. Closes Saturday, Feb.
13. District of Columbia Arts Center
(DCAC), 2438 18th St. NW. Tickets are
$12 in advance, or $15 at the door. Call
202-462-7833 or visit washingtonimprov.org.

DANCE

GALLERIES

CLOUD GATE DANCE


THEATRE OF TAIWAN

A COLLECTORS VISION:
WASHINGTONIANA COLLECTION

Torontos Globe and Mail touted Cloud


Gate as one of the finest dance companies in the world, while a critic for
the Washington Post said that watching the Taiwanese company leaves
you gently seduced into rethinking
your ideas about dance. Lin Hwai-min
leads the company he founded in the
D.C. premiere of Rice, a multimedia
work Lin created in 2013 to celebrate
his homeland on the occasion of Cloud
Gates 40th anniversary. Friday, Feb.
12, and Saturday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m.
Kennedy Center Opera House. Tickets
are $19 to $75. Call 202-467-4600 or
visit kennedy-center.org.

In addition to incorporating the


Textile Museum, the recently opened
George
Washington
University
Museum also houses the Albert H.
Small Washingtoniana Collection. The
exhibition A Collectors Vision serves
as a perfect introduction to the collection, featuring maps and prints, rare
letters, photographs and drawings documenting the history of Washington,
D.C. and donated by Small in 2011.
Ongoing. The George Washington
University Museum, 701 21st St. NW.
Call 202-994-5200 or visit museum.
gwu.edu.

ART OF THE AIRPORT TOWER

The images of Smithsonian photographer Carolyn Russo offer a journey


examining contemporary and historic
air traffic control towers in this exhibition at the Air and Space Museum.
Through November. National Air and
Space Museum, Independence Ave at
6th St. SW. Call 202-633-2214 or visit
airandspace.si.edu

COLBY CALDWELL: HOW TO


SURVIVE YOUR OWN DEATH

Logan Circles Hemphill Fine


Arts presents an exhibition by this
Asheville, N.C.-based Corcoran
Gallery of Art alum, based on a series
of accidentally corrupted images
that have taken on a new life of their
own as a result. Through March 5.
Hemphill Fine Arts, 1515 14th St. NW.
Call 202-234-5601 or visit hemphillfinearts.com.

EYE POP: THE CELEBRITY GAZE

Many never publicly displayed portraits of 53 luminaries at the top in


their fields is the focus of this exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery.
Oprah Winfrey, Brad Pitt, Katy Perry,
Sonia Sotomayor, Michelle Obama,
Serena Williams and Kobe Bryant are
among the works, ranging from drawings to sculpture, paintings to video
portraits, and all recent additions to
the museums collection. Through
July 10. National Portrait Gallery, 8th
and F Streets. NW. Call 202-633-8300
or visit npg.si.edu.

ONE LIFE: DOLORES HUERTA

The National Portrait Gallery offers


its first exhibition devoted to a Latino
figure. Dolores Heurta co-founded the
National Farm Workers Association
with Cesar Chavez in 1962 and fought
for the passage of the California
Agricultural Labor Relations Act of
1975. Taina Caragol curated an exhibition that vividly traces the 13 years
between those two actions. Through
May 15. National Portrait Gallery, 8th
and F Streets. NW. Call 202-633-8300
or visit npg.si.edu.

OUT OF THE ASHES

Subtitled New Library for Congress


and the Nation, this exhibition marks
the 200th anniversary of the acquisition of Jeffersons library of books,
the foundation of the modern Library
of Congress. The Jeffersonian concept of a universal library covering all subjects is the basis of the
librarys comprehensive collecting
policies. Through May. Second Floor
of the Library of Congresss Thomas
Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE.
Call 202-707-8000 or visit loc.gov/
concerts.

PATHMAKERS: WOMEN IN ART,


CRAFT AND DESIGN

The National Museum of Women in


the Arts presents an exhibition illuminating the vital contributions that
women made to post-war, mid-20th
century visual culture and their use of
craft materials to explore concepts of
modernism. Although painting, sculpture and architecture were dominated
by men a half-century ago, women
had considerable impact in the fields
of textiles, ceramics and metals. Ruth
Asawa, Sheila Hicks and Eva Zeisel
are just a few of the women from
the era celebrated in this exhibition,
organized by New Yorks Museum of
Arts and Design, which also shines
the light on some pathmaking contemporary female artists and designers,
including Anne Wilson, Vivian Beer
and Hella Jongerius. Through Feb.
28. National Museum of Women in
the Arts, 1250 New York Ave NW.
Admission is $10. Call 202-783-5000
or visit nmwa.org.

PRISTINE SEAS: THE OCEANS


LAST WILD PLACES

National Geographics Pristine Seas


project searches for the last truly wild
places in the ocean and documents
them in powerful footage intended
to motivate world leaders to protect
the worlds oceans. This exhibition
about the project features stunning
photography and behind-the-scenes

expedition images from the Arctic to


the tropics, as well as an immersive
underwater video wall. To March 27.
National Geographic Museum, 1145
17th St. NW. Free. Call 202-857-7588
or visit ngmuseum.org.

RENWICK GALLERY: WONDER

As part of the immersive exhibition


Wonder, nine leading contemporary artists, including Gabriel Dawe,
Patrick Dougherty and Maya Lin, have
each taken over different galleries in
the newly renovated Renwick Gallery,
the first building in the U.S. designed
expressly as an art museum. Through
July 10. Renwick Gallery, Pennsylvania
Avenue at 17th Street NW. Free. Call
202-633-1000 or visit renwick.americanart.si.edu.

SHAKESPEARE: LIFE OF AN ICON

In honor of the 400th anniversary year


of William Shakespeares death, the
Folger Shakespeare Library offers an
exhibition that brings together some
of the most important manuscripts and
printed books related to his life and
career. The intent is to offer a glimpse
of the most famous author in the
world. Through March 27. The Great
Hall in Folger Shakespeare Library,
201 East Capitol St. SE. Call 202-5447077 or visit folger.edu.

