CONTENTS

OCTOBER 11, 2018 Volume 25 Issue 23

19 CAPES AND COWLS

Drag queen Dax ExclamationPoint will emcee GMCW’s
annual costume-themed fundraiser Ropeburn.

By John Riley

LIFE ACCORDING TO LILY

The Award-winning actress on Grace and Frankie,
the current state of society,
and the two most important Janes in her life.

Interview by Randy Shulman

30
41 TWIN PEAKS
Shakespeare Theatre’s The Comedy of Errors is just the ticket
to escape our troubling times.

By Kate Wingfied

SPOTLIGHT: COMPANHIA DE DANÇA DEBORAH COLKER p.9 OUT ON THE TOWN p.12
PLEDGING ALLEGIANCE: IKE BARINHOLTZ p.14 CAPES AND COWLS: GMCW’S ROPEBURN p.19
THE FEED: WALK ON p.21 COMMUNITY: TAKING THE HELM p.23 SCENE: NOVA PRIDE p.27
SCENE: AGLA ICE CREAM SOCIAL p.28 SCENE: FEDERICO’S GRAND OPENING p.29
COVER STORY: LIFE ACCORDING TO LILY p.30 GALLERY: BRIAN HITSELBERGER p.37
FILM: BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE p.39 FILM: FIRST MAN p.40 STAGE: THE COMEDY OF ERRORS p.41
NIGHTLIFE p.43 SCENE: OKTOBERFEST AT NELLIE’S p.43 LISTINGS p.44 NIGHTLIFE HIGHLIGHTS p.45
PLAYLIST: DJ CHORD BEZERRA p.47 SCENE: UPROAR p.50 SCENE: SLEAZE p.52 LAST WORD p.54

Real LGBTQ News and Entertainment since 1994

Editorial Editor-in-Chief Randy Shulman Art Director Todd Franson Online Editor at metroweekly.com Rhuaridh Marr Senior Editor John Riley
Contributing Editors André Hereford, Doug Rule Senior Photographers Ward Morrison, Julian Vankim Contributing Illustrator Scott G. Brooks
Contributing Writers Sean Maunier, Troy Petenbrink, Bailey Vogt, Kate Wingfield Webmaster David Uy Production Assistant Julian Vankim
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Patron Saint Rowan & Martin Cover Photography Greg Gorman

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© 2018 Jansi LLC.

6 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

 Spotlight
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COMPANY

Companhia de Dança Deborah Colker

D
EBORAH COLKER’S PHYSICALLY DAR-
ing, visually striking company returns to the
Kennedy Center with Dog Without Feathers
(Cão Sem Plumas), a visually evocative work inspired
by a poem by João Cabral de Melo Neto. Following the
course of the Capibaribe River, the piece depicts “the
poverty of the riverside population, the disregard of
the elites, the life in the mangrove, of ‘invincible and
anonymous force.’” It’s the Brazilian director/chore-
ographer’s first work entirely inspired by her heritage
and is being presented as part of The Human Journey
year-long multidisciplinary collaborative series from
the Kennedy Center, the National Geographic Society,
and the National Gallery of Art.

Thursday, Oct. 18, through Saturday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m. in the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater.
Tickets are $49 to $89. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 9

 Spotlight
LA TRAVIATA
The Washington National Opera’s Francesca
Zambello launches the company’s season
with a new production of Verdi’s everlast-
ing story of love and sacrifice, renowned for
its soaring arias and heartbreaking conclusion.
A co-production with the Atlanta Opera, the
Glimmerglass Festival, the Seattle Opera, and
Indiana University, La Traviata features ele-
gant staging by Peter Davidson and turn-of-the-
century costumes by Tony-winning designer
SCOTT SUCHMAN

Jess Goldstein. To Oct. 21. Kennedy Center

Opera House. Tickets are $25 to $300. Call 202-
467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

AKUA ALLRICH
A D.C. native and Howard University alum,
the young jazz vocalist and composer blends
traditional, modern, and African jazz styles
while singing in the showy manner of many
of today’s leading soul/pop divas. But she’s
especially well-regarded for covering Nina
Simone, and Allrich will perform renditions
of beloved songs by the jazz iconoclast as well
as South African powerhouse Miriam Makeba.
The concert will be followed by a panel dis-
cussion on “The Role of Black Women, Arts,
and Activism.” Sunday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m. Lang
Theatre, Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H
St. NE. Tickets are $20 to $25. Call 202-399-
7993 or visit atlasarts.org.

COURTESY OF ATLAS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE

An astonishing chronicle of one woman’s journey to break the cycle of sex-
ual abuse by Baltimore-native Paula Vogel. The great Helen Hayes Award-
winning actress Alyssa Wilmoth Keegan (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof) plays the
adult survivor Li’l Bit, whose “education” at the hands of her Uncle Peck
(Peter O’Connor) began when she was a mere eleven. The cast is rounded
out by Daven Ralston, Emily Townley, and Craig Wallace. To Nov. 4. 4545
KALEY ETZKORN

East-West Highway, Bethesda. Tickets are $50 to $60. Call 240-644-1100

or visit roundhousetheatre.org.

10 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

 Spotlight
GARRY WINOGRAND:
ALL THINGS ARE PHOTOGRAPHABLE
Once derided by the critics, Garry Winogrand’s “snapshot aesthet-
ic” is now the universal language of contemporary image making.
© THE ESTATE OF GARRY WINOGRAND, COURTESY OF FRAENKEL GALLERY, SAN FRANCISCO

The first cinematic treatment of the photographer’s groundbreak-

ing work includes selections from the thousands of rolls of film
still undeveloped upon his untimely death in 1984. Sasha Waters
Freyer’s film won the Special Jury Award for Documentary
Feature at the 2018 SXSW Film Festival. Opens Friday, Oct. 12 at
Landmark’s E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. Call 202-452-7672
or visit landmarktheatres.com.

MANDY BARNETT
A smokey alto country/Americana crooner who will
put you in mind of kd lang, Barnett also owes much
debt to Patsy Cline. In fact, many people know Barnett
as Cline, as she portrayed the female country pioneer
at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in a successful run of
the Off Broadway musical Always... Patsy Cline. Barnett
tours in support of Strange Conversation, her first album
in five years, recorded at Muscle Shoals and featuring a

CYNDI HORNSBY
duet with John Hiatt. Thursday, Oct. 18, at 8:30 p.m. City
Winery DC, 1350 Okie St. NE. Tickets are $15. Call 202-
250-2531 or visit citywinery.com.

VIDA FITNESS 5K RUN/WALK

Kelly Collis and Jen Richer, co-hosts of 94.7 Fresh
FM’s The Tommy Show, emcee the race and awards
ceremony at this 4th annual event sponsored by Vida
Fitness. Also known as Hains Point, the park’s flat run-
ning course circles the Potomac River and is both dog
and stroller friendly, with special race heats for both
children and pets. Prizes include Vida memberships,
training sessions, and guest passes, as well as gift cards
from affiliated outfits SweatBox, Aura Spa, and Bang
Salon. Proceeds from the race, as well as new socks col-
lected via a pre-race sock drive, will go toward Thrive
DC, dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness
in the area. Saturday, Oct. 13, beginning at 7 a.m., with
race kicking off at 8 a.m. at Ohio Drive SW just south
GREG POWERS

of the Jefferson Memorial and across from the District

Wharf. Visit vidathrive5k.com.

OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 11

COURTESY OF NETFLIX

Out On The Town

Roma

MIDDLEBURG FILM FESTIVAL

Held in a picturesque town in Virginia’s horse and wine country, the Middleburg Film Festival, founded by BET co-founder
Sheila C. Johnson, offers a mix of independent features, documentaries and Oscar contenders, including several submis-
sions for Best Foreign Language Film. Highlights this year include Alfonos Cuarón’s Roma (pictured), Boy Erased, The Front
Runner, based on the derailed presidential campaign of Gary Hart, and Peter Farrelly’s highly anticipated Green Book, star-
ring Viggo Mortensen as a bouncer hired to drive a world-class Black pianist (Mahershala Ali) on a tour of the deep South in
the era of segregation. The festival will honor four exceptional women in film: Actor and producer Maggie Gyllenhaal, actor
Yalitza Aparicio, director Nadine Labaki, and songwriter Diane Warren. The festival runs Thursday, Oct. 18, through Sunday,
Oct. 21 at the Salamander Resort & Spa and select other venues in Middleburg, Va. Passes are sold out except for packages
including dinner, parties, and other events in addition to screenings ranging from $1,000 to $3,500. Visit middleburgfilm.org.

Compiled by Doug Rule
FILM
BOY ERASED:
SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING
The second film this year to tackle
conversion therapy, Joel Edgerton
wrote, directed, and produced this
adaptation of Garrard Conley’s
memoir. Edgerton also stars as a
therapist determined to “cure” a
Baptist pastor’s son (Lucas Hedges)
who reveals to his parents that he’s
gay. With Russell Crowe, Nicole
Kidman, and Troye Sivan. The
Mattachine Society of Washington,
D.C. presents a sneak preview a
month before the movie’s nation-
al release, followed by a conversa-
tion with real-life subjects Martha
Conley and her son Garrard. Friday,
Oct. 12, at 6:30 p.m. The National
Press Club, 13th Floor of the
National Press Building, 529 14th
St. NW. Tickets are $10. Visit matta-
chinesocietywashingtondc.org.
HOLDEN ON
A 17-year-old, small-town football
player fights to keep his mental ill-
ness a secret at all costs in this
film based on a true story from the
‘90s. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. Lab
Theatre I, Atlas Performing Arts
Center, 1333 H St. NE. Tickets are
$14 to $20, including a pre-show
meet-and-greet and a post-show
panel discussion with the film’s
director, Tamlin Hall. Call 202-399-
7993 or visit atlasarts.org.
SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
Josh Vogelsong, as his alter ego
Donna Slash, presents a weekly
film series at the cozy, 35-seat Suns
Cinema in Mount Pleasant. This
week’s film is Silence of the Lambs,
the chilling Jonathan Demme
Oscar-winner that gave the world
the iconic catchphrase, “I ate his
liver with some fava beans and a
nice chianti.” Patrons can enjoy
drinks and snacks — hopefully not
of the cannibalistic kind and are
encouraged to stick around and
discuss the movie afterwards over
more drinks from the full-service
bar. Special performance by Kunj.
Monday, Oct. 15, at 8 p.m. 3107
Mount Pleasant St. NW. Tickets are
$15. Visit sunscinema.com.
THE ROCKY HORROR
PICTURE SHOW
Every October, Landmark’s E Street
Cinema presents not just one but
two weekends with screenings of
Richard O’Brien’s camp classic,
billed as the longest-running mid-
night movie in history. Landmark’s
showings come with a live shadow
cast from the Sonic Transducers,
meaning it’s as interactive as can
be — particularly the last weekend
of the month and a special spooky
Halloween run. But you can get your
next weekend with E Street’s tradi-
tional second-weekend run. Friday,
Oct. 12, and Saturday, Oct. 13, at mid-
night. Landmark’s E Street Cinema,
555 11th St. NW. Call 202-452-7672
or visit landmarktheatres.com.
SNEAKERS
Robert Redford stars as a security
expert tasked by the NSA to retrieve
an item vital to world security in this
lighthearted caper comedy. With
River Phoenix, David Strathhairn,
Ben Kingsley, Sidney Poitier, and
Mary McDonnell. Part of the Capital
Classics series at Landmark’s West
End Cinema. Wednesday, Oct. 17,
at 1:30, 4:30, and 7:30 p.m., 2301 M
St. NW. Happy hour from 4 to 6:30
p.m. Tickets are $10 to $12.50. Call
202-534-1907 or visit landmarkthe-
atres.com.
THE WIZARD OF OZ
The Smithsonian’s National
Museum of American History
screens Victor Fleming’s timeless
1939 adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s
children’s novel. The film is report-
edly the most-watched motion pic-
ture in history. With Judy Garland,
Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr,
and Margaret Hamilton. Featuring
a world-class score by Harold Arlen
and E.Y. “Yip” Harburg. Showings

12 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

 are Friday, Oct. 19, through Sunday,
Oct. 21, at 1:50 and 4:10 p.m.
The Warner Bros. Theater, 1300
Constitution Ave. NW. Tickets
are $15. Call 202-633-1000 or visit
si.edu/imax.

STAGE
BETWEEN EARTH AND SKY
GALA Theatre’s GALita Young
Audiences series presents the world
premiere of a bilingual play for chil-
dren based on the life of Mexican-
American botanist Ynés Mexia.
Written by Cecilia Cackley and
directed by Elena Velasco, Entre la
tierra y el cielo follows a curious girl
as she explores the magical world
of plants and stars, and breaks with
family and societal expectations.
Opens Saturday, Oct. 13. To Oct.
27. GALA Theatre at Tivoli Square,
3333 14th St. NW. Tickets are $10
to $12. Call 202-234-7174 or visit
galatheatre.org.

