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NOVEMBER 20, 2014

EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Randy Shulman

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

Volume 21 / Issue 29

ART DIRECTOR
Todd Franson
POLITICAL EDITOR
Justin Snow
NEWS & BUSINESS EDITOR
John Riley
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Rhuaridh Marr
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Doug Rule
SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ward Morrison, Julian Vankim
CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR
Scott G. Brooks
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Christian Gerard, Brandon Harrison, Will OBryan
Troy Petenbrink, Kate Wingfield
WEBMASTER
David Uy
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Julian Vankim

SALES & MARKETING

PUBLISHER
Randy Shulman
BRAND STRATEGY & MARKETING
Christopher Cunetto
Cunetto Creative
NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE
Rivendell Media Co.
212-242-6863
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Dennis Havrilla
EDITOR EMERITUS
Sean Bugg

PATRON SAINT
Bill Kushner
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Christopher Cunetto

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NOVEMBER 20, 2014

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NEWS

Is ENDA Dead?
by Justin Snow

Marriage Returns to SCOTUS

by Justin Snow

10
LGBT Ally Hopes to
Replace Comstock

by John Riley

BUSINESS
17
NGLCC Honors Marriott
by John Riley

SCENE
19
Equality Marylands
Signature Brunch

photography by Christopher Cunetto

20

SCENE

23

Community Calendar
SMYALs 30th Anniversary
Fall Brunch

photography by Ward Morrison

FEATURE
24
Tony Kushner
by Doug Rule

illustration by Christopher Cunetto

OUT ON THE TOWN

30

Mad Men Cabaret

32

Sculpted Dance

STAGE

35

Chosen Plays

GAMES

37

Future Perfect

FOOD

39

Benevolent Baking

PETS

41

Thanksgiving Danger

NIGHTLIFE

45

Nellies Sports Bar

54

Last Word

by Doug Rule

by Doug Rule

by Doug Rule

by Rhuaridh Marr

by John Riley

by Rhuaridh Marr

photography by Christopher Cunetto

METROWEEKLY.COM

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

LGBT

News

Now online at MetroWeekly.com

South Carolina Same-Sex Weddings Start Thursday

School Climate Snapshots Raise Safety Concerns

Is ENDA Dead?

Despite long odds, lobbying efforts continue in lame duck session

N THE FACE OF A RED WAVE

that delivered Republicans control of the Senate and their largest House majority since at least
World War II, lobbying efforts are continuing on Capitol Hill during the lame
duck session for legislation that would
outlaw LGBT workplace discrimination
by most employers.
Several LGBT-rights organizations,
particularly those focused on winning
support among Republican lawmakers,
confirmed to Metro Weekly that lobbying efforts on the Employment NonDiscrimination Act will continue until
the 114th Congress is sworn in this
January, while other groups, including
the nations largest LGBT-rights organization, have gone silent.
We are committed to and working to see ENDA passed this year, in
this Congress, said Campbell Spencer,
campaign manager for Americans for
Workplace Opportunity, an umbrella
coalition of several LGBT-rights groups
that has previously deployed GOP lobbying efforts by former Republican Sen.
Norm Coleman (Minn.) and former
Republican Reps. Tom Reynolds (N.Y.)
and Deborah Pryce (Ohio). If that does
not happen, we will determine at that
time our strategy moving forward.
Groups such as Log Cabin
Republicans, the Paul Singer-backed
American Unity Fund and Freedom
to Work are also continuing lobbying
efforts. On Nov. 12, Gregory T. Angelo,
the executive director of Log Cabin
Republicans, and Christian Berle, the
legislative director for Freedom to Work,
met with members of House Speaker
John Boehners staff to discuss the bill.
Freedom to Work has teamed with
Log Cabin Republicans on a series of
high-level lobby meetings with Speaker
Boehners office and other members of
Republican Leadership where we have
made the case for allowing a vote on
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OFFICIAL SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE PHOTOGRAPH BY BRYANT AVONDOGLIO

by Justin Snow

Boehner

LGBT workplace protections, Berle

said. In fact, in the past year Freedom to
Work has visited every single Republican
congressional office to make the case for
passing LGBT workplace protections.
Since ENDAs passage by a 64-32
Senate vote last November, the bill has
been blocked by Republican leadership in
the House of Representatives.
The meeting with Boehners office
comes as a growing number of GOP supporters in the House have articulated a
strategy that would attach the legislation
as an amendment to a broader defense
authorization bill. Three of ENDAs eight
Republican cosponsors Reps. Charlie
Dent (Penn.), Chris Gibson (N.Y.) and
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Fla.) have publicly endorsed the strategy, although
Democrats have remained quiet. Last
month, Gibsons chief of staff told Metro
Weekly that the New York Republican
and member of the House Armed
Services Committee is advocating as a
cosponsor of the bill to bring on more
supporters and talking to colleagues who
havent signed on.
We have always supported attach-

ing ENDA to [the National Defense

Authorization Act] as an option on the
table, Angelo said.
Jeff Cook-McCormac, a senior advisor to American Unity Fund, said they
will continue to engage legislators in
efforts to advance non-discrimination
legislation in the lame duck and the new
Congress. Cook-McCormac also credited Republican lawmakers for taking
the lead and working to identify every
opportunity to advance the principle that
Americans should be judged on their
merit and hard work in the workplace.
Such talk has pushed the conservative
Heritage Foundation to list ENDA as a
lame duck threat, although a representative from the group told Metro Weekly
they do not perceive ENDA as viable during the lame duck session.
Meanwhile, a rare legislative maneuver announced by House Democrats
less than two months before the midterm elections appears to have stalled. In
September, the lead sponsor of ENDA in
the House of Representatives, Rep. Jared
Polis (D-Colo.), filed a discharge petition
in an attempt to force a vote on the bill.

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LGBTNews
ENDA supporters need 218 signatures in
order to bypass Republican leadership
and bring a vote on the bill. The petition
has 190 signatories all of whom are
Democrats with the last name added to
the petition on Sept. 18. GOP supporters
of ENDA criticized the petition as a theatrical move before an election and accused
Democrats of moving the goal posts.
The filing by Polis would also amend
the version of ENDA approved by the
Senate by narrowing the bills religious
exemption, a provision of the bill that
has been critical in securing Republican
support. ENDA passed the Senate last
year with the support of 10 Republicans
the most Senate Republicans to ever
vote for a piece of LGBT-rights legislation in part due to the religious exemption. When the religious exemption was
adopted with a 402-25 vote in 2007 as
an amendment in the House proposed by
Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), it received
the backing of not only Democrats like
Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank and Tammy
Baldwin, but Republicans like Boehner,
Eric Cantor and Paul Ryan. Sen. Orrin
Hatch (R-Utah) specifically cited the religious exemption when he became one of
three Republicans on the Senate Health,
Education, Labor & Pensions Committee
to vote in favor of ENDA in July 2013.
Despite having previously supported
the bill as written, this summer seven
organizations withdrew their support for
ENDA due to the scope of the religious
exemption: The National LGBTQ Task
Force, American Civil Liberties Union
(ACLU), Gay & Lesbian Advocates &
Defenders (GLAD), Lambda Legal,
National Center for Lesbian Rights
(NCLR), Transgender Law Center and
Pride at Work. Those groups now appear
to have turned their focus to a broader
LGBT civil rights bill, expected to be
introduced in the next Congress, that
would integrate sexual orientation and
gender identity fully into the nations
civil rights laws.
Although the Human Rights
Campaign has vowed to back a comprehensive LGBT civil rights bill that
would include protections for housing,
public accommodations, credit, education and employment, HRC President
Chad Griffin said in September his organization would continue work to secure
support for ENDA.
Today we cant get a vote in the
House on ENDA, and just as it relates to
employment protections. Now, having
said that, there are folks who said we
couldnt get this done in the Senate, and
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we were able to count to over 60 in the

United States Senate, Griffin told The
Advocates Rebecca Juro. I will not give
up. I will not give up until the last day of
this Congress, and we will fight like hell
to move every single vote we can. And
we are organizing today in over 30 congressional districts all over this country.
Weve invested millions of dollars and
thousands of volunteer and staff hours all
across this country.
Despite those remarks by Griffin,
HRC repeatedly declined to comment
for this story or to confirm whether HRC
lobbying efforts on ENDA are continuing
in the lame duck session. The National
Center for Transgender Equality also did
not respond to requests for comment.
Both strategies to advance ENDA
emerging from the Democratic and
Republican sides of the aisle have little
chance of succeeding, but they illustrate
a movement at odds over the best path
forward.
ENDA is dead for this Congress. Put a
fork in it; its dead, said one activist close
to ENDA lobbying efforts. The next few
years will really be building years for the
comprehensive bill in Congress. Thats
the absolute truth. Introducing the legislation will be a major hallmark. Building
the coalition thatll support it will take
time, money and a lot of conversations.
Itll all be brand new for people. But
heres the bottom line: theres no chance
this legislation will move until we have
Democratic majorities in both houses of
Congress and a president willing to take a
hands-on leadership role to get it passed.
Thats why I believe that the election of
Hillary Clinton will consume our imagination, attention and dollars over the
next two years.
Indeed, some have speculated that
attempts to amend the Civil Rights Act
to include LGBT Americans could take a
decade or more. But others have not been
so quick to pronounce ENDA dead.
There are already Republicans
looking to introduce ENDA in the next
Congress. TBD on the religious exemption, said Gregory T. Angelo of Log
Cabin Republicans, who noted that there
is still a chance albeit a long shot
that ENDA is passed this year as part of
a larger bill.
If Republicans were to separately
introduce ENDA next year, it could prove
to be a remarkable moment in American
politics, pitting a more conservative
LGBT-rights bill once broadly backed by
advocates against sweeping legislation
that would confer LGBT Americans the

same protections afforded to minorities

such as women and African-Americans
in areas extending beyond employment.
Its not dead, Angelo added. Well
see what the lay of the land looks like
come January next year, but I dont think
youve heard the last of ENDA. l

Marriage Returns
to SCOTUS
Same-sex marriage back before the
Supreme Court
by Justin Snow
THE ISSUE OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
is headed back to the U.S. Supreme Court
after plaintiffs in litigation challenging
same-sex marriage bans in four states
asked the high court to hear their respective cases.
On Nov. 14, attorneys for same-sex
couples in cases challenging marriage
bans in Ohio and Tennessee filed petitions with the Supreme Court asking the
justices to hear their cases. On Nov. 17,
attorneys for same-sex couples in cases
challenging marriage bans in Michigan
and Kentucky also filed petitions.
The petitions come after a 2-1 decision
handed down Nov. 6 by the 6th Circuit
Court of Appeals upheld same-sex marriage bans or bans on the recognition of
legal same-sex marriages performed in
other jurisdictions in those four states.
The Supreme Court is not required
to take any of the cases, nor are they
restricted to a particular time frame.
However, many believe the split among
the circuits created by the 6th Circuits
decision to uphold same-sex marriage
bans in four states will push the Supreme
Court to consider at least one of the
cases. For the Supreme Court to hear a
case it requires at least four justices to
agree. The breakdown of those votes are
not released by the court.
In
October,
the
Supreme
Courtdeclined to hear cases challenging
same-sex marriage bans in five states
Utah, Oklahoma, Virginia, Indiana and
Wisconsin thus allowing lower court
decisions legalizing marriage equality in those states to stand. Because the
Supreme Court left intact rulings by
the 4th, 7th and 10th Circuit Courts of
Appeals striking down same-sex marriage bans in those five states, those
appeals courts decisions applied to six
other states in those three circuits: West
Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina,

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LGBTNews
Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming.
On Nov. 13, Supreme Court Justice
Clarence Thomas provided a rare glimpse
of an apparent divide among the justices
over taking up the same-sex marriage
cases considered last month. In an order
denying a stay in an unrelated immigration case in Arizona, Thomas issued a
statement attached to the order that was
joined by Justice Antonin Scalia, noting
that they only agreed to denya stay in the
Arizona case because it appeared unlikely the required four justices would join in
agreeing to hear arguments in the case.
That is unfortunate, Thomas wrote.
Indeed, we often review decisions
striking down state laws, even in the

absence of a disagreement among lower

courts, he continued, noting the decision by the court to hear arguments in
the challenge to Californias Proposition
8 in 2012. But for reasons that escape
me, we have not done so with any consistency, especially in recent months.
Thomas pointed to the decision not to
hear cases concerning same-sex marriage
bans in Utah, Oklahoma, Virginia and
Wisconsin, as well as the decision by the
court to deny stays in same-sex marriage
cases in Idaho and Alaska. One day prior,
a Supreme Court order declining to put
same-sex marriage on hold in Kansas
noted that Thomas and Scalia, who are
considered part of the courts conserva-

tive wing, would have granted a stay.

Thomas wrote that the court could
still act on a petition for a writ of certiorari in the Arizona immigration case, but
pointed back to the actions of the court
this term. I hope my prediction about
whether that petition will be granted
proves wrong, he wrote. Our recent
practice, however, gives me little reason
to be optimistic.
But that could change with the cases
coming out of the 6th Circuit. Supreme
Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
said in September that if the 6th Circuit
allowed same-sex marriage bans to stand
there will be some urgency for the
Supreme Court to step in. l

LGBT Ally
Hopes to Replace
Comstock

Speaker Bill Howell (R-Stafford County,

Fredericksburg) has refused to allow an
up-or-down vote.
On Saturday, local Republicans
held a firehouse primary at Colvin Run
Elementary School in Fairfax to select
their nominee for the special election to
replace Comstock. Businessman and U.S.
Air Force veteran Craig Parisot who
has been backed by former Republican
Congressman Tom Davis and George
Allen, a former governor and senator
from the Commonwealth won 58 percent of 1,415 ballots cast during Saturdays
primary, which lasted from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m. Parisot defeated Allen Johnson, a
business consultant who formerly served
as a staffer in the U.S. Senate and an
ambassador for the Office of the U.S.
Trade Representative. Johnson received
support from former U.S. Senator and
Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham,
his wife, Jane, a board member of the
Susan B. Anthony List (a pro-life group
that supports greater restrictions on
abortion) and Marjorie Dannenfelser, the
president of the Susan B. Anthony List.
Murphy and Parisot will square off
in what could otherwise be called the
holiday campaign, as the bulk of their
campaigning will have to be done during
the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.
The Jan. 6 contest will also be an exercise
in the parties ability to motivate voters
to go to the polls in what may be a low
turnout election, as well as a possible
preview of General Assembly elections
in November 2015, when all 40 senators and 100 delegates will be up for reelection.
Parisot is the likely favorite going
into the special election, as Virginia
Democrats typically have lower voter
participation in off-year elections, as

evidenced by U.S. Sen. Mark Warners

unexpectedly narrow margin of victory
over Republican Ed Gillespie in his Nov.
4 re-election campaign. Republicans have
also benefitted from the 2010 redistricting process, which removed precincts
in southern McLean, Tysons Corner
and Herndon that were favorable to
Democrats and added seven Republicanleaning precincts in Loudoun County to
help shore up Comstock, who first won
the district, in its original form, by a 422vote margin.
While Murphy is a vocal supporter of
LGBT equality, earning the endorsement
of Equality Virginia Advocates in her first
run for office over Comstock, Parisots
position on various LGBT-related issues is
less clear. Kirsten Bokenkamp, a spokeswoman for Equality Virginia Advocates,
said the organization hopes to make an
endorsement in the special election in
December.
Before making an endorsement,
Equality Virginia Advocates will send
both candidates a questionnaire asking
about their stances on LGBT equality,
particularly a bill that would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or
gender identity in public employment
the organizations biggest legislative
goal as well as on other bills, such as
a second-parent adoption bill. Equality
Virginia will also be watching closely in
case some lawmakers introduce bills to
allow discrimination against gay couples
as a way to circumvent the commonwealths recognition of same-sex nuptials.
In October, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court
of Appeals upheld a lower court decision declaring the states prohibition on
same-sex marriages to be unconstitutional, prompting the state to allow same-sex
couples to wed. l