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SOL HILL: SIGNAL FROM NOISE

Combining the aesthetics and visual


concerns of painting and photography, Sol Hill dubs his work energy
paintings. Using a digital sensor,
Hill transforms images into a kind
of hyper-vision, showing aspects of
reality not normally seen. Through
March 11. Vivid Solutions Gallery in
the Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good
Hope Road SE. Call 202-631-6291 or
visit anacostiaartscenter.com.

THE BIG HOPE SHOW

Baltimores American Visionary Art


Museum offers its 21st annual exhibition, featuring over 25 artists offering
works in various media that champion the radiant and transformative
power of hope. Its an original and
unabashedly idealistic exhibition,
curated by Rebecca Alban Hoffberger,
founder and director of this original
and unabashedly unusual 20-year-old
museum. Through Sept. 4. American
Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key
Highway. Baltimore. Tickets are
$15.95, or $20 for the preview party.
Call 410-244-1900 or visit avam.org.

THE GREAT INKA ROAD:


ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE

One of the monumental engineering


achievements in history, the Great
Inka Road is a network of more than
20,000 miles, crossing mountains and
tropical lowlands, rivers and deserts,
linking the Inca capital Cusco with the
farthest reaches of its empire and it
still serves Andean communities today
in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia,
Argentina and Chile. This exhibition
explores the legacy of the Inka Empire
and technological feat of the road, recognized by the United Nations as a
World Heritage site in 2014. Through
April 2018. National Museum of the
American Indian, Independence
Avenue at 4th Street SW. Call 202633-1000 or visit nmai.si.edu.

WINDOW TO WASHINGTON

Window to Washington: The Kiplinger


Collection at HSW is an exhibition at
Washingtons Carnegie Library that
traces the development of the nations
capital from a sleepy Southern town
to a modern metropolis, as documented through the works of artists.
The Historical Society of Washington,
D.C., exhibition was made possible by
a donation from the Kiplinger family. Its also an early step in a reorganization effort by the society, which
has struggled to revive ever since its

short-lived effort a decade ago to run


a City Museum of Washington proved
too ambitious. Open Tuesdays through
Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The
Historical Society of Washington, D.C.,
at the Carnegie Library, 801 K St. NW.
Call 202-393-1420 or visit
dchistory.org.

ABOVE AND BEYOND


F*CK BRUNCH! DRAG LUNCH

You can find drag queens serving and


sashaying at brunches around town,
but theres only one place to find drag
kings on a Sunday afternoon and
they dont do brunch. (Or they dont
call it brunch, anyway.) Drag king entity Pretty Boi Drag, led by Chris Jay and
former DC King Pretty Rik E, presents
a lunch show at Dupont Circles Bier
Baron Tavern, which includes exclusive beermosas and items from the
venues new menu. Expect to see drag
king performances steeped in romance,
from upbeat favorites to steamy slow
jams. Sunday, Feb. 14, from 2 p.m. to 5
p.m. Bier Baron Tavern, 1523 22nd St.
NW. Tickets are $15 for the show, or
$25 for the lunch and show. Call 202293-1887 or visit prettyboidrag.com.

LA-TI-DO

Regie Cabico and Don Mike Mendozas


La-Ti-Do variety show is neither karaoke nor cabaret. The show features
higher-quality singing than most karaoke, often from local musical theater
actors performing on their night off.
Cabico and co-host Mendoza also
select storytellers who offer spoken-word poetry and comedy. Held
at Bistro Bistro in Dupont Circle,
La-Ti-Do offers a love/hate tribute to
Valentines Day on Monday, Feb. 15, at
8 p.m. Bistro Bistro, 1727 Connecticut
Ave. NW. Tickets are $15, or $10 if you
eat dinner at the restaurant beforehand. Call 202-328-1640 or visit latidodc.wix.com/latidodc. l

Exclusive interview with

Black Lives
Matter
Co-Founder

Alicia Garza
Thursday, Feb. 18
Only in Metro Weekly
34

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

METROWEEKLY.COM

stage

Guards at the Taj

The Politics of Living


Guards at the Taj is never quite
where it needs to be and City of
Conversation is just boring

SCOTT SUCHMAN

by KATE WINGFIELD

MYTHIC DREAM THAT CONTAINS THE


very real, very human question of what brutality
does to the soul, Rajiv Josephs Guards at the Taj
(HHHHH) is thoughtful, sometimes funny, but
never quite where it needs to be.
The problem starts with the sense that one has somehow
seen this all before. Not the intriguing, 17th Century Indian myth

in which Joseph places his two characters, Babur and Humayun,


but in their mildly combative buddy movie relationship and
the way the sweeter, more visionary of the men fares so much
worse than the pragmatist. It feels derivative of too many movies
and too much television.
This wouldnt have mattered so much the buddy dynamic
endures because it entertains except that Joseph never imbues
it with enough of its own appeal and originality. The concept of
two lowly palace guards who must grapple with the increasingly
horrific demands of their emperors regime and its strange contrast with the beauty they are tasked with protecting is potent.
But the banter isnt quite witty enough, their serious discourse
ultimately provides little insights, and there is not enough palpable love between the men to transcend the usual.
Even when Babur expounds on his quite beautiful ideas on
the universe and fanciful inventions, it is quickly tempered by
Josephs rather obvious references to the here-and-now an
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35

C. STANLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

The City of Conversation

aspect that dampens the only moments that begin to feel original. It also injects a contradiction: Babur is upset that the brutal
emperor is killing beauty, and yet he sees enormous and enduring beauty in his surroundings and the cosmos.
The other drawback here is director John Vreekes rather
heavy-handed staging. He allows a bit too much inconsequential hollering. And although Misha Kachmans sets and Jen
Schrievers lighting quietly bring a certain gravitas, the cumbersome slapstick when the men wrestle and their long cleaning of
the set steal from their poetry.
Still, the actors do manage to create some genuinely funny
moments and do their best to bring pathos. Ethan Hovas Humayun
is a good straight man to Kenneth De Abrews free-spirited Babur,
looking dolefully into the middle distance while his friend waxes
lyrical. Hova has a kind of Adam Goldberg-esque demeanor which
convinces, but also feels like a missed opportunity. One wishes
Joseph had explored this latent neuroticism. Abrew gives his
Babur the light and enthusiasm he needs and does his best to deliver the emotional torque that must come, but there is only so much
he can do without more meat on this bone. Yes, these are childhood
friends. Yes, innocence may be taken or destroyed. Yes, the imperative to survive may strip us of our souls. But, without a greater
sense of the connection between these two men, a greater sense
(spiritual, intellectual, emotional) of what may be lost, or indeed
gained under terrible duress, the play is trapped on a ho-hum level.
LIGHT YEARS AWAY in another universe, theres a different
kind of banter in The City of Conversation (HHHHH), Anthony
Giardinas reflection on the life and unhappy times of a semifictional Georgetown doyen. Hester Ferris is Giardinas imagining of the kind of matriarch who has operated behind the
Washington political scene for decades, using luncheons and
dinner parties to help a husbands career and further ideals. But
in Giardinas world, these powerful and consuming preoccupations come with a price.
Like Taj, Giardina is trying to do too much with too little. He
tries hard to give an intriguing view into Washingtons old guard
that highly-coifed set still air-kissing their way down the aisles
at the Washington National Opera but the strokes are too
broad and too adoring. The feel is commissioned biography not
real life, despite the family crisis at its core.
Hester has alienated her adult son Colin and she goes on to
wage war with his fiance, Anna Fitzgerald, with ramifications
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FEBRUARY 11, 2016

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that will last decades, but Giardina expresses it as a battle of


ideologies, not genuine people. We are told everyones political affiliations (and why they have them), their jobs (and what
it says about them), and their generational attitudes (with all
inherent hypocrisies). It requires an almost endless expository
and it leaves virtually no meaningful room for inner lives, fears,
and flaws. Every emotion is principled and its not just unrealistic, its boring.
And there is something a tad unpleasant lurking in all these
competing interests. Two generations of mothers are failing
here because they have like men either held powerful
convictions or wanted a meaningful career. Such a potent topic
left undeveloped feels like a message. And then we are left with
Hesters ultimate claim that it is her single-minded efforts and
sacrifices that have allowed grandson Ethan to flourish in a
tolerant America. There has been so much grandstanding, its
impossible to tell if Giardina is defending or describing her. The
former would pander annoyingly to an already smug class, the
latter far too unexplored.
Margaret Colin does her best to breathe life into Hester but
she is too measured for Giardinas affected language, despite
her charisma. It calls for a Bette Davis kind of swagger which
Colin does eventually decide on, but only in Hesters dotage. As her son Colin, Michael Simpson is a very convincing
twentysomething, a wholly unconvincing thirtysomething, and
indistinguishable as grandson Ethan. Caroline Hewitt gamely
delivers the wonderfully repugnant Anna, managing to bring a
brittle certainty and then a sweaty panic to a character built on
expository and air. In a small role, Freddie Bennett is quietly
exceptional as grandson Ethans patient partner, Donald Logan.
The other stand-out is Ann McDonough, Hesters long-suffering
sister, Jean Swift. She does the best job here of creating a sense
of these rarified women and their odd relationship to the world
beyond their walls. That big, messy one in which they and this
play never truly mingle. l
The City of Conversation runs to Mar. 6 at Arena Stage, 1101
Sixth Street, SW, Washington, DC. Tickets are $40 to $100. Call
202-488-3300 or visit arenastage.org.
Guards at the Taj runs to Feb. 28 at Woolly Mammoth Theatre
Company, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC. Tickets are $53 to
$93. Call 202-393-3939 or visit woollymammoth.net.

games

Fired Up
Firewatch thrives on incredible
dialogue, beautiful scenery and a story
that mixes heart, humor and suspense
by RHUARIDH MARR

HERES A CONFIDENCE TO FIREWATCH


(HHHHH) that is startling given its origins. Born
from a freshman studio of about a dozen people, this
little indie game has managed to generate an almost
disproportionate amount of excitement. It helps that developers
Campo Santo have kept details of their beautiful world almost
entirely under wraps. As such, I went into Firewatch blind
beyond oblique trailers and a few press shots. Within ten minutes, Id fallen deeply in love.
From the outset, Campo Santos vision is clear. Firewatch is
all about story, for better or worse. Firewatch is intimate, per-

sonal, involving and engrossing. Its story envelops you, drawing


you into the mysteries and questions that proliferate its little
slice of fantasy.
The opening moments lay out its backstory (which, for the
sake of keeping the experience intact, wont be spoiled here).
You are Henry verbatim, thats how the game opens. What
follows is a simple, text-based intro to Henrys adulthood: a burgeoning relationship, his hopes for the future, glimpses into his
personality. Emotional devastation unfortunately follows, which
leads to burly, bearish Henry packing everything up and driving
from his Colorado home to the Shoshone National Forest, on the
edge of Yellowstone in Wyoming.
As the title suggests, Henry is there to watch fires during
the summer months, staying in his tower and radioing for help
should he spot any troublesome blazes. Stepping out of the dense
melancholy of the games opening moments and into the fresh,
vibrant air of Firewatchs main area is refreshing even more
so when a friendly voice suddenly cuts through the silence, the
games first moments of dialogue.
Its Delilah, Henrys boss and a watcher in the next region
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37

