Seattle Gay News
Issue 48, Volume 37, November 27, 2009
Holiday and Travel Guide
Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival celebrates 60 years by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer
ditional and seagoing celebration. In 1994, Argosy took over the festival. What began as a weekend event has lengthened to a proArgosy’s annual Christmas Ship Festival gram lasting 25 days and visiting more than turns 60 this year. Since 1949, the Festival has celebrated the community spirit of Puget Sound by commemorating Seattle’s proud maritime history. The Festival runs nightly from December 1-23 aboard the Spirit of Seattle, the official Christmas Ship, decorated with thousands of lights and other holiday decorations. The ship leads decorated Argosy parade boats and private vessels which form the largest holiday flotilla in the world. Each night, the flotilla cruises to different waterfront locations where people gather around bonfires to welcome the Argosy Christmas Ship Festival. Aboard the ship each night, a different choir performs holiday songs which are broadcast via speakers to other boats as well as to people 45 waterfront communities. on shore at the bonfire locations. The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship FesSince the Festival’s inception, until 1994, the Seattle Department of Parks and Rec- tival has a proud maritime history, complete reation coordinated and sponsored the tra- with a fleet of ships that have spearheaded
the event. The first ship donated for the festival was the 106-foot M/V Valkyrie, which was used from 1949 to 1967. The Sobre La Olas, a 109-foot luxury yacht, followed
from 1967 to 1979. Third was The Snow Goose used between 1980 and 1983. In 1984, Lynn and Alice Campbell of Seattle Harbor Tours (later to become Argosy) do-
nated the Spirit of Alderbrook and it became the next ship to lead the parade. Since 1992, Argosy’s Spirit of Seattle has been the lead Christmas ship. Each year, community sponsors support The Christmas Ship Festival and a portion of all ticket sales benefits The Seattle Times Fund for the Needy, which raises money for local non-profit agencies that provide vital services to children, families and seniors in our local community. This year marks the 31st year the Fund for the Needy has provided a way for caring people to help those in need. Since 1996, Argosy Cruises has raised more than $320,000 for the Fund for the Needy. “We are proud to partner with The Seattle Times and help raise money for the Fund for the Needy,” says Maureen Black, director of marketing. “It’s a way Argosy can give back to the community.” The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival is run in cooperation with the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation. To make reservations or for more information, call (206) 623-1445 or visit the Argosy Cruises’ website at www.argosycruises.com. The Christmas Ship will make 19 calls at Seattle parks this holiday season, starting with a preview voyage at a new port, Lake Union Park, 860 Terry Ave. N, from 6 to 6:20 p.m. on Sunday, November 29. For a complete schedule of locations, visit www.seattle.gov/parks.
Project Pie to benefit Lifelong AIDS Alliance shaun knittel
kin and sweet potato as pie options. In addition to individual and business orders, Seattle residents could place a pie order for a Lifelong AIDS Alliance and Chicken Soup Brigade client. Project Pie says there goal, each year, is to place a pie on every client’s table for the Thanksgiving Holiday. This year’s Baker’s Circle Level pie donors were Mama Sortini’s Restaurant & Bar and Plush Pippin Pies, who baked 500 and 400 pies respectively. Additional organizations that helped with the cause were Costco Wholesale, Olympic Peninsula EMP, Crowne Plaza, Cameron Catering, Renaissance Hotel Seattle, Kaspar’s Special Events & Catering, Macrina Bakery, Mercer Project Pie volunteer Liz Carney packages one of 1,200 pies donated to the organization for charity Island Solemates, Stanford’s Restaurant, and by Shaun Knittel Wolfgang Puck Catering. SGN Staff Writer For more information regarding Project Pie, or to place an order for next year’s charProject Pie, the Lifelong AIDS Alliance ity drive, visit the organization online at holiday bake sale, was a resounding suc- www.projectpie.org or by email at projectcess this year as dozens of Northwest bak- pie@llaa.org. ers, chefs and caterers donated 1,200 pies to Lifelong AIDS Alliance is committed to the cause. The bakers lent their time, talent preventing the spread of HIV, and to proand resources to provide pies, with proceeds viding practical support services and advobenefiting clients of Chicken Soup Brigade cacy for those whose lives are affected by and Lifelong AIDS Alliance. HIV and AIDS. Lifelong AIDS Alliance is a Each pie is $25, with apple, pecan, pump- 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
SGN Holiday Events Guide Compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer
ARTS & CRAFTS
MACY’S HOLIDAY PARADE AND STAR LIGHTING WITH WESTLAKE CENTER TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
“Arboretum Foundation’s Gifts & “Macy’s Holiday Parade & Star LightGreens Galore Sale” - 12/4 2-8pm; 12/5 10am-3pm. Along with a great selection of ing” - 11/27, 8:45am parade & 5pm star fresh-cut greens, wreaths and swags, the Ar- lighting and fireworks program, weather permitting, with tree boretum Gift Shop will lighting ceremony at be offering an expandDowntown Macy’s and ed selection of gifts, Westlake Center, 4th plus gift wrapping, Ave & Pine St. Conseasonal refreshments, sidered Seattle’s oflive music and more! ficial kick-off for the Washington Park Arholiday season, The boretum’s Graham Macy’s Holiday PaVisitors Center, 2300 rade will feature some Arboretum Drive E, twenty balloon floats Seattle. 206-325-4510; and inflatables, local www.arboretumfounhigh school marching dation.org. To donate bands, 500 costumed fresh cut greens for the characters, and comsale, visit the Arboremunity drill teams. It tum Foundation webconcludes with Santa’s site for details. arrival at Macy’s on a balloon float under a “Pratt Holiday festive confetti snowArt Sale & Opening storm. Later that day, Night Parties” - 12/4 the star lighting and fireworks program, VIP Opening Night Party, 4-7pm - $50; 12/4 Opening Night Party, 7-9pm - $20; 12/5-6 & presented in concert with the Westlake Tree 8-13 Holiday Sale, 10am-7pm - free admis- Lighting Ceremony, will cap off a day of sion. Pratt Fine Arts Center, 1902 S Main St, holiday festivities and Black Friday shopping events. Seattle. 206-328-2200; www.pratt.org “South Park Arts Fifth Annual Art Under $100 Sale” - 12/5, 4-10pm. South Park’s Old Fire Station, 8201 10th Ave. S. South Park artists will knock your socks off with original, edgy works not seen at a typical holiday sale. What’s more, everything is affordable, with nothing priced over $100. The event will showcase a diverse array of art including painting, sculpture, neon, jewelry, clothing, photography, glass, letterpress, and more. FREE entry; art raffle every 30 minutes - raffle tickets at $2 each or 3 for $5; enjoy an ever-changing atmospheric sound-scape throughout the event; sip wine, feast on appetizers, enjoy holiday shopping. All proceeds benefit South Park Art. www. southparkarts.org.
PIKE PLACE MARKET
“Magic at the Market” - 11/28, noon5pm. Pike Place Market, 1st Ave & Pike St, becomes a winter wonderland when the Market’s 20 foot holiday tree and thousands of lights on the Market’s buildings are turned on at 5pm. Starting at noon, Santa poses by the Market’s vintage farmtruck under the Market clock. Bring your camera and take a family photo! Donate four cans of food for the Downtown Food Bank and get a free cloth shopping bag while supplies last. The Dickens Carolers roam the market from noon-4pm, singing traditional holiday tunes dressed in beautiful Victorian attire. From 4-5pm, enjoy a holiday concert of classical music, on the stage set up near the “Winter Festival” - 12/5 & 12/6, 10am- Market clock. 5pm. Phinney Ridge’s biggest holiday GREAT FIGGY PUDDING event! Attracting more than 4,000 people, this event features two buildings filled with STREET CORNER 115 high quality, juried crafts booths, live CAROLING CONTEST XXIII entertainment on two stages, a quilt raffle, a huge bake sale and lunch items. Phinney “The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Neighborhood Association, 6532 Phinney Competition” - 12/4, 5:40-8pm. One of Ave N, Seattle. Admission is $2 for PNA Seattle’s most looked-forward-to holiday members, $4 for nonmembers, plus a can traditions, this event attracts nearly 10,000 of food for local food banks. Children 12 people every year. 40+ caroling teams par& under free. See website for list of artists ticipate in the competition at Westlake Cen& entertainment schedule. 206-783-2244; ter, 4th Ave & Pine St, on the sidewalks www.phinneycenter.org along Pine St between 3rd Ave & 7th Ave, and along 5th Ave near Pine St. 5:40-6pm GINGERBREAD VILLAGE (pre-Figgy entertainment at the Figgy Main Stage by lead cast members from the 5th Av“A Reel Christmas” - Sheraton Seattle enue Theatre’s production of White ChristHotel, 6th Ave & Pike St, presents their 17th mas), 6-7:15pm (caroling competition - vote Annual Gingerbread Village, a benefit for for your favorite team), 7:30-8:00pm (mainthe Northwest Chapter of Juvenile Diabetes stage show & awards presentation). All Research Foundation. Seattle’s top architec- donations benefit the Pike Market Senior tural firms will team up with Sheraton Seat- Center and Downtown Food Bank. www. tle’s culinary staff to design, bake and build figgypuddingpmsc.org. elaborate gingerbread displays and holiday creations reflecting this year’s theme, showFREMONT LENIN LIGHTING ing scenes from popular Christmas movies. The display is FREE and open to the public. “Fremont Lenin Lighting & Logan’s Donations will be accepted. These ginger- Hammer 2nd Annual Gingerbread House bread houses are a delight to look at! On Build Off ” - 12/4, 5-7pm. Celebrate the display thru 1/3. lighting of Fremont’s Lenin statue at Red 2
Seattle Gay News
November 27, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
Triangle, Evanston Ave N & N 36th St. Santa arrives in Fremont with Pat Cashman at 5pm; Fremont Philharmonic performs at 5:30pm; Pat Cashman with help from Fremont elves flips switch to light Lenin at 6pm; Philharmonic performs at 6:30pm. Fremont First Friday Art Walk runs from 6-9pm.
