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By Randy Shulman
CHEF DE RSISTANCE
Thirty years ago, Jeremiah Tower forged the celebrity chef
culture that pervades todays society. A new documentary
celebrates the life of the playful, irascible perfectionist.
By Andr Hereford
Metro Weekly 1775 I St. NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 202-638-6830
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2017 Jansi LLC.
Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs is Saturday, April 29 at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Tickets are $29 to $99.
Call 202-467-4600 or visit Kennedy-Center.org.
JOEY ARIAS
All these years later, Arias is still channeling Billie
Holiday. Its an uncanny, even eerie, recreation, a trib-
ute from the incomparable singing drag queen to the
incomparable jazz vocalist. A few years since his last
performances in D.C. via the former Speakeasy caba-
ret series at LEnfant Cafe, Arias returns as part of the
inaugural season of Septime Webres Halcyon Stage.
Saturday, April 29. Doors at 8 p.m. Halcyon House,
3400 Prospect St. NW. Tickets are $60. Call 202-298-
5956 or visit halcyonhouse.org.
DC YOUTH ORCHESTRA,
AMERICAN POPS: CELEBRATING
ELLA FITZGERALD
Heralded as the First Lady of Song,
the late Fitzgerald gets another cen-
tennial toast with two free outdoor
concerts in a partnership between
the DC Youth Orchestra Program
and the American Pops Orchestra.
Moya Angela, a quarterfinalist last
year on NBCs Americas Got Talent,
Maddie Baillio, who starred as
Tracy Turnblad in NBCs Hairspray
Live!, Catholic University voice pro-
fessor and Renees sister Rachelle
Fleming, and local stage triple
ROSE CAMPIGLIA
SPANISH REVOLUTION
Gaye Park, Division Ave. NE. Call
202-698-0123 or visit dcyop.org.
ERIC OWENS
& SUSANNA PHILLIPS
Luis Salgado takes charge of GALAs revolutionary The Notorious RBG better
Spanish language version of In the Heights known as Supreme Court Justice
Ruth Bader Ginsburg co-curat-
L
ed with Washington Performing
UIS SALGADO TOOK A SHOT AND SENT A TEXT TO THE UBER-FAMOUS Arts a concert featuring two of
todays greatest singers in opera.
Hamilton composer Lin-Manuel Miranda. Would he have a moment to hear the Eric Owens, the bass-baritone who
GALA Theatre cast performing from their groundbreaking, Spanish language version has recently performed in Porgy
of Mirandas first Broadway hit, In The Heights? and Bess and The Flying Dutchman
at Washington National Opera, is
Were in rehearsals right now, he wrote. Please FaceTime me if you have time. joined by soprano Susanna Phillips,
Moments later, Miranda responded. The guys went crazy. They were there singing for Lin. recipient of the Metropolitan
It was a very emotional moment. Operas 2010 Beverly Sills Artist
Salgado calls it the greatest opportunity to return to In the Heights, ten years after Award. The concert focuses on the
work of Schubert. Sunday, April 30,
originating the Broadway role of Jose as well as serving as the productions Latin Assistant at 4 p.m. UDC Theater of the Arts,
Choreographer. Directing and choreographing the U.S. premiere of a Spanish-language 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW. Tickets
version of the show is a heady experience for the New York-based Puerto Rican. are $45. Call 202-785-9727 or visit
washingtonperformingarts.org.
Its a fantastic reality, he says, to be living right now in this kind of hard time, where
the government is reprimanding being different or speaking a different language, giving a FOLGER CONSORT
sense of you dont belong to certain communities. The fact that we can celebrate the oppo- Closing out the early music ensem-
site in the little theater space, and inspire hundreds of people as we do that I just feel its bles Dramatic Musicke season
is a program offering an assort-
a fantastic reality. ment of passionate love songs from
In the Heights sizzles with the kind of urban energy you would expect from its setting 13th Century France. The Play
in Manhattans Washington Heights neighborhood. Based on a translation by Amaury of Love program features sopra-
no Emily Noel, bass-baritone Peter
Sanchez, Salgado says the shows Spanish-language feels different from the original. The Brucker, multi-instrumentalist Shira
skeleton of the show is the same, but...the world that we create is very, very different. Kammen, and consort co-artistic
Salgado singles out In the Heights as his favorite in a Broadway career thats included directors Robert Eisenstein on vio-
roles in Women on The Verge of a Nervous Breakdown and the Gloria Estefan musical, On lin and Christopher Kendall on lute.