over. Speaking through walkie-talkies, their back and forth over


Firewatchs runtime is what ultimately makes the game so fantastic to sink into. It helps that the writing is excellent: the language
is natural, theres unforced humor, Delilah and Henry bicker,
banter, commiserate, comment and offer friendly jabs. Their
relationship is conducted entirely by voice and whats more, it
can be shaped by the player to suit their own means for Henry.
If you dont care for Delilahs interjections and comments, dont
respond. If you want to discuss every little thing with her, feel
free: certain objects in any given area can be highlighted and
discussed, each interaction deepening the connection between
both characters. You can also pick different responses theres
a full dialogue tree, letting players flirt, admonish, ignore, or collude with Delilah to their hearts content.
On my second playthrough I tried to deliberately ignore
Delilah, but that lasted all of half an hour. When an indignant
Delilah objected to one of my responses and stepped away from
her walkie talkie, preventing me from talking to her, I was hurt.
Her smooth, rich voice was gone, Henry was even more isolated,
the silence of the landscape ever more deafening. I didnt make
that same mistake again.
Their conversations are essential to making Firewatch what it
is, as their relationship mirrors larger themes present throughout the game: solitude, isolation, companionship, regret, and a
host of others are all expressed through conversations between
Delilah and Henry, as they discuss the various goings on over the
course of their summer.
And what a summer. While Henrys time in his tower starts
benignly investigating fireworks (a potentially massive fire
hazard), checking on communication lines, collecting supplies
it devolves into a seemingly complex mystery. Firewatch
unravels at its own pace, gradually building the atmosphere that
carries through its six to eight hours of gameplay.
As you walk or jog around the Shoshone, clambering up
rocks, rappelling down slopes, hacking through bushes, picking
up objects and discovering locations, it becomes apparent that
this isnt an action game and Henrys movements while freely
controlled are fenced within a very specific narrative. Indeed,
after the games first two days, which start with Henry leaving
his tower on a specific objective, then returning at the end of the
day, Firewatch begins to tighten the leash and take control. Days
even weeks will blink past in short loading screens, as Camp
Santos story takes shape. One day is given all of two minutes of
gameplay. Players are dropped into Henrys body, theres a few
short pieces of dialogue, then its suddenly a week later.
If it sounds haphazard, it isnt. Instead, its the sign of a studio entirely sure of their central narrative. Campo Santo knows
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the story it wants to tell: one comprising mystery,


suspicion, paranoia and exploration as the Shoshone
reveals itself to be full of more than just an everincreasing fire. Indeed, as summer rolls on, that fire
gradually builds on the horizon until smoke starts to
fill the landscape. As Henry and Delilah become ever
more confused about the goings on in the valleys and
forests, the smoke thickens, obscuring vision and
adding to the overall sense of confusion. Its a metaphor deployed to wonderful effect.
Really, everything about Firewatch has been lovingly thought through. Its set in 1989, so theres no
smartphones, no mobile GPS, no personal technology beyond a disposable camera and a Walkman that
appear later in the game. The UI reflects this: Henry
navigates the old-fashioned way, by bringing up a
map and breaking out an old-fashioned compass to get around.
Theres no floating icons or guides here. If theres a new objective to reach or trail to walk, Henry breaks out a pencil and jots it
down. Firewatch is unashamedly disconnected from the modern
world just like Henry and Delilah.
Its not perfect, however. While Firewatchs narrative system allows players some degree of freedom, its ultimately not
enough. On my first playthrough, Henry was tied down by his
past, hampered by the guilt and emotion hed tried to escape in
Wyoming. I did that to him through the choices I made. On my
second time through, Henry was resolutely trying to move on,
to put it behind him, to not dwell on the past when talking with
Delilah. Unfortunately, the games ending while poignant
was only more heartbreaking that second time around. Campo
Santo offered false hope through my choices and that hope was
shattered as I reached its conclusion. Yes, it again speaks to their
confidence in giving players a specific ending with only minor
differences in dialogue, but it didnt help the empty pain I felt
that second time around. I tried to reshape Henrys story, but
ultimately still had to bend to Campo Santos will.
Theres also, at least on PS4, some rather jarring performance
issues to contend with. Campo Santo recommends that players
experience Firewatch on a competent gaming PC and its clear
to see why. While those on Sonys console will have the same
gorgeous art style, which is cartoony, dreamy and vibrant, theyll
also have frequent framerate drops, stutters and pauses especially when moving between locations or when the game saves.
That they dont ruin Firewatch is testament to the strength of its
experience, but theyre certainly irksome.
Then theres the issue of size and length versus cost. Firewatch
retails for $20. Players are restricted to one specific region of the
Shoshone. It can be fully explored and the story finished in, at
most, eight hours. If you eschew exploration in favor of working
through the story, completion shrinks to a couple of hours. For
some, it might not be worth it.
However, it unequivocally is. Firewatch does raise the question of whether it qualifies as another walking simulator sure,
you can interact with objects and theres very basic puzzling,
but this is largely a narrative-driven game that youre very much
guided through. Take the time to commit to it, though, and youll
reap its rewards.
Explore each detail that Campo Santo has crafted, revel in
Henry and Delilahs relationship, slowly unpick the games central mystery, and those twenty dollars will feel like the easiest
youve ever spent. l
Firewatch is available on PC, Mac, Linux and PS4.

music

Cher Amore
We rank the pop icons 10 best
albums, asking the question: Hows
the music without a vocoder?
by GORDON ASHENHURST

HERS TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT ATTITUDE IS


arguably her most endearing quality. But as far
as her music goes, it means that many of her best
songs remain obscure theyd almost certainly
never feature on a Farewell tour setlist. Being a Cher fan is an
embarrassment of riches, but for those who dont actually own
every single one of her 25 studio albums (32, if you count her
duet albums with both Sonny and Gregg Allman, plus her one
album tenure as lead singer of metal band Black Rose), then
today is your lucky day.

10. GYPSYS, TRAMPS & THIEVES

Cher was a 70s covergirl in more ways than one, gracing magazines, but also re-recording just about every song going. This
was for good reason: her top-rated TV shows were full of such
numbers and it made sense to release albums following a similar formula. Following I Got You Babe with Sonny, the 1970s
were like a second-wave of popularity for Cher. Her TV specials
showcased her talent not only as a singer, but as a comedienne,
actress, model and presenter. Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves isnt so
much an album as it is a souvenir of her immense, one-of-a-kind
celebrity at its unique peak. The bisexual balladry in The Way
of Love provides atypical access into her androgynous allure
the album is not without surprises.
9. PRISONER

After getting drunk on disco with her Take Me Home LP, the
follow-up Prisoner is almost too Cher to function. Although it
failed to hold the charts hostage, it is certainly the more captivating of her Casablanca offerings. Cher reluctantly recorded Take
Me Home, and so on Prisoner she sought to rebel by sneaking in
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39

as many rock tracks as possible. Lacking any true sure shots, the
album is unquenchably Cher, with all her Cher-isms cranked up
higher than any drag queen could ever impersonate. You better
sit down kids its a wild and wanton ride.
8. BACKSTAGE