SEATTLE CENTER WINTERFEST “Seattle Center Winterfest” - 11/27-12/31. Re-imagine the spirit of the season at Seattle Center Winterfest. The Winter Train and Village return, along with the Winterfest Ice Rink, Classic Carousel, choruses and comedy, jazz and dance, ice sculpting and fireside sing-alongs. Seattle Center’s Winterfest, showered in thousands of twinkling lights, sets the scene for five weeks of FREE, affordable and fun-filled family activities, soulful festivities, and so much more. With extended dates for the Winterfest Ice Rink and Classic Carousel from thru 1/3. Visit www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest for complete details and schedule.
MUSIC November 28 & 29 “Santa Baby” - Seattle Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert - with special guest Betty Buckley at the 11/28 & 11/29 concerts only. Santa’s bag is jam-packed with new musical toys, as well as new takes on old favorites. This year, tune into a “Very Special Christmas Special” with hilarious highlights from forgotten TV Christmas shows, a Bollywood carol that will expand your holiday horizons, and the chorus’ inspiring version of “Silent Night,” back by popular demand. Add in the majestic sounds of Benaroya Hall’s Watjen Concert Organ and you have a wonderful new visit with a Seattle holiday tradition. 11/28-8pm; 11/29-2pm. Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave & University St. Tickets: $25$65. 206-388-1400; www.flyinghouse.org. (Also, 12/3-in Tacoma, call 800-291-7593 for details; 12/5-in Everett, contact SMC/ Flying House Productions for details; 12/6, 12/13, 12/14 & 12/20-in Seattle.) December 3 “Santa Baby” - Seattle Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert - in Tacoma. (See 11/28 & 11/29 listing for details.) 12/3-8pm. Pantages Theatre, 901 Broadway, Tacoma. Tickets: $39 & $52. 253-591-5894; 800291-7593; www.broadwaycenter.org. December 3, 4, 5 & 6 “Festival Holiday Encores” - Join the Seattle Symphony and Guest Conductor Christopher Seaman for a concert of seasonal delights, including Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and selections from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. See website for additional selections. 12/37:30pm; 12/4-noon; 12/5-8pm; 12/6-2pm. Benaroya Hall, S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, 3rd Ave & University St. Tickets: Call Box Office or check website for ticket prices. 206-215-4747; 866-833-4747; www.seattlesymphony.org December 5 “Eastern Light” - Seattle Pro Musica presents music for the winter season featuring traditional songs and new choral music from the rich and diverse cultures of Japan, Korea, China, India, Southeast Asia, New Zealand and Australia. Deepen the meaning of the music and the season with a free preconcert talk by conductor Karen P. Thomas
December 11 & 12 one hour before the concert. 12/5-8pm. Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave at Seneca St. Tick“A Cathedral Christmas” - The Seets: $32-prime seating; $22-general; $17-senior 65+; $12-student and 25 & under. 206- attle Choral Company presents a concert of Christmas classics as well as traditional fa781-2766; www.seattlepromusica.org vorites in contemporary settings. “A Cathe“Santa Baby” - Seattle Men’s Chorus dral Christmas” promises to bring together Holiday Concert - in Everett. (See 11/28 the music, the wonder, and the traditions & 11/29 listing for details.) 12/5-8pm. Ever- that we all enjoy during the month of Deett Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby, Everett. cember. The concert will include Benjamin Tickets: $18- Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols. See web$38. 206-388- site for complete program. Joining the cho1400; www.fly- rus as guest artists will be harpist, Bethany Man, the Bells of the Sound hand bell choir, inghouse.org and organist Thomas Joyce. 12/11 & 12/128pm. St Mark’s Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave E. December Tickets: $25 advance/$27 at the door-gener5&6 al; $20/$22-senior; $10/$12-under 25. 800“An Evening 838-3006; www.brownpapertickets.com in December” www.seattlechoralcompany.org. - Cantare’ Vocal December 12 Ensemble presents “An Eve“Feliz Navidad!” - A Spanish Christmas ning in December” with music with the Medieval Women’s Choir. From chosen to fall the famous Santiago de Compostela pilinto six catego- grimage routes to the Courts of King Alfonries: “Of Jesse’s so X, Christian, Jewish and Moorish poets Lineage,” “At and musicians coexisted in relative peace. the Manger,” This rich interplay of cultures creates some “The Mother of the liveliest and most imaginative vocal Mary,” “The Angels Sang,” “The Baby Je- and instrumental music of the Middle Ages. sus,” and “We Celebrate the Season” featur- 12/8-8pm. St James Cathedral, 804 9th Ave. ing music from the Renaissance to the pres- Tickets: $22 in advance/$25 at the doorent. 12/5-8pm; 12/6-2pm. St. Mark’s Cathe- adult, $17/$20-senior (62+), $13/$15-youth dral, 1245 10th Ave E. Tickets: $20-advance (under 25). 206-264-4822; www.medievalgeneral; $18-advance senior; youth ticket womenschoir.org 17 & under FREE with paid adult; general “A Season of Giving” - An evening of & senior tickets $22 at the door. 206-246music and scrumptious desserts benefitting 6040; www.nwassociatedarts.org Diverse Harmony, the nation’s first Gay/ straight youth alliance chorus and the GSDecember 6 BA’s youth scholarship program. With spe“Handel’s Messiah” - Presented by Or- cial guest performance by the Seattle Womchestra Seattle & Seattle Chamber Sing- en’s Chorus’ ensemble, Sensible Shoes. ers. As always, George Shangrow conducts 12/12-7pm. Seattle First Baptist Church, from the harpsichord. 12/6-3pm. First Free 1111 Harvard Ave. at E Union St. Tickets: Methodist Church, 3rd Ave W & W Dra- $50 suggested donation. (10% of each ticket vus St. Tickets: $25-general; $20-senior; sold will benefit the GSBA youth scholar$10-student; FREE-youth (7-17 with ac- ship program.) www.diverseharmony.org companying adult). 1-800-838-3006; www. osscs.org; www.brownpapertickets.com; and at Silver Platters stores.
December 12 & 13 “Chiaroscura” - Meditating on the Cusp of Light and Darkness. In painting, Ciaroscura refers to the contrast between light and darkness, and how shadows intensify luminosity. The Esoterics will portray the drama of Chiaroscura in spectacular and profound works from the choral repertoire by the master composers Strauss, Schnittke, and Joubert. Each of the pieces sets verses from a prayer, litany, or meditation (by the likes of Friedrich Rückert and St Augustine), and reflects how various forms of light and dark - good and evil, known and unknown, truth and falsehood - are at once highly contrasting and inexplicably interdependent. The resulting concert will be both moving and dramatic, bringing choral fireworks to the conclusion of The Esoterics’ sixteenth season. 12/12-8pm; 12/13-3pm. 12/12 at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, 732 18th Ave E.; 12/13 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4139 42nd Ave SW. Tickets: $18in advance; $20-at the door; $15 student, senior, underemployed, differently-abled. 206-935-7779; www.theesoterics.org. “Handel’s Messiah” - The Tudor Choir and the Seattle Baroque Orchestra present their much-lauded period version of Handel’s most famous creation. 12/12-7:30pm; 12/13-2pm. Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave @ Seneca St. Tickets: $30-$40. 800-838-3006; www.brownpapertickets.com “Jazz Nutcracker” - The Roosevelt High School Jazz Band presents Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s “Jazz Nutcracker.” The Roosevelt High School Jazz Band earned 2nd Place in the 2009 Essentially Ellington competition held in New York, May 8-10, 2009. 12/12-8pm; 12/132pm. Roosevelt High School Performing Arts Theatre, 1410 NE 66th St. Tickets: $15-adults; $12-senior/student. Unreserved seating. 206-526-8460.
see events page 10
“Santa Baby” - Seattle Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert. (See 11/28 & 11/29 listing for details.) 12/6-7:30pm. Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave & University St. Tickets: $25$65. 206-388-1400; www.flyinghouse.org. December 7 ”The Love Markets” - A special holiday show with The Love Markets, a Weimar Berlin-inspired band who play “songs of the past and future,” interweaving vintage Weimar cabaret songs with new songs written in the Weimar spirit. The band is fronted by Angie Louise and Nick Garrison, each with a longtime presence in Seattle theatre and cabaret. Together, the two chanteuses confront and seduce with an array of songs about love, art, politics, and whores. 12/78pm, door at 7pm. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St at Boren Ave. Tickets: $12. December 8 “An Empire Brass Christmas” - Celebrate the season with the Empire Brass - one of the finest brass quintets, renowned for its brilliant virtuosity and the unparalled diversity of its repertoire. Special brass arrangements of the best in Christmas music will be performed, including selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker and traditional works such as Greensleeves, The First Nowell, Deck the Halls, and more. 12/8-7:30pm. Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave & University St. Tickets: $17-$82. 206-215-4747; 866-8334747; www.seattlesymphony.org December 11 “Making Spirits Bright” - Seattle Women’s Chorus Holiday Concert - in Edmonds. (See 12/19 & 12/20 listing for details.) 12/11-7:30pm. Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 4th Ave. N. Tickets: $20-$25-general; $15-youth 17 & under; plus $3 service charge. 425-275-9595; www.EC4arts.org.
