Professional Documents
Culture Documents
14 PRECISION TUNED
Richard Thomas on the demanding natural language
of The Humans, his John-Boy Walton legacy,
and the monstrosity of It.
By Randy Shulman
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Latin Explosion
On Your Feet star Christie Prades captures the rhythm and passion of Gloria Estefan
A
HIGH-ENERGY LOCOMOTIVE HAS POWERED INTO floors worldwide. Still, Prades, who also performs a few famous
the Kennedy Center with the arrival of On Your Feet, the ballads in the show, credits the passion of Estefan’s songwriting
Tony-nominated Broadway musical about the life and for the amazing connection between Gloria, a recent Kennedy
music of Gloria Estefan. Center honoree, and her many fans.
While the show’s book, written by Academy Award-winner “She’s such an incredible songwriter, she and the whole team
Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman), charts the romance and fruitful of Miami Sound Machine,” she says. “It’s a storytelling kind of
partnership of Cuban immigrants Estefan and her husband Emilio, music that we don’t really hear nowadays. It’s just about living
the score celebrates the decades of hit songs they produced, main- and enjoying the music, enjoying rhythm, enjoying life.”
ly with their group the Miami Sound Machine. For star Christie Prades also respects the legacy pioneered by Latin music
Prades, who leads the conga-line through the Estefan songbook artists, like Celia Cruz, who came before the Estefans, as well
— from “Rhythm is Gonna Get You” to Spanish-language favorites as those who have come since Gloria first sang her way into the
like “Mi Tierra” — it’s a marathon performance. spotlight.
“I think I’m offstage for only two numbers,” says the Miami- “Her music is timeless, and it’s really interesting to bring [it]
born daughter of Cuban immigrants. “So when I am [offstage], I back to those who were huge fans of her in the ’80s and ’90s, and
take as many breaths as possible, because I have to go right back to also bring it to the new generation. That’s the brilliance of her
up and stay there until the end.” songwriting and her melody making. I think that they had that
Known for the infectious beat of their Latin crossover sound, gift, and that’s why it stays so, so relevant today.”
the Estefans created music that’s lit up stadiums and dance —André Hereford
On Your Feet runs to January 28 at the Kennedy Center Opera House. Tickets are $59 to $149.
Call 202-467-4600, or visit kennedy-center.org.
GAIL BINGHAM
CONCERTO FANTASY
FOR TWO TIMPANISTS
Baltimore-native composer Philip Glass’s rare clas-
sical showcase for kettledrum, the Concerto Fantasy
for Two Timpanists, is performed by the Baltimore
Symphony Orchestra’s James Wyman (pictured) and
NSO’s Jauvon Gilliam. And that’s just the headline
piece in a Marin Alsop-led program also featur-
ing Saint-Saëns’ enchanting Carnival of the Animals,
with added narration by Baltimore hip-hop artist
Wordsmith. All that, and Debussy’s La Mer and
Ravel’s La Valse, too. Thursday, Jan. 11, at 8 p.m.
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral
St., Baltimore. Also Sunday, Jan. 14, at 3 p.m. Music
Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North
Bethesda. Call 410-783-8000 or visit bsomusic.org.
BSO
TERESA WOOD
or visit folger.edu.
SUSPICION
Joan Fontaine snagged the Best Actress Oscar for her
role in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1941 thriller, making her
the only person to win an acting Oscar in a Hitchcock-
helmed film. Fontaine marries charming playboy Cary
Grant and comes to regret it — and so did Hitchcock:
Suspicion is notorious for not ending the way the
director wanted. Though keep a close eye on the
glass of milk.... The film is the latest in Landmark’s
West End Cinema hump-day screening series Capital
Classics. Screenings are Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 1:30,
4:30, and 7:30 p.m., 2301 M St. NW. Happy hour from
4 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 to $12.50. Call 202-534-
1907 or visit landmarktheatres.com.
LA BOUM
Launched seven years ago at L’Enfant Cafe, the incredibly popular boozy brunch/day party known as La Boum has only
gotten bigger and boum-ier in recent years — even earning a nod as one of Bravo TV’s “Top 5 Raging Brunches in the
U.S.” Having moved the party to larger, swankier digs south of Dupont Circle last year, organizers are kicking off 2018
this Saturday, Jan. 13, at yet another swanky spot in the Golden Triangle district, this one brand-spanking new to boot.
Speaking of spanking, the self-billed “revolutionary-style brunch” welcomes patrons of all genders and sexual orientations
for a multi-course dinner and four hours of drinking, dancing to a DJ, and doing “everything they weren’t allowed to do
under pure parental supervision as young adults.” Tickets remain only for the Sunday brunches on Jan. 14 and Jan. 21.
Sunday, Jan. 28., is the official 7th anniversary party. Abigail Room, 1230 M St. NW. Tickets are $32.50 to $35 per person,
plus 20-percent gratuity and drinks. Call 240-286-4286 or visit laboumbrunch.com.
Compiled by Doug Rule tary by Sam Pollard and featuring the woman who might or might ing a collision between five people
rapper-turned-actor Common as not have saved his grandfather in who cannot tell the truth from lies.
FILM narrator. Set in Mississippi in June
of 1964, aka the tense and violent
Nazi Germany. The journey into
an unexpected past, where reali-
To Feb. 4. Sprenger Theatre in Atlas
Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St.
Freedom Summer, the Washington ty collides with fiction, is brought NE. Tickets are $10 to $50. Call
THE ROCKY HORROR Jewish Music Festival screens the to life on stage with a cast featur- 202-399-7993 or visit atlasarts.org.