Representing her first notable musical shift, Backstage is unsurprisingly one of her most neglected works. Much of the album
melds into a bluesy atmosphere, highlighted by the singers
increasingly deeper crooning. A real standout is the subtle
Carnival, where Cher opts for a more subdued approach that
only increases the richness of her vocal quality. Dreamy track It
All Adds Up Now is a more familiar romantic vehicle, and the
simplicity of Reason To Love is another bold stroke that pays
off. Her cynical and seething reading of Bob Dylans Masters of
War is made all the more delicious by the fact that the folk icon
absolutely hated it. Scaring the bejesus out of Dionne Warwick,
A House Is Not A Home is another well-trodden choice of
cover, but the arrangement is elegant and sincere. Her best 60s
album is exquisitely jarring or else simply exquisite.
7. DARK LADY

On this notably theatrical album, Cher hit the gas with yet another number one single the eponymous title track. Much of the
material wasted no time in offering lusty narrative-driven pop
songs, padded out with the usual cover versions. With a voice
that hits you like the metaphorical transport, Train of Thought
and the snarling Dark Lady both cackle and rattle along with
bewitching flair.
6. LIVING PROOF

If much of the world-conquering success of the single Believe


was down to an element of surprise, Living Proof knew exactly
what it aimed to achieve. Using her dance-orientated career
best seller as a blueprint, Cher once again worked with British
producers Metro (Enrique Iglesias, Dannii Minogue and Anna
Vissi), while trance auteurs Chicane were also given a call. The
results were nothing short of dazzling (The Musics No Good
Without You), ludicrous (A Different Kind of Love Song)
and sublime (You Take It All), all while often sounding like a
leaking battery thanks to her newfound love of the vocoder. It
is ironic that most reviews would focus on such studio trickery,
as a novelty beginning to wear thin, as she has rarely sounded
better her husky timber outdoing herself on the rousing lead
single (This Is) A Song For The Lonely.
5. BELIEVE

Cher began the 90s as an Oscar-winning actress with a penchant


for biker mama imagery, toy boys, tattoos and plastic surgery.
But by 1997, people were starting to disregard the award and
only think of her as a punchline for countless sexist and surgeryrelated jokes. Chers label put it to her that her most loyal fans
were gay men and questioned why she was persisting with
rock ballads. They looked to an album called Fresh! by the cult
Australian dance diva Gina G for inspiration, even going as far as
recording one of that albums outtakes (Runaway). Originally
offered to another Australian icon, Dannii Minogue, the song
Believe took time to become the mega hit we all know. It ultimately took ten days to record vocoder effect and all and the
rest is history. Whilst its title track rightfully takes all the glory,
the luxurious house grooves courtesy of Todd Terry (Love is
The Groove, Taxi Taxi) dont trail far behind.

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4. I PARALYZE

Back when it was her chart positions that were paralyzed and not
her face, and before she enjoyed one of her routine comebacks
with the power ballad I Found Someone, there was one attempt
that often goes under the radar. This album paired her with most
of the collaborators that she would work with on her following
three, but of all her Geffen releases it is only on I Paralyze where
the one-size-fits-all power-rock formula is not relied upon. The
country grind of the title track is one of her all-time favourites,
When The Love Is Gone is an after-hours torch ballad that
screams Blanche Devereaux: The Musical, and the gallant electronic stomper Back On The Street Again recalls ABBA and 80s
fitness clothes. When Cher hollers youre as real as a dollar bill
its hard not to fall under her charismatic spell.
3. CLOSER TO THE TRUTH

On 2013s Closer to the Truth, Cher turned back time to 2001


on an album that sounded mostly identical to her previous
effort, Living Proof. However, she wisely lets some air out with
a career-high torch ballad (the agonizingly beautiful Sirens is
truly a bookmark of her career) and some radio-friendly adult
contemporary fare (I Hope You Find It, Favourite Scars),
giving it a broad appeal encompassing fans of her many different
eras. With lavish dance songs boasting choruses that blast louder
than some of her 2 a.m. emoji-littered twitter spats, songs like
Take It Like A Man and the shimmering Mary Kiani-esque
My Love serve considerable wallops of groove. When the lava
flow of disco is interrupted, its a trifle sacrifice when the songs
are as delightfully daft as I Gotta Walk Alone (which wouldnt
sound out of place on any of her pop-orientated 70s albums).
2. ITS A MANS WORLD

While for some, Chers three successful Geffen albums were


more scrap metal than authentic rock, on Its A Mans World she
took to softer blues influences, recording songs all made famous
by men. Success in America had once again cooled off, whereas
in Britain she had recently enjoyed a number one single credited
to Cher, Chrissie Hynde, Neneh Cherry and Eric Clapton on the
Country ballad Love Can Build A Bridge. Its A Mans World
wisely focused on similarly softer sounds than her most famous
work. Both Angels Running and The Gunman in particular
prove once again what a fine interpreter she truly is. The sensual
anthem One By One and gospel-tinged Walking In Memphis
were both top 20 hits and the album was a moderate success in
Britain. It was given a RnB remix for the US market, but it is the
original European pressing where its reputation rests as perhaps
her most accomplished record to date.
1. STARS

Stars is Chers blazing masterpiece: a soaring artistic treasure


and commercial suicide. For the first time in her career, the
songs here are all crafted around her. Devouring Eric Claptons
Bell Bottom Blues with a vocal that can only be described
as animalistic, there isnt a howl out of place. Emotionally and
physically, Just One More Time (the sole original recording
on offer) stretches the singer to her vocal limit her rarely
utilized falsetto falling nothing short of astonishing. She hits
a gospel jackpot with her reading of Geronimos Cadillac
those female Elvis tags well and truly earned. The meditative
title track possesses a tenderness in contrast to all her most
famous pop culture moments, with her vocal control pushing
her further artistically than ever before (and since). Although
Stars seemingly fizzled out on the charts without anyone noticing, the album remains an array of hidden gems, and is her true
musical autograph. l