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November 27, 2009
Seattle Gay News
3
Music for the holidays never loses its cool
by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer
complete roster of songs from Lady GaGa’s chart-topping album, The Fame, fill up the second disc, along with three bonus tracks The gift that’s always hip is music, and (UK and Japan imports only). You know there are hundreds of new titles this holiday you want one too, so buy a personal copy season ready to be for yourself and downloaded onlisten to it on the line or purchased plane, train or auat your nearest tomobile en route record store. CDs to that family holand live concert iday dinner. DVDs make fun, cool presents that Glee: don’t take much The Music time to wrap – (Season 1, you can send Volume 1) them by e-mail Glee cast with an e-card in a matter of minutes. So, whether it’s a favorite nephew or a longtime coworker, you’ll hit all the right notes by giving them fresh tunes to listen to on their iPods or home stereos. Here are 12 newly released or soon-to-be released albums that I personally recommend for the music lovers on your list.
resurrect a once-lauded glee club, the show features a what’s-what of modern pop tunes each week, many of them plucked directly from the initial season’s episodes. The first of two forthcoming soundtracks includes “Gold Digger,” “Sweet Caroline,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Hate on Me,” “Somebody to Love,” and a duet of Heart’s “Alone,” all sung by the talented, young
The Fame Monster Lady GaGa Remember when Lady GaGa performed at Neighbours nightclub? Look at her now: a global pop-dance queen and MTV VMA winner who continues to push the envelope with every appearance, televised speech, and interview she gives. Prepare yourself for more GaGa domination with the release of her newest work, The Fame Monster. Listed as new tracks on this double-disc are “Bad Romance,” “Alejandro,” “Teeth,” “Dance in the Dark,” and “Monster.” The
TV’s biggest hit series of 2009 is Glee, a huge favorite in Gay households, some of Bleach which organize weekly viewings of it for Nirvana friends and neighbors. Centered around a It’s hard to believe that 20 years has gone group of high school students wanting to by since the release of Nirvana’s ground-
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Seattle Gay News
cast – my personal favorite, “Keep Holding On,” is also on the track list. Glee fanatics will be overjoyed with this in their stockings, and be sure to grab an extra copy for everyone to sing along to at your NYE bash.
breaking debut, which woke up the rock world to a feverish new sound. Before the phenomenal success of Nevermind, the Seattle trio wowed a mostly regional fan base with Bleach, recorded at Reciprocal Recording Studios here in the Emerald City. To celebrate its two-decade a n n i v e r s a r y, the original distributor of Bleach, local indie label Sub Pop Records, has released a deluxe edition of the album, complete with a never-before-seen live concert from Portland in 1990, as well as a 48page CD/16-page LP booklet, and a limited number of copies on white vinyl. Bookended by a pair of standout cuts, “Blew” and “Downer,” this 13-track collection is a rock lover’s must-own. Suckin’ It for the Holidays Kathy Griffin She isn’t very musical, but she’s laugh-out-loud hilarious, and we can all use some comedy around the holidays. Kathy Griffin has cozied up to predominantly Gay sold-out crowds across America, and in far-away locales like Australia, Ireland, and the island of Bora Bora. A multi-Emmy Award winner and 2008 Grammy nominee, the redheaded TV star became the first comedienne to debut atop Billboard’s top comedy albums chart with last year’s work, For Your Consideration. On her newest project, Griffin takes shots at Justin Timberlake, Katie Couric, Suze Orman, the Real Housewives clan, and sacred cow Maya An-
Celebrating 36 Years!
Ditto growling as if she’d carpooled to the recording studio with Wendy O’ Williams. “8th Wonder” is a perfect warmer-upper for frosty winter nights, “Men in Love” is juiced with a quivering base and background cowbell, while “Pop Goes the World” offers fans Milwaukee at Last!!! a ride on an ‘80s party train. What’s not to Rufus Wainwright Not many live recordings are set in Mil- love about a hot band that just got hotter? waukee, and it’s one reason to scout for Rufus Wainwright’s latest project at the record store. Another reason is that if you’ve never seen him in concert, or if you have and want more, this CD/ DVD set is true to the artist’s show-stopping performances. That said, you won’t find Wainwright gems like “Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk” or “ Grey Gardens” on either of the two discs, though you will come across fabulous renditions of “Gay Messiah,” “Between My Legs,” “Sanssouci,” and the dramatic, stark “Going to a Town.” The music portion of the package features 10 songs, and the video segment presents 23 tracks recorded during a sold-out performance at Milwaukee’s Pabst Theatre. gelou. Accompanied by a good boxed wine (her mom’s fave), your non-hetero friends and co-workers will love you for a copy of Suckin’ It for the Holidays.
I Look to You Whitney Houston You can chalk Whitney Houston’s comeback bid in the triumph column, thanks to this top-selling and artistically good album – it isn’t her strongest, yet it isn’t her weakest, either. I Look to You is the diva’s first studio recording in seven years, and it culls some of music’s golden circle of producers and writers, including Alicia Keys, Swizz Beats, David Foster, and Fernando Garibay. Houston’s less-powerful pipes are noticeable throughout, especially on “Million Dollar Bill,” and for reasons best left unsaid, she doesn’t rise to the occasion as she once did. But what she lacks in vocal prowess she avenges with sophistication - “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength,” “I Got You,” and the lovely title track demonstrate her move from mainstream pop to mature R&B. Music for Men Gossip Fronted by a big-busted Lesbian and infusing their latest batch of songs with discosparkled keyboards, Gossip is the new favorite of American and European Gay hipsters. Formerly based in the Puget Sound, the Beth Ditto-led foursome capitalized on 2006’s Standing in the Way of Control with this saucier mix of tunes, primarily on the leadoff single “Heavy Cross,” which finds
This Is It: The Music That Inspired the Movie Michael Jackson The post-tragedy Michael Jackson movie This Is It is being praised by critics nationwide, surprising when you consider how quickly it was assembled following his untimely death. Those who’ve seen the film will undoubtedly want a copy of the soundtrack, featuring remastered versions of The Gloved One’s classic hits, among them “Man in the Mirror,” “Smooth Criminal,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Black or White,” and the stunning “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You.” The not-so-new single and title track “This Is It” appears twice on the double-disc set, as a standard rendition and with an orchestra. Demo versions of “Beat It,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” and “She’s Out of My Life” are also included in
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the package. If you have a King of Pop fan concert arenas in Europe and the United on your list, you simply can’t go wrong by States. On her latest work, the famed diva collaborates with jazz great Diana Krall on a wrapping a big shiny bow around this. collection of ballads surrounding matters of the heart. Award-winning arranger Johnny The Fall Mandel smartly allows Streisand’s voice to Norah Jones Nine-time Grammy winner Norah Jones be the centerpiece on “Here’s to Life,” “A makes a sweet return with her appropriately Time for Love,” “Make Someone Happy,” titled new album, The Fall. Col- and “In the Wee Small Hours of Morning.” laborating with the likes of Ryan This is the Grammy- and Oscar-winner’s Adams and Okkervil River’s Will best material since The Broadway Album, Sheff, the pop chanteuse detours with a special nod to 2003’s The Movie Alslightly from her jazzy roots, bum. But whether it’s her finest work or not, evidenced on the mid-tempo first her very loyal followers will drink it up like single “Chasing Pirates” – give it a peppermint latte. a listen, and see how fast it grows Live in London on you. The clunky, westernGeorge ish “Tell Yer Mama” continues Michael Jones’ love for country-folk, Recorded in his backyard of London, and don’t be surprised if it’s released as a single in the coming George Michael’s latest fan-pleaser is a 23song DVD recorded from the final two performances of his 25 Live Tour. Featured solo material includes “Father Figure,” Faith,” “Freedom ‘90,” and “Fastlove,” plus you’ll get tunes from his days with pop duo Wham!, such as “Careless Whisper” and “Everything She Wants.” The second disc contains bonus cuts, like “Jesus to a Child,” “Precious Box,” and a documentary entitled “I’d Know Him a Mile Off,” filmed and directed by David Austin. Those on your gift list can re-live the craziness of George Michael with this keepsake of his most recent road outing.
months. Two other superb tracks are “Light as a Feather” and “Waiting,” but New Yorkers might opt for the slick number “Back to Manhattan” – it sounds so Big Apple. Instead of an album of microwaved, cheesedrizzled jazz standards (you listening, Rod Stewart?), Norah Jones turns in a record of beautiful, quiet originals.
Jason Mraz’s Beautiful Mess: Live from Earth Jason Mraz Pop music’s quirkiest poet, Jason Mraz, is in a giving mood this holiday season, delighting his worldwide fan base – many of whom are Gay males – with a live show recorded at Chicago’s Charter One Pavilion. The CD with bonus DVD set features many of Mraz favorites, such as “The Remedy (I Won’t Worry),” “Butterfly,” “Sunshine Song,” and a fun, groovy cover of Lionel Richie’s “All Nite Long (All Nite).” Worth noting is friend and touring companion Colbie Caillat’s guest appearance on a duet of “Lucky.” If you missed Mraz’s sensational performance at Bumbershoot two months ago, you’ll get a good taste of it with Beautiful Mess.