PICTURE SHOW work, with music by Gary Clark ing Alex Alferov, Billy Finn, Eric
Landmark’s E Street Cinema screens Jr. and others, in a co-presenta- Hissom, Daven Ralston, and Nancy QUEENS GIRL IN AFRICA
Richard O’Brien’s camp classic, tion with the March on Washington Robinette. Opens in previews Erika Rose plays a woman finding
billed as the longest-running mid- Film Festival. Tuesday, Jan. 16, at Thursday, Jan. 11. To Feb. 4. The her place in war-torn Nigeria in
night movie in history. Landmark’s 7:30 p.m. The Aaron and Cecile Aaron and Cecile Goldman Theater, this sequel from Caleen Sinnette
showings come with a live shadow Goldman Theater, Edlavitch Edlavitch DCJCC, 1529 16th St. Jennings to Queens Girl in the
cast from the Sonic Transducers, DCJCC, 1529 16th St. NW. Tickets NW. Tickets are $39 to $69. Call World, a New York Times-certified
meaning it’s even more inter- are $13.50. Call 202-777-3247 or 202-777-3247 or visit wjmf.org. hit from the first Women’s Voices
active than usual. Friday, Jan. 12, visit wjmf.org. Theatre Festival two years ago.
and Saturday, Jan. 13, at midnight GUILT Now part of the second iteration of
Landmark’s E Street Cinema, 555
STAGE SCENA Theatre presents a world the festival, Mosaic Theater pres-
11th St. NW. Call 202-452-7672 or premiere, based on historical ents a world premiere and its first
visit landmarktheatres.com. events, by John Shand. The story commission, becoming part of its
EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED of a charming and clever philander- series “Transformational Journeys:
TWO TRAINS RUNNING Aaron Posner directs a stage adap- ing priest in the 17th Century, the Inspired Singular Explorations.”
The search for two forgotten blues tation of Jonathan Safran Foer’s provocative drama delves into the Paige Hernandez directs. To Feb.
singers — Son House and Skip James best-selling debut novel about a intolerance, xenophobia and perse- 4. Lang Theatre in Atlas Performing
— is the focus of this 2016 documen- young man who sets out to find cution of the powers that be, depict-
RABBIT SUMMER
Playwright Tracey Conyer
Lee explores police brutality,
#BlackLivesMatter and American
ideals in a work that Ally Theatre
Company offers as its contribution
to the Women’s Voices Theater
Festival. Tamieka Chavis, Michelle
Rogers, and Jeremy Keith Hunter
star in the world-premiere produc-
tion, directed by KenYatta Rogers,
and focused on the core-rocking
consternation that befalls a black
JULIETA CERVANTES
PRECISION TUNED
alltheatrecompany.com.
SOVEREIGNTY
As its contribution to the Women’s
Voices Theater Festival, Arena
Richard Thomas on the demanding natural language of The Humans, Stage offers a world premiere of
his John-Boy Walton legacy, and the monstrosity of It. Mary Kathryn Nagle’s exploration
I
into the state of Native American
affairs. Focused particularly on
F YOU WANTED TO BE REALLY, REALLY STRICT ABOUT GENRE, IT’S CLEARLY A Washington’s historical treat-
comedy,” says Richard Thomas of Stephen Karam’s 2016 Tony-winning play, The Humans. ment of the Cherokee Nation and
“But that’s too thin a description. Because it’s heartbreaking, as well. It’s very touching. It has the present-day consequences, as
examined through the work of a
a lot of life stuff. I mean, it’s a picture of being human, really.” young Cherokee lawyer fighting for
Thomas stars alongside Pamela Reed, Daisy Eagan and Lauren Klein in the 97-minute, inter- her people while confronting the
missionless play, making a stop at the Kennedy Center through the end of this month. The action ghosts of her grandfathers. Opens
takes place at a family Thanksgiving dinner that becomes increasingly combative, as the kin grap- in previews Friday, Jan. 12. Runs to
Feb. 18. Mead Center for American
ple with issues ranging from aging and illness to religion and financial hardship. Theater, 1101 6th St. SW. Call 202-
“The ensemble writing is extraordinarily naturalistic and beautiful,” says the 66-year-old 488-3300 or visit arenastage.org.
Thomas, who entered the American cultural pantheon when he starred as John-Boy on the 1970s
TV classic, The Waltons. “[Our delivery] should look completely natural and effortless. In fact, the MUSIC
text is highly complicated, specific, very precise, and technically very demanding. It’s chamber
music for actors at a very high level in terms of overlaps and interjections and pauses. Nothing is BABYFACE WITH THE NSO POPS
In his first-ever collaboration with
left to chance, even though it looks like it.” a full orchestra, music mogul, R&B
This is not Thomas’ first trip to the Kennedy Center — or to D.C., for that matter. In 1985, he songwriter extraordinaire, and ’90s
was gripping in visionary director Peter Sellars’ astonishing, avant garde take on The Count of hitmaker Kenny Edmonds will per-
form from his rich repertoire as Tim
Monte Cristo. A portion of that production’s final act was played, famously, in total darkness. “It Davies leads the NSO Pops. The con-
was very effective,” recalls Thomas of the stunt dreamed up by Sellars. Eight years later, Thomas cert opens with a half-hour medley of
turned up at The Shakespeare Theatre as the lead in Michael Kahn’s memorable staging of songs made famous by Babyface and
Richard II. performed by students from D.C.’s
renowned Duke Ellington School
Still, he’ll always be John-Boy Walton to some, and the actor harbors no ill-will for being so of the Arts. Friday, Jan. 19, and
strongly associated with the character 40 years later. “It’s a good thing, because it was a huge Saturday, Jan. 20, at 8 p.m. Kennedy
success. It was something I was proud to do, and not some show that I’m embarrassed about. I Center Concert Hall. Tickets are $24
to $119. Call 202-467-4600 or visit
mean, it wasn’t My Mother, the Car,” he laughs. “It’s only a problem if it keeps you from getting kennedy-center.org.