Kathleen Murphy seeking a second

shot at McLean-area House
of Delegates seat
by John Riley
GET READY FOR AN EXPEDITED CAMpaign season in Washingtons backyard.
Following Del. Barbara Comstocks
(R-Fairfax, Loudoun counties) landslide
victory over Fairfax County Supervisor
John Foust in the 10th District race to
replace retiring U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf
(R-Va.), the race to replace the threeterm delegate is in full swing.
On the Democratic side, former House
of Delegates candidate Kathleen Murphy
a business consultant and former congressional aide who came within 422
votes, or 1.4 percent of all votes cast,
of Comstock in 2013 ran unopposed
for her partys nomination for the 34th
District, which runs through parts of
McLean, Great Falls and Sterling. She
has been backed by prominent Virginia
Democrats, including Gov. Terry
McAuliffe, Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam,
Attorney General Mark Herring and a
number of General Assembly Democrats
from Northern Virginia.
Murphy, who contrasted herself with
the conservative Comstock on social
issues, told Metro Weekly during her
last campaign that she was a strong supporter not only of marriage equality, but
second-parent adoption and employment
nondiscrimination bills on which House
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MARRIOTT

LGBT

Business

Business Rewards

Marriott International to receive award for corporation of the year at

NGLCCs annual gala
by John Riley

IFTEEN
YEARS
AGO,
Marriott became the first
major hotel leader to adopt
same-sex partner benefits,
says Kathleen Matthews, executive vice
president and chief communications and
public affairs officer for Marriott. Last
year we stepped up again to urge the

Supreme Court to repeal DOMA, and this

year we also signed five amicus briefs in
support of marriage equality.
All of us at Marriott not only want
to host same-sex weddings and honeymoons, but we also are prepared to
defend your marriage licenses. We will
keep working hard to live up to this honor
by promoting equality in all we do.
Matthews will accept the NGLCCs
Corporation of the Year award on behalf
of Marriott International, recognized for

its LGBT-friendly employment policies

and LGBT inclusion in contracting, as
well as in its outreach to consumers.
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of
Commerce will honor several other corporations and individuals that have made
a significant impact as advocates for the
LGBT community as the organization
holds its 2014 National Dinner, Friday,
Nov. 21 at the National Building Museum
in Washington.
The annual gala dinner celebrates the
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NOVEMBER 20, 2014

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accomplishments of the Chamber, including its success in supporting LGBT-owned businesses and its linking of LGBT business owners and entrepreneurs with LGBT-inclusive corporations and suppliers. The dinner will kick off at 7 p.m., following
a reception and silent auction that begins at 5:30 p.m.
Denise Naguib, vice president for sustainability and supplier
diversity for Marriott, says the reason the hotel chain has stood
out and won praise for its pro-LGBT stances, both in offering
benefits to employees and in marketing to consumers, is that its
based in the companys identity.
Hospitality is about being inclusive, Naguib says. Its at the
core of our culture.
The company also sees supplier diversity as an asset to the
company, as smaller suppliers or contractors may prove more
agile and innovative than traditional companies. Thats one
reason why the company participates in NGLCCs certification
process for supplier diversifiers it allows the company to be
exposed to new suppliers or contractors and see what theyre
offering. For example, one LGBT firm that Marriott worked with
came up with a new way to look at interior design, which later
became useful when Marriott was trying to launch a new brand
of hotels with a more innovative, modern design.
Marriott has been a leader in promoting workplace diversity, and in providing comprehensive sensitivity training to its
employees.
Says Naguib, I remember something Bill Marriott, our former
CEO, said often: If you take great care of your employees, theyll
take good care of the guests and the guests will return again and
again. Simply put, our approach begins with our own workforce,
and extends naturally to all our business relationships and our
supplier diversity philosophy. Everyone deserves equal respect.

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In addition to Marriott, NGLCC will present Excel Global

Partners, a Texas-based finance and accounting consulting company, with its LGBT Supplier of the Year award, given to the
LGBT business that has gone above or beyond what is necessary to be an advocate for the LGBT community.
Debra Quade, the manager of supplier diversity at the Kellogg
Company, will be honored with Supplier Diversity Advocate of
the Year, given to the industry leader who has engaged LGBT
business owners and tried to connect them to corporate America
by opening up contracting opportunities.
Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in the National
Basketball Association, will receive the NGLCC/American
Airlines ExtrAA Mile Award, given to a trailblazer for inclusion, says Victoria Fulkerson, senior vice president of the
Chamber. Collins has used his platform as the first openly gay
NBA player to advocate for education, LGBT equality, health
care reform and physical fitness.
The National Dinner, in addition to providing entertainment and a chance for entrepreneurs to network and foster
working relationships, will celebrate major accomplishments, such as a new supplier diversity measure in California
signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown (D) in September that
requires public utilities to grant certified LGBT business
enterprises the same contracting opportunities given to other
minority-owned firms run by women, ethnic or racial minorities, and disabled veterans.
NGLCCs 2014 National Dinner will take place on Nov. 21 at the
National Building Museum, 440 F St. NW. Tickets are sold out,
but those interested may contact events@nglcc.org to be placed on
a waiting list. For more information, visit nglcc.org. l

scene
Equality Marylands
Signature Brunch
honoring
Gov. Martin OMalley
Sunday, November 16
Bethesda North Marriott
scan this tag
with your
smartphone
for bonus scene
pics online!

Photography by
Christopher Cunetto

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

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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.

BRAZILIAN GLBT GROUP, including others interested in Brazilian culture, meets. For location/time,
email braziliangaygroup@yahoo.com.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session at
Hains Point, 972 Ohio Dr., SW. 8:30-10 a.m. Visit
swimdcac.org.

DC FRONT RUNNERS running/walking/social

club welcomes all levels for exercise in a fun and

supportive environment, socializing afterward.
Meet 9:30 a.m., 23rd & P Streets NW, for a walk; or
10 a.m. for fun run. dcfrontrunners.org.

DC SENTINELS basketball team meets at Turkey

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21

CENTER MILITARY, along with DoD (Department

GAY MARRIED MENS ASSOCIATION (GAMMA)

of Defense) Pride, hosts a monthly happy hour at

Freddies Beach Bar & Restaurant. 5-8 p.m. 555 23rd
St. S, Arlington. Contact Eric Perez, 202-682-2245
or eric.perez@thedccenter.org.

CENTER WOMEN, a group of The DC Center,

holds a Beaujolais Nouveau wine tasting event. $15

in advance, $20 at the door. 7-9 p.m. 2000 14th St.
NW, Suite 105. For more information or to purchase
tickets, visit thedccenter.org.
The DC Center hosts a POLY DISCUSSION
GROUP for those interested in polyamory and consensual, non-monogamous relationships. 7-9 p.m.
2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more information,
visit thedccenter.org.
Various local communities host memorial services
for the internationally-recognized TRANSGENDER
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE in Fairfax County (Va.),
Montgomery County (Md.), Chestertown, Md. and
the District of Columbia. To find a nearby memorial
service, visit tdor.info.

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH hosts

a planning meeting ahead of THE UNITED STATES
CONFERENCE ON AIDS, to be held in D.C. from Sept.
10-13, 2015. 4-6:30 p.m. 400 I St. SW near Waterfront
Metro station. RSVP, usca2015townhall.eventbrite.com
or email policyandadvocacy@gmail.com.

WEEKLY EVENTS
DC LAMBDA SQUARES gay and lesbian square-

dancing group features mainstream through

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

US HELPING US hosts a Narcotics Anonymous

Meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave. NW.

The group is independent of UHU. 202-446-1100.

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.

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is a twice-monthly support group for men who are

gay, bi, questioning or dont identify themselves as
any of the above but who are attracted to men; and
who are or were married or otherwise involved
with a woman. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saint Thomas
Parish Episcopal Church, 1772 Church St. NW. For
more information, visit gammaindc.org or email
GAMMAinDC2@yahoo.com.

WEEKLY EVENTS
GAY DISTRICT holds facilitated discussion for
GBTQ men, 18-35, first and third Fridays. 8:30-9:30
p.m. The DC Center, 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105.
202-682-2245, gaydistrict.org.
PROJECT STRIPES hosts LGBT-affirming social

group for ages 11-24. 4-6 p.m. 1419 Columbia Road

NW. Contact Tamara, 202-319-0422, layc-dc.org.

SMYALS REC NIGHT provides a social atmosphere for GLBT and questioning youth, featuring
dance parties, vogue nights, movies and games.
More info, catherine.chu@smyal.org.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22
BURGUNDY CRESCENT, a gay volunteer organization, volunteers today for Food and Friends. To
participate, visit burgundycrescent.org.
CHRYSALIS arts & culture group visits Library of

Congress to see exhibitions on Magna Carta and the

Civil Rights Act of 1964. Free, all welcome. Meet at
11:30 a.m. just past security inside the lower level
of the Jefferson (Old) Building on First Street NE
between East Capitol and Independence Avenue.
Lunch follows. Craig, 202-462-0535. craighowell1@
verizon.net.

Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Ave. NE,

2-4 p.m. For players of all levels, gay or straight.
teamdcbasketball.org.

DIGNITY NORTHERN VIRGINIA sponsors Mass

for LGBT community, family and friends. 6:30 p.m.,
Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary
Road, Alexandria. All welcome. For more info, visit
dignitywashington.org.
GAY LANGUAGE CLUB discusses critical languages and foreign languages. 7 p.m. Nellies, 900 U St.
NW. RVSP preferred. brendandarcy@gmail.com.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23
ADVENTURING outdoors group hikes 10 strenuous miles with 2,000 feet of elevation gain in
Shenandoah National Park. Bring sturdy boots,
lunch, beverages, and about $25 for fees, plus
money for dinner at Skyland in the Park on the
way back. Carpool at 9 a.m. from East Falls Church
Metro Kiss & Ride lot. Craig, 202-462-0535. adventuring.org.
BURGUNDY CRESCENT, a gay volunteer organization, volunteers today for Lost Dog & Cat Rescue
Foundation in Potomac Yards. To participate, visit
burgundycrescent.org.
CENTER MILITARY AND THE ARLINGTON GAY
& LESBIAN ALLIANCE host a veterans-themed

library potluck with guest speaker for former U.S.

Navy SEAL Kristin Beck. Bring gently used LGBTthemed books for library donations, and a food dish
to share. 5-8 p.m. Arlington County Central Library
Auditorium, 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington, between
Virginia Square and Ballston Metro stations. For
more information, visit agla.org or contact Eric
Perez, 202-682-2245 or eric.perez@thedccenter.org.

CHICK CHAT, an age 50+ lesbian singles group,

hosts a free speed dating social. 2-3 p.m. in South

Bowie, Md. near intersection of Route 214/Central
Ave. and Route 301. For more information and to
RSVP, email woernerc@yahoo.com.

WEEKLY EVENTS

WEEKLY EVENTS

ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH offers

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF

CHRIST welcomes all to 10:30 a.m. service, 945 G

free HIV testing, 9-5 p.m., and HIV services (by

appointment). 202-291-4707 or andromedatransculturalhealth.org.

BET MISHPACHAH, founded by members of the

LGBT community, holds Saturday morning Shabbat
services, 10 a.m., followed by Kiddush luncheon.
Services in DCJCC Community Room, 1529 16th St.
NW. betmish.org.

St. NW. firstuccdc.org or 202-628-4317.

HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST welcomes

GLBT community for worship. 10:30 a.m., 6130 Old

Telegraph Road, Alexandria. hopeucc.org.

Join LINCOLN CONGREGATIONAL TEMPLE

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST for an inclusive,
loving and progressive faith community every

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

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF

NORTHERN VIRGINIA services at 11 a.m., led by

Rev. Onetta Brooks. Childrens Sunday School, 11

a.m. 10383 Democracy Lane, Fairfax. 703-691-0930,
mccnova.com.

NATIONAL CITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH, inclusive

church with GLBT fellowship, offers gospel worship,
8:30 a.m., and traditional worship, 11 a.m. 5 Thomas
Circle NW. 202-232-0323, nationalcitycc.org.
ST. STEPHEN AND THE INCARNATION, an

interracial, multi-ethnic Christian Community

offers services in English, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and
in Spanish at 5:15 p.m. 1525 Newton St. NW. 202232-0900, saintstephensdc.org.

WASHINGTON WETSKINS Water Polo Team

practices 7-9 p.m. Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van
Buren St. NW. Newcomers with at least basic swimming ability always welcome. Tom, 703-299-0504,
secretary@wetskins.org, wetskins.org.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25
GENDERQUEER DC, a monthly support group at

The DC Center for people who identify outside of

the gender binary, meets on the fourth Tuesday of
every month. 7-8:30 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite
105. For more information, visit facebook.com/genderqdc or follow @genderqueerdc on Twitter.

WEEKLY EVENTS
ASIANS AND FRIENDS weekly dinner in Dupont/
Logan Circle area, 6:30 p.m. afwash@aol.com,
afwashington.net.
THE GAY MENS HEALTH COLLABORATIVE

offers free HIV/STI screening every 2nd and 4th

Tuesday. 5-6:30 p.m. Rainbow Tuesday LGBT
Clinic, Alexandria Health Department, 4480 King
St. 703-321-2511, james.leslie@inova.org.

THE HIV WORKING GROUP of THE DC CENTER

hosts Packing Party, where volunteers assemble
safe-sex kits of condoms and lube. 7 p.m., Green
Lantern, 1335 Green Court NW. thedccenter.org.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF

SILVER SPRING invites LGBTQ families and indi-

viduals of all creeds and cultures to join the church.

Services 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. 10309 New Hampshire
Ave. uucss.org.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24
CENTER MILITARY, a group of LGBT veterans,
servicemembers and their families, meets at The
DC Center. 7-9 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105.
For more information, RSVP to Eric Perez, at eric.
perez@thedccenter.org or 202-682-2245.

WEEKLY EVENTS
Michael Brazell teaches BEARS DO YOGA, a program of The DC Center. 6:30 p.m., Green Lantern,
1335 Green Court NW. No cost, newcomers welcome. 202-682-2245, thedccenter.org.

DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds practice, 6:30-8:30

p.m. Garrison Elementary, 1200 S St. NW. dcscandals.wordpress.com.

GETEQUAL meets 6:30-8 p.m. at Quaker House,

2111 Florida Ave. NW. getequal.wdc@gmail.com.
KARING WITH INDIVIDUALITY (K.I.) SERVICES,

3333 Duke St., Alexandria, offers free rapid HIV

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

NOVASALUD offers free HIV testing. 5-7 p.m. 2049

N. 15th St., Suite 200, Arlington. Appointments:
703-789-4467.

The DC Center hosts COFFEE DROP-IN FOR THE

SENIOR LGBT COMMUNITY. 10 a.m.-noon. 2000
14th St. NW. 202-682-2245, thedccenter.org.