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NIGHT

LIFE
LISTINGS
THURS., 02.11.16

9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm Multiple
TVs showing movies,
shows, sports Expanded
craft beer selection
Music videos featuring
DJ Wess
COBALT/30 DEGREES
Happy Hour: $6 Call
Martini, $3 Miller Lite,
$4 Rail, $5 Call, 4-9pm
Stonewall Darts Season
3, Game Day 5, 6-10pm
$3 Rail Drinks, 10pmmidnight, $5 Red Bull,
Gatorade and Frozen
Virgin Drinks Locker
Room Thursday Nights
DJs Sean Morris and
MadScience Ripped Hot
Body Contest at midnight,
hosted by Miss Kristina
Kelly and BaNaka $200
Cash Prize Doors open
10pm, 18+ $5 Cover
under 21 and free with
college ID
DC9
1940 9th St. NW
Happy Hour, 5-8pm
dcnine.com

FREDDIES BEACH BAR


Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 8pm

DC EAGLE
Doors open at 5pm
Happy Hour, 5-8pm
$2 Bud and Bud Light
Draughts, $3 Domestic
Bottles, $4 Rail and Import
Bottle Beer, $6 Call
Highwaymen TNT host Hot
Jock Night Contest at
11:30pm, prizes for winner
Highwaymen TNT on
Club Bar, 9pm-close No
Cover 21+

METROWEEKLY.COM

43

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FEBRUARY 11, 2016

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scene
Mardi Gras with DJ Chris Cox
at Town
Saturday, February 6
scan this tag
with your
smartphone
for bonus scene
pics online!

Photography by
Ward Morrison

GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm
Ladies Drink Free Power
Hour, 4-5pm Shirtless
Thursday, 10-11pm DJs
BacK2bACk
JR.S
All You Can Drink for $15,
5-8pm $3 Rail Vodka
Highballs, $2 JR.s drafts,
8pm-close Throwback
Thursday featuring rock/
pop retro hits
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Beat the Clock Happy Hour
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
$4 (7-8pm) Buckets of
Beer $15 Drag Bingo
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm No Cover
TRADE
1410 14th St. NW
Doors open 5pm Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cocktail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
5-10pm Beer and wine
only $4

ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers
Shirtless Thursday DJ
9pm Cover 21+
FRI., 02.12.16

9 1/2
Open at 5pm Happy
Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink,
5-9pm Friday Night
Videos with resident DJ
Shea Van Horn VJ
Expanded craft beer selection No Cover
COBALT/30 DEGREES
All You Can Drink Happy
Hour $15 Rail and
Domestic, $21 Call &
Imports, 6-9pm Guys
Night Out Free Rail
Vodka, 11pm-Midnight, $6
Belvedere Vodka Drinks all
night DJ MadScience
upstairs DJ Keenan Orr
downstairs $10 cover
10pm-1am, $5 after 1am
21+
DC9
1940 9th St. NW
Happy Hour, 5-8pm
dcnine.com

DC EAGLE
Doors open at 5pm
Happy Hour, 5-8pm
$2 Bud and Bud Light
Draughts, $3 Domestic
Bottles, $4 Rail and Import
Bottle Beer, $6 Call
Fetish Friday men in
cowboy boots drink free,
8-10pm No Cover 21+
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 8pm
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm $5
Smirnoff, all flavors, all
night long
JR.S
Happy Hour: 2-for-1,
4-9pm $2 Skyy Highballs
and $2 Drafts, 10pmmidnight Retro Friday
$5 Coronas, $8 Vodka Red
Bulls, 9pm-close
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
DJ Matt Bailer Videos,
Dancing Beat the Clock
Happy Hour $2 (5-6pm),
$3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
Buckets of Beer $15

NUMBER NINE
Open 5pm Happy Hour:
2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
No Cover
TOWN
DC Bear Crue Happy
Hour, 6-11pm $3 Rail,
$3 Draft, $3 Bud Bottles
Free Pizza, 7pm No
cover before 9:30pm
21+ Drag Show starts at
10:30pm Hosted by Lena
Lett and featuring Miss
Tatianna, Shi-Queeta-Lee,
Riley Knoxx and BaNaka
DJ Wess upstairs, DJs
BacK2bACk downstairs
GoGo Boys after 11pm
Doors open at 10pm For
those 21 and over, $10
For those 18-20, $15 18+
TRADE
1410 14th St. NW
Doors open 5pm Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cocktail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
5-10pm Beer and wine
only $4

ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers,
hosted by LaTroya Nicole
Ladies of Ziegfelds,
9pm Rotating Hosts
DJ in Secrets VJ Tre in
Ziegfelds Cover 21+
SAT., 02.13.16

9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 3-9pm $5 Absolut
& Titos, $3 Miller Lite
after 9pm Expanded
craft beer selection No
Cover Music videos
featuring various DJs
COBALT/30 DEGREES
Drag Yourself to Brunch
at Level One, 11am-2pm
and 2-4pm Featuring
Kristina Kelly and the
Ladies of Illusion
Bottomless Mimosas and
Bloody Marys Happy
Hour: $3 Miller Lite, $4
Rail, $5 Call, 4-9pm
Black Hearts Valentines
Day Party, with DJ Deedub
Tezrah, 10pm-2am Drink
specials all night Doors
open 10pm $7 cover

METROWEEKLY.COM

before midnight, $10 cover


after 21+
DC9
1940 9th St. NW
Happy Hour, 4-6pm
dcnine.com
DC EAGLE
Doors open at 8pm
Happy Hour, 8-10pm
$2 Bud and Bud Light
Draughts, $3 Domestic
Bottles, $4 Rail and Import
Bottle Beer, $6 Call
Highwaymen TNT on
Club Bar $2 Draughts,
9-close Jello shots and
raffle No Cover 21+
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Drag Queen Broadway
Brunch, 10am-3pm
Starring Freddies
Broadway Babes Crazy
Hour, 4-7pm Freddies
Follies Drag Show,
8-10pm, hosted by Miss
Destiny B. Childs No
Cover
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm $5
Bacardi, all flavors, all
night long JOX: The

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

45

GL Underwear Party
Featuring DJ David Merrill
$5 Cover including
clothes check

Shi-Queeta-Lee, Riley
Knoxx and BaNaka
Doors open 10pm $12
Cover 21+

JR.S
$4 Coors, $5 Vodka
Highballs, $7 Vodka Red
Bulls

TRADE
1410 14th St. NW
Doors open 2pm Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cocktail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
2-10pm Beer and wine
only $4