Friday, April 28, at 8 p.m., Saturday,
Your Feet! In The Heights will forever be that one thing that just gave so much validation April 29, at 3 and 7 p.m., and
to my culture, to my being, to my art, both creatively...and as a performer. Sunday, April 30, at 2 p.m. Folger
And, of course, In the Heights also made it possible for Salgado to summon Miranda Shakespeare Library, 201 East
Capitol St. SE. Tickets are $40. Call
on a whim. Asked if Miranda might show up to see the GALA production, Salgado laughs. 202-544-7077 or visit folger.edu.
Thats the million-dollar question. Last time I checked, he already had a commitment. But
knowing Lin, I wouldnt be surprised if one random day he would just show up and surprise LEANN RIMES WITH NSO POPS
everybody. Thats the kind of person he is. Doug Rule The country star, still the young-
est Grammy winner, has grown
up before our eyes and ears. She
In the Heights, performed in Spanish with English surtitles, runs to May 21, at GALA returns to the area to perform a con-
Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. Tickets are $40 to $60. Call 202-234-7174 or visit galatheatre.org. cert featuring her greatest hits
AUSTIN HARGRAVE
Grammy-nominated set, Sounds of part of Strathmores 2017 Spring
Red, an album of original, sophisti- Gala but you can count on plenty
cated, sauntering jazz tunes, featur- of renditions of standards just the
ing largely autobiographical lyrics. same. Saturday, May 6, at 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May Music Center at Strathmore, 5301
7, at 8 and 10 p.m. Blues Alley, Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda.
1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Tickets Tickets are $86 to $176. Call 301-
are $35 to $40, plus $12 minimum 581-5100 or visit strathmore.org.
purchase. Call 202-337-4141 or visit
bluesalley.com.
DANCE RITA MORENO
SPLIT SINGLE
David M. Rubenstein, the philanthropist responsi-
Youll hear a striking resemblance CITYDANCES DREAMSCAPE ble for so many new initiatives and developments
to Sugar, Bob Moulds 90s-era Emmy-winning dance icon at the Kennedy Center as well as elsewhere around
power-pop band, in the music Debbie Allen (Fame) is the host
of CityDances 2017 gala, proceeds town, launches a new series of sit-down conver-
of this Chicago band, and there
is a connection. Split Single was of which support the organiza- sations with notable figures from the arts and cul-
started a few years ago by Jason tions free after-school Dream pro- ture field starting with the legendary performer
Narducy, who spent the previous gram. In addition to performanc-
es by CityDance students, this
and 2015 Kennedy Center Honoree. Moreno will
decade touring as bassist in the Bob
Mould Band, in addition to other years lineup features Brooklyn discuss her career and life lessons as well as offer
touring work with Superchunk and Mack of the Washington Ballet, reflections on the arts in America today and rumina-
Telekinesis. Sasha Lord Presents a ballroom stars Denys Drozdyuk tions on contemporary social issues through ideals
show with R. Ring, featuring Kelley & Antonina Skobina, tap dancer
Cartier Williams, Cervilio Miguel courage, freedom, justice, service and gratitude
Deal of the Breeders and Mike
Montgomery of Ampline, and the Amador and Chisako Oga of the often ascribed to the centers namesake. Inspired
D.C. post-punk band Flasher. But Cincinnati Ballet, the Bruce Wood by the centers namesake and part of the year-
hows this for unfortunate irony: Dance Project, Cloud Movement,
Step Afrika! and, from Complexions
long JFKC: A Centennial Celebration of John F.
The two regular bandmates are
now playing opposite each other, Contemporary Ballet, guest artists Kennedy, the discussion also builds on the recent
with Mould at the Black Cat the Kelly Sneddon, Andrew Brader, Bloomberg TV series The David Rubenstein Show:
very same night and time (see sep- Greg Blackmon and Timothy Peer-to-Peer Conversations that featured everyone
arate entry). Drats! Friday, April Stickney. Saturday, May 6, at 8 p.m.