PLEDGING ALLEGIANCE
BORN YESTERDAY
Garson Kanin’s sharp-edged screw-
ball comedy may be 70 years old,
but it resonates all too well with
Politics and mayhem make strange but hilarious bedfellows the Washington of today. The story
focuses on an opportunistic tycoon
in Ike Barinholtz’s dark comedy The Oath. seeking to game the Washington

I
system — but the plans are sab-
KE BARINHOLTZ IS STRIKINGLY WELL-VERSED IN AN ARRAY OF HOT TOPICS, otaged by his girlfriend and her
alliance with an idealistic report-
exhibiting just as much enthusiasm discussing Rupaul’s Drag Race as he does politics, or
er pushing back to end corruption.
talking about the classic films that inspired him as a first-time feature director. “There’s Aaron Posner directs Edward Gero
this great old movie called Mrs. Miniver, really old,” says the actor. “I always loved that movie and Kimberly Gilbert in a lavish
because it tricks you, where the first half [depicts] life in this pastoral English village [as] love- production bolstered by Daniel Lee
Conway’s set, a glamorous two-lev-
ly, despite the war. And then it turns into the Nazis in the house.” el hotel suite with striking architec-
Barinholtz is in the nation’s capital to discuss The Oath, the pitch-black comic thriller he tural details. To Oct. 21. Ford’s, 511
wrote, directed, and stars in opposite Tiffany Haddish. Set over a punishing Thanksgiving 10th St. NW. Tickets are $17 to $64.
Call 800-982-2787 or visit fords.org.
weekend when every American citizen is expected to sign an oath of loyalty to the president
or face the consequences, The Oath, like Mrs. Miniver, takes a hard turn towards the intense. BRYONN BAIN:
Inside the home of happily married couple Chris and Kai (Barinholtz and Haddish), all hell LYRICS FROM LOCKDOWN
breaks loose when every member of their extended family can’t agree to disagree about sign- Bain’s one-man show concerns his
experiences with racial profiling
ing the controversial oath. and wrongful incarceration at the
The gloves come off, the fight gets ugly, and the violence threatens to go too far — though hands of New York City police,
Barinholtz instinctively sensed how far to take things. and how his experience led to a
transformative friendship with
“We knew we were gonna have these really dark elements and violence and blood,” he
a death row inmate. A live band
says. “‘People should probably die,’ is what I was told...I resisted that urge because I want- accompanies Bain as he weaves
ed the movie — despite everything the people in the movie had been through and despite his acclaimed tale with more
everything we’re going through now — to end optimistically. I am still optimistic about the than 40 characters in a produc-
tion presented by Harry Belafonte
country.” — through his Sankofa Justice and
In the film, that optimism runs along a knife’s edge juxtaposed against wild paranoia, Equity Project — and directed by
and everyone on every side feels the pain. The situation, though played for both laughs and his daughter Gina Belafonte. Each
performance will be followed by
scares, is grounded enough in reality that The Oath doesn’t seem like a paranoid fantasy, but
a town hall style dialogue at the
like a real possibility in this cultural moment. “I think the word I would use to describe our Kennedy Center. Thursday, Oct. 18,
current political ecosystem is absurd,” says Barinholtz. “We have an absurd president, you and Friday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m., and
know what I mean? We have absurd leaders. People handle and process these things in an Saturday, Oct. 20, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Terrace Theater. Tickets are $35
absurd manner.” to $55. Call 202-467-4600 or visit
That absurdity led to an obvious comparison: “I wanted people to feel like when they’re kennedy-center.org.
watching the movie, [it’s] like they’re going through a Twitter feed. You go to your Twitter
CORALINE
feed and you’re like, ‘Oh, that’s a nice video. That’s funny, that dog is hilarious. Oh my God,
Focused on a young heroine who
they’re separating parents and their children at the border. Holy shit.’ I really wanted to make unlocks a door in her new house
it reflective of that, and just take people on that journey.” —André Hereford and reveals an alternate world with
a dangerous secret, Neil Gaiman’s
2002 children’s book has inspired
The Oath is rated R, and opens in theaters everywhere October 12. Visit fandango.com. adaptations across a range of media,

14 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

 THE FALL
Studio Theatre presents seven
student activists from the Baxter
Theatre Centre at the University of
Cape Town in a devised work that
grapples with the legacies of race,
class, gender, history, and power still
standing 24 years after the official
end of Apartheid. Written as the
statue of imperialist Cecil Rhodes
was dismantled on campus. Opens
Sunday, Oct. 14. To Nov. 18. The
Mead Theatre, 14th & P Streets NW.
MAE BY RAH WALTERS, CLANTON BY JEREMY RYAN

Tickets are $20 to $45. Call 202-332-

3300 or visit studiotheatre.org.

THE LARAMIE PROJECT

The LGBTQ-focused Richmond
Triangle Players marks the 20th
anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s
death with a production of Moisés
Kaufman’s groundbreaking examina-
tion into the Wyoming murder and its
aftermath. Lucian Restivo directs. To
Oct. 19. The Robert B. Moss Theatre,
1300 Altamont Ave. Richmond.
Tickets are $10 to $35. Call 804-346-
8113 or visit rtriangle.org.
Mae and Clanton

HEATHER MAE & SARAH CLANTON MUSIC

Dubbed “the queer Adele” by L-Mag, D.C.’s power-piped singer-songwriter Mae writes
BSO SUPERPOPS W/TONY
and performs earnest and affirming folk/pop music, captured on five-song EP I Am DESARE: I LOVE A PIANO
Enough. Mae performs with Nashville-based singer-songwriter and cellist Sarah Clanton. The singing jazz pianist Tony DeSare
The pair will performing their own individual songs as well as duets like “One Step Closer,” has become known for putting
his own jaunty spin on American
a smoldering, haunting punky quiet-storm kiss-off. Seattle-based singer-songwriter Katie Songbook standards. His appearance
Kuffel opens the show, presented in the intimate space above the H Street location of with Jack Everly and the Baltimore
Dangerously Delicious Pies. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. Pie Shop Bar & Patio, 1339 H St. NE. Symphony Orchestra will salute
Tickets are $12. Call 202-398-7437 or visit dangerouspiesdc.com. pop’s greatest pianists, ranging from
George Gershwin and Ray Charles to
Billy Joel and Elton John. Thursday,
Oct. 11, at 8 p.m. Music Center at
Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane,
from a stop-motion animated fea- (DCAC), 2438 18th St. NW. Tickets Moscow stage. Part of the Kennedy North Bethesda. Also Friday, Oct.
ture to an opera. A decade ago, are $25 to $40. Call 866-811-4111 or Center’s World Stages series. In 12, and Saturday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m.,
David Greenspan adapted the fan- visit theklunch.com. Russian with projected English and Sunday, Oct. 14, at 3 p.m. Joseph
tasy horror for the stage in collab- titles. Remaining performances are Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212
oration with Stephin Merritt of the LABOUR OF LOVE Thursday, Oct. 11, and Friday, Oct. Cathedral St., Baltimore. Tickets are
Magnetic Fields. And that is the A clever mashup of the political 12, at 8 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 13, $25 to $90. Call 410-783-8000 or
version the quirky and adventur- gamesmanship of The West Wing at 2 and 8 p.m. Kennedy Center visit bsomusic.org.
ous Landless Theatre is producing. with a war-of-the-sexes saga akin Eisenhower Theater. Tickets are
Melissa Baughman directs. To Oct. to Shakespeare’s Much Ado About $19 to $75. Call 202-467-4600 or CAGE THE ELEPHANT,
28. Best Medicine Rep Theatre, Nothing, James Graham’s Olivier visit kennedy-center.org. JUDAH & THE LION
Second Floor, Lakeforest Mall, 701 Award-winning comedy is set in Last weekend Mary J. Blige became
Russell Ave., in Gaithersburg, Md. a member of Parliament’s district SUMMERLAND the first entertainer to perform
Tickets are $10 to $20. Visit land- office and pokes witty fun at the ups The Washington Stage Guild pres- at D.C.’s newest multiplex — the
lesstheatre.com. and downs of left-wing British pol- ents Arlitia Jones’ drama relay- same honor the Queen of Hip-
itics. Leora Morris directs Olney’s ing the mysterious but true tale of Hop was given back in 2011 when
HOW TO WIN A RACE WAR production, which features M. Scott William H. Mumler, a spirit pho- she officially opened the Fillmore
A parody of white supremacist McLean and Julia Coffey. To Oct. tographer with a talent for captur- Silver Spring. The Grand Opening
“race war” fiction, Ian Allen’s play 28. Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab, ing haunting images from the world event at the generically named
spans more than three centuries 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, beyond the veil. Set in the years after Entertainment and Sports Arena is
of civilization for an epic journey Olney, Md. Call 301-924-3400 or the Civil War, Summerland focuses actually this weekend and features
that is part-satire, part-exposé, visit olneytheatre.org. on Mumler’s booming business of the punky pop/rock acts Cage The
and part horror show — depicting contacting the dead for mourners, Elephant and Judah & The Lion.
slave rebellions, skinheads, and a MEASURE FOR MEASURE and the city marshal who wants to Home to the Washington Mystics
liberal dystopian future, and even Shakespeare’s classic becomes a prove the photographer is a fraud. as well as an NBA G-League team,
featuring song-and-dance numbers. mirror of modern society in a dex- Starring Yury Lomakin, Rachel the 4,200-seat ESA was built on the
Presented by the D.C. theater col- terously crafted adaptation by U.K. Felstein, and Steven Carpenter. site of the former St. Elizabeth’s
lective The Klunch, the world-pre- theater company Cheek By Jowl Kasi Campbell directs. To Oct. Hospital in the Congress Heights
miere production has a large 12-per- and the Pushkin Theatre Moscow. 21. Undercroft Theatre of Mount neighborhood in Ward 8. Saturday,
son cast including Kevin Boudreau, The production offers a fresh take Vernon United Methodist Church, Oct. 13. Doors at 7 p.m. 1100 Oak
Kim Curtis, Tony Greenberg, on Shakespeare’s dissection of the 900 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Dr. SE. Tickets are $45 to $75. Visit
Connor Padilla, and Ned Read, with nature of justice, mercy, and vir- Tickets are $30 to $60. Call 240-582- esaontherise.com.
voice work by Christopher Henley tue. Director Declan Donnellan 0050 or visit stageguild.org.
and B. Stanley. Weekends to Oct. and designer Nick Ormerod orig- DJANGO DJANGO
20. District of Columbia Arts Center inally developed the work for the This eclectic U.K.-based “psychedel-
ic art pop quartet” merges surf rock

16 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

 gram also includes Mendelssohn’s
Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage
and Beethoven’s Symphony No.
6, “Pastoral.” Thursday, Oct. 11,
at 7 p.m., and Friday, Oct. 12, and
Saturday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m. Kennedy
Center Concert Hall. Tickets are
$15 to $89. Call 202-467-4600 or
visit kennedy-center.org.

DANCE
COURTESY OF FOLGER SHAKESPEARE LIBRARY

FURIA FLAMENCA DANCE

COMPANY: CAFE FLAMENCO
Estela Velez de Paredez founded the
Furia Flamenca Dance Company 15
years ago, with a focus on combin-
ing flamenco’s gypsy heritage with
modern flamenco choreography
to produce an elegant balance of
motion and energy. Cafe Flamenco
is an intimate evening of flamenco
“tablao” style, with drinks and tapas
served tableside during the perfor-
mance by dancers from the com-
pany, a legacy resident entity with
Joy of Motion Dance Center, and
FOLGER CONSORT: OKTOBERFEST accompanied by guitarist Torcuato
There won’t be beer steins at this twist on the German tradition. Instead, the Folger Zamora. Saturday, Oct. 13, at 8:30
p.m. Sprenger Theatre in Atlas
Library’s early music ensemble puts the focus on music from German-speaking lands Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St.
in the centuries before the classical era of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. The Consort’s NE. Tickets are $25 in advance, or
founding directors Robert Eisenstein and Christopher Kendall are joined by other string $40 at the door. Call 202-399-7993
and wind instrumentalists, plus tenor Mark Bleeke, for a program that includes colorful or visit atlasarts.org.

songs by 14th-century Tyrolean knight and musician Oswald von Wolkenstein, quirky
instrumental pieces from the 15th-century Glogauer Liederbuch, and opulent early 16th
century music by Heinrich Isaac and Ludwig Senfi. Friday, Oct. 12, at 8 p.m., Saturday,
Oct. 13, 4 and 8 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 14, at 2 and 5 p.m. Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol
St. SE. Tickets are $25 to $42. Call 202-544-7077 or visit folger.edu.
with synth-pop — something like a
cross between the Beach Boys and
LCD Soundsystem. Singer and gui-
tarist Vincent Neff leads a group also
featuring drummer/producer David
Maclean, bassist Jimmy Dixon,
and synth player Tommy Grace.
Monday, Oct. 15. Doors at 7 p.m. U
Street Music Hall, 1115A U St. NW.
Tickets are $30. Call 202-588-1880
or visit ustreetmusichall.com.
MAIMOUNA YOUSSEF
The Baltimore-born, D.C.-raised
neo-soul singer-songwriter —
whose style recalls Jill Scott,
Floetry, even a little Lauryn Hill
— returns for a one-night-only
concert at the Kennedy Center.
Youssef is out supporting Vintage
Babies, a 2017 release featuring
collaborations with Common,
Eddie Bryant, and several with DJ
Dummy, including international
hit “Shine Your Light.” The con-
cert comes as part of “The Human
Journey” multidisciplinary collabo-
rative series of the Center with the
National Geographic Society and
the National Gallery of Art.
Saturday, Oct. 13, at 7:30 p.m.
Terrace Theater. Tickets are $29
to $49. Call 202-467-4600 or visit
kennedy-center.org.
MELODIME
The Northern Virginia-based band
is gaining international notice not
only for their pleasing, heartfelt
country/rock blend of original
music, but also for their efforts to go
out of their way to make a difference
in the world. Melodime donated
100 percent of proceeds from sales
of the album Where The Sinners &
The Saints Collide to Now I Play
Along Too, a nonprofit foundation
the group established that provides
musical instruments and education
for orphans, victims of disasters,
and underprivileged kids locally
and around the world. Comprised
of lead vocalist and guitarist Brad
Rhodes, bassist/pianist Sammy
Duis, drummer Tyler Duis, and
string player Jon Wiley, Melodime
performs a hometown show to cel-
ebrate the release of new EP roll-1.
The Brevet opens. Saturday, Oct. 13.
Doors at 7 p.m. The State Theatre,
220 North Washington St., Falls
Church. Tickets are $15 in advance,
or $18 day-of show. Call 703-237-
0300 or visit thestatetheatre.com.
NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC:
LENNY’S PLAYLIST
“An orchestral artist is a living
being, and a musician incorporat-
ing all the music that has preceded
him, and all the music informing his
daily life.” The quote from Leonard
Bernstein informs this program, led
by the Philharmonic’s music direc-
tor Piotr Gajewski, and featuring
works notable to Bernstein, includ-
ing Mozart’s Overture to The Magic
Flute, Shostakovich’s Symphony
No. 5, and Barber’s Violin Concerto
featuring Bella Hristova. Saturday,
Oct. 13, at 8 p.m., and Sunday,
Oct. 14, at 3 p.m. Music Center at
Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane,
North Bethesda. Tickets are $34
to $84. Call 301-581-5100 or visit
strathmore.org.
NSO: MENDELSSOHN’S
VIOLIN CONCERTO
National Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Laureate Christoph
Eschenbach returns for a pro-
gram featuring rising star violin-
ist Ray Chen, whose talent, sense
of humor, and savviness with both
social media savvy and pop culture
— with appearances on Amazon’s
Mozart in the Jungle and a part-
nership with Giorgio Armani — are
said to be “redefining what it means
to be a classical musician.” In addi-
tion to one of the most treasured
concertos in the repertoire, the pro-
WORDS BEATS & LIFE:
FOOTSTEPS IN THE DARK
Some of the best Muslim hip-hop
dancers in the world perform as
part of this original hip-hop pro-
duction featuring choreography by
American and international Muslim
dancers and commissioned by
Words Beats & Life. Co-directed
by Amirah Sackett and Simone
Jacobsen as part of the hip-hop
company’s multi-year initiative
“From Sifrs to Ciphers: Hip-Hop
is Muslim,” Footsteps in the Dark
explores the intersections of hip-
hop and many Muslim commu-
nities where social taboo around
dance is often rooted in patriar-
chy and misogyny. Saturday, Oct.
13, at 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 14, at 7
p.m. Dance Place, 3225 8th St. NE.
Tickets are $25 in advance, or $30 at
the door. Call 202-269-1600 or visit
danceplace.org.
COMEDY
KRISH MOHAN
A Native American comic, who
hosts the weekly web show “Fork
Full of Noodles” and the pod-
cast “Taboo Table Talk,” Mohan
explores “bubble culture” among
Americans and the current divide
in today’s political climate through
storytelling, satire, and comedy. His
hour of “socially conscious comedy”
was the Audience Choice Award
winner at the 2018 Pittsburgh
Fringe Festival. Opening set by
Franqi French. Friday, Oct. 12, at 7
p.m. Reliable Tavern, 3655 Georgia
Ave. NW. Tickets are $5 online, or

18 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

$10 at the door. Call 202-800-0441
or visit reliable-tavern.com.