Love Is the Answer Barbra Streisand Though she isn’t at the height of her career these days, Barbara Streisand still enjoys superstar status as both a recording artist and film actress, not to mention selling out large
November 27, 2009
Seattle Gay News
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DECEMBER 2-27
Nashville a Southern city with sophisticated twists
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT DURHAM
by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer
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6
Seattle Gay News
November 27, 2009
Contrary to what you might think, Nashville is not full of honkytonkers, cattle herders, tobacco spitters, or women with cockatiel bangs. And neither is Nashville ultra-conservative – the city, in the northern half of Tennessee, is home to a surprising number of young, educated progressives and several highbrow celebrity transplants, including Jack White, Nicole Kidman, and Kings of Leon. Gay residents are accepted and integrated into Nashville’s main industries, whether it’s healthcare, music, or education, and they fit cozily into the city’s social scene, from the Gay bars on Church Street to mixed hangouts in East Nashville to a trendy line of restaurants near the famed Music Row. There’s a modernity about this Southern destination that stops you in your tracks – from newly constructed downtown condos to distinctive architecture, such as the Parthenon or Batman Building, it sparkles with little hints of chic. Nicknamed “Music City,” we can’t ignore the fact that country music royalty live and work here, and that iconic figures like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Roy Orbison recorded some of their most cherished songs in this town. Nashville has a lot to offer travelers, and at just four hours by plane – seasonal non-stop flights from Seattle on Southwest Airlines make it convenient – it’s the perfect place to discover and add to your list of great American cities visited. Go to www. visitmusiccity.com to start planning your trip. Here’s what I encourage putting on your Nashville itinerary.
travel agenda – newer establishments, like sushi counters and tapas bars, are popping up around the city, but the primary cuisine
Nashville’s Parthenon
is still down-home Southern cooking. And the best spot to eat traditional Southern favorites is the Loveless Cafe (www. lovelesscafe.com), a landmark restaurant on the outskirts of Nashville (but within city limits) that is highly regarded by everyone from music entertainers to TV ACCOMMODATIONS food personalities. From the airport, a quick 10-minute jaunt Fried catfish, homegets you to the city center and to the centrally made meatloaf, counlocated Sheraton Downtown Nashville (www.starwoodhotels.com). This 474room, 10-suite hotel is consistent with the Sheraton brand – grand lobbies, ornate interiors, elegant bar-lounges, quality service – however, it is somewhat dated and in need of a renovation, especially the rotating top-floor restaurant (a la Space Needle), currently being used only for meetings and special events. What I liked about my room, aside from its generous size, was the bathroom amenities – from shaving cream to mouthwash, all of my morning essentials were within reach. Other pluses were the see-through glass elevators and the exclusive Club Floor, which if you can afford or be upgraded to, includes a small Club Lounge decked out with leather couches and armchairs, computer work station with free internet, flatscreen TV, and complimentary breakfasts, snacks, and dinner-time appetizers. For travelers who accrue reward miles, Starwood points can usually be added to your Alaska Airlines account. RESTAURANTS You’ve come to the right place if really good food is a priority on your
Ryman Audito
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tasty flavors of the iced treat, from hibiscus to Mexican caramel. GAY NIGHTLIFE / CULTURE There isn’t a Gay district in Nashville, but you will find a few Gay bars and restaurantlounges across the bridge from downtown on Church Street, Blu (www.blunashville. com), Tribe (www.tribenashville.com), and Play (www.playdancebar.com) among them. On the opposite end of town in East Nashville, you’ll come across a few more options, like the Lesbian-operated Lipstick Lounge (www.thelipsticklounge.com) and the rather mixed Mad Donna’s (www.maddonnasnashville.com). In East Nashville, and in the trendier district of Germantown, is where a significant portion of the city’s Gay locals live and socialize, though the entire urban area is friendly to alternative lifestyle types. On the beautiful campus of Vanderbilt University (www.vanderbilt.edu), where political figure Tipper Gore, country star Dierks Bentley and NFL quarterback Jay Cutler are among the institution’s alumni, you’ll come across an LGBT center in the Euclid Building (a stone’s throw from the fraternities), plus an on-campus Gay-Straight alliance and Student Health Center are open to all students. And, for Gay boys who blend in well with the skinny jeans crowd, consider hanging out or taking in a live show at the Cannery Ballroom or Mercy Lounge (www. mercylounge.com), on separate floors in the same building. EXPLORE You can’t go to Nashville and not visit its music landmarks, concert halls and recording studios that the alltime greats have stepped foot in – even if your interest level is low when it comes to country music, it’d be a shame not to honor the career milestones of the genre’s elite. Dolly Parton recorded “Jolene” at RCA’s Studio B (www.countrymusichalloffame. com), located in the world-famous “Music Row,” and it’s here where The King himself laid down more than 250 tracks, including “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” and “How Great Thou Art.” The Ryman Auditorium (www. theryman.com) is the legendary venue where Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash first met, and a part-time home of the Grand Ole Opry, as well as a concert hall for popular acts, like Coldplay and Andrew Bird. Gay author David Sedaris and R&B diva Aretha Franklin have upcoming shows planned at the Ryman for 2010. A must-see in Nashville is the Parthenon (www.nashville.gov/parthenon), a marvelous replica of the Athenian original, tucked into Centennial Park. This incredible structure houses a permanent art collection and a 42-foot statue of Athena, which is simply breathtaking to look at from every angle. Finally, I suggest exploring the hopping districts of East Nashville and Belmont (think Capitol Hill meshed with Fremont) on foot. Here you’ll find interesting eateries, like the I Dream of Weenie hot dog stand (1108 Woodland Ave.), and boutique retail setups, such as independent record store The Groove (www.thegroovenashville.wordpress.com) and Venus and Mars vintage clothing shop (www.venusandmarsvintage. com), co-owned by former model and Jack White’s better half, Karen Elson. nashvilleheat.com
Daniel Schwen
orium
try ham, pit-smoked barbecue pork, creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, hand-rolled biscuits, and Loveless Cafe’s signature fried chicken are not to be missed – allow yourself a good cry from the joy after eating at this fabulous restaurant. Another dining attraction adored by star chefs, pro athletes and celebrities (Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban inclusive) is the Pancake Pantry (www.thepancakepantry. com). This polished hole-in-the-wall is foremost known for its pancakes, and while I found my order to be a bit average, the list of varieties is sure to satisfy an entire soccer team or a large family of picky eaters. Fresh soups, sandwiches and salads are also on the menu, and arrive in advance of the stomach growls because the waiting line is always long. Near the Belmont district is an adorable three-tier restaurant called Acorn (www.theacornrestaurant.com), where I feasted on perfectly cooked halibut encrusted with chorizo and potatoes, and my dining companions were equally content with their selections, varying from grilled sea scallops to pan-seared chicken breast. Finally, in the 12th Ave. South neighborhood, two specialty shops are worth checking out: the Frothy Monkey (www.frothymonkeynashville.com) is a nifty locale for an afternoon cup of coffee, while Las Paletas (2907 12th Ave. South, Suite 2) is a gourmet popsicle counter featuring
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Seattle Gay News
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To u r Sa n Fra n c i s co's c i n e mati c h i sto ry by Ron Anders SGN A&E Writer
also with the Vertigo logo. Free WiFi, large flatscreen TV and pet-friendly accommodations make your comfort complete. The more than 100 guest rooms start at $169.
Rien van Rijthoven
Mixing two of my favorite things, movies and travel, can give this writer a serious case of euphoria - and that’s just what transpired in my recent trip to San Francisco, where some of cinema’s most seductive tales have unfolded. Tracing the footsteps of some favorite films led me to destinations that were warmly inviting, sometimes eerie, all fascinating. Obsession. To movie lovers the word means only one thing: Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo. This tale of love, intrigue and betrayal, widely acknowledged as the master’s greatest work, has hypnotized its admirers for over 50 years, its allure showing no signs of waning. Coolly received upon its 1958 debut, it now invariably tops 10-best lists of the greatest films ever made. On the
film located on Nob Hill – and a luxurious and comfortable one, at that. Inspired by the colors of artist Saul Bass’ iconic poster design, the hotel is adorned in shades of orange, white and black, which dazzle you immediately upon entering the lobby. In my cozy but spacious room, the sun – streaming through the orange curtains – bathed everything in a warm tangerine glow. The light accented the comfy tufted leather wingback chairs – emblazoned with the film logo, of course – the white bedspread (with orange
If you want a non-fiction adventure, trace the events portrayed in the Oscar-winning film Milk on a walking tour with the help of Cruisin’ the Castro Tours (www.cruisinthecastro.com). Even if you consider yourself an expert on modern Gay history, tour guide/owner Kathy Amendola will win you over with her knowledge, enthusiasm and great sense of humor. The Harvey Milk Tour includes Harvey’s former residence, camera shop (now a chic boutique) and campaign
Hotel Vertigo
You can ask for Room 401, the actual room Kim Novak peers out of in the film. If you need a refresher, there are continuous showings of the film in the lobby. What more can a Vertigo fanatic ask for? I’m not much of a tour-bus type guy, but the friendly people at San Francisco Movie Tours (www. sanfranciscomovietours.com) made me a convert. They offer a hugely entertaining three-hour trek, which includes 70 (!) locations of films shot in the city. The tour van has a screen showing clips from movies that match exactly what you’re seeing outside your window. Wylie, our lively guide, regaled us with his encyclopedic knowledge of movie trivia. On the tour bus – and on my own – I visited some hallowed Vertigo locations: Lombard Street (the 900 block), where Scottie’s duplex offered a safe haven for Madeleine, and The Brocklebank (1000 Mason Street), the luxurious apartment building where
headquarters. A series of photos illustrating the timeline of Milk’s rise as the firebrand of San Francisco Gay politics is displayed at Harvey Milk Plaza (at Castro Street). The tour ends at City Hall where Milk worked, served his community and was ultimately murdered. The Historical Gay Culture Tour includes some of these locations, as well as Pink Triangle Park (at the corner of Market and Castro), a civil rights memorial dedicated to GLBT victims of the Holocaust. The tours (lasting about three hours) are both exhilarating and moving. Is there anyone that’s not a fan of Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City series? The books – and the three mini-series based on them – are love letters to San Francisco, populated by some of the most beloved characters in American popular fiction. The tenants at 28 Barbary Lane – Mrs. Madrigal, Michael Tolliver, Mary Ann Singleton among them – live, love and toke through the 1970s. Macondray Lane (near Taylor and Green Streets) on Russian hill was the inspiration for 28 Barbary Lane. It’s hard to believe that this beautiful wooded, cobblestoned area (used as a location in the film) is actually in the city. For a religious experience, try Grace Cathedral, where Mary Ann and hunky boyfriend Burke uncover some diabolical doings. The Tales films use numerous Vertigo locations as a salute to Hitchcock, such as the cathedral, The Palace of Fine Arts, and many others. The list of other San Francisco movie locations is endless, including Mrs. Doubtfire, Zodiac, Star Trek, The Towering Inferno, The Maltese Falcon, The Birds, What’s Up Doc?, Dirty Harry, Bullitt, Superman and Basic Instinct, to name just a few. So let this city cast its spell, and as you are seduced by it, you may wonder: What’s better, the movie or the real thing?