US HELPING US hosts a black gay mens evening

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

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NOVEMBER 20, 2014

21

IDENTITY offers free and confidential HIV testing in Gaithersburg, 414 East

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

KARING WITH INDIVIDUALITY (K.I.) SERVICES, at 3333 Duke St.,

Alexandria, offers free rapid HIV testing and counseling, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 703823-4401.
METROHEALTH CENTER offers free, rapid HIV testing. Appointment needed.
1012 14th St. NW, Suite 700. 202-638-0750.

SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5 p.m., by appointment and walk-in, for
youth 21 and younger. Youth Center, 410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3155, testing@
smyal.org.
SUPPORT GROUP FOR LGBTQ YOUTH ages 13-21 meets at SMYAL, 410 7th
St. SE, 5-6:30 p.m. Cathy Chu, 202-567-3163, catherine.chu@smyal.org.
US HELPING US hosts a support group for black gay men 40 and older. 7-9
p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave. NW. 202-446-1100.
Whitman-Walker Healths GAY MENS HEALTH AND WELLNESS/STD
CLINIC opens at 6 p.m., 1701 14th St. NW. Patients are seen on walk-in basis.
No-cost screening for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Hepatitis and
herpes testing available for fee. whitman-walker.org.

HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker Health. D.C.: Elizabeth Taylor Medical

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

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26
THE LAMBDA BRIDGE CLUB meets for Duplicate Bridge. No reservation
needed. All welcome. 7:30 p.m. Dignity Center, 721 8th St. SE. 703-407-6540 if
you need a partner.

WEEKLY EVENTS
AD LIB, a group for freestyle conversation, meets about 7:45 p.m., covered-patio
area of Cosi, 1647 20th St. NW. All welcome. Jamie, 703-892-8567.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session at Hains Point, 927 Ohio Dr.
SW. 7-8:30 p.m. Visit swimdcac.org.

DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds practice, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Garrison Elementary,

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

HISTORIC CHRIST CHURCH offers Wednesday worship 7:15 a.m. and 12:05
p.m. All welcome. 118 N. Washington St., Alexandria. 703-549-1450, historicchristchurch.org.
IDENTITY offers free and confidential HIV testing in Gaithersburg, 414

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

JOB CLUB, a weekly support program for job entrants and seekers, meets at

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

METROHEALTH CENTER offers free, rapid HIV testing. No appointment

needed. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 1012 14th St. NW, Suite 700. 202-638-0750.

NOVASALUD offers free HIV testing. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite 200,
Arlington. Appointments: 703-789-4467.

PRIME TIMERS OF DC, social club for mature gay men, hosts weekly happy
hour/dinner. 6:30 p.m., Windows Bar above Dupont Italian Kitchen, 1637 17th
St. NW. Carl, 703-573-8316.
HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker Health. D.C.: Elizabeth Taylor Medical
Center, 1701 14th St. NW, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. At the Max Robinson Center, 2301 MLK
Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 202-745-7000, whitman-walker.org. l
22

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

METROWEEKLY.COM

scene
SMYALs
30th Anniversary
Fall Brunch
Sunday, November 1
Mandarin Oriental
scan this tag
with your
smartphone
for bonus scene
pics online!

Photography by
Ward Morrison

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

23

T
24

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

METROWEEKLY.COM

T
Guardian Angel

Two decades after his magnum opus Angels in America,

Tony Kushner continues to expound on gay topics
Interview by Doug Rule
Illustration by Christopher Cunetto

TONY KUSHNER HAS BEEN HERALDED AS A LEADING PLAYWRIGHT OF OUR TIME.

But the preeminent gay thinker hasnt intently, explicitly explored gay issues in over two
decades.
I felt like it was time to write a play that had something to do with being gay, says
Kushner about his latest work, The Intelligent Homosexuals Guide to Capitalism and
Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures, now being staged in a new production at Theater J. I
havent really addressed the subject directly since Angels.
By Angels, of course, he means his seminal epic Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on
National Themes. First staged on Broadway in 1993, the two-part series won him back-to-back
Tony Awards for Best Play as well as a Pulitzer Prize and a decade later, after Kushner
worked with director Mike Nichols to adapt it for HBO, the miniseries earned multiple
Emmy and Golden Globe awards. Kushner has had success on stage since Angels, most notably with 2001s Homebody/Kabul and the 2004 musical Caroline, or Change, which he wrote
with composer Jeanine Tesori. In the past decade hes gained still wider exposure for his
work on film with Steven Spielberg, garnering two Oscar nominations for best screenplay, for
2005s Munich and 2012s Lincoln.
Yet, there remains something particularly indelible about Angels in America. A
former Metro Weekly critic called it one of the most important pieces of theater to come out
of the late 20th century. Its certainly had an outsized impact on culture. To take the most
recent signifier, three of this years Out100 specifically cited Angels as inspiring their careers
to become out and proud creators in New York.
In addition to exploring the intertwined topics of gay rights and the fight against AIDS,
Angels touched generally on progressive politics in America the driving force behind most
of Kushners works. Thats especially true with The Intelligent Homosexuals Guide. The full
title, adapted from works by George Bernard Shaw as well as Christian Science founder Mary
Baker Eddy, makes this play, staged Off-Broadway in 2011, sound gayer than it actually is.
The focus is on a liberal family reunited on the occasion of the patriarchs impending death
by suicide. Though one of his sons is gay, much to the fathers consternation, its the rights of
laborers more than gays that is put under the microscope. After last decades New York stage
workers strike, Kushner was appalled by the anti-union sentiment that I was hearing from a
lot of people in the theater world, many of whom I believed and I think believed themselves
to be progressive people.... It brought home forcefully how pervasive the anti-labor politics
of Reaganism has become in American thinking.
Kushner was inspired to write The Intelligent Homosexuals Guide as a family drama in
the mold of Eugene ONeill and especially Arthur Miller. His own family, which includes a
sister and a brother, also helped shape the piece. Unlike the plays patriarch Gus, Kushners
father was sweet and gentle, he wasnt a labor organizer and he didnt commit suicide.
He did, however, struggle for years with the homosexuality of his eldest son, who in turn
struggled with his death from kidney disease.
I had already lost one parent and I knew how tough it was going to be to lose him,
Kushner says. He died in 2011, after the play was written. But I think it is, in a way, a play
about his death.
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NOVEMBER 20, 2014

25

METRO WEEKLY: I know the outlines of your upbringing born in

New York, reared in Louisiana, to parents who were both classical

musicians. Did you ever think to follow in their footsteps? And how
did you get turned on to the theater in the first place?
TONY KUSHNER: The only thing I do musically is write lyrics for
musicals with Jeanine Tesori. My brother, who is five years
younger than me, is the first horn of the Vienna Symphonica.
And my sister is a painter. So she and I didnt go into music.
When we moved to Louisiana, my mother was a really great bassoonist. She was one of the first women to have a principal chair
at a major orchestra in America. She
recorded with Stravinsky, and was
a really extraordinary musician. We
moved to Lake Charles, Louisiana,
which is where my father was from,
I think because of economic insecurities. My father wasnt sure hed
be able to make a living as a clarinetist, enough to support a family.
My father joined my grandfather in
the local lumber business. He also
became a conductor of two really
wonderful symphony orchestras
in Lake Charles and in Alexandria,
Louisiana.
And my mother, who was a very
expressive person, needed an outlet
for her rather formidable creative
energies. She played the bassoon
with the symphony and she taught
bassoon and oboe at the local college,
but I think she needed something
more. So she started acting when I
was about four years old. The most
important memory that I have of her
is on stage she was a really, really
wonderful actor, I think. She played
Linda Loman in Death of a Salesman.
I remember very, very vividly watching her on stage during that
play. I didnt understand what the play was about, but I had a
strong sense that I was seeing something that was moving people
and that was more serious and more important somehow than
the other things Id seen. It was staged in the round in an old
Army barracks in Lake Charles. I could look across the acting
space and I remember seeing my mothers best friend sobbing,
and there were even men in the audience who were sobbing. I
was awestruck by the power and scariness of it. And Im pretty
sure thats why I got interested in theater.
My parents were both big readers. My father was a great
reader. He memorized a lot of poetry. He paid us a dollar for
every poem we could memorize. He had an astonishing memory.
In a way, becoming a playwright was a joining of my fathers
love of literature and poetry and my mothers enormous expressiveness on stage and acting. And even, in a way, its music.
Playwriting isnt a musical form exactly, but it has a lot to do
with sounds and with the effects of sound on the ear.
MW: How did your parents take to your coming out?
KUSHNER: I had a lot of trouble with my father growing up
because of being gay. He kind of figured out pretty early on that
I was not straight, and was very determined to see that change,
one way or another. He was very unhappy about it. I think he
felt a rejection of himself. And I think he was just frightened by

that, as were others in his generation. As far as he knew, if I was

gay, I would grow up to be one of those sad guys who were lonely
and occasionally arrested in the mens room at the bus station.
It happened to a couple of my teachers in Lake Charles. So we
struggled a lot. He sent me to various therapists, he tried scaring
me into heterosexuality by telling me he would reject me. I dont
think I ever really completely believed that he would, and I dont
think he would have. But he was pretty rough about it at times.
MW: Is it true your mother cried for months about your being gay?
KUSHNER: Well, not nonstop. But when we talked she would usually start crying until I just couldnt
stand it anymore, and said, Im not
going to talk to you anymore until
you stop it. It was very hard for her.
When Angels started to get national attention when it was in the
very early days, just being done in
workshops in L.A., there was a big
article about me in the Los Angeles
Times, and somebody in L.A. sent it
to his mother in Lake Charles, and
his mother brought it to my mother
she sort of began realizing that the
secret was about to be out. I came
out pretty much to everybody at that
point. And I told my parents, Im not
going to be in the closet when I talk
about myself. Im not going to hide
this. In between my coming out and
that moment, I had a boyfriend who I
had brought to Lake Charles, and she
was absolutely wonderful to him. She
was an incredibly loving, wonderful
person. We lived together for four
years, and she would talk to him on
the phone, and she would send him
presents. But she was still fighting
it she was still frightened about it.
She had breast cancer when I was 11, but it came back 20 years
later and metastasized into lung cancer. She died in 1990 just as the
play was beginning to take off. I know she would have come to a
complete acceptance with time. Its always been a source of pain to
me that she didnt really have that. Im really glad that by the time
she died she knew who I was.
My father and I had another almost 20 years after that to
really repair a lot of the damage that the struggles of my childhood had done. When I started to get a name, and especially
when he read the first draft of the first half of Angels, his resistance just collapsed. And he said, This is who you are, and Im
not fighting it anymore. And he became very quickly very, very
supportive. He was never a particularly political person, but
he would not let anyone say anything bad about gay people in
his presence. And in Lake Charles, Louisiana, that was a feat.
Its a very reactionary part of the country. After Mark and I got
married and were in the Vows column in the New York Times,
and my father was in a picture that they ran, a cousin who was
my fathers age came up to him and said, Well Bill, I saw that
picture in the New York Times. You certainly looked pretty miserable. And my father said, As a matter of fact, it was one of
the happiest days of my life. And then he walked away and he
never spoke to the guy again.
MW: Im gathering you didnt exactly get your progressive poli-

We just allowed in
a new crop of really
depressing people into
the U.S. Congress. Weve
really lowered the bar
terribly in the last few
years. All they think the
government is for [is] to
grind their axes.
THEY DONT
BELIEVE THE
GOVERNMENT
HAS ANY POSITIVE
ROLE.

26

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

METROWEEKLY.COM

tics from your parents.

KUSHNER: For the most part, yeah. I was a Jew in small-town
Louisiana that taught me a certain amount about being
other. We didnt experience a lot of particularly virulent antiSemitism, but we experienced some. And we were certainly a
very skilled minority, and attracted attention as a small minority.
And my parents said from day one, Be proud of being Jewish,
never try and hide it. If anybody has a problem with it, its their
problem, its not your problem. You have nothing to be ashamed
of or apologize for. And it was a perfect model for coming out.
And I used it mercilessly with my
parents when I did. I said, I know
how to be gay because you taught
me how to be Jewish in southern
Louisiana. And what applies to Jews
applies to gay people dont apologize. Its not our problem, its the
homophobic worlds problems.
My mother was sort of very emotional, and I think a left-leaning progressive person. My father was much
more moderate, but he was a liberal.
And a person who believed in fairness and justice. And he maintained
that the rest of his life. My grandfather also was a profoundly decent
man. He had a lumberyard, one of
the first businesses in Lake Charles
that catered to an African-American
clientele. He dealt very fairly with
people and very humanely with people who were having economic difficulties. And I think he passed that along to my father. So I dont
come by my politics from any particularly remarkable source. I
think just from some ordinary, decent Americans who believed
in democracy and believed in human rights and civil rights and
justice.
I was in high school in the early 1970s, and our high school,
the main high school in Lake Charles, was integrated by federal
mandate. And it went from being an all-white school to a 50-percent black/50-percent white high school in my sophomore year.
And it worked. Everybody expected violence and terribleness
and whatever kind of fantasies they had. But nothing like that
happened. There were some tensions obviously, but people got
used to being together fairly quickly. And I saw people crosspollinating, teaching each other things that were of great value.
I learned things of great value from African-American friends
that I had in high school. And I really believe that I received an
absolutely incandescent example of social engineering at its best.
And then, of course, the white people of Lake Charles passed a
bond issue to build a huge high school far away from any place
that any African-American student could conceivably be bussed
and destroyed it. They ruined what was begun, what was just
the flowering of the civil rights movement in the late 60s and
definitely 70s when the country was really committed to trying
to experiment in fairly daring ways, trying to create a new kind
of America. And then it got abandoned. But Ill never forget the
lessons from the successes.
MW: That gets at the idea that, at the very least, progress follows a
slow and steady course two steps forward, one step back.
KUSHNER: Yeah. The world changes as time passes. People
change, history changes people, people change history, and

new circumstances insist upon new solutions. Thats absolutely

one thing you learn from reading history, and also from having
lived for 58 years: progress is always reversible. And enormously
important gains that seem to you with crystal clarity to be
inarguable improvements of the human condition, these things
can be done away with if it serves some nefarious, ideological
purpose. I think thats one of the many things that were seeing
right now a really ugly, personalized assault on a president
who I think by any standards has been a very good if not a
great president, and he would be a great president if Congress
wasnt completely dysfunctional.
But the vote against Obama is not
a vote against his policies its not
about Obamacare its about having a black man in the White House.
Im certain of that. And its not just
true in my hometown of Louisiana,
although its absolutely true there. I
think its true across the country. The
country is changing now and becoming something very different. And
theres a kind of freak out about it.
So you think, okay, weve finally
progressed to the point where we
can elect an African American to the
White House, and thats an amazing
major, major thing. And then you
turn around and Mitch McConnell is
Majority Leader in the Senate.
MW: Similarly, there seems to be a
backlash forming against the rapid
progress weve made in recent years
with gay rights and particularly with marriage equality.
KUSHNER: Well theres going to be one. I mean, how reversible
whats happened is, I dont know. But its a very serious situation, and of course a great deal depends on the courts. And a
Republican Senate. And God forbid a million times I dont
think that they have a shot at the White House, I really dont.
Although we shouldnt be complacent. Anyone who wants to
know what just happened needs to look at voter turnout, and
not say, Oh, Obama did this or he didnt do that. We need to
say, Why the hell, with so much at stake wasnt there much
greater turnout among progressive people? I dont know with
redistricting and so on if we could have prevented some of what
happened, but some places like Maryland, with the governorship
going to a Republican there are things that are really shocking
and we have to really ask where this complacency that I think we
just displayed as a community the community of progressive
people in the country comes from and whether we can afford
it. I think the answer is obviously we cant.
I dont know what will happen in terms of marriage equality.
The rapidity with which things have changed in the last two or
three months is like nothing Ive ever seen, led by the courts.
And its been accompanied by a change in peoples opinion.
Who knows what the Republicans are going to do now? Im
almost more afraid of the sort of centrist Democrat line that,
Oh, we lost because of all of these court decisions about gay
marriage and we have to distance ourselves. But I dont think
theyre going to do that. I mean, I dont think anybody whos
paying attention to polls and they all pay attention to very
little else but polls can really say that going homophobic in a
big way right now would be a surefire vote-getter. Theres a lot

Increased rates of
[HIV] infection among
young people worries
me because I think that
the world is so much
harder for people who
are young right now.
THEYRE REALLY
PROTECTED FROM
NOTHING.