READINGS
& LECTURES
ARENA CIVIL DIALOGUES: WELL-
BEING IN A DIGITAL WORLD
A series of discussions for the
broader Washington community
focusing on topics and questions
in today’s headlines. This week-
end’s dialogue examines our digital
life and world, including ways to
prevent cyberbullying and online

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAX EXCLAMATION POINT

hate speech, led by participants
Ellen P. Goodman of the Rutgers
Institute for Information Policy &
Law, Neema Singh Guliani of the
American Civil Liberties Union’s
Washington Legislative Office, for-
mer Boston Globe columnist and
author Maggie Jackson (Distracted:
Reclaiming Our Focus in a World of
Lost Attention), Marc Rotenberg of
the Electronic Privacy Information
Center, and Maurice Turner
of the Center for Democracy &
Technology. Moderated by GWU’s
Amitai Etzioni. Sunday, Oct. 14,
at 5:30 p.m. Molly Smith Study at

CAPES AND COWLS

Arena Stage, 1101 6th St. SW. Free.
Call 202-488-3300 or visit arenas-
tage.org.

MARIE WATT:
COMPANION SPECIES LECTURE Drag queen Dax ExclamationPoint will emcee GMCW’s annual
An active member of the Seneca costume-themed fundraiser Ropeburn.
Nation of Indians, the artist — who

works primarily in the medium of
blankets — will discuss her work
and influences, with a particular
focus on the piece Companion
Species, as part of the Clarice Smith
Distinguished Lecture Series at
the Smithsonian American Art
Museum. Watt’s work and commu-
nity collaborations create a frame-
work for understanding our relat-
edness to place, one another, and
the universe in its ancient and mod-
ern conditions. Wednesday, Oct. 17,
at 6:30 p.m. McEvoy Auditorium,
Lower Level, 8th and F Streets NW.
Free, and available in the Kogod
Courtyard beginning at 6 p.m. Call
202-633-1000 or visit americanart.
si.edu.
SMUT SLAM DC: ON THE EDGE
Smut Slam is a storytelling event
where audience members sign up
to tell their most entertaining real-
life, first-person, consensual sex
stories in under five minutes. Every
event is queer-friendly, as well as
king, sex, and body-positive. The
Halloween-themed October edi-
tion focuses on heart-pounding,
consensual encounters driven by
the erotic thrill in a little danger
and explorations into the farthest
reaches of our fantasies — from
almost-caught public displays to
edging encounters with suspended
orgasms. The evening’s “femme-
cees” are the event’s co-producers
C
OSPLAY AND DRAG ARE EQUAL IN THAT THEY’RE MORE LIKE ADDICTIONS,
rather than hobbies,” says Dax ExclamationPoint. “As soon as you finish one costume,
you’re thinking about the next costume, and the next one.” Widely known for being
on the eighth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Dax is relatively unique because her drag con-
sists entirely of cosplay — dressing up as a character from a book, comic, movie, TV series, or
video game. Over the years, she has portrayed a wide variety of characters, including X-Men’s
Storm, Rogue and Scarlet Witch, Batman’s Poison Ivy and Catwoman, The Amazing Spider-
Man’s Black Cat, Chun-Li from Street Fighter, and even Sailor Mars from the Sailor Moon
anime series.
“The appeal of cosplay is being able to express and embrace the fandom that you love,
whether it’s paying homage to a character or franchise or storyline,” she says. “When I put a
costume together, it’s because it’s a character I relate to, or want to celebrate, or who inspired
me at any time from when I was young up until now.”
Next Thursday, Dax will host Ropeburn, an annual event to raise money for the Gay Men’s
Chorus of Washington. This year’s theme is centered entirely around cosplay, with a panel
discussion introducing the concept prior to the on-stage performances. Because last year’s
Ropeburn was a fetish, leather, and kink-themed event, Dax warns there may be some overlap
in terms of the costumes on display.
“With queer nightlife, there’s always going to be an underlying hint of kink or fetishism. I
can definitely guarantee there’s going to be three guys in a pair of Batman underwear, a cape,
and not much else.”
Dax says those unfamiliar with cosplay shouldn’t shy away from attending. “It’s a party
with a cause,” she says. “Ticket sales are going to support something that’s creative and
unique to the D.C. area: the Gay Men’s Chorus. Plus, it’s Halloween season, it’s a reason to
dress up, it’s a reason to go out and socialize.” —John Riley
Ropeburn 2: Guardians of Equality is Thursday, Oct. 18, at SAX Restaurant and Lounge,
734 11th St. NW. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $80.
Costumes are optional but highly encouraged. Visit gmcw.org.

OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 19

 FABERGE REDISCOVERED
The late heiress Marjorie
Merriweather Post has a renowned
collection of pieces from the firm of
Carl Fabergé, the legendary jeweler
to the last court of Russia. A spe-
cial exhibition at Post’s Hillwood
Estate, nestled in a leafy section of
Upper Northwest a few blocks from
Van Ness, unveils new discoveries
relating to the collection of about
90 Fabergé works, including two
imperial Easter eggs. To Jan. 13.
4155 Linnean Ave. NW. Suggested
donation is $18. Call 202-686-5807
or visit HillwoodMuseum.org.
QUEER(ING) PLEASURE
Inspired by Audre Lorde, this
exhibit of works in various media is
focused on illustrating “the radical
PHOTO-NIC.CO.UK NIC / UNSPLASH
queer potential of pleasure” and the
ways in which pleasure is an “unex-
pressed and unrecognized” feeling.
Curated by Andy Johnson, per the
District of Columbia Arts Center’s
Curatorial Initiative, Queer(ing)
Pleasure goes beyond the standard
“limited, white, hetero-centric logic
of the erotic” with works of per-
formance, photography, embroi-
dery, video, and sculpture by artists
VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL including Antonius Bui, Monique
Muse Dodd, Tsedaye Makonnen,
Alternately billed as “Virginia’s Oldest Wine Festival” and John Paradiso, and Jade Yumang.
“the East Coast’s Longest-Running Wine Festival,” this To Oct. 14. DCAC, 2438 18th St.
43rd annual event organized by TasteUSA and present- NW. Call 202-462-7833 or visit
dcartscenter.org.
ed by the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association features
more than 200 wines from many of the commonwealth’s
WINE & DINE
most revered wineries. The festival also features Virginia
craft beers poured in the Virginia Oyster Pavilion, with SNALLYGASTER DC: BEASTLY
bivalves served on the half shell, grilled, or baked in spe- BEER JAMBOREE
cial dishes. It will all be complemented by live entertain- Named after the mythical beast said
to have once terrorized the area,
ment, craft vendors, and of course food trucks and ven- this craft beer festival and fundraiser
dors — including Brick n’ Fire Pizza, Columbia Station, features more than 120 of the world’s
DC Slices, Danibelle’s Lebanese, Kovi Asian Kitchen, finest breweries pouring more than
350 small-batch brews. The lineup is
Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, Maggiano’s, Red Dog BBQ, Qui
a who’s who of popular and revered
Qui Catering, and Smoke in the City. Saturday, Oct. 13, breweries from around the region
and Sunday, Oct. 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Gateway Park and the country, including Maryland
Rosslyn, 1300 Lee Highway, Arlington. Tickets, including (Charm City Meadworks), Virginia
(Red Dragon Brewery), Vermont
tasting glass, unlimited wine (and cider) tastings, and (Hill Farmstead), Michigan (Jolly
access to the Oyster Pavilion, are $40 in advance, or $55 at Pumpkin Artisan Ales), California
the door; a VIP pass also grants one-hour early admission, (Ballast Point), Texas (Jester King),
Louisiana (Great Raft), and Florida
plus access to a private tent and bathrooms with addition-
(Funky Buddha), and Canada
al reserve wine tastings and costs $65 in advance or $95 at (Bellwoods). There will be food
the door. Visit virginiawinefest.com. trucks and vendors, live music and
DJs, and other festive fare. Saturday,
October 13, from 1:30 to 7 p.m.
Mindi Mimosa and Diva Darling,
joined by a panel of local celebrity
ART & EXHIBITS Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd
and 6th Streets NW. Tickets are $15,
judges, who will help determine or $40 to $65 for passes also offering
ATHENAEUM INVITATIONAL: 30 food and drink tickets and early
which storytellers get prize packs
THE CABINET OF CURIOSITIES access. Visit snallygasterdc.com.
full of condoms, lube and sex toys.
Artists, both those specially invited
There’ll also be a Fuckbucket, for
and others who answered a call for
anonymous confessions and ques-
tions to share with the crowd.
submissions, created themed-based ABOVE & BEYOND
works in this fourth annual exhi-
Wednesday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. Ten
bition presented by Alexandria’s DEATH BECOMES US P.U.B.
Tigers Parlour, 3813 Georgia Ave.
historic museum. The exhibition Two of the three small connected
NW. Tickets are $10 by preorder, or
brings a modern context to the idea spaces in the Drink Company’s Shaw
$15 at the door. Call 202-506-2080
of a curiosity collection enveloped pop-up bar, or PUB, finally reopen
or visit tentigersdc.com.
in a gallery-sized cabinet. On dis- after Warner Bros. threatened to
play to Nov. 11. The Athenaeum, sue if they opened as an immersive
201 Prince St., Alexandria. Call 703- tribute to the animated TV series
548-0035 or visit nvfaa.org. Rick and Morty. (The third space
20 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
continues as a tribute to Richmond’s
heavy metal band GWAR.) Brightest
Young Things has partnered for a
month-long spooky crime-themed
pop-up that doubles as a preview of
BYT’s True Crime Festival the first
weekend of November. Specifically,
decor and cocktails will draw inspi-
ration from three of the most infa-
mous flashpoints featuring women
from the past: the Black Dahlia, the
brutal — and still unsolved — mur-
der of Elizabeth Short in 1947; the
Salem Witch Trials of the 1690s;
and 16th-century female serial kill-
er Elizabeth Bathory, a Hungarian
noblewoman who allegedly bathed
in the blood of virgins to retain her
youth. Launches Thursday, Oct. 11.
Daily from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (until
1:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays).
Runs to Nov. 4. Drink Company,
1839 7th St. NW. Call 202-316-9396
or visit popupbardc.com.
GET A CLUE:
A MURDER MYSTERY EVENING
A live action game of Clue is the
draw for this one-night-only event
at the DAR Museum, which tells the
story of American home life from the
18th through the early 20th century.
The game will be played out in the
two galleries and 31 period rooms of
the museum, which was founded in
1890 along with the National Society
of the Daughters of the American
Revolution. Who committed a mur-
der at the museum? And where? And
with what weapon? Thursday, Oct.
18, at 6 p.m. 1776 D St. NW. Tickets
are $35 and include two drink tick-
ets, a detective packet, and special
access to collection objects. Call 202-
879-3241 or visit dar.org/museum.
OPUS MERRIWEATHER
Columbia’s recently renovated
Merriweather Park at Symphony
Woods gets transformed once
again as the second in a three-year
project celebrating technology
and art. Presented by the Howard
Hughes Corporation, the develop-
ers of downtown Columbia, this
free, multi-sensory festival fea-
tures immersive art installations,
mesmerizing music performances
and projection mapping, as well
as artisanal culinary offerings all
intended to offer a surreal sensory
journey. Among the highlights of
the second year, with the theme
“Enter The Kaleidoscope,” are
a multi-layered performance of
MYRIAD by Oneohtrix Point
Never, photographer Marilyn
Minter’s film Green Pink Caviar,
conceptual art by German “sonic
house” artist Pantha du Prince,
and the Mexican-born multimedia
artist Alejandro Almanza’s kinetic
installation “Ahead and beyond of
everyone’s time, space and rhythm,”
which suggests a rupture in space-
time between two divergent events,
namely a fancy dinner and a dance
party. Saturday, Oct. 13, from 4:30
to 11 p.m. 10475 Little Patuxent
Parkway, Columbia, Md. Free. Visit
opusmerriweather.com. l
 theFeed
WARD MORRISON / FILE PHOTO
WALK ON
Camaraderie, respect for those who have passed, and hope for the future
are trademarks of Whitman-Walker’s Walk to End HIV. By John Riley
D
WAYNE LAWSON-BROWN WAS FIRST INTRO-
duced to AIDS Walk Washington as a child, when
he and his Boy Scout troop participated. “In the
late ’80s and early ’90s, there was a lot of talk around HIV
and transmission,” says the Washington, D.C. native. “And
the images you saw were of people dying. So my troop and
our Scoutmaster saw the need, and said, ‘We’re not doctors.
We’re not going to be able to do anything medical, but a way
we can help is by raising some money and walking.’
“I remember first thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, we’ve got to
walk for how long? Why? It’s not going to be fun,’” he recalls.
“And getting there and realizing, ‘Wait, this is for a good
cause.’”
Ever since that first AIDS Walk, the event has been a fix-
ture in Lawson-Brown’s life. He joined in several walks as a
teen, and later, after becoming a youth health educator for
Metro Teen AIDS, arranged for a group of kids in the pro-
gram to walk with him, carrying on the tradition first begun
by his forward-thinking Scoutmaster.
“As far as my story goes, it’s always been connected to
serving young people as they navigate this fight against
HIV,” says Lawson-Brown, now health educator for social
mobilization at Whitman-Walker Health. “I think it’s time
for us, as people in their 30s and late 20s, to continue to cul-
tivate young activists who are ready to take up the mantle,
to be a leader, to get others in their social groups to walk.”
Started in 1987 as “The Next Step,” the walk began out
of a sense of desperation. At the time, HIV/AIDS service
organizations were coping with a mounting death toll and
Warming up for 2016’s Walk to End HIV
very little federal support, relying chiefly on the generosity
of individual donors. As time has gone on and the disease
has become more of a chronic, manageable condition, not
only has the name changed — it’s now known as the Walk to
End HIV — but so, too, has the walk’s purpose. It has mor-
phed from a fundraiser seeking to scrape together money
for palliative and end-of-life care for people living with
AIDS, to an event focused on providing quality healthcare to
HIV-positive individuals and funding efforts to find a cure
for HIV.
Hannah Byrne, the organizational archives assistant at
Whitman-Walker and one of the chief forces behind the
community health center’s “40 Stories” Project, has spent
the past year collecting oral histories from different figures
whose lives form the larger story of Whitman-Walker’s evo-
lution. Working in collaboration with American University’s
Humanities Truck, an educational project that collects and
displays historical artifacts inside of a converted delivery
truck, Byrne has curated a mobile exhibit on the history of
the Walk to End HIV. The exhibit will be on display at this
year’s walk.
Byrne marvels at the tenacity of those who launched the
first AIDS Walk in 1987, calling it an “incredible feat” to
bring people together to raise money for a disease that was
little understood and shrouded in stigma.
“It’s incredible to think of the collective courage it took,
in 1987, to come together and say, ‘Here we are. Here’s what
we’re fighting for. These are the people we’re fighting for.
Forget all of the stigma. We just need to raise money to help
OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 21
 theFeed
save people’s lives,’” she says. “I’ve read an article featuring those who are unable to participate physically in the walk
[former Whitman-Walker Clinic director] Jim Graham, or the 5K can contribute financially by dining at participat-
where he said they raised like $240,000 at that first walk. ing restaurants from Oct. 27-28. Under the arrangement,
I think that’s an incredible show of a community coming restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds to benefit
together publicly, dedicated to fighting for their commu- Whitman-Walker Health’s HIV/AIDS services.
nity, fighting for their lives, and the respect of the larger For Naseema Shafi, the deputy executive director of
community.” Whitman-Walker Health, the Walk to End HIV and its
Dave Mallory, director of annual giving at Whitman- affiliated events are a central part of the community health
Walker, says the earlier walks were as much a protest of center’s identity.
government inaction on HIV/AIDS as they were fundrais- “I’ve seen a different level of engagement from the com-
ers. munity in terms of the people who actually show up that
“In the earlier days, the crowds were there to protest, day,” she says, noting that the event’s timing in October can
to raise visibility, to demand often conflict with walks or
treatments and education,” he races aimed at raising money
says. “There’s always been a for other causes. “It gives us
sense of community around the
Walk to End HIV, and that’s
“When you see an opportunity to be at a large
gathering that reinvigorates us
very much still there. It’s great
to see the diversity of commu-
every kind of person about why we exist and how
much we are integrated with,
nities that come together for
the walk, whether it’s the faith participating in and rely on, the community.”
Shafi’s most vivid mem-
community, the LGBTQ com- ory of a walk was in 2016,
munity, or the law firms,” he The Walk to End when many members of the
says, referring to a number of Whitman-Walker family, and,
local businesses that sponsor HIV, people from indeed, many residents of the
employees who take part in the liberal-leaning District, were
walk.
Michael Kharfen, senior
every walk of life, still smarting from the surprise
election of President Trump.
deputy director for the D.C.
Department of Health’s HIV/
quite frankly, it...gives “I remember the Gay Men’s
Chorus sang,” she says. “There
AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB was an energy that hung in the
Administration, which partners you hope, as well as air, this sense of dread, but it
with Whitman-Walker for the sort of reflected the need for
Walk to End HIV, says the evo- motivation, that we us to stick together. It was very
lution highlights the progress powerful.”
that’s been made in combating
HIV.
can see an Shafi says the walk also
serves as a poignant reminder
“I started working on HIV
in 1985 in New York City,
end to HIV.” that more needs to be done
on a variety of fronts to com-
and we didn’t have the public bat HIV, and the essential role
health, or the kind of govern- — Michael Karfen that Whitman-Walker plays in
mental national leadership to achieving those goals.
respond to the epidemic taking “Our job at Whitman-
people’s lives,” he says. “Heck, Walker and as members of the
the President of the United States didn’t even say the word HIV community is to help continue to educate folks on
‘AIDS’ until his last year in office.” where we need help and which parts of the community
But Kharfen also notes that despite medical break- aren’t accessing care,” she says. “We have to think about
throughs like antiretrovirals that have prolonged the lives how we get more young people engaged in their health care
of HIV-positive individuals, or the advent of PrEP to combat earlier, how do we get young people, especially young men
transmission of the virus, there is still no cure or vaccine, and women of color, on PrEP, how do we get more trans
meaning those who are committed to fighting the disease folks engaged in their health care.
cannot be lulled into a false sense of security. “And so, we have to think about the ways we can com-
“We have to keep walking, we have to keep talking, we municate how important we still are, and how, without the
have to keep being visible,” he says. “To me that’s an import- help of the community, we would really struggle to provide
ant part about what The Walk to End HIV is about, that we those services.” l
are visible right there in the center of the city. When you see
every kind of person participating in The Walk to End HIV, The Walk & 5K to End HIV is Saturday, Oct. 27, at Freedom
people from every walk of life, quite frankly, it...gives you Plaza, at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 13th Street
hope, as well as motivation, that we can see an end to HIV.” NW. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., with the 5K kicking off at
For the second year in a row, Whitman-Walker will 9:15 a.m. and the walk at 9:20 a.m. To sign up or donate, visit
sponsor a companion event, the Brunch to End HIV, where walktoendhiv.org.