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. from Bill Gates to Oprah Winfrey. Saturday, April
28, at 10 p.m. Comet Ping Pong,
5037 Connecticut Ave. NW. Tickets Tickets are $25 to $38. Call 202- 29, at 7:30 p.m. Kennedy Center Family Theater.
are $12. Call 202-364-0404 or visit 328-6000 or visit citydance.net. Tickets are $30 to $75. Call 202-467-4600 or visit
cometpingpong.com. kennedy-center.org.
T
HIS IS WORSE THAN ANYTHING IVE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE-
time, Bob Mould says of the current administration. I think the 80s
were pretty brutal, and the aughts werent particularly good. I dont
think any of this is going to end well.
Younger fans often ask Mould for his assessment of President Trump as
compared to late 80s conservative titan Ronald Reagan.
At least [Reagan] had an understanding of politics because he was governor
before he was president, Mould says. During the Reagan era, Mould and his
band Husker Du, helped give form to the edgy, often politically charged genres
of post-punk and alternative rock. The Trump era has not inspired him to do
anything similar. I dont think I could safely say, Yes, Ill write a protest record.
Im protesting every day. Its part of the fabric of our lives now. I dont know if
its special anymore. When at home in San Francisco, Mould attends community
board meetings and visits elected officials at City Hall to share particular con-
cerns. I would suggest everybody do the same for the rest of their lives.
Mould has devised a small, politically inspired gesture that factors into his
current solo electric tour in support of his 2016 release, Patch the Sky. The
ALICIA J. ROSE
tour stops at The Black Cat this Friday, April 28. Ive worked with a graphic
designer to put together a tour poster, with all of the proceeds from sales going
to Planned Parenthood.
More than a decade ago, the former D.C. resident launched Blowoff with his friend and fellow musician, Rich Morel. The alter-
native gay dance party was, in part, a reaction to President George W. Bushs Republican era of the time. To have a party like that
was sort of against the [conservative] notion, he says. It was nice for people to have a place to congregate and be safe and have a
lot of fun. The party, which eventually toured nationally, is often heralded as the original bear dance party. And it helped propel
bear culture into the mainstream.
We pushed the right people, Mould says of Blowoff, which he and Mould shuttered in 2014. The bear community has gotten
so big, I dont know what to make of that, but its great. It was always supposed to be inclusive. Its definitely including more people
now. Doug Rule
Bob Mould appears Friday, April 28, at 10 p.m., with an opening and closing DJ set from former Fugazi drummer Brendan Canty.
The Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. Tickets are $20. Call 202-667-4490 or visit blackcatdc.com.
CASINO ROYALE
edatransculturalhealth.org. LUNCH social for members of
D.C.s senior community. 12-2
DC AQUATICS CLUB practice p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite
session at Takoma Aquatic 105. For more information, visit
Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 300 Van thedccenter.org or call 202-
Buren St. NW. For more infor-
Team DCs Casino Night helps support local 682-2245.
mation, visit swimdcac.org. LGBTQ sports teams
C
GAMMA is a peer support
DC FRONT RUNNERS run- ASINO NIGHT GIVES YOU ALL OF THE PLEA- group for gay or bi men who
ning/walking/social club are now or who have been in
welcomes runners of all ability
sure and none of the harsh debt that comes with a relationship with a woman.
levels for exercise in a fun and gambling, laughs Team DCs Brent Minor. Theres Luther Place Memorial Church,
supportive environment, with something fun about taking a risk without losing any real 1226 Vermont Ave, NW. 7:30-
socializing afterward. Route money. So you have the fun of gambling, but the knowl- 9:30 p.m. Meetings are also
distance is 3-6 miles. Meet at held in Vienna, Va and in
7 p.m. at 23rd & P Streets NW. edge that youre not really throwing down a $20 bill. Frederick, Md. For more info,
For more information, visit The organization holds Casino Night fundraising visit gammaindc.org.
dcfrontrunners.org. events three to four times a year, each featuring nine local
WOMEN IN THEIR TWENTIES
DC LAMBDA SQUARES gay
sports teams on a rotating schedule, with athletes from (AND THIRTIES), a social
and lesbian square-dancing those teams serving as croupiers at tables offering poker, discussion and activity group
group features mainstream blackjack, and craps. Patrons pay $10 to $20 to buy $100 or for queer women, meets at The
through advanced square $250 in chips that can be used at the tables, with the pro- DC Center on the second and
dancing at the National City fourth Friday of each month.