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NOVEMBER 20, 2014

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job of addressing the epidemic and not allowing the epidemic to

disintegrate us or make us abandon our fight against oppression
and homophobia.
But increased rates of infection among young people also
worry me because I think that the world is so much harder for
people who are young right now. Theyre really protected from
nothing. Theyre told that there is no safety net for them. Theyre
told that the economy is never going to recover. Theyre told that
the ecosystem is in fact collapsing. How do you develop a sense
of future and of security and a passion for the future with
all of that in your
face? Its hard to
resist despair.
MW: Do you have
any opinion about
preventative
pharmaceutical
measures such
as pre- and postexposure prophylaxis, known as
PrEP and PEP
respectively, in
which sexually
active people who
are HIV negative
take a pill that
some studies have
shown dramatically reduces the
risk of infection?
KUSHNER: Well,
I wont pretend
to know a great
deal about it. But
what I have read
about it theres
no guarantee of
any of these. We
dont know the long-term effects of those drugs themselves on
the body. It seems you should always avoid taking any medication that you dont need. And I dont hear any serious medical
professionals anywhere saying that we have now come up with
a really foolproof way to avoid HIV and many other kinds of
sexually transmitted diseases by the way other than by nonpharmaceutical measures, including the use of condoms and
abstaining from certain activities that are really very high risk.
And staying clear-headed when youre having sex so you know
whats happening to you while youre doing it. To grab wildly at
drugs that were developed as antivirals and use them as some
kind of prophylactics, especially relying on anecdotal information....
Is it safer than doing it without any of that stuff, and just
doing barebacking? Uh, yeah. Its safer to do that. But dont fuck
around with your immune system. Try and preserve it. Theres
nothing really that you can experience thats worth the possible
serious compromising of your bodys methods of surviving in the
world, which is what your immune system is. Just dont burn
the house down. We dont know about the efficacy of repeated
uses, so, I dont know. Its very difficult. I really get it. Its really,
really difficult. Be cautious, and dont play Russian roulette.
Dont kid yourself that it wont happen to you. You have to do a
JOAN MARCUS

of homophobia still out there, but I think there arent too many
people who at this point really dont get why same-sex people
should be allowed to be married. But well see.
I mean, on the other hand, we just allowed in a new crop of
really depressing people into the U.S. Congress. When I was
younger, you would never have seen anybody like Ted Cruz as
a U.S. Senator. Even the bad U.S. Senators, people like Strom
Thurmond, were more impressive than this guy. Weve really
lowered the bar terribly in the last few years. And so, God knows
what theyre going to get up to. It would just be a waste of money
I think if they tried to pass some sort of amendment to abolish same-sex marriage in the United States. The constitutional
issues alone would be mind-boggling, and I dont think it would
have a chance in hell to be ratified. But we know that all they
think the government is for [is] to grind their axes and try and
destroy opponents. They dont believe the government has any
positive role.
MW: I want to turn the discussion to HIV/AIDS, which was a central theme in Angels in America. Obviously since then, and even in
just the past couple years, weve made great strides on this front.
But there is increasing debate about whether the gay community
in particular is becoming complacent or even backsliding when it
comes to dealing with sex and sexual health.
KUSHNER: I dont know how to answer that. The human race has
made appallingly little progress in terms of AIDS treatment and
prevention. Some of the failure of progress in terms of prevention, from the people that I talk to, is genuinely about limitations
of science. [The disease] is a formidable adversary, and we dont
yet have a cure. [But] in terms of taking care of people who
are infected and in terms of trying to curb the spread of it, we
havent done a very good job. And its a global pandemic now.
In industrialized countries and reasonably wealthy countries, in
some ways its a kind of latent illness although its not something that anybody should want to have, and we dont know
what the effect of all these medications ultimately will be on a
body that has to take them for decades. Were learning that. But
we learned a while ago how to stop the spread of most opportunistic infections related to AIDS, and to reduce viral loads and
theoretically reduce transmission.
Ill be honest, I find it very, very upsetting and very distressing when any young person tells me that they just seroconverted. Its not like when I was [younger] in the early 1980s and we
didnt know anything. We have all this information now. What
happened? But on the other hand, we sort of know what happened human sexuality is a really complicated thing. I think
youre dealing with everything from positive things like passion,
and breaking down barriers that separate people which I
think is one of the purposes of sex. And so having a lot of barriers
is hard, is difficult. And fantasies of spontaneity that are sold by
every movie and television show ever made, safe sex sort of flies
in the face of that.
Most people cant live with a day-to-day awareness of the
possibility of oblivion, so we numb ourselves. Weve been living
with AIDS for a long time, and I think there are a lot of people
who just say, Im tired. I did safe sex most of the time but
then there was this one time. And then there are all the other
[related] problems drinking or doing drugs and losing your
bearings. Theres a sexual morality that were in the process of
developing, but its going to take time. I mean, we were victims
of a really virulent form of oppression for a very, very long time,
and theres a lot of working out of stuff that has to happen. I
think that the community has basically done a rather astonishing

really serious psychic inventory and decide, Is there any part of

my brain that feels immortal? If theres any part of you that is
flirting with the possibility that you may be the one to be spared,
just because youre so special, you want to identify that aspect of
yourself and have a very serious talk with it because its wrong.
Its a crapshoot, and anyone can get unlucky.
MW: Have you thought about exploring this topic again, perhaps by
writing a part three to Angels?
KUSHNER: No. I used to talk about that a lot. It was hard to say
goodbye to those people in the play and the actors because

I had a lot of trouble

with my father
growing up because of
being gay. He was very
unhappy about it.
I THINK
HE FELT A
REJECTION OF
HIMSELF.

they had been part of my life for a really long time and they had
changed my life. My life was radically different after Angels
opened. Im sure I could probably write these characters again,
because theyre very close to me. And I love them, even though
theyre not real. With the exception of Roy [Cohn] who died,
I think I could continue to write plays with those people. And
there was a point at which I thought maybe thats all I would
do. Ill just write parts until Im too old to write anymore. But it
hasnt worked out that way, and I dont feel any great [need]. I
dont want to say never,but I also dont want to be 150 and decide
that now is the time to write the sequel to Angels in America, and
write something bad that everybody is embarrassed by.
MW: Youve produced several well-regarded works since Angels,
but that early play remains, as its listed on your Wikipedia page,
your magnum opus. Do you feel pressure to repeat that level of
success?
KUSHNER: No. I mean, would I like it again? Maybe, sure. Angels
happened at a very particular moment in time. I think its a really
good play. Im very proud of it, Im not saying this to diminish
it. But I think it was also one of those things that happen to
somebody occasionally, where it was the right thing at the right
moment and it becomes a very, very big deal. I know that when
I die, my obituary will say, the author of Angels in America.

And thats okay. I mean, Id rather have written it than not have
written it.
Im very proud of a lot of the work that Ive done. I think
Lincoln had a level of success financially, it was a huge box
office hit, which nobody was expecting it to be. And Im really
proud of it. I was proud of Munich. I like working in film a lot.
But I think that [fundamentally] Im a playwright. Whenever
I say this, I sound a little bit like Eve Harrington at the end of
All About Eve: Though Im going to Hollywood, my heart will
always be in the theater. Theater is more interesting to me than
any other medium. Its not better, its not superior in any way.
But it does something very different than film, and I really love
what it does.
I feel that my job as a playwright and as a screenwriter is to
be a popular entertainer. And I would hate to write anything that
nobody liked. And so far I dont think I have done that. I think
everything that Ive written has done what I needed it to, which
is to hold an audience and give them a rich theatrical experience.
Other than that I cant control it.
MW: Ive heard you say before that youre proudest of your work on
the musical Caroline, or Change.
KUSHNER: Yeah, I am. I mean, I love it very much. I think what
Jeanine did is just mindboggling and beautiful, and it completely
works. I really love that its two-hours long. Its just a normal
theatrical experience as opposed to everything else Ive ever
written. [Laughs.] And it says a lot of what I want to say. And
says it musically as well as dramatically. And as the child of musicians, that means a lot to me. I have absolutely no doubt that if
any of my work lasts, thats one of the things thats going to last.
MW: Finally, I understand that both you and your friend, the late
writer Maurice Sendak (Where The Wild Things Are), appeared
briefly in Angels.
KUSHNER: Yeah, if you watch near the beginning, when they go
to the cemetery and the rabbis are waiting for a bus to take them
back to Crown Heights. And Louis comes up and talks to Rabbi
Chemelwitz, whos played by Meryl Streep. And the rabbi sitting
right next to Rabbi Chemelwitz is me, and then the rabbi sitting
right next to me is Maurice.
MW: Have you ever appeared in your own work like that before or
since?
KUSHNER: Angels was my first film. Ive never been on stage, and
I have no interest in being on stage.
MW: So we shouldnt expect to see you again like that?
KUSHNER: I was there the whole time but I didnt get a cameo in
Lincoln. And I wasnt in Munich. Maybe in my next thing with
Spielberg that Im working on Ill be able to have a small part, I
dont know. I really dont have any grand ambitions. Ive always
wanted to be a judge on Law & Order or The Good Wife. And Ive
let everybody who works on those shows know that I think I
would be really good as one of their judges, who just sits there
assessing, Overruled! Sustained! But nobody has taken me
up on it yet.
MW: Well, once they do you can add Law & Order to your Playbill
bio, just as so many Broadway actors do, as a different kind of
marker that youve made it.
KUSHNER: I know, yeah. I could develop a natural sideline for
whenever I become too old and crazy to write plays anymore.
The Intelligent Homosexuals Guide to Capitalism and Socialism
with a Key to the Scriptures runs to Dec. 21, at Washington, D.C.s
Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW. Tickets are $30 to
$60. Call 202-518-9400 or visit washingtondcjcc.org. l

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NOVEMBER 20, 2014

29

NOVEMBER 20 - 27, 2014

Compiled by Doug Rule

Mad Men
Cabaret
Bryan Batt stops by Strathmore for a night of

N THE 90S I REMEMBER EVERYBODY WAS DOING

these self-promoting cabaret shows to get work in New
York, actor Bryan Batt says. It got to be a point of like,
Ill just send you a check for the cover charge dont
make me sit through your therapy session.
Batts cabaret, titled Batt on a Hot Tin Roof, is not, as
he puts it, an egomaniacal thing like that. The show, to be
presented at Strathmore on Thursday, Nov. 20, is also not an
educational lecture. Ive seen some cabarets where they sing
the songs of Oscar Hammerstein they pick one composer,
and its almost like a classroom. Mine is nothing like that
whatsoever.
Instead, Batts show is designed as an entertaining, lighthearted romp, featuring songs that I love and stories from
my life that I think are quite amusing. A New Orleans native,
Batt came to attention through supporting work in independent gay-themed 90s fi lms such as Jeffrey as well as work in
Broadway shows like La Cage Aux Folles and Joseph and the
Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Batt met his partner, Tom
Cianfi chi, 25 years ago when they were both starring in an
Ohio production of Evita. The couple got married last year.
While his show doesnt include any numbers from the
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical, Batt does talk
about his work as the closeted character Salvatore Romano on
AMCs hit show Mad Men. The cabaret itself was conceived of

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Fords Theatre remounts its music-filled production of the Dickens classic, adapted by Michael
Wilson and directed by Michael Baron. Edward
Gero returns for his sixth year as Ebenezer Scrooge
in this telling featuring imaginative special effects,
familiar carols and themes of giving back and living with grace. Among other local stage stars in
the cast: Felicia Curry, Bobby Smith, Erin Driscoll,
Rick Hammerly and Stephen F. Schmidt. Opens
Thursday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. Runs to Jan. 1. Fords
Theatre, 511 10th St. NW. Tickets are $ Call 800-9822787 or visit fordstheatre.org.

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

Bryan Batt performs Thursday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30
p.m. at the Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North
Bethesda. Tickets are $35. Call 301-581-5100 or
visit strathmore.org.

ANNE-SOPHIE MUTTER
WITH THE MUTTER VIRTUOSI

SPOTLIGHT

30

in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Im no good with a hammer, Batt explains. So when
Katrina hit and everyone was gutting houses and everything,
while I was evacuated in New York, I did tons of benefi ts and
fundraisers and performed at tons of events. And when we got
back to New Orleans, this was how I fi gured out how I could
help...displaced actors and musicians after Katrina.
And now its a benefi t that keeps on giving at least for Batt
and his fans. As he puts it, I benefi tted as well because now I
have this show...that I can do anywhere. Doug Rule

METROWEEKLY.COM

Washington Performing Arts presents a concert by

the 14-member string ensemble consisting of winners
of Mutti Foundation scholarships and named after
and led by one of the worlds most popular violinist. The performance includes Mendelssohn, Vivaldi
and the Washington premiere of Sebastian Curriers
Ringtone Variations, commissioned by the virtuosi
last year. Sunday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m. Kennedy Center
Concert Hall. Tickets are $35 to $100. Call 202-4674600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

CHUS & CEBALLOS

Not even six months after its first gig in D.C. in years,
Chus & Ceballos, one of the worlds best progressive house DJ acts, returns to Flash Nightclub. The
quick return comes as no surprise to anyone who
caught Chus Esteban and Pablo Ceballoss debut in
the intimate space last July. The gay-popular straight
Spaniards just couldnt get enough of the mixed gay/

straight crowds enthusiastic response, and seemed

to be as reluctant as patrons to call it a night, continuing to spin a few tracks on arguably the citys
best sound system even after the house lights went
up. It shouldnt be any different this time around,
when the duo DJs for a special holiday party the club
is dubbing Flashgiving. Gay D.C.s own DJ David
Merrill returns to spin downstairs in the Flash Bar.
Thursday, Nov. 27. Doors at 8 p.m. Flash Nightclub,
645 Florida Ave. NW. Tickets are $10 to $15. Call 202827-8791 or visit flashdc.com.

FOOD: OUR GLOBAL KITCHEN

National Geographic imports this exhibition from

New Yorks American Museum of Natural History
exploring the complex and intricate farm-to-fork
food system, with sections devoted to growing, transporting, cooking, eating, tasting and celebrating.
Through Feb. 22. National Geographic Museum, 1145
17th St. NW. Tickets are $11. Call 202-857-7588 or
visit ngmuseum.org.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STRATHMORE

songs and stories

LEVINE MUSIC

Reimagining the Piano Trio highlights works that

question the conventional piano trio format by incorporating elements from the symphony (via Brahms),
opera (Tchaikovsky) and ballet (Prokofiev). Levine
School of Music faculty artists Anna Ouspenskaya,
Igor Zubkovsky are joined by Levine alum Fedor
Ouspensky. Saturday, Nov. 22, at 4 p.m. Hillwood
Estate, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. Tickets are $15,
which include admission to Hillwood before the
concert. Call 202-686-8500 or visit levinemusic.org.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1

Lionsgates cinematic juggernaut returns to steamroll the competition. Dont expect a satisfying conclusion for that youll have to wait until next
years Part 2 but if youre even remotely plugged
into pop culture, you already know whether or not
youre going to love Francis Lawrences film starring,
of course, Jennifer Lawrence (no relation), plus a
whole slew of stars in supporting roles, from Woody
Harrelson to Julianne Moore to the late Philip
Seymour Hoffman. Opens Friday, Nov. 21. Area theaters. Visit fandango.com.