22 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

 Community
THURSDAY, October 11 411, Takoma Park, Md. To set
up an appointment or for more
information, call Gaithersburg,
Weekly Events
301-300-9978, or Takoma Park,
301-422-2398.
ANDROMEDA
TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH
METROHEALTH CENTER
offers free HIV testing and HIV
offers free, rapid HIV testing.
services (by appointment). 9
Appointment needed. 1012 14th
a.m.-5 p.m. Decatur Center,
St. NW, Suite 700. To arrange
1400 Decatur St. NW. To
an appointment, call 202-638-

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOOD & FRIENDS

arrange an appointment, call
0750.
202-291-4707, or visit androm-
edatransculturalhealth.org.
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing,
3-5 p.m., by appointment and
DC AQUATICS CLUB practice
walk-in, for youth 21 and
session at Takoma Aquatic
younger. Youth Center, 410 7th
Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 300 Van
St. SE. 202-567-3155 or test-
Buren St. NW. For more infor-
ing@smyal.org.
mation, visit swimdcac.org.
STI TESTING at Whitman-
DC FRONT RUNNERS run-
Walker Health. 10 a.m.-12:30
ning/walking/social club Stoltzfus p.m. and 2-3 p.m. at both 1525
welcomes runners of all ability
14th St. NW and the Max

TAKING THE HELM

levels for exercise in a fun and
Robinson Center, 2301 Martin
supportive environment, with
Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE.
socializing afterward. Route
Testing is intended for those
distance is 3-6 miles. Meet at
without symptoms. For an
7 p.m. at 23rd & P Streets NW.
appointment call 202-745-7000
For more information, visit A dedication to community service motivates or visit whitman-walker.org.
dcfrontrunners.org.
Carrie Stoltzfus in her work for Food & Friends.
US HELPING US hosts a

E
DC LAMBDA SQUARES, D.C.’s
Narcotics Anonymous Meeting.
gay and lesbian square-dancing VER SINCE I’VE WORKED FOR FOOD & FRIENDS,
The group is independent of
group, features mainstream starting as the delivery volunteer coordinator, I’ve UHU. 6:30-7:30 p.m., 3636
through advanced square
gotten to meet all of these people who care about their Georgia Ave. NW. For more
dancing at the National City
Christian Church. Please dress community, and want to help take care of other people they information, call 202-446-1100.
casually. 7-9:30 p.m. 5 Thomas haven’t met and don’t know,” says Carrie Stoltzfus, director
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP
Circle NW. 202-930-1058, of program services for Food & Friends. “It’s what’s kept me INSTITUTE for young LBTQ
dclambdasquares.org. here for so long.” women, 13-21, interested in
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds
Stoltzfus, who has been with the organization for 15 years, leadership development. 5-6:30
was recently named the successor to longtime executive direc- p.m. SMYAL Youth Center, 410
practice. The team is always
tor Craig Shniderman, who is leaving his position at the end of 7th St. SE. For more informa-
looking for new members.
tion, call 202-567-3163, or email
All welcome. 7-9 p.m. Harry December after 24 years. For Stoltzfus, Food & Friends’ mis- catherine.chu@smyal.org.
Thomas Recreation Center, sion of providing prepared meals and nutrition counseling to
1743 Lincoln Rd. NE. For more
information, visit scandalsrfc. those suffering from debilitating or life-threatening illnesses FRIDAY, October 12
org or dcscandals@gmail.com. remains close to her heart.
“We meet people at a time where they’re vulnerable,” she GAMMA is a confidential, vol-
THE DULLES TRIANGLES says. “We love to see people get better and transition off Food untary, peer-support group
Northern Virginia social for men who are gay, bisexual,
& Friends, but we also want to be there for people for whom questioning and who are now
group meets for happy hour at
Sheraton in Reston. All wel- that’s not their story or their path. or who have been in a relation-
come. 7-9 p.m. 11810 Sunrise “It can be really hard, but there’s also a lot of joy in this ship with a woman. 7:30-9:30
Valley Drive, second-floor bar. work, and that’s what gets you through it,” she continues. “It’s p.m. Luther Place Memorial
For more information, visit Church, 1226 Vermont Ave
an honor to be there for someone at a difficult time in their life.
dullestriangles.com. NW. GAMMA meetings are
And the feedback that we hear from people who receive these also held in Vienna, Va., and in
HIV TESTING at Whitman- meals, or will write or call after their loved one has passed Frederick, Md. For more infor-
Walker Health. 9 a.m.-12:30 away and talk about how we helped the family, that’s the ener- mation, visit gammaindc.org.
p.m. and from 2-5 p.m. at 1525 gizing factor that gets you through the sad times.”
14th St. NW, and 9 a.m-12 Join LGBTQ people from
For Shniderman, leaving is bittersweet, but he has the all over the D.C. area for a
p.m. and 2-5 p.m. at the Max
Robinson Center, 2301 MLK Jr. utmost confidence in Stoltzfus taking the helm. HAPPY HOUR SOCIAL at The
Ave. SE. For an appointment “Food & Friends has been such an instrumental part of my Embassy Row Hotel’s Station
call 202-745-7000 or visit whit- life for 24 years that it’s hard to separate who I am from it,” Kitchen & Cocktails Lounge.
man-walker.org. he says. “[But] I’m thrilled that Carrie is going to be the next Everyone welcome. No Cover.
6-9 p.m. Dupont Circle Metro
director. She is an extraordinary person and an extraordinary is two blocks away. 2015
IDENTITY offers free and
confidential HIV testing at professional, and is really in deep with the mission of Food & Massachusetts Ave. NW. For
two separate locations. Walk- Friends. I know that the future of the organization is in really more information, visit meetup.
ins accepted from 2-6 p.m., good hands with her.” —John Riley com/GoGayDC.
by appointment for all other
hours. 414 East Diamond Ave., Food & Friends is located at 219 Riggs Rd. NE in Washington, WOMEN IN THEIR TWENTIES
Gaithersburg, Md. or 7676 D.C. For more information, call 202-269-2277 or visit (AND THIRTIES), a social
New Hampshire Ave., Suite discussion and activity group
foodandfriends.org.

OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 23

 for queer women, meets at The DC
Center on the second and fourth
Friday of each month. Group social
activity to follow the meeting.
8-9:30 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW,
Suite 105. For more information,
visit thedccenter.org.
Weekly Events
BET MISHPACHAH, founded by
members of the LGBT community,
holds Friday evening Shabbat ser-
vices in the DC Jewish Community
Center’s Community Room. 8 p.m.
1529 16th St. NW. For more infor-
mation, visit betmish.org.
DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a prac-
tice session at Howard University.
6:30-8 p.m. Burr Gymnasium, 2400
6th St. NW. For more information,
visit swimdcac.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.
SMYAL’S REC NIGHT provides a
social atmosphere for LGBT and
questioning youth, featuring dance
parties, vogue nights, movies and
games. For more info, email cather-
ine.chu@smyal.org.
SATURDAY, October 13
AGLA, the alliance for LGBTQ
Arlington and Alexandria residents,
holds an AFTERNOON COFFEE
JOLT for its members and allies at
Republik Coffee Bar of Ballston.
2:30-3:30 p.m. 4401 Wilson Blvd.,
Arlington, Va. For more informa-
tion, visit agla.org or facebook.
com/OUTinNoVA.
KHUSH DC, a support group
for LGBTQ South Asians, hosts
a monthly meeting at The DC
Center. 1:30-3:30 p.m. 2000 14th St.
NW, Suite 105. For more informa-
tion, visit facebook.com/khushdc.
The DC Center hosts a monthly
meeting of UNIVERSAL PRIDE,
a group to support and empower
LGBTQIA people with disabili-
ties, offer perspectives on dating
and relationships, and create
greater access in public spaces for
LGBTQIA PWDs. 1-2:30 p.m. 2000
14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more
information, contact Andy Arias,
andyarias09@gmail.com.
Weekly Events
DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a prac-
tice session at Montgomery College
Aquatics Club. 8:30-10 a.m. 7600
Takoma Ave., Takoma, Md. For more
information, visit swimdcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/
walking/social club welcomes run-
ners of all ability levels for exercise
24 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
in a fun and supportive environ-
ment, with socializing afterward.
Route distance will be 3-6 miles.
Walker meet at 9:30 a.m. and run-
ners at 10 a.m. at 23rd & P Streets
NW. For more information, visit
dcfrontrunners.org.
DIGNITYUSA 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 dignitynova.org.
SUNDAY, October 14
Weekly Events
LGBT-inclusive ALL SOULS
MEMORIAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
celebrates Low Mass at 8:30
a.m., High Mass at 11 a.m. 2300
Cathedral Ave. NW. 202-232-4244,
allsoulsdc.org.
BETHEL CHURCH-DC progressive
and radically inclusive church
holds services at 11:30 a.m. 2217
Minnesota Ave. SE. 202-248-1895,
betheldc.org.
DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a
practice session at Wilson Aquatic
Center. 9:30-11 a.m. 4551 Fort Dr.
NW. For more information, visit
swimdcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/
walking/social club welcomes run-
ners of all ability levels for exercise
in a fun and supportive environ-
ment, with socializing afterward.
Route will be a distance run of 8, 10
or 12 miles. Meet at 9 a.m. at 23rd
& P Streets NW. For more informa-
tion, visit dcfrontrunners.org.
DIGNITYUSA offers Roman
Catholic Mass for the LGBT
community. All welcome. Sign
interpreted. 6 p.m. St. Margaret’s
Church, 1820 Connecticut Ave.
NW. For more info, visit dignity-
washington.org.
FAIRLINGTON UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH is an open,
inclusive church. All welcome,
including the LGBTQ commu-
nity. Member of the Reconciling
Ministries Network. Services at
9:30 and 11:00 a.m. 3900 King
Street, Alexandria, Va. 703-671-
8557. For more info, visit fairling-
tonumc.org.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
welcomes all to 10:30 a.m. service,
945 G St. NW. firstuccdc.org or
202-628-4317.
FRIENDS MEETING OF
WASHINGTON meets for worship,
10:30 a.m., 2111 Florida Ave. NW,
Quaker House Living Room (next
to Meeting House on Decatur
Place), 2nd floor. Special welcome
to lesbians and gays. Handicapped
accessible from Phelps Place gate.
Hearing assistance. quakersdc.org.
HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF
CHRIST welcomes GLBT commu-
nity for worship. 10:30 a.m., 6130
Old Telegraph Road, Alexandria.
hopeucc.org.
HSV-2 SOCIAL AND SUPPORT
GROUP for gay men living in the
DC metro area. This group will be
meeting once a month. For infor-
mation on location and time, visit
H2gether.com.
INSTITUTE FOR SPIRITUAL
DEVELOPMENT, God-centered new
age church & learning center. Sunday
Services and Workshops event. 5419
Sherier Place NW. isd-dc.org.
Join LINCOLN
CONGREGATIONAL TEMPLE –
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST for
an inclusive, loving and progressive
faith community every Sunday. 11
a.m. 1701 11th Street NW, near R in
Shaw/Logan neighborhood. lincol-
ntemple.org.
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF
REFORMATION invites all to
Sunday worship at 8:30 or 11 a.m.
Childcare is available at both ser-
vices. Welcoming LGBT people for
25 years. 212 East Capitol St. NE.
reformationdc.org.
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY
CHURCH OF NORTHERN
VIRGINIA services at 11 a.m., led
by Rev. Emma Chattin. Children’s
Sunday School, 11 a.m. 10383
Democracy Lane, Fairfax. 703-691-
0930, mccnova.com.
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY
CHURCH OF WASHINGTON, D.C.
services at 9 a.m. (ASL interpret-
ed) and 11 a.m. Children’s Sunday
School at 11 a.m. 474 Ridge St. NW.
202-638-7373, mccdc.com.
NATIONAL CITY CHRISTIAN
CHURCH, inclusive church with
GLBT fellowship, offers gospel wor-
ship, 8:30 a.m., and traditional wor-
ship, 11 a.m. 5 Thomas Circle NW.
202-232-0323, nationalcitycc.org.
RIVERSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH,
a Christ-centered, interracial,
welcoming-and-affirming church,
offers service at 10 a.m. 680 I St.
SW. 202-554-4330, riversidedc.org.
ST. STEPHEN AND THE
INCARNATION, an “interra-
cial, multi-ethnic Christian
Community” offers services in
English, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and
in Spanish at 5:15 p.m. 1525 Newton
St. NW. 202-232-0900, saintste-
phensdc.org.
UNITARIAN CHURCH OF
ARLINGTON, an LGBTQ welcom-
ing-and-affirming congregation,
offers services at 10 a.m. Virginia
Rainbow UU Ministry. 4444
Arlington Blvd. uucava.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.
UNIVERSALIST NATIONAL
MEMORIAL CHURCH, a welcom-
ing and inclusive church. GLBT
Interweave social/service group
meets monthly. Services at 11 a.m.,
Romanesque sanctuary. 1810 16th St.
NW. 202-387-3411, universalist.org.
MONDAY, October 15
The Metro D.C. chapter of PFLAG,
a support group for parents, family
members and allies of the LGBTQ
community, holds its monthly meet-
ing at The DC Center. 7-9 p.m. 2000
14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more
information, visit thedccenter.org.
Weekly Events
The DC Center hosts COFFEE
DROP-IN FOR THE SENIOR LGBT
COMMUNITY. 10 a.m.-noon. 2000
14th St. NW. For more information,
call 202-682-2245 or visit thedc-
center.org.
US HELPING US hosts a black gay
men’s evening affinity group for
GBT black men. Light refreshments
provided. 7-9 p.m. 3636 Georgia
Ave. NW. 202-446-1100.
WASHINGTON WETSKINS
WATER POLO TEAM practices 7-9
p.m. Newcomers with at least basic
swimming ability always welcome.
Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van
Buren St. NW. For more informa-
tion, contact Tom, 703-299-0504
or secretary@wetskins.org, or visit
wetskins.org.
WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH
HIV/AIDS SUPPORT GROUP
for newly diagnosed individuals,
meets 7 p.m. Registration required.
202-939-7671, hivsupport@whit-
man-walker.org.
TUESDAY, October 16
CENTER BI, a group of The DC
Center, hosts a monthly roundtable
discussion around issues of bisex-
uality. 7-8 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW,
Suite 105. Visit thedccenter.org.
THE HIV WORKING GROUP of
The DC Center hosts a “Packing
Party,” where volunteers assemble
safe-sex kits of condoms and lube.
7-9 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite
OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 25
 105. For more information, visit
thedccenter.org.
Weekly Events
DC AQUATICS CLUB practice
session at Takoma Aquatic Center.
7:30-9 p.m. 300 Van Buren St. NW.
For more information, visit swim-
dcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/
walking/social club welcomes run-
ners of all ability levels for exercise
in a fun and supportive environment,
with socializing afterward. Route
distance is 3-6 miles. Meet at 7 p.m.
at Union Station. For more informa-
tion, visit dcfrontrunners.org.
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds prac-
tice. The team is always looking
for new members. All welcome.
7-9 p.m. Harry Thomas Recreation
Center, 1743 Lincoln Rd. NE. For
more information, visit scandalsrfc.
org or dcscandals@gmail.com.
THE GAY MEN’S HEALTH
COLLABORATIVE offers free
HIV testing and STI screening
and treatment every Tuesday.
5-6:30 p.m. Rainbow Tuesday
LGBT Clinic, Alexandria Health
Department, 4480 King St. 703-
746-4986 or text 571-214-9617.
james.leslie@inova.org.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS
holds an LGBT-focused meet-
ing every Tuesday, 7 p.m. at St.
George’s Episcopal Church, 915
Oakland Ave., Arlington, just steps
from Virginia Square Metro. For
more info. call Dick, 703-521-
1999. Handicapped accessible.
Newcomers welcome. liveandletli-
veoa@gmail.com.
Support group for LGBTQ youth
ages 13-21 meets at SMYAL. 5-6:30
p.m. 410 7th St. SE. For more
information, contact Cathy Chu,
202-567-3163, or 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 Health holds its
weekly GAY MEN’S HEALTH AND
WELLNESS/STD CLINIC. Patients
are seen on walk-in basis. No-cost
screening for HIV, syphilis, gon-
orrhea and chlamydia. Hepatitis
and herpes testing available for fee.
Testing starts at 6 p.m, but should
arrive early to ensure a spot. 1525
14th St. NW. For more information,
visit whitman-walker.org.
WEDNESDAY, October 17
BOOKMEN DC, an informal men’s
gay literature group, meets at
The DC Center to discuss John
Ashbery’s 1975 poetry collection,
26 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror. All
welcome. 7:30 p.m. 2000 14th St.
NW, Suite 105. Visit bookmendc.
blogspot.com.
The DC Center hosts a GET
EMPOWERED! Self-Defense
Workshop on how to defend your-
self if you are verbally or physically
harassed. Open to women, trans-
gender, and gender-nonconforming
people ages 16 and up. 6:30-8:30
p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105.
To register, or for more informa-
tion, visit defendyourself.org.
The TOM DAVOREN SOCIAL
BRIDGE CLUB meets for Social
Bridge at the Dignity Center, across
from the Marine Barracks. No
partner needed. 7:30 p.m. 721 8th
St. SE. Call 301-345-1571 for more
information.
Weekly Events
AD LIB, a group for freestyle con-
versation, meets about 6-6:30 p.m.,
Steam, 17th and R NW. All wel-
come. For more information, call
Fausto Fernandez, 703-732-5174.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC)
holds a practice session at Dunbar
Aquatic Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 101 N
St. NW. For more information, visit
swimdcac.org.
FREEDOM FROM SMOKING, a
group for LGBT people looking
to quit cigarettes and tobacco use,
holds a weekly support meeting at
The DC Center. 7-8 p.m. 2000 14th
St. NW, Suite 105. For more infor-
mation, visit thedccenter.org.
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.
JOB CLUB, a weekly support pro-
gram for job entrants and seekers,
meets at The DC Center. 6-7:30
p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105.
For more info, centercareers.org.
STI TESTING at Whitman-Walker
Health. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at both 1525
14th St. NW and the Max Robinson
Center, 2301 Martin Luther King,
Jr. Ave. SE. Testing is intended for
those without symptoms. For an
appointment call 202-745-7000 or
visit whitman-walker.org.
WASHINGTON WETSKINS
WATER POLO TEAM practices 7-9
p.m. Newcomers with at least basic
swimming ability always welcome.
Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van
Buren St. NW. For more informa-
tion, contact Tom, 703-299-0504
or secretary@wetskins.org, or visit
wetskins.org. l
Scene NOVA Pride at Bull Run Park - Saturday, September 29 - Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 27

Scene AGLA Ice Cream Social - Sunday, September 30 - Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

28 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

Scene Federico’s Grand Opening - Sunday, September 30 - Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 29

Lily
Life According to
The Award-winning actress on Grace and Frankie,
the current state of society, and the two
most important Janes in her life.
“My god, we’ve been talking for a long time!”
Indeed, a scheduled 30-minute interview with Lily Tomlin has
somehow reached the 100-minute mark — a rarity with almost
any celebrity. Despite her pronouncement, on this particular
Monday afternoon, the award-winning actress and comedian
seems happy to remain on the phone, at times even breaking
into her famous characters to punctuate a point. The only thing
preventing our call from overtaking the entire afternoon is that
Tomlin and her wife, Jane Wagner, are expecting guests.
Tomlin is exactly as you’d expect her to be — warm, wise,
welcoming. When the conversation takes a turn toward discuss-
ing our mothers — hers is deceased, and mine is laid up with
a hip injury — she shows deep and genuine concern, offering
homespun advice on mobility solutions.
It’s not at all surprising, really, considering that the overar-
ching topic of her current hit comedy, Grace and Frankie, is how
society copes with aging. Tomlin stars as the free-spirited half of
two women whose husbands left them — for each other — and
who come to depend on one another for companionship. Out
of an initially testy relationship gently flowers a deep, abiding,
loving friendship between the pair. With the glut of content on
Netflix these days, Grace and Frankie stands out as a miraculous
oasis of both originality and familiarity. In the old days, they
would call it “Must-See TV.”
The show, entering its fifth season on Netflix in 2019, is not
only a terrific showcase for Tomlin and costar Jane Fonda, but
deals with authentic issues that confront the elderly, including
the ennui of retirement, the need to feel like one is still a viable
member of society, late-in-life romance, and even how arthritis
impacts the ability to masturbate.
To call Grace and Frankie a sitcom would be to diminish the
30 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
Interview by Randy Shulman
depth of its purpose. Yes, it’s extremely funny, and is superbly
acted by its two leads to the point where you’d think you were
watching an ongoing master class, but the program swells with
honest heart and, thanks to Tomlin, delightful, offbeat quirks. It
has something for everyone, not least the LGBTQ community in
the way it expresses its main gay relationship between two men
well into their seventies. It doesn’t hurt matters that both Marin
Sheen and Sam Waterston give themselves over fully to their
characterizations, with the latter breaking free of his years as a
stern, hard-nosed DA on Law & Order, and offering up a perfor-
mance overflowing with whimsy and wonder.
“I had never worked with Sam before,” recalls Tomlin. “He
came in on the first day of shooting, and was just like a big puppy
dog. You can absolutely believe he could have been Frankie’s
husband for 40 years, and they’re best friends, and Frankie was
in love with him, and really valued her relationship with him.
But she wants him to be happy.”
Fonda, of course, is a longtime friend of Tomlin’s, and the pair
had worked together before, most notably in Nine to Five, the
1980 comedy that also starred Dolly Parton, Dabney Coleman,
and the great British veteran Jean Marsh. In it, three put-upon
office workers teach their abusive, harassing, sexist boss a lesson
he’ll never forget. Tomlin is optimistic that a sequel, featuring
the original cast, is imminent.
Tomlin, who will appear next Wednesday, Oct. 17, at the
Kennedy Center Concert Hall for an evening celebrating some
of her most treasured characterizations, from Ernestine to
Edith Ann to Mrs. Beasley to Tommy Velour, is just happy to be
working.
“I don’t feel like I’m working hard,” says the 79-year-old. “If
JENNY RISHER.

OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 31

 you have the energy, you want to work.” Still, she admits she’s
happiest when collaborating with Wagner, the brilliant writer
who has been a guiding force behind some of Tomlin’s most
memorable achievements, including the Tony-winning Search
for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe. “If Jane is going to
work on it, it’s going to be something revolutionary,” she glows
of the woman she married in 2013 after 42 years together.
Even though she officially came out late in life, Tomlin’s sen-
timents toward her LGBTQ community are filled with the kind
of sincerity that emanates from her naturally.
“I’m so proud of this community, and what it’s accomplished
in such a short time,” she says. “I never dreamed in the ’60s and
’70s that all this would ever happen so quickly. The community
has just always been there for each other. I just love it.”
METRO WEEKLY: Let’s start with Grace and Frankie. We’ll be see-
ing the fifth season soon.
LILY TOMLIN: Yes, we’re going to start shooting the sixth season
in January.
MW: Did you expect it to take off like it has?
TOMLIN: No, god, no. We didn’t know what to expect. We were
lucky, Jane and I. Marta Kauffman called both of us and said she
had an idea for a show for us. Netflix was just starting to crest in
terms of its popularity. We got in right after House of Cards. So
we were just kind of excited to do it, to be in that new venue. And
it turned out so well, and we’ve had so much fun doing it. And
we got such great people. Martin and Sam were so adorable. And
[the actors playing] our kids are so good, each one is so different.
MW: Has it been challenging, going from year to year, to come up
with narrative arcs, to make it feel as natural as it does?
TOMLIN: No, it hasn’t been terribly difficult. Jane and I were
very excited to be able to do two women of our age. And, it was
COURTESY OF NETFLIX
Marta’s intention to show what they’re up against in terms of
society, marginalization, and discounting. It was great to have
the husbands leave them for each other, so we have that whole
gay issue.
But, of course, no one knew how we were going to do it. I’m
thinking maybe Marta knew — I hope she knew. And how she’s
able to stay ahead of each year, I don’t know. Very often we have
input to certain things about our characters. We say when we’re
uncomfortable with something that the character’s asked to do,
or if we think it betrays the character, but that doesn’t happen
very often. We have a great set of writers. It’s just sort of blessed.
MW: The show deals with sex and the older set so forthrightly. The
32 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
whole creation of the vibrator business was hilarious, but at the
same time really dealt with sexual issues in a way that younger
people don’t think about. It’s groundbreaking in that regard.
TOMLIN: Yeah. I could’ve become the vibrator maven if those
were operable. People would write us, “Can you get me a couple
of those vibrators?” I’d just say, “There’s plenty on the market,
you could probably buy one easily, but these don’t work. They’re
props.” God help us, though, they’re huge.
MW: Frankie seems very suited to you in terms of our general per-
ception of who Lily Tomlin is as a known celebrity. How much do
you share in common with her as a character?
TOMLIN: As the years have gone on, I don’t try to create a charac-
ter as much as I kind of live it. I find more and more characters
that I attempt are closer to me — or maybe it takes less to convey
a character. I feel very close to Frankie. I do what comes natu-
rally to me in the role. Of course, you bring your experience as an
actor to the part and you fill out certain moments.
MW: Your rapport with Jane Fonda is incredible.
TOMLIN: Well, I just believe she is Grace, and I guess she believes
I’m Frankie. We get a lot of pleasure out of it. Sometimes we get
to laughing so much, we keep the crew until two in the morning.
That doesn’t go over great. [Laughs.]
I truly love Jane. Jane’s a great friend, and has been for years.
When our characters have a fight, we both get affected by it —
we get sad that we’re having a fight. I know audiences like our
friendship immensely. Netflix has let us know that. They don’t
let us know much else, but they let us know that.
MW: They don’t give you feedback?
TOMLIN: They don’t. That’s how they operate. They don’t want
you to know just how popular the show is. But they keep renew-
ing it, so as long as that happens, I guess we should probably
enjoy the fruits.
“People would write us,
‘Can you get me a couple
of those vibrators?’ I’d just
say, ‘There’s plenty on the
market, you could probably
buy one easily. THESE
DON’T WORK. THEY’RE
PROPS.’”
MW: How much further do you think the show can go? Is there a
point where you’d say, “Okay, we’ve told all the story that we need
to tell.”
TOMLIN: No. I think Jane and I want to completely age for the
audience. But we’re youthful — we don’t age too well. Well, we
don’t age too rapidly. And we have a great cinematographer, I
must say. I guess he could lay down on the job and we’d age fast-
er. But Jane is always saying, “I want to go until we really can’t
walk.” I think, “Well, okay, I’ll hang in there with you.”
MW: The show has been especially good at conveying the relation-
ship between Martin and Sam’s characters. While it’s hard to
condone what they did to their wives, their relationship is sweetly
portrayed, and allows the show to have a unique LGBTQ angle.
How important was it to you, as a member of the LGBTQ commu-
nity, that a gay relationship be part of the equation.
TOMLIN: Very important, very important. There’s only been one
time that I called about a scene on the show. It was during one
of the protests, and Martin and Sam have a bunch of gay friends
around. I thought the director had just let them go too far. Not
Sam and Martin so much, but the other guys. They just kind of
overdid it. I called and asked if they couldn’t look for another
cut in this one scene. I think all that stuff can be cumulative and
color the audience’s reaction.
“I was kind of insulted.
It wasn’t like Time was
saying, ‘We want to put
you on the cover for your
work,’ but ‘WE WANT TO
PUT YOU ON THE COVER
FOR YOU BEING GAY.’”
MW: Occasionally, I’ll come across sitcoms from the ’70s on cable —
All in the Family, for instance — and am genuinely shocked about
what they got away with. Obviously, these were shows designed to
provoke and make you consider society’s mores through the laughs.
All in the Family, in particular, held a huge mirror up to society. I
wonder what would happen if we had an Archie Bunker archetype
on network TV now.
LILY: [Conservative audiences] would just see that character as a
validation of their own feelings. It’s more dangerous, unless the
writer is able to infuse the project with a morality that somebody
would produce, and distribute. There’s not too much morality
anymore either, in terms of writers. I mean, that was the writer’s
duty at one point — to create a more progressive tolerance in
society. I don’t know if that’s always true anymore.
MW: Speaking of society today, what are your thoughts on how it’s
shifted in the past several years?
TOMLIN: It bothers me terribly. I keep thinking, “Well god, how
much longer do I have? What is the world going to be like before
I exit the planet?” It’s gotten like it’s just a battle — who can
dominate? Can a more progressive agenda in this country take
over from this terribly restrictive, old-fashioned, really misogy-
nistic, racist kind of ethic that everybody’s living by on the other
side? They seem rabid in their beliefs.
It’s just all mixed up, because of people’s limited beliefs. I’m
terribly frightened — if they are able to continue and dominate
— of what might come of being a gay person in this culture. You
think nothing can happen, but you have to vigilant. You just
don’t know.
MW: Do you worry that with Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court,
things will end up badly for society?
TOMLIN: I’m way worried. He should’ve withdrawn a long time
ago. And a normal president would’ve withdrawn his name. It’s
the first sign of real trouble. You feel Trump wanted him des-
perately so that if he does get into trouble with [special counsel
Robert] Mueller that this justice will fight for him to be exon-
erated, to not be indicted at all, to not have anything brought
against him, that he’s above the law. Kavanaugh will endorse
that. He said it in his writings, he said it in his speaking. And, of
course, I worry about Roe v. Wade, and anything else that this
guy can [help] overturn.
MW: We’ve had a lot of discussions in our staff meetings about
whether or not gay marriage would be overturned. I think what
they’ll do is bolster religious freedoms to the point where they make
things as difficult as possible for us.
COURTESY OF NETFLIX
TOMLIN: Did you ever see that film — an anti-Nazi movie, I can’t
think of the name — that all they did was change the law incre-
mentally? They just carefully kept changing the law, changing
the law, until finally it was a world that the Germans wouldn’t
even recognize, allowing the absolute siege of the Jews and
anyone else they didn’t like — gays — in the country. In the
Holocaust museum in Berlin, they have notebooks filled with the
directions — the Nazi directions — for how to vanquish the Jews.
And gay people. It’s just horrifying.
You have to think in the worst possible scenario when people
have a racist, misogynistic, anti-gay everything mindset. You
just want to stop them now. There just comes a time when the
human’s mindset has to change, it has to grow and change and
do better for other people.
MW: The president’s son, Donald Jr., said he’s more worried about
his sons being accused of sexual assault than his daughters being
assaulted. It’s disturbing these people don’t truly understand what
any of this #MeToo movement is about.
TOMLIN: It’s a power thing. They have never cared. Even if they
have daughters, they haven’t really been aware of, or even sensi-
tive to, generally speaking, what their daughters are up against.
Edith Ann says it best, she says, “Kids learn how to act in the
world by seeing how grown-ups act in the world.” I do not think
the world will ever get better unless this changes.
MW: We’re told that one of the things that will come out of all this
furor over Kavanaugh is that even more women will seek office.
Elizabeth Warren, apparently, is seriously considering a run for
president, for instance.
TOMLIN: If women really take power, or even if they make the
power equal, there will be a backlash against them. The current
order will really try desperately to discount them.
MW: It occurs to me that Nine to Five should be considered a
harbinger of the #MeToo movement. The women take charge and
OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 33
deal aggressively with a sexist boss. The movie was an initial call
to arms, even in 1980.
TOMLIN: I’ll take that!
MW: There have been rumors that there’s going to be a sequel.
TOMLIN: Yeah, they’re working on it. It’s being written right
now. I’m pretty sure Jane [Fonda] will be an executive producer
on it. We’ve had input on the script a little bit. We hope it comes
to fruition. I think it will, because everybody’s so excited about
it. Jane, Dolly [Parton], and I are already on board. I’m sure
there’ll be another generation, but we’ll be very significant to
the plot.
MW: What can we expect from your upcoming performance at the
Kennedy Center?
TOMLIN: I use video in the show to sort of ridicule myself, and
have perspective on that, to maybe reflect on a character’s his-
tory. But it’s totally entertaining, totally funny. I talk to the audi-
ence about the world, and segue into different monologues, and
do about ten characters.
MW: You have quite a canon of characters. Is there one you love
doing the most?
“Can a more progressive agenda in this
country take over from this terribly
restrictive, old-fashioned, really
misogynistic, racist kind of ethic that
everybody’s living by on the other side?
THEY SEEM RABID IN THEIR BELIEFS.”
TOMLIN: [Laughs.] That’s like asking Mrs. Duggar which of those
19 kids she really has a soft spot for. I don’t really — they’re like
people to me. I like to have them in my life.
I opened my first Broadway show in 1977. And Mrs. Beasley
— she’s a Red Cross volunteer, and she had like a Florence
Nightingale with the big hat piece, with the silk hanging down,
and the cape — handed out coffee and donuts and Kleenex to
the kids in line. Because, in those days, my fans were sleeping
in sleeping bags to get good seats on the first day the box offices
were open. So she was out there walking the streets for hours
with the kids, and giving them Kleenex to blow their noses. All
day I was out there. Well, Mrs. Beasley was.
MW: That’s amazing. How did they react to that?
TOMLIN: They kind of expected it, I think. Or I’d conditioned
them to expect it. I don’t do that so much anymore, because by
and large my fans are older. They certainly don’t sleep in sleep-
ing bags, for the most part. In those days, though, the fans that
were really fans, they were just adorable. They knew everything
about the characters, and they’d ask you everything. They’d val-
idate you on every point.
MW: What year did you come out?
TOMLIN: I don’t remember. I think it was like 2000.
MW: Is it true that in the ’70s Time magazine promised you a
cover, but only if you’d come out?
TOMLIN: Yes. I was kind of insulted. It wasn’t like Time was say-
ing, “We want to put you on the cover for your work,” but “We
want to put you on the cover for you being gay.”
MW: Why didn’t you do it?
34 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
TOMLIN: It would be very early for me, and it would’ve been real-
ly tough. My mother is from Kentucky — she’s dead now, but she
was from Kentucky, and she was fairly Fundamentalist. All her
family, her sisters, and her mother, and everybody were still in
Kentucky, and they were so very religious. My brother’s gay, too,
and my mother had a collapse when she found out about him.
Anyway, my mother knew very well that I lived with Jane, and
that we were a couple, but she just didn’t want everybody else
to know. So I was torn about that. And I was torn about being
desired [for the cover] only because I was gay. So I declined it.
MW: If you had come out in 1975, it would have been historic.
TOMLIN: It was too soon for me. I’m saying too soon for me,
because I was such a huge television star from Laugh-In. I knew
it would be risky if I did. I was awfully grateful when Ellen
came out. She paid a price for that, but she ultimately triumphed
incredibly.
MW: Do you think male celebrities have a harder time than women
coming out?
TOMLIN: It depends if the men are leading men in the movies.
There’s always that issue.
MW: I’m thinking Barry Manilow. A
couple of years ago he came out, and,
to be honest, it wasn’t a surprise. I
mean, he was Bette Midler’s accompi-
anist in the bathhouses in the ’70s. Still,
I guess when you get past a certain age,
it’s harder. It takes more courage than
when you are in your 20s.
TOMLIN: It depends on how much the
culture is supporting you at that time,
even the gay culture. Many people in
the business knew that I was gay, and
so many fans knew I was gay. I knew
that they knew I was, even though it
wasn’t public knowledge. If you’re 20
years old now, you’re just out.
MW: When you did come out publicly, did anything change for you?
TOMLIN: Not that I’m aware. It’s nicer to be able to always refer-
ence Jane [Wagner] as my partner. But she has been my partner
for so many years.
I’m just now thinking of something else — one time I was
on The View, and Barbara Walters said to me, “Lil, you’ve never
married. Just didn’t find the right guy?” I said, “Now Barbara,
you and I both know that’s not the reason.” She didn’t say any-
thing else, she just shut up. I hate to go back over my life. I’ve
failed in so many areas.
MW: How can you say that? You’re the epitome of success in so
many areas.
TOMLIN: I appreciate that. You’re awfully sweet.
MW: Tell us one thing that you feel that you failed at that you wish
you could change.
TOMLIN: Well, I would have liked to have been really cheeky and
brazen and come out in ’75. [Laughs.]
MW: You’re turning 80 on your next birthday. That’s a big one.
What do you want most of all for your 80th birthday?
TOMLIN: [Laughs.] A hammock by a stream. l
Lily Tomlin appears Wednesday, Oct. 17, at 8 p.m. in the Kennedy
Center Concert Hall. Tickets are $39 to $129. Call 202-467-4600 or
visit kennedy-center.org.
Seasons 1 through 4 of Grace and Frankie are available for stream-
ing on Netflix. Visit netflix.com.
 Gallery
Brian Hitselberger: Other Ways of Telling
A
N INCIDENT OF HATE SPEECH IN THIS
multidisciplinary artist’s own home as well
as other anti-gay activities in his base of
Athens, Ga. spurred creation of this series of paint-
ings, drawings, and installations. “Counterspell,”
the largest installation in the collection, combines
small works by seven other LGBTQ-identified art-
ists along with elements of Hitselberger’s creation
to form a wall that acts as a spiritual protection
Counterspell
Counterspell (detail) Oracle
against hate speech and homophobia. Montgomery
College’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts
presents the series as the first in a Soapbox Series
at the Open Gallery on its Takoma Park/Silver
Spring campus. Now to Nov. 9, with a reception
on Oct. 25, and an art Artist Talk on Nov. 12.
Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Arts
Center, 930 King St., Silver Spring. Free. Call 301-
362-6525 or visit cms.montgomerycollege.edu.
OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 37
 Movies

Goddard so deftly twists this star-laden

popcorn thriller into a shrewd backdoor

Hotel California
chronicle of nearly every terror of the ’60s
— from the Vietnam War to the Manson
murders, and Psycho to COINTELPRO —
that it’s possible not to see the turn com-
A dynamite thriller with a stacked cast and a smart script, Bad Times ing. The characters at the Royale aren’t
at the El Royale delivers a ferociously good time. By André Hereford just pawns in a game, but symbols of

B
an American society driven towards the
AD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE (HHHHH) MIGHT BE DRAGGING AROUND abyss.
an extra article in its title, but it’s packing just the right amount of everything As Flynn, Darlene and company dis-
else. Heat, mystery, drama, history, music, comedy, and a mile-wide streak of cover, the Royale might be a hell there’s
Nixon-era paranoia all meet inside the Royale, a gloomy but glamorous no-tell motel no turning back from, and their fear is
just outside of Reno on the Nevada-California state line. acutely recognizable. It’s the same fear
“We’re a bi-state establishment,” boasts the bellman Miles (Lewis Pullman) to the that gripped America in the turbulent
disparate cast of characters who all show up one misbegotten, rainy night. ’60s, and that animates so much of today’s
They’re a vividly-drawn bunch, each distinct in their own way as they assemble conflict and resistance. Can we make it
like players in an Agatha Christie novel, or avatars for a very grown-up game of Clue. back from here? And yet, Goddard keeps
Writer-director Drew Goddard (Cabin in the Woods) strikes up a scintillating game that subtext hidden beneath, but not far
from the start, with a sprightly ’50s-set opening scene of a man alone in his room at the beneath, the shiny surface of movie stars
Royale burying something beneath the floorboards. and period production design, and a boun-
Ten years later, and Darlene Sweet (Cynthia Erivo), a single, black woman rolls cy soundtrack of ’60s R&B plattered up by
up to the establishment, like Marion Crane pulling into her doomed spot at the Bates the Royale’s Wurlitzer.
Motel. Despite the luxe design and decor at the Royale, a strong sense lingers that Those songs, including the Isley
something wicked awaits Darlene and the other guests who join her. Father Flynn Brothers’ “This Old Heart of Mine” and the
(Jeff Bridges), a friendly but ragged priest, looks like he might be hiding something. Four Tops’ “Bernadette,” aren’t deployed
Laramie Seymour Sullivan (Jon Hamm), a gregarious salesman from Biloxi, seems like merely as period signposts, but play inte-
he’s hiding something. And no-bullshit looker Emily Summerspring (Dakota Johnson) gral parts in the plot and pacing. Bad Times
definitely is hiding something. is well-crafted, driven by a time-shifting
Whether these characters pose a greater danger to each other than what the powers narrative that adds Tarantino-esque flavor
that be at the Royale have in store for them forms the mystery, and underscores the fun. to the mix. The high-wire act wobbles a
Although, it’s not all fun and games. Death and horror are at home there, too. bit in the homestretch, and loses some of

OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 39

its pep, but then it brings in the big guns to take the whole show
home in grand, blazing style.
By big guns, in this case, Goddard brings in his Cabin in the
Woods leading man Chris Hemsworth as charismatic cult leader
Billy Lee. Strolling shirtless through a field of goldenrod, trailed
by his followers, Billy Lee is a potent example of just how allur-
ing pure evil can be. A scene in which he pits two of his eager
female followers in a knock-down, drag-out fight for the privi-
lege of sharing a bed with him speaks volumes. The movie hits
on a mood that’s eerily timely.
In most other regards, Bad Times is just plain eerie, as well as
droll and highly suspenseful. And Goddard isn’t precious about
killing off any of these characters. They come and go in unpre-
dictable fashion.
They all make an impression, though Erivo, a Tony winner
for her performance in the acclaimed 2016 Broadway revival
of The Color Purple, will be a revelation to many. Her Darlene
is delicate yet strong, and sings her way through a singularly
tense sequence involving Father Flynn and a shotgun. Bridges is
endlessly resourceful as the squirrelly Flynn, and carries much
of the comedy in his deadpan delivery. Nick Offerman makes a
brief, entertaining appearance, and Hamm hams it up with pur-
pose as the suspiciously loquacious Southerner Sullivan.
The entire cast captures the atmosphere of black humor and
dread, but perhaps no character or performance personifies it as
well as Pullman in the role of Miles. Innocent in appearance but
harboring a grim past and several secrets, he knows something
about the abyss and how dangerous it can be to step too close to
the edge. He warns the Father more than once that the Royale is
no place for a good man, but again and again, his warnings aren’t
heeded. Maybe there are no good guys or ladies at the Royale,
but it’s definitely a good time. l

Bad Times at the El Royale is rated R, and opens in theaters everywhere on Friday, October 12. Visit fandango.com.

rounded by a vibrant cast of fellow space

pioneers, including Corey Stoll as Apollo
11 pilot Buzz Aldrin. And, providing a wel-
come counterpoint to all the buzzcuts and
bravado, Claire Foy turns in an incandes-
cent performance as Armstrong’s devoted
wife Janet.
Janet, and Foy’s steely take on her,
dominates one of the film’s two scenes
that are memorably thrilling. In the first,
a scene that probably will follow Foy’s
introduction as a nominee at next year’s
Academy Awards, Janet insists that her
husband step out of his stoic comfort zone
to give their children a proper farewell
before he boards a rocket to the moon.
They have already seen other astronauts
make the ultimate sacrifice — Janet wants
her sons to know that their father might

Moon Struck
not come home from Apollo 11, and she
wants Neil to be the one to tell them.
Janet’s plea to Armstrong, and her wish
for his safe return, sums up the love and
First Man eschews spectacle for a reflective portrait of pioneering commitment of thousands of families who
astronaut Neil Armstrong. By André Hereford send their loved ones off for service.