Christian Church, 5 Thomas ceeds from the evening split between that evenings teams. Group social activity to follow
Circle NW, 7-9:30 p.m. Casual At the end of the night, gamblers turn in their remain- the meeting. 8-9:30 p.m. 2000
dress. 301-257-0517, dclamb- ing chip for chances to win raffle prizes, including tickets 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For
dasquares.org. more information, visit thedc-
to the theater or sporting events and gift cards. center.org.
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds Minor notes that gambling is not required to attend.
practice. The team is always Theres no cover, so you can just come in and watch, Weekly Events
looking for new members. All he says. Some people just like to watch other people play
welcome. 7:30-9:30 p.m. King BET MISHPACHAH, founded
Greenleaf Recreation Center, poker. John Riley by members of the LGBT com-
201 N St. SW. For more infor- munity, holds Friday evening
mation, visit scandalsrfc.org or Team DCs Spring Casino Night will be held on Saturday, Shabbat services in the DC
dcscandals@gmail.com. Jewish Community Centers
April 29, from 8 p.m. to midnight at Buffalo Billiards,
Community Room. 8 p.m. 1529
The DULLES TRIANGLES 1330 19th St. NW. Visit teamdc.org. 16th St. NW. For more informa-
Northern Virginia social tion, visit betmish.org.
group meets for happy hour at
Sheraton in Reston. All wel- PROJECT STRIPES hosts LGBT-
come. 7-9 p.m. 11810 Sunrise IDENTITY offers free and METROHEALTH CENTER affirming social group for ages
Valley Drive, second-floor bar. confidential HIV testing at offers free, rapid HIV testing. 11-24. 4-6 p.m. 1419 Columbia
For more information, visit two separate locations. Walk- Appointment needed. 1012 14th Road NW. Contact Tamara, 202-
dullestriangles.com. ins accepted from 2-6 p.m., St. NW, Suite 700. To arrange 319-0422, layc-dc.org.
by appointment for all other an appointment, call 202-638-
HIV TESTING at Whitman- hours. 414 East Diamond Ave., 0750. SATURDAY, April 29
Walker Health. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at Gaithersburg, Md. or 7676
1525 14th St. NW, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. New Hampshire Ave., Suite SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, Weekly Events
at the Elizabeth Taylor Medical 411, Takoma Park, Md. To set 3-5 p.m., by appointment and
Center, 1701 14th St. NW, and 8 up an appointment or for more walk-in, for youth 21 and BRAZILIAN GLBT GROUP,
a.m-5 p.m. at the Max Robinson information, call Gaithersburg, younger. Youth Center, 410 7th including others interested in
Center, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave. 301-300-9978, or Takoma Park, St. SE. 202-567-3155 or test- Brazilian culture, meets. For
SE. For an appointment call 301-422-2398. ing@smyal.org. location/time, email brazilian-
202-745-7000 or visit whit-
gaygroup@yahoo.com.
man-walker.org.
ANIMAL PLANET
LGBT-inclusive ALL SOULS more information, visit thedccen-
MEMORIAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH ter.org.
celebrates Low Mass at 8:30
a.m., High Mass at 11 a.m. 2300 Weekly Events
Cathedral Ave. NW. 202-232-4244,
Gay Day at the Zoo brings animal lovers allsoulsdc.org. GETEQUAL meets 6:30-8 p.m. at
together for a day of fun and community spirit Quaker House, 2111 Florida Ave.