other work. If you can’t move forward and do other work that you find personally satisfying, and
obviously for your livelihood, then it’s proven to be a problem. This was never the case for me, so ELENA & LOS FULANOS,
I don’t have any sort of unhappy or bitter feelings about it.” RUN COME SEE
A bilingual folk/rock band based in
Thomas is also well-known for starring, along with John Ritter, Dennis Christopher, and D.C., Elena & Los Fulanos is influ-
Annette O’Toole, in the original 1990 mini-series of Stephen King’s It. Though he has not seen the enced by its frontwoman’s experi-
remake, he’s gently philosophical about its existence. “You have to have one for every generation,” ence growing up in two cultures,
Nicaraguan and American. The
he says. “There’s no ownership in any of this stuff.” It doesn’t take much pressing to get Thomas group tours in support of its second
to weigh in about the original’s dreadful ending, with its cheesy climactic battle between “The album Volcán and on a double-bill
Losers” and a giant, stop-motion, spider-like creature. “You finally see this thing, and you think, with a new Americana act featur-
‘What the fuck?’ It’s like a bad order of crab rangoon.” — Randy Shulman ing local musicians Lauren Calve
on slide guitar and vocals, John
Figura on guitar and vocals, and
The Humans runs to Jan. 28 in the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater. Tickets are $49 to $139. Tom Liddle on upright bass and
Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org. vocals. The concert takes place in
GAY/BASH: GOTHNIGHT
Josh Vogelsong started his monthly
alternative drag-focused party more
than six years ago at the Black Cat,
but it wasn’t until it moved to Trade
a year ago that it became what he
had long envisioned it could be.
“It’s what I’ve always wanted:
People show up in looks, everybody
comes dressed up,” Vogelsong says.
LINDA HUGHES
F
INALLY, WE CAN PUT A DOLLAR AMOUNT ON Daily Beast. “So we try to look at [the effects of] even nar-
Republican-led homophobia, and their push for rowing that gap.”
“bathroom bills” and “religious freedom” laws across The impact of LGBTQ discrimination can be seen else-
the country. A new study has revealed that states which where. Florida could save $224 million by cutting the dis-
enact anti-LGBTQ legislation are potentially losing billions parity in LGBTQ smoking rates by just 25%. If Georgia did
of dollars each year. It comes from the Williams Institute at the same, they’d save $80 million.
the UCLA School of Law, which found that by not creating And there’s costs the Williams Institute can’t estimate,
a supporting environment for LGBTQ people, states are such as those associated with the number of LGBTQ people
incurring millions in associated healthcare costs, as well as in foster care, or those youth waiting to be adopted who
lost business and tourism revenue. can’t be placed with same-sex couples due to discriminatory
Texas, for instance, has been pushing hard for an practices.
anti-transgender “bathroom bill” that would restrict the In addition, there’s also the effect on tourism revenue, or
public facilities trans people could use. It’s opposed by the revenue generated by travel involving officials from other
business community and anyone with common sense, but states. When Mississippi passed a law last year allowing reli-
loved by Republicans. But by not being more hospitable to gious government officials and businesses to discriminate
LGBTQ people, the state is racking up costs from the neg- against LGBTQ people, New York state banned all nones-
ative effects to mental health that comes from being cast as sential travel to the state.
second-class citizens. North Carolina came under pressure from states, tour-
If Texas reduced the disparity in depression rates ists, and the business, sports, and entertainment communi-
between LGBTQ people and the general population by just ties for its anti-transgender HB 2 “bathroom bill,” with the
25%, they’d save $290 million a year, for instance. If they estimated losses of around $5 billion. The city of Charlotte
could cut LGBTQ binge drinking, that’s $118 million saved. alone lost an estimated $285 million and 1,300 jobs thanks
Emergency shelters and Medicaid expenses incurred from to the law.
discrimination against transgender people? That would save And last year, Texas was estimated to lose anywhere
$1.6 million. from $3.3 billion to $8.5 billion in tourism revenue and other
“We’re not saying that the disparity is going to totally go costs, should Republicans successfully pass a “bathroom
away or that a certain law would completely close that gap, bill.”
but we do say that these health outcomes that have been Indeed, the party of “fiscal responsibility” is racking up
linked to minority stress do have a cause,” Williams Institute huge bills across the country by pushing it’s anti-LGBTQ
State and Local Policy Director Christy Mallory told The agenda. l
JUSTICE DEFERRED
Supreme Court refuses to hear challenge to Mississippi’s anti-LGBTQ
religious exemption law, allowing it to stand By John Riley
T
HE U.S. SUPREME COURT HAS REFUSED TO of Appeals, which earlier dismissed the lawsuit.
hear a challenge to a Mississippi law allowing people, That court found that the plaintiffs did not have standing
businesses and government employees to deny ser- to sue because they had not suffered injury from the law.
vice to LGBTQ people based on their religious beliefs. The law had previously been halted from going into
The court’s decision allows the law, HB 1523, to remain effect by a federal judge who ruled that it violated both the
intact, and bolsters a decision by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
JOHN RILEY
DC FRONT RUNNERS run-
ning/walking/social club Walker Health. 10 a.m.-12:30
welcomes runners of all ability p.m. and 2-3 p.m. at both 1525
levels for exercise in a fun and 14th St. NW and the Max
Ron Simmons recieves the BHT Founders Award Robinson Center, 2301 Martin
supportive environment, with at the 2017 awards ceremony
socializing afterward. Route Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE.
FUNDING
distance is 3-6 miles. Meet at Testing is intended for those
7 p.m. at 23rd & P Streets NW. without symptoms. For an
For more information, visit appointment call 202-745-7000
dcfrontrunners.org. or visit whitman-walker.org.
I
dasquares.org. INSTITUTE for young LBTQ
N A TIME OF REPUBLICAN DOMINANCE, SMALLER women, 13-21, interested in
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds community organizations are finding that once reliable gov- leadership development. 5-6:30
practice. The team is always p.m. SMYAL Youth Center, 410
ernment funding streams are drying up. Luckily, for those
looking for new members. All 7th St. SE. For more informa-
in the D.C. and Baltimore areas, there’s Brother, Help Thyself, tion, call 202-567-3163, or email
welcome. 7:30-9:30 p.m. King an organization that provides thousands of dollars in grants to
Greenleaf Recreation Center, catherine.chu@smyal.org.
201 N St. SW. For more infor-
ensure nonprofits that serve the LGBTQ community and those
mation, visit scandalsrfc.org or living with HIV/AIDS don’t have to close their doors. FRIDAY, Jan. 12
dcscandals@gmail.com. “A lot of funding is being cut from government budgets and
health departments across the country,” says Andrew McCarty, GAMMA is a confidential,
THE DULLES TRIANGLES vice president of BHT. “So the community-based organizations voluntary peer-support group
Northern Virginia social are going to have to pick up the slack.” for men who are gay, bisexual,
group meets for happy hour at questioning and who are now
This year, Brother, Help Thyself will give out $64,000 in
Sheraton in Reston. All wel- or who have been in a relation-
come. 7-9 p.m. 11810 Sunrise
grants, bringing the total amount of money it has gifted since its ship with a woman. 7:30-9:30
Valley Drive, second-floor bar. inception to over $3 million. p.m. Luther Place Memorial
For more information, visit “We have nine new grantees this year,” says McCarty. “They Church, 1226 Vermont Ave
dullestriangles.com. range from theater-type organizations to LGBTQ organizations, NW. GAMMA meetings are
including a lot that deal with HIV and others that deal with also held in Vienna, Va., and in
HIV TESTING at Whitman- transgender issues.” Frederick, Md. For more infor-
Walker Health. 9 a.m.-12:30 mation, visit gammaindc.org.
Awardees and grant amounts will be announced at an awards
p.m. and from 2-5 p.m. at 1525
14th St. NW, and 9 a.m-12
ceremony at the Baltimore Eagle. The event will feature perfor- WOMEN IN THEIR TWENTIES
p.m. and 2-5 p.m. at the Max mances by the Baltimore Eagle’s in-house drag queens, as well as (AND THIRTIES), a social
Robinson Center, 2301 MLK Jr. remarks from Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh and Jeffrey Hitt, discussion and activity group
Ave. SE. For an appointment the director of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Health for queer women, meets at The
call 202-745-7000 or visit whit- Services Bureau of the Maryland Department of Health and DC Center on the second and
man-walker.org. Mental Hygiene. fourth Friday of each month.
Group social activity to follow
McCarty notes that the 2017-2018 grant cycle is the first year
IDENTITY offers free and the meeting. 8-9:30 p.m. 2000
confidential HIV testing at
that representatives from the LGBTQ community who aren’t 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For
two separate locations. Walk- affiliated with BHT’s member organizations have held seats on more information, visit thedc-
ins accepted from 2-6 p.m., the organization’s board. Their presence has helped bring in center.org.
by appointment for all other diverse viewpoints and suggestions about which organizations
hours. 414 East Diamond Ave., are most deserving of money, given the current needs of the Weekly Events
Gaithersburg, Md. or 7676 LGBTQ community.
New Hampshire Ave., Suite “What we have tried to do is look at the major needs of the ANDROMEDA
411, Takoma Park, Md. To set TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH
up an appointment or for more
community, and make sure everyone can get grant money,”
offers free HIV testing and HIV
information, call Gaithersburg, McCarty says. “We’ve really been strategically looking at the services (by appointment). 9
301-300-9978, or Takoma Park, need of the community and where that need is most felt.” a.m.-5 p.m. Decatur Center,
301-422-2398. —John Riley 1400 Decatur St. NW. To
arrange an appointment, call
METROHEALTH CENTER Brother, Help Thyself’s annual Grant Awards Reception 202-291-4707, or visit androm-
offers free, rapid HIV testing. is on Saturday, Jan. 20 from 2 to 5 p.m. at edatransculturalhealth.org.
Appointment needed. 1012 14th
St. NW, Suite 700. To arrange
The Baltimore Eagle, 2022 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Md.
For more information, visit brotherhelpthyself.net.
By Norman Rozenberg
O
PRAH DELIVERED HER FIRST STATE OF THE Perhaps we have reached a point in the development
Union address at the 2018 Golden Globes. She of the American presidency where expertise is no longer
spoke of her humble beginnings in Milwaukee and valued in our leadership. Perhaps we have reached a point
the inspiration of seeing a Black man winning an Oscar. She where we need experts working behind-the-scenes while
spoke of the besieged press and its dedication to uncover- the president inspires Americans to do better, to be better.
ing truth. And she spoke of the importance of listening to Perhaps we have reached a point where we need a spiritual
women when they speak their own truth on sexual assault. leader and not a political one.
If you had asked me before last I believe we have reached this
year’s election whether a media moment. And we have an option
“With
mogul and billionaire without an for a president who will care about
ounce of political experience could, progressive ideals and giving those
let alone should, be president, I who have no voice the opportunity
would have laughed. Of course not. I
came of age under President Obama, Oprah, we to speak their truths.
The idea of President Oprah
arguably the greatest technocratic is not new. Shortly after Trump’s
president in modern American his-
tory, with an administration full of
will have a election, a flurry of speculations of
Oprah Winfrey’s presidential aspira-
president
policy wonks who cared about the tions hit the political Twitterverse.
most minute details of policy and After Oprah’s Golden Globes speech,
regulations. After President Obama, the rumors hit a tipping point.
I would have loved to see an equally
technocratic and savvy president: who reads.” Oprah’s odds of winning the
presidency in 2020 jumped in polit-
Clinton. I would have argued that ical betting sites. In the last week
we needed a president with the alone, Oprah jumped from the back
expertise to navigate the complicat- of the pack to second place. Bookies
ed political waters of Washington and the experience of are putting an Oprah administration at an 8.5 percent shot,
knowing how to get progressive policies through Congress. ahead of Mike Pence and liberal heavyweight Kamala
And yet, here we are, with the former host of The Harris.