N
The second scene that might be sig-
EIL ARMSTRONG CASTS LONG SHADOWS ACROSS BOTH THE MOON nature for Chazelle’s approach to story-
and human history in the biopic First Man (HHHHH), directed by Damien telling in First Man is perfectly minimal
Chazelle, the Oscar-winning director of La La Land. Taking off from James in its emotion and detail. In a pre-Apol-
R. Hansen’s book, published in 2005, Chazelle’s film hones in on the thrilling decade lo training mission, Armstrong rockets
of exploration and sacrifice that culminated in the 1969 Apollo 11 mission to the moon. towards space, with the entire flight shot
But, despite a breathtaking opening scene of Armstrong piloting an X-15 up to an from his strapped-in position inside the
altitude of 140,000-feet, thrills don’t seem to be what Chazelle and screenwriter Josh cramped craft. Chazelle and cinematog-
Singer are chasing. rapher Linus Sandgren strap the audience
In charting NASA’s space race, First Man weighs heavily the human toll that’s paid in for the astronauts’ unbelievably limited
by the astronauts and their families. Accordingly, the movie presents a thoughtful field of vision: a mere tiny porthole out-
account of Armstrong as a stoic maverick, utterly down-to-earth in how he goes about side of which the visible patch of sky goes
his duties as pilot, engineer, husband, and father. This seriousness of intent is echoed from blue to white to the black of space.
through star Ryan Gosling’s restrained performance as the unflappable midwesterner. They called them pilots, but they really
Beyond a somewhat adorable single-mindedness about math and mission engi- were just men hurtling miles above earth
neering, Gosling’s Armstrong doesn’t exhibit much personality. Fortunately, he’s sur- at the mercy of math and science. l

First Man is rated R, and opens in theaters everywhere October 12. Visit fandango.com.

40 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

SCOTT SUCHMAN
Stage

the helm, the cast is a gathering of many

Twin Peaks
of the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s
long-standing talent, all of whom can
carry comedy as skillfully as they carry
the beauty and depth of their Shakespeare.
Shakespeare Theatre’s The Comedy of Errors is just the ticket Cornerstone of this talented ensem-
to escape our troubling times. By Kate Wingfied ble is the always charismatic Gregory

A
Wooddell. Bestowed with Superman/
LITTLE NAUGHTY AND A LOT NICE, THE SHAKESPEARE THEATRE Clark Kent good looks, Wooddell plays
Company’s musically inclined The Comedy of Errors (HHHHH), is funny, cute, happily against type here, delivering his
and just the ticket in these difficult times. With a vibe part Monty Python, part Antipholus (of Syracuse) with a kind of
Zorba the Greek, and aesthetically reminiscent of Herge’s Adventures of Tintin, director just-got-out-of-bed cheerful bewilder-
Alan Paul creates a perfect, cheerful moment for Shakespeare’s tale of long-lost twins ment between moments of authentic pas-
and their inevitable mix-ups. sion and some stellar comic timing. As the
An early work, students of the Bard will enjoy spotting the themes (twins) and sce- hilariously assertive Adriana, Veanne Cox
narios (deadly storms) that make their first appearances here and return in later plays couldn’t be more in her element, channel-
such as Pericles, Twelfth Night and The Tempest. But unlike the latter with their mythic ing Maria Callas with a hint of Irene Papas
textures and metaphysical layers, The Comedy of Errors keeps it far homier and cozily in her brittle but salacious Adriana. Her
domestic. Married couples spar, shop merchants wheedle, everybody argues, nobody scenes with Wooddell’s Antipholus, who
gets seriously hurt. There is ribaldry, deliciously clever language, and gorgeously win- she mistakes for her husband (his twin),
some monologues, but there are no Shakespearean wars, murders, or tragic betrayals. draw some of the best laughs for their per-
That’s for after the theater, when we get back to the headlines. fectly timed comedy and the kind of risqué
With madcap comings and goings so much a driver of this comedy, set designer sensibility that knocks this production
James Noone’s cramped-but-movable town is crafty and clever, bringing its own brand into better, wittier realms.
of wit to the rapidly changing locations and the characters’ energetic maneuvers. We Working incredibly hard as a second set
are moved in and out of houses, around corners and into and out of the town’s narrow of long-lost twins, the Dromios of Syracuse
streets with minimal fuss, maximum efficiency, and total clarity. The characters may and Ephesus, Carson Elrod and Carter
lose their bearings, but we do not. When the plot thickens and tempers rise, director Gill provide much of the broad comedy
Paul whips people and set into a comic, physical crescendo that is choreographed to a with their put-upon manservants. Though
fabulous tee. they don’t seem much like twins, they
Indeed, pretty much everything here is done to a tee, certainly when it comes to each bring plenty of humor — Gill for his
the lead performances. In honor of Artistic Director Michael Kahn’s final season at long-suffering consistency and Elrod for

OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 41


SCOTT SUCHMAN
his odd inspired moments, especially when it comes to J. Bernard
Calloway’s Flip Wilson-inspired Luce. As the “other” Antipholus
(this one of Ephesus), Christian Conn is a tad less polished than
Wooddell, but he does deliver some priceless exasperation as the
confusion mounts. Finally, as counterpoint to the arch Adriana,
Folami Williams’ Luciana is convincing sweet and genuine,
The Comedy of Errors runs to November 4 at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St. NW.
Tickets are $49 to $128. Call 202-547-1122 or shakespearetheatre.org.
42 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
though there is no discernable chemistry
with Wooddell’s obviously too-much-
older (and a lot more fun) Antipholus.
The other standouts here bring all
manner of variety and color, regard-
less of size of the role. As the jewelry
merchant Angelo, Tom Story thorough-
ly enjoys his campy outfit and perso-
na, while Matt Zambrano brings zing to
both his Tailor and the temperamental
Second Merchant. Sizzling with pres-
ence, Eleasha Gamble offers some musi-
cal theater glam to her Courtesan. And
back in the comedy category, a well-dis-
guised Sarah Marshall as Dr. Pinch runs
with Paul’s slightly incongruent southern
Baptist exorcist theme, which could have
been rather tired without her inventive
chops. The most guilelessly ebullient per-
former of the evening, the mega-versatile
Matt Bauman’s police officer and louche
Greek waiter are truly entertaining.
Of course, any thoughts on this Error must end with the
wonderful Nancy Robinette as Emilia and Ted van Griethuysen
as Egeon. Sharing the warmth of their long association with
the Company and their commitment and joy in delivering
Shakespeare, they continue to give back to the audiences that so
value their art. l
NightLife Photography by
Ward Morrison

OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 43

Scene Oktoberfest at Nellie’s - Saturday, October 6 - Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

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ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS • HybridNine: Stripped, a until 9pm • Video Games Guest dancers • Rotating
Happy Hour, 4-9pm • Foosball • Live televised
All male, nude dancers • Harness and Jock Party, • Foosball • Live televised DJs • Kristina Kelly’s Diva
• Shirtless Thursday, sports • Full dining menu
Open Dancers Audition • 10pm-close • Featuring sports • Full dining menu Fev-ah Drag Show • Doors
10-11pm • Men in till 9pm • Special Late
Urban House Music by DJ DJ Ryan Doubleyou • till 9pm • Special Late at 9pm, Shows at 11:30pm
Underwear Drink Free, Night menu till 11pm •
Tim-e • 9pm • Cover 21+ No Cover Night menu till 2am • Visit and 1:45am • DJ Don T. in
12-12:30am • DJs Visit pitchersbardc.com
pitchersbardc.com Ziegfeld’s • Cover 21+
BacK2bACk

44 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


Saturday, NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
Drag Brunch, hosted
October 13 by Chanel Devereaux,
10:30am-12:30pm and
A LEAGUE OF HER OWN 1-3pm • Tickets on sale
Open 2pm-3am • Video at nelliessportsbar.com
Games • Live televised • House Rail Drinks, Zing
sports Zang Bloody Marys, Nellie
Beer and Mimosas, $4,
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR 11am-3am • Buckets of
Saturday Breakfast Buffet, Beer, $15 • Guest DJs
10am-3pm • $14.99 with
one glass of champagne NUMBER NINE
or coffee, soda or juice • Doors open 2pm • Happy
Additional champagne $2 Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink,
per glass • World Tavern 2-9pm • $5 Absolut and $5
Poker Tournament, 1-3pm Bulleit Bourbon, 9pm-close
• Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • • Pop Tarts, featuring DJs
Freddie’s Follies Drag BaCk2bACk, 9:30pm
Show, hosted by Miss
Destiny B. Childs, 8-10pm PITCHERS
• Karaoke, 10pm-close Open Noon-3am • Video
Games • Foosball • Live
GREEN LANTERN televised sports • Full
Happy Hour, 4-9pm • $5 dining menu till 9pm •
Bacardi, all flavors, all Special Late Night menu
night long till 2am • Visit pitchers-
bardc.com
DAVID CLAYPOOL / KALORAMA PHOTOGRAPHY
Blackout
NIGHTLIFE HIGHLIGHTS
BLACKOUT: A BRITNEY ALBUM CELEBRATION
CTRL, the queer DJ collaborative that came into being as a popular monthly party,
including a four-year run at Town, is ensuring Britney Spears fans aren’t left in the dark
with the forced shuttering of its home. DJs Jeff Prior, Adam Koussari, and Dvonne aka
Devon Trotter have found a new venue for its fourth annual dance party paying tribute
to Britney’s album Blackout, released Oct. 25, 2007, and featuring the hits “Gimme
More,” “Piece of Me,” “Break The Ice,” and “Toy Soldier.” All in all, we’re talking 14
tracks, which is not enough, even allowing for remixes, for a multi-hour dance party.
Which is why there will also be a heavy dose of other favorite pop artists “with an
electropop, nu-disco, house kick.” Saturday, Oct. 20, starting at 10 p.m. U Street Music
Hall, 1115A U St. NW. Tickets are $10. Call 202-588-1880 or visit ustreetmusichall.com.
JUSTICE
Bottoms Up Productions, in association with Flashy Sundays, presents a new all-night
affair, with music by Hex Hector, the pioneering dance remixer/producer to the star
divas, and Mexico’s gay star DJ Isaac Escalante, as well as Sean Morris and Kurt
“TWiN” Graves, the DJs from Flash’s regular gay party. Although undisclosed, expect
the venue to be bigger and better able to accommodate the Flashy crowd. Saturday,
Oct. 20, starting at 10 p.m. Location to be announced. Tickets are $15 to $30. Visit
justiceforalldc.com.
TEN TIGERS PARLOUR: THE COVEN’S 3 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Every second Saturday of the month comes a queer women-centered “witchy dance
party” in the Petworth restaurant/bar/intimate nightclub venue owned by D.C.’s ubiq-
uitous Hilton Brothers (Brixton, Marvin). Kate Ross’ The Coven is touted as “open to all
genders, orientations, ideologies, and badasses,” and an event where — no surprise
given the name — “dark couture is encouraged.” Saturday, Oct. 13, starting at 10 p.m.
3813 Georgia Ave. NW. Call 202-506-2080 or visit tentigersdc.com.
SISSY THAT TUESDAY: SAVAGE BEAUTY
Pussy Noir pays tribute to Samhain, the Gaelic festival with pagan roots ushering in the
“darker” winter season, with the October iteration of her monthly out-there cabaret/per-
formance art party. Fellow local drag act Jane Saw serves as special guest for a witchy
party where “there will be a bloodbath,” so “latex and vinyl and patent leather are all
encouraged.” Wes the DJ will be behind the decks playing eerie and dark dance-pop/
house tunes. Tuesday, Oct. 16. Trade, 1410 14th St. NW. Doors at 8 p.m. Call 202-986-
1094 or visit tradebardc.com. – Doug Rule
OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 45
 SHAW’S TAVERN
Brunch with $15
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm •
Bottomless Mimosas, Karaoke with Kevin down-
10am-3pm • Happy Hour, stairs, 9:30pm-close
5-7pm • $3 Miller Lite,
$4 Blue Moon, $5 House NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
Wines, $5 Rail Drinks • Drag Brunch, hosted
Half-Priced Pizzas and by Chanel Devereaux,
Select Appetizers 10:30am-12:30pm and
1-3pm • Tickets on sale
ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS at nelliessportsbar.com
Men of Secrets, 9pm-4am
• Guest dancers • Ladies
• House Rail Drinks, Zing
Zang Bloody Marys, Nellie
of Illusion Drag Show Beer and Mimosas, $4,
with host Ella Fitzgerald 11am-1am • Buckets of
• Doors at 9pm, Shows Beer, $15 • Guest DJs
at 11:30pm and 1:45am
• DJ Don T. in Ziegfeld’s NUMBER NINE
• DJ Steve Henderson in Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on
Secrets • Cover 21+ any drink, 2-9pm • $5
Absolut and $5 Bulleit
Bourbon, 9pm-close • Pop
Goes the World with Wes
Sunday, Della Volla at 9:30pm •
October 14
No Cover
PITCHERS
9 1/2 Open Noon-2am • $4
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any Smirnoff, includes flavored,
drink, 2-9pm • $5 Absolut $4 Coors Light or $4 Miller
and $5 Bulleit Bourbon, Lites, 2-9pm • Video
9pm-close • Multiple TVs Games • Foosball • Live
showing movies, shows, televised sports • Full din-
sports • Expanded craft ing menu till 9pm • Visit
beer selection • No Cover pitchersbardc.com
A LEAGUE OF HER OWN SHAW’S TAVERN
Open 2pm-12am • $4 Brunch with Bottomless
Smirnoff and Domestic Mimosas, 10am-3pm •
Cans • Video Games • Happy Hour, 5-7pm • $3
Live televised sports Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
$5 House Wines, $5 Rail
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas
Champagne Brunch Buffet, and Select Appetizers
10am-3pm • $24.99 with • Dinner-n-Drag, with
four glasses of champagne Miss Kristina Kelly, 8pm
or mimosas, 1 Bloody • For reservations, email
Mary, or coffee, soda or shawsdinnerdragshow@
juice • Crazy Hour, 4-8pm gmail.com
• Karaoke, 9pm-close
46 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
TRADE
Doors open 2pm • Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cock-
tail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
2-10pm • Beer and wine
only $4
Monday,
October 15
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-8pm •
Singles Night • Half-Priced
Pasta Dishes • Poker Night
— 7pm and 9pm games •
Karaoke, 9pm
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm •
$3 rail cocktails and
domestic beers all night
long • Singing with the
Sisters: Open Mic Karaoke
Night with the Sisters
of Perpetual Indulgence,
9:30pm-close
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
Beat the Clock Happy Hour
— $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
$4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of
Beer, $15 • Half-Priced
Burgers • Paint Nite, 7pm
• PokerFace Poker, 8pm •
Dart Boards • Ping Pong
Madness, featuring 2 Ping-
Pong Tables
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm • No Cover
SHAW’S TAVERN
Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
$5 House Wines, $5 Rail
Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas
and Select Appetizers •
Shaw ’Nuff Trivia, with
Jeremy, 7:30pm
TRADE
Doors open 5pm • Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cock-
tail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
5-10pm • Beer and wine
only $4
Tuesday,
October 16
A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
Open 5pm-12am • Happy
Hour: $2 off everything
until 9pm • Video Games
• Live televised sports
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • Taco
Tuesday • Poker Night —
7pm and 9pm games •
Karaoke, 9pm
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4pm-9pm
• $3 rail cocktails and
domestic beers all night
long
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
Beat the Clock Happy Hour
— $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
$4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of
Beer $15 • Drag Bingo
with Sasha Adams and
Brooklyn Heights, 7-9pm •
Karaoke, 9pm-close
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm • No Cover
PITCHERS
Open 5pm-12am • Happy
Hour: $2 off everything
until 9pm • Video Games
• Foosball • Live televised
sports • Full dining menu
till 9pm • Special Late
Night menu till 11pm •
Visit pitchersbardc.com
SHAW’S TAVERN
Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
$5 House Wines, $5 Rail
Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas
and Select Appetizers •
Half-Priced Burgers and
Pizzas all night with $5
House Wines and $5 Sam
Adams
TRADE
Doors open 5pm • Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a
cocktail glass served in a
huge glass for the same
price, 5-10pm • Beer
and wine only $4 • Sissy
That Tuesday: A Monthly
Cabaret, 8pm • Hosted
by Pussy Noir and special
guests • Music by Wess
the DJ
Wednesday,
October 17
A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
Open 5pm-12am • Happy
Hour: $2 off everything
until 9pm • Video Games
• Live televised sports
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • $6
Burgers • Beach Blanket
Drag Bingo Night, hosted
by Ms. Regina Jozet
Adams, 8pm • Bingo prizes
• Karaoke, 10pm-1am
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4pm-9pm •
Bear Yoga with Greg Leo,
6:30-7:30pm • $10 per
class • $3 rail cocktails
and domestic beers all
night long
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
SmartAss Trivia Night,
8-10pm • Prizes include
bar tabs and tickets to
shows at the 9:30 Club •
$15 Buckets of Beer for
SmartAss Teams only •
Absolutely Snatched Drag
Show, hosted by Brooklyn
Heights, 9pm • Tickets
available at nelliessports-
bar.com
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm • No Cover

PITCHERS
Open 5pm-12am • Happy
Hour: $2 off everything
until 9pm • Video Games
• Foosball • Live televised
sports • Full dining menu
till 9pm • Special Late
Night menu till 11pm •
Visit pitchersbardc.com
SHAW’S TAVERN
Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
$5 House Wines, $5 Rail
Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas
and Select Appetizers •
Piano Bar and Karaoke
with Jill, 8pm
TRADE
Doors open 5pm • Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cock-
tail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
5-10pm • Beer and wine
only $4
Thursday,
October 18
A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
Open 5pm-2am • Happy
Hour: $2 off everything
until 9pm • Video Games
• Live televised sports
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-8pm •
Karaoke, 9pm
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm
• Shirtless Thursday,
10-11pm • Men in
Underwear Drink Free,
12-12:30am • DJs
BacK2bACk
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
Beat the Clock Happy Hour
— $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
$4 (7-8pm) • $15 Buckets
of Beer all night • Sports
Leagues Night
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm • No Cover
PITCHERS
Open 5pm-2am • Happy
Hour: $2 off everything
until 9pm • Video Games
• Foosball • Live televised
sports • Full dining menu
till 9pm • Special Late
Night menu till 11pm •
Visit pitchersbardc.com
SHAW’S TAVERN
Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
$5 House Wines, $5 Rail
Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas
and Select Appetizers • All
You Can Eat Ribs, 5-10pm,
$24.95 • $4 Corona and
Heineken all night
ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers •
Open Dancers Audition •
Urban House Music by DJ
Tim-e • 9pm • Cover 21+
Friday,
October 19
A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
Open 5pm-3am • Happy
Hour: $2 off everything
until 9pm • Video Games
• Live televised sports
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-8pm •
Karaoke, 9pm
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm • $3
Rail and Domestic • Free
Pizza, 7-9pm • $5 Svedka,
all flavors all night long •
Rough House: Hands On,
Lights Off, 10pm-close •
Featuring DJ Lemz • $5
Cover (includes clothes
check)
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
Open 3pm • Beat the
Clock Happy Hour — $2
(5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), $4
(7-8pm) • Buckets of Beer,
$15 • Weekend Kickoff
Dance Party, with Nellie’s
DJs spinning bubbly pop
music all night
NUMBER NINE
Open 5pm • Happy Hour:
2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
• No Cover • Friday Night
Piano with Chris, 7:30pm
PITCHERS
Open 5pm-3am • Happy
Hour: $2 off everything
until 9pm • Video Games
• Foosball • Live televised
sports • Full dining menu
till 9pm • Special Late
Night menu till 2am • Visit
pitchersbardc.com
SHAW’S TAVERN
Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
$5 House Wines, $5 Rail
Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas
and Select Appetizers
ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS
Men of Secrets, 9pm •
Guest dancers • Rotating
DJs • Kristina Kelly’s Diva
Fev-ah Drag Show • Doors
at 9pm, Shows at 11:30pm
and 1:45am • DJ Don T. in
Ziegfeld’s • Cover 21+
Saturday,
October 20
A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
Open 2pm-3am • Video
Games • Live televised
sports
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
Saturday Breakfast Buffet,
10am-3pm • $14.99 with
one glass of champagne
or coffee, soda or juice •
Additional champagne $2
per glass • World Tavern
Poker Tournament, 1-3pm
• Crazy Hour, 4-8pm •
Freddie’s Follies Drag
Show, hosted by Miss
Destiny B. Childs, 8-10pm
• Karaoke, 10pm-close
OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
Playlist
DJ CHORD BEZERRA
DOSE
Ciara
TAKI TAKI
DJ Snake ft. Cardi B
SELECAO
Mark Knight
THIS IS AMERICA
Sunday Noise Bootleg
Childish Gambino
BUM BUM TAM TAM
Jax Jones Remix
J Balvin
PLAYED-A-LIVE (THE BONGO SONG)
Massivedrum 2K18 Remix
Safri Duo
IN MY FEELINGS
David Dancos Remix
Drake
DANCIN’ KINDA CLOSE
Tough Love & GUZ
THE PROMISE
Sted-E & Hybrid Heights Remix
Robbie Rivera
PROMISES
Sonny Fodera Remix
Calvin Harris ft. Sam Smith
Chord Bezerra is the resident DJ at Number
9 (1435 P St. NW) and will next spin there
on Friday, Oct. 12. On Friday, Oct. 19, he
will spin at the Super Hero Underwear
Party at L8 Lounge. Follow him on Twitter
at @djchordb and on Instagram at
@chorduroy80.
Listen to this playlist at MetroWeekly.com.
47
48 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm • $5
Bacardi, all flavors, all
night long • The Bear
Cave: Retro to Electro,
9pm-close • Featuring
DJ Popperz • Specialty
Cocktails • No Cover
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
Drag Brunch, hosted
by Chanel Devereaux,
10:30am-12:30pm and
1-3pm • Tickets on sale
at nelliessportsbar.com
• House Rail Drinks, Zing
Zang Bloody Marys, Nellie
Beer and Mimosas, $4,
11am-3am • Buckets of
Beer, $15 • Guest DJs
NUMBER NINE
Doors open 2pm • Happy
Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink,
2-9pm • $5 Absolut and $5
Bulleit Bourbon, 9pm-close
• THIRSTY, featuring DJ
Chord Bezerra, 9:30pm
PITCHERS
Open Noon-3am • Video
Games • Foosball • Live
televised sports • Full
dining menu till 9pm •
Special Late Night menu
till 2am • Visit pitchers-
bardc.com
SHAW’S TAVERN
Brunch with $15
Bottomless Mimosas,
10am-3pm • Happy Hour,
5-7pm • $3 Miller Lite,
$4 Blue Moon, $5 House
Wines, $5 Rail Drinks •
Half-Priced Pizzas and
Select Appetizers
TRADE
Doors open 2pm • Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cock-
tail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
2-10pm • Beer and wine
only $4
ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR NUMBER NINE and Select Appetizers
Men of Secrets, 9pm-4am Champagne Brunch Buffet, Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on • Dinner-n-Drag, with
• Guest dancers • Ladies 10am-3pm • $24.99 with any drink, 2-9pm • $5 Miss Kristina Kelly, 8pm
of Illusion Drag Show four glasses of champagne Absolut and $5 Bulleit • For reservations, email
with host Ella Fitzgerald or mimosas, 1 Bloody Bourbon, 9pm-close • Pop shawsdinnerdragshow@
• Doors at 9pm, Shows Mary, or coffee, soda or Goes the World with Wes gmail.com
at 11:30pm and 1:45am juice • Crazy Hour, 4-8pm Della Volla at 9:30pm •
• DJ Don T. in Ziegfeld’s • Karaoke, 9pm-close No Cover TRADE
• DJ Steve Henderson in Doors open 2pm • Huge
Secrets • Cover 21+ GREEN LANTERN PITCHERS Happy Hour: Any drink
Happy Hour, 4-9pm • Open Noon-2am • $4 normally served in a cock-
Karaoke with Kevin down- Smirnoff, includes flavored, tail glass served in a huge
stairs, 9:30pm-close $4 Coors Light or $4 Miller glass for the same price,
Sunday, NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
Lites, 2-9pm • Video
Games • Foosball • Live
2-10pm • Beer and wine
only $4 • Gay Bash: The
October 21 Drag Brunch, hosted televised sports • Full din- Alt Dance Party and Home
by Chanel Devereaux, ing menu till 9pm • Visit for Unconventional Drag
A LEAGUE OF HER OWN 10:30am-12:30pm and pitchersbardc.com in the Nation’s Capital,
Open 2pm-12am • $4 1-3pm • Tickets on sale 10pm • Hosted by Donna
Smirnoff and Domestic at nelliessportsbar.com SHAW’S TAVERN Slash with special guests
Cans • Video Games • • House Rail Drinks, Zing Brunch with Bottomless • Resident cast: JaxKnife
Live televised sports Zang Bloody Marys, Nellie Mimosas, 10am-3pm • Complex, Salvadora Dali,
Beer and Mimosas, $4, Happy Hour, 5-7pm • $3 Jane Saw • Music by The
11am-1am • Buckets of Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, Barber Streisand l
Beer, $15 • Guest DJs $5 House Wines, $5 Rail
Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas
OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 49
Scene Uproar - Saturday, September 29 - Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

50 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

Scene Sleaze at Wonderland Ballroom - Thursday, Oct. 4 - Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

52 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 53
 LastWord.
People say the queerest things

“I couldn’t take the bus anymore, because

kids would refer to me as ‘it.’”
— Transgender actress NICOLE MAINES, who plays superhero Dreamer on The CW’s Supergirl, speaking on The Ellen DeGeneres
Show about being bullied in school. Maines said that one conservative Christian grandfather took particular exception to her,
and “had his grandson follow me into the girls’ bathroom and he said, ‘My grandfather says
we don’t have to have any faggots in our school.’”

“ We know PrEP is greater than 99% effective.

There are some cases where
HIV will break through.”
— DR. ROBERT GRANT, of the University of California, San Francisco, in a statement after news broke that a man who had been tak-
ing Truvada for PrEP had contracted HIV. The unnamed man contracted a rare form of the disease — for which Truvada is insuffi-
cient to prevent infection — from an HIV-positive sexual partner who had stopped taking his medication. According to Queerty,
it is only the third documented case in the U.S. of someone contracting the virus while taking PrEP.

“ These member churches rely on the Bible

rather than modern-day cultural fads for religious and moral guidance, [and]

will not hire practicing homosexuals or

transgendered people as clergy.”
— The notoriously anti-LGBTQ U.S. PASTOR COUNCIL, in a lawsuit against the city of Austin arguing that the city’s nondiscrimination
ordinance should be overturned to allow churches and religious employers to freely discriminate against LGBTQ people. “Every
church in Austin that refuses to hire practicing homosexuals as clergy or church employees is violating city law and subject to
civil penalties and liability,” the group states, despite both the ordinance and federal law exempting religious institutions from
nondiscrimination laws in hiring for religious positions.

“ We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to
enact legislation banning conversion therapy
to minors in Canada.”
— A petition on the Canadian government’s Our Commons website, calling for a ban on conversion therapy being practiced on
LGBTQ youth. The petition, sponsored by Sheri Benson, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon West, argues that “the practice of
‘conversion therapy’ or ‘reparative therapy,’ is seriously harmful to individuals, and is opposed by the “Canadian Psychological
Association, the World Health Organization...and others.”

“ We believe
this is direct discrimination
”
for which there can be no justification.
— JOHN O’DOHERTY, director of Northern Irish LGBTQ organization The Rainbow Project, in a statement after the United Kingdom’s
Supreme Court ruled that a bakery did not discriminate against a gay man when they refused to make a pro-same-sex marriage
cake. A number of lower courts had ruled against Ashers Baking Company, arguing that they had discriminated against gay rights
activist Gareth Lee, but the Supreme Court overturned those rulings on appeal.

54 OCTOBER 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY