Professional Documents
Culture Documents
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Randy Shulman
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
COMMENTARY
9
Illusion of Democracy
by Sean Bugg
10
SCENE
13
Community Calendar
45th Annual Scarlets Bake Sale
and Auction at the DC Eagle
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Julian Vankim
16
Icons: Joel Grey and Alan Cumming
FEATURES
Interviews by Randy Shulman
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
METRO WEEKLY
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METROWEEKLY.COM
by Doug Rule
35
STAGE
by Kate Wingfield
GAMES
37
Firewatch
MUSIC
39
NIGHTLIFE
43
SCENE
50
Uproar
CLUBLIFE
52
54
Last Word
by Rhuaridh Marr
by Gordon Ashenhurst
by Doug Rule
TODD FRANSON
LGBT
News
Kearsley
GAMMA provides support for gay men who are married to women
by John Riley
METROWEEKLY.COM
METROWEEKLY.COM
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
"Iowa and
New Hampshire prove,
high drama cable news
stories aside,
we dont take
voting very
seriously
in the U.S. "
METROWEEKLY.COM
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.
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.
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.
FRIDAY, FEB. 12
10
WEEKLY EVENTS
ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL
HEALTH offers free HIV testing, 9-5
METROWEEKLY.COM
SATURDAY, FEB. 13
ADVENTURING outdoors group
WEEKLY EVENTS
ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL
HEALTH offers free HIV testing, 9-5
SUNDAY, FEB. 14
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF
REFORMATION invites all to Sunday
WEEKLY EVENTS
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.
FRIENDS MEETING OF
WASHINGTON meets for worship,
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY
CHURCH OF WASHINGTON, D.C.
GLBT fellowship, offers gospel worship, 8:30 a.m., and traditional worship, 11 a.m. 5 Thomas Circle NW.
202-232-0323, nationalcitycc.org.
UNITARIAN CHURCH OF
ARLINGTON, an LGBTQ welcoming-
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST
CHURCH OF SILVER SPRING
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.
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.
METROWEEKLY.COM
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
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
WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH
TUESDAY, FEB. 16
CENTER BI, a group of The DC
WEEKLY EVENTS
ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL
HEALTH offers free HIV testing, 9-5
METROWEEKLY.COM
12
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.
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
13
14
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS
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
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
free, rapid HIV testing. No appointment needed. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 1012 14th
St. NW, Suite 700. 202-638-0750.
METROWEEKLY.COM
15
ICONS
J
Masterful Life
GREY: Its all good. There was nothing bad about it, except the
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
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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.
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
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STEVE VACCARIELLO
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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
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
23
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
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
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.
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
Rasika
B Too
ORLANDO MARRA
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SPOTLIGHT
ADAM DEVINE
BEYONCE
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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
STORY DISTRICT
TRENDING:
CONTEMPORARY ART NOW!
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.
HOW TO BE SINGLE
JERUSALEM 3D
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29
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
30
AGENTS OF AZEROTH
AS YOU LIKE IT
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
EQUUS
FINIANS RAINBOW
SENORITA Y MADAME
SHAKE LOOSE
ST. NICHOLAS
SWEAT
COMMUNITY STAGE
THE LARAMIE PROJECT
METROWEEKLY.COM
31
MUSIC
ALAN CUMMING
HEY MARSEILLES
KEEPS
32
VOCALOSITY
MIPSO
NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC
METROWEEKLY.COM
CONTRA-TIEMPO
COMEDY
RICKY VELEZ
DANCE
GALLERIES
A COLLECTORS VISION:
WASHINGTONIANA COLLECTION
METROWEEKLY.COM
33
WINDOW TO WASHINGTON
LA-TI-DO
Black Lives
Matter
Co-Founder
Alicia Garza
Thursday, Feb. 18
Only in Metro Weekly
34
METROWEEKLY.COM
stage
SCOTT SUCHMAN
by KATE WINGFIELD
35
C. STANLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
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
36
METROWEEKLY.COM
games
Fired Up
Firewatch thrives on incredible
dialogue, beautiful scenery and a story
that mixes heart, humor and suspense
by RHUARIDH MARR
37
METROWEEKLY.COM
music
Cher Amore
We rank the pop icons 10 best
albums, asking the question: Hows
the music without a vocoder?
by GORDON ASHENHURST
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
METROWEEKLY.COM
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
40
METROWEEKLY.COM
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
42
METROWEEKLY.COM
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
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
44
METROWEEKLY.COM
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
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
46
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
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+
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
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
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)
49
scene
Uproar
Saturday, February 6
scan this tag
with your
smartphone
for bonus scene
pics online!
Photography by
Ward Morrison
50
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
METROWEEKLY.COM
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.
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
METROWEEKLY.COM