DIGNITYUSA offers Roman NW. For more information, email
I
Catholic Mass for the LGBT getequal.wdc@gmail.com.
community. All welcome. Sign
HAVE KIND OF A PANDA OBSESSION, ADMITS interpreted. 6 p.m. St. Margarets NOVASALUD offers free HIV test-
Jonathan Gilad. I actually love all kinds of furry Church, 1820 Connecticut Ave. ing. 5-7 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite
animals, so I love to visit the Furry Rodent House. NW. For more info, visit dignity- 200, Arlington. Appointments: 703-
Simmer down. Gilad isnt referring to a new gay night at a washington.org. 789-4467.
bar, but rather to time spent at the Smithsonians National FIRST CONGREGATIONAL The DC Center hosts COFFEE
Zoo. It makes sense when you learn hes the co-chair of the UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST DROP-IN FOR THE SENIOR LGBT
DC Centers 5th Annual Gay Day at the Zoo. welcomes all to 10:30 a.m. service, COMMUNITY. 10 a.m.-noon. 2000
945 G St. NW. firstuccdc.org or 14th St. NW. For more information,
In the run-up to the event, scheduled for Saturday, 202-628-4317. call 202-682-2245 or visit thedc-
May 7, Gilad and co-chair, Elijah Bair, are selling $20 center.org.
turtle-green T-shirts at Trade, Number Nine, and Town HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF
Danceboutique. (The shirts are also available for pur- CHRIST welcomes GLBT commu- US HELPING US hosts a black gay
nity for worship. 10:30 a.m., 6130 mens evening affinity group for
chase online.) Old Telegraph Road, Alexandria. GBT black men. Light refreshments
The T-shirts distinguish whos there for the event, hopeucc.org. provided. 7-9 p.m. 3636 Georgia
says Bair, adding that sales have shot up as the date nears. Ave. NW. 202-446-1100.
Join LINCOLN
Its just a nice event to get people outside and show CONGREGATIONAL TEMPLE WASHINGTON WETSKINS
some pride. UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST for WATER POLO TEAM practices 7-9
Because this years Gay Day at the Zoo coincides with an inclusive, loving and progressive p.m. Newcomers with at least basic
International Family Equality Day, Gilad and Bair have faith community every Sunday. 11 swimming ability always welcome.
a.m. 1701 11th Street NW, near R in Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van
tried to make the event more family-friendly by organizing Shaw/Logan neighborhood. lincol- Buren St. NW. For more informa-
a scavenger hunt with prizes. ntemple.org. tion, contact Tom, 703-299-0504
For many, Gay Day at the Zoo is their first LGBT or secretary@wetskins.org, or visit
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY wetskins.org.
event, says Bair. And its more comfortable to go with a CHURCH OF NORTHERN
group of people. To that end, various Center-sponsored VIRGINIA services at 11 a.m., led WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH
groups have planned Meetups, a schedule of which will by Rev. Emma Chattin. Childrens HIV/AIDS Support Group for
be posted on organizations website in advance. Its just an Sunday School, 11 a.m. 10383 newly diagnosed individuals,
Democracy Lane, Fairfax. 703-691- meets 7 p.m. Registration required.
enjoyable experience to be surrounded by people who love 0930, mccnova.com. 202-939-7671, hivsupport@whit-
you and arent judgmental of you. John Riley man-walker.org.
NATIONAL CITY CHRISTIAN
CHURCH, inclusive church with TUESDAY, May 2
GLBT fellowship, offers gospel wor-
Gay Day at the Zoo is Sunday, May 7, from Noon to 5 p.m. ship, 8:30 a.m., and traditional wor- Queer-identifying women who
at the Smithsonian National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. ship, 11 a.m. 5 Thomas Circle NW. have survived violent or traumatic
NW. Free. For more information, or to purchase T-shirts, 202-232-0323, nationalcitycc.org. experiences and are looking for
visit gaydayatthezoo.com. support are invited to take part
in a bi-weekly QUEER WOMEN
Chef
de
Rsista
J
EREMIAH TOWER HAS ALWAYS CONSIDERED
himself an outlaw. Its hard to imagine, in New York
now, if youre 22, no one gives a shit what youre doing
sexually, says the man credited for starting the celebrity chef
movement. But when I was growing up, you could be put in
If youre going to make your own way and make your own
point, its probably going to cause a little bit of trouble, says
Tower, whose reputation as a brash, opinionated, and unabashed
perfectionist has rubbed many in his industry the wrong way.