THE KEYS: A STAGE PLAY

Theatre for Justice premieres a new play that

explores issues of economic, racial and age discrimination with a focus on a woman who goes from
riches to rags and takes a cross-country journey after
losing her luxury sales job due in part to the recent
economic recession. The show is presented in part
by several affiliated organizations, including Blacks
in Government and the National Forum on Judicial
Accountability. Saturday, Nov. 22, Sunday, Nov. 23,
starting at 6 p.m. Busboys & Poets, 5331 Baltimore
Ave., Hyattsville, Md. Tickets are $55 including a
pre-show dinner, or $33 for the 7:30 p.m. show only.
Call 301-779-2787 or visit busboysandpoets.com.

THE SELDOM SCENE

Formed over 40 years ago in Bethesda, the progressive bluegrass band Seldom Scene remains especially
popular in its hometown region. The group returns
to Alexandrias seated show palace the Birchmere
for two nights over Thanksgiving Weekend, this
time with special guests Dry Branch Fire Squad.
Friday, Nov. 27, and Saturday, Nov. 28, at 7:30
p.m. The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave.,
Alexandria. Tickets are $35. Call 703-549-7500 or
visit birchmere.com or seldomscene.com.

WTF HAPPENED TO BABY SISTER?

Though so far in its second season the Rainbow

Theatre Project has focused on concert readings of LGBT-focused plays, the weekend before
Thanksgiving it offers its first feature production
in partnership with brave soul collective. Thembi
Duncans play WTF Happened to Baby Sister?, conceived and directed by James Foster Jr. and inspired
by Michael Sainte-Andress, is set in Harlems house/
ball subculture and features drag performances,
comedy, tragedy, battles, bondage, murder and a
little old Hollywood diva worship for good measure.
Saturday, Nov. 21, and Sunday, Nov. 22, at 8 p.m.
Source, 1835 14th St. NW. Tickets are $20. Call 202204-7760 or visit rainbowtheatreproject.org.

FILM
PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR

Its odd that Dreamworks animation department

seems to operate in one of two modes: pleasingly
brilliant or depressingly unoriginal. Sadly, were
in the latter category for Penguins of Madagascar,
which takes the side characters from Dreamworks
Madagascar franchise and gives them a standalone
film far removed from the original. Billed as covert

spies, they join an elite undercover organization

to take down a villainous octopus. Its going to be
awful. Opens Wednesday, Nov. 28. Area theaters.
Visit fandango.com.

ST. VINCENT

Bill Murray stars as the grouchy, world-weary

Vincent, whos tasked with looking after his new
neighbors son. Theodore Melfis comedy is a clichd
tale of grumpy old man finding new joy through the
eyes of an innocent youth, but theres a lot to please
here. Murrays performance, for one, as he drags
young Oliver through his daily routine of gambling
and drinking, and Melissa McCarthy, taking a break
from the rut shes been stuck in since Bridesmaids. It
wont forge new cinematic grounds, but itll please
all the same. Opens Friday, Nov. 21. Angelika Pop-Up
at Union Market, 550 Penn St. NE, Unit E. Call 800680-9095 or visit angelikapopup.com.

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

Oh, come on. A film so obviously pitched at Oscar

voters its almost offensive: The early life of brilliant physicist Stephen Hawking, who succumbed to
motor neuron disease but still managed to become
one of the most lauded scientists of his generation.
Eddie Redmayne stars as Hawking, and his transformation over the course of James Marshs film
is remarkable, as is his resemblance to Hawking.
Redmaynes performance is clearly the star of the
show, here, with Hawkings work taking second billing. Now playing. Visit fandango.com.

STAGE
AS YOU LIKE IT

Internationally acclaimed Shakespearean director

Michael Attenborough makes his debut in D.C. with

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NOVEMBER 20, 2014

31

Sculpted
Dance
Susan Stroman salutes the

Kennedy Center in helping her

create the musical Little Dancer

a Shakespeare Theatre Company production of this

frothy Shakespearean comedy, complete with a girl
disguised as a boy and the source for some of the
Bards most famous phrases, from all the worlds
a stage to too much of a good thing. Zoe Waites,
Adina Verson and Derek Smith lead the large cast.
To Dec. 7. Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St. NW.
Tickets are $20 to $110. Call 202-547-1122 or visit
shakespearetheatre.org.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Molly Smith directs an Arena Stage production of

Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnicks beloved musical,
celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. Jonathan
Hadary, a Bethesda native who has been nominated
for a Tony Award and won a Helen Hayes, plays
Tevye, leading a 28-member cast. Arena favorite
Parker Esse (Oklahoma, The Music Man) adapts
Jerome Robbinss original choreography for the inthe-round Fichlander Stage. To Jan. 5. Mead Center
for American Theater, 1101 6th St. SW. Tickets are
$50 to $99. Call 202-488-3300 or visit arenastage.org.

FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE

Arena Stage presents Clarke Peterss celebration

of the feel-good music of Louis Jordan, whose hits
included Let the Good Times Roll and Is You Is or
Is You Aint My Baby. Robert OHara directs a cast
featuring Travis Porchia, Jobari Parker-Namdar,
Paris Nix, Sheldon Henry and Clinton Roane. To
Dec. 28. Mead Center for American Theater, 1101 6th
32

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

METROWEEKLY.COM

PAUL KOLNIK

APPLAUD THE KENNEDY CENTER

for being brave, being part of creating a brand-new musical, Susan
Stroman says, calling the art institutions support of Little Dancer the kind of
thing you very rarely see in a time of lessrisky revivals and movie adaptations. Its
a miracle when a new musical gets up, just
because of the finances.... It is difficult to get
investors to believe in something new.
Certainly having the Tony Awardwinning Stroman (The Producers, Crazy for
You) on board as director and choreographer helps sell this particular show, created by the same team behind last decades
Kennedy Center gamble, Ragtime writer Lynn Ahrens and composer Stephen
Flaherty. Also aiding the cause is Stromans
lifelong fascination with the subject matter.
As a dancer, you grow up with that
image on your Christmas cards and your
birthday cards, she says of 19th century artist Edgar Degass famous sculpture, Little
Dancer Aged Fourteen. Its very much
a part of your entire life as a dancer. A
native of Wilmington, Del., Stroman grew

(L-R) Susan Stroman, Rebecca Luker, Michele Ragusa andJenny Powers

up wanting to be a choreographer and wondering about the little ballerina who

posed for the sculpture. Now shes worked with Ahrens and Flaherty to tell the
girls story with some creative license as well as that of Degas, specifically the
famous painters first foray into the sculpture medium. Turns out, the work was
so harshly criticized in its day, Degas removed it from public view and stashed it
in his closet, were it collected dust for decades until well after his death. And the
dancer named Marie? She was eventually dismissed by the Paris Opera Ballet and
never heard from again.
Little Dancer stars two of Broadways leading lights, Boyd Gaines and Rebecca
Luker, as well as New York City Ballet principal Tiler Peck as young Marie.
The show combines musical theater, visual art and classical ballet in a way that
Stroman calls unique. And it couldnt start in a better locale, as the work of art that
inspired the show is on permanent display at the National Gallery of Art across
town. As Stroman notes, Its quite moving to see the show and then go see the
original sculpture, the one that has Degass fingerprints all over it. Doug Rule
Little Dancer runs to Nov. 30, at the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater. Tickets are
$45 to $155. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

St. SW. Tickets are $51 to $109. Call 202-488-3300 or

visit arenastage.org.

HANDBAG

In Handbag provocative British playwright Mark

Ravenhill (Shopping and F***king) explores the pursuit of parenthood by gay couples in present-day
London by juxtaposing it with a Victorian-era tale,
styled as a prequel to Oscar Wildes The Importance of
Being Earnest. Scena Theatre kicks off its 28th season
with a production of this black comedy, whose two
storylines run in parallel until colliding in a satire of
societys progress. Scenas Robert McNamara directs
a cast that includes Anne Nottage, Amanda Forstrom,
Gray West, Edward C. Nagel, Robert Sheire and
Haely Jardas. To Nov. 30. Anacostia Playhouse, 2020
Shannon Place S.E. Tickets are $20 to $35. Call 202399-7993 or visit scenatheatre.org.

JULIUS CAESAR
Specters haunt the stage at Folger Theatre, and these
cloaked souls ghosts of those lost to war lurk in
the shadows and stalk the set, like a group of grim
reapers, in Robert Richmonds stunning, mystical
production ofJulius Caesar. They faintly chant what
must be warnings of further bloodshed to come, if we
could only make them out. But just as Caesar ignores
his Soothsayers fervent plea Beware the Ides of
March, so the lost souls incantations fall on deaf
ears. Its impressive how Richmond, working with
fight director Casey Dean Kaleba, has his attractive

actors move from the lurching lost souls to the

multiple slow-motion battle scenes to the marches
and synchronized hand gestures showing group solidarity. Everything here is stylized in an evocative,
even elegant manner, with every detail carefully
thought out, right down to the poppy petals that are
regularly tossed out after each death. After all, since
the First World War red poppies have been a symbol
of remembering the war dead. To Dec. 7. Folger
Shakespeare Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE. Tickets
are $40 to $75. Call 202-544-7077 or visit folger.edu.
(Doug Rule)

PEN

Kasi Campbell directs a Washington Stage Guild

production of this sharply funny, poignant play, a
recent Off Broadway hit. Written by contemporary
American playwright David Marshall Grant, Pen
focuses on the perplexing future faced by a divorced,
mixed-religion couple and their college-bound
son. Closes Sunday, Nov. 23. Undercroft Theatre
of Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 900
Massachusetts Ave. NW. Tickets are $40 to $50. Call
240-582-0050 or visit stageguild.org.

SEX WITH STRANGERS

Holly Twyford stars in Laura Easons play about

a one-night stand in a secluded cabin between a
floundering 39-year-old writer and a successful
young blogger, played by Luigi Sottile. Aaron Posner
directs this Signature Theatre production. To Dec. 7.
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington.
Call 703-820-9771 or visit signature-theatre.org.

SWING TIME! THE MUSICAL

Mike Thornton, an actor who has worked with the

satire group the Capitol Steps, and his wife, Cecelia
Fex, have teamed up as co-producers for this new
big band-era musical revue about a group of performers putting together a wartime radio broadcast.
Featuring film clips plus a live jazz band, the show
features tunes made popular by Duke Ellington,
Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and
Cab Calloway. To Nov. 30. U.S. Navy Memorials
Burke Theater, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Tickets
are $19 or $49. Call 202-393-4266 or visit swingtimethemusical.com.

THE INTELLIGENT HOMOSEXUALS GUIDE

The awkward, cumbersome full title to the latest play by Tony Kushner (Angels in America)
The Intelligent Homosexuals Guide to Capitalism
and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures nods
to George Bernhard Shaw and Christian Science
founder Mary Baker Eddy. But ultimately neither
book inspired or even explains this play, which is
about the emotional squabbles of a family headed by
a lifelong communist ready to end his life. Theater J
presents a new production of Kushners latest epic
play, clocking in at over three hours in length. To
Dec. 21. The Aaron and Cecile Goldman Theater,
Washington, D.C.s Jewish Community Center, 1529
16th St. NW. Tickets are $30 to $55. Call 202-5189400 or visit washingtondcjcc.org.

MUSIC
BLONDE REDHEAD

This part-Japanese/part-Italian New York-based

arty rock trio has been compared to early Sonic
Youth, and has, in fact, worked with that bands
drummer Steve Shelley. But its name comes from

a song by the 80s band DNA, and its more recent

work, such as this years Barragan, is more steeped in
dream pop and stripped-down electronica. Saturday,
Nov. 22, at 7:30 p.m. The Howard Theatre, 620 T St.
NW. Tickets are $20 in advance, or $25 day-of show.
Call 202-588-5595 or visit thehowardtheatre.com.

CAPITAL CITY SYMPHONY

Getting a jumpstart on the month-long onslaught of

holiday-themed concerts, the Capital City Symphony
presents a semi-staged concert opera version of
Humperdincks Hansel and Gretel tale as part of its
annual family holiday performance. Victoria Gau
conducts a cast featuring Mary Gresock as Gretel
and Rebecca Henry as Hansel. Saturday, Nov. 22,
at 7:30 p.m. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H
St. NE. Tickets are $25. Call 202-399-7993 or visit
atlasarts.org.

FEEDEL BAND,
BACKBEAT UNDERGROUND W/RAMY ESSAM

Two D.C.-based bands with distinctive takes on jazz

Feedel calls its sound Ethiojazz and funk perform at Tropicalia in a concert also featuring the man
heralded as the singer of the Egyptian Revolution,
who was one of the first out of the square: His song
Irhal was written within 24 hours after arriving
in Tahir Square during the famous government protests several years ago. Friday, Nov. 21. Doors at 7:30
p.m. Tropicalia, 2001 14th St. NW. Tickets are $10.
Call 202-629-4535 or visit tropicaliadc.com.

MARYLAND OPERA STUDIO

Nick Olcott directs a production of Mozarts Cosi

fan tutte, which explores fidelity and gender issues.
Opens Friday, Nov. 21, Monday, Nov. 24, and
Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 7:30 p.m. Also Sunday, Nov. 23,
at 3 p.m. The Clarice at the University of Maryland,
University Boulevard and Stadium Drive. College
Park. Tickets are $25. Call 301-405-ARTS or visit
theclarice.umd.edu.

NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Rossen Milanov conducts the NSO in a program

including Stravinskys Firebird Suite and Busonis
Piano Concerto featuring Garrick Ohlsson and the
Washington Mens Camarata. Thursday, Nov. 20,
at 7 p.m., and Friday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Nov.
22, at 8 p.m. Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Tickets
are $10 to $85. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedycenter.org.

ZELLNIK BROTHERS

Writer David Zellnik and composer Joseph Zellnik

wrote the gay-affirming Off-Broadway military musical
Yank! a decade ago. The duo perform from that work
and other collaborations, including The Wright Brothers:
First in Flight as part of the Broadway: Yesterday,
Today and Tomorrow presented as a free Kennedy
Center Millennium Stage concert by the American
Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, better
known as ASCAP. Saturday, Nov. 29, at 6 p.m. Kennedy
Center Millennium Stage. Tickets are free. Call 202-4674600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

DANCE
BALLET ADI

The American Dance Institutes resident company

returns with new works by its leader Runqiao Du,
erstwhile a dancer with the Washington Ballet and
the Suzanne Farrell Ballet, along with guest choreographer Loni Landon, a Juilliard graduate whose
work the New York Times says is full of detail and
surprises. Friday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Nov. 22, at
8 p.m. American Dance Institute, 1501 East Jefferson
St. Rockville. Tickets are $31.25. Call 301-984-3003
or visit americandance.org.

THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLET

The Kennedy Centers resident dance company returns to the Kenn Opera House with three

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33

Balanchine works, including the 1951 one-act version

of Swan Lake. Scott Speck conducts the Kennedy
Center Opera House Orchestra during the performance. Friday, Nov. 28, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov.
29, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 30,
at 1:30 p.m. Kennedy Center Opera House. Tickets
are $2O to $95. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedycenter.org.