Some of Vertigo 's most revelatory scenes transpire at The Empire Hotel ... the savvy folks at Personality Hotels have transformed it into Hotel Vertigo.
paramount
American Film Institute’s list of 100 best films, it rose from No. 61 in 1998 to No. 9 in 2007. A lot has changed in San Francisco’s skyline since Vertigo’s premiere, but many of its locations are still ripe for exploration. For the uninitiated, Vertigo follows Scottie Ferguson (James Stewart in a beautifully melancholy performance), a retired detective with a serious case of disequilibrium, as he pursues and falls in love with the mysterious, doomed Madeleine (an otherworldly Kim Novak). When he loses Madeleine, he attempts a desperate makeover of Judy, a girl he meets, into the image of his departed love. Some of Vertigo’s most revelatory scenes transpire at The Empire Hotel on Sutter Street. The hotel has been through a number of incarnations through the years, but the savvy folks at Personality Hotels (www.personalityhotels.com) have transformed it into Hotel Vertigo (www. hotelvertigosf.com), a virtual shrine to the
Scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo filmed at Fort Point
trim), the artwork (inspired by the film’s title sequence) and the porcelain horse-head lamps. After a vigorous day of sightseeing and a warm, soothing bath (with highquality Terra Pure bath products), I relaxed in one of the hotel’s plush terrycloth robes,
Madeleine lived. For genuine San Francisco goosebumps, nothing beats the stunning view from Fort Point (where Scottie and Madeleine first meet), spectacularly situated under the Golden Gate Bridge (accessed via the Presidio).
file photo
Cologne Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge
Seattle Gay News takes early leap to Gay Games 2010 in Cologne by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer The race for that shiny gold medal – or that tall, blue-eyed German standing by the doorway with his shirt off – begins right here. Seattle Gay News kicks off exclusive coverage of Gay Games 2010 in the coming months with vital information to start your
trip planning for Cologne. Looking for a convenient flight to/from Cologne with add-on connections to visit other German cites? Need a fabulous hotel within crawling distance of the Gay bars? Will public transportation get you everywhere you need to go, from the opening ceremonies to each sporting event? Well, hang on, because I’ve got the answers.
I just returned from Cologne and a whirlwind tour of Germany – Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, and Berlin – which allowed me a firsthand look at each venue that will be used for every sporting and cultural event, aside from the ones that will host the opening and closing ceremonies. Long before you arrive in Germany, I’ve got tons of valuable information to get you started, from a review of Lufthansa’s nonstop flight
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from Seattle to Frankfurt, simple flight and train connections to Cologne and the info on the most centrally located hotels to stay at during Gay Games, to a complete stepby-step guide of traveling within Germany aboard Rail Europe. Forget the Winter Olympics, it’s time to begin thinking and planning your trip to Gay Games 2010 – and why not turn it into a dream vacation by visiting multiple cities in Deutschland, or other European destinations like Paris, London, or Zurich? Coverage of Gay Games 2010 – everything you need or want to know before you leave – begins at Seattle Gay News early next year. In the meantime, work on those quadriceps. For Gay Games registration information, visit www.gaygamescologne.com.
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November 27, 2009
Seattle Gay News
9
THEATRE & DANCE
December 19 & 20
events
continued from page 3 December 13 “Seattle Mandolin Orchestra’s Annual Holiday Concert.” 12/13-3pm. Ballard Branch, Seattle Public Library, 5614 22nd Ave NW, Seattle. The orchestra will present Christmas and Hanukkah favorites from here at home and around the world, with special guest coloratura soprano Julie Finch. FREE. www.seattlemandolin.org.
“Making Spirits Bright” - Seattle Women’s Chorus Holiday Concert. The heavenly and angelic voices of the Seattle Women’s Chorus will once again be “Making Spirits Bright” in their annual holiday concert. Joyful numbers will combine with inspirational carols to create an experience the whole family will love. 12/19-8pm; 12/20-2pm. Meany Hall, University of Washington. Tickets: $20-50. (Also 12/11-in Edmonds, call 425-275-9595 for details.) December 20
December 13 & 14
“Santa Baby” - Seattle Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert. (See 11/28 & 11/29 listing for details.) 12/207:30pm. Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave & University St. Tickets: $25-$65. 206-3881400; www.flyinghouse.org.
“Santa Baby” Seattle Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert. (See 11/28 & 11/29 listing for details.) 12/13 & 12/14-7:30pm. Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave & University St. Tickets: $25$65. 206-388-1400; www.flyinghouse. org.
December 26
December 17, 18, 19 & 20 “Handel’s Messiah” - Seattle Symphony presents Handel’s classic masterpiece with Lisa Saffer, soprano; Sasha Cooke, mezzosoprano; John McVeigh, tenor; Sanford Sylvan, baritone. Gary Thor Wedow, conductor. 12/17-7:30pm; 12/18-8pm; 12/19-1pm & 8pm; 12/20-2pm. Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave & University St. Tickets: Call Box Office or visit website for ticket prices. 206-2154747; 866-833-4747; www.seattlesymphony.org. (NOTE: Please bring non-perishable food to donate to Food Lifeline.) December 19 “A Festival of Lessons & Carols” - Featuring the Northwest Boychoir and Vocalpoint! Seattle. Patterned after the Christmas Eve observance at King’s College in Cambridge, England, “A Festival of Lessons & Carols” has become an annual holiday tradition for thousands of families in the Puget Sound region. This classical performance consists of holiday readings, each followed by a traditional holiday carol performed by the choirs and a carol sung by the choirs and the audience members. 12/19-7:30pm. St. Mark’s Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave E. Tickets: $22-adult, $17-senior; $12-student. 206524-3234; www.northwestchoirs.org (See website for additional Seattle area performances, including performances with the Seattle Symphony orchestra on 12/21 & 12/22 - 215-4747; www.seattlesymphony. org.)