His workplace personality, fluctuating between moments of
jail, for Gods sakes. I knew I was an outlaw, but also because I charm and abrasiveness, his refusal to suffer fools, and his do-it-
was an American in Australia and an American in England. I was alone approach are all examined in Jeremiah Tower: The Last
different. And people told you so all the time. Magnificent, opening Friday, April 28, at the Landmark E Street
Shaped by a tumultuous childhood divided between traveling Cinema. Acting as a partial biography, the documentary chroni-
the world with his absentee parents and military-style boarding cles Towers journey from a childhood spent in first-class dining
schools abroad, Tower quickly learned self-sufficiency and devel- rooms to his present-day retirement on the beaches of Mexico,
oped a take-charge attitude that carried over into his work life. where he spends his free time swimming with sharks.
JS ADAMS
GHOST EXCURSIONS :
ERNST HERZFELDS PERSEPOLIS DECONSTRUCTED _ GROUND TO DUST [ TRANSPARENT ]
INK JET PRINT ON MANILA PAPER / TAR / TRANSPARENCY / CELLOPHANE TAPE
7-3/4 X 7-3/4 INCHES
Upcoming shows:
Art Hop, Takoma - MD to DC, April 29 - 30 at Artful Framing & Gallery - 6960 Maple St NW, B - www.mainstreettakoma.org/featured-events/art-hop-takoma/
CAMP Rehoboth 12x12xHeART show / auction, May 7 - 27 - www.camprehoboth.com/events/12x12xheart-exhibition-and-auction
CAMP Rehoboth / Peninsula Gallery (Lewes) artists exchange Art for the Community, June 3 - 25 - www.peninsula-gallery.com/future-exhibitions
Drawn Apart
Of Bruces double life, Small Alison
and her younger brothers, Christian
(Pierson Salvador) and John (Lennon
Nate Hammond) are blissfully unaware,
Fun Home hits deep with a tender score and a smart, despite witnessing Bruces many friend-
sincere coming out story By Andr Hereford ships with good-looking young men and
teens around town (all played, in various
T
guises, by Robert Hager). Its only when
HE WARM AND WONDERFUL FUN HOME (HHHHH) PULLS OFF THE shes dealing with her own sexual confu-
remarkable feat of capturing a childs-eye view of the world, framed by a decid- sion, and a prospective girlfriend (Karen
edly adult understanding of that kids upbringing. The shows knowing voice Eilbacher), that Allison learns her fathers
originates at the source cartoonist Alison Bechdels best-selling 2006 graphic mem- secret. The revelation alters her percep-
oir of the same name. Adapted for the stage by playwright Lisa Kron (Well) and com- tion of her familys entire life up to that
poser Jeanine Tesori (Caroline, Or Change), Bechdels piercing tale of her own coming moment, an awakening summed up in one
out, which coincided with her beloved (and closeted) dads suicide, marries poignantly haunting refrain: When the sunlight hits
with Tesoris arresting melodies. the parlor wall....
The in-the-round Broadway production, which earned five Tony Awards, including The music is expressive throughout,
one for director Sam Gold, as well for Krons book, Tesoris score, and Best Musical has but its not always matched in its trans-
been perfectly reimagined for a proscenium-style tour. Voluminous sets transform with porting quality by the conversational style
the fluidity of an artists fertile imagination, as the action moves from the Bechdel fami- of the lyrics. Fun Home isnt a show for
lys giant, old Victorian fixer-upper in small-town Pennsylvania, to Alisons dorm room traditionalist fans of discretely structured
at Oberlin College, and her drawing studio as a flourishing chronicler of lesbian lives. songs. And, as adult Alison, Shindle, a
At each step of her journey, shes represented onstage: as a precocious prepubes- former Miss America, is a credible actress,
cent artist, Small Alison (Alessandra Baldacchino); as a shy, but endearing baby dyke at with snappy comic delivery. But shes not
college, Medium Alison (Abby Corrigan); and, as the wistful, keenly aware adult Alison the strongest singer ever to wear that pag-
(Kate Shindle). At each age, she must grapple with her sometimes overwhelming need eants crown. Corrigan, as Medium Alison,
to win the approval of her severely repressed yet open and loving dad, Bruce (Robert slays every moment, inhabiting the char-
Petkoff). With her equally (but differently) repressed mom, Helen (Susan Moniz), she acter distinctly, from her lustrous voice to
JOAN MARCUS
ents Bruce and Helen reaches its
boiling point.