COMEDY
DONT BLOCK THE BOX

Reggie Melbrough hosts this long-running stand-up

comedy showcase at the Wonderland Ballroom featuring area comics Matty Litwack, Philippe Schafer,
Katherine Jessup and Umar Khan. Friday, Nov. 28,
at 7:30 p.m. Wonderland Ballroom, 1101 Kenyon
St. NW. Tickets are $3. Call 202-232-5263 or visit
thewonderlandballroom.com.

W. KAMAU BELL

Best known for the short-lived, GLAAD Awardwinning FX comedy series Totally Biased with
W. Kamau Bell, this socio-political comedian was
recently named an Ambassador of Racial Justice
by the ACLU. The New York Times has heralded
him as the most promising new talent in political
comedy in many years. Saturday, Nov. 22, at 8 p.m.
Sixth & I Historic Synagogue. 600 I St. NW. Tickets
are $20. Call 202-408-3100 or visit

GALLERIES
AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE:
TOURING THE GLOBE FOR 75 YEARS

A collection of 43 artifacts, including photographs,

costume sketches, posters and a short film of clips,
tracing the history and impact of what was founded
in 1939 as Ballet Theatre. This troupe incorporated
American influences and helped inspire American
choreographers such as Jerome Robbins, Agnes de
Mille and Twyla Tharp, to transform this classical
genre. Through Jan. 24. Performing Arts Reading
Room in The Library of Congresss James Madison
Memorial Building, 101 Independence Ave. SE. Call
202-707-8000 or visit loc.gov/exhibits.

BEYOND BOLLYWOOD:
INDIAN AMERICANS SHAPE THE NATION

Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center presents

this ambitious and colorful exhibition on the second
floor of the National Museum of Natural History,
exploring the heritage, daily experiences and diverse
contributions of Indians and Indian Americans.
Through Aug. 16, 2015. National Museum of Natural
History, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW.
Call 202-633-1000 or visit mnh.si.edu.

ELISABETH JACOBSEN: A MATTER OF FAITH

The 39th Street Gallery in suburban Marylands

Gateway Arts Center presents an exhibition of works
by New York-based mixed-media artist Elisabeth
Jacobsen, exploring religion, women and sexuality more specifically, her adoration of the female
figure and the conflicts between her lesbian identity
and an anti-gay Catholic upbringing. Also at Gateway
Arts in its Corridor Exhibition Space is a concurrent
show featuring mixed-media works by a group of
six women artists including locals Leslie Holt of
Hyattsville, Sarah Nikitopoulos of Brentwood, Md.,
and Marta Perez-Garcia of D.C. Through Dec. 13.
The 39th Street Gallery and Corridor Exhibition
Space, Gateway Arts Center, 3901 Rhode Island Ave.
Brentwood, Md. Free. Call 301-864-3860 or visit
39thStreetGallery.com.

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METROWEEKLY.COM

FACE VALUE: PORTRAITURE IN THE AGE

OF ABSTRACTION

The National Portrait Gallery presents an exhibition

featuring the works of a group of young artists in the
mid-20th century who defied the prevailing style of
the day to focus on the face and figure. Chuck Close,
Alice Neel, Elaine de Kooning, Robert Rauschenberg
and Andy Warhol are just some of the well-known
artists included in this survey that suggests they
pushed the boundaries of portrait traditions and
reinvented portraiture for the next generation.
Through Jan. 11. National Portrait Gallery, 8th and
F Streets. NW. Call 202-633-8300 or visit npg.si.edu.

LARRY MCNEIL AND WILL WILSON: INDELIBLE

PHOTOGRAPHS

Indelible: The Platinum Photographs of Larry McNeil

and Will Wilson is an exhibition at the National
Museum of the American Indian featuring two
Native photographers whose work purposefully
subverts the traditional fuzzy, romanticized look of
Native-American imagery created by using platinum
paper. Works on platinum by these artists also challenge Western conceptions of portraiture in general
and call attention to the manufactured nature of all
photography. Through Jan. 5. National Museum of
the American Indian, Independence Avenue at 4th
Street SW. Call 202-633-1000 or visit nmai.si.edu.

MAKING THEIR MARK:

STORIES THROUGH SIGNATURES

The National Archives presents an exhibition literally focused on the many ways people have made their
mark by putting their signatures on pieces of history,
from letters to photographs to pieces of legislation.
Included is everything from the John Hancock, the
American patriots famous and distinctive signature
displayed in Senate credentials for Tristam Dalton
from 1789, to Michael Jacksons 1993 signature on
a patent for shoes allowing the wearer to lean
forwardly beyond his center of gravity. Through
Jan. 5. Lawrence F. OBrien Gallery in the National
Archives Museum, Constitution Avenue between 7th
and 9th Streets NW. NW. Call 202-357-5000 or visit
archives.gov/nae.

MARS UP CLOSE

The National Geographic Society offers a free virtual trip to the Red Planet in this new exhibition
featuring the latest images taken by the Curiosity
rover, plus full-scale models of the family of rovers
that have gone to Mars. Through Nov. 30. National
Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. NW. Free. Call
202-857-7700 or visit nglive.org.

MODERN SCULPTURE:
DIALOGUES IN THREE DIMENSIONS

While its galleries are closed for renovation and

expansion, the National Gallery of Art has set up
throughout its East Building a special installation of
modern sculpture from its renowned holdings. And
three times a week, the gallery offers a new 60-minute guided tour highlighting these works, allowing
patrons to engage with each other in open-ended
discussions about, in addition to the guide pointing
out connections between, the works on view, from
Alexander Calders monumental mobile Untitled
from 1976 to Andy Goldsworthys decade-old Roof.
The relationship between I.M. Peis East Building
and John Russell Pops West Building is also examined. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, at 1:30 p.m.
National Gallery of Art East Building Information
Desk, 3rd Street at Constitution Avenue NW. Call
202-737-4215 or visit nga.gov.

ONCE THERE WERE BILLIONS

Once There Were Billions: Vanished Birds of North

America documents those species of birds weve lost
on this continent over the past two centuries, from
the puffin-like great auck to the Carolina parakeet

to the heath hen to the passenger pigeon, not to be

confused with the commonplace carrier pigeon.
Through October 2015. National Museum of Natural
History, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW.
Call 202-633-1000 or visit mnh.si.edu.

DECODING THE RENAISSANCE

The Folger Shakespeare Librarys latest exhibition

focuses on the first great age of mass communication, the Renaissance, which launched printing,
developed diplomacy and created postal systems.
All of this triggered an obsession with encryption
and secret communication that produced some of
the periods most brilliant inventions, most beautiful
books and most enduring legacies, including that of
code-breakers and cryptographers. Through Feb. 26.
Folger Great Hall in Folger Shakespeare Library, 201
East Capitol St. SE. Free. Call 202-544-7077 or visit
folger.edu.

THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964:

A LONG STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM

The Library of Congress commemorates the 50th

anniversary of the Civil Rights Act with a yearlong exhibition highlighting legal and legislative
victories and shedding light on the individuals who
shaped the civil rights movement. Through Sept. 12,
2015. The Library of Congresss Thomas Jefferson
Building, 10 First St. SE. Call 202-707-8000 or visit
loc.gov/exhibits.

WINDOW TO WASHINGTON

Window to Washington: The Kiplinger Collection

at HSW is an exhibition at Washingtons Carnegie
Library that traces the development of the nations
capital from a sleepy Southern town to a modern
metropolis, as documented through the works of
artists. The Historical Society of Washington, D.C.,
exhibition was made possible by a donation from the
Kiplinger family. Its also an early step in a reorganization effort by the society, which has struggled
to revive ever since its short-lived effort a decade
ago to run a City Museum of Washington proved too
ambitious. Open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Historical Society of Washington, D.C., at the
Carnegie Library, 801 K St. NW. Call 202-393-1420
or visit historydc.org.

ABOVE AND BEYOND

NOVA PRIDES LGBTUESDAYS AT IOTA

The organization NOVA Pride has recruited Iota

to set aside one day every week to explicitly serve
LGBT residents and allies in the Clarendon community, which was started to promote the first annual Northern Virginia Pride Festival, held in early
October. Each Tuesdays event starts with a Smasher
Lunch at 11 a.m., and includes a Happy Hour from
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. that kicks off with Mikeys Bar A
Video Wall at 7 p.m. Iota Club and Caf, 2832 Wilson
Blvd., Arlington. No cover. Call 703-522-8340 or visit
novapride.org.

SPEAKEASY SHORTS:
LOCAL FILMMAKING PROJECT

Now in its third year, this collaboration between

the film organization DC Shorts and storytelling
organization SpeakeasyDC, with funding by the DC
Film Office, is billed as a way to watch true stories turned into incredible short films. The event,
which started last weekend, when eight teams of
filmmakers were assigned to work with a group
of storytellers, concludes this weekend with two
screenings of the shorts, and the announcement of
a $1,000 grand prize. Saturday, Nov. 22, at 7:30 p.m.
and 9:30 p.m. U.S. Navy Memorial Heritage Center,
701 Penn. Ave. NW. Tickets are $20. Visit dcshorts.
com/speakeasy. l

stage

(L to R) Jonathan Hadary as Tevye and Erick Devine as Lazar Wolf in Fiddler on the Roof

Chosen Plays
Arena Stages Fiddler on the Roof
is an out-and-out revelation,
while Studio Theatre offers the
acerbic dramedy Bad Jews

MARGOT SCHULMAN

by DOUG RULE

IDDLER ON THE ROOF IS THE TYPE OF MUSIcal that generally divides people into two camps.
On one side are those who grew up with the show
and have seen so many productions it might take
a miracle from God or at least a nightmare portending grave
consequences to convince them to see yet another one. And
then theres the decidedly non-Jewish camp, people who might
be familiar with the show and might even love a couple of the

American Songbook standards that derive from it, such as If I

Were A Rich Man and Sunrise, Sunset. To see a production of
the show in 2014, though, seems a little retrograde. Isnt it oldfashioned and out-of-date?
In a word, no. Oh sure, you may have questioned the relevance as recently as a few years ago when the last national tour
of the show came to town, starring Harvey Fierstein who, to
be fair, was a hoot as Tevye. But you wont question why Molly
Smith has revived it now. Arena Stages new 50th anniversary
production of the show by Joseph Stein, Jerry Bock and Sheldon
Harnick is an out-and-out revelation. This show, of all shows,
seems custom-made for the in-the-round Fichlander Stage. For
starters, peering down on the huge, 28-person cast, regularly
coming and going in four directions, you get a real sense of the
energy of a village such as Anatevka, the small, tight-knit Jewish
community in Russia portrayed in the show.
I could go on and I will but you dont just have to take
my word on this. After last weeks opening night performance,
the shows lyricist Sheldon Harnick, who earlier that night was
honored with the companys American Artist Award, took to
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35

TEDDY WOLFF
Bad Jews (L-R) Alex Mandell (Liam), Irene Sofia Lucio (Daphna), Maggie Erwin (Melody) and Joe Paulik (Jonah)

the microphone not once but twice to heap praise on Smiths

production. You could tell he was as genuinely impressed as any
theatergoer will be by choreographer Parker Esses decision to
have Fruma-Sarah (a terrifically terrifying Tracy Lynn Olivera)
rise from the dead and through the bed, suspended in mid-air, as
she promises retribution if Tzeitel (Dorea Schmidt) marries her
widowed husband Lazar rather than her true love, lowly tailor
Motel (Joshua Morgan).
On the other hand, the 90-year-old Harnick sees several
productions a year of his most famous work. Perhaps he even
lauds each one after the fact, expressing, as he did at Arena, his
wish that his co-collaborators were still alive to see it. On the
other hand, he added that while most shows that follow Jerome
Robbinss original choreography get the steps right, they dont
often have the emotional resonance that Robbins was going for.
This superb production did, he said.
Its not only Smiths overall direction and Esses adapted
choreography that will reward any journey to see this show.
Jonathan Hadary leads the stellar cast, portraying Tevye the
Dairyman as a charismatic, profoundly decent everyman who
you cant help but admire and respect, even if you sometimes

disagree with his beliefs and decisions steeped in tradition but

somewhat adaptable as circumstances warrant. And, ultimately,
its the struggle between tradition and modernity that makes
Fiddler still relevant today especially when its presented as
realistically and universally as it is at Arena Stage. Its hard to
imagine anyone walking away and not answering the shows
sweet, hilarious love song, Do You Love Me? in the affirmative.
YOU WONT LEAVE STUDIO THEATRE WITH QUITE AS
warm a feeling after taking in the new play Bad Jews which
is not to say Joshua Harmons acerbic dramedy wont be to your
liking. Its just, well, none of the four characters here are lovable.
They are, in fact, as the title would have it, all bad, to varying
degrees though only three of the four are Jewish, cousins
reunited for their grandfathers funeral. The fourth, Melody
(Maggie Erwin), is an especially clueless, joyous goy, a Barbie
doll girlfriend who has a genuine heart but an underused
mind.
To a certain extent, Bad Jews, assuredly directed by Serge
Seiden, is a thoroughly modern, millennial rendition of Fiddler,
exploring similar themes about the role of culture and religion
in modern-day life and love. Though, in both its structure and
presentation, it might also remind you of that ferocious classic
Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Irene Sofia Lucio as Daphna and
Alex Mandell as Liam both turn in astonishing performances
as the shows two tentpole monsters, one an Israeli-dreaming
Jewish hardliner, the other a thoroughly assimilated American
atheist. Peace and goodwill between these two is as impossible
to imagine as it is between Israel and Palestine.
Bad Jews (HHHHH) runs to Dec. 21, at Studio Theatre, 14th &
P Streets NW. Tickets are $44 to $88. Call 202-332-3300 or visit
studiotheatre.org.
Fiddler on the Roof (HHHHH) runs to Jan. 5, at the Mead Center
for American Theater, 1101 6th St. SW. Tickets are $50 to $99. Call
202-488-3300 or visit arenastage.org. l

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games

Future Perfect
Advanced Warfare pulls the Call
of Duty franchise into the future
and thoroughly revitalizes it
by RHUARIDH MARR