NELLIES SPORTS BAR


Guest DJs Zing Zang
Bloody Marys, Nellie Beer,
House Rail Drinks and
Mimosas, $4, 11am-5pm
Buckets of Beer, $15
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 3-9pm No Cover
TOWN
DJ MadScience, 11pmclose Music and video
downstairs by DJ Wess
Valentines Message
Board Most Eligible
Singles Party, 10pm
Special appearance
by Michelle Visage of
RuPauls Drag Race in
the drag show Drag
Show starts at 10:30pm
Hosted by Lena Lett and
featuring Miss Tatianna,

46

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

METROWEEKLY.COM

ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
Men of Secrets, 9pm
Guest dancers Ladies
of Illusion with host Ella
Fitzgerald Doors at 9
p.m., first show at 11:30
p.m. % DJs Doors open
8pm Cover 21+
SUN., 02.14.16

9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 3-9pm Multiple
TVs showing movies,
shows, sports Expanded
craft beer selection No
Cover

COBALT/30 DEGREES
$4 Stoli, Stoli flavors
and Miller Lite all day
Homowood Karaoke,
hosted by Robert Bise,
10pm-close 21+
DC9
1940 9th St. NW
Happy Hour, 2-6pm
dcnine.com
DC EAGLE
Doors open at 12pm
$2 Bud and Bud Light
Draughts, $3 Domestic
Bottles, $4 Rail and Import
Bottle Beer, $6 Call
Buffet, 2-7pm Like on
Facebook for menu options
$2 Bud and Bud Light
Draughts all day and night
No Cover 21+
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Champagne Brunch Buffet,
10am-3pm Crazy Hour,
4-7pm Karaoke, 8pm1am
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm
Mamas Trailer Park
Karaoke downstairs,
9:30pm-close

JR.S
Sunday Funday Liquid
Brunch Doors open at
1pm $2 Coors Lights and
$3 Skyy (all flavors), all
day and night
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Drag Brunch, hosted by
Shi-Queeta-Lee, 11am3pm $20 Brunch Buffet
House Rail Drinks, Zing
Zang Bloody Marys, Nellie
Beer and Mimosas, $4,
11am-close Buckets of
Beer, $15
NUMBER NINE
Pop Goes the World with
Wes Della Volla at 9:30pm
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on
any drink, 3-9pm No
Cover
ROCK HARD SUNDAYS
@THE HOUSE
NIGHTCLUB
3530 Georgia Ave. NW
Diverse group of all male,
all nude dancers Doors
open 8pm Shows all
night until close, starting
at 8:30pm $5 Domestic
Beer, $6 Imports
$10 cover For Table

TOWN
Flip Out DC League Flip
Cup games, 4pm Doors
open 3:30pm 21+

ANNIES
4@4 Happy Hour, 4-7pm
$4 Small Plates, $4 Stella
Artois, $4 House Wines,
$4 Stolichnaya Cocktails,
$4 Manhattans and Vodka
Martinis

TRADE
1410 14th St. NW
Doors open 2pm Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cocktail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
2-10pm Beer and wine
only $4

COBALT/30 DEGREES
Happy Hour: $2 Rail, $3
Miller Lite, $5 Call, 4-9pm
Monday Nights A Drag,
hosted by Kristina Kelly
Doors open at 10pm
$3 Skyy Cocktails, $8 Skyy
and Red Bull $8 Long
Islands No Cover, 18+

ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers
Decades of Dance DJ
Tim-e in Secrets Doors
9pm Cover 21+

DC9
1940 9th St. NW
Happy Hour, 5-8pm
dcnine.com

Reservations, 202-4876646 rockharddc.com

MON., 02.15.16

9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm Multiple
TVs showing movies,
shows, sports Expanded
craft beer selection No
Cover

DC EAGLE
Doors open at 5pm
Happy Hour, 5-8pm
$1 Bud and Bud Light
Draughts Free Pool all
day and night Men in
DC Eagle T-Shirts get
Happy Hour, 8pm-close
$2 Bud and Bud Light
Draughts, $3 Domestic
Bottles, $4 Rail and Import
Bottle Beer, $6 Call No
Cover 21+

FREDDIES BEACH BAR


Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 8pm
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour all night long
Michaels Open Mic
Night Karaoke, 9:30pmclose
JR.S
Happy Hour: 2-for-1,
4-9pm Showtunes Songs
& Singalongs, 9pm-close
DJ James $3 Draft
Pints, 8pm-midnight
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Beat the Clock Happy Hour
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
$4 (7-8pm) Buckets of
Beer $15 Texas Holdem
Poker, 8pm Dart Boards
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm No Cover
TRADE
1410 14th St. NW
Doors open 5pm Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cocktail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,

5-10pm Beer and wine


only $4
TUES., 02.16.16

9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm Multiple
TVs showing movies,
shows, sports Expanded
craft beer selection No
Cover
ANNIES
4@4 Happy Hour, 4-7pm
$4 Stella Artois, $4 House
Wines, $4 Stolichnaya
Cocktails, $4 Manhattans
and Vodka Martinis
COBALT/30 DEGREES
DJ Honey Happy Hour:
$2 Rail, $3 Miller Lite, $5
Call, 4-9pm SIN Service
Industry Night $1 Rail
Drinks all night StandUp Comedy Show, 7:30pm
DC9
1940 9th St. NW
Happy Hour, 5-8pm
dcnine.com

METROWEEKLY.COM

FREDDIES BEACH BAR


Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 8pm
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour all night long,
4pm-close
JR.S
Birdie La Cage Show,
10:30pm Underground
(Indie Pop/Alt/Brit Rock),
9pm-close DJ Wes
Della Volla 2-for-1, 5pmmidnight
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Beat the Clock Happy Hour
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
$4 (7-8pm) Buckets of
Beer $15 Karaoke and
Drag Bingo
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm No Cover
Safe Word: A Gay Spelling
Bee, 8-11pm Prizes to
the top three spellers
After 9pm, $3 Absolut,
Bulleit & Stella

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

47

TRADE
1410 14th St. NW
Doors open 5pm Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cocktail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
5-10pm Beer and wine
only $4
WED., 02.17.16