“Sacred Music by Duke Ellington” - Inspired by the civil-rights movement of the 1960s, Ellington’s wonderful “Sacred Music” is both serious and swinging, a reverent and hip body of jazz composition for jazz big band, vocal and instrumental soloists, gospel choir, and tap dancers. Featuring the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, co-directed by Michael Brockman and Clarence Acox, and many of Seattle’s favorite jazz artists and guest vocalists, this special concert honors Ellington and what he called “the most important music he’d ever written.” 12/26-7:30pm. Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave at Seneca St. Advance tickets: $28-preferred seating; $24-general; with student and senior discounts. 800-838-3006; www. brownpapertickets.com. www.earshot.org. January 9 “A Byzantine Christmas” - Byzantine Chant in the Received Tradition for the Feasts of the Nativity and Theophany (Epiphany). The virtuoso Byzantine cantor from Athens Achilleas Chaldeakis makes his Cappella Romana directing debut in a program of Byzantine chants for the Christmas season, including ecstatic verses from the Polyeleos for Christmas. Dr. Chaldeakis studied Theology and Musicology in Athens and is director of the Maestros of the Psaltic Art, an internationally acclaimed Byzantine choir. His research activity focuses on Byzantine musicology, music folklore, Christian worship, hagiology and hymnology. 1/98pm. Pre-concert talk at 7pm. St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2100 Boyer Ave E. Tickets: $30, $27, $22, $15. 866-822-7735; 800-838-3006; www.cappellaromana.org
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Seattle Gay News
November 27, 2009
“A Christmas Carol” - ACT Theatre’s annual presentation of Charles Dickens’ classic, adapted by Gregory A. Falls. Runs 11/27-12/27. ACT Theatre, Kreielsheimer Place, 700 Union St. Tickets: $32 to $47. 206-292-7676; www.acttheatre.org “An Improvised Christmas Carol” Unexpected Productions takes the Charles Dickens’ classic and replays it based on suggestions given by the audience throughout the play. A holiday favorite for over 20 years. Runs 12/3-12/19 (Thursdays & Sat, 12/19). Market Theater, Pike Place Market, 1428 Post Alley. Tickets: $10. 206-5872414; www.unexpectedproductions.org. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” - As the infamous Herdman clan take over the church pageant, everyone’s traditional notion of Christmas are challenged. See how a story can transform us all, even when told by a misfit group of kids in bedsheets. Runs 12/10-12/24. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W Greenlake Dr N. Tickets: $25-adults; $23-seniors (65+); $15-youth (-25). 206-524-1300; www.seattlepublictheater.org “Black Nativity: A Gospel Song Play” - Directed by Jacqueline Moscou and choreographed by Kabby Mitchell III, “Black Nativity” is a celebration of faith, expressed through exuberant performances of song, story and dance, reaching audiences of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs. The first act of “Black Nativity” retells the Christmas story through the words of the great American poet, Langston Hughes. In the second act, Intiman is transformed into a joyous “nondenominational church” presided over by Pastor Patrinell Wright and the Reverend Dr. Samuel B. McKinney. The production features gospel performances by the Total Experience Gospel Choir and the Black Nativity Choir, modern and traditional choreography performed by an ensemble of dancers, and an on-stage band. Runs 12/1-12/27. Intiman Theatre, 201 Mercer St. Tickets: $25 to $45. 206-269-1900; www. intiman.org
izen Kane” for a successful scripted holiday show merging two great classics. Runs 11/27-12/20, Fri-Sun. Market Theater, Pike Place Market, 1428 Post Alley. Tickets: $12. 800-838-3006; www.brownpapertickets. com. “The Dina Martina Christmas Show” - After spending most of 2009 wowing crowds in New York, Toronto and Provincetown, Dina Martina is back in her beloved Seattle to coat the holiday season with her famous mix of boundless hilarity and excruciating pathos. Yay! From 11/27-12/31, Dina Martina, accompanied by Chris Jeffries, will bring yet another wondrous holiday extravaganza to fill your favorite holiday cranny, aka Re-bar, with unequalled song, unnecessary dance, unattractive costume and unwanted gifts for lucky audience members. Yay! After decades of performing, Dina Martina has garnered fans such as John Waters, Jennifer Coolidge, Margaret Cho, Scott Thompson, John Cameron Mitchell and Justin Bond. Whether you love or hate the holidays, “The Dina Martina Christmas Show” is guaranteed to get you through them with stunning humor and bottomless pity - and along with the debut of other noteworthy merchandise, this year’s “Dina Martina Christmas Show” marks the availability of the first-ever Dina Martina DVD. Yay! Runs 11/23-12/31 @ 8pm, except Sundays at 2pm. Doors open one hour before show time. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St. Tickets: $20. Must be 21 or over. 800-8383006; www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/85172.
“Ham for the Holidays: Lard Potion No. 9” - Seattle favorites Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt (aka Dos Fallopia) serve up another steamin’ portion of pork with “Ham for the Holidays: Lard Potion No. 9,” “Lard,” the ninth incarnation of the ever-popular “Ham” series, is a daffy concoction of dysfunctional, screwball characters: country superstars, The Spudds, host “Trailer Park’s Got Talent;” Archie & Edith Bunker (plus cousin Maude) travel to Game Show Land in “All in the Family Feud;” ‘70s lounge act, The Colonel and Shenille, warble about light rail; the tiny Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus sing with Pride. Runs 11/27-12/27 with pay-what-you-can “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” - Stone on 12/2. Theatre Off-Jackson, 409 7th Ave Soup Theatre presents their adaptation of S. Tickets: $15 to $23. 800-838-3006; www. Dylan Thomas’ exquisite and magical mem- brownpapertickets.com. oir of his childhood Christmas. Runs 12/4“A Holiday Show to Remember” - The 12/24 (with 12/3 pay-what-you-will preview). Stone Soup Theatre, 4035 Stone Way Imperial Court of Seattle, the Imperial N. Tickets: $16-general; $14-per person for Court of Everett, and the Knights of Malta groups of 4 or more people). 206-633-1883. host a special evening of drag entertainment. Includes a silent auction and a 50/50 www.stonesouptheatre.com. raffle. Runs 12/12 ONLY - door at 6pm, “Christmas with the Crawfords” - Bur- show at 6:30pm. Neighbours Nightclub, ien Little Theatre is putting on the Holly- 1509 Broadway, entrance in alley between wood glitz in more ways than one with the Harvard & Broadway off E. Pike St. Tickhilariously unconventional musical comedy, ets: $5 donation along with an unwrapped Christmas with the Crawfords. To revive her toy or food donation at the door. www.impeailing career, legendary film star Joan Craw- rialcourtofseattle.com. ford arranges a live radio broadcast in her “Homo for the Holidays” - An unforgethome on Christmas Eve, 1944, but uninvited celebrity guests hog the spotlight to sing table all-star cast brings you innovative Burtheir holiday favorites. Featuring priceless lesque and Cabaret performances to help you spoofs, gorgeous holiday songs and cross- beat the holiday blues. “Homo for the Holidressing, Christmas with the Crawfords is days” is a hearty holiday fruitcake packed both a tribute to and parody of Tinseltown’s with dancing reindeer, sexy sugar cookies, “Golden Age.” Runs 11/27-12/20. Suitable ghostly visitations, a Hanukkah pageant for for ages 10 and older due to occasional adult dummies, and new ways to define coming language and content. Burien Little Theatre, home. It’s not Christmas in July, it’s Pride in 425 SW 144th St, Burien. Tickets: $17-$20 December! Light your menorah, stuff your with discount for online advance purchase; stockings, and join your chosen family in $7 for all tickets on 11/29. 206-242-5180; celebrating our favorite wintry holiday. Featuring local sensations: Ben DeLaCreme, www.burienlittletheatre.com. Ms. Honeysuckle Hype, Fuchsia FoXXX, “Citizen Scrooge” - Unexpected Productions blends “A Christmas Carol” with “Cit-
see events page 14
Celebrating 36 Years!
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November 27, 2009
Seattle Gay News 11
Christmas comes early to Branson, Missouri by Milton W. Hamlin SGN A&E Writer
moon river theatre
As Tony Orlando told a cheering crowd at his show at the Lawrence Welk Resort Theatre, “Christmas comes early in Branson because Andy Williams said it would.” The Andy Williams Christmas Show, Tony Orlando and The Lennon Sisters Christmas Show, a visit to the 1950s with The WorldFamous Platters Show, Red, Hot and Blue, a spirited song and dance tribute to Broadway and Hollywood across the decades, were just a few of the highlights of a whirlwind pre-Thanksgiving visit to the town many call “The Live Music Show Capital Of The World.” For two weekends, the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted groups of travel and entertainment writers for an action-packed visit to the resort and entertainment destination. Nearby Silver Dollar City invited the group to spend most of a day at the family-themed resort. Read on:
spect. The sacred side of Christmas is represented in “What Child Is This” and other traditional holiday hymns and carols. Pop songs abound. The audience obviously loves “The Christmas Song” (i.e., “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire....”) and “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” with Williams tap dancing with a flock of penguins.
A series of first-rate guests follow: A Russian dance duo incorporates a breathtaking series of costume changes, four local girls “teach” Andy to sing “Do, Re, Mi” from The Sound Of Music, an excellent impersonator brings Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Tony Bennett stage center. His impersonation of Andy Williams climaxes his act and delights the near-capacity crowd. Another dance act follows. This time, the two tango partners are played by one man. It’s a traditional European novelty act, but it works like a charm. By the time the “two” take their bows, the audience has figured out that it’s one man using his own legs as the man and his arms for the woman’s legs. Two half-mannequins on his back give the “couple” their reserved look. Dancing Christmas cookies, more songs, more dances follow. “The Little Drummer Boy” and a hushed “Silent Night” from Williams seem to end the evening. But, the real ending – year in and year out – is Williams’ biggest hit, “Moon River.” Williams continues through December 7. Ticket information is available at (417) 3344500. Children’s admission is free with the purchase of two adult tickets.