PHOTO CREDIT

S A GAMER, THERES ONE CONSTANT IN

the yearly gaming calendar. Activision, and the
various developers it employs to craft Call of
Duty, delivers an on-point multiplayer game sure
to delight fans of past iterations. However, its not exactly the
freshest gameplay around, relying on a core formula established
by Modern Warfare back in 2007 and repeated in most of the
titles released since. Call of Duty has become something of a
punchline in the industry for delivering the same basic game as
the year before, wrapped up in prettier graphics and with a few
extras tacked on for good measure.
The thing is, it works. Where series rival Battlefield 4 was a
buggy, broken mess, Call of Duty: Ghosts was stable and gave
players the multiplayer action they craved. Each year, its more
of the same, but its more of something Activision knows players will enjoy. Thats why theyre so reluctant to mess with the
winning formula. And thats why this years entry, Advanced
Warfare, is such a welcome and refreshing surprise.
This time around, rather than feel tied down to either of the
current Call of Duty storylines Modern Warfare and Black Ops

developer Sledgehammer Games instead decided to create

its own story arc. Advanced Warfare, as the title suggests, is set
in the future and features advanced technology, weaponry and
soldier capabilities. Its story takes place between 2054 and 2061
and multiplayer takes place in various locations borrowed from
and inspired by the timeline established in the campaign.
Lets start with the weakest part of Advanced Warfare, and
indeed the weakest part of most Call of Duty games: the campaign. Usually, the single-player story missions feel like an afterthought, tacked on to give the multiplayer some context and to
provide something to do for the moments youre without internet. Advanced Warfare is no different. Its as clichd as they come.
Players take control of Private Jack Mitchell, an oddly mute
protagonist who only seems to speak during cutscenes (sparingly, at that) and during small pieces of narration. He and his
friend Will Irons are dropped into Seoul during the Second
Korean War, as the North invades the South. Here, players are
introduced to the technology of this future world, and it makes
for a wonderful change. Soldiers now wear exoskeletons, which
offer various enhancements to their standard abilities, such as
increased strength, faster running speeds, improved accuracy,
thrusters to enable higher jumping, hovering and slowed falling,
as well as other boosts.
Grenades are now multi-functional, offering various modes
depending on the situation. Lob a threat grenade to detect enemies hiding behind cover. EMPs will disable drones and other
electrical equipment. Impact grenades will explode on well,
impact. Smart grenades will automatically find the nearest enemy
and boost towards them, or can be guided by the player towards a
target. Smart shields can be deployed, which lower automatically
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when youre ready to shoot, while drones can be commandeered

to fire at distant targets and monitor the battlefield. The technology on offer is a refreshing change to the norm, and adds dynamic
capabilities to battles. Stuck on a street, with waves of enemies
in front of you? Boost your way up onto a canopy or roof and
storm them from above. Besieged by drones? Throw an EMP and
then use your thrusters to quickly navigate out of trouble. The
exoskeleton unlocks a sense of freedom enjoyed by other futuretech titles such as Destiny and Titanfall, but with the same core
gameplay that Call of Duty has always offered.
Back to the lackluster story, though. Will, Mitchells friend,
is killed in combat, and Mitchell loses an arm in the same
explosion. Returned to American soil (and with the Koreans
presumably defeated, as this war is left somewhat ignored once
youve left Seoul), youre approached by Wills father, Jonathan
Irons and if youve seen the trailers, youll be more than aware
that Irons is played by Kevin Spacey, bringing his best Frank
Underwood (minus the Southern drawl). Irons offers Mitchell
an advanced prosthetic arm and a place in Irons Atlas private
military company the worlds largest of its kind. Once youve
enlisted, youre tasked with battling the KVA, a terrorist organization intent on ending the worlds reliance on technology.
There are the usually bombastic set pieces synonymous with
a Call of Duty campaign, involving guns, explosions, intense battles, collapsing buildings and tight corridor sections. Everything
youve played in past games is rehashed here for you to enjoy
again. Theres even a huge twist to the plot, which you definitely
wont see coming. Okay, thats a lie. It couldnt be more obvious
if Kevin Spacey himself came to your house and beat you with
the games script, which I assume was created by blending every
other title in the franchise and then pouring the remainders out
into a word document. Still, there are a couple of great monologues on power and democracy from Spacey, so youre certainly
getting your moneys worth.
It helps that this is the prettiest Call of Duty has ever looked.
Sledgehammer built a new engine from scratch to power the
game, and it shows. Whereas last years entry, Ghosts, looked
good, Advanced Warfare practically glows from every pixel.
Working with finite levels and carefully controlled AI has
allowed the developers to make every texture, every character,
every surface shine. From the pristine halls of Atlas headquarters, to the shining utopia that is New Baghdad, to the gloomy
caverns of Antarctica, there isnt an ugly moment in the game.
There are few framerate issues or graphical bugs, and everything feels as fluid and smooth as weve become accustomed
to. Particular credit should go to the impeccably animated
cutscenes, as well as the in-game character models. When Irons
gets close to the camera, its pretty much like having Kevin
Spacey staring into your eyes, with minute detail such as individual pores rendered here.
Of course, all of this is utterly irrelevant if the main reason to
buy the game sucks. While the story is a fun distraction taking
me around six hours to best most people who buy Advanced
Warfare will do so for its multiplayer modes. They will not be
disappointed. The actual feel of the game is unchanged. Gunplay
and movement is as quick and light as its always been, and
feels reassuringly familiar. Its the introduction of Advanced
Warfares technology that revitalizes multiplayer and reminds
us why the series has lasted as long as it has.
The exoskeleton carries through to multiplayer, and with it
comes a level of customization we havent seen before. In addition to customizing individual weapons adding scopes and
perks and suppressors and whatnot and customizing your
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loadout changing your secondary weapon, what grenades

youll throw, which perks youll unlock for achieving kill streaks
in games players can also add wildcards and unlock additional slots for upgrades, as well as change their characters face,
gender, clothing and uniform before heading into battle. The
exoskeletons also come with power slots, which open up new
additions to your arsenal, such as making you invisible to enemy
drones or showing suppressed fire on your minimap. They allow
more granular control for players to fully customize their character to their play style, whether youre a stealthy sniper or a
guns-blazing rampager.
Indeed, your first couple of hours will be spent finding your
method of play. The exoskeleton, with its boosting and jumping abilities, lends even greater dynamism to multiplayer than
it does to single player. See an enemy running along a roof?
Boost up there and punch him in the back. An obstacle standing between you and your foe? Jump over it and bring the pain
down on his head. The exoskeleton opens up combat beyond the
ground-hugging nature of past entries. If youve ever felt claustrophobic in a Call of Duty game, the exoskeleton goes a long way
to remedying it.
Its all backed by the typically excellent rewards system,
which constantly throws badges and unlocks at you. There are
seemingly an infinite number of badges to earn, from executing
an enemy in mid-air to nailing 60 shots through the barrel of
your gun. You wont play a match without earning some kind
of achievement, and that sense of accomplishment will keep
you playing better and for longer. Levelling up opens up greater
advantages, such as additional upgrade slots, random drops in
the middle of matches, further customization, better weapons
and so on. When you first jump in, the amount of options can be
overwhelming, but youll quickly become acclimated and have
your own evolving, customized loadout ready for every match.
If you want to test your gear before launching into battle, you
can theres a virtual shooting range you can try your new gun
out before heading into battle and kicking ass.
As for the battles themselves, its here where multiplayer
shows its conventions. There are several modes, but many are
simply variations on Capture the Flag or King of the Hill. Sure,
theyre all good fun, but does grabbing balls and throwing them
into special containers really need to appear alongside traditional capture the flag modes, when the two are basically the same?
Still, the maps, inspired by the campaign, show the depth of the
franchises experience. Theyre well-planned, nicely animated
and make for a heap of gun-toting fun.
Above all else, Advanced Warfare is a heck of a lot of
fun to play. Unlike the past few entries, it doesnt feel like
Sledgehammer Games is simply rehashing the same ideas in a
different package. Sure, the story is obvious, and the multiplayer
modes arent particularly new, but everything else feels like
theyve taken the core of the game and given it a thorough overhaul. The future tech and exoskeletons are a refreshing change,
adding just the right amount of new gameplay without ruining
what makes Call of Duty so fun in the first place. The gorgeous
graphics make playing an endless pleasure, the dynamic movement aids both the campaign and the multiplayer, and the seemingly endless customization of characters in multiplayer will
keep you coming back to unlock new perks and powers. Yes, its
the same old Call of Duty, but Sledgehammer has taught this reliable old dog some fantastic new tricks, and cemented its place at
the top of the first-person shooter hill.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare ( ) is available on PS4, Xbox One,
PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. l

food

Benevolent Baking
The annual Food & Friends pie sale
fundraiser seeks to provide meals
to the sick and health care for
animal rescue groups
by JOHN RILEY

BRENT HOFACKER

ADIES AND GENTLEMAN, START YOUR TASTE BUDS.

As Thanksgiving nears, Food & Friends best
known for supplying home-delivered meals and
nutrition counseling to area residents suffering from
HIV/AIDS, cancer or other serious ailments is for the eighth
year embarking on its Slice of Life annual pie sale fundraiser.
As part of Slice of Life, Food & Friends allows the public to
order pre-made pies online and arrange to pick them up at one of
37 different CVS stores throughout the Greater Washington area
on Tuesday, Nov. 25. Each pie measures 9 inches in diameter and

comes in one of five different flavors. They cost between $25

to $45, depending on the ingredients. Proceeds from the event
benefit Food & Friends by helping them get closer to their goal of
raising at least $9 million each year to continue to provide meals
and nutrition counseling to clients.
Slice of Life is an interesting concept, says Craig Shniderman,
executive director of Food & Friends. Its not just a donation to
a worthy cause, but donors get something back in return.
Last years Slice of Life raised $280,000 from the sale of 8,300
pies. This year, the organization hopes to raise at least $360,000
from more than 9,000 pies.
Food & Friends will again be working with Baguette Republic,
a Sterling-based bakery that specializes in handmade pies using
natural ingredients with no preservatives or saturated fats.
Food & Friends has worked with several vendors over the years,
most recently a company based out of Chicago, but switched to
Baguette Republic last year after looking for a bakery that was
local and more easily accessible, and whose food-handling procedures met Food & Friends high expectations.
To hear Dahmane Benarbane, head baker and owner of
Baguette Republic, tell it, Food & Friends fell in love with his
METROWEEKLY.COM

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

39

companys product and philosophy, which emphasizes going

back to locally-sourced food and using traditional baking techniques.
Its like the difference between buying a cake from a local
bakery rather than a supermarket chain like Costco, says
Benarbane, the former head baker for sandwich-and-salad shop
Marvelous Market, which first introduced artisan bread to the
Washington food scene. With the supermarket cake, youll
probably end up throwing most of it out, because its for decoration, rather than taste.
While Slice of Life is a once-a-year occurrence, Benarbanes
bakery offers most of the pies distributed daily at various
restaurants, caterers and grocery stores, as well as local farmers
markets in Northern Virginia throughout the year.
We consider ourselves a big part of D.C.s palate, he says.
Benarbane says the spiced pumpkin pie or the traditional sweet potato pie are commonly requested around the
Thanksgiving season. His most popular products are apple or
pecan pies, the latter of which uses molasses and brown sugar
in its filling.
As far as Slice of Life is concerned, Benarbane always tries
to introduce a new flavor each year to appeal to the nontraditional pie eaters preferences. This year, he may have
struck gold with the American Airlines Sky Pie, a unique creation that combines an almond paste with amaretto on top of
a chocolate brownie bite, topped with slivered almonds and
powdered sugar a concoction so rich and decadent that Food
& Friends Shniderman recommends it by name. So much for
not picking favorites.
Slice of Life not only benefits the D.C. areas human residents,
but those of the four-legged variety as well. For the second year,

40

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METROWEEKLY.COM

Peter Glassman, a member of Food & Friends board of directors and the director and head surgeon at Friendship Hospital
for Animals, has devised a way to also help local animal rescue
organizations, by having them serve as vendors for Slice of Life.
Interested customers can purchase pies through one of three
organizations the Washington Humane Society, City Dogs
Rescue and Lucky Dog Animal Rescue and for every 20 pies
sold by each group, Friendship will give that rescue organization
a $450 credit towards veterinary services. Thats in addition to
a regular discount that Glassman already provides to rescue
groups, which can rack up hefty bills to treat rescued animals
that have been abused or abandoned.
Its a win-win for everyone, Glassman says. Every pie
pays for free meals for humans. And its only an upside for the
rescue groups. Everybody on the hospital team participates in
the effort. Friendship takes our community responsibility very
seriously.
Adds Food & Friends Shniderman: We really like this
relationship with Friendship. It shows how peoples kindness
extends to all people and animals in our community.
And thats an even sweeter thought to savor.
Pies purchased through Food & Friends Slice of Life fundraiser
can be picked up at local CVS stores around the area. For more
information, visit sliceoflifedc.org.
Baguette Republic is located at 44966 Falcon Place, Sterling, Va.
For more information, visit baguetterepublic.com.
Friendship Hospital for Animals is located at 4105 Brandywine St.
NW. For more information, visit friendshiphospital.com. l

pets

Thanksgiving Danger
Pets love to join in with the feast,
but there are several items on the
table to be cautious of
by RHUARIDH MARR

JIRI VACLAVEK

ERE A GULLIBLE SPECIES. A CUTE

smile or a doe-eyed look and were yours
and theres nowhere this is more apparent
than when it comes to our pets. We all know
the look the one your cat or dog gives you, the But Im so
adorable, why cant I enjoy whatever it is that youre eating?
look that melts your heart and removes common sense from the
equation. Its that power our pets hold over us that leads us to
spoil them, share with them and grant their every adorable wish.
However, in the run-up to Thanksgiving Day, its time we all
took control of our emotions and shut down the part of us which
willingly gives in to our pets for their sake, and ours.
Thanksgiving Day is characterized by one thing above all else

(and were not talking about Black Friday sales). Food dominates, with turkey, potatoes, squash, yams, stuffing, cranberries,
pies, casseroles, beans, nuts, breads, and even more pies covering dinner tables around the country. According to the Calorie
Control Council, the average American can consume over 4,500
calories on Thanksgiving Day, so its not just the turkey thats
stuffed. None of the food on your table, however, should be
making its way into your pets bowls even seemingly innocent
items that appear in pet foods, like the turkey itself.
Turkey skin in particular is a no-go for your pets. Turkey skin
is fatty, and while it may contain more monounsaturated fats
(the good kind) than saturated fats (the kind that make you want
to hit the treadmill), its still going to be an increase in calories
for your pet compared to a normal meal. If youve added spice
or marinade to the skin, it makes it tough for pets to digest,
particularly dogs, and fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis in your
beloved canine, especially if your pet is already overweight. The
turkey itself is absolutely fine to include in your animals diet if
you fancy giving them a treat, but moderation is key here. Dont
feed them more than you normally would, and mix it in with
their normal food to ensure it doesnt upset their diet. Also,
refrain from adding gravy to their bowl it may taste great, but
its another item that can be difficult to digest, depending on
METROWEEKLY.COM

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

41

pets
t Pix
Pe

s
m/pet
kly.co
roWee
at Met
yours
ad
lo
p
U

Stevie Nicks McBride

Patrick McBrides 10 month-old Beagle/Chihuahua
Earlier this year I went to Florida to see friends, visit Disney World, and
visit Universal Studios. We stayed with friends who work with Tampa
Bay Beagle Rescue, and I have low impulse control and fell in love. I
think a lot of people bring back t-shirts, mugs, and random toys theyll
never use again from their trips to Florida. Stevie is probably the best
souvenir Ill ever bring home from a trip. Being a doggy dad is new and
tiring, but such a blessing

by ??????

42

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

METROWEEKLY.COM

whats been used to create the gravy.