As Bruce, Petkoff masters the
brittle funeral home directors testy dance between joviality ing them all. Its up to Alison to at least try to make sense of their
and frailty, one minute playing with his kids, the next seducing collective past. As she watches herself watching herself figure
an ex-student upstairs while the kids watch TV in the parlor. out the world, Fun Home manifests the wisdom that at any given
Petkoff and Moniz build in surging waves to the raw emotion moment, every version and age of the girl and the woman bears
that finally punctures the Bechdels aura of WASP-ish reserve, witness to the events that will shape her future. Like any of us,
Moniz particularly so with Helens aching ode, Days and Days. shes traveling the constant journey of becoming herself. Its a
By the time Bruces secret is out, its too late for a loving journey full of fun and sadness, rendered with touching depth
embrace to prevent the fateful decision that winds up devastat- and clarity. l
Fun Home runs to May 13 at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Tickets are $48 to $98.
Call 202-628-6161, or visit thenationaldc.org.
Poets and
play strains to cover the emotional and
atmospheric distance between the high-
er-energy shenanigans and the lower-ebb
drama. Behn has better luck juggling her
Paramours
Round House revs up an intermittently jolly farce that runs smoothest
many lovers.
And, as juggling goes, Twyfords
costars, Linington and Weaver, each per-
form splendidly, shuttling between no
when it races By Andr Hereford less than three characters apiece from
Englands formerly exiled King Charles
R
II to a quick-thinking housemaid to Nell
OUND HOUSE HAS STOCKED ITS STABLE WITH A TRIO OF THOROUGH- Gwynne, one of the most celebrated
bred stage performers for a new production of Liz Duffy Adams madcap come- actresses of her age. They execute the
dy Or, (HHHHH). A ribald chronicle of one eventful night in the life of bisexual farces required physical business with
female Restoration Era poet and playwright Aphra Behn, the bawdy period farce is finesse, and Weaver especially has an
hauled at breakneck speed by Holly Twyford, Gregory Linington, and Erin Weaver, infectiously good time with the broad-
who summon a collective rhythm and effervescence that is beautiful to behold. ly humorous characterizations of Behns
Director Aaron Posner puts his cast through split-second exits and entrances maid Maria and the amusingly self-im-
and Houdini-level quick-changes, all performed with enough generous enthusiasm portant Lady Davenant, a potential spon-
to warmly include the audience in the actors roundelay of doffed wigs and hastily sor for Behns plays.
switched accents. As with any good farce, Or, coaxes complicity from the crowd to keep The plays wit, not always rapier sharp,
the tempo bubbling along for all the political intrigue and sexual antics that occupy the at least is delivered with a wink and a
six characters tromping in and out of Behns apartment. nudge that compensates for the hit-or-
But when the narrative pace flags, the energy sharply sags. Whiplash shifts, marked miss quality of the wordplay. Adams char-
by over-expressive lighting, maneuver the action from the door-slamming frivolity of acters unload torrents of salty language
Behn entertaining three secret lovers, to quietly contemplative moments trying to rec- and glaring anachronisms, like It Girl,
oncile her past as a royal spy and her desired future as a royal bard. with all the self-conscious shock value of a
Twyford excels in essaying both moods, and all the shades in between, of an artist cool mom who gets her jollies by talking
driven by a thirst for glory and freedoms like financial independence, not easily a wee bit naughty. Her command of the
GRACE TOULOTTE
kings lover or his whore? This
funny, well-acted production
wrestles compellingly with
Behns, or any persons, capac-
ity to contain multitudes of opposite traits. For better or worse, antly arch comedy and darkly philosophical drama. The effect is
Or, also illustrates that very concept, swinging between buoy- exhilarating or disjointed. Or both. l
Or, runs until May 07 at Round House Theatre, 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda. Tickets are $50 to $61.
Call 240-644-1100, or visit RoundHouseTheatre.org.
What relevance is there to the publicIf interest of who someone has sex with, particularly in prison?
thats of public interest,
I dont know about elsewhere, but in D.C. transgender people are only seen as
good for sex and get no respect.
DESSAI SCOTT, a D.C. transgender woman, speaking to the Thomson Reuters Foundation about her experience as a victim
of sex trafficking at the hands of her boyfriend. Scott has since escaped that life and is studying to be a nurse.