Apprentice. Trump has made it easier to imagine an America under
The Trump Presidency is marred with eye-watering Oprah’s leadership. We will have a president who supports
levels of ineptitude. This is not an administration of policy gay rights, women’s rights, assault survivors’ rights, and the
wonks and dedicated civil servants. This is not the Obama voices of so many other marginalized people in this coun-
era, nor the future that Clinton’s campaign had promised. try. We will have a president who knows what it’s like to
We now have a disinterested and inept president with an experience systematic oppression and, in spite of the odds,
equally inept team. achieve so much. We will have a president who reads.
Trump’s entertainment background isn’t to blame. I have faith that President Oprah will listen to exper-
We’ve had other presidents who have made the jump tise in a way that President Trump never has and respect
from green screens to the White House. President Ronald the opinions of the policy wonks in the Democratic party.
Reagan, the Kim Il-Sung of the Republican Party, was an She will be listened to in the United Nations and lauded
actor, who happened to serve as governor of California. by American allies. Just picture President Oprah standing
Yet, his presidency is defined as the gold standard for the next to Prime Minister Trudeau for a photo op.
GOP. A Republican’s career is ruined if he does not swear I sat there, listening to Oprah’s acceptance of the Cecil
allegiance to the memory of President Reagan. Does lead- B. DeMille award, and I accepted #Oprah2020. l
ing the Screen Actors Guild prepare you for governorship
or the presidency? Does it prepare you for destroying the Norman Rozenberg is a writer based in Washington, D.C. He
lives of millions of gay men by limiting AIDS research can be reached at @_nprtweets.
during an epidemic? Does it prepare you for setting an eco-
nomic policy agenda that led to massive income inequality? The opinions expressed in Forum do not necessarily reflect
Apparently, it does. And no one in the Republican Party those of Metro Weekly or its employees. Add your voice to
batted an eye at the idea of President Gipper. Forum. Learn how at metroweekly.com/forum.
Secrets of
and his role as its longtime Chairman.
MAL
Interview by Randy Shulman
Photography by Todd Franson
By Doug Rule
TODD FRANSON
S
IX MONTHS AGO, MICHELE MIRUSKI GOT “I have been feverishly preparing for this,” Harris says,
a call from Danny Linden, longtime organizer of adding with a laugh, “I feel like I’m in school and I’m having an
Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend’s official closing exam.” This is Harris’s third time playing the party. “I’m very
dance party. “He asked me if I was interested in honored and glad and humbled and pleased that I was asked
‘coming home’ and playing for the party,” Miruski back for a third time,” he says. “I don’t [often] get a chance to
says. Miruski was at one time one of the most prom- play and really go all the places I want to go musically. The
inent DJs in Washington. She was the Saturday night resident DJ [MAL] crowd is always very receptive to what I do, and it’s a
at Tracks and later Velvet Nation, but in 2002, she moved away rarity that I get that.”
to be closer to her parents in Oklahoma City. “For many people, So where might Miruski and Harris take the crowd at
she was Tracks,” Linden says. “For those of us who were in D.C. Revival? What songs will they play? To a certain extent, they
during the ’90s, Michele is synonymous with club dance music.” don’t know themselves. They would also prefer, understandably,
Miruski was the obvious choice, then, for the rebranded clos- to leave some things open to surprise. “I don’t want to give too
ing party, now called Revival. “I think we ran our course with much away,” Miruski says, “but my opening song will pay hom-
Reaction,” he says of the party’s former name. “Revival often age to Martin Luther King, Jr. And naturally, I couldn’t play a
is thought of in this [churchy] kind of way, of people with their night like this without throwing in some River Ocean featuring
hands praising. It’s a Sunday night, and for us, it’s kind of like India, ‘Love & Happiness.’ The rest will be a surprise.”
going back to church. And I think that you’re going to see and Harris relishes the opportunity accorded by Revival to spin
feel that revival-like spirit.” for several hours, as opposed to a shorter, hour-long set on a
Miruski will help partygoers get in the spirit by spinning a bill with a handful of DJs. The added time allows Harris to mix
set of house classics. She almost couldn’t believe her ears when together tracks of varying tempo, tone, and genre in a progres-
Linden proposed this on the phone. “He said he wanted me to sion often referred to as a metaphorical journey, but one he
play to my strengths, to play stuff that worked well for me back compares to having a conversation. “I love playing around with
when I was at Tracks and at Nation during the ’90s. That just tempo. When you have a conversation with somebody, you don’t
sounded like a dream gig to me. And I’ve been bouncing off the speak in the same cadence or tempo. I feel like it’s a conversation
walls with excitement ever since.” that I’m having communicated through the music.”