Similarly, refrain from feeding your pet turkey thats raw
or undercooked. Human stomachs cant handle bacteria-laden
food, and neither can your pets. Salmonella is particularly dangerous, so thoroughly cook the turkey before anyone consumes
it, be it furry humans or furry pets. Also, take care with the
turkey carcass. Dont leave dogs or cats unattended with the
carcass, as bacteria will multiply when its left to sit in on your
kitchen counter. If youve ever found your cat licking over the
bones or your dog looking rather guilty as the remains of the
turkey lie on the kitchen floor, the damage may be greater than
just creating a mess. Ingesting bacteria-laden carcass can lead
to vomiting and diarrhea, neither of which will be fun to clean
up when youre full of your Thanksgiving Day feast. Freeze the
carcass or throw it out secured in a plastic bag to prevent any
animals from accessing it in your garbage can.
One last note about the turkey itself: do not, under any
circumstances, give your pet the cooked bones from the bird.
Cooked bones in particular are much more likely to splinter and
break, and risk getting stuck in your pets throat or piercing their
organs while being digested. Either of these situations are lifethreatening, and will cause immeasurable distress for your pet. If
your pooch is looking for something to chew on, buy him a treat
which he can enjoy while youre devouring the meal.
Of course, the usual food provisos still apply for Thanksgiving
Day. Refrain from feeding your pets scraps from the table and
remember to advise any guests not to do so either, as they could
easily succumb to puppy dog eyes and throw some scraps your
pets way. Nuts Macadamias especially can be hazardous,
causing toxicity in dogs and cats. Onions and garlic, standard
inclusions in many recipes for Thanksgiving, contain sulfides,

pets

which are toxic to dogs and cats, destroying red blood cells and
potentially causing anemia. Spices and herbs like sage and nutmeg should be avoided, as well as anything theyve been used in.
Sage contains oils and resins that can upset your pets stomach
and even affect their central nervous system, while nutmeg has
mild hallucinogenic properties and contains the chemical myristicin, which can also affect your pets central nervous system and
can lead to convulsions and pain. Grapes and raisins should be
avoided, as even in small quantities they can lead to liver failure.
A few obvious items should also be kept safely away from pets.
Unbaked dough has something of an urban myth status, as its
maintained that it rises inside the warm, moist environment of
the stomach. Unfortunately, its not a myth its fact. Eating raw
dough can cause bloating which can lead to a twisted stomach.
Signs to watch out for include vomiting, elevated heart rate and a
distended stomach, according to the Pet Poison Helpline. Batter
shouldnt be ingested for the same reason humans shouldnt lick
out the bowl regardless of how utterly delicious it is. The raw
eggs used contain salmonella which, just like with the turkey, can
severely upset your pets stomach. Alcohol should, naturally, not
be given to your pets, and if you arent already aware that chocolate is toxic to animals, then you likely shouldnt own a pet.
Really, when it comes to Thanksgiving Day and your pets,
common sense prevails. Dont leave food unattended, dont
overfeed your pet and dont be tempted to give them scraps or
leftovers from the table. Keep their diet the same as any other
day, make sure they get exercise and, if you want to treat them,
buy them a toy or animal-specific treats to keep them occupied
while youre gather round the table enjoying your feast. After
all, having your cat or dog be healthy and happy is something for
which we can all give thanks. l

by ??????

METROWEEKLY.COM

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

43

NIGHT

LIFE
LISTINGS
THURS., 11.20.14

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/ANNIES
UPSTAIRS
4@4 Happy Hour, 4pm-7pm
$4 Small Plates, $4 Stella
Artois, $4 House Wines,
$4 Stolichnaya Cocktails,
$4 Manhattans and Vodka
Martinis
COBALT/30 DEGREES
Happy Hour: $6 Call
Martini, $3 Miller Lite, $4
Rail, $5 Call, 4-9pm $3
Rail Drinks, 10pm-midnight,
$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 Sasha
J. Adams and BaNaka
$200 Cash Prize Doors
open 10pm, 18+ $5 Cover
under 21 and free with
college ID
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 9pm
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm Free
Pizza Thursday, 9-10pm
Shirtless Men Drink Free,
10-11pm Music by DJs
BacK2bACk

NELLIES SPORTS BAR

Beat The Clock Happy Hour
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
$4 (7-8pm) Buckets of
Beer $15 Drag Bingo

JR.S
$3 Rail Vodka Highballs, $2
JR.s drafts, 8pm to close
Throwback Thursday featuring rock/pop retro hits

METROWEEKLY.COM

45

46

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

METROWEEKLY.COM

scene
Nellies Sports Bar
Friday, October 24
scan this tag
with your
smartphone
for bonus scene
pics online!

Photography by
Christopher Cunetto

NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm No Cover
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers
Shirtless Thursday DJ
Tim-e in Secrets 9pm
Cover 21+
FRI., 11.21.14

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
ANNIES
4@4 Happy Hour, 4-7pm
$4 Small Plates, $4 Stella
Artois, $4 House Wines,
$4 Stolichnaya Cocktails,
$4 Manhattans and Vodka
Martinis Upstairs open
5-11pm

COBALT/30 DEGREES
All You Can Drink Happy
Hour $15 Rail &
Domestic, $21 Call &
Imports, 6-9pm Guys
Night Out Free Rail
Vodka, 11pm-Midnight, $6
Belvedere Vodka Drinks
all night DJ Keenan Orr
and guest DJs $10 cover
10pm-1am, $5 after 1am
DC BEAR CRUE
@Town Bear Happy
Hour, 6-11pm $3 Rail,
$3 Draft, $3 Bud Bottles
Free Pizza, 7pm Hosted
by Charger Stone No
cover before 9:30pm 21+
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 9pm
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm The
Boys of Hump, 9pm-2am
VJ Tre and Friday Night
Videos $5 Cover 1
Free Rail/Domestic Drink,
9-10pm $5 Smirnoff, All
Flavors, 9pm-close

JR.S
Buy 1, Get 1, 11pm-midnight Happy Hour: 2-for1, 4-9pm $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
PHASE 1
DJ Styalo Dancing
$5 cover
PWS SPORTS BAR
9855 Washington Blvd. N
Laurel, Md.
301-498-4840
Drag Show in lounge
Half-price burgers and fries,
4-8pm

TOWN
Drag Show starts at
10:30pm Hosted by Lena
Lett and featuring Miss
Tatianna, Shi-QueetaLee, Epiphany B. Lee
and BaNaka DJ Wess
upstairs, BacK2bACk
downstairs Doors open
at 10pm For those 21 and
over, $5 from 10-11pm and
$10 after 11pm For those
18-20, $12 all night 18+
TOWN PATIO
Open 6pm 21+
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers,
hosted by LaTroya Nicole
Ladies of Illusion with host
Kristina Kelly, 9pm DJ
Steve Henderson in Secrets
DJ Don T. in Ziegfelds
Cover 21+

SAT., 11.22.14

9 1/2
Open at 5pm Happy Hour:
2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
$5 Absolut & Titos, $3
Miller Lite after 9pm
Expanded craft beer selection No Cover
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
Drink specials all night
$5 Cover after 10pm
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Diner-style Breakfast
Buffet, 10am-3pm
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Freddies Follies Drag
Show 8pm-10pm, hosted
by Ms. Destiny B. Childs
Karaoke, 10pm-1am

METROWEEKLY.COM

GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm $5
Bacardi, All Flavors, 9pmclose
JR.S
$4 Coors, $5 Vodka highballs, $7 Vodka Red Bulls
NELLIES
Guest DJs Zing Zang
Bloody Marys, Nellie Beer,
House Rail Drinks and
Mimosas, $4, 11am-5pm
Buckets of Beer, $15
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm No Cover
PHASE 1
Dancing, 9pm-close
PWS SPORTS BAR
Karaoke in the lounge
Charity Bingo with Cash
Prizes 3rd Sat. of Every
Month Half-price cheesesteaks and fries, 4-8pm

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

47

TOWN
DJ Matt Bailer of MIXTAPE
spinning all night
Peaches performs in the
Drag Show Doors open
10pm Drag Show starts
at 10:30pm Hosted by
Lena Lett and featuring
Miss Tatianna, Shi-QueetaLee, Epiphany B. Lee and
BaNaka Music and videos by DJ Wess downstairs
Cover $8 from 10-11pm,
$12 after 11pm 21+
TOWN PATIO
Open 10pm 21+
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
Men of Secrets, 9pm
Guest dancers Ladies
of Illusion with host Ella
Fitzgerald, 9pm DJ Steve
Henderson in Secrets
DJ Joey O in Ziegfelds
Doors 8pm Cover 21+

48

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

METROWEEKLY.COM

SUN., 11.23.14

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
$4 Stoli and Miller Lite all
day Homowood Karaoke,
10pm-close
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Champagne Brunch Buffet,
10am-3pm Crazy Hour,
4-7pm Karaoke 8pm-1am
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm
Bears Can Party featuring
DJ Jeff Eletto upstairs,
6-10pm Mamas Trailer
Park Karaoke downstairs,
9:30pm-close

JR.S
Sunday Funday Liquid
Brunch Doors open at
1pm $2 Coors Lights &
$3 Skyy (all flavors), all day
and night
NELLIES
Drag Brunch, hosted by
Shi-Queeta-Lee, 11am-3pm
$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 9:30
pm Happy Hour: 2 for
1 on any drink, 5-9pm
No Cover
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers
Decades of Dance DJ
Tim-e in Secrets Doors
8pm Cover 21+

MON., 11.24.14

9 1/2
Open at 5pm 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 Small Plates, $4 Stella
Artois, $4 House Wines,
$4 Stolichnaya Cocktails,
$4 Manhattans and Vodka
Martinis
COBALT/30 DEGREES
Happy Hour: $2 Rail, $3
Miller Lite, $5 Call, 4-9pm
Monday Nights A Drag,
10pm-close $3 Skyy
Cocktails, $8 Skyy and Red
Bull No Cover, 18+
FREDDIES
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 9pm

GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4pm-close
Michaels Open Mic
Karaoke, 9:30pm-close
JR.S
Happy Hour: 2-for-1, 4-9pm
Showtunes Songs &
Singalongs, 9pm-close
DJ Jamez $3 Drafts
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Beat The Clock Happy Hour
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
$4 (7-8pm) Buckets of
Beer $15 Poker Texas
Holdem, 8pm
NUMBER NINE
Open 5pm Happy Hour: 2
for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
No Cover

TUES., 11.25.14

9 1/2
Open at 5pm Happy Hour:
2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
Multiple TVs showing
movies, shows, sports
Expanded craft beer selection No Cover
ANNIES
Happy Hour, 4-7pm $4
Stella Artois, $4 House
Wines, $4 Stolichnaya
Cocktails, $4 Manhattans
and Vodka Martinis
COBALT/30 DEGREES
Happy Hour: $2 Rail, $3
Miller Lite, $5 Call, 4-9pm
SIN Industry Night
Half-price Cocktails, 10pmclose
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 9pm
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4pm-close

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

WED., 11.26.14

9 1/2
Open at 5pm Happy Hour:
2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
Multiple TVs showing
movies, shows, sports
Expanded craft beer selection No Cover
ANNIES
Happy Hour, 4-7pm $4
Stella Artois, $4 House
Wines, $4 Stolichnaya
Cocktails, $4 Manhattans
and Vodka Martinis
COBALT/30 DEGREES
Happy Hour: $2 Rail, $3
Miller Lite, $5 Call, 4-9pm
Karaoke, 10pm-close
$4 Stoli & Flavors and
Miller Lite
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm Drag
Bingo, 8pm Karaoke,
10pm

METROWEEKLY.COM

GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm The
Boys of Hump upstairs, 9pm
JR.S
Trivia with MC Jay Ray,
8pm The Queen, 10-11pm
$2 JRs Drafts & $4
Vodka ($2 with College I.D./
JRs Team Shirt)
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Beat The Clock Happy Hour
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
$4 (7-8pm) Half-Price
Burger Night Buckets
of Beer $15 SmartAss
Trivia, 8pm
NUMBER NINE
Open 5pm Happy Hour: 2
for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
No Cover
TOWN
WTF: Toys Thanksgiving
Eve Party Performances
by BaNaka, Pussy Noir,
Salvadora Dali DJs Sean

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

49

McClafferty, Aaron Riggins

and Ed Bailey Doors open
10pm Free 10-11pm, $5
after 11pm 21+
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers
Shirtless Night, 10-11pm,
12-12:30am Military
Night, no cover with
military ID DJ Don T. in
Secrets 9pm Cover 21+
THURS., 11.27.14

9 1/2
Doors open 7pm Happy
Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink,
7-9pm Multiple TVs
showing movies, shows,
sports Expanded craft
beer selection No Cover
ANNIES/ANNIES
UPSTAIRS
4@4 Happy Hour, 4pm-7pm
$4 Small Plates, $4 Stella
Artois, $4 House Wines,
$4 Stolichnaya Cocktails,
$4 Manhattans and Vodka
Martinis

50

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

METROWEEKLY.COM

COBALT/30 DEGREES
Happy Hour: $6 Call
Martini, $3 Miller Lite, $4
Rail, $5 Call, 4-9pm $3
Rail Drinks, 10pm-midnight,
$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 Sasha
J. Adams and BaNaka
$200 Cash Prize Doors
open 10pm, 18+ $5 Cover
under 21 and free with
college ID
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Thanksgiving Buffet, 11am
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 9pm
GREEN LANTERN
Doors Open 9pm 2 Full
Hours of Shirtless Men
Drink Free, 9-11pm Music
by DJs BacK2bACk

JR.S
Doors open 7pm $3
Rail Vodka Highballs, $2
JR.s drafts, 8pm to close
Halloween-themed
Throwback Thursday featuring rock/pop retro hits
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Doors open 4pm
Featuring DJ Lemz Beat
The Clock Happy Hour
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), $4
(7-8pm) Buckets of Beer
$15 Drag Bingo
NUMBER NINE
Doors open 7pm Happy
Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink,
7-9pm No Cover
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers
New Meat Thursday DJ
Tim-e in Secrets 9pm
Cover 21+ l

METROWEEKLY.COM

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

51

scene
Nellies Sports Bar
Friday, October 24
scan this tag
with your
smartphone
for bonus scene
pics online!

Photography by
Christopher Cunetto

52

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

METROWEEKLY.COM

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

53

We know that today

marriage and the family are in crisis.
POPE FRANCIS, speaking at the Colloquium on the Complementarity of Man and Woman, which took place at the Vatican this
week, as reported by Zenit. Though the Pope didnt reference same-sex marriage as a threat to opposite-sex marriage,
he reiterated that marriage between a man and a woman as a unique, natural, fundamental and beautiful good for
persons, communities, and whole societies.

You can be a straight faggot, you can be a gay faggot.

A faggot is anybody that hates women.
Rapper AZEALIA BANKS, speaking with The Guardian. Banks was responding to criticism she received last year after calling gay
blogger Perez Hilton a messy faggot. She believes the word is an appropriate term for misogynists, claiming, A lot of gay men
are way more misogynistic than straight men. The shit they say about women behind their backs, its like, Wow, oh my God!

Does <Company> have policies to ensure the

safety of internationally-assigned LGBT employees
and their partners?

One of several questions included in a letter sent to around 70 American companies, including Apple, Google, Walt Disney and
Walmart, signed by a group of institutional investors and asset owners with invested assets [exceeding] $210 billion, as reported by the Windy City Times. The letter asks firms with strong records on LGBT benefits and protections in the United States to
clarify their policies abroad with regards their LGBTI employees, particularly in countries where there
may be anti-LGBTI laws in place.

Were in the process of expanding gender and orientation options to

build a more inclusive OKCupid.
A message greeting certain users of the OKCupid dating service. The website has started to test an expanded list of gender and
sexuality options, with the former now including agender, androgynous, cis man or woman, genderqueer, transsexual, non-binary and even two spirit, while the latter will expand to include asexual, demisexual, homoflexible and queer,
among others. The update is not yet live for every user.

I found out my 13 y/o son is gay....

He hasnt told me, but I want to support him. What can I do?

The title of a Reddit thread, written by a 38-year-old single father. The father accidentally read his sons search history while
using his iPad, which included questions such as Im gay what now? The man turned to Reddit to ask for help in letting his son
know that he loves and supports him, without revealing that he knew he was gay, and was overwhelmed with positive responses
and advice. The user posted again a few days later, stating that his son had came out to him and that he
was the happiest father on earth right now, Buzzfeed reports.

54

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METROWEEKLY.COM