9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm Multiple
TVs showing movies,
shows, sports Expanded
craft beer selection No
Cover
COBALT/30 DEGREES
Happy Hour: $2 Rail, $3
Miller Lite, $5 Call, 4-9pm
Wednesday Night
Karaoke, hosted by Miss
India Larelle Houston,
10pm-close $4 Stoli and
Stoli Flavors and Miller
Lite all night No Cover
21+

48

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

METROWEEKLY.COM

DC9
1940 9th St. NW
Happy Hour, 5-8pm
dcnine.com
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm $6
Burgers Drag Bingo
Night, hosted by Ms.
Regina Jozet Adams, 8pm
Bingo prizes Karaoke,
10pm-1am
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour all night long,
4pm-close
JR.S
Buy 1, Get 1 Free, 4-9pm
Trivia with MC Jay Ray,
8pm The Feud: Drag
Trivia, hosted by BaNaka,
10-11pm, with a $200
prize $2 JR.s Drafts and
$4 Vodka ($2 with College
ID or JR.s Team Shirt)

NELLIES SPORTS BAR


SmartAss Trivia Night,
8pm and 9pm Prizes
include bar tabs and tickets to shows at the 9:30
Club $15 Buckets of
Beer for SmartAss Teams
only Bring a new team
members and each get a
free $10 Dinner
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm No Cover
TRADE
1410 14th St. NW
Doors open 5pm Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cocktail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
5-10pm Beer and wine
only $4
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers
Shirtless Night, 10-11pm,
12-12:30am Military
Night, no cover with
military ID DJ Don T. in
Secrets 9pm Cover
21+ l

SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.METROWEEKLY.COM/SCENE

49

scene
Uproar
Saturday, February 6
scan this tag
with your
smartphone
for bonus scene
pics online!

Photography by
Ward Morrison

50

SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.METROWEEKLY.COM/SCENE

District

Bruce Yelks new party DistrktC will christen the third floor of the DC Eagle this weekend

TODD FRANSON

BY DOUG RULE

CLUBLIFE

S Dancing

ROMOTER BRUCE
Yelk had been looking for a venue to
throw a raw, sexy
dance party in D.C. when
he learned that the DC
Eagle was getting ready to
open its top floor.
I walked in the space,
and I immediately knew it
was the right place to do
it, says Yelk. Its a very
old-school space.
A Philadelphia native,
Yelk frequented both Tracks
and Nation in D.C. and got
his start as a promoter at
Philadelphias former gay
nightclub Shampoo and one
of the organizers of Phillys
52

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

legendary circuit party,


Blue Ball. The result of his
experience is DistrktC, a
party with a name partially
inspired by The Hunger
Games. This Saturday, Feb.
13, DistrktC will christen
the DC Eagles top floor,
fifteen months after the DC
Eagle opened in its new
location on Benning Road
NE.
The party will be held
the second Saturday of
every month and Yelk has
plans to hire DJs who
spin fun, upbeat, happy
music for a diverse crowd.
The concept is of a party
that appeals to the leather

METROWEEKLY.COM

guys, he says. It appeals


to the circuit guys. It
appeals to the jocks. And
they all mix and mingle.
Mobile app Scruff is the
main sponsor of DistrktC,
which Yelk expects to
have a similar vibe to New
Yorks scruff-oriented Brut
party.
DJ Mark DeMarko from
New York will be the partys resident DJ, and hell
spin at the launch party
this weekend with Manny
Lehman, the Los Angelesbased DJ who served
as one of VelvetNations
residents. Also appearing
this Saturday are adult film

stars Rocco Steele and Ray


Diesel. Just dont expect
them to perform, beyond a
little parading and dancing.
Yelk anticipates only ever
having little incidental performances something
that draws you in and hopefully gets you to participate
in a fun, happy way.
And patrons can plan to
stay and dance all night:
DistrktC will close at 8 a.m.
Sunday morning. Though
Ted Clements of the DC
Eagle says the club has
not previously stayed open
all night, it can. It has a
special, rare license that
allows it to remain open
24 hours from Friday night
to Monday morning if it
so chooses. Were not
allowed to serve liquor [past
normal hours] but were
allowed to stay open and
serve juices, water and
sodas, he says.
Its been a long time
coming, Clements says
about the top floor. It will
be christened The Exile, in
honor of D.C.s legendary,
now-defunct leather dance
club, and can accommodate 350. There are still
some finishing touches to
be made, including installation of a wood dance floor
(its currently concrete
wear comfortable, padded
shoes).
Everyone is really
excited about this, says
Clements. Were chomping at the bit...to have the
entire building up and running.
DistrktC is Saturday, Feb.
13, from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.,
at the DC Eagle, 3701
Benning Rd. NE. Tickets
are $25 in advance, or $30
before midnight the day-of,
$40 after. Visit distrktc.com
or dceagle.com. l

Why do you want to


put me back in the closet?
TIMOTHY KIERSTEAD, a New Hampshire voter, speaking to Senator Marco Rubio during a campaign stop in a diner,
the New York Times reports. Rubio told Kierstead you can live any way you want.

You absolutely deserve justice and


you deserve equality under the law.
Thats why I support the Equality Act.

HILLARY CLINTON, in a video posted to her Facebook page responding to a New Hampshire student who
asked what shed do to change things for LGBT people.

He just smiled and told me that was how


he would cure me of being gay.
YANG TENG, speaking with The Guardian about electroshock therapy he received in China to cure his homosexuality.
The doctor took me into a small room then asked me to relax and focus on my breath, he said. He told me to remember
when I was having sex with a man. Suddenly I felt an electric shock.

These stereotypes
pigeonhole what it means to be gay
and lead to unrealistic expectations of how gay men are expected to behave.

DARAGH MCDERMOTT, principal lecturer in social psychology at Anglia Ruskin University, writing as part of a study into
positive prejudice and the stereotype of gay men as stylish, witty, and emotionally available. McDermott added:
Gay men who dont fit the common stereotype are often marginalised for not living up to these expectations,
which can have an impact on their mental health.

Theres really
no place for discussion of sexual orientation
in a public high school.

ROBERT WIDELICK, a Franklin County, Tenn., resident speaking at Franklin County High Schools school board meeting.
Widelick was opposing the establishment of a Gay-Straight alliance in the school, CBS affiliate WTVF reports.

54

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

METROWEEKLY.COM

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