“It’s when house, at least for me, peaked, that period of time,” That musical conversation will touch on his sharp remix and
Linden adds. He conceived of the entire evening as a revival of production work, particularly with soulful deep house. But he
that era and of house music in general — deep and sultry soul will also mix it up by including some of the hard-to-classify soul/
house in particular. And few DJs epitomize or carry on that jazz/electronic tracks resulting from the multi-instrumentalist’s
style’s legacy more than Quentin Harris, who will take to the long-gestating collaboration with singer Ultra Naté. Originally
decks after Miruski. called Super Black Bass, the duo released a self-titled full-length
Everything MAL
Details on Every Official and Unofficial 2018 MAL Event
FURBALL DC WEEKEND KICK OFF
PARTY
Joe Fiore presents DJs Jack Chang
and Mike Babbitt
GoGo Bear Dancers: Mike Chapman,
Brut Torres, and Juan Manuel
Hosts: Daddy Ersin Winokur, Matty &
O
Vinny Parrello and Joe Tresh
10 p.m. till late
UTSIDE OF CAPITAL PRIDE, NO OTHER inspired, fetish-oriented function over the long weekend, DC Eagle
weekend in D.C. comes close to being as which culminates in the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
alternatively affirming and fantastically fun as All are within easy access to and from the Hyatt via MEAT LOCKER: LEATHER &
Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend. And nothing Metro, Uber, Lyft, taxi and shuttles. JOCKSTRAPS
compares to the transformation of host hotel the Hyatt The following list of events includes official, MAL- Davon Hamilton Events presents DJ
Regency Capitol Hill into Grand Leather Central. For ticketed events for weekend pass holders — designated Mo Money
this weekend’s 48th edition of MAL, over 3,000 people with an asterisk. Admission to the Exhibitor Hall and 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
will descend on the Hyatt, to partake in a host of official other events on the Hyatt’s lower levels are available Green Lantern
and affiliated events — from the 33rd annual Mr. MAL for $15 for one-day entry Friday and Sunday, $20 for meatlocker.eventbrite.com
contest, to the Exhibitor Hall of leather gear and goods Saturday only, or $30 for all three days. A limited number
for sale, to puppy play, leather club receptions, and more. of Full Weekend Packages, costing $250, will be available
But MAL isn’t confined to the Hyatt. Many gay at the Hyatt. Visit leatherweekend.com for more details. SATURDAY, JAN. 13
and gay-friendly clubs citywide host at least one MAL- — Doug Rule
MAL REGISTRATION
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Capitol A and B
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 SLEAZE: LEATHER EDITION DC BËAR CRÜE: LEATHER BEAR &
DJs The Carry Nation, Keenan Orr CIGAR PARTY
and Lemz 6 to 11 p.m. BOOTBLACKS ON DUTY
DC LEATHER PRIDE: WELCOME
Host: Jane Saw Town Danceboutique 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
TO DC
9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 2009 8th St. NW Lower Level
DJ Barber Streisand, plus porn star
Wonderland Ballroom facebook.com/BearHappyHour 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Rocco Steele help welcome past and
1101 Kenyon St. NW. Lobby Level
present leather titleholders
sleazeparty.com MISTER INTERNATIONAL RUBBER Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
DC Eagle WEEKEND OPENER RUBBER
SOCIAL EXHIBITOR HALL
3700 Benning Rd. NE FRIDAY, JAN. 12 7 to 9 p.m. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
DCEagle.com
Congressional A&B Lower Level
MAL REGISTRATION Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
SHIRTLESS MEN DRINK FREE Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
3 to 10 p.m.
10 to 11 p.m. & 12:30 to 1 a.m. facebook.com/MIRubb/
Capitol Rooms A and B PUPPY PARK X
Green Lantern Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
HIGHWAYMEN TNT PARTY: IMPACT A puppy mosh co-hosted by boy tom
1335 Green Ct. NW
MENAGE A TROIS DANCE PARTY and Luna Grove Pack
greenlanterndc.com BOOTBLACKS ON DUTY
DJ Lemz 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Benefitting Leather Heart Foundation Regency B, C and D
DOLLHOUSE MAL EDITION 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
3 p.m. to Midnight Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
DJ Ryan Doubleyou with the Regency Ballroom B
Lobby Level facebook.com/lunagrovepups/
Dollhouse Girls and guest Betty Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
4 to 10 p.m.
O’Hellno Lower Level
HONCHO: MAL WEEKEND INTERNATIONAL MR. LEATHER
Hosts: Bombalicious Eklaver, Desiree Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
DJs Mike Servito and Justin Cudmore 2018 JUDGES ANNOUNCEMENT
Dik, and Jasmine Tea
10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Noon to 1 p.m.
Living Room DC EXHIBITOR HALL
U Street Music Hall Thornton Room
1008 Vermont Ave. NW 4 to 10 p.m.
1115 U St. NW imrl.com
dollhousethursday.eventbrite.com Lower Level
ustreetmusichall.com
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
SIGMA BDSM DEMONSTRATIONS DISTRKTC: MASTERS, BOYS & PIGS EXHIBITOR HALL REVIVAL: THE OFFICIAL MAL
2 to 4 p.m. DJs Morabito & Barney Philly 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. CLOSING DANCE
Regency B, C and D 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Lower Level Def Mix DJ Quentin Harris and DJ
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill DC Eagle Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill Michele Miruski
distrktc.com 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
ONYX COCKTAIL PARTY & GEAR MR. MID-ATLANTIC LEATHER 2018 Non-pass-holder tickets $35 or $45
SHOW TNX LEATHER WEEKEND: HORSE CONTEST* day-of
Fetish Auction to benefit Community MEAT DISCO 1 to 4 p.m. 9:30 Club
Cares Project DJs Horse Meat Disco, Juana Non-pass-holder tickets are $25 815 V St. NW
2 to 6 p.m. (Discwoman), and the Needlexchange: Regency A, B, C & D 930.com
Congressional A Lisa Frank, Baronhawk, Bil Todd, and Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill Tommy Cornelis DC2: RED LIGHT DISTRKT
onyxmen.com 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. DC LEATHER PRIDE: BLUF:DC DJs Abel and X Gonzalez
Undisclosed Location TBA DJ Barber Streisand 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
WIG OUT PARTY: LEATHER facebook.com/tnxdc/ Bootblacks: boy John Urso, Ryan DC Eagle
WEEKEND Garner-Carpenter distrktc.com
“Leather is an accessory but the wig is
a necessity”
SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 Cigar social and drink specials
4 to 9 p.m. HYBRIDNINE LIMITS: MAL
DJ Hansell Leyva
MAL BRUNCH* DC Eagle WEEKEND
1 to 7 p.m. dcleatherpride.org/bluf/ DJs Ryan Doubleyou and Scott
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Living Room DC Howard
Capitol A and B, Congressional A & B
lafantasyproductions.ticketleap.com
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
ROAR: SUNDAY BEER BUST (MAL Go Go Dancers: Grant, Jacob, and Will
EDITION) 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
LEATHER COCKTAILS* MAL REGISTRATION DJ Mike Babbitt Green Lantern
7 to 9 p.m. 4 to 8 p.m. facebook.com/HybridNineEvents
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Regency Ballroom Uproar Lounge & Restaurant
Capitol Room Foyer
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill 639 Florida Ave. NW For more, see the Nightlife section on
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
facebook.com/uproarloungedc/ page 45 or visit metroweekly.com.