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November 27, 2009
of the 20th century. A high talented, highly versatile cast of seven started the show on video in their pajamas as they awoke and got ready for the early morning show. The show, a Branson favorite for years, performs at The New Americana Theatre. The show previously won “Best Breakfast Show” in an era when 10 a.m. shows actually served a light breakfast. A 1910 tribute to the era of ragtime opened the show proper. Newsreels helped set the spirit of the decade. Large video screens on both sides of the theater showed closeups of the performers during the show. The show itself was videotaped in real time so that the legions of bus tour seniors could buy an actual videotape of the show they saw. Ragtime evolved into New Orleans jazz as the salute evolved. Lavish costumes, vintage photos, and newsreels all added to the historic approach. The 1920s sequence was highlighted by energetic Charleston and Black Bottom routines. Zoot suits, usually associated with the 1940s, appeared with flapper dresses, but few seemed to mind. The 1930s saluted the musicals of Broadway, mainly using Hollywood songs from backstage musicals. The 1940s saluted the era of the big bands with jitterbug routines and tunes like “The Joint Is Jumpin’,” “In the Mood,” “Swing, Swing, Swing,” “Stuff Like That There,” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” keeping the crowd clapping along. Mellower outings, with “Paper Doll” and “Stormy Weather,” gave a nice contrast. The 1950s brought out the special Christmas sequence with “Jingle Bell Rock” and other novelty tunes of the season. Broadway was back for the 1960s with a salute to Bob Fosse. The salute to the century ended with the disco era of the ‘70s. “Enough Is Enough,” “She Works Hard For the Money,” “Hot Stuff,” “YMCA,” “If I Can’t Have You” and “I Will Survive” built to a roaring climax. Bad hair, platform shoes, disco inferno clothing has never been such fun. The morning included tributes to each group in the mainly senior audience. Betty’s Tour Group, The Riverside Church of Christ, and Ace Tours all responded with full voice when their names were called. It was, in one two-hour show, Branson in a nutshell. MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS HOSTS MEDIA RECEPTION, BACK STAGE TOUR, MORE The new Sight And Sound Theatre, a sister theater of a highly successful Christian theatre troupe in Pennsylvania, hosted a media reception for visiting journalists and a backstage tour of the incredible new facility. The Miracle of Christmas runs through the end of December and is usually packed with family audiences celebrating the holiday season with a focus on the nativity. The new Branson Theatre, sitting high on an outlying hill, is truly impressive. Seating more than 2,000 people, the facility boasts a 22,500 square foot stage and backstage era. The complete set for Noah – The Musical, the theater’s opening show, is stored backstage during Miracle of Christmas. The holiday show features a 180-degree set with wrap-around side stages. Nearly 30 live animals are used on stage: horses for the Roman soldiers, camels for the three Wise Men, a donkey for Mary and Joseph, plus numerous goats, sheep and other fourlegged creatures. The show features five flying angels with a dozen more angels later entering through the auditorium’s aisles. It is truly spectacular. In late March, Noah returns for a March 26-October 16 visit. As the ad campaign alred hot and blue
ANDY WILLIAMS RULES BRANSON ENTERTAINMENT AT MOON RIVER THEATRE The week before SGN’s visit, Andy Williams served as grand marshal for the Branson Thanksgiving Parade. As Tony Orlando quipped, lots of things happen in Branson because Andy Williams has a year-round theater there. He and his wife are photographed in their Los Angeles home in the current Architectural Digest but even that high-profile magazine notes that the couple maintains two year-round homes – Branson is the other one. The Moon River Theatre, Williams’ performance base in Branson, is a handsome performing arts center. His collection of Japanese kimonos and Native American blankets decorate the walls of the huge center. The Moon River Grill, just across the parking lot, is packed for lunch and dinner on show days – which is almost every day. The banners proclaim this as The Andy Williams Christmas Show and there is no doubt about it. Some of the other, smaller shows add “Jingle Bell Rock” or “Ave Maria” to the usual program, but not Williams. Recreating his beloved television show and holiday specials of yesteryear, Williams offers an elaborate holiday special, complete with dozens of cast members and specialty acts. The evening starts off in the holiday mode. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” complete with “ice skating” dancers and a chorus of singers, opens the show. Williams is stage center and remains there most of the evening. Now in his early 80s, Williams no longer has the vocal range that made him famous, but he puts on a heck of a good show and spends most of the show on stage, singing, dancing, quipping and (somewhat shamelessly) plugging his new autobiography, Moon River and Me. The stage is an elaborate Christmas fantasy. Dozens of decorated Christmas trees fill the stage. The band is nested in the raked background. Ramps and staircases on each side provide performance levels and stage access. It’s a blockbuster show in every re-
Seattle Gay News
WORLD-FAMOUS PLATTERS TAKE AUDIENCES ON A TRIP down MEMORY LANE The World-Famous Platters Show is one of many productions in Branson to mine the nostalgia market. While Branson has a reputation as a country/western center, the fact is that fewer than 50 percent of the 100plus shows offer a country theme. While the town celebrates its 50th anniversary performance celebration with two shows still running – The Baldknobbers and The Presleys – tribute productions to Red Skelton, Elvis, and The Beatles are major tourist lures. The World-Famous Platters Show takes the arrangements of the 1950’s vocal quintet (with all new members) and adds tributes. Offered as a morning show at the new Starlight Theatre, the show is now in its 13th year. The morning starts promptly at 10 a.m. and the quintet opens with “Only You,” one of the group’s biggest hits. “Twilight Time,” another major hit, follows and then the group brings in other Motown hits from the 1960s – “Stand By Me,” “Under The Boardwalk” – followed by salutes to Nat “King” Cole, Ray Charles, The Coasters and other Memory Lane groups. The five “new” Platters all sound like solid replacements. The morning crowd clearly loved the show, which had an audience of about 50 percent capacity. The new Starlite Theatre hosts two other completely different shows each day, in-
Andy Williams
Red, Hot & Blue!
cluding The Beatles tribute show most evenings. RED, HOT & BLUE! SIZZLES WITH ENERGY FOR MORNING CROWD The other morning show on this scribe’s agenda was the Broadway/Hollywood tribute show, Red, Hot & Blue!, a decade-by-decade salute to pop music from most decades
Celebrating 36 Years!
ready proclaims, “Don’t Miss The Boat.”
welkresortbranson.com
SILVER DOLLAR CITY HOSTS CHRISTMAS CAROL, AN OLD TIME CHRISTMAS A short drive from Branson, Silver Dollar City is getting ready to celebrate its 50th anniversary. In 1960, a single mother with two sons to support convinced a Branson bank to loan her enough money to open an attraction to occupy tourists as they waited in line to tour the “famed” Marvel Cave. The success of Silver Dollar City is amazing. The corporation now owns more than 20 major theme parks in nine states, including Dolly Parton’s Dollywood. The first year, 125,000 came to visit the “historic” recreation, a group of 17 arts and crafts vendors, ice cream sellers, pioneer displays. Today, two million guests attend annually. A flat admission rate, just under $50 for adults, admits visitors to everything in The City. A polished production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol runs just under 90 minutes and has multiple stagings every day. The holiday display, “An Old-Time Christmas,” uses four million Christmas lights throughout the complex. A nightly parade welcomes Christmas. To celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2010, Silver Dollar City will open a new $7 million ride, Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast,” a tribute to the characters created by Mark Twain. The Silver Dollar City holiday celebration continues through December 30. The 50th anniversary year opens in March.
Finally, the “real” Santa appeared from was known for years as “the replacement and Danny Kaye) turning the classic duet sister.” When one of the original four want- into a clever trio. A hushed “Ave Maria” the audience for an overly long “the real meaning of Christmas” sequence. It turns ed to go on vacation – “or got pregnant,” as ended their set. out that Santa’s secret wish one original sister is to meet the Lennon Sisjoyously quipped ters. They joyously reappear – Mimi joined the for a short holiday sequence troupe. Video clips with Orlando and Santa. Orfrom the original lando learns that “Jesus Is the Lawrence Welk Reason For the Season” and Show recorded a adds a nativity scene to the reluctant 4-year-old Christmas tree-filled set. The Mimi joining her audience cheers happily as four older sisters. the show ends. It was a lightTwo sisters reweight segment, but had a fun tired – “because ending. The Lennon Sisters they could!” adwin the evening hands down libbed one sister. but Orlando seems to have One still lives in been the bigger name, the Branson “and plays bigger seller. golf almost every Special mention should go day.” When the to “Kelly T.” who was the Lennons were lured bartender at the Welk Resort to Branson nearly restaurant who told this scribe 20 years ago, 35 “all the news” about Branson, family members the economy, the traffic. She moved to the tiny did a superior job. town. Some work in show business, BUTTERFLY PALACE, others work in local MUSEUMS ADD TO areas. The original BRANSON SUCCESS family featured six Branson hosts more than girls and five boys. 100 musical shows in more “We were good than 50 specially built theCatholics – with aters. Another main attracone bathroom.” A tion, especially at off hours, slide show featured is the number of museums. This writer had a great time at the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventures, The Titanic exhibit, considered the world’s largest museum attraction, the Hollywood Wax Tony Orlano and the Lennon Sisters Museum and the Roy Rogers/ Tony Orlando followed after intermis- Dale Evans Happy Trails Theatre & Attracsion. He brought his biggest hit, “Tie a tion museum (which, sadly, closes mid-DeYellow Ribbon ‘Round the Old Oak Tree,” cember when the contents will be auctioned stage center early in the set. “Knock Three to other museum and Rogers/Evans fans). Times” followed soon. He was mining nos- All highly recommended. talgia but he paced his show carefully. Daniel Schwen
Christmas in Silver Dollar City
TONY ORLANDO AND THE LENNON SISTERS SHARE WELK STAGE Like many Branson shows, one headliner (like Andy Williams) can sell a show. But, two headliners can definitely sell a show better. Teaming Tony Orlando and The Lennon Sisters at the Lawrence Welk Resort Theatre really makes no sense other than giving holiday crowds two stars for the price of one. The Lennon Sisters opened the double bill. Of the original four Lennon Sisters, two remain with the act. Mimi, the fifth sister,
a vintage Maytag washer ad featuring all 11 Lennon children and their parents. The audience, of course, ate it up. This year is the 16th Christmas Show for the Lennon Sisters. Act One, their focus, opened with Christmas carols, Broadway classics and the group’s only number-one hit record, Mississippi Mud. A rock ‘n’ roll tribute to “the songs Mr. Welk wouldn’t let us sing” showed the trio in fine voice, still highly talented and well showcased. A Rosemary Clooney tribute put Irving Berlin’s “Sisters” (from Hollywood’s White Christmas with Clooney and Bing Crosby
Visit us online www.sgn.org
November 27, 2009
Seattle Gay News 13
events
continued from page 10 ULTRA!, Cherdonna & Lou Henry Hoover, with special guests: Waxie Moon (Fri) and The Shanghai Pearl (Sat). Runs 12/4 & 12/5 ONLY @ 8pm. Tickets: $15-advance; $20at the door; $60 for front of house table for parties up to four, parties of more than four, please contact HoneysuckleHype@gmail. com. West Hall, Odd Fellows Building, 915 E Pine St, 2nd Floor. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/90561.
on the actual, infamous 1963 TV special. Plus with all new gags and material for this year’s edition. Come make the yuletide gay with the most hysterical comedy this Christmas. Runs 11/27-12/19, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm, Sun @ 4pm. Tickets: $13, except opening night is FREE. Open Circle Theater, 2222 Second Ave, 2nd Fl. 382-4250; www. OCTheater.com; www.brownpapertickets.com/event/90323. (NOTE: All Sunday show tickets purchased through Brown Paper Tickets will be honored as two-for-one admission.)