BEARS CAN DANCE: BEARS IN BOOTBLACKS ON DUTY
LEATHERS & JOCKS 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
OTTER DEN: LAST CHANCE TEA
495 Bears Presents DJ Jeffrey Eletto
Lobby and Lower Levels
DANCE
and special performances by Kristina DJs Jeffrey Sfire and StrikeStone!
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
Kelly 5 to 10 p.m.
9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Town Danceboutique
Green Lantern facebook.com/OtterDenDC/
facebook.com/bearscanparty/
Starkillers Helmet by Jared Davis We Have No Time For Our Sorrows by Chris Bishop
Holiday Starkillers
Strike Back
T
WO YEARS AGO, LOCAL PAINTER AND MIXED- mixed-media sculptures by artists including Metro Weekly
media artist Andrew Wodzianski curated an exhibi- contributor Scott G. Brooks, Gregory Ferrand Artist, Chris
tion of playful works from fellow Star Wars-inspired Bishop, Jared Davis, J.D. Deardourff, and Steve Strawn. All
artists and pegged to the release of The Force Awakens. Now artwork is for sale, as are hand-painted ornaments displayed
that the sci-fi juggernaut is back in theaters with The Last on a Christmas tree with an X-wing Starfighter topper. To
Jedi, Wodzianski has once again assembled another related Jan. 20. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Road SE. Call
“futuristic grandeur” show of paintings, photographs, and 202-631-6291 or visit anacostiaartscenter.com.
Touch of Tabloid
issues, his ability to retain information,
and the way he processes relationships
with people. Katie Walsh, who served as
Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff for just
Michael Wolff’s Fire and Fury is a gripping, damning telling of the two months until she couldn’t take the
chaos in Trump’s White House. By Rhuaridh Marr disarray any longer, described trying to
work out Trump’s policy agenda as “like
M
trying to figure out what a child wants.”
ICHAEL WOLFF CONTENDS THAT THE REASON FOR HIS BOOK, Further questioning his mental state,
THE explosive tell-all Fire and Fury, which documents the election cam- Trump’s “rambling and alarming repeti-
paign and first ten months of the Trump presidency, “could not be more tions” had, by September 2017, “signifi-
obvious.” For Wolff, the book’s sources and interviews, observations and informa- cantly increased,” Wolff writes, such that
tion-gathering, all told in contemporaneous fashion, are intended to be something “his ability to stay focused, never great,
world-changing. In both his author’s note and in subsequent press interviews, he has had notably declined.”
spoken of the importance of the revelations contained within, of its glimpse into the And the blows keep coming. Trump
Trump White House, and of its rigorous journalism. But in practice, across 336 pages, doesn’t read, doesn’t even skim — he’s
it’s less convincing. only “semiliterate,” according to some
However, while Fire and Fury ( ) may not bring down the presidency, it — and gains all of his knowledge from
is still damning, horrifying even, in its portrayal of a President and his staff knowing- television. He retreats to his bedroom,
ly — even willfully — ill-equipped to lead the most powerful nation on earth. It raises which he doesn’t share with First Lady
numerous questions about Trump, his fitness for office, and the staff and advisers he Melania Trump, to watch three televi-
has surrounded himself with. And it constantly reiterates the same points to remind us sions all streaming cable news, while eat-
that this is the president we’re talking about, and yes, things are this bad. ing a cheeseburger. He desperately craves
Take Donald Trump himself, who is dealt most of the scathing blows in Fire and respect and attention, despite being the
Fury. The title itself is an excerpt from a speech he gave threatening a response of “fire most powerful man in the world. He
and fury” should North Korea continue provocations in the region. Trump is, in Wolff’s instructed the White House’s cleaning
telling, a complete buffoon, a man utterly unprepared for the power of the office he staff to not touch anything, his paranoia
holds, who runs the White House with the same unstructured style of his ramshackle leading him to strip his own bed.
business organization. Those around him — family, friends, employees — think he is a One thing LGBTQ readers will note is
“moron,” “dumb as shit,” a “fucking idiot,” and “stupid.” The opening days of the pres- a lack of mention of the Trump adminis-
idency — and the opening moments of the book — feature Trump’s bewildered staff, tration’s attitudes towards LGBTQ rights.
shocked that he actually won the election, assuring themselves that, “We can make Trump’s transgender military ban, one of
this work.” Or, as Wolf writes, “at the very least this could possibly work.” Some three his most controversial actions in his first
hundred pages later, it’s doubtful anyone would believe that mantra now. twelve months, is used merely to highlight
Under particular scrutiny is Trump’s mental health. He is, by most accounts, defi- a point about Trump’s impulsive nature.
Fire and Fury, published by Henry Holt and Company, is available now in hardback, e-book and audiobook
from Amazon.com and other retailers.
Thread Count
ease. But neither Cyril nor Reynolds are
prepared for Alma.
From the moment she enters the House
of Woodcock, Alma promises to be dif-
Satin, lace, and tension fill Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest ferent from the other lovers or muses the
auteur-driven drama Phantom Thread By André Hereford designer has, in succession, embraced then
discarded. He just happens to reveal in her
P
a nearly consuming need to be loved, or to
LEASE DON’T LEAVE US THIS WAY, DANIEL DAY-LEWIS. IF THE THREE- hold onto her own beloved. She wants to
time Oscar-winner indeed has retired from acting on the big screen, as he’s be the one who stays.
asserted will be the case, then he makes his exit with a typically fine perfor- The movie teases out the couple’s ten-
mance, as controlling couturier Reynolds Woodcock in Phantom Thread (HHHHH). der, yet intense, romance in a crescen-
However, as his swan song, the film — written and directed by Paul Thomas doing series of vignettes that character-
Anderson (There Will Be Blood, for which Day-Lewis won an Oscar) — leaves a ize the constant shifts of power between
somewhat bitter taste. Joining a few recent A-list films — most prominently, Darren Woodcock, Alma, and third-wheel Cyril.
Aronofsky’s Mother! — Phantom Thread is yet another auteur treat that turns into a Anderson reaches for the provocative,
trick at the very end. Anderson’s movie shares with Aronofsky’s cataclysmic thriller particularly in these sensitive times, by
a darkly skeptical view of romance and domesticity, despite appearing on the surface portraying Alma as a young woman who
heavily invested in a depiction of the joys and exhilaration of courtship. initially is charmed by Woodcock’s bossy
Woodcock is one of 1950s London’s preeminent dressmakers, in demand by society nature and his need to control her and
big-spenders and royalty alike, when he meets shy Alma (Vicky Krieps), a humble every other aspect of his environment.
waitress who will become his latest muse. He invites Alma into his rarefied world of One question hangs over their interac-
fashion, glamour, commerce, and celebrity, all of it micromanaged to his exacting dic- tions: Is she a doe-eyed victim, or a know-
tates by his dutiful older sister, Cyril (Lesley Manville). ingly pliant conniver? Or is she just a very
Entrusted to care for him like no other, Cyril alone gets away with occasionally put- determined masochist?
ting Woodcock in his place. Manville, who’s wonderful throughout, is especially good Fortunately, Krieps gradually makes it
at delivering the off-hand cheek of a woman utterly assured of her position. Tenacious clear in her multifaceted performance just
in her execution of Woodcock’s every whim, Cyril supports her brother’s artistic vision how much Alma is willing to be told what
like a true believer, both in his exceptionality and in his talent for creating garments to do. In impressively contained fashion,
Phantom Thread is rated R, and opens in theaters everywhere on Friday, January 12. For tickets, visit fandango.com.
DrinksDragDJsEtc... GREEN LANTERN SHAW’S TAVERN Friday, Dark in the Code Bar, 9pm
Happy Hour, 4-9pm Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3 • $5 Cover • DJ Ryan W
• Shirtless Thursday, Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, January 12 in the Tavern, 9pm-2am •
10-11pm • Men in $5 Rails and House Wines Shigella Brown’s Bottom-
Thursday, Night, 9pm-2am • For
men in underwear, all well
Underwear Drink Free, & Half-Priced Pizzas 2018 MAL EVENTS more Review in the Nest,
January 11 drinks $2, 9pm-12am •
12-12:30am • DJs
BacK2bACk SLEAZE
@Hyatt Regency on
Capitol Hill
10-11:30pm • Cover is
$10 in advance, $12.50 at
Best Underwear Contest at
@Wonderland Ballroom Exhibitor Hall Open, door • Elyx Vodka and Any
9 1/2 Midnight • Code enforced
LIVING ROOM DC Leather Edition, 9pm-2am 4-10pm • Highwaymen Red Bull Flavor for $7 all
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any in Code Bar after 9pm •
1008 Vermont Ave. NW • DJs The Carry Nation, TNT presents IMPACT day long
drink, 5-9pm • Multiple EDM: Life College Night
Dollhouse MAL Edition, Keenan Orr and LEMZ • Dance Party in Regency
TVs showing movies, Thursdays, 10pm-2am
9pm-2am • Featuring Host: Jane Saw B, 10pm-3am • Music by FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
shows, sports • Expanded • Free admission to the
DJ Ryan Doubleyou with DJ LEMZ • $10 Cover • Crazy Hour, 4-8pm •
craft beer selection • Tavern • Admission to the
the Dollhouse Girls and TRADE leatherweekend.com Karaoke, 9pm
Music videos featuring Nest is free until 10:30pm
Betty O’Hellno • Hosts: Doors open 5pm • Huge
DJ Wess • After 10:30pm, $5 Cover
Bombalicious Eklaver, Happy Hour: Any drink 9 1/2 FURBALL
for 21 and up, $10 Cover
Desiree Dik, and Jasmine normally served in a cock- Open at 5pm • Happy @DC Eagle
BALTIMORE EAGLE for 18-21 • thebalti-
Tea • No Cover tail glass served in a huge Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, Leather Weekend Kick
Happy Hour, 3-9pm, all moreeagle.com
glass for the same price, 5-9pm • Friday Night Off Party, 10pm-close •
liquors, beers and wines up
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR 5-10pm • Beer and wine Videos, 9:30pm • Rotating DJs Jack Chang and Mike
to 50% off • $5 Pitchers DC EAGLE
Beat the Clock Happy Hour only $4 DJs • Expanded craft beer Babbitt • GoGo Bear
of Miller Lite all night long DC Leather Pride’s
— $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), selection • No Cover Dancers: Mike Chapman,
• $3 Well Drinks until Welcome to DC, 9pm-3am
$4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS Brut Torres, and Juan
11pm • Thrifty Thursdays • DJ Barber Streisand,
Beer $15 • Drag Bingo All male, nude dancers • BALTIMORE EAGLE Manuel • Hosts: Daddy
Drag Show, hosted by porn star Rocco Steele,
DJ • 9pm • Cover 21+ 2022 N. Charles St. Ersin Winokur, Matty &
Whimsey Thrift and and past and present
NUMBER NINE Baltimore, Md. Vinny Parrello and Joe
Shaunda Leer, 8-9:30pm leather titleholders
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any Baltimore Bear Happy Tresh • $15 Cover in
in the Nest — First well
drink, 5-9pm • No Cover Hour, 3-9pm, all liquors, advance, $20 at door •
or domestic drink is on FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
beers and wines up to Presented by Joe Fiore •
us! • $5 Cover at door for Crazy Hour, 4-8pm •
50% off • Bad Bears After DCEagle.com
Drag Show • Underwear Karaoke, 9pm
“We took [the book] as an inspiration, and then I really felt like
I needed to make it my own story.”
— JASON KATIMS, executive producer of new NBC drama Rise, justifying a decision to make the lead character straight. Rise is
based on the story of gay theater teacher Lou Volpe, who spent forty years as a high school teacher and whose life was the subject
of the book Drama High by Michael Sokolove — the inspiration for Rise. “With Lou’s family life and Lou’s family itself, there’s a
lot of reimagination. Not just in terms of gay or straight, but in terms of the family structure,” Katims added.