11/11-1/3 at the Francis J. Gaudette Theatre, 303 Front St N, Issaquah and runs 1/8-1/31 at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave, Everett. Tickets: $19-$59 in Issaquah, 425-392-2202; $17-$52 in Everett, 425-257-8600. www.villagetheatre.org. “Nutcracker” - The Pacific Northwest Ballet’s “Nutcracker” has been dazzling the young and the young-at-heart each holiday season for 26 years. Treat your family and friends to the memories and magic of PNB’s inimitable “Nutcracker.” Created by
“It’s a Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play” - Town Hall and Seattle Radio Theatre present a live, one-hour radio production of “It’s A Wonderful Life,” complete with live music and sound effects, with Pat Cashman as George Bailey and Chris “J.P. Patches” as Old Man Potter. Runs 12/11 ONLY @ 8pm. (The performance will also be broadcast live on AM1090, so plan to be in your seats no later than 7:45 pm for a little “studio audience warmup” and stick around afterwards for a post-show reception with members of the cast.) Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave @ Seneca St. Tickets: $13-adv general/$15 at the door; $10-adv student/ senior/Town Hall members/$14 at the door; $5-kids 12 & under. 206-652-4255; www. townhallseattle.org “It’s a Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play” - Clarence needs his wings and George Bailey needs ... well, George needs Clarence. Live out a holiday classic as part of our “live studio audience” when Taproot Theatre brings “It’s a Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play” to the stage. Set in 1947 as a radio broadcast, this heartwarming tale will remind you and yours of the important things in life and send you home laughing, loving and living the magic of Christmas. Runs 11/25-12/30 with a pay-what-you-can performance on 11/25. Taproot Theatre at Stage One Theatre, North Seattle Community College, 9600 College Way N. Tickets: $20-$33 with 10% senior/student discount. 781-9707; www.taproottheatre.org. “The Judy Garland Christmas Special” - Open Circle Theater is pleased to announce the return of the hilarious holiday classic, “The Judy Garland Christmas Special.” It’s 1963 and the producers of Judy Garland’s TV show have decided that what she needs is a nice Christmas special, something with the whole family in it: lovely Liza, cutie Lorna and little flambouyant Joe. The only problem is, where the hell is Judy? When she does show up, can the producers keep her pinballing around long enough to get her on the set and off the booze? Based
“Land of the Sweets” - The Burlesque Nutcracker - A spectacle of ecdysiastic pageantry, “Land of the Sweets” sets the Nutcracker to a swing-era soundtrack and gives the ballet a bawdy makeover. Jasper McCann hosts the “perfect mix of singing, acrobatics, glamour and smutty jokes,” that features an all-star cast from Seattle’s Burlesque A-list, including Lily Verlaine, Miss Indigo Blue, Waxie Moon, Kitten La Rue, Babette La Fave, Ben De LaCreme, Inga Ingenue, Lou Henry Hoover, Polly Wood, and The Aerialistas. Runs 12/14-12/22 @ 7pm (17+) & 10pm (21+). The Triple Door, 216 Union St. Tickets: $25-adv/$28 day-ofshow. 206-838-4333; www.tripledoor.com “Meet Me in St. Louis” - Adapted from the beloved film, “Meet Me in St. Louis” is a heartwarming American classic that tells a story of happiness and family love that all ages will enjoy. As the curtain rises on the famous 1904 World’s Fair, this extraordinary musical follows the Smith family and the move that threatens to change their lives forever. Memorable tunes like “The Trolley Song,” “Meet Me in St. Louis,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” will have you singing along in no time. Runs
PNB Founding Artistic Director Kent Stowell and world-famous children’s author and illustrator Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are), “Nutcracker’s” brilliant blend of costumes, sets and choreography creates a magical storybook world enjoyed by children and adults alike. PNB’s masterful holiday production is the highlight of the holidays. Runs 11/27-12/30. Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St. Tickets: Call or check website for ticket prices. 206-4412424; www.pnb.org.; in person at the PNB Box Office, 301 Mercer St; 206-292-ARTS; www.ticketmaster.com
Jinx, and Smudge are transported from the ethereal cosmos to croon heavenly harmonic renditions of musical hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s. Suddenly, as ordered by a heavenly phone call from Rosemary Clooney, they stage a nostalgic holiday extravaganza for world-weary mortals ... including a new episode of “The Ed Sullivan Show.” “Plaid Tidings” is an ideal seasonal show with all the trimmings ... get your tickets early so you don’t miss the show, no matter what the weather! Runs 12/2-12/27. ArtWest, 4711 California Ave SW. Tickets: $10-$32. 9380339; www.artswest.org. (NOTE: ArtsWest will be collecting nonperishable food items for the West Seattle Food Bank during the run of “Plaid Tidings.” Food items that are especially useful are canned protein items (tuna and peanut butter), baby food and formula, and nutritional supplements, such as Ensure.) “Rudolph: The Next Verse - An Untold Reindeer Tale” - Wing-It Productions is proud to present its latest original improvised play, “Rudolph: The Next Verse,” a comic look at a favorite holiday story, as we discover what happens to Rudolph after that fateful stormy night. Each night Rudolph will be narrated by an audience-interactive computer-animated snowman, who will take suggestions from the audience to create the next chapter of Rudolph’s tale. A completely different show will be created every night. No two performances will be the same. Runs Thurs/Fri 12/3-12/18 @ 8pm; Sat 12/12 & 12/19 @ 2pm. Tickets: $10. 352-8291; www.brownpapertickets. com/event/90483. www.wingitpresents. com. “The Santaland Diaries” - For those who like a little spice with their Christmas sugar, this hilarious one-person play written by David Sedaris chronicles a man’s experience working as an elf in Macy’s Santaland. Sedaris is a genuine American voice - witty, sardonic and unpredictable, mercilessly cutting through the Christmas spirit to point out what crazy things we do as human beings during the holidays. (For mature elves only.) Runs 12/3-12/24. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W Greenlake Dr N. Tickets: $25-adults; $23-seniors (65+); $15-youth (-25). 206-524-1300; www.seattlepublictheater.org.
“Pictures with Santa” - Get your picture taken with a hot and hunky Santa or Mrs Claus at Seattle Men in Leather’s annual “Pictures with Santa” community fundraiser, with naughty elves and other guests both nights. Photos are $5 each, benefitting Lambert House, Seattle’s LGBTQ youth resource center. 12/12 & 12/13-8pm-mid“Short Stories Live: Christmas Clasnight. The Cuff Complex, 1533 13th Ave at sics” - In a holiday celebration of literature E. Pine St. www.seattlemeninleather.org. and theater, professional actors from ACT Theatre will read excerpts from Christmas “Plaid Tidings” - The Plaids are back, classics. Frank Corrado will reprise “Ryder and ArtsWest has ‘em! The cast of last year’s Nails the Cleveland Street Kid” by Jean smash holiday hit returns, singing swingin’ Shepherd, whose short stories inspired the jingle bell ringin’ favorites. Frankie, Sparky, classic holiday film “A Christmas Story;” Julie Briskman will read Nathan Englander’s “Reb Kringle,” a comic tale about a Jewish man who works as a departmentstore Santa; and Jean Sherrard will read Truman Capote’s largely autobiographical “A Christmas Memory.” The program is directed by Sherrard, and features a special appearance by Paul Dorpat reading Thurber’s “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” cheekily rendered in the style of Hemingway. Runs 12/20 ONLY @ 4pm. Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave @ Seneca St. Tickets: $13-advance general/$10-Town Hall members, seniors & students; $15/$13 at the door. 800-838-3006; www.brownpapertickets.com. “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas - The Musical” - “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know.” If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, don’t miss this joyous adaptation of the classic film in its first return engagement to The 5th Avenue Theatre since it played to soldout audiences in 2006! When two showbiz gents team up with a beautiful sister act to save a country inn, the result is a sparkling holiday package bursting with cheerful dancing, treasured tunes and a generous helping of yuletide cheer. Featuring “White Christmas,” “Sisters,” Blue Skies,” and “I Love a Piano.” Runs 11/28-12/30. The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Ave. Tickets: Call or check website for ticket prices. 206-6251900; 800-5TH-4TIX; www.5thavenue.org; or in person at the box office.
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Seattle Gay News
November 27, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
November 27, 2009
Seattle Gay